Whatever is True

Lately I’ve been thinking about why I have a blog. It happens every now and then.

I’ve been thinking about all the bits and pieces that fill my heart, the things I want to gather up and share with you here. I’ve been thinking about first birthdays and sunshine, fragrant herb gardens and fresh strawberries. Dimpled little hands, floral print dresses, swing sets, long walks through the neighborhood with a squish who tries to catch the wind. How wonderful it is to share my life with those I love. I’ve been dreaming of afternoons spent on the shores of Lake Michigan, the satisfying feeling of making something with my own hands, the way warm asphalt smells after the rain.

As I have written before, I want to focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable – things that are excellent and praiseworthy.

Easier said than done, my friends. As blessed as I am, I find myself dwelling on the negative lately. The way motherhood has changed my body, the bags under my eyes after yet another sleepless night. The worrisome thought that my sweet little girl is sick more often than she is healthy. House expenses, college debit, a winter that will not end. The judgement that I pass on myself and on others when I am feeling inadequate as a wife, mother, designer, human being. It all hangs heavy on my heart and sometimes I just can’t shake it.

So, I’m going to revamp my small slice of the internet and really focus on the things that are true, pure, and lovely. I want to share more of my experiences about the things that make life worth living, to catalogue the pieces of my heart instead of letting my thoughts dwell on the negative. I want to keep things real and honest, and stay grounded. But most of all, I want to live in the present and keep my focus on what is true.

Goodbye, Google Reader

I realize that this little post is coming a little late, but I can't believe Google Reader is discontinuing its services this summer! Whaaaaa!

I've been using Reader for maybe three years now and I honestly don't know how I ever read blogs beforehand. Okay, I remember: I kept all my favorite blogs in the bookmarks section of Safari and would periodically click through them. I didn't know it at the time, but it was such a pain. I didn't stay up to date on my favorite blogs, there wasn't any way to mark posts I really liked, I couldn't save posts to read later... chaos. Then Google Reader came into my life and made sense of it all.

So I'm curious for all the other Reader users out there, have you switched over to another RSS reader? Feedly, Bloglovin? Part of me wants to wait on making the switch in hopes that Google will say "Just kidding guys!" (I even signed a petition) but chances are Google will stick to their guns, and I'll forget to make the switch and end up losing all the blogs I have saved. So I'm researching new reader options. Any recommendations?

Lovely Package Exchange

Have you heard of the Lovely Package Exchange? It's a blogger gift exchange with a focus on lovely wrapping organized by Danni of Oh Hello Friend. I've always wanted to participate but have never made the deadline since space is very limited... until this year! I was paired up with Katie of Hey Little Apple Blossom, and earlier this week I received some very lovely brown paper packages (the best kind!) all the way from Virginia.

Don't you love the polka-dot washi tape she used? I haven't jumped on board the washi tape train just yet, but it really is such a simple way to make ordinary things special. Taped to the package was a sweet note from Katie written on a vintage Virginia postcard, which I now have hanging on my inspiration board.

In the first package, I was delighted to find a vintage map tote bag from Mystic Moose. It was folded up so neatly that I had no idea what the package held... I have the habit of trying to guess what presents hold. I'm such a five year old when it comes to gifts.

The second package contained a copy of Silhouette Art: Papers, Instructions, and Patterns for Making Modern Heirlooms from Chronicle Books. I'm pretty sure I squealed with excitement when I opened this one. Katie knew I love silhouettes, so of course this book was perfect. Apparently she also knew of my secret dream to own every book published by Chronicle Books. Their design department is killer. 

The book contains tons of silhouette-themed craft projects as well as some lovely patterned paper and rich black card stock to make your own silhouettes. I think I'll be attempting these silhouette lockets in the near future. Thank you, Katie, for such a wonderful package! I'm loved getting this little bit of happiness in the mail!

And if you're curious, Katie shared the package I sent her over on her blog. It was such a fun little swap... be on the lookout for the next Lovely Package Exchange. Danni usually coordinate one every summer and again around Christmas time.

Why I Blog

 "Magic Farmhouse" by Katie Daisy

Friends, I've been reflecting a lot lately about this little old blog of mine. I'm in the process of redesigning and sprucing it up a bit, which has led me to thinking about the content I share, the words I write, and why I even blog at all.

I originally started gathered heart "as my own online collection of art, design, vintage findings, crafting and DIY, personal musings, beautiful things and inspiring bits." For the most part, I think I've accomplished just that and I love it. GH has become a place where all the little pieces of my heart are gathered into one giant collection. Not only does it serve as a personal account of my life, but it also serves as a log of inspiration that I can access anytime. I hope others are inspired when they visit, too. I think writing GH has also pushed me to live a more creative life at home, in the kitchen, with friends, at work. I've made new friends, strengthen the friendships I already have and have connected with people hundreds of miles away. The blogging community is pretty amazing.

The one thing I get caught up on is the fact that, sometimes, I feel like the things I post on gathered heart are a little superficial. A beautiful illustration, a tasty looking treat, a pretty dress. It can be so easy to get caught up in an "I want this, I want that" mentality when I share things here. My posting lately has been somewhat sparse because I feel guilty writing about a lovely sweater I want or a yummy dessert that I baked... when there are people in the world who can't afford medicine, food, or even a place to live.

But then I step back and remember that beauty is an essential part of life. I don't write about my personal faith here very often, but it is one of the greatest influences in everything I do. There is one particular verse from the Bible that I have always held close to my heart. "...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (Philippians 4:8.)

We are called to focus on the pure and lovely things of life, to live joyfully and share that with others. I realize there are seasons in life and there is so much darkness and pain in this world of ours, but why focus on it? What good comes out of doom and gloom? Nothing but more doom and gloom.

I want to live a beautiful life. I want my home to burst with flowers (hypothetically speaking, of course) and I hope to never take any of it for granted. Will you join me?

Weekend Adventures: Chicago

Well friends, it's Monday again. I started it off right by spilling a full mug of HOT coffee in my lap during my commute this morning. My thighs were scalded. I was two hours late because I had to go home and take another shower. Sometimes I really hate Mondays. I'm choosing to focus my thoughts on this past weekend...

Beautiful floor at m.henry  |  Blackberry Bliss Cakes  | Desk inspiration at West Elm  |  Abby

On Saturday, I ventured over to Chicago for a day with Abby and Kate (and Sofia!) It was a great day filled with tasty food, Beirut, Sof's singing, catching up, shopping, Argo Tea and train rides. Kate has been a blog friend for a while now, and it was great to meet her in person. Things flowed so naturally, like we've been friends for years. Funny how that works. We spent a good chunk of the morning/afternoon brunching at m.henry, an adorable French cafe & bakery in Andersonville. I had a soup-bowl sized latte and Blackberry Bliss Cakes -- two fluffy hotcakes with vanilla mascarpone creme and berry compote, topped with crispy brown sugar oats. Heavenly. If you ever find yourself in the Andersonville area, I highly recommend m.henry!

The rest of the day was spent wandering around shops. I resisted the urge to buy all the things, but ended up with several tasty purchases: Tim Tams, Bundaberg Ginger Beer, and Trader Joe's lemon curd, mango butter, and the famous cookie butter. Abby and I grabbed Argo Tea before the train ride home -- the perfect ending to our weekend adventure.

Until next time, ladies!

Guest Post at abbyblujay!

 Illustration by Charmaine Olivia

Hey friends! Things around the blog have been pretty quite lately... such is life. 

I have a new post in the works for tomorrowish, but until then I thought I'd pop in to let you know that I've written a guest post over at abbyblujay, my dear friend Abby's blog. She has a great weekly column called Single Lady Wednesday where she shares her ups, downs and random adventures as a single lady. It's thoughtful, hilarious, and always a good read. You should add her to your reader if you haven't already!

Anyway, today for SLW I wrote a lighthearted little post: What I Miss About Being Single.
Pop on over and give it a read!

gathered heart turns one!

I can hardly believe it, but gathered heart is officially one year old today! Hooray! Over the course of the past twelve months, so many wonderful things have happened... I became an aunt, celebrated a year of marriage, found my first full-time job (after searching for what seemed like forever) and have really grown personally.

Just like I said in my very first post, I've shared my love of cardigans, a little on color theory, and how much I love my husband (and, of course, Tina Fey.) Looking back through all I've written on gathered heart so far, I thought I'd do a little round-up of top posts:

My Favorites

     • On Being a Grown Up
     • Gorgeous Geodes
     • Midland Arts & Antique Market
     • Farewell Fall 
     • Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve

Reader Favorites
     • Gabriella Barouch
     • Ikea 1973
     • Groceries: An Illustrated List
     • Pumpkin Pie Baked Oatmeal
     • Simon and Garfunkel: Greatest Hits

When I started this blog last March, I really had no idea what was in store for me. I simply wanted to grow as a "creative" and inspire others to live a creative life as well. Perhaps I don't post as often as I'd like to, and there are always things I'd like to improve here, but gathered heart is my little piece of the blog world and I love it. For all the friends following along (for a week or since the get-go), know that I really do love you guys!

I've been mulling over lots of new ideas for the blog in the next year. In the next few weeks, GH will be getting an updated layout and perhaps some new colors. I think I'd like to introduce a few new column ideas (and bring back Gathered) as well as incorporate more of my own projects and photography. Realistically speaking, I don't know if I'll ever have the time to do everything I want to do with gathered heart, but it will definitely continue to be a creative outlet for me, full of beautiful things and inspiring bits.

Here's to another year of art, design, old things, tasty food and, of course, Tina Fey!

The Burning House

If your house was burning, what would you take with you?

Hannah Queen, photographer

Thanks to Google Reader, I just found an interesting new blog called The Burning House. It asks readers to photograph and share their most cherished items -- the armful of stuff they would grab in the few spare minutes they had if their house was burning. It's so interesting to see what people would pick... a mix of sentimental and practical items. Not to mention some of the photographs are beautifully styled.

Kate McAuley, writer

After clicking through the posts, I noticed that animals make quite a few appearances. So do Apple products, photographs and/or cameras, and journals. Which is all to be expected. What I think is most interesting are the unique items that pop up in the images... a necklace, a spoon, a piece of wood. Family heirlooms, gifts from loved ones, childhood treasures. Those are the items that really tell a story.

Tim Robinson, creative director

Laura Pritchett, artist 

The items, composition, and explanations all seem to form a sort of a self portrait, which I love. Since Memorial Day brings an extended weekend in a few days, I think I'm going to round up some of my most cherished possessions and take a photo for submission. You should too -- what would be in your photo?

my gathered heart

Hooray! gathered heart is finally up and running! For those of you who don't know me, I'm Katherine Ross, a 23 year old graphic designer and illustrator from southern Michigan and (now) the author of gathered heart. This blog has been in the planning stages for a very, VERY long time and I'm excited to finally start posting.

Love What You Do print by the amazing illustrator Katie Daisy 

I'm starting gathered heart as my own online collection of art, design, vintage findings, crafting and DIY, personal musings, beautiful things and inspiring bits. Collectively, these are the things I love, gathered up in one place online - my gathered heart. The goal of this blog is not only to document and share the things I love, but also to inspire others. So many blogs have encouraged me in my pursuit of a creative life, and I hope the thoughts I share on here will in turn inspire you or brighten your day with something lovely.

When you stop by gathered heart, you'll probably find the occasional post on:
    • Cardigans, coffee, and color theory
    • Gorgeous homes that I wish were mine
    • Independent artists
    • My current illustration and design projects
    • How much I love my husband (and Tina Fey)

Don't expect to see:
    • Elaborate recipes that take 5 hours to prepare
    • "What I wore today" photos
    • Angsty poetry
    • YouTube videos that my dad forwards me

Though I obviously don't have any other posts for you to read just yet, check back often; I hope to update gathered heart three times a week at the very least. Have a happy Friday!