enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

around here.

Photo 3 Photo b IMG_2294 IMG_2300 IMG_2298 IMG_2299

I wanted to take a second today to say thanks.

Thank you for your kind words and support about my WDS announcement last week. It was such a boost to read through those comments and my speech continues to grow and get stronger. At this point I only have a 5 minute pause for laughter which feels almost reasonable. I am really excited and it was fun to share that with you. If it's possible to share a video of the full speech online after the conference, I will be sure to do so.

And also thank you for your thoughtful comments on my business-y posts these past few months. Launching a semi-business related podcast has been a fun opportunity for me to explore "companion posts" on the blog and has resulted in a lot of random trade "secrets" being shared. For some reason, this blogging industry can sort of feel hidden… like people don't want to talk about the effort that goes into writing posts and developing content. It's as if they're embarrassed and I think that's ODD. In what other career path would you be ashamed to share that you work hard? No other career path. In what other job would you just pretend that things fall out of thin air and into your lap? No other job. (Okay, fine…maybe magicians or special effects technicians can pretend that.)

So, I am really doing my best to keep it real: I work hard and I love my job. AND I LOVE THE INTERNET. I do. I do. Even the days where it's bumming me out, the comments are crazy and I'm answering the same question for the 60th time – it's from World Market and I painted it black – I love it. It's okay to love it. It's okay to work hard. It's also okay to hate it. And it's okay to quit.

Do what you love + love what you do.

Thanks, cheers & happy Friday.

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27 responses to “around here.”

  1. Leah Avatar
    Leah

    I LOVE that you share all the stuff you share. It’s so rad and it’s what keeps me coming back every day at 9 am sharp to check in, and keep being inspired by you, to push myself further.

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  2. Vera Avatar
    Vera

    Dear Elise, I think your behind the scenes posts about the blogging industry are awsome! It is such a new industry and it is generous of you to share what you know in this way. Even though my blog is not professional, I do use instagram, facebook and twitter for my business and it is great to read your thoughts on all this. Thank you!

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  3. alyssa Avatar
    alyssa

    you are such an inspiration to me!

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  4. ekaterina Avatar
    ekaterina

    I almost never leave comments, but I always do on your posts. I’ve never come across a more inspiring place. And believe it or not, this blog has changed my life in a few aspects. Is still changing.
    You’re simply the best.

    Like

    Reply
  5. Lori W. Avatar
    Lori W.

    I love that you love what you do because we all benefit from your passion, excitement, work-ethic, talents, etc. It shows through in all that you do.
    (To be totally honest, as a SAHM I used to feel a little bit bad for moms that worked because I thought they couldn’t possibly love their jobs as much as I loved staying at home with my children. UNTIL I found a job that I love so much that for the first time I have some help with childcare in order to do something else that brings me joy. It’s a wonderful feeling to wake up and feel excited to get to work!)
    Thanks for pulling back the curtain a bit on the blogging world. My fave post about it was the thoughtfulness with which you post to IG. Apparently it’s not just random awesomeness!

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  6. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    I LOVE the business posts (and all the others too):) They are the most open and honest opionions on blogging I have ever read. Keep up the GREAT work!

    Like

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  7. Gerilyn Avatar
    Gerilyn

    Man o’ man. Your business advice has helped me work through some of the issues I have had in running our own (construction) company. We are constantly pushing and evolving. You rock my socks.

    Like

    Reply
  8. Whitney Torres Avatar
    Whitney Torres

    I love your posts on blogging. Your blog is the only one I know of that has really honest, helpful posts on the business-side of blogging. Keep it up! It’s super helpful and maybe others will follow suit!

    Like

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  9. Jennifer Taylor Avatar
    Jennifer Taylor

    I love the business posts – keep on keeping it real! And keep up the good work.

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  10. Sandi Keene Avatar
    Sandi Keene

    Yes. Yes. Yes. Loving it all.

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  11. windy Avatar
    windy

    I am loving your posts! Especially the business posts – you are filling a need. Thanks so much for your candidness and willingness to share your knowledge and experiences.

    Like

    Reply
  12. Debbie Avatar
    Debbie

    I’m a gram-ma with talented smart children and darling grand-baby girls. The age of your babe. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you are bringing your girl to the love of books. These photo’s with her pulling them off the shelf, holding them on the shelf, color coding…sweet mamma. Thank you for raising your child with this love. I really be-leave there’s a great value to a persons development with awesome books.

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  13. julie Avatar
    julie

    you are genuine and real, and i’m guessing that’s why so many people are drawn to your work. i enjoy how you are able to explain your methods and processes of learning + trying, and how you don’t worry about being or sounding the expert on every little thing, acknowledging that there always more to learn (thank goodness!)–it’s very cool and powerful and inspirational. thanks. 🙂

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  14. Brittany Avatar
    Brittany

    You’re one of my favorite bloggers for precisely that reason. I love how upfront you are and watching your blog evolve these past few years has been wonderful and your posts on blogging and business are the best.

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  15. Sara Avatar
    Sara

    DITTO!

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  16. Tiffany B. Avatar
    Tiffany B.

    I love all the behind scenes stuff. That is the good stuff and it shows all the work you do! I can’t get enough of your podcasts. They are amazing and I feel like I am just listing to a conversation. I always want to “jump” in the conversation but your not “really” there. lol
    Have a great weekend!

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  17. Janne Avatar
    Janne

    What is from the World Market and painted black?? :O) :O)
    Keep it up – we love you and all you do!

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  18. debra Avatar
    debra

    The internet is incredible, my ten year old self has only seen something similar on sci-fi films… her mind would have been blown, I love it too. Can’t say I’m not pleased social media wasn’t at its height when I was a teenager though. Wow, would I have got myself into a whole load of trouble. #alwayssayingthewrongthing

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  19. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    I LOVE these kinds of posts! I’ve had a podcast for 2 years and am now starting to publish knitting patterns and have some ideas about other ventures. It seems SO hard to get information how best to go about things when it comes to online businesses and I can’t figure out why the secrecy is necessary! I appreciate your candor, love your style and appreciate your honesty!

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  20. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    And THANK YOU Elise, for being so genuine always. You’re and inspiration.

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  21. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    an*

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  22. andrea Avatar
    andrea

    The most important thing is passion for what you do and you have so much of if. I can really feel through your posts, that you love what you do.

    Like

    Reply
  23. Brianna Avatar
    Brianna

    You blog is my favorite as far as “business” blogs go. I say business that way not to negate what you do, but because this isn’t a business blog. It’s a lifestyle project blog with some business awesomeness thrown in for good measure.

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  24. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I also feel like so many bloggers pretend like things just fell into their lap, but acting like that both diminishes the work they are doing AND does nothing to help those interested in following a similar path. I have REALLY appreciated your candor — both here and on the podcast — about what goes into making your business successful.

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  25. Welcome Home Taylor Avatar
    Welcome Home Taylor

    Keep up all the hard work! You are absolutely incredible and inspiring! I also think it’s weird that people hide their blogging tricks. I feel as though people are scared that if they do share their techniques and know-how, that other bloggers will grow and take their spot. The internet is pretty stinkin’ big though and I’m sure we can all fit in there somehow. Just do what you love.
    xoxo
    Taylor

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  26. Martina Avatar
    Martina

    I love that you share so much of the business side of blogging – I find it super interesting and even though I don’t blog for business now I might end up doing it one day, so I love that you share so many of your “secrets”.

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    Reply
  27. Shelley Avatar
    Shelley

    very different topic than other comments… it’s such a pleasure to see the photo of Ellerie using her public library!

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