Why Livingston Way?

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As most of you know, this blog used to be called “Life & Times of the Intelligent Blonde.”  Everyone knows that “dumb blonde” is an overrated stereotype but my oldest brother used to give me the hardest time about it, so the title was fitting.

You probably also noticed that I used to write under Alana Christine and you probably never saw my last name used.  You might have thought that was to protect my identity, but what you don’t know is that I wrote under that pen name because I hated my last name (and the man it came from). I wanted nothing to do with any adulterous man who would treat his wife and children as poorly as he did. It’s bad enough that they simply added an “a” to the end of his name to create my first name (clever, right?), but to be stuck with a last name that I was mercilessly mocked for in Elementary School was just too much (kids obviously aren't very creative, calling me "Duffle Bag," but they were hurtful nonetheless).  My blog was a place for me to be the person I wanted to be with no regard to my name.

I always looked forward to the day I would marry not only because that meant I had found my soul mate, but also because that meant I could change my last name.  I absolutely love my new last name and I’m so glad I get the opportunity to redefine myself, starting with the thing I once hated so much about myself (my last name). 

Livingston Way has many meanings:

1. The most literal meaning…learning to be a wife (and a Livingston).
2. I think of "Livingston Way" as an address…a place that God led me—I was destined to end up here.
3. It’s a new frame of mind…I am finally able to let go of what I was most self-conscious about and move forward.

I am so excited about this new journey and I can’t wait to catch you up on everything that you've missed out on! Be sure to follow me on Bloglovin’ so you can read along (if you had previously followed Life & Times, you will need to follow me again to be synced to Livingston Way—sorry for the inconvenience).

Next up? I’m thinking Our Love Story would be a good place to start…

The Future of This Blog

As you may or may not have noticed, I have not posted anything new to this blog in ages. Like a lot of bloggers do, I struggled to find my place in the blogging world while still being relevant to readers...over time, blogging became more of a chore than the creative outlet that I originally designed it to be. 
Despite my lack of posts, I have never stopped reading my favorite blogs--I have remained in contact with a few of you and occasionally post comments on your blogs. I just could not find the motivation to write..that is, until now. 
Over the next few days/weeks, you will notice some changes to this blog. I want this blog to become a true reflection of who I have become. I don't know how often I will post, or what my niche will be, but I want to write again...I NEED to write again. 
I can't wait to catch up with every single one of you and I promise I will start commenting & posting more often!
Now, please help a sista out and give me any and all tips you have on re-branding a blog?! 
Also, what site does everyone use to follow their favorite blogs now? I used to just use Blogger, but I know changes have been made that only allow me to follow a certain amount of blogs--there has to be a better option!

Until Next Time, The Intelligent Blonde
(I couldn't resist using that tagline one more time, but it will be the last!)