2013 in review and some thoughts on 2014.

Heather at The Majokko Shop posted her end of the year review HERE and that, along with some year end discussions elsewhere, has inspired me to post my own take on the year that was and the year to come.
First up, my view of where things will be going on this blog.

-RoG is NOT going to become a "Daddy blog" (ugh) in spite of some recent posts to the contrary. I love my kids and I have taken time to discuss each of their births here but that isn't the focus of this blog.

-I will try to stay as apolitical as possible. What I share with my readers in this little corner of the internet is intended to be familiar to those with similar hobbies. I've met people from around the world both here and at other blogs and sites with whom I share common interests but I have discovered that we sometimes don't see eye to eye on other issues. You didn't come here for a poli-sci lecture so I'll try to spare you from reading one.

-I hope to not devolve in to a "look what I got" type of blog. Yes, collecting is a major part of my hobbies but I see it as merely a means to an end rather than an end unto itself. The goal is to find things I like and to enjoy them, not to brag about what I've bought. I want to share with like-minded enthusiasts but not wave it in your face if such a hobby is currently out of reach. I understand because I've been there many times in my life and even now, other priorities often come before hobbies.

While 2013 was a bit of a wild ride in real life (including a near miss from an EF4 tornado!), the hobby side of things went pretty well. I've change my strategy a bit to reflect the reality of my life nowadays. Whereas I once envisioned grand projects, I now limit myself to simple, reachable goals. I decided to finally branch out and purchase some more expensive figures and dolls than I had normally done in the past. This led me to buy some 3A/Ashley Wood figures and a few Azone Pure Neemo dolls. Honestly, I'm happier with this direction AND I think I might've spent less over all than in some of my busiest years of "kitbashing". I still love a good bargain and I do still pursue a want list of older figures and dolls but that's no longer competing with the "Hey, why don't I kitbash an entire Army brigade in 1/6 scale" approach that I was taking. Let's face it, buying piles of stuff that you may use on some project that you might do is a huge waste of space and money.

Since I really had no specific goals in relation to this blog, I can't say that I've failed or achieved anything of note this year. I do wish I'd posted more since I had plenty to write about but the time and motivation just weren't there.

Looking forward to 2014, I want to post here more often and expand my network of fellow hobbyists. One important change that needs to occur is photography. While we don't all speak the same language, sharing the hobby through imagery is nearly universal. This is something I struggle with, not only because of time and space constraints but I simply don't use my camera to its full potential. It's nearly impossible to keep a permanent photography area set up in my house and my camera (a Nikon D40X) seems rather finicky about the light and setting I use. I might need something a bit more idiot proof!

Aside from my previously mentioned "want list", I have no definite plans for the hobby in 2014. I'm pleased with my collection of Pure Neemo dolls and will probably add more this year. I initially planned a limit of six but I can easily see that increasing. However, I think I'd rather focus on things like accessories and clothes instead of just buying more dolls. I also REALLY need to inventory and assess my stuff with an eye towards pairing it down (didn't I say that here once before? Hmmmm???).

So, in conclusion, I guess for now I'l just keep doing what I've been doing but try to take and post more photos. Or something like that...!

Oh yeah, Happy New Year.