Tag Archives: reflection

blogging, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Memories, family, hardware store, Hardware Store Life, Home, memories, southern living

A Sprinkle of Christmas Memories… Christmas Eve

December 18, 2023 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

The opening paragraphs are the same if you read the first blog in this series… but just wanted to share the beginning again with those who may have missed the last two blog posts in this series of Christmas memories.

When my son was much younger, he loved sprinkles. We literally put sprinkles on everything… cookies, ice cream, cupcakes… anything he deemed sprinkle worthy. I had a specific kitchen cabinet where the bounty of sprinkles were stashed away, ready for a quick, special treat. We had multiple flavors and colors to select from and it was such a joyful experience for him.

Christmas memories are very much the same way, a sprinkle of sweetness in our hearts and minds of a very special Christmas moment. These moments can be recreated by establishing traditions that are repeated year after year during the Christmas season… like the sprinkles of sweetness on top of a very special treat.

Sometimes as I am working inside our hardware store, I often see glimpses of these special Christmas memories from interactions with our customers, or stocking the shelves with products, and yes, even the endless search for new product offerings to bring to you, can create a sense of nostalgia of Christmas past. So here’s a small sprinkling of Christmas memories through my eyes as I wander through the hardware store… I hope you will enjoy this mini series of blog posts centered around on of the most wonderful times of the year, Christmas.

Christmas Eve

Last year, Christmas Eve, 2022, ranks in the top 5 of one of the hardest days as a hardware store owner. The extreme cold snap had caused tremendous damage to many of our customers homes.

*Our neighbors tree came down in our driveway during that big cold snap last December 23, 2022. It was inches away from hitting Richard’s truck and B’s car. We were very lucky!*

Frozen pipes were everywhere and the water issues that come with that… Power was out, and devastation was impacting our community. If I’m remembering correctly, Power outages were commonplace on Christmas Eve in some parts of the county.

*Warming by the fire is always a sweet memory that our customers love to share…*

Many of our employees were already spending time with their families, so Richard and I were left to deal with the day. Normally the overtones of Joy of the holiday season abounds on Christmas Eve. But the tone of our conversations with customers last Christmas Eve, was somber and often sobering… learning of the devastation that many were facing during the holiday. Gratitude and exhaustion set in by the end of that workday. Richard and I survived last Christmas Eve through the small smiles of our customers who found what they were searching for and the tired faces that thanked us for being there to help them.

*Just ONE of the many items that was in popular demand last December during the extreme cold snap .*

It took us both a long moment to readjust and reframe our mindset after we closed up for the day that last Christmas Eve in 2022. But that’s the thing about memories, some are absolutely beautiful and precious and some are very powerful. This one was powerful. I began to think about past, poignant, Christmas Eve memories from my childhood and adult life. Christmas Day memories are something of a blur because of the endless hours of play, joy, and pure excitement of the day. I don’t truly remember a specific toy or year that I received something extra special. Each year was special! But, THE EXPERIENCE and EXCITEMENT of Christmas Eve and build up to Christmas Day seems to fit perfectly! I hope that you will enjoy a few Christmas Eve memories I have selected for you in this blog post.

*Christmas Eve Memories opening presents at Granny and Papa’s house every Christmas Eve!!!!*

1. The Trip to Granny and Papa’s House… Christmas Eve was the day that was selected for my mom’s side of the family to gather together and celebrate Christmas. A traditional big family meal was always planned and of course, presents! As young children, the morning of Christmas Eve, absolutely was the longest day ever!!!! My sister and I looked forward to seeing our cousins and opening the FIRST Christmas presents on Christmas Eve at Granny and Papa’s House. I’m not really sure how Mom survived all those Christmas Eve days with us… the excitement bubbling over all day long, the building anticipation of Christmas Day, and preparing food for the holiday meals.

Mom was a pro, and she kept us busy every Christmas Eve. The day steadily progressed and before we knew it, we were loaded up into the car, gifts in tow, all giggles and smiles… our destination, Christmas Eve at Granny’s and Papa’s House. I think before Dad could turn the car off, we were both running around the house grabbing hugs, and kisses and then we were off to play before the feast of a meal was placed onto the kitchen table. Then it was finally time to gather around to say a prayer, eating a meal together prior to celebrating the occasion of Christmas with presents.

We would OR could hardly eat anything because the presents under the tree were simply too much to resist! As our parents wanted to linger in conversation after dinner, the quick reminder came from all of us kids, that it was time to open the 🎁 presents! Hearty laughter from throughout the kitchen could be heard and footsteps would be trod towards the fully lit Christmas tree in the front living room. It didn’t take long for the litter of the remnants of Christmas wrapping paper to be found across the floor… mostly by the kids in the family. We played with our new toys/gifts while the kitchen was cleaned, and the was car packed to leave. Everyone said their final goodbyes and Merry Christmas. Mom made final plans for breakfast at our house, (Granny and Papa, made it a special treat to visit each of us on Christmas Day, they had breakfast with us, then went to visit our cousins afterwards each Christmas morning).

My sister and I loaded up our enthusiastic little bodies back into the car to await Santa’s arrival. I’m not really sure how much sleep we actually got on those childhood Christmas Eve nights. I feel pretty confident that our parents were sleep deprived the next morning… but these Christmas Eve memories were joyful and some of the absolute best Christmas memories ever.

2. Christmas Eve Cookies for Santa, Reindeer Food and the Santa Key

When Benjamin was little, we established the tradition of making Chocolate chip cookies each Christmas Eve before bedtime. B would put a few of the freshly baked cookies onto the Santa plate, ready for him to grab a snack as he was placing gifts from the North Pole, under our Christmas tree. Benjamin would always assist in making cookies, never wanting to alter the type of cookies, because Santa liked Chocolate Chip cookies the best!

After Santa’s cookies were made, we would turn our attention to his reindeer… And… Santa’s reindeer had to be fed! They must be starving by the time they arrived at our house!!! Carrots and celery were placed onto the plate next to the cookies and milk for Santa. Lastly, the Santa key had to be placed on the front door, hanging in view of Santa’s sleigh arrival. Sleepy slumber would soon follow and he was off to bed from the busy Christmas Eve activities.

*A sweet little sprinkle of a Christmas Eve memory… the Santa Key*

It was always so exciting each Christmas morning to see the “nubs” of the reindeer food that was left. Santa was always so kind, leaving a note to thank Benjamin for the cookies and reindeer food. That small little tradition created so much fun and excitement for B when he walked into the living room every Christmas morning, checking the empty Santa plate, FIRST, before moving to see what was under the Christmas tree.

Santa also had a “Santa Key” that we had to put out every Christmas Eve. Wilkes County Hardware has a tree full of Santa keys! Stop by and pick one up for your kids, or grandkids. It’s a sweet tradition to begin in 2023.

3. Christmas Eve Church

There’s absolutely nothing more powerful than a beautiful Christmas Eve service filled with music, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The joyful sounds of Christmas carols ushering in the reason for the Christmas celebration ending with a beautiful favorite, Silent Night.

The events of last Christmas Eve were heavy on the mind and in our hearts … the extremely cold temperatures, frozen pipes, busted water lines…. but as the Christmas Eve service began, the sadness of the day lifted and the joy of Christmas came to the forefront… “Silent Night, Holy Night…”

Everyone who attends Christmas Eve church brings an extra bit of joy, happiness and warmth into this special Christmas Eve service as they enter into church and leave with a glow of light and peace… “ Son of God, loves pure light… radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!”

Our family tradition of Christmas Eve church began many years ago when Benjamin was younger and involved in the children’s church Christmas play… held every Christmas Eve at the 6pm service. He loved to be one of the shepherds watching in the field during the play… “Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
heav’nly hosts sing, “Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!”

*These nativity sets have been very popular this year at Wilkes County Hardware*

As he grew older, his role changed as his responsibilities became more important as an acolyte. He served as an acolyte in the Christmas Eve late service, beginning at 10:30 pm. This Christmas Eve service became the traditional Christmas holiday service that we enjoyed the most.

*B all ready for Easter service at church*

Nothing is more beautiful than enjoying the extensive variety of Christmas music (especially the vocals, strings, brass), the message of the birth of Jesus, partaking in communion, and the service ending with the traditional candlelight vigil and concluding with Silent Night.

Each person in the church holding a single candle, sharing the light of the flame with each other… “Wondrous star, lend thy light; with the angels let us sing
“Alleluia” to our King:
“Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born.”

*Make a sprinkling of new memories this Christmas Eve, star gazing, church, gather with family and friends*

The sanctuary is darkened and initially only a few small candles are visible… the flame begins to slowly spread across the room… creating light. In a matter of a few moments, as the first few verses of Silent Night concludes, the glow of candlelight can be seen throughout the entire church. and the many Faces of the crowd are highlighted by the candlelight. The old, vintage, stained glass windows are illuminated by the mass of candlelight across the sanctuary… “All is calm , all is bright.”

As I conclude this series of Christmas memories on the blog, I would just like to leave you with one more thought. Christmas is a very special time of the year. Make the memories, all the other things will fade with time. Memories will last forever in your heart and soul. Merry Christmas Y’all!

*Christmas Eve photos at Church… this one was from a few years ago but the laughter was a sweet sprinkling of a memory. Merry Christmas!*

blogging, Christmas, Christmas Memories, Christmas stockings, family, Hardware Store Life, Home, memories, old hardware stores, Shop Local, southern living

A Sprinkling of Christmas Memories… Blog Post 2- The Stockings

December 9, 2023 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

A very happy Cowboy… a sprinkle of sweetness from a Christmas past

Wilkes County Hardware has been featuring unique hardware store Stocking Stuffers each day leading up to Christmas Eve! Head over to our Instagram and Facebook stories each day to find some great ideas for everyone on your gift list!

The Stockings

“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there…” Clement Clark Moore

*This classic Christmas story written so many years ago and is and read aloud to children across the globe*

Stockings are treasured memories of Christmases past. I can’t imagine a Christmas without Christmas stockings and a tree… or having to choose between one or the other. Yes, I have read that the Christmas tree did try to replace the tradition of the Christmas stocking, but luckily it didn’t come to fruition… both remain as solidified Christmas traditions that should continue on for many more generations to come!

*Our Christmas tree is full of family ornaments, a sprinkling of sweet memories of Christmases past.*

The history of the Christmas stocking is centuries older than the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree! Christmas stockings date back to the origins of Saint Nicholas … Christmas trees, well, a much younger history, Victorian times.

*Christmas stockings take center stage this year in our family room… family favorites are on display*

My Granny used to tell me about the Christmases from her childhood when a great Christmas meant that candy(like hard peppermint sticks) and oranges were in found in the toe of her Christmas stocking.

*Granny would have loved these* 💕*… memories of family can be found everywhere even in the smallest things.*

Did you ever wonder why an orange in the stocking??? The tradition of stashing an orange into a stocking reveals a legend of a very poor man who had three daughters who were unable to wed without a decent dowry. On Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas, placed three golden balls inside their home. The three young ladies were overjoyed with the gift. Over time, the golden balls were replaced with oranges as the legend reveals.

I may begin to stash a few oranges in our stockings each year… a great way to carry out a sprinkling of a Christmas memory of my Granny, and a bit of history of Christmas all wrapped up into one stocking.

The photo I provided for you today is a cherished Christmas treasure that is always found at our house each year, my Christmas stocking.

This is definitely a sprinkle of sweetness of Christmas memories from my childhood, Mom and Dad have shared several Christmas pieces with my sister and I so that we can each have a sprinkle of sweet memories of our Christmas times together even when we can’t celebrate Christmas Day together.

My mom made this Christmas stocking when I was kid… my sister also has a matching one with her name as well. Mom is an amazing seamstress, she could make anything she wants to make. Presents didn’t usually go in these beautiful stockings, but they were always hung up each Christmas. For some, I would venture to guess, that this might be the purpose of Christmas stockings, as a treat to the eye, hanging by the mantle as a symbol of each family member at Christmas time.

*Yes, our pups even have their own stockings too! These pups are worn out Christmas Day after opening up their Christmas stockings gifts! Snacks, toys, treats!!! What a great day!*

*Stop by Wilkes County Hardware for dog toys, and treats for Christmas!*

After I married, Christmas Stocking gifts were always a big tradition at the Searcy house. Christmas stockings were always completed FIRST before opening presents under the tree. Each one of us would begin to dig into the Christmas stocking gifts, eventually each family member revealing the carefully curated collection of small gifts from “the stash” tucked inside the stocking.

*Martha’s Christmas stocking… a sweet sprinkle of Christmas past memories*

Everyone had their own special Christmas stocking. Martha, Richard’s mom, made sure that each individual stocking was unique to each person within the family. None of the Searcy family Christmas stockings were alike, and that tradition still lives on in our house as well.

*Our stockings are hung, and now we wait! Notice, mine aren’t hung over the mantle*.

Christmas stocking gifts don’t have to be expensive or “only Christmasy” type gifts. The great thing about Christmas stocking gifts is that you can target the gifts to suit each individual person and what they need or use regularly. Christmas stocking gifts are much more intimate gifts… indicating to the recipient that you know them well enough to know what they need and love.

Teenagers, or young kids who have electronic toys, batteries are an IDEAL stocking gift of choice!

No matter how big or small your Christmas celebration might be this year, remember that making Christmas memories is the best way to celebrate the season.

As I conclude this blog post, I have decided to definitely stash a few oranges in our stockings each year. A new tradition to carry out a sprinkling of a Christmas memory of my Granny, and also a bit of celebration of Christmas history all wrapped up into one stocking. Merry Christmas Y’all!

*Merry Christmas* 🎄 *from our family and staff to yours this holiday season!*

blogging, challenges, change, finding inspiration, Hardware Store Life, Resilence, southern living, work, Works in Progress

Under Construction

September 6, 2023 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

Ever been on a long road trip, cruising down the interstate and suddenly, traffic comes to a screeching halt?

Road construction is a possibility to your delay. When you see the orange traffic cones, we all know what’s ahead. The traffic that road construction creates, can be challenging. It can lengthen your commute time, and forces you to drive at slower speed. A road work zone that is “under construction “ often diverts traffic in a new direction as the crew safely works in another area.

In a structural/ building development scenario, “under construction”, one would expect to see a structural project that is incomplete… with the ultimate goal, closing the project with full completion, a finished building.

Which brings me to ask you today… Do you currently have anything “under construction”? Visually, the bright orange cones might not be around you, but you might be mentally wearing the bright yellow “hard hat” working as the chief foreman in the construction zone, working on your “under construction goals”.

I recently read that keeping a journal of lists can help with mapping out your goals and thoughts…. These little memo books are a great selling item inside our hardware store.

In early 2023, I didn’t have a vision in what I wanted to accomplish in the coming year. Don’t get me wrong, we all have long term and short term goals. Things seemed…muddled, and a clear vision wasn’t coming easily. Sometimes I think we are in a transitional phase before we launch into a new set of goals. That was the case with me earlier this year.

Often with time, a bit of clarity emerges. The results, a few new WIP’s (works in progress) and all things “under construction” are now being realized. Yes, plans divert and change, just like road construction.

I actually have projects that are “under construction”. Slowly, I’m making small, and defined progress on specific goals I’ve set for myself in 2023. Clipboard in hand, hard hat, and construction checklist ✅. Revealed from my mental clipboard …here’s the short list.

1. Writing and Blogging – In 2023, my blog has a new format (look) that visitors may have noticed. I’m incorporating more bold text words and information so a reader can grab the overall message from the blog post from a visual pre-read. I’m trying to devote more time to write more each week on upcoming blog posts, and also granting myself time away from writing or blogging when I feel uninspired.

2. Photography– This is a brand new goal for me in 2023! I have NEVER physically printed anything from my camera roll. Yes, me, the one with 15,000 plus pictures on her camera roll and I have NEVER printed anything. Until recently… So I’m beginning to focus on my personal photography projects and enjoying the process of making/creating my own art (photography) for my own enjoyment.

Just a few of my photos. Check out my blog post Everyday Summer which is filled with my favorite summer photos
https://hardwarelifewife.com/2023/08/19/everyday-summer-gallery/

3. Weight Loss – ugh! yes, I’m beginning to lose weight . It is hard y’all! 25 pounds lost and now in maintenance mode! I have become much more aware of what I’m eating, practicing portion control, meal planning for lunch, which was problematic for us. Slow, steady progress is what is keeping me motivated .

Veggies are a great way to balance out your hunger!

4. Targeted intentional movement- as Dory said “Just keep swimming “ in Finding Nemo. I have been an active, daily walker for the last several years but I have never intentionally tried to have a daily step goal (7,000 minimum) and to be very cognizant of my movement … not to sit for too long, get up during commercials while watching tv, stand while working instead of sitting and to just keep moving! I don’t meet my goal every single day but I’m much more aware about how many steps I’m making… I’m pumped if I reach over 10,000 plus!

5. Developing my creative side, in a new way… Hand building pottery has been a new challenge… my work is not perfect, but an enjoyable way to spend time learning new things.

My little pumpkin… creating new memories with friends . Thankful for a very patient instructor and friend, Kim Reid!

6. Lastly, Work Goals… We have begun to Re-merchandise key store areas and more! First, Richard and I started with a total change up of our lawn and garden areas, then next to the hardware area.. What could be next???

This year so far, we have refreshed Lawn and Garden area, paints, plumbing, and a few more areas!

I bet we would all agree that living through construction is never easy. Those of us that have lived through a construction project can attest that an ongoing “under construction project” requires planning, perseverance and patience. And we all know that sitting in road construction traffic can test your patience. That being said, projects “under construction” can be taxing …mentally and physically. Change IS and can be hard. Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight or make a lifestyle change can attest that it is not easy but it can be accomplished.

Progress can often be slow and sometimes, even difficult to visualize. Let’s look at a construction analogy .. the first few phases of construction are not often seen… ie.. planning, procurement of materials, and even site preparation… but as you get into the last phases of a construction project, progress becomes more visible.

Morning sunrises can set the tone for the day!

Once the foundation emerges, the core structure is built. With a well built structure and foundation, the longevity of the building is magnified… the ultimate goal, a long lasting structure which can stand the test of time. You can actually begin to visualize success.

Now, I’m not assuming that my WIP’s projects are going to go on without a hitch… like as smoothly as spreading peanut butter on a piece of hot bread that just popped out of the toaster… which results in a smooth, creamy, melting, and warm peanut butter toast, but boy it’s a great way to begin your day. Just keep moving forward.

flowers, Hardware Store Life, Home, memories, Mother’s Day, Natural World, southern living, Spring, Summer

Flower Power

May 14, 2023 hardwarelifewife 1 Comment

The garden centers in May see a frenzy of activity. The Spring season has brought enough warmth and heat to keep those blooms beautiful. Do you find yourself buying the same annuals or planting the same flower seeds each year??? At the hardware store, our flower seeds are selling quickly as well as potting soil.

**WCH Recommends: Using a composting soil builder along with a great potting soil mix creates a fantastic base for growing plants and flowers.**

**WCH Recommends: Zinnias bloomed all summer long with butterflies abounding! Stop by to pick up some seeds now for blooms later this summer.**

I began to think about this the other day, my personal connections to flowers and what I plant is deeply rooted… linked to my personal life experiences and memories of those who I love and those who are no longer with us.

Hydrangeas are a favorite flower memory. I have a large snowball hydrangea that I planted several years ago based around my childhood home. These beautiful blooms here are from my granny’s garden.

I have a few favorites that I love to plant each year. The striking colors, the scents, the aesthetics, and durability(long lasting nature) of the plant definitely impacts my purchasing decisions. But, many of the reasons why I pick the same type of flowers each year is due to my associated memories with these flowers.. past celebrations, or memories of strolling through family gardens.

Aunt Mary and Pat always had their window boxes full of red geraniums every year. I always try to have a couple of red geraniums each year.

If you and I did a walk through in my garden areas at my home, it would be a definite literal story of sharing plants.. who gave them to me to transplant, or maybe the why I chose the blooming beauty for my garden and the personal connection to each flower. My question to you today, do you relate and link flowers that you plant to your cherished loved ones too?

My mom always had beautiful roses at home. I love this ketchup/mustard variety in my front garden area. Many of the varieties I have chosen are as a result of our conversations about the care of rose, heartiness of the variety.

**WCH Recommends: If you have roses, this is a great product to use!**

My final thought to share with you today, flowers hold power… not only the outward beauty for your home, hope, resilience to bloom even in difficult circumstances.., and cherished memories of those you love. Let’s get planting!

blogging, finding inspiration, Hardware Store Life, writing process

Blogging About Blogging

February 15, 2023 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

This topic is seemingly double talk to most of you today… Blogging about Blogging. I think it is worth the time to explore the methods to my blogging journey.

Since I began my blog in the summer of 2018, I have gotten these questions more than once:

1. How do you put together a blog post?

2. What inspired you to write about this topic?

3. Do you have a list of topics that you write about?

My blogging experience is not vast. I blog simply because I enjoy the creative aspects of blogging. I don’t think my blog will ever become a viral sensation. My blog started out as a way to chronicle our new journey into hardware store ownership. After my retirement from the education world of work, it became a way to continue my creative interests.

My first blog post was extremely short and I used the picture that was generated from the blog builder website, meaning my skill set knowledge of the new blogging techniques was limited. I just recently changed that first photo from that first blog post.

Looking back, at the first several blog posts that I created, I don’t think I included any pictures at all . I simply hadn’t thought about including those! If you look back at my first blog posts, they still don’t have photos and I think I’ll leave them that way so I can visualize my own personal growth.

Pictures add a visual for the reader to enjoy and adds connections between content and images

Over the last few years, pictures have become a greater feature in my blog posts and I have grown to love them as part of the story behind the blog and a nice way to break up large pieces of content within the blog to give the reader a visual break.

When it comes to blogging, I’m a novice. I have completed and published approximately 109 blog posts… and I blog when I have time and the inspiration. I don’t have a huge following but I do have a few, sweet, loyal fans.

A well known blogger once said in an interview, that her biggest fans were not her friends or extended family. I’m not really sure why that is the case. Sometimes folks may not fully understand or appreciate the purpose of a blog’s intent, how to navigate the technical side of a blog, or take the time… well the list is there.

But, in my own personal experience of blog creation/writing, I have found that to be somewhat true, with the definite exception of my Mom and sister-in-law. They are both consistent readers of my blog and are always there to support me and give me a boost when I need it the most. Thank you so much for always taking time to read my blog and sending me feedback Mom & Kimberly!!! It is much appreciated! Love you both dearly! 💕

I am also very lucky that I have dear friends who read and comment on my blog regularly. Thanks for your support! Y’all make my efforts worth the work.

But when it come right down to the nitty gritty of writing, and getting a blog post together, my process of writing has definitely evolved over the last few years. When I first started blogging, I would finish my blog post in one sitting.

Work… not usually the place where I can write. Home is my favorite place to think and create.

Typically now, that is rarely the case. I will write for a brief period of time and then return to that same blog piece later on… it could be weeks between writing sessions or a matter of a few hours. Most of my blog posts are written over a period of a few weeks due to the time consuming nature process of writing and editing. Sometimes it takes a few months to finalize a blog post.

Here’s where most of the magic of my blog happens… in my notes section of my phone. The unfinished drafts, the list of topics in my queue.

The writing is only step ONE! Once that is done, I add in the photos. The photos are selected carefully from my vast collection of photographs on my phone matching the content to the images. I do use stock photos occasionally in order to make the images and content of blog interconnect.

My handy blog tool… my phone. I very rarely use my computer anymore to complete a blog post from start to finish,

My most productive time for writing and editing tends to be in the mornings. I’m more of a morning person and my brain shuts off as the day progresses.

My pups tend to pile into my lap as I work on the blog… my helpers 🐶

The longest span of time that has elapsed for writing /editing a blog post was ONE year! I began writing Women in Entrepreneurship and I didn’t actually publish it until a year later.

I almost didn’t finish this one! I’m so glad I left my draft copy going! If you haven’t read about Women in Entrepreneurial roles in Downtown North Wilkesboro, please check it out!

My topics for a blog post are chosen. They maybe seem random but often it is just things I’m thinking about, discussion topics from things happening inside our hardware store, or I may write about items that I think my readers might enjoy. And yes, I now have topics in queue for a future time.

Ultimately, I write and create because I simply enjoy it. It is a great way to convey a small piece of our lives to a greater community often sharing a bit of insider knowledge with my readership.

I just read today that the shift is starting in the blogging community to a more focused content approach. I very thankful that my blog is still going strong with a mix of personal insights, thoughts, and a lot of our hardware life. Thanks for sharing and supporting me in this blogging space.

The Hardware Life – A wife's journey into the hardware business