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How to Revamp Your “About” Page

How to Revamp Your Blog's "About" Page and Paint a Clearer Picture of You - Practical Blogging Tips from The Thinking Closet (with plenty of examples of awesome "About" pages and freewriting prompts to get those creative juices flowing).

Fact.  My “About” page hadn’t been edited since I first started blogging in September 2012.

Fact.  My “About” page was written in the third person, like an author bio on the inside back cover of a book.  All of my posts are written in the first person.  The disparity was killing me.

Fact.  My “About” page said very little about me and my blog at all.  How much can be said in one paragraph of six sentences?

“Bears.  Beets.  Battlestar Galactica.”  {Holla’ to you Office fans out there.}

Want evidence?  Okay.  Here is my “About” page BEFORE the revamp:

How to Revamp your "About" Page - - BEFORE picture | The Thinking Closet

Not terrible.  But it left much to be desired.

I’ve known for some time now that my “About” page needed a revamp and even made it one of my blogging dreams & goals for 2013.  And although many of us may find it awkward or uncomfortable to talk about ourselves (“Can’t I just show you my new d.i.y. ombre wall art instead?”), we must remember that successful blogging is all about forging connections.  At least that’s what studies show {smile}.  And when I want to get to know a blogger better, the first thing I do is click on her “About” page.

It’s like bumping into someone in a coffeeshop.  We’ll either chat for a minute…

ME: “Lovely weather we’re having.”

YOU: “Isn’t it, though?”

…or we’ll sit down at a table and gab for an hour because of how much we have in common.

ME: “Wait a minute.  You wept during Season 3, episode 4 of Downton Abbey, too?

YOU: “Um, like, YEAH!  Tears.  Streaming down my face.  It was utter agony.  I’ve never cried that much from a TV series.”

ME: “Me neither!  Although you know what else gets me?  The Clydesdale commercial.”

YOU: “Don’t even get me started!”

I don’t know about you, but I’m striving for the latter interaction.  The one where we find a few small points of connection that encourage us to stick around and forge a deeper connection.  One of the main reasons I blog is for community and collaboration with others.  And I want to do everything I can to foster community in my little corner of blogland.  My “About” page can be a significant part of that…if I let it.

So, I did it.  I worked for several days to rewrite my “About” page and took it in a whole different direction.  I’m eager to share it with you, dear reader, but first, I wanted to share my writing process and offer some practical tips for how you might revamp your “About” page in order to paint a clearer picture of you.

Below, you’ll find the series of questions I asked myself to help shape my thinking prior to writing, as well as my responses.  Remember that my lists will look different from your lists.  This is just one way to go about it.  So, eat the hay and spit out the sticks, as the saying goes.  And let’s grow together.

Ask Yourself, "Which 'About' Pages am I Drawn to & Why?

I often draw inspiration from the world around me, including the pages of some of the blogs I come across.  For several months now, I’ve been collecting a list of “About” pages that I’m drawn to.  Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Mique from Thirty Handmade Days: Mique includes lots of photos and a mix of professional and casual, quirky ones.  She also delves into personality type, includes a short blurb on why she started her blog, and has lists of “Favorites” and “I prefer.”
  • Stacy at Food Lust People Love: Stacy’s “About” page is an example of great writing.  And headings help the reader’s eyes latch onto information they want to read.
  • Rach at Family Ever After: Rach’s “About” page includes 21 pictures and 3 videos.  It’s a feast for the eyes!  And she really shows so many sides of herself through the pictures and stories, I know that after reading it, I stuck around.
  • Rachel from Lines Across: Rachel has a great use of photos and graphics that tell a story of who she is, where she grew up, what her kids enjoy, and what her days are like.  And I love her use of color.
  • Ashley from Lil Blue Boo: Ashley uses headings to divide up sections like “My Background,” “Diesel” (her dog), “Random Facts About Me,” “Visit My Workspace Behind the Scenes.”  She also includes plenty of links to other parts of her site in a very organic way; you naturally will click to learn more.
  • Laura Beth from A Step in the Journey: The first three words of Laura Beth’s “About” page make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  “Consider yourself friends…” she says.  Okay!
  • Bre from Bre Purposed: Bre is a graphic designer and created her own simple, chic infographic to share some fun facts about herself with her readers.

What qualities do these fabulous "about" pages possess?

My list:

  • Personal
  • Funny
  • Honest
  • Informative (bio / why I blog)
  • Specific
  • Image-heavy
  • Well-written
  • Full of voice (first person)
  • Conversational
  • Humble
  • Invitation to linger / connect

What can I include to paint a clearer picture of me?

My list:

  • Details about my family
  • Meeting Mark
  • The places I have lived
  • Teaching
  • The meaning behind “The Thinking Closet”
  • My childhood – – love of d.i.y.
  • My faith
  • My quirks and interests
  • More photos!

How Do I Want To Share This Information?

My brainstorm list:

  • Using headers to divide up each section / text in bold.
  • Telling a story through photos.
  • Video?  This scares me!  Maybe in the future….
  • Q & A format?
  • Lists.

Freewrite!

Sit down and do a little freewriting.  Freewriting is one of my favorite things.  When I taught English, I regularly had my students freewrite.  Freewriting is when you let your pen go (or your typing fingers) and write whatever comes to mind, even if it’s blah blah blah, until a new thought appears.  The point is to put on a timer, and let go.  By writing quickly, you don’t give your inner critic time to pipe in.  Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation.  Just write.  Without judgment.  And see what spills.  You can edit, shape, delete and tweak later.  I’ve discovered a lot of my best ideas by writing in this way, and it’s how I began generating material for my revamped “About” page.

Stuck?

Prompts To Get You Prompts To Help You Revamp Your Blog's "About" Page by The Thinking Closet

That was my process!  And without further ado, I give you the new and improved, revamped “About Lauren” page.  More cheese.  More specifics.  More photos.  More…me!

Blog Divider - The Thinking Closet

greetings from Lauren at The Thinking Closet

Hi, I’m Lauren, and I am thrilled that you stopped by my corner of blogland.  Need photographic evidence of how happy I am about it?  Okay, you asked for it:

Catching Air at Yellowstone National Park | Lauren of The Thinking Closet
Catching air.  Now, that’s pretty happy.

The Thinking Closet is a space designated for letting creativity splish, splash, and spill.  As the saying goes, “Creativity is messy, and I’m very creative!”  So, I hope you’ll join me in making a mess!  Here, you’ll find everything from crafts to Silhouette creations to blogging tips.  If it can be made with your hands, I’m all over it like white on rice.

Fun Facts about Lauren | The Thinking Closet

I’m 29-years-old (turning the big 3-0 this March!), and my hubby and I are putting down roots in Orlando, Florida.  We live on a lake surrounded by old oak and cyprus trees.  We love to get out on the water in our sailboat or jon-boat…but rumors of a baby alligator inhabiting our lake will keep me from ever taking a dip.  (Eek!)  You’ll catch glimpses of our flora and fauna in the background of my photos.  Like this one where I wore my burlap Christmas tree skirt as a bird costume.

D.I.Y. No-Sew Ruffle Christmas Tree Skirt by The Thinking Closet

The most beautiful place I have ever been is Sicily, Italy.  I’m determined to get back there someday.  My soul is at peace with my toes digging into sand at the beach, and I have always wanted to live in a place surrounded by mountains.  I’m an outgoing-introvert, a procrastinator-perfectionist, and I get crazy competitive in sports…especially field hockey.  I have probably eaten more raw cookie dough in my life than one should ever admit [so, I won’t]…often while watching Project Runway or crying during Downton Abbey.  Some of my favorite things include: spontaneous dance parties with my girlfriends, road trips, No Doubt, warm bread, blue mason jars, used bookstores, musical theatre, and board games.  I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ as a wee lass of five-years-old…and it was the best decision I ever made.  I’m an older sister to one of the most amazing women I know, and I married a man who makes me laugh every day.  In fact, let’s talk about him for a spell!

my co-adventurer | The Thinking Closet

My husband’s name is Mark, and he is many things, but a few include sailor-surfer-photographer-doctor.  I won’t gush our entire love story here…but here are a few highlights:

  • We met at Wheaton College (IL) in Romantic Literature class of all places back in 2002.  Leave it to Keats, Shelly, and Blake to plant the seeds of romance in our hearts.
  • We reconnected years later over handy dandy Facebook.  It was Christmas Eve 2007.
  • Our entire dating relationship was long distance with most of our correspondence being through written letters.  We now store them in an old trunk from 1867.
  • We got hitched on July, 18th 2009 before God, our nearest and dearest, and the Atlantic Ocean in Long Branch, New Jersey.  It was one rockin’ party.  Here we are under the pier:

Mark & Lauren's Wedding Day | The Thinking Closet

Mark calms me down when I freak out…he gives me hugs just because…and he’s my buddy for life.  I’m one thankful chick.

Oh, and I must say that he packs a mean stack of crates atop the car, so he certainly knows how to keep this crafty girl happy!

Wood Pallet Sign Tutorial via The Thinking Closet

New York Born & Bred | The Thinking Closet

I grew up in New York–a hop, skip, and a jump from the city–where I feasted on Sal’s pizza, saw Broadway shows, and learned how to pronounce water as “wudder.”  However, watching movies and studying theatre has erased most of my accent…that is until I get excited and “tawk really fayst while sippin’ cawfee.”

Train Time | Lauren of The Thinking Closet
I took this train into Manhattan more times than I can recall!

My childhood was full of creativity.  In fact, my earliest memories of creating happened in a space I called The Thinking Closet.  It was a walk-in closet the perfect size for a little girl to crawl into, pull out her wallpaper sample books, and start cutting and gluing.  My parents always encouraged us to create – – whether it be performing musicals in our backyard with the neighborhood kids or creating photo collages to give as Christmas gifts.  I’d argue that the best things in life are free handmade.

Bedazzler | The Thinking Closet

My Love Affair with Theatre | The Thinking Closet

Theatre is part of my D.N.A.  My Grandma Aileen played the piano and sang show tunes with her sister well into her eighties.  My Pop Pop was an actor and playwright prior to becoming a pastor and missionary.  My parents raised my sister and me on Fred Astaire movies and took us to high school musical productions every chance they could get.  So, it’s no wonder that I caught the theatre bug at such a young age.

Into the Woods | The Thinking Closet

After college, I felt my calling not to just perform theatre, but to teach it.  So, I pursued my Master’s in Educational Theatre & English Education at New York University.  It was the perfect degree for nurturing my passion for helping young people find their voice both on the stage as actors and on the page as writers.  After graduating, I taught freshman English and high school theatre for three years in Columbus, Ohio.  Since moving to Orlando, Florida, I teach and direct theatre part-time.  There is little that excites me more than seeing a student take a risk in his writing or on stage in performance.

Here I am hamming it up while giving notes to my actors at musical rehearsal for Once Upon a Mattress last spring:

Director Lauren | The Thinking Closet

Why I Blog | The Thinking Closet

Since moving to Orlando this past summer and transitioning from teaching upwards of 80 hours a week to teaching part-time, I decided to start a blog.  The Thinking Closet was born on September 6th, 2012 as a way to share some of my creative projects with friends and family…and to jumpstart my writing.  And what an incredible journey it has been!  Blogging has been such an unexpected gift in how it has rejuvenated me creatively and also in how it has introduced me to a whole community of women who inspire and encourage me on a daily basis.  So, thank you dear reader, for coming along for the ride.  You make this work worthwhile.

Where to Go From Here | The Thinking Closet

If you’d like to know more about my crazy quirks, check out my post, “It’s a Major Award.”

The best ways to connect with me are through the comments on my blog posts; I do my best to respond to each and every one.  You can reach me by email at thethinkingcloset {at} gmail.com or follow along with me on FacebookTwitter, PinterestGoogle+, & Instagram.

First time visitor?  Check out these posts:

Reader Faves:

Posts I Loved Writing:

Lauren on Video:

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble, but take heart.  I have overcome the world.”

-My favorite Bible verse: John 16:33

 


And…scene!

I think my new “About” page is to my old “About page” as a Victor Hugo novel is to a William Carlos Williams poem.  I’ve always been wordy.  I like to think it’s part of my charm {blink, blink}.

In order to actually get ‘er done, I needed to remind myself that my “About” page is still a work in progress and probably always will be.  After all, aren’t we?

Dear reader, I hope you can take away a few nuggets of inspiration from this post.  Remember, your “About” page is going to look very different from mine…but the guiding questions I think we can all ask ourselves are, “How can I better connect with my readers?  How can I paint a clearer picture of me?

And when in doubt, find some photos of yourself being ridiculous.  We can’t take this life too seriously, now, can we?

This is Lauren, signing off.

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260 Comments

  1. Oh my word!!! I loved loved loved reading this!! I can NOT WAIT to re-write my boring about me page! Hey and you know what else I loved reading? You went to Wheaton College! We are sending our middle child there in the fall!! He is going to be a Thunder Football player!!

    1. I’m so excited to hear that, Kellie! Oh wow! That made my heart do a cartwheel to hear about your future Wheatie. He is in for the college experience of a lifetime. Both Mark and I wonder how we are not going to put too much pressure on our daughter to go to Wheaton – – we just both loved it so much and feel like God really used Wheaton and the people we encountered there to shape our lives. Blessings on your boy!

  2. Hi Lauren! Thank you so much for this! Got wind of it via Abby Lawson’s Building a Framework and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s helped me pull together the final bits that I knew were missing from my page. thank you! 🙂
    P.S. Don’t judge me on my current page please! I’m updating as we speak! 🙂

    1. Hooray! I’m so glad this post could be an inspiration to you in your own revamping journey. Aw, and Abby is a dear friend of mine. So thankful for her sweet shout-out in Building a Framework. Take care, Joelle.

  3. I am choosing to not be a “lurker” 😉
    Thank you so much for this post!!! I am just now starting my website, so I will be using your info as I compose my About page. It is bare bones so far, but hoping to have it up and running soon 🙂

  4. well, all i’ve read so far is your about page but your blog is aqua and coral {and so is mine}, you love chai {my pantry is stocked}, and you live in orlando {i did too} so i’m hooked. i am making my way through abby’s {at just a girl and her blog} building a framework and was directed to your about page by her. so glad i stopped by. i haven’t even read any posts yet but i subscribed and i plan to park myself here later tonight. until then…happy weekend and thank you for the tips!

    1. Ahhhhhh! You blew me away! I’m seriously so in awe of you right now. Left you a mega-comment over at your corner of the blog-o-sphere. But know I’m cheering you on! (And don’t apologize for the length; you’re talking to one of the wordiest wordsmiths on the planet.)

      1. Thank you so much Lauren! I’m so glad you don’t think it’s too long. I had a hard time not adding in more! It weird – I don’t think of myself a wordy kind of person, but when I get going, it’s hard to stop! Thanks for the encouragement and support!

  5. I’m visiting from Building a Framework and wow! Your about page has given me so much inspiration and a new way to look at and think about how I want mine to be. Thanks so much for all the tips. 🙂

  6. Before reading this post, I wasn’t even sure that an About Page was really necessary, but now I’m sure it is, at least for serious bloggers, and I can’t wait to get started on mine! Thanks for the ideas!

  7. I am a very new blogger, so I am loving all your posts with blogging tips! This is excellent! I tried to do a good job with my About page on my own blog, but you’ve given me some more things to think about, so I hope to make it even better soon! I just subscribed basically any way I could to your blog because it is officially a new favorite! And your Office reference made me love you even more!

    “I’m not superstitious… but I would say I am a little stitious.” Michael Scott

  8. Lauren! This post was so helpful. I don’t know when I’ll write my About page for my blog, but when I do, you can bet I’ll use these tips.

    1. Well, I just went and read it, and I am speechless! Well, not quite speechless. I just left you this comment that I’ll repost here in hopes that others will meander over to find and fall in love with your blog just like I have:

      “Wow, Gina. Just…WOW. First of all, I am so thankful to be your friend. What a rich, vibrant, thoughtful woman of God you are. Secondly, I am in awe of your writing. That read like a novel I never wanted to end and flowed seamlessly like honey into tea. 😉 Lastly, this inspired ME to want to revamp my “About” page. It’s high time. And now I have fantastic source material to get me a’ goin’! XO”

  9. I just recently decided to start blogging and I came upon your site through pinterest. I love your about page and all the useful information. As I was reading, I noticed that you said that you had taught briefly in Columbus and I was curious to know which school. I am a Columbus native. Thanks and God bless! : )

    1. So glad Pinterest led you this way and that you enjoyed your first visit to The Thinking Closet! Also, how wonderful that we share the Columbus connection! My husband did his residency at O.S.U. and fellowship at Nationwide Children’s and I worked for three years at Canal Winchester High School (suburb of Columbus). We treasured our years in Ohio and miss our friends and family in the Columbus area so very much. Hope you’re doing well and seeing signs of spring! God bless you, too!

  10. Second time I seeked this post out after coming across it once before (and having computer shut down.) This post will be the reason my future soon to be revamped “about” will be anything at all. Can you recommend a blog planner? There’s so many, I’m so ADD, I need the very best and if there’s a girl who might have a tip, I’ll assume it would be the girl with all these amazing page prompts and tips 😉

    1. Evie! You’re so sweet to think of me; ya know, I’m one of those weirdos who has sort of developed her own system for when it comes to blog planning. I have an Excel spreadsheet for my monthly blog schedule…another for my new post checklist…and a weekly printout I made with a breakdown of every hour of the day. A hodge podge, for sure! Maybe one day I’ll make them “pretty” and share them with blogland. 😉 But if you’re looking for something that’s pre-made, I think Infarrantly Creative’s FREE blog planner is pretty nifty. And The Mama Miss planner looks like fun! If I were you, I’d think about what your specific organizational needs are and then hunt out the best resources for each of those…even if it ends up being a little of this and a little of that. Pinterest is a great place for searching for such things, I have found. Good luck!

  11. Hey!
    Wow this is the “about me” tutorial I wish I found a month ago! You did a great job breaking it down! I have been working on mine and editing it for a while… I also found some ideas I think I will use for my social media ‘about me” pages!

  12. I have a feeling I have a lot of work to get done on my about me page. I loveee all of your pictures, it really makes people feel like they can connect more. I especially love the bird costume!
    Thank you for these awesome tips,
    Ashley

  13. What a great post! And About Page! I found you from “just a girl and her blog”, you’ve inspired me to update my about page! Thanks for sharing!

  14. SOOOOO HELPFUL!!! I have been stewing over my about page for I don’t know…years!? finally I have something I’m happy with (1st draft…) from notes I took while reading this. thank you, thank you!
    p.s. I love chai lattes, too!

  15. Two words! THANK YOU! Seriously this, I believe will definitely help me revamp my about me page. When I first create my about me page I thought it was perfect, this was last year. Now looking at it, I am like uhhh this is NOT the business anymore lol. Thanks for this post. I stumble across your blog through google, def subscribing !

    xoxo

  16. hi Lauren
    thank you soooooooo much…
    this has been so insightful…i intend on starting my fashion blog…thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with me and everyone else…God bless…
    Jas sagu from India

  17. I like your ideas. I have always been inclined to be crafty minded also. Now 72 I am adidcted to anything that keeps my my heart going.

    Love your cute pix of you in your happy jump. Go girl. Drop in and see my blogs.

    Oh cute the lumber on top of your hubbies car. A hoot!

  18. First things first: Vanilla Chai Lattes are my FAV. Love that you love them too! I think my about page was what I struggled with the most when I first started my blog. I initially started out on tumblr, bad idea and wrote something cheesy. When I recently moved over to wordpress, I re-wrote it, and then re-wrote it again. It’s still not where I want it, but it’s getting there. Thank you for sharing these tips, because it is so hard to write about yourself!

  19. I honestly love your new About Me page! And you’re right, it just makes me want to stick around. This is just so timely for me since I’m also undergoing a revamp of my own About Me page and I’ve been doing my research too. I don’t know what to do about it just yet but I already have plans in mind. SO thank you for sharing these ideas! 🙂 It’s so nice learning about you through your blog.

    1. Rea, thank you for your kind words! I’m excited for you being in the brainstorming phase of “About” page revamping. Let those creative ideas percolate, girl…and do let me know when your new page is live, so I can stop by to check it out! (Also, my sister’s middle name is Rea. Spelled like yours is. Yay!)

    1. Harrah! So glad this post was an inspiration for you. And to answer your question, I just used pixlr or PicMonkey (I can’t remember which) to create the titles. So, they’re just jpgs I added in to the document. I have a video tutorial on using pixlr if you’ve never used it! Best of luck.

  20. So i realize this post is almost a year old but I just found it via Pinterest. Loved it of course so thank you, but I did have a question. I clicked through your favorite About pages as well and was wondering if you have any opinion on length? I always get worried about being too wordy but is more better in this case?

  21. Hi Lauren! I just stumbled upon your blog and I must say, I’m in love! I’m a Chicago suburbs native and my boyfriend and I are moving Orlando in less than 2 months! Your about page is amazing and you seem like a wonderful person! I can’t wait to follow your posts. Do you have any on moving across the country or Orlando info? Thanks!

    1. Samantha! How serendipitous! That’s super exciting that you and your boyfriend will be soon be coming down Orlando way. You’re going to love it! (It just takes a little bit of time to get used to the humidity and big bugs…but the winters are heavenly.) As for posts in my archives that might be fun for you to explore…here are a few! Merry moving to you two.

      Practical Gifts for Moving and Housewarming
      Romanced by Bookstores
      You Know You’re in Florida When
      Tattooing My Nieces and Nephews
      12 Months of Pre-Planned Date Nights Gift
      Have Tote, Will Travel
      Highlights from Florida Blogger Conference

    1. You’re welcome, Laura! I hope you have a really fun process of pulling your “About Me” page together!

    1. Glad to know this was a helpful resource for you, Linda! Yes, whenever I’m tackling a new project, I love to immerse myself in research first, gathering inspiration. Then, after that phase is done, I just put my blinders on and write, write, write. Let those words flow!

    1. You’re not alone, Kara. It’s really hard for me to talk about myself for an entire post…that’s why I mainly do craft and diy tutorials. But if you can bite the bullet and get ‘er done, I promise it will be a worthy investment of your time and energy. The hardest part is getting started!

    1. Aw, Jen…don’t be too hard on yourself! We all start somewhere, right? And mine was certainly nothing to write home about before I put the time and effort into revamping it. And I think acknowledging that a change needs to be made is the first step. So, you’re on the right track! Keep me posted on when your revamp happens. Would LOVE to stop by and read it!

    1. You are so welcome, Amicia Rai! It delights me to know it relieved you some stress. Will you let me know when your revamp is complete? I’d love to come and check it out!

  22. Just came across your blog, and I love this post!! Lots of great pointers… time for me to get to work revamping my about page! Thanks for the great inspiration 🙂

    1. Thanks, Sherri! I’m so glad you found it useful. Do let me know if and when your revamp is complete! I’d love to pop by and show you some comment love. 😉

  23. I found this tremendously helpful. I haven’t written my “about me” page yet (probably going to work on it tonight) but this is the sort of post I needed to head me off in the right direction. I *hate* having pictures taken of me but I think I have enough of me and my family from my birthday to cover it. They aren’t the best pictures, but they’re surely better than not having any pictures at all!

    Writing about myself is a little bit scary, but this is something I have to do if I’m going to kick this blog off, and I’m passionate about the topic!

  24. Hi Lauren,

    Thanks for the helpful tips! I had such a hard time writing my about me section until I came across this post! I brainstormed for a few days, and finally came up with something to work with (I gave you credit for the inspiration!).. I know it will keep changing as I grow as a blogger… and a human! I’ve loved looking at your other posts too, and I look forward seeing what is in store for you in the future!

    -Jess

    1. Yesssss! Loved checking out your revamped “About” page, Jess! I really rocks. After reading it, I feel like we had diet cokes together on a park bench on a sunny afternoon…it was fantastic. And you’re right, your “About” page will undoubtedly grow and change along with you, which is exciting indeed! Thanks for the comment, so I could stop by and check it out. I really enjoyed my visit to Objessions! (Most clever blog title ever.)

  25. This is so helpful! I was recently inspired to “get serious” about blogging. I hadn’t been able to figure out exactly what my purpose was, though, until reading this post! I’ll have to flesh out the idea for myself a bit more, but I think the idea is that I would like to be able to connect with and bless other women through blogging.

    I’m trying to decide if I need to redo my about page. I just redid it, but it’s not nearly as in-depth as yours, and I LOVE yours! If you have time, would you take a look and tell me what you think? I love how your personality comes through your about page. Aside from what you wrote here, what are your best tips for showing personality?

    Have a great day!

    1. I think you’re right about the importance of knowing your blogging purpose before tackling an “About” Page revamp. I think that’s why my first draft felt so stilted. At the time, I really didn’t know what The Thinking Closet was going to be. It hadn’t even really taken form yet. Connecting with and blessing other women is a WONDERFUL purpose to blogging. How wonderful that that has crystalized for you!

      There’s really no “one” approach to revamping an “About” page. That’s why I shared my process and the questions to help people decide what is most important to them as they tackle their own revamp. My “About” page is longer and more in-depth than the average one, but I’ve always been wordy, so anything less would feel uncharacteristic of me.

      Looking at your “About” page, I think it does a great job of giving the overall picture of you and a few details. (Love the pics!) If you want it to paint an even clearer picture of you, I would keep the framework, but add even more descriptive detail. So, when you say mention your husband and when you got married, you could add some imagery to help paint a picture in our minds of what your wedding day was like. Hypothetically:

      “On January 5, 2013, on a misty morning in the suburbs of Chicago, I said “I do” to a wonderful man named William.” Just adding those few details of the setting will help draw the reader in even more! So, you might try an exercise where you add as much detail as possible…like, too much…then edit it down after the fact.

      You also mention the word “personality.” I think that one of the best ways to let your personality shine in your writing is to write with VOICE, which often means writing the way you speak…or writing the way you write to a close friend or family member. You throw in jokes, colloquialisms, sayings. It’s less formal and more easy-going. Try picturing a best friend as you write your “About” page. Write to THEM.

      Those are few tips! Thanks for asking, and I really look forward to seeing if you decide to tweak anything! Let me know if you do. I’d love to check it out.

  26. This article is great! I am relatively new to blogging and I appreciate such user-friendly guidance. I was inspired to put your suggestions to work last week, and I just finished my new About Me page, which is sooo much better than the old one! Here it is: http://liveyourverb.com/the-author/. Thank you!

  27. Hi Lauren,
    I’m new to the blogging world and I stumbled upon your blog when searching for how to write an AWESOME about me page! I’m so excited to start working on mine, and to continue following your blog! Thanks for the great tips!
    Jessica

  28. Here from the SITS blog. You have definitely given me a goal to accomplish very soon since I don’t even have an About page! But I do notice when I go to other blogs, that is one of the first things I look at. Thanks for the suggestions on what to include 🙂

    1. Melissa! I’m so glad to know you’re inspired to tackle an “About” page! Let me know when it’s up on Goal-Minded Girl because I’ll be over there in a heartbeat to check it out and leave you some comment love.

      1. I did it! 🙂 I finished my “About” page! I think I rambled a bit but it was hard to condense into fewer words and convey everything I wanted to say. I may end up adding to it later…we’ll see. Would love to hear your thoughts 🙂 Thanks!

  29. Writing anything even mildly auto-biographical has always been difficult and even intimidating to me. Thank you so much for taking the time it spell out just how important an About Me page is, and why! Definitely a project for me to tackle this week!

    1. You’re so welcome, buckiddo! And I totally understand the intimidation factor…I felt it, too. I think that’s why I thought it was post-worthy to break the process down into do-able steps to hopefully help others out. Let me know if and when you decide to tackle your revamp. I’d love to stop by and check it out!

        1. Yay! I love your revamped “About” page! The list thing totally helps paint a picture in my mind of you – – and the ways that we’d connect! (chai, writing, beaches, for example). And I love what you shared about the community of women sharing their stories and experiences on pregnancy. I’ve found that to be true with d.i.y. and craft blogging, too. Honestly, that has been one of the biggest surprises for me about blogging in general – – the incredible support people are willing to offer and the encouraging interactions we all share. Like this one! So honored that my post may have had a small part in inspiring this revamp. Thanks for letting me know, and you can bet I’ll be featuring this in my Reader Showcase at the end of the summer. Hugs!

    1. Way to go! Your revamp looks awesome and really did such a fantastic job of painting a clear picture of you and your sweet family. I’m so impressed, and if I could, I’d give you an A++ in “About” page revamps (ha ha – – it’s the teacher in me). Thanks for the sweet comment, Shareen!

  30. Lauren
    I found your blog through SITS girls and I am so happy I did! I first thought as I read your first about me post -well that is nice well written. Then upon reading the revamp I fell in love! I truly felt like it was 2 different people I read about and I really can’t remember what you wrote in the first one! It was proof to me that I really liked getting to know you. I often think people really don’t want to know all that much about me they want to see the post. But I really wanted to get to know you more and I feel like I do know you more and yet I have never met you. I am adding you to my sidebar and I will be back to visit each day because I have so enjoyed this post.
    Thanks
    Sandra
    The Adored Home
    PS when you go read my About me page it will not be the revamped on but I am working on it! lol

    1. As I told you on Twitter, your comment made my day today. And it affirms how very desperately my old About page was in need of a revamp…it really wasn’t giving a picture of the true, goofy ME. I’m so touched by all of your follows today and the sidebar love; thank you, Sandra, and I look forward to getting to know each other even better in blogland in the days ahead. After all, we share the Florida connection! 🙂

  31. Thank you for this so much. I’m am just beginning my blog adventure! I feel over whelmed and lost but its coming along. lol Thanks again!

    1. Congrats on the beginning of your blogging adventure! It really is a wild and exciting ride, and you’ll find that the blogger community, especially in the craft and diy niche, is incredibly supportive. Let me know if I can offer any help to you along the way. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but just take it one post at a time, and remember, as the saying goes, don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Best of luck to you, Marilee! (P.S. If it’s of any help, I wrote a post called 10 Tips for New Bloggers…From a New Blogger. Feel free to check it out if you’re hungry for more tips…but if you’re feeling information overload, I understand completely, and you can just ignore me. Ha ha.)

      1. Thank you for the support! I can never be information overloaded! I love learning and researching! Soon as I get my blog together I might bug you to take a look! 🙂 Thank you again you are awesome!

        1. Oh yes! Please “bug” me! Love checking out new blogs and showing new bloggers support! You can do it, girl.

  32. This was a great post! Who knew you could put so much into an About Me page? I do like reading interesting ones, I must admit. You have inspired me. So here I go!

  33. Lauren, this is a truly inspirational post. I thoroughly enjoyed following your thought process during the revamp. You definitely achieved your goal of drawing me in and giving me a glimpse of what I will find when I read your blog. I am off to revamp my own introduction.
    Traci

  34. Wow, great post! I thought my About Me page was pretty much ok, but now…. I have all kinds of ideas to make it MUCH more appealing. Thanks!

  35. Thank you! Loved this post and your About me! I updated mine a few months ago and it reads almost like a bio. I definitely need to add more pictures and insight into my personality.

  36. This is beyond Cool! I never thought of adding pics anymore beyond the one profile type pic…I love it! And you’re writing style totally pulls me in….your personality almost leaps out at me…

  37. Wow, that is a mouthful. Hence your name. The writing closet. So there is a lot I can learn from this. I don’t see mine being that much, maybe one day when I perfect all my writing, but I love how you enhanced your pictures, something I am learning now. Love the bible verse. I actually live near Lil blue boo but never have met her. I will go to work on mine, but I see its not an overnight task.

  38. this is fabulous!! I don’t think my about page is entirely lame, but it’s definitely the one page on my blog I feel like I struggle with the most. How is it that I can write about various aspects of my life, share my recipes, or my latest diy project, but can’t write about me. The one person I should know the best? ha!! Such a bloggy conundrum. Anyhoo, I’ll be bookmarking this post. Or rather, it’s been bookmarked. Thanks for writing and sharing.

  39. Nicely done! You have definitely connected with this reader, whereas on the surface, I would have thought we have nothing in common! I, too, will be the big 3-0 this coming March. And I, too, was in Into The Woods once upon a time. However, I was a singer rather than an actor and I am neither now. I do love crafting and am wanting to get a silhouette, plus you have lots of past posts that I’d like to read. Although I just revamped my About Page, your post has reassured me that I did it well. Let me know what you think, if you happen to stop by. Otherwise, I’ll be reading you later! Adding you to Bloglovin’ now.

  40. I love your new About Me page. I just recently updated mine because it hadn’t been updated in so long, it was insane. When I did mine, I felt it was a good idea to add more pictures at that time. I’m not sure how captivating mine is, but I did describe my family and why I chose their nicknames.

  41. What an awesome post!! I’m totally inspired to tackle my about me page, which I have been putting off forever! Thanks for all the tips and great ideas. 🙂

  42. Yea I need to redo my ABOUT ME page as well, but I have nada in the case of selfies so… xD I’m ugly what can I say. BUT!! I shall work on it. Maybe it’ll help my blog out a little 😉 Who knows~

  43. Love, love, love everything about this post and your blog! 🙂

    I need to revamp mine and really didn’t know where to start, but this post is so detailed and well-thought that I cannot wait to use the tips to fix mine!

    Thanks!! 🙂

  44. So this is an amazing post with amazing tips and I need to use some of them to revamp my about me… pshh, I thought I had it all covered when I revamped it a couple of weeks again. We’ll see! 😉 Thanks for sharing!!!

  45. Thank you so much for this post! I am very new at blogging. I had a spontaneous moment and the next thing I knew I had a blog…Just a bit overwhelming. I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into:))). My about page has been bugging me and this should help a lot! So much to learn and it helps there are others out there to help me with my journey!!!

    1. You’re welcome, Katrina! I’m delighted to hear that this post has been a help to you. Yes, you’ll find that the blogging community is a very supportive one; I’m continually impressed by how many bloggers are willing to share their wisdom and expertise with others. It really does create a collaborative culture, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help. Especially from me! I’m happy to do what I can to support you in these beginning days of blogging.

  46. This is a great post, it has really inspired me, I have brainstormed loads of notes from it and am excited to change my page which currently is too long and a mess.
    Thank you

    1. I’m so glad to hear that, Kara! And I’m impressed that you’ve already taken some notes to help give your “About” page a revamp. I think the hardest part is getting started, and you’re already over that hump. Way to go, girl!

  47. This is a great post… i loved your story!!! Goshhh I really need to work on mi “About page” after reading this, I’m embarrassed LOL, shame on me!… This is going to be my guide post to make an about makeover soon!!!!

    Thank you so much for sharing this GREAT information. It is so important and sometime we give so little credit.

    Would you link this up on my link party I think it would be a great share!!! =D

    Hope you are having a lovely day

    Hugs
    Cami @ TitiCrafty by Camila

    1. Thanks for the invitation, Cami! I shared this post and a few other more recent ones. And no need to feel embarrassed about the current state of your “About” page. Mine was pretty plain for quite some time; sometimes, it can feel too overwhelming to take on. But when you do have time to invest in a revamp, let me know! I’d love to learn even more about you. Happy Monday to you!

    1. If it was ridiculously bland before, it is now ridiculously awesome. You get an A++ on this assignment, Krissy! Thanks so much for sharing the link so I could check it out and get to know you better. 😉

  48. How much fun was this to read Lauren? Let me count thy ways. First, welcome to sunny Florida, I’m only a hop, skip and drive from you in Tampa. I’m with you however, being I was born n Colorado, I miss my mountains dearly.
    I work full time at home for 3M and try to blog when I can, it’s a great outlet. You’re story reads much like mine in your personality in particular. I don’t have time to read too many blogs, therefore I’m rather picky about what I subscribe to. However I think your adorable creative corner of the web certainly makes my cut. I will enjoy reading your musings indeed.

    1. Wow, I’m truly touched by your comment and flattered that my blog has piqued your interest this evening. Your comments have been a delight to read!

      Hooray for finding a Florida buddy in you, Tara! Do you get to make trips out to Colorado very often to get your mountain fix? Thankfully, I’ve been able to get a dose of NY about twice a year. We even had a white Christmas Eve this year, which had me over-the-moon excited.

      Looking forward to getting to know you more here in blogland, Tara!

  49. I love that I know this girl so well!! I’m so excited that I finally read this post. As you know, my about page has been calling my name since I first drafted it, and I’ve ignored it for so long. I have to admit, originally my desire was to keep myself hidden. The internet seems scary and I didn’t want to reveal details about myself (though ironically, so many of my posts bear my heart’s fine china). But you have revolutionized my idea of blogging as community building! And with that knowledge, I do desire to share who I truly am with my readers. Not sure when this big revamp will happen, but I trust it shall happen soon. Would love your feedback on it, when it happens! Love your revamp, with silly pics and all! And beaming from the shout-out…overwhelmed by your love. Love you.

    1. You’re right. It can be so scary to put yourself out there, and I probably wasn’t ready to share so many details about my personal life in my About page when I first started off…but I suppose my fears of vulnerability have been assuaged by the positive responses from readers (like yourself) when I do reveal myself more. I’ve just craved those deeper interactions with readers and knew that by sharing more of myself in my About page, I could achieve those interactions more readily. Yes, blogging can be such a communal event if we allow it to be. And that excites me that you want to build that community even more with squeeze it into little inkdrops.

      Looking forward to a revamp of your About page, dear Lisbeth! I’ll pore over every word and photo…especially silly ones from childhood (which we certainly have by the bucket-full). Love you back, sistah!

    1. Wow! I’m grateful to have been picked as a feature this week. Thanks for hosting such a fantastic party! Will be by to grab a featured button and leave you a comment there, too.

    1. Oooo! This makes me happy as a clam at high tide! I can’t wait to go check it out. Mine took me several days to complete – – it can be a lot of work, but it’s so worth it in the end. Proud of you, girl!

  50. Lauren –these are fabulous tips — every one of them. I am working on the picture part — I absolutely, positively and passionately do not like having my picture taken. I would rather give an hour long speech in front of 20,000 people! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing on Busy Monday!

    1. Wow, Charlene! I think you are unique in that regard. I’ve read that most people fear public speaking more than death! I’m going to call you to take over for me next time I’m called on to give a speech. (Even though I do theatre and teach, I definitely would choose photos over public speaking. Especially in front of 20,000 people!)

      And I don’t think you necessarily NEED photos to paint a clear picture of you in an “About” page. It can most definitely be done with words…and maybe pictures of your favorite places and spaces…. Oooo! Or a comic strip drawing of “A Day in the Life of Charlene!” (Now, you’ve got my creative juices flowin’, girl.)

  51. Awesome tips! I’m going to be pinning this right now for future (as in this weekend) reference. my about page needs a MAJOR overhaul and you’ve provided some fantastic inspiration. I’d be thrilled if you’d share your nuggets of wisdom at this week’s Off the Hook!

    1. Lauren, I’m glad you found it useful and that you might even work on your “About” page this weekend! You can do it, girl. Also, hooray for the central Florida connection!

  52. Lauren, I am loving your new ‘About’ page! So fun! And it is truly inspiring me to rethink and rework mine! I really love the process that you went through to get from your ‘before’ to your ‘after’!
    Kenley

    1. Thanks, dear Kenley! And yes, it was QUITE a process…perhaps more elaborate than others, but I suppose that’s just my way. I do like to be thorough! (Perhaps a little too much.) 🙂

  53. WOW! This was so motivating! I’ve completely changed my About Me page because of this post! I hope you stop by and check it out!

    Jessica
    myworldmadebyhand.blogspot.com

  54. Hi Lauren, I’m reading your 2 new posts, I am taking time to read them! love how you explain everything! please if you have any questions let me know and I will be more than happy to help you! 🙂

  55. Now getting all caught up on my blog reader — I love, Lauren, that you made your about page very you. It is also neat, roaming this thing we call the web, to see the many different approaches to about pages, and just all aspects of blogging and life for that matter. It’s very timely because I have a post this Friday scheduled to come out that I had written up about the topic of receiving tips, and I use the about page as an example because I also recently re-did my about page based on my views, thoughts, and preferences on about pages (which I share in that post). There are just so many approaches and boy if we all did it the same wouldn’t it be boring?! 🙂

    1. You’re right Aubrey – – there are SO many different approaches to this thing called blogging, and it’s fun to find your own route. Looking forward to that post on Friday…you always bring a new spin to things for me, so I’m sure it’ll be very insightful. And “amen” to your last line there. There is beauty in diversity, isn’t there?

      1. Thanks Lauren and I forgot to mention that I liked that you brought up free writing. I’m working on a post (I feel like I always bring up a post I’m working on– so I do apologize if I’m repetitive) on my reflections since NaNoWriMo and starting my first novel and how I approached it with free writing. I’m just such a huge supporter of free writing. It’s so important that we harness that inner editor and set him/her aside, write like crazy without any editing or looking back and then after we let ourselves go and finish writing we can go back, pull out our inner editor and chop away.

        1. No worries on mentioning the posts you’re working on; I actually love getting sneak peeks at what’s to come. And it inspires me to get my butt in gear and get more posts into draft mode. I’m definitely eager to hear more of your process with writing your novel using freewriting. I LOVE that idea! Freewriting on a massive scale! And we are in agreement about that inner editor (in fact, in college, I had a professor who had us draw pictures of our inner critic to personify him/her as a way to acknowledge the critic and then consciously choose to ignore him/her during the freewriting stage). That critic can so get in the way of quality work.

          I love writing without a harness. It’s well…freeing!

          Looking forward to that post, Aubrey!

  56. Wow, that’s amazing…thank you so much for this! I need to plan a day to revamp mine now that I’ve got so many great ideas!

    I’m hosting my Homemaking Linkup Weekend and would love to have you join, if you haven’t already!

    Blessings,
    Mrs. Sarah Coller

    1. That’s a great idea to make a day of it, Sarah! Put on some music, have a cup of something warm and delicious nearby, and maybe even a little reward for yourself after knocking out a first draft (that’s at least how I work…with comforts and rewards!). Enjoy working on your revamp!

  57. Great post! Such an inspiring take on the about page. Mine most certainly needs an update. I love how you’ve done yours with all of the photos and a true introduction about your life!

  58. Eeek! Thanks!
    Yeah, well, I’m really satisfied with the graphics (hey, that’s my job, it would be a shame if I couldn’t make something like this!) but I still feel like there’s some text missing. We’ll see, if I might add some more information about me or my life or the blog… in future!

    But, thanks for the compliment! <3

    Love, Midsommarflicka

  59. I love this, Lauren! Thanks so much for putting this guide together. I love how your About Me page turned out! These things are so hard to write; I definitely have been meaning to revamp my About Me page.

    1. You are so welcome, Jennifer! And yes…it took me several days to muster up the courage to even begin revamping my “About” page, but I’m so glad I did it. It feels so much more TRUE to who I am.

    1. Thanks, Nonny! And best of luck as you create your own. I think an “About me” page will be a great way to introduce yourself to new readers and perhaps bond even more closely with your current readers!

  60. This is so so so fab. I also keep meaning to tell you that I watched all the seasonal downton abbey over the past 2 weeks- so good!!! And yes, you’ve always been shy:)

    1. “Who goes there? Friend…or foe?” Still funny. Every time.

      And that’s awesome that you finished all of Downton! I’m actually still a few episodes away from the finale…drawing it out as long as I can because I hear I’m not gonna like it. We’ll have to swap stories of favorite Downton episodes soon…when we FACE TIME!

  61. Hi Lauren! I found your link at A Humble Creation. My About Me page is in desperate need of work and this post is inspiring to me! Your new about page certainly gets the job done…I love stumbling on Wheaties (my husband recently graduated from Wheaton with his Masters and I worked there for a spell). ANYWAY-Great work, thanks so much for the tips! -Megan

    1. Megan, thanks for your comment! It’s so fun to discover other Wheaties out there in blogland. Where did you work, pray tell? And after visiting your blog, I think I may have discovered a new TV series to get into (not that I need any more). Thanks, chickadee!

      1. Haha! I think we may be getting tooooo emotionally involved in our Television series, Lauren! Ms. Marple may be a bit old fashioned…based on the Agatha Christie series. She was the only female detective I could think of at the time. However, I think you should totally watch Foyle’s War, Inspector Lewis, or the Midsomer Murders 🙂 I worked in the Student Development Office at Wheaton…and loved it!

        1. I’m not opposed to old-fashioned! And thanks, Meg, for the other recommendations! So many ones that are new to me and might have to be my consolation after I finish Downton Abbey.

          Ah yes, student development! We were up at Honey Rock Camp the week right after student development had left this past summer…perhaps we were ships crossing in the night.

  62. Oh, I love love your new about-page!
    And I love as well the picture from your wedding, the one in the right upper corner! <3

    And: I will now definitely sit down and rewrite my own.
    Tomorrow I will start! (It's already evening here, where I am… so not anymore today!)

    Love, Midsommarflicka

    1. Thanks, Midsommarflicka! She didn’t turn out half bad, did she?

      And thanks for the feedback on the wedding photos. I LOVED our photographer, and she captured so many wonderful moments from that day…truly, it was hard to narrow it down to three. But that one in the top corner is totally my token cheesy smile photo. Had to include it!

      Let me know if you revamp yours! I’d love to learn more about you and life “across the pond.”

        1. Good enough? It’s GREAT! I absolutely love the graphics you created and the way you structured it. It’s really easy to follow and truly, a feast for the eyes! Way to put those graphic design skills to work. Brava, Midsommarflicka!

  63. This is a fantastic post. I feel like I need to revamp my about me page too. I always feel that talking about myself is the hardest thing (in writing that is as I can go on and on in person LOL). Found you through Monday Funday.

    1. Cinthya, it can be SO difficult to write about ourselves, I totally get it. That’s why I put off tweaking mine for so long. But after a while, my lam-o super short “About” page just couldn’t be ignored any longer, and I thought, “Go big, or go home.”

      And your funny comment about being able to talk about yourself in person gave me an idea. Maybe you could record yourself TALKING about yourself, then transcribe it and work from that text to create your “About” page. Who knows, it might be a great entry-point! 🙂

  64. what a nice post! thanks a lot for sharing! I’m new in Blogging land and my about me page is more then poor ;)…but your post gave me lots of inspiration!

    1. Thanks, Emily! Yes, I tend to be detaily…(sometimes a good thing, and sometimes, I just need to “Get to the point, darn it!) And I have your button on my linky list, so I’ll be sure to stop by.

  65. WOW,,, what a difference!!

    Can you hop on over and revamp my about page, lol….. that was awesome!!
    Yeah, I’ve always had a problem writing about myself, like that, as in an about page.
    But you’ve seriously given such wonderful tips here, that I think even I could do it.

    THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
    I’m glad I stopped by, your blog looks really fun.

    I’ve pinned this fabulous post so I won’t forget about it when I redo my about me page, hehe. Thanks again girl 🙂

    Have a wonderful day, and stop by anytime to say hello if you can.

    P.s. After coming back from an extended blogging break, I’ve started a 40 day challenge to get HEALTHY by my birthday. If you get a chance to check it out, I could sure use the support!
    Hugs, Bella 🙂
    Bella’s 40 Day Challenge

    1. Hooray! That makes me excited that feel empowered to revamp your “About” page now, Bella! And I’m glad you picked up on the “fun” vibe after your visit here. I do my best to have the maximum amount of fun allowable by law. 😉 And thanks for the invite over to your space. I’d love to offer you some cheers from the sideline. Way to make a goal and go for it full throttle! Hugs back atcha.

  66. Lauren, thanks for linking up this wonderful post at my A New Creation link party. I know you are inspiring so many bloggers with your great advice, wonderful humor, and inviting blog. I know this because I’ve seen this post all over pinterest already! I have a feeling we are all going to be seeing some pretty amazing about pages popping up!

  67. Lauren, I love, love your post “about page” 🙂 you are so creative and so funny, reading it made me laugh and love that you added a picture of you when you were a kid 🙂 You are very inspiring and now I’m thinking of updating my about page too! ha!ha! last October I decided to go “self-hosted”; it was difficult because I didn’t know what or how to do it, I updated my blog but never thought of updating the about page 🙂 thank you so much for sharing this! don’t know if I should add pics of myself, I’m too shy 🙂 hey! My birthday is in March too (coming up soon), Battlestar Galactica (watched all the episodes), The Office and I LOVE, LOVE Downtown Abbey too (I’m at season 3, episode 2)! glad to have found things in common with you! I also agree with you about an “about page” is always in progress, as we are! 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

    1. Look at all those sweet smileys! I’m a smiler, too, Ingrid, so I feel a kindredness to you in that way.

      I’m glad you chuckled at that childhood pic. I happed upon it at Christmastime at my parents’ house when looking through old albums and knew I had to share it on my blog in some way, shape, or form. In that picture, I had just gotten an awful perm (only parts of my hair took to it), so it really does capture a moment in time…perhaps one I don’t want to remember! Ha ha. Gotta love the Bedazzler, too!

      I’m going self-hosted this upcoming week, so I might be coming to you with questions! I know there’s a lot that goes into setting up a new site, so its no wonder you didn’t have time to tweak it all. I’m trying to give myself permission for my new site to be in process and imperfect.

      Oooo, yes, please…do add pics of yourself if you revamp your “About” page! Even one or two. I think it can really help put a face to the name…and I know you’re such a naturally warm and friendly person. It’ll help make for even stronger connections than you have already established with your readers. Of course, you need to do what you’re comfortable with.

      Hooray for all of our similarities between the March b-day, The Office, Downton. Great minds, right?! Thanks, Ingrid, and have a fabulous Sunday evening.

  68. Hi Lauren! I’m back. Wow! Fantastic post. You’re accomplished everything I wish I would have had the courage and confidence to do as a young woman! Hey! It’s never too late. So…..a New Yorker? Most of my family lives in Long Island New York. My grandmother was born in Alabama and moved with her 2 young children to Hempstead, New York in 1930 to live with her sister. I have lots of cousins living in New York and have visited often. I was born in Syracuse and love upstate New York. The spontaneous writing you talk about is a great exercise. I also call it stream of consciousness wriiting. You are so much fun and you have inspired me to take a creative writing class and some art workshops just to get the old creative juices flowing. My about page definitely needs some revamping. Have you ever heard of Riverhead, NY or Northport? I used to visit my family often in both of those places. Well, I have lots of time on my hands so it’s time to get busy revamping my space. Hey how about an online creative writing workshop sometime Lauren?

    1. No, Sandy, it’s never too late! And I admire your hunger to grow. That’s such an admirable quality in a person and it’s exactly where you need to be in order to start making changes.

      Loved hearing about all of your family in New York. My maternal grandmother was born and raised in Locust Valley, Long Island, probably not far from Riverhead or Northport. And my paternal grandparents both attended Syracuse University. That’s where they met! What is it that they say? That we’re connected to everyone on the planet through 6 people or fewer? I’m sure we’d fall in the “fewer” category.

      Yes, I’ve heard freewriting referred to as “stream of consciousness” writing…that’s definitely an apt description. I love creative writing! It’s what motivated me to study English in college and grad school. I wish we could take a creative class together! And who knows, maybe one day I’ll do a creative writing series on the ole blogg’o. That’d be fun! (Now, you’ve got my creative juices flowing.)

  69. Great post! I’ve been thinking I need to update my about page also. I’m not a great writer, nor do I have alot of pictures of myself, but hopefully I can get something better on there than what I’ve got right now!

  70. Lauren,

    It’s late and I’m tired. Just clicked on this post and love it, but I can’t keep my eyes open long enough to truly devour what you have to say! My about page has needed a revamp for a long……time. I’m what you might want to call the accidental blogger because I’m extremely sporadic and inconsistent with my blogging. One of my goals this year is to totally revamp my space to reflect more of me. I, like you, blog for the connections and it’s fun learning new things in the process. Be back sometime tomorrow afternoon to finish reading your post. It looks like a great one!

    Muah! Cyber hugs,

    Sandy

    1. Sandy, are you a night owl, too? Let’s form a club.

      Like you, I have been feeling like my blog design and layout wasn’t a reflection of me…or at least, not as accurate as it could be. So, bit by bit, step by step, I’m working to transform that (mostly behind the scenes…with help). Later this week, you should see some major changes in the “look” of my blog as I’ll be migrating to self-hosted WordPress with all new design elements and graphics. I can hardly contain my excitement over it!

      So…all that to say, I hear ya, I feel ya, and I think if you take it bit by bit, step by step, you’ll start to see changes happen that are really life-giving. But, as the saying goes from the classic film, What About Bob, “baby steps.”

      Now, I’m off to respond to your second comment!

      (Cyber hugs back atcha.)

      Lauren

    1. Heather, I’m glad that I’ve got your mind churning. That makes the teacher in me verrrrry excited! And what sweet comments you left on my blog last night. Way to make this blogger grin from ear to ear.

  71. Wow! And I was impressed by myself for finally actually writing my “about me” page this past week (even though I started blogging last March). I love these ideas and am pinning this because I’m working on a “what I wish I knew a year ago” post for my one-year bloggiversary, and this is certainly a post I will be linking to. Your personality really shines through in your new post.

    1. Thanks, Bonny, for wanting to include this in your blogiversary post! I can’t wait to read all of the tips and lessons you share. I’m always hungry to grow and improve.

      And after a visit to your “About” page, I think you paint a lovely picture of you and your family already. Love the comment about laughing (and crying) every day. 🙂

  72. I loved this post! The tips were stellar, of course, but I love-LOVED reading your new about page. Can we be BFFs? Can we just make that official? That’s the effect your about page had on me: it made me want to be your internet stalker. So I don’t know if that’s a win for you or not, actually.

    Only thing I didn’t love is that now I feel like I have to go revamp my whole about page, when really I’d like to bury my head in the sand and ignore it. But I’m pinning this anyway.

    1. Um….yes, please let’s be BFFs! I actually was already feeling like YOUR internet stalker because of how obsessed I am with your blog…so I’d consider this a “win-win.” 😉

      And no revamping needing for your “About” page! At least, not from my standpoint. I love your analogy at the beginning at being like a child trying to transfer ideas onto paper. Paints an image in my head that makes me chuckle! I love your humor and humility…and of course, I love how you end it with the reminder that we’re covered in God’s grace, so let’s not to take life too seriously. I’m with you 100% on that, sister.

      So, the BFF-ship is official. In fact, I think we need to start rocking one of those heart necklaces that is split in two with the “best” on one half and “friends” on the other. Those were SO the rage when I was in middle school. I say we bring it back!

  73. Lauren,
    After reading your About Me page, I think I know you! How come you didn’t mention your tenor saxophone?

    Seriously, reading your page brought tears to my eyes and reading the responses did the same. It’s amazing to me how blogger connections can be so powerful, moving, and appreciated–but then again, since you connected to your hubby via the Internet, this digital medium has already proven to be a blessed road for you to meet fellow travelers on.
    Keep shining the light ahead on the pathway.

    Love,
    Dad

    1. Ah! Can’t believe I forgot to mention the tenor sax! (Actually, I was feeling quite nostalgic about my tenor sax days on Christmas Eve while listening the orchestra. Might have to try to get in on that action next time around…see if I’ve still got it!)

      Dad, I’m touched to know how much this post and comments moved you! It’s true…connections through blogging can be incredible powerful and authentic. What an unexpected blessing it has been for me! And whenever I roll my eyes about Facebook, I remind myself that God used FB to reconnect Mark and me…so it can’t be THAT bad! 😉

      Thanks for the encouragement and for being an example for me of what it means to “shine.”

      Love,
      Laur

  74. Lauren! Love, love, love this post! Way to go and put yourself and your story out there! You’ve definitely got a lot of insight about what makes a good “about” page- something that i will certainly take to heart when my page needs a refresh!

    1. Thanks for the support, Audra! I felt like it was a necessary step to take in my growth as a blogger. And you’re already taking to blogging like a fish to water. I always perk up to see a new post in my bloglovin’ queue from the “joyosphere.” 😉

  75. so much wisdom to take in and so little time … so I bookmarked ya on Linky so i can revisit when I have more time.

    But … just wanted to interject … you cried at the end of Downton Abbey? I sat there totally stunned. Couldn’t move for at least one full minute. Thankfully I was alone, my family would have been alarmed and would have started some sort of intervention procedure. LOL

    I loaned season 3 to a friend who has been laid up with a shattered ankle (poor dear … she’s a shepherdess to sheep, alpaca and chickens) and she was furious. I mean, really furious. She’s a storyteller in addition to her other talents and she was raving mad at Fellowes for doing that to us. o_O Didn’t matter the actor wanted to move on, but I’m not sure what would have been a good exit.

    Oh well, can’t wait for season4!!

    1. I actually was referencing episode 4 when a certain sister has a certain something tragic happen (don’t want to give too much away for folk who aren’t caught up yet). I really did sob when I saw it.

      I’m not caught up yet with all of season 3 and haven’t seen the finale, but unfortunately, I’ve already had a few spoilers hint at what happens, so I think I know what you’re talking about. Will have to return to this comment to share more once I’ve seen it!

  76. Lauren- thanks so much for the shout out on this post. It’s SO well written. I actually pinned it on my “Blogging/Social Media” board last night before you left a comment but forgot to comment here. I feel like I totally get who you are and want to hang out! 😉 xo

  77. LOVE this post & your new about me page! I’m in awe I made the list with some of those fabulous other ladies for inspiration :o) That picture was a true candid from our wedding….the dark clouds were rolling in, but I wasn’t going to let anything rain on my parade!

  78. Love this post Lauren! You’ve totally inspired me to go and revamp mine b/c I’ve often been asked why I don’t post more photos of myself (aside from my kids) and I realized that people may know my crafts but they really don’t know ‘me’. Great post!

    1. Oooo…yes, I know I for one would LOVE to know more about you, Alex. I bet you have a few ridiculous photos of yourself you can dredge up to share with us. And maybe even a childhood photo…pretty please? 😉

  79. I love your blog, I love your new and improved About Me page, I love the comment you left on my blog, I love that you included me in your list of faves, and I really really really love the picture of you singing “I’m Shyyyy!” Oh, that brought back memories… when I did a study abroad in Paris during college, one of my BFFs would sing that line, and for some reason it was so funny to all of us. We made her sing it over and over, on bus rides, and whatnot. It made us laugh so hard. None of us had even heard of “Once Upon a Mattress,” which made it all the funnier. Anyway, I had forgotten that memory until you mentioned it. Thank you!!! 🙂

    And again, thanks for the shout out! I didn’t even know I have 21 pictures on my page. Thanks for pointing it out, and for the reminder that I’m due for an update as well!

    1. Aw, so much love! Thanks, Rach. And you’re so kind to stop by and leave me a comment.

      That story about your BFF singing “Shy” in Paris is too funny. Love that you developed an appreciation for that lyric (from Once Upon a Mattress) out of context. Ha ha! Happy to jog your memory with that one.

      Yes, 21 pictures is quite impressive! I really did fall in love with your “About” page when I first came across it and really felt like you did such a good job of showing the many sides of you…especially, the goofy ones. Thanks for the inspiration!

  80. Hey! Just came across your post/site and think I’ll bookmark’r to come back and explore some more. You mentioned Wheaton College – in Illinois? I’m still so new to the whole blogging thing that tips like these are valid and appreciated so keep em coming! ~ Dee

    1. Yes, Wheaton College, IL. (I went back in and added the “IL” to my page to help clarify that for others, so they don’t think it’s the one in MA.) What’s your connection to Wheaton, Dee? And I’m definitely planning to post more blogging tips in the future…they’re some of my favorite posts to write!

    1. Glad you gleaned some tips and inspiration, Selene! Enjoy the process of updating your About page. After visiting your blog, it seems like you have a really strong foundation to work from (i.e. love that list you’ve got going).

    1. Oh yes! And I plan to get a lot more use out of it. Having so many colors to choose from is fabulous. And thanks, Ashley! I’m just loving gray paired with about anything these days. “[It’s] so hot right now.” -Zoolander

  81. You are so sweet to include my page and your new About Me page is fabulous! You have shoved the bar way up high and over that mark called EXCELLENT. And now I am thinking about how I can revamp and improve my page with all of your great suggestions. As you say, it is always a work in progress, just like we are.

    1. Aw, Stacy, I so enjoyed writing back and forth with each other when I first discovered your lovely blog. I never forgot about your incredible “About” page, so it was a no-brainer to include it in this round-up. Thanks for your continued encouragement and inspiration! You rock, sister.

    1. Just popped over to your site, and I absolutely loved what I saw! Can hardly tell your site is “under construction.” Everything looks great! But I’m glad to hear that my post could be a resource for you as you revamp. Have fun with it!

  82. I love it, Lauren!!! I feel like I know you so much better after reading it. I love all your goofy pictures. I wish you lived closer to me. I bet you are a total riot in person. I love the headings, breaking it up with pictures, switching between topics and plugging links in to explore more about you. It shows so much of YOU off. I’m going to have to follow some of your tips. Making a list of great about pages is brilliant! I’m a huge list person. Love lists! Thanks for sharing this slice of you with us. I’m pinning it! Hugs!!!!

    1. Bethany, thanks for appreciating my goofy side! I’ll admit, I may not come across that way when you first meet me, but give me a lil time, and I’ll be doing SNL impressions like it’s nobody’s business. Ha!

      I, too, wish we lived closer. I know we’d be meeting up in coffee shops to chat and write lists together and blog side by side. (Oh, wouldn’t that be fun?!) Here’s to someday!

  83. It’s beautiful, Lauren! I knew this baby was a long time coming and it was well worth the wait. Even though we have connected in other ways, I feel like I know you even better from this wonderful about page. In fact, while I started out feeling ok about mine, you have now inspired me to keep working on my own “work in progress” about page as well.

    Loved all the pictures! You are absolutely adorable!
    Thanks for the tips on freewriting and your process. This process is why your new about page has that natural feel that seems like talking with a new girlfriend over coffee (or chai lattes) instead of a stiff, formal introduction. Another knock out piece of writing work!

    1. Jessica, thanks for being such a cheerleader for me with this post! It wasn’t an easy one (the toughest part was structuring it), but I feel good about where it ended up…and I continue to remind myself to feel freedom to tweak it and continue to revamp it as life changes. I’m glad to know that you’re feeling that same freedom with yours.

      And I’m happy to know that you enjoyed hearing about my writing process and about freewriting. It’s one of my passions and a really great tool if you need help getting started whether it be with an About page or a post or a letter or…well, you get the picture. 😉

      And your “About” page is great, Jessica! I remember checking it out the first time you left a comment on my blog and immediately feeling a connection with you. Those photos of your kids, your “favorite creations,” are what really did it for me! In fact, I just went back and saw the comment I left you on December 1st, 2012. You gave ME inspiration for this ABOUT page. So, I believe this is what I like to call the circle of life inspiration. You inspired me and I inspired you and you continue to inspire and I hopefully continue to inspire you….

      Love it!

  84. Fun and thought provoking post. It’s funny but our journeys have been completely different and yet our values, positive aspirations and love for all creativity is similar. You had a closet to support and encourage your early creativity whereas I was locked in a closet and the big people (God bless them as they were sick) tried in vain to stifle my creativity. One of the reasons I teach crochet, knitting and sewing is because I believe I am handing people a creative outlet and way of expressing themselves. I have revamped my About page too.
    Kisses from gentlestitches. 🙂

    1. It saddened my heart to hear that you faced such obstacles and creative oppression as a young girl. But what a redemption story that you now TEACH the creative arts and pass on that outlet to others. What a triumphant twist in the plot of your life! Thanks for sharing from your heart with me tonight. I am encouraged.

  85. Love your new “About Me,” it’s really engaging and I feel reconnected to you after so many years:-) You’re inspiring me to take another look at mine…it’s pretty outdated!

    I loved how you make the connection to sitting down with a cup of joe…One blogger I really like, Jenna from Eat, Live, Run will occasionally write “if we were having coffee together…” posts, and I find them so fun to read. It helps her seem more “real” and personal, not just some stranger on the other side of the computer.

    1. Aw, Steph! I have felt that reconnection, too, through following along in your many athletic adventures on your blog.

      And I’m glad the “coffee talk” metaphor connected with you, too. I guess I’ve enjoyed so many inspired conversations over hot drinks, I forever associate hot drinks with growing relationships. I think a lot of that was born during our Wheaton days, in fact. Remember making cups of hot chocolate and hot drinks with our little hot pots? (Didn’t everyone have one of those?) Ha ha. Seems almost like a rite of passage to have to use one of those with the skimpy short cords…especially on Sunday nights when all we had to eat was Ramen!

      #thegoodolddays, #Wheatonmemories, #2south2sexy, #hotpotnostalgia (not sure if I even did that right…but you get the idea!)

    1. Thanks, dear Kelly! Yes, it was a lot of work, but the good kind of work. The life-giving, creative kind. And your light-hearted attitude always lifts me up, so thanks for passing on such contagious energies to me, too!

  86. 1. I just looked at your about page (really I did) and was sad that if was old. Not the big 3-0 old but old. It looks great.
    2. I love the shirt you are wearing in your excited photo (photo 1).
    3. I think I know the photographer who took that photo of you at the rehearsal 😉
    4. Hope all is well.

    1. J-Nat! It makes me happier than you can fathom to see you here. I miss you, Addie, and the Saw-Dog something fierce. We’re planning a trip out to see the musical this April, so you can bet I’ll be stopping by the school to say hi to you cool cats…maybe crash your class and sit in the back, so I can learn from you. Especially if you’re teaching Gatsby!

      1. Sad that YOU are old? Pshaw. Age is just a number.
      2. Glad you caught that! That shirt got captured in many a photo during our trip to Yellowstone a few years back. Now, it makes me so happy to see it there.
      3. Oh yes, I think you know him. I think you know him REAL well. Please thank him for being such an awesome photographer and capturing me in all of my ridiculousness. 🙂
      4. All is well, friend! All is well. We hope the same is true for you and your sweet fam. Sending hugs to you Natalies!

  87. Great post, Lauren! Your writing style is so clear and fun! Full of energy and creativity as you always have been!! Loved reading about you from your perspective now. I am so grateful for who are you!

    1. Thanks, Mama! Yes, I imagine that this page could change dramatically from year to year…perhaps even month to month…but it feels great to have something in place that is more of an accurate picture of who I am right now. Today.

      Thanks for being such a voice of encouragement as I explored the creative arts as a child, adolescent, and adult. Oftentimes, I followed your example! I, too, am so grateful for the woman that God created you to be.

      1. Aw…thanks, Lauren!! Your favorite Bible Verse is an especially powerful one! Was that one of the verses from Kids in Action? (that summer we did fun crafts, Bible verses, and acts of kindness).

        1. You know it! (I think from the G-T tapes originally.) It’s amazing how putting a verse to a song can forever sear it into my memory…and into my heart! Loved Kids in Action…especially earning those patches on our denim bags. Now THAT would be a fun craft to feature on my blog sometime…especially now that denim is coming back with a vengeance!

          1. Ah, yes, that was the song that had a country style, wasn’t it? I can hear it in my head now! I think it was on the GT tape and we used those for Kids in Action! The patches on the denim bags seemed to be a great motivator for you and others. making the denin bags out of old jeans WOULD be a fun blog post one day! Have a loverly Saturday!

  88. I finally added an “about us” page to our blog, but you’ve really raised the bar. I think we’ll have to re-write it using your great tips. Thank you!

    But I have to say that the thing that stuck out to me is that you live in Orlando and I’m going to be there for almost 2 weeks this spring while my husband has back to back conferences. I’m not really a Disney girl, so I’m looking for slightly less expensive and intensely crowded ideas for myself, our charming 4 year old, and our uber-cool Dutch exchange student. When I see all the cool things you make with your Silhouette, I’m thinking I need to pack mine, then bribe you to have a craft party with us!

    1. Jen, I think your ABOUT page is in great shape, actually! That photo of you and your hubby with your charming four-year-old in the background covering his eyes is too cute for words. If you re-vamp your ABOUT page at any point, you’ve GOT to keep that picture.

      And that’s so exciting that you’ll be visiting Orlando this spring. I’m actually going to shoot you an email right now about it….

  89. Very insightful. I love everything you write, mostly because I hear your words in my voice, in MY head. We think very much alike sometimes.

    I hung on every word. My poor little about page was slapped together over the course of a few late night cram sessions. Thanks for the pointers.

    1. That’s funny, I can hear your voice loud and clear when I read your posts, too. I think it’s that whole long-lost-twin-thing. Perhaps not as elaborate of a theory as we had initially suspected…. Dun, dun, dunnnnnn! 🙂

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