Saturday, January 24, 2015

Grow Your Blog

I missed the cut off for this fun link up party last year. Thankfully this year I was a little more on top of things. Alright then...on to the introduction.


My name is Sarah. I live in Michigan in the United States. I live about a mile from the shores of Lake Michigan. I can't imagine ever living far from a body of water.

On January 1, 2012 I started my first blog, a creative journey to become a better photographer. That really was my focus when I first began, learning to take better pictures. Along the way I rediscovered a love of writing. This love had been lying dormant inside me since early elementary school.

My blog name Paisley Rain Boots came from a self-portrait class that I took in the Spring of 2012. I live in Michigan where there is snow quite often until April and generally quite a bit of rain in the Spring. I was not very comfortable taking self-portaits shots that included my face.  Instead I would photograph my feet which most often happened to encased in my paisley rain boots. I got so many comments on my boots from the photographs I posted in the class Flickr group, this made me think. "What a great name for a blog....Paisley Rain Boots". The blog could be about anything which was great since I love to photograph and write about random topics. The blog could also about exploring. I love to explore the back roads; old barns, fields, orchards, lakes, etc.

On January 1 of this year I started a year long project called A Year Beside The Water. A project with a more specific purpose, marrying photography and writing all based on the subject of water. This project will stretch me in new ways, but I am one who is constantly striving to learn new things and experience growth from that learning.

I have been married to my husband, Glen for 28 years. We have one daughter, Mallory who is a college senior and will be graduating in May. We have one cute as a button, but naughty as can be golden retriever named Scout. Scout often accompanies me on day outings, he doesn't mind riding in the car, and loves to go for walks and hikes in the woods.


I would love to connect with other photographers and especially other bloggers who have a strong desire to write. You can contact me at paisleyrainboots@gmail.com


38 comments:

Suburban Girl said...

I still hate including my face in photos. I don't think I will ever get over that one! Nicely done introduction.

Anonymous said...

I love your photography and writing, and yes, the way you blend them together. The shot with your dog - perfect!

Hettienne Grobler said...

Hi I am also participating in the Grow your Blog party and am very happy to have found you and your blog! Hettienne

Ahayes1225 said...

Hi Sarah, I was thinking about do that link us but never did. Very nice post!

Debbie said...

On behalf of Vicki of Two Bags Full and myself welcome to the Grow Your Blog blog hop! Scout looks so innocent, great photo. Hope you receive many visitors today.

Jeanne said...

Welcome to the party Sarah.... am looking forward to your years projects and know there will be loads of great photos!

Lynne said...

Nice About Sarah post . . .
Scout and his outdoor partner are handsome and pretty!
I love your photos, words, thoughts . . .
I am so happy I met you!

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Although I already follow you, Sarah, a well done introduction!...:)JP

Threadpainter said...

Very nice to meet you Sarah ! I am not a photographer nor am I a writer (but a wee part of me wishes I were sometimes). I just like meeting new people ... I live in southern Ontario and camp on Georgian Bay every September..

Stephanie Faris said...

So nice to meet another writer! I love Scout. What a beautiful dog!

Dotti said...

Lovely to learn more about what makes you 'you'! And I'm loving A Year Beside the Water.

Amanda said...

Hi Sarah! So glad I joined the party and stumbled upon your blog. I too love photography and writing and own a very naughty dog named Jenny. I also love cooking... and taking photos of food and whatever else I find interesting. Feel free to stop by my blog as well. I'm Amanda at cookingwithamanda.com Thanks for sharing your blog!

Justine said...

this looks like a good idea, I am terrible at promoting my blog

Cathy H. said...

Great post. Sarah!

Jennifer Pearson Vanier said...

Hi! thank you for your kinds words and for visiting my own blog. Your pictures are wonderful!

Stephanie said...

Good evening, Sarah! It was a joy visiting you from the Grow Your blog party. Your photos are simply beautiful!

Have a lovely week, my dear. Hugs!

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Hi Sarah! My name is Kelly and it's so nice to meet you! I LOVE your photography! Beautiful!

Nicki said...

So glad you took up blogging and so glad I came across your blog - initially for the pictures but have come away with so much more (love the coffee chronicles and commiserating the loss of time with our girls graduating college this year).

Bijoux said...

I'm visiting from Stephanie's blog........I usually use photos I find online for my blog posts, but I enjoy writing and we've been married the same number of years. Nice to meet you!

CatieAn said...

Hi there. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I had to come right over and meet you. I love your blog and your projects. I too have always loved to write and can't wait to hang out around here gleaning whatever I can. You have a very unique view in your photography. I love it. Hope to be around often.

Kate said...

I'm glad you are here in the blog-o-sphere. I always enjoy your work and our mutual connection to the upper Midwest.

Maggie said...

Sarah, thanks so much for coming over to Normandy Life and introducing yourself, nice to meet you! I am a keen amateur (very) photographer and always have my trusty Lumix with me when out walking M'selle Fleur, who now has a massive crush on Scout, FYI she made me sign up to be your newest follower!

Michelle B said...

Wonderful post, Sarah! I just love the picture of Scout. Have a great week!

chasing the sun said...

Hi Sarah! Such a lovely introduction..I am already a follower who loves your coffee shop chronicles :-)

Cache-Mire said...

Hi Sarah. So nice to meet you! I am looking forward to seeing more of your work and hearing about your adventures!
~Terri

Loni Townsend said...

Hi Sarah! Beautiful picture of Scout. He is a gorgeous dog. I hope your water-writing journey is going well this year. I look forward to following along with it.

Anita Johnson said...

I saw your blog listed on another blog and thought I'd stop by. I live in Wisconsin and have a niece that lives in Ann Arbor. Michigan is such a beautiful state. I am always looking for photography blogs and your is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I learned something new and interesting about you today, Sarah! Something else we have in common.... :-)

Sue Kosec said...

You throw a great party. Thank you for inviting me!

So that you know, I've become a Follower and when time permits, I'll be back to see what other beautiful things were made by your hands!

What this party is all about is to GROW your blog and I'm hoping to do the same. When you get to Section One, check out A Country Chic Retreat and SuZeQ Creations, my personal blog, in Section Fifteen I'd love for you to follow and subscribe to.

Happy crafting!
SuZeQ

Cristal @ Dapple Design said...

I live in a place with rainy springs (and winters) too. My rain boots are red and black plaid and I love them. They're especially good for wading in the ocean on cold days. Thanks for visiting. I'm interested to see your new project unfold.

Linda H said...

Hi Sarah! I've so enjoyed my visit to your blog. I too am into photography, along with other things. Check out my blog, Stitch Lines, and see what you think- maybe we can be bloggy friends! Love your Year beside the Water project! Have fun on the GYB Hop!!

Unknown said...

Hi Sarah, I've enjoyed reading your blog and will be following to see and read your project on water. I too have always lived next to the water, Lake Ontario was to my south while living in Kingston and Toronto Ontario. 2 years ago I moved around the western tip of the lake to Hamilton. Now the lake is to the north of me and you wouldn't believe how disorienting that feels! However I am still close to the water and like you I can't imagine living away from a large body of water to anchor me. I lived in england for 4 years and even there I lived north of the Thames Estuary which is a very large body of water too.
Please visit my blog which is mainly about my jewelry making escapades with the occasional post on other topics. I love to write but need to get better at it. I tend to ramble on and on!!!!My blog is wirednan.blogspot.ca

DMS said...

Scout looks adorable!

I think it is awesome that you live by the water. It sounds beautiful and I look forward to seeing your project throughout the year. :) Thanks for sharing!
~Jess

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I have so much enjoyed reading back through some of your 'finds' posts - you have a definite knack for photography and blending them with your words. Lovely! I've enjoyed meeting you (and Scout!).

Unknown said...

What a pleasant surprise finding you here! The selfie is perfect as is your description. I find it difficult to capture myself with words yet you've done it beautifully. Truly hope this bring in many new blogging friends.

Threads of Inspiration said...

I really enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your photography. I agree with you about living near water, it is a healing nourishing place for me. Have a lovely day. Susan

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Visiting from GYB, I really enjoyed reading some of your posts. I like to write as well, and blogging is a great outlet. Thanks for being part of the hop. Give Scout a tummy rub for me.

Lorraine said...

Hello Sarah! You certainly are capturing the beauty of winter in your photographs. I kept scrolling on to see more and more. I've been a little side-lined this winter from taking many photographs but you've inspired me to be more aware of what's right outside my door. I'll be back.