I've started this blog entry so many times in the last week. Why? I'm anxious to mark not only the 100th post on my Lambent Letter blog, but I'm also excited to celebrate the 4 year anniversary of my website, Incandescere.
Still, I was nervous. What if I produce something lackluster? What if I don't capture the triumph of creating something that represents me, my business and my career in a manner that honors that journey? What if I just say forget it, deem it no big deal and go off to watch Doctor Who?
I was paralyzed with doubt, but at the same time wondered if I was simply making a mountain out of a molehill. Yet, to someone else's perspective all molehills are mountains, and if you don't celebrate your achievements, who will?
So here I am, marking my 100th blog post with a little introspection and a lot of confetti. ::blows party favor::
I've shared a lot on the Lambent Letter over the last 4 years. Some of it personal; most of it loquacious; and all of it reflective of my little view of the freelance world. Two years ago, I completed Darren Rowse's 7 Links Challenge to commemorate my 2 year anniversary, but I felt a repeat of that exercise was a bit labored. (A classic case of been there, done that.)
So instead I thought I'd share a small collection of the important markers on my blog, but break my usual pattern and keep it short and sweet. Shocking? I know. :-)
After reviewing the previous 99 posts, I considered what stood out to me as my best, my worst, my m'eh, and Hey! That was different! Below you'll find the lists of posts where I felt I've truly shined and where my luster was more than bit dull.
Feel free to follow the links through to the posts and have a gander. I'd be happy to hear your thoughts, whether you're new to the Lambent Letter, stop by every now & then, or are a devoted reader hanging in there with me all these years.
Here we go!
Before I introduce the pieces that I'm most proud or at least, not ashamed, of, I thought I'd share links to my less than best. I won't go into why these posts didn't work. I'll leave you to figure out why something didn't click. Either way, I don't regret my attempt to stretch my wings. Without those moments of try and try again, I wouldn't have made it to 100 or achieved so many other things in my freelance career.
1. The Art Hero Project (March 31, 2011)
2.To Spec or Not To Spec (January 11, 2011)
3. "Ravel"ing in Shostakovich's Re-awakening (May 22, 2012)
4. What's In My Bag? (April 10, 2013)
Ahh, that age old question. I'm freelancer and a full-time wage earner, so those are the topics I talk about most here on my blog. But that's not to say that I keep it all-business-all-the-time. And even when I do talk shop, I know I'm often revealing something about myself as well. I've been in the game long enough to know that nothing on the internet ever truly disappears, so I have no problem with my readers getting to know me. Or my clients and colleagues spying on me. ;-)
As a matter of fact, let me make it easier for you to find out more.
1. One Day - One Hundred Thanks (November 24, 2011)
2. Inspire And Reflect: 2 Broke Girls (January 19, 2012)
3. Coping with Disappointment (December 10, 2012)
4. Whistle While You Work (June 10, 2011)
So now that I've re-introduced myself, let's see what I've been chattering about on this blog for the last 4 years. Here's my best of list on topics relating to freelancing, career growth and living life to the fullest while pursing freelancing and encouraging career growth. Five pieces made the list and I have to say I'm proud of each one.
1. Thriving With Fear (May 8, 2012)
2. Comparing Apples to Apples (May 31, 2011)
3. The Diminishing Respect for Creative Content (September 24, 2012)
4. The Glorification of Busy (January 23, 2013)
5. Freelancing At The Cool Table (September 9, 2013)
What can I say? I like reviewing things. I take in a lot of information and enjoy a wide variety of awesomeness. There are times when I can't just enjoy it on a superficial level. I have to dissect it and tell the world why it's worthy of my attention and theirs.
1. Creating Something from Nothing -- The Art of Rap Review (June 21, 2012)
2. Someone Asks Tiffanie Bridges: Is That Your Reel Hair? (June 24, 2011)
3. What Happens When Books Go "Out of Print"? (August 12, 2013)
4. Painting in Red & Black: Hearing Radmilla at the Eiteljorg (March 22, 2011)
5. Pour Yourself a Cup of Ambition -- 9 to 5: The Musical (January 14, 2011)
I'm not sure where the future will lead. What I am sure of is I will continue to be inspired by artists and business savvy professionals who never settle for being less than their very best. Some of these artists are no longer with us, and some are just starting out. But all of them captured my respect and appreciation without even knowing it. I can only hope that in the future, I will be able to do the same
.1. ... And Fancy Free: Savion Glover's SoLo in TiME (April 4, 2011)
2. Indie Artist Showcase: TallNCurly.com (June 3, 2013)
3. Bradbury Speaks: Honoring a Literary Icon (June 8, 2012)
4. The Unlikeliest Role Model (March 7, 2012)
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Read MoreI create content for artists, healers, nonprofits and entrepreneurs. When not connecting clients to their ideal audience, I write about artistic expression, holistic wellness and community empowerment.
