Every August we celebrate a gleeful occasion: the birth of our community. Since 2008, Doe Deere Blogazine has been a place of positivity, inspiration, and encouragement to young women everywhere. We are a community of girls of all ages & walks of life, all uniquely different but who have several core values in common. We incorporate self-expression into our daily lives and have a taste for all things edgy & slightly odd. We find inner strength through outer beauty by making a statement to the world with our clothes and makeup. We each possess a special gift that we’re eager to share with the universe.
We are not perfect. Sometimes we feel angry, insecure, and make mistakes, but always find a way in the end. We are tough but girly, considerate but driven, love ourselves but care about each other too, and see a silver lining on even the darkest of clouds. I am proud to be a part of a community that doesn’t judge, supports each other, and is filled with forward-thinking women. If you ever wondered where all the talented, creative girls hang out, this would be the place. ;)
Doe Deere Blogazine is designed with you in mind. Unlike other blogs, it’s not a one-way narrative but, instead, an ongoing discussion where readers’ comments are as valuable and valued as the posts of the author. Five thousand deerlings log on every day to read, learn, discuss and pass the glee on to others.
In recognition of the fact that the blog is a collection of its readers as much as it is its author, I invite you to participate in a special Anniversary Box of Delights!
Doe Deere’s Box of Delights: Anniversary Edition
What is a Box of Delights?
It’s a mystery box filled with hand-picked goodies I put together especially for the winner. Lots of love goes into these, but this time I’m making it extra-special! The only way to find out what’s in a box is to win it.
How to enter:
Tell us in comments: what makes you, YOU?
You have until August 19th to submit your answers. Winner will be picked at random & contacted by email. Good luck!!!
Our winner is Abby (comment #39)!
That I’m not afraid to stand up for my beliefs and be honest to myself
What makes me, ME is my unique way of thinking, I have my own world inside my head… go ahead and call me crazy xP
What makes me, me? Damn, that’s a good question. So here’s my answer: I’m brave. Let me explain.
For my K-12 education, I went to a small private school that was lucky enough to not have uniforms. That didn’t mean people didn’t wear them though: designer jeans, Abercrombie & Fitch, you know the types. From an early age, I said ‘screw that!’ and did what I wanted. The first day of 7th grade, I went to school with purple hair. I was the only person who had ever dared to do something like that, and my bravery continued. I dressed how I wanted, I did what I wanted, never afraid of what others thought of me. I spoke out when others kept their mouths shuts and yes, I made one or twelve scenes. I got teased for it by some people, yes, but the majority of people actually respected me for it. They liked seeing what strange hair color I’d have next, or interesting makeup I’d wear or funky outfit I’d have put together. They thought it was great that I’d sit in the lounges reading comics, or on dress-up days I’d always have an amazing costume. But I didn’t do it for them. I did it for me. Because I wanted to things like that, for myself. And yes, before you ask, this has continued into college. It’s always interesting to see people just coming into their own around me when, as far as I’m concerned, I’ve always been there.
Every decision I’ve made, good or bad, has shaped me into the person I am today, along with my experiences. I have many flaws, but also many strengths, including the ability to work through those flaws and turn them into something positive. =)
Whit Reply:
August 12, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I remain true to myself no matter what – in how I dress, how I behave, in what I believe. I look at it this way: it’s my life, why not live it how I choose? Who cares what anyone else thinks or says!
If we were all the same, the world would be pretty damn boring. Being different in and of itself makes a difference.
What makes me who I am?
Nothing makes me who I am.
I am me, and I am the one that gives worth and value to everything that is part of me.
I am the one that makes what could define me.
Ergo, there’s nothing that makes me be me, but I am the one who makes things be me, because I make them be part of me.
A combination of creativity, love, emotion, thoughts, ideas, a love of Vincent Price, and admiration of Bette Davis as well as my mother and grandmother. And my daughter, I became a different person after she was born… all for the better :)
I’ve never been afraid of being myself and I love expressing myself through clothing, hair and makeup. My hair has been every colour of the rainbow and despite being made fun of in high school my main goal is to stay true to myself (:
I am a conglomeration of interests and ideas that have nothing to do with each other, but survive perfectly together in me. What makes me me is the fact that I am perfectly comfortable admitting when something interests me, I have no guilty pleasures, I never feel guilty for what makes me happy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to an awesome blog and may it have many more!!
I’m me because I’m not afraid of taking risks and following my heart no matter what the consequences. Always be true to yourself because people and their opinions come and go the only person whose opinion matters is your own because at the end of the day you’ve got to live the rest of your life with yourself.
xoxoxo
My apologies – I don’t mean to enter twice – but I hit the wrong button!
“I remain true to myself no matter what – in how I dress, how I behave, in what I believe. I look at it this way: it’s my life, why not live it how I choose? Who cares what anyone else thinks or says!
If we were all the same, the world would be pretty damn boring. Being different in and of itself makes a difference.”
What makes me, me is tons of things! I have never really gone with the crowd ever, and I have always done what I think is right and what I wanted to. I also have a creative way of thing, to say it kindly :) I also ( may sound werid) have an imaginary world in my mind where I am older and all these people I meet and how things come about, and everything! I also have an “old soul” from what people tell me, and that is hard to find these days with all of the technology and things out nowadays. Whats makes me, me is living life everyday with no regrets making sure I do all the things I want to do, and skip on all the things I otherwise don’t all while following three key things. My heart, soul, and dreams :)
What makes me ME is my imagination and creativity. I would be lost without my art.
I’m full of color and eccentricities: I’m the only 18 year old girl I know that shares a deep love for all things vintage, flowery, glittery and bright. I love to create, whether it be in the kitchen or with a needle and thread. Most importantly, I love to give: my mother spends nearly every day nursing dying people from ages five to ninety five. My current project is I’m giving them jars of homemade trail mix and some handmade chocolates, because I know it will make at least one person happy.
I am proud to be a respectfully rebellious person. I am a free thinker and do my own thing, but I don’t do it to spite those who think other wise. I simply do it for myself.
Love and Turtledoves,
Jaco
diamondinthedark-smacko@hotmail.com
I think what makes me me is a paradox ; I’m always going from one extreme to the other.
I’m self-confident to the point of narcissism, and cribbled by insecurities, I love to have people around yet I love being alone, I’m always sure of myself yet I can’t make a decision … the list goes on forever. In lucid times, I think I just like everything, some of it more one day than the next or the past day.
I can’t even pick a favourite color from the rainbow ! I like them most because they hold them all. Go rainbows <3
It’s hard to tell what makes me, me..
But i’ll try :)
I think my friends remember me as the girl who’s always sweet and happy..
I always see the bright side in things, even when nobody else does.
When someone is very sad I can alwatys say things that make them happy.
And when something hits me and I’m sad, the next day I’ll get up with a smile and
enjoy the new day, the new start..
That’s what me makes me soooo ME :)
What makes me, me is the wonderfull mix I am. I’ll wear flowery summer dresses with combat boots and a military hat or a black simple dress with a pink neon belt with a skull buckle with diamond eyes. I have blue hair and sometimes blue lips but the next day i might wear a simple neutral look. What makes me, me is the fact that there’s no label for me.
Lina
I am the sum total of my genetics and my experience. I carry the left-handedness of my grandmother and the eyes of my father’s sister. I have left my biological family 2500 miles behind and have created a new one from the kindred souls I place in my life. I dance, I dream, I love, I learn. I try not to sweat the small stuff and I have created a fondness for fabulous eye makeup. This is what makes me Alicia.
There are many things that make me, me.
My strength to handle an unstable and abusive older sister growing up.
My creativity that I express in everything, from the way I dress, to what I draw, and how I decorate.
My unending thirst for knowledge and experience.
My courage to push myself past my comfort zone, taking this shy girl and turning her into the leading actress of a musical.
My compassion and empathy for others, to the point where at 18, I’m often described as a motherly figure.
But also my friends and family. Their support has allowed me to blossom and become the person I am today.
I never, ever regret anything that I’ve done or experienced. I take everything as a lesson and am focused on growing and changing every single day.
I am the girliest girl you will ever meet. I love makeup, shopping, baking, decorating, and anything else girly you can think of! My kitchen is completely decorated in cupcakes, and I even have one tattooed on my right hip. I also have two pink bows tattooed on the backs of my legs :) I am the most non-confrontational person I know. I can’t stand it when people don’t like me, and will do anything to make them change their mind. I believe in nothing more than love, and that if you have true love, then you truly have it all. I am in school for makeup artistry currently. I am still figuring out how I’m going to make a living doing what I love, but I am glad I have finally discovered who I am!
My “flaws” are what make me.
I’m an introverted person. It turns a lot of people off, but at the same time it makes me build stronger relationships with my true friends.
I’m an anxious person. I might fret a lot, but being so anxious has it’s perks. I think about everything so I always seem to have multiple answers for a solution in case one fails.
I’m a perfectionist. It might hurt more than normal when I fail, but I come back twice as strong.
I sometimes get a princess attitude. Sure, I might be going out just to get a few groceries, but I’m going to do it in style…well, in my lovely weird style that is…
I love my “flaws”, because they make me who I am.
what makes me ME is the fact that i am the girliest girl that listens to heavy metal and loves hello kitty as much as i love switchblade symmphony, i dunno im just a very odd girl! :)
my friends. and my tulle skirt.
What makes me “me” is that I’m not perfect, the fact that I don’t care what other people think, as long as I’m happy with myself it’s all good. I can be who I want to be. I have died my hair crazy colors, cut it super short, worn tutus to school…All of these things made people think I was weird, crazy, or flat out stupid, but that doesn’t matter.
Happy Birthday!
The thing(s) that make me the person I am, are all the other people I have in my life. My family and friends impact pretty much all of my actions and choices, and I know they make me very happy. I’m me thanks to them, and from that I’ve learnt that the only opinions you should value (whether that be over your style, career, lifestyle etc.) are those from the people that have your best interests at heart. Because of them I’m calm, creative and pretty much care free :)
I am half of redneck/half beach girl, so i enjoy my time playing in the salty gulf coast but I also love to ride my horses and trail ride in the woods!
<3 but in between these activities, I have a love for beauty!
I’m me because I hold on tight to my morals and ideals, and refuse to compromise any part of myself or them for anyone!
What makes me me is that I live the moment with passion always. I follow my heart, try to find the beauty in the world and in the eyes of those I love. I’m light and darkness, lost and found, very scared and very brave. Right now, I feel very grateful for what I have, for those roses blossoming around me.
To explain the process of being able to truly represent you; your whole being, the things that make you click, where your heart lies when it’s at its most quiet…that would take a lot longer than a comment box :)
How I stay true to the my-self that incorporates this world…
–I always speak my mind, even if it appears too frank, the truth behind it not only stands up for itself…it may be the only truth a friend hears all day…
–I never, ever, let a happy moment pass me by…this is a key secret to remaining close to your inner child AND avoiding the jadedness that is slowly conquering our society…
–I use big words in conversations! Let them eat cake…
–If I’m feeling down, I actively search out someone to help, somewhere to apply my extra energy. This allows me to stay out of self AND also to be of service to others…
–I pay attention to my dreams…they are clues into your psyche that, although sometimes only rudimentary idols of what you believe and are thinking at the time, can help you make decisions. They can also inspire like no earthbound image…some of my most creative outlooks are direct lineage from even the most grueling dream.
–Lastly, I am a caring friend. No matter what is going on in my life I focus all of my attention on the people in my life, and try to see where I can benefit them. The best feeling in the world is being able to be there for someone else…especially if you share an experience with them. I always try to hold dear that selfless little girl who grew up on the outside, but will never adult-ify her true soul.
p.s. Thank you D.D. — you are an inspiration to us every day :)
I’m very shy around people I don’t know well, but I like everyone. My family means the world to me, which includes friends who have become family. I’m a slave to my ridiculous imagination. Others have described me as childish & impossible– They aren’t wrong. I’m never in a bad mood unless I’m hungry. I love learning, adventures & long walks and someday I’ll travel all over the world. I am the illegitimate daughter of art and science, and although I am nerdy and a little awkward, I know who I am. I am me, and I refuse to be anyone else.
i am me. i love who i love and what i love, the music i like is what i like and im not afraid to show that, the clothes i like are the clothes i wear and dream of wearing 9/usually if i cant afford it)i am definitley not a sheep. Even with my idol, there are things i do not agree on, i dont copy people, i just stick to what i like. My friends are all different too. what makes me me is my personalty, bright, bold, determined, kind, controlling, crazy, happy, jealous-but-admiring, cute, cuddly, independant, stubborn and INDIVIDUAL. i love many different styles and people, makeups and clothes.
But most importantly I AM ME.
Hey, men read this blog too.
What makes me me? That would be my insecurities. My fears and the things I’m terrified of. Not just those, though, it’s also my ability and absolute need to get over those fears. Every little barrier I force myself over makes me a bigger and better person. They make me me.
What makes me me is my way of thinking and how I live with what I have. Like a lot of Autistics, I think in pictures and images, not words. I had a hard time learning to read some words because there’s no image attached to it. Yet I learned how to read and am a voracious reader.
I manage to live a pretty normal life despite having Autism, Epilepsy, and Cerebral Palsy. People are always surprised to hear I have these. It’s learning to live with them, not against them. They aren’t disabilities to me, but part of who I am.
My free-dar that my friends and family have come to love. If there is something free–I’ll find it!
My inability to control my squealing when I see a puppy. It doesn’t matter if the “puppy” is 15 years old…they are always puppies to me!
My love for photography. It’s been a bumpy ride but it’s the one thing I will always come back to.
My need to experience every festival, convention, parade, or garage sale I hear about!
That people never quite know how to describe me…except loud. :D
There is a quote I know that would be very appropriate here.
“Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I’ve ever known.”
-Chuck Palahniuk
Elfy Reply:
August 12, 2010 at 5:17 pm
I was going to write this in my comment. It’s so true.
What makes me me?
I am a very unique person. I love how different I am, I choose things because I like them, not because of what other people like or think.
That even though I get teased, I’m in love with a cartoon character. <3 And that I wear blue/purple in my hair!
Sydney Reply:
August 16, 2010 at 12:41 pm
I’m in love with a book character ;3
Abby Reply:
August 20, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Awesome! =D I’m not the only one in the world, hoorah!
KitOfPirates Reply:
August 24, 2010 at 8:44 am
^o^ bwaha nicee! I used to love Trunk from Dragonball Z! o_0;;;
Happy Birthday, Blogazine! (:
What makes me, me, is my open mind and heart. I am always open to new ideas, learning new concepts, testing my boundaries and accepting differences instead of being a negative, bigoted person. I value having positivity, helping others, and I avoid judging others. With my open mind and heart, I also like to pursue many hobbies and interests (whether that be art, music, makeup, psychology etc.) and allow myself to venture into new endeavors with excitement.
On the surface I’m a placid lake, but on the inside I’m a raging sea. I’m always thinking, and dreaming, but you’ll never know what I think or how I feel until I choose to let you know.
My odd sense of humor. Also, does the fact that I have my boyfriend’s kidney make me .03% less me and partially him? ;)
The thing that makes me ME is well my differentness. I wear “crazy” make up. Thats how people remember me mostly. I always do my make up differently everyday and It’s always fun!! Even when I ware dark clothes I still brighten it up with my make up. I dyed my hair a lot mostly the colors of the rainbow literally. Which I loved to do! Unfortunately my hair was really damaged so now i’m back to my strawberry blonde, which is a different color in its self fortunately! And wearing whatever clothes I want to wear and not choosing a type of style but them all!! Thats what make me Me!! Oh and not giving a care to the world what people think about me and my differentness and ignoring all the dirty looks (there just jealous anyways haha)! ;)
What makes me ME is the fact I don’t let my family dictate who I am, what I do or how I live. I don’t listen when they criticize my career choice (makeup artist). I don’t listen when they criticize the fact I’m single. I don’t listen when they criticize anything about me. I don’t change. I wear what I feel like; bright lipstick, dark lips, black nail polish or any kind of ‘themed’ outfit. I’m just myself and being myself makes me ME.
What makes me me? Eccentricity, hard work, a great sense of humor, and the ability to be the greatest friend. Ever.
My creativity. Im not afraid to make my mark on this world within my eyes ;).
What makes me me? Oh, it must be all of the things I went through, in my younger life. The way I always think. The way I find magic where others find boredom (libraries, book stores, empty hallways, patches of sunlight, well in a lot of places).
The way I have been bullied, and that it made me not shy, not lacking in self-confidence, and not arrogant to contrast them.
It made me strong, independent, it made me learn more about myself then any tween of merely 11/12 could have known about themselves (and I still know more about myself then most of the people my age, I am certain, I’ve been alone and thinking quite a lot in that time. (I am 16 now)). It has been so important to me, I’m a strong personality and the bad experiences made me stronger and look at the world with my own eyes and never someone else’s. I am honestly happy with who I am (: and I am not scared to say that (as it is no arrogance, it is loving oneself (not in a narcissistic way haha)). *Also: The way I’m difficult to describe because I have so many interests and facets…haha..it’s bothersome sometimes*
*And my insane clumsiness. Everyone in my family identifies me with it.*
What makes me me is that I am impulsive! When it comes to both fashion and life choices, I draw outside the lines in every crazy color imaginable, and rather than ‘going overboard’ on a project, I dive in head first. I know I probably sound reckless, and I am in many situations, but not carelessly so. I allow people to tell me that I am overconfident in what I wear and how I live, that I should take a step back or lower my expectations, and I listen, but often only to be polite. Many of the people I love, people who have become a great part of my life, stay safe in their comfort zones. That’s great if that’s what they enjoy. But I’m living in my dream world full of bright colors and risk taking!
I am definitely not afraid to speak my mind! What also makes me me is my great personality and ability to get along with just about everyone :)
My inability to think before I speak or act has done a lot to make me “me”. :D
Also, to be technical, my genetics make me who I am.