First, let me dispense with the formalities and welcome you with open arms to my new blog.  Like many people, I have long contemplated the idea of writing a blog, and just like many of those people I have struggled to gain momentum after several fits and starts.  Wanting to bring something of value to readers, I’ve generated more questions about how to approach blogging than I could answer.  But as an aspiring writer, I know that the best way to improve and refine my techniques and ideas is to write frequently, every day if possible.  So despite all my doubts and questions, the desire and appeal of blogging have remained at the forefront of my mind.

This morning, during one of my favorite time-suck activities, browsing Facebook, I came across a blog post from Paulo Coelho titled “The Good Fight” that contains an excerpt from his book The Pilgrimage.  Its message centers on continuing to fight the “Good Fight,” the one our heart asks of us, in pursuit of our dreams despite previous setbacks, perceived limitations, or fears.  This is a philosophy I wholeheartedly believe in and try to act upon every day, and yet I’m still susceptible to the same defeating thoughts and attitudes outlined in Coelho’s post.  So here I go again, attempting to blog and making it part of my arsenal in my own “Good Fight.”

“Sounds really nice,” you may say.  “But what’s your objective?  What topics will you cover?  Why should I read it?  How will this be different than your other attempts at blogging that abruptly ended without any sense of momentum… like the one on tumblr?”

To this I might respond defensively with: “Don’t ask so many questions and just go with the flow to see what happens.”  But I won’t.  Instead, I’ll just let you know that my initial plan is to write about art and design as I encounter them in every day life.  My intent is not to be a critic extolling the virtues, or enumerating the failures, of some creation.  Nor will I attempt to be a “tastemaker” exposing my readers to the latest and greatest stuff to ogle, buy, or read.  Sometimes I may sound like I’m doing one or the other, but that will just be a byproduct of my primary mission: to bring the perspective of a self-taught artist, designer, and writer to a discussion about art and design in our daily lives.  And I hope this perspective speaks to you and your life enough to keep you coming back for more.

“I still don’t understand,” you may reply.  “What, exactly, will you be writing?”

No worries, my friends.  I’m not completely clear on exactly what topics I will cover either.  But here’s a taste:  I’m currently developing a piece about the modern home architecture that fills in spaces in urban, sometimes neglected, neighborhoods.  I’ve long been a lover of modern home architecture and design – I’m a long-time subscriber to Dwell Magazine and reader of Design Milk – and proponent of urban development that diversifies and energizes neighborhoods (although some of this development goes too far and completely drives out the existing populace, consequently reducing diversity).  I intend to provide a perspective of what the housing says about the owners and the communities in which they live and the personal impact it has had in the evolution of  how I define my dream home.  Additionally, I will supplement this piece with photos I’m currently taking of houses around metro Atlanta that illustrate the very architecture I’m discussing.

My hope is that you will enjoy what you read and see in my posts and feel motivated to not only keep reading, but to engage in a conversation with me about my entries via the comments sections, e-mails, Twitter, Facebook, and beyond.  I can always use some help in fighting the “Good Fight.”