(unrelated silly photo) Recently, I've been thinking an awful lot about goals, plans and where I'd like to be in five years. Newlywed life is better than ever and Jeremy and I are both in a place where we are ready to pursue our dreams 100%. I've spent years experimenting with different points of focus in my career, tweaking my vision and practicing things I love. I feel like I'm finally at a place where all the pieces are coming together.
This post might seem a little vague, but here's my point... It takes time (sometimes many years) to develop a vision and learn your "craft". Wherever you are, don't rush the learning process. The more time you spend developing your skills and style, the better. Be encouraged and keep learning! XO, elsie




Aw, it's very true! Nothing good comes easy. ♥
Posted by: Sarah | August 03, 2011 at 11:08 AM
Thanks for the advice, Elsie! It's really encouraging to hear insights from someone who has spent many years learning her craft. xo
Posted by: Lesley Myrick | August 03, 2011 at 11:09 AM
Great post and great photo! Thanks for sharing! xoxo, Sarah
Posted by: Nina | August 03, 2011 at 11:10 AM
I like this, thankyou <3 I always feel like I'm in a huge rush... but you're right, it'll all come together in the end!
Posted by: Cassie | August 03, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Thanks for the encouragement! :o) you're so wonderful, thsnk you for sharing your journey and encoraging me !
Posted by: naimah | August 03, 2011 at 11:11 AM
<3 <3
Posted by: Sarah | August 03, 2011 at 11:14 AM
This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today. Right now. It's spooky. I suppose it's very common for us all to question where we're going, how much we're achieving, how well we're doing. But it's really great to hear this from the mouth of someone that so many people admire so much! Something just kind of sank in.
:)
Posted by: Charlie (forages and finds) | August 03, 2011 at 11:15 AM
You'll succeed in everything you do, dear, because you WANT it and you work HARD for it to happen. Wish you all the best.
Posted by: celine navarro | August 03, 2011 at 11:17 AM
This is so incredibly timely Elsie! I read your blog every day and this poat just sang to me.
I'm a makeup artist and I often get discouraged by people who are more successful than me. I forget to give myself some slack knowing that I only started doing this professionally less than a year ago and they've likely had some more time to perfect their craft.
Thank you! I'll keep on keepin on!
Posted by: Danielle | August 03, 2011 at 11:17 AM
thx for the encouragement and reminder. so nice to see your journey, too. thx for always being willing to share with others!
Posted by: TaNeesha | August 03, 2011 at 11:17 AM
elsie- I have decided that I just love you ;)
thanks for the encouragement.
Posted by: Aubrey | August 03, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Thanks, Elsie, this is so true! I actually just blogged a quote from Ira Glass today that touches on how long it can take to develop your creative dreams, and how you just need to keep producing work and it will eventually come together. Your words fit right in! Here's the link (I normally hate posting links in the comments, but his words are just too perfect)... http://caitidid-designs.blogspot.com/2011/08/well-said-ira-glass.html
Posted by: Caiti | August 03, 2011 at 11:22 AM
you're the best inspiration elsie, thanks for this little post :)
Posted by: maria | August 03, 2011 at 11:23 AM
I really needed this today! Thank you Elsie. Ever inspiring.
Posted by: Kim | August 03, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Thank you so much for this encouraging words. You're such an inspiration to me :)
Posted by: Nathalie | August 03, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Yes, this couldn't come at a better time! I'm constantly giving myself new lists of goals big and small, trying to craft my day to be the most productive it can be. I feel busy, and yet I don't get as much done as I think I should!!
A good reminder that small steps day by day add up if you just keep at it.
Thank you, Elsie!
Posted by: Aurora | August 03, 2011 at 11:28 AM
This post came at a perfect time. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and heart, Elsie. ((Is it weird that I think of you as the figurative "big sister" of the blog world?)) :) Best wishes for your happiness and success. x
Posted by: ashleyTIA | August 03, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Thank you for this! Feels like most types I am at a standstill! I am glad to hear I'm not alone.
Posted by: City Life to Ranching Wife | August 03, 2011 at 11:30 AM
That's a really inspiring thought. You are so right about it. thank you so much for sharing! :-) Good luck with everything you do!
Posted by: Angela | August 03, 2011 at 11:33 AM
I understand what you're saying and feel the same way. I want to own my own Cafe/Coffee shop but there is still so much I want to do before I even begin with the big details. Doesn't mean I won't plan it while I'm doing other things but I'd like a little experience with business (all the ups and downs) before I pursue my ultimate dream.
-Amber P.
Posted by: Amber @The Owl's Den | August 03, 2011 at 11:34 AM