A bit on blogging

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I’ve been blogging for over  a year now. I have learned so much through this process and I’m so grateful to be a part of such an incredible community.


But I’ve also learned that it can become all-consuming. Everything can “be a blog post”. My trip to the grocery store. . .maybe I’ll post about it. The fly buzzing around my head. . .maybe I’ll post about it. And while those sound like riveting blog posts. . .oh wait. . .


It’s easy to want to instagram every slightly funny moment of my day. To tweet quotes I hear from strangers when I walk past them. To search for spots for outfit post photo shoots on the side of the road while I’m driving.


But I don’t want to miss out on my life right now. When I came back from Blissdom, I was bubbling over with excitement, inspiration, and big dreams about what else I want to do with the blog. My husband and I sat at PF Changs for a while and I spewed all of the details of Blissdom.


And he was, and still is, really excited for me. And absolutely supportive. I couldn’t ask for a better husband to be on this blogging journey with.


But he also reminded me to remain present. To not whip my phone out every 5 minutes to check twitter. To not spend hours every evening in the office in front of the computer. To not “check out” from something happening in the moment. I’m naturally inclined to do all of these things because blogging is exciting!  I love connecting with readers and other bloggers! So I’m grateful that my husband is lovingly able to hold me accountable in these aspects.


I enjoy sharing my life on this blog, and will continue, but I think the key to blogging is finding good boundaries with blogging and living.


Thankfully, I’ve met other great people that feel similarly.


Jon Acuff, a fantastic keynote speaker from Blissdom, wrote an encouraging blog post here.


The Nester wrote a post recently that encouraged us to not compare, but be inspired.


*this may sound like a heavy post, but I promise I don’t intend for it to be. Instead, I hope you are encouraged and motivated to set boundaries in your blogging life if you need them. 


Do you blog? Have you found a good balance? 

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Christina says · 03.29.12

My husband and I have phone free time in our house and when we go on dates. I sometimes am constantly reminding myself not to take my phone out of my purse or pick it up. Sometimes it helps to turn it off or only have one of us bring our phone in case of an emergency. It’s so freeing!

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Shannon Dew says · 03.29.12

I have this exact blog post sitting in my drafts for tomorrow! It is such a hard balance and when you love something {as we love blogging} it’s hard to turn off your brain. I’ve been reminding myself to do just that a lot lately.

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N says · 03.29.12

I’m new to the blog world, so I might not be as addicted, yet, but I still have my “blog time.” I allow myself one post a day, and I write when I get to work in the morning usually. I don’t blog on weekends, because I consider that “my time.” Granted, I don’t have cool posts with photos that need uploading and things like that, but I try to give myself allotted time and get it done in the morning, so that I can concentrate on life the whole day. Then, the next morning, if something happened that was impactful enough to still be on my mind, I may write about it.

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Welcome to the Lovely Life of Leah says · 03.29.12

You’re such a successful blogger and it makes sense that you’d want to enjoy all the success your blog has brought you. I know it must be reqarding in so many ways! You are so lucky to have a husband who helps keep you grounded. I think it’s difficult for so many bloggers to find that balance between being there for your followers and being there for the rest of your life. I think you’re doing awesome! I found your blog via pinterest. GL in finding the right balance πŸ™‚

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Lianna says · 03.29.12

Thank you for posting this! I’m just a little blogger, but I’m finding myself constantly thinking “oh, I should blog about this” or “I better take a picture so I can document it.” I’ve been torn as I try to keep everyone informed with posts and pictures while trying to live in the now. I don’t want to miss out on the everyday life…it goes by too quickly! Thanks for a dose of reality!

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~Shauna~ says · 03.29.12

This post was perfect timing, thank you! I’ve started blogging and have seen already the struggle between being present and my blog. Thanks again! And I love your blog!

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Amanda says · 03.29.12

Thanks for posting this. I’m new at blogging but have been on the computer SO MUCH since I started. Thank you for the reminder of what it is important in life πŸ™‚

Have a blessed Thursday!

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Katie says · 03.29.12

I just started blogging a couple of months ago as a way of exploring some of my new creative interests – and filling the time when my husband is doing long shifts at work. I’m learning just to STOP what I’m doing when my husband comes home, so that we can make the most of the precious time we have together. In the pursuit of success, I think it’s easy to forget that our closest relationships ARE the greatest measure of our success in this life. It’s good to be reminded of that again- so, thanks for sharing:)

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suzyhomemaker says · 03.29.12

This is a great post. It seems like I am always thinking “I could blog about this”. Whenever I have an idea for a blog post I write a draft with just the title so I can go back and remember some of my ideas. I think I counted that I have about 25 drafts. I am glad to have ideas, but I do choose to not make everything about the blog.

I spent maybe 45 minutes on my blog in the morning and then nothing the rest of the day. It felt great. Especially since I have a new baby I want to make sure that time with her is not multi-tasked.

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Samantha says · 03.29.12

I worry about making my kids the content of my blog. I’ve tried to balance that by blogging about my non mommy interests too.

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Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs says · 03.29.12

I am so very much trying to find balance and sometimes it is difficult ~ My last blog post was what kind of gave me no choice and made me realize to take time for things that are the most important~

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Nicole says · 03.29.12

I really needed to read this. I haven’t found a balance but I think I can now that I read this. I have been kind of depressed b/c I haven’t had a chance to blog since I have been so busy. The worst part is I have about a million things in drafts waiting for me to post! So I guess I am the opposite, I want to devote more time, but haven’t been able to. This may not be such a bad thing…I just need to find my “balance!” So encouraging! =)

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M says · 03.29.12

While I am just a putting my little girl blogging pants on – I agree with you. Sometimes I want to take a picture of something or always have my camera out and my husband brings me back to reality because it is my life and the blog is just a part of it.

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Natalia Lynn says · 03.29.12

I totally agree with you. I try to set blogging aside during the day when my boys are awake and when I need to get some house chores done. I whip out the computer when they are napping or in bed for the night. I am not always great at it, but I feel like if I am always working towards it, I am aware and hopefully won’t neglect my kids and husband for it. Great advice from your hubby!

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Amanda P says · 03.29.12

Unrelated to this post, but I wanted to say congrats on the Cary Magazine article!! Just got my issue last week at Harris Teeter and was excited to see you in there! πŸ™‚

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Mary Beth says · 03.29.12

I agree, I just started blogging and I have to stop myself from feeling like I should always be posting/updating/coming up with new ideas. I have to remind myself, this is for fun and when it becomes work I need to step away and enjoy life. And what awesome advice from your hubby, he sounds like a sweetheart! πŸ™‚

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Ade@fortheloveofpainting says · 03.29.12

Blogging can be difficult, but it has to be something you really enjoy. For me I love to write, but I am stuck right now because I love to show off my projects but I feel like people want to see more of my private life i.e. house, pregnancy, and I don’t want to dive into that part…how do you blog about simple things and have people still come back?

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Crystal says · 03.29.12

Great post! I have not been blogging that long but too have found myself consumed with it at times and have had to rein myself back in. It’s nice to know that even you, who makes it look so easy and spectacular (and honestly inspired me to start blogging to begin with), go through the same dilemmas.

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Abby says · 03.29.12

Great post! Boundries are so important, and so hard to keep sometimes! Have to keep priorities!

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Melissa says · 03.29.12

I blog, but I don’t have a lot of followers (mostly family and a few friends). I don’t feel compelled to blog every day unless there is something I want to add to our family journal. However, it is a joy to post and satisfies a creative outlet, so yes, there are days I blog about said random fly buzzing around. I like to connect, create and document so that my kids will remember their mom. As for balance, I’m just as weak as those around me. It’s funny how we can use moderation with things such as alcohol or food, but we don’t with other things. Alcohol and food in large proportion are damaging to our health and well-being so we know not to over-indulge. But blogging and social networking are FUN and good for our soul. That’s the trap though. I’ve found that these “good for our soul” things can take over, frustrate family relationships and keep me from getting important things done (I’ve been so bad as to arrive late to something I’d normally be on time for because I was electronically engaged). I’m not trying to be preachy; this is good for me to write for my own reminding. I have to run now and get my kids to school! Yikes!

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gracehill says · 03.29.12

Like many have already said, I just recently started blogging and I find myself doing the same thing about ideas to blog, later realizing there was nothing substantial to write about. Appreciate the encouragement to stay in the moment. I only discovered your blog recently, but so, so enjoy it!!

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Shayna says · 03.29.12

My boyfriend brought that same topic up a few weeks ago. It really made me wake up & was like “Oh, maybe there are some boundaries that need to be set.” So, I have & it’s really helped our relationship! I’ve learned there is a time & a place for everything, even social media! πŸ™‚

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Ashley @ Coffee and Apple Juice says · 03.29.12

I blog- but I haven’t found a good balance… but I let the blog suffer because of it so I guess that is good… if I have to sacrifice something it will be the blog over time spent with my husband and toddler and time spent making sure that our home is well cared for and Just making sure I am a present momma and wife. I have a hard time balancing things because I have ADD and OCD so balance has always been hard for me in a lot of areas not just blogging. still working on overcoming this….

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Susan says · 03.29.12

I have had a blog for awhile now, not so much a blogger, but a stalker. I do not post very often, but read other peoples posts. I started when a good friend of mine, who lives in Japan, started blogging and it’s a great way to stay in touch long distance. I totally agree with you, there is a time and a place for blogging, facebook, tweeting, etc. I try very hard to be in the present, and when my phone alerts me of something, will put it on the back burner until I can check it out. I have older children that only have cell phones, and I always wonder if it is an emergency. It’s a balancing act.
That being said, I stumbled upon your blog from pinterest, and have to say totally love your hair tutorials, I have tried many styles out, and will continue to “stalk you”. Thanks and keep it up!

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Kate says · 03.29.12

I love how Susan put it…I’ve been a stalker of other people’s blogs for some time now. And only recently, did I work up the courage to put my own thoughts (and life) out there. I’m so grateful for the timing of this post as I begin my own blogging journey. I am definitely going to keep this in mind. Thank you!!

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Heather says · 03.29.12

My husband has told me several times that I ought to be a blogger. Then we both stop and ask, “When would I have time for that?” I am a homeschooling mama and a part-time teacher at a private academy and my husband works crazy hours in the ER. Any *spare* time I can find I’d rather curl up with a book….but I do even without a blog, have the “this would make a great blog post” thought going through my head! πŸ™‚ LOL

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Dana Brown Ritter says · 03.29.12

My husband and I write a blog together, but I definitely hog 90% of the content, and I’m so glad I saw the two links you posted today. I recently found your blog, and haven’t missed a day in the last month or so, so I’m glad you post so often! But, sometimes I am definitely guilty of being jealous after reading a blog that my clothes aren’t cute, my living room isn’t bright enough, I suck a photographing food and my hair is flat. I’m even sometimes jealous of other blogs because their content is more interesting to a bigger audience than our blog. Then, I’ll get an e-mail from a wife that’s in a similar situation that I’m in, and I realize that God will use my effort, however small it may seem next to the next blog, for His glory. So, I’ll keep going. Thanks again for all you share on this blog! You’re doing a great job!

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Kayla Garcia says · 03.29.12

I totally agree. I can spend a whole outing thinking about what pics to take and what I’ll write about it on my blog or facebook and then think “wow, I’m totally missing out on just enjoying it in the here and now!” Thanks for the reminder!

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madebyKarla says · 03.29.12

Thanks for the inspiration. I check your blog a lot…a lot! But I don’t always comment. I think I have a balance. I put life first and blog about it when I have time. It’s usually about my crafts. It does take a lot of time but it’s definitely a great community πŸ™‚

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Melanie says · 03.29.12

I think in terms of Facebook statuses all the time!! Any cute thing my kid says, etc…it’s ridiculous. My blog, however, I think of as being so constructive because it inspires me to do the annoying projects that otherwise I might not get to. Even if it’s something little, I can post about it, and my sisters at least will read it. πŸ˜‰ But I KNOW I need to limit my computer time a lot more! Balance…

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Carolyn says · 03.29.12

This is a great and completely relate-able (is that a word?) post. I have to remind myself the same things daily. Not just in regards to blogging either, like you mentioned… it’s so many other distractions. I can’t remember where I saw the following quote – (probably on Pinterest or some blog lol) “Today I Will be Present.” I wrote it down on a post-it and stuck it to my desk calender. This way I have this constant reminder when my thoughts wander or I start to worry, etc..

Thanks for the links to those who inspired you, I am about to take a look.

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Iβ™₯naptime w/ Chocolate Sundaes says · 03.29.12

Love this post! I completely agree! It is easy {especially with an iphone} to always “stay” connected. But it is definitely important to check out as well. I’ve tried to set limits for the computer… but when I’m out and about I’m always pulling out my phone. The blogging world is so full of excitement.

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Sweet Annabelle says · 03.29.12

Thanks for this post! I’m new to your blog – also found you on Pinterest. Now I’m trying to fit those hair products you recommended into the grocery budget – hahahahaha

I’ve blogged for a couple of years now, but have lost alot of the ‘obsession’ over that much time. If you don’t have a really large audience, and very few comments, there’s not as much pressure, I think, to perform. With as much traffic as you’re getting, I’m sure it feels very demanding. So glad to hear you ‘balancing’ your life. Especially nice to hear that your husband cares enough about you to caution you in love. What a blessing!

s

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Lindsay @ Trial By Sapphire says · 03.29.12

I needed to read this today. I’ve been feeling “behind,” because I’m not on Twitter and FB as much as other bloggers. I still want to LIVE life and be a blogger, but it left me feeling… left out or unbalanced.

Actually, I wrote an e-mail to your sister about it this morning to get her two cents. I’m trying to set boundaries, but I’d like to get “best practices” from other bloggers in the process.

Thank you for sharing this, Kate!

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Allyson says · 03.29.12

This is incredible! It is so easy for me to check out of real life in favor of blogging…

Allyson
http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com

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Amy @ The Dilly-Oh says · 03.29.12

I think it’s really hard to find balance between life and blogging. For instance, I like to share the home improvement projects that we do around my house, but I can’t hold my camera AND the curtain rod that we’re trying to put up! lol Twitter is a whole other story… 140 characters and instant picture uploads are quite addicting

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Amy says · 03.29.12

I totally agree with this post! I think blogging and our technology in general makes it so easy to not be present. I have definitely had moments where my blog or facebook or whatever consumed me. I have really tried to pull back from facebook postings, my blog posts are less frequent, and I try to put my phone away when I’m with people for coffee or hanging out. My whole point of blogging and facebook and texts is to connect with people, but if I get consumed by the technology part I end up missing the whole point.

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weiya @ enjoyer of grace says · 03.29.12

Thank you so much for sharing this post, Kate! I just started blogging this January and already feel so consumed by it. My husband “lovingly” reminds me all the time too πŸ˜‰ and I’m so glad I have him. I don’t want to miss out either on all the things happening around me and the Lord’s been touching me too about it. It’s so easy for my heart to be so wrapped up with this whole “blog world” that sometimes I need to just stop and turn to Him and spend time with Him too πŸ™‚ I enjoy reading your posts because they’re always so genuine! Thanks again for your honesty and reminding us all! πŸ™‚

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Caty says · 03.29.12

I’m extremely thrilled that you wrote this post. Because right now, I’m the girl that is COMPLETELY consumed by the excitement of blogging and it has been a struggle setting boundaries! What’s ironic is that right before I came across your post, hubby and I were just talking about how I need to set aside time because I’m ALWAYS on my computer or on my iPod check to see if I got new tweets or new blog comments. I’m really glad that my hubby brought that to my attention as well! I love that your hubby is so supportive because I sure do love reading your blog and appreciate the time that you put into everything that you create and post! I love your honesty!

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corners of my life says · 03.29.12

I put posts in my queue to automatically post every fourth day with no pressure to do more. It used to be every three days but I have found four to be a better balance. Good luck.

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Lindsey Martins says · 03.29.12

I FINALLY got my email from Birchbox saying it was “my turn” to sign up! I listed your blog as a reference for sending me…I’m looking forward to getting my first box! πŸ™‚

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Jill says · 03.29.12

As I began reading this, I literally thought, “I wonder if she read Jon Acuff’s post yesterday?” and loved seeing your reference to it at the end! Great post!

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Ash says · 03.29.12

Thanks for posting this! I just started blogging a month ago but I can definitely relate to the whole obsession with “bloggable” moments… thanks for the reminder that if we just live our lives those moments will present themselves! =) Love your blog… it was the inspiration I needed to start my own.

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Laura says · 03.30.12

I agree. I need to just soak in the now.

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Michelle says · 03.30.12

Well my blog is a crafty blog, so in order to post something I need to CREATE something, which takes time. I used to post more before I went back to work. Now life is a whirlwind, with both my kids in after school activities & my husband on second shift — well I have very little spare time. So….I post once a week IF I’m lucky enough to have made something to post about!

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Crissy at The Little House on the Right says · 03.30.12

I have to remind myself to step away from the blog so I’ll actually have something to blog about.

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Tiffany says · 03.30.12

This is only slightly related but Jon Acuff also writes a fantastically humorous blog called Stuff Christians Like – you can find it at http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/

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Harpers-shadow says · 03.30.12

Lord knows I feel the same as you! Blogging can be SO exciting but I have learned that I can go into the blogging “vortex” lol for hours. I try to not take my phone with my on day trips or my days off if possible so I can be “free” and not worry and be “surprised” when I return re-engergized and focused and fresh. I don’t want to burn myself out or ignore the moment I’m in or the people I’m with. If any of you fellow bloggers have pets, I recommend taking them on a walk outside and NOT looking at your phone or going online at all. It sounds corny or funny but it really does help me! lol

<3

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Randilea @ Life As I Bake It says · 03.30.12

Such a good reminder post! I’ve been letting my blog rule my life lately (design re-hauls, etc). I needed this post thank you!

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fromthefifthfloor.com says · 03.30.12

Thanks for posting this Kate! This is something that I’ve struggled with too. Writing about all of my adventures in my new life has limited the need to fill in those in my life about what I am doing. Instead, the just read my blog. Which isn’t good! I need that interaction! So I too have thought about the need to limit and be in the now.

Thanks!!

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Cheryl says · 03.31.12

SO true!!! I have to get better at not being on my phone all the time, especially with my husband. Blogging is so exciting, but so is living in the moment with those you love and embracing peace & quiet when you can. You want to feel connected to the world but sometimes you have to disconnect. I totally struggle with this and am so glad you wrote about it. I think us bloggers a very alike!

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Jennifer Renee says · 03.31.12

I am brand new to the blogging world but this sounds like excellent advice as I’m learning. Thanks!

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Melody Rich says · 04.01.12

I have NEEDED this post. I’ve been thinking these same thoughts for a few days now. Thank you for this.

And Jon Acuff?! SERIOUSLY love him! How neat that he was there!!

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kristinwithani says · 04.01.12

Kate, your husband is a wise man. After a walk at Lake Pine recently, I commented to my friend that children are not going to know what their parents’ faces look like anymore. It will either be a DSLR lens with hair or the tops of their heads because they are on their smartphones all the time.

Wise man indeed… enjoy the present.

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Amanda says · 04.04.12

I think you are right on! I CAN be exciting to be a part of social media! But yes, being present is so important. Your hubby is wise. πŸ™‚

I enjoyed this post a lot… and would love to connect with you on Instagram! Are you willing/able to share your handle on there?

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Maxime says · 05.16.12

Beautiful picture quote and reflection. Thanks for sharing it.

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Katie Brown says · 07.18.12

Beautiful post. So true and helps put things in perspective.

Katie
here

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