Thoughts: You're Your Greatest Weapon

It's been awhile since I've done one of these. Really; the Muddy Middles were nipping at my heels for so long. I've learned something this week, and I'd like to share it with you.

This personal blogging is something entirely new to me. To be honest I didn't know what I was getting myself into and then all of a sudden I'm learning all about sponsors and networking that is all unique to the blogging community. It's been one crazy month, and for those of you joining me each day; thank you from the bottom of my heart.

As a Graphic Designer, Brand Identity is in my blood. I usually find myself using it as conversational pieces with all of my friends and I over analyze things far too often. There are so many blogs out there that there is a good amount enough to stereotype blogs. Fashionistas, DIYers, Chefs, the categories go on. I started to wonder, what on earth did I lie under? It started to cast doubts on me, will my vision of sharing my life with others be all in vain? Am I talking to myself? Surely the page views aren't ghostly figures of me clicking away! (Though that would be pretty cool...) It's pretty hard to be a new blogger, you feel alone in your little island of blog land. I was feeling pretty glum.

I was losing grip, and then I went to the Tea Festival. I was so content that entire day, soon to realize it was because I was in my element. There's something beautiful about me that made me want to share my life with the world: I'm different. I am my own Brand Identity, something complex and built over time. What makes me so unique is the choices I make, my interest, and the life I lead.

Isn't that what blogging all about? What made me fall in love with personal blogs was the charm and welcome feeling you get on each post, something that has chiseled away at the hard lines of copy writing and article writing to make a whole new kind of animal. A beast thats powered by the beauty of first hand opinion, and the beauty of sentiment. I am proud to be apart of this powerful movement.

It's easy to become frightened of losing viewers, or having fear of lacking acceptance for a choice of topic. When you do, consider that people were drawn to YOU and what YOU had to say. This goes for any outside social acceptance as well. You are your greatest weapon, because no one else quite does what you do.

I will continue my journey sharing what my life has blessed me with. The blogging community is a bit intimidating, but at this point I don't think any move can be a wrong one. Everything is moving so fast, but I'm starting to enjoy it that way. October was such an amazing month for me and this form of blogging has shaped me once again. Again I want to thank all of you taking a look at my page, this wouldn't have been possible without you.

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I Heart: Monster High Revolution

Please visit www.monsterhigh.com

 So the other night I was milling through my local drugstore looking at hair dye and other nifty things that you find there (I got a Shake Weight on Clearance! Huzzah), when I stumbled across this interesting display:

If any of you are familiar with the toy market these days; the models resemble curiously enough the main characters of Monster High. To catch up the ones that don't know what I'm talking about Monster High is an online web series created by Mattel to sell their new line of dolls. The gist of the plot are classic monsters have their children attend this monster friendly school where they deal with adolescent issues like self acceptance and diversity in a fun way. Next time you go out; keep a look out for these cool toys they are absolutely inspirational!

Back to the display, no this product wasn't made by Mattel and these beauty products were actually create for adults. If you think about it though, the Monster High feel has become quite the Revolution. Its tied our society's Vampire/ Zombie obsession with the Rockability/ Pop Culture. In other words: "Freaky just got Fabulous"! Fierce fashion and ghoulish fetish are in. For someone that used to spend her Saturday mornings watching anime and classic monster silent films this is the best of both worlds. It's not too girly and not too garish, rather it's created this fun world thats full of energy and clever creations.

The dolls are a thing of wonder. The characters were created so carefully to incorporate the old characters with something new that the new generation can relate to. The latest dolls are quite interesting; as they've created a hybrid of classic monster with modern subcultures.

As an art major; studying the campaign alone is a thing of brilliance. They've created something that can be loved by adult and child alike. I also enjoy that there are an equal amount of both male and female presence in the story. Once in the mall I saw a little boy playing with the Monster High Dolls and it was absolutely adorable!

My lovely Spectra Vondergeist
with my custom designed MLP

What started my addiction to these fun series was actually the beautiful Spectra Vondergeist. I'm a real sucker for ghost stories and classic tales of haunts. I devour the gothic novel, but I find that ghosts aren't as popular of a monster than others. The minute I saw this doll I was in love with it! She's transparent and fades to a clear on her hands and feet. I also loved the details of the ball and chain shoes and the fluttery dress. I was so smitten with her my fiance got her as my Christmas present last year. I should also mention that she's a blogger, that was the icing on the cake for me...

I expect there will be more Monster High leaking into other pop culture. I do get excited when I see the new classic monster purses on sale at the mall and the growing of gothesque items available in fashion these days. With the release of their first full movie on DVD the 9th of this month I'm sure that this is only the beginning.

Monster High Movie + Homemade party sweets = One awesome Halloween!

I'm excited!
-Stef

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