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.

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?

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!

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!