Images from Gemma Comas series I See Beauty In (Almost) Everything.
This post is a little off the usual faire you’ll find here, I hope you’ll indulge me.
Have you noticed that tons of design blogs are written by Mormons/former Mormons? What’s the deal with that? It’s sort of a hush-hush topic I hear whispered about at blogging conferences.
As a Mormon myself, I think about this from time to time and I get asked about it a lot. There are a few theories I’ve heard. Emily of Design Star wrote about it here. She thinks her creativity came from having limited resources in a big family. From having to shop at thrift stores and ingeniously remake the purchases, not because it was cool, but because that’s what they could afford. So featuring clever DIYs on a design blog is second nature for Mormons. No doubt there’s something to this idea.
My sister has her own theory. She feels like there are a lot of talented, educated Mormon women who grew up assuming motherhood would be the end all be all of their existence. Then they found, once they became mothers, that they had capacity for projects and ideas in addition to and beyond motherhood. And design blogs are an easy outlet for all the creative energy. I’m sure there’s something to this theory too.
Personally, I feel like the graphic design program at BYU (a Mormon university) has something to do with it. It’s an excellent program and places graduates at all the best firms, where they’re in contact with the most creative people in the field. This ensures that Mormons are thoroughly connected in the professional design community. And graphic design is one of those careers that you can step in and out of as a mother, and translates easily to a design blog.
The other day, I thought of another connection. Mormons have 13 articles of faith (short statements that describe our beliefs). The 13th one says: “…If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” Which, umm, seems like exactly what a design/lifestyle blog is. In the case of Design Mom, I never had the 13th Article of Faith in mind, but I have tried to create a space where I could share every lovely and praiseworthy thing I come across. I wonder if everyone raised as a Mormon has this admonition to seek-out-pretty stamped on our brains.
An admonishment to keep an eye out for beauty is a lovely sentiment to be raised with, and easily adopted by anyone — religious or not. I hope I’m raising my own kids with the same sentiment. My religion is far from perfect — there are aspects of it that drive me bonkers. But I particularly love this part of it.
What’s your take? Have you noticed the Mormon Design Blogs? Or been curious about them? Have any related theories? I wonder if anyone has attempted to compile a list…
P.S. — Religion-related topics, even ones as silly as this one, can be quite sensitive, so please play nice if you decide to comment.
My religion IS far from perfect! I wish more Mormons could embrace that sentiment and not be afraid of saying it! There is no fear in that. I agree with every hypothesis you presented. We have some amazing, talented women in this church! They inspire me.
I’m so glad you posted about this, Gabrielle. It’s something I’ve wondered about many times! As someone with a letterpress studio and accompanying blog, and as a Mormon, I’ve wondered how or why I fit into this “trend’. I started my business and blog a few years before I had my baby, so I don’t think Jordan’s theory applies to me personally. (Although it makes sense, and I can see how it applies to many others.) But Emily’s idea of creativity and making something out of nothing does apply to me, and I did graduate from BYU’s visual arts department (but I learned letterpress and learned about blogging while getting my master’s degree at the University of Utah). I’ve thought about the 13th article of faith, too, and I do think there is something that connects that to what I’m trying to accomplish with my blog and letterpress work. Oh – and I see that some people have mentioned journaling… I do think that’s part of it, too.
Oh people love to get heated when it comes to post about religion, no matter what the topic.
I am a former Mormon, but my theory is time. More LDS women stay at home which gives you more time to work on your own schedule, which gives more time to blog and write more in-depth blog post. Also, maybe a bit of copy catting — not in a bad way but other women see their peers doing crafts and being creative and they try their hand at sewing or what not and find that they are actually pretty good at it — copy catting by way of finding your own talents.
Also, LDS girls tend to be cute and fun and I think that naturally grabs peoples attention.
“other women see their peers doing crafts and being creative and they try their hand at sewing or what not and find that they are actually pretty good at it”
I think you’re right about this, Emme. I think this happens and I agree that it’s a wonderful thing.
Really interesting topic, and a trend I hadn’t noticed! I think all religions (and people) bring something important to our great big table. I just want to say I love your religion’s focus on family and I love that you share these things with us in a creative context. I’ve definitely picked up some ideas from you about how I want to raise my daughter. Thanks Gabby! :)
I had noticed that many of my favourite design bloggers were Mormons and was so interested to read your perspective on the subject. Like many other people who have commented, reading these blogs has encouraged me to learn more about your faith, which has been a wonderful experience. Thanks Gabrielle.
Love the topic. it has also made me go, “hmmm.” Another idea: As a graduate of the LDS church’s young women’s program I can report that there was a huge emphasis placed on “developing your talents” (and, I am actually teaching women on this topic in church next week!) and time was actually given to teaching young girls some of the domestic skills that would enable them to beautify their homes. It was in the young women’s program that I learned to embroider and crochet. My mother certainly taught me the bulk of these things, but they were reinforced at church, where we were also taught, through doctrine such as the 13th Article of Faith, that developing talents, including those centered on home and family, was a praiseworthy thing. I ate it up! Perhaps I would have enjoyed all things creative anyway, but the culture was one that enabled me to pursue creative things with a feeling that it was not only beautiful, but virtuous to do so! How happy! (Wondering now if this impression I have about this as an emphasis is shared by other women who were raised in the church or if it just stood out to me because I liked it?) Perhaps this feeling, “home-centered creativity is a good thing to be involved in,” makes it a more likely blogging topic for Mormon women? Especially if they are mothers. I know I am always evaluating the time I spend blogging vs. doing other things such as housekeeping or playing with my children and I feel like my particular blogging topic is a natural extension of what I do anyway, and therefore doesn’t require that much “extra” time. Would be more difficult to justify (and find the physical time for) something that wasn’t so centered on my home and family. -A
I agree with the big families and being thrifty and all of that, I think that is a huge part of the Mormon culture. My husband and I have also noticed/heard about many companies that have success and are started in Utah are quickly mimicked and copied. My own opinion is that on one hand we are industrious people, we are not content with being left behind when you can make your life better or more interesting. And it does not help that blogging is free, we love that too!! On the other hand I believe a lot of it has to do with the natural consequence of how close knit the Mormon’s community is. We come from all different places, jobs, and histories, and interact on a very regular basis. It is easy to share ideas.and if an idea is like a virus, it is bound to be contagious given the right conditions. Unfortunately, copied ideas loose their authenticity the more they are copied, and I have seen plenty of blogs fall into that rut.
I haven’t had time to read through all of the comments, yet, but I think this is such an interesting topic. I am not Mormon myself, but have definitely noticed the trend of successful design/creative blogs being authored by Mormons and have wondered why this might be. I like hearing your and your sister’s ideas.
I actually was just talking about this topic with a (non design blog reading friend) last week. I think I made an unconscious, and probably unfounded assumption that part of the reason might be a close knit community and connections formed leading to linked blogs, etc. From the Mormons I have known in person, it has always seemed to me to be the type of faith community where people all seem to know one another and, maybe even more importantly, really support one another…but maybe that is just because the places I have lived have relatively small Mormon populations?
Another reason I personally wonder might be driving the success, in particular (rather than the existence) of so many Mormon bloggers is that, to me at least (the ones that I read regularly), they always seem to have a strong focus on the positive, are always incredibly kind and respectful, extremely hard-working, and have a thoughtful viewpoint. Is focusing on the positive something that is emphasized from a religious standpoint? I don’t mean in a pollyanna-ish way at all…just a realistic, conscious focus on what is good. I know that I always find that inspiring and it keeps me, as a reader, coming back. And, the Mormons I have known personally are just exceptionally nice, positive, and hard-working individuals as well.
I’m not sure I’m explaining this very articulately, but hopefully my thoughts are somewhat understandable.
Hmmm, you know how when you are pregnant, you seem to notice all the pregnant people around here? Maybe it is just a case of that.
I hadn’t thought of that, Lulu, but I’ll bet that’s part of it.
[Comment removed by Design Mom with note: This comment went off-topic and is being addressed via email.]
Several months ago I read an article that the mormon church encouraged the use of blogs by member of the church.
I am not a mormon, nor religious; but, tend to enjoy the mormon blogs as opposed to other blogs. They are more positive, upbeat and encouraging than a good number of other blogs. I think it is great that they shed a positive light on family and their husbands and children.
Gabrielle –
The other reason I read your blog – we have been living outside the U. S. for 10 years in five different countries. It is refreshing and inspiring to see your take on living in a new country.
Also, I love being around intelligent women. For me you changed the stereotype I had in my mind of mormon women….perhaps it shows how provencial i am really, despite having lived in five countries : /
It’s always fun to overturn a stereotype. : ) Thanks for the compliment, Ann!
To go along with your theory of design bloggers coming from the BYU graphic design program…… I know quite a few Mormon design bloggers who come from the Interior Design programs at Utah State University and BYU Idaho. The design programs at both of these universities are ranked among the highest in the nation and receive accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). I attended Utah State’s Interior Design program myself and know that many of my former classmates are now stay-at-home moms who also have amazing design blogs :)
I didn’t realize that, Kristy. Good to know!
Funny you should mention it. I keep finding design/home blogs and then noticing an LDS connection. I just thought yall all knew each other in real life and according linked to each other. (no, I don’t think all Mormons know each other, I thought certain bloggers knew each other–like Design Mom and Oh Happy Day)
There’s an undercurrent of beauty = sin in my denomination. I wonder if the 13th Article of Faith doesn’t have something to do with a lack of such an undercurrent in among Mormon women.
Dear Gabrielle, While I’d read the Salon article about Mormon design bloggers a while back – it was refreshing to hear your personal take on the topic. I commend you for framing a constructive and enlightening dialogue in the comments as well. That’s a tough thing to do.
I am not a person of faith at all, but your and your sister’s blogs are inspiring to me on many levels and have challenged my preconceptions of the LDS faith and lifestyles. Though I struggle with problems of the faith I grew up in (Catholicism), and the political issues I have with LDS, it is great to know there are real and wonderful people and parents behind these blogs.
I had picked up on the phenomenon, and despite my misgivings about Mormonism, I think it’s a great option for women who were “trained” to become mothers to branch out from their appointed role as a mother and family member while still remaining committed to those roles. You and others have figured out a way to modernize your roles as Mormon women. Furthermore, while I completely disagree with many of the religious beliefs this group, including yourself, may have, there are enough similarities that shine through in your blog- commitment to your family, a desire to enhance your lives, and a positive outlook. All things that I too try to embody.
I have noticed that quite a few of the more popular bloggers are Mormons or former Mormons. I have always assumed that this was in part because there is a built in audience – that Mormons will seek out other Mormons and support them. I think this is true of many bloggers – moms seek out moms, foodies seek out foodies, etc. I’ve also noticed that there is support between bloggers as well – foodies refer to other foodie blogs, mommies refer to mommies and Mormons refer to Mormons.
I think the theories you present have some merit as well, but I don’t know that it is specific to Mormons per se. I’ve noticed that most bloggers are stay at home moms and perhaps Mormon women are more likely to be stay at home mothers.
I think it’s because we’ve been taught so much about provident living. Part of that is being creative and thrifty. But a lot of stay at home moms want to contribute financially without having to leave the home. Blogging is a good way to do that. Although it’s time consuming, you learn a lot about mothering and keeping a lovely house while doing it. And the original contributions you make to the blog world only make your life more beautiful, lovely, etc. It’s basically the perfect Stay At Home and be a mormon mom job if you are talented enough to do it well. I also think your theory about BYU is very plausible. I know a few mormon design bloggers personally and all of them went to the design program at byu.
hmmm.. could this be a coincidence that I was asking myself the same thing while talking with a cousin about your year in France? That we follow quite a handful of Mormon Design blogs? Thanks for touching the topic and answering, without knowing, to our questions!
I blogged about this very topic recently as a response from a friend’s blog post on an article on Salon.com. Looks like it’s in the air, this topic.
And the 13th Article of faith popped into my head as another reason sometime last week, while attempting to sleep. There’s a revolution here, I tell you. Something’s going to happen, something incendiary, something amazing.
Thank you for this post and your lovely words. If nothing else, it’s a little bit of education for those who do not share the LDS religion. I love for others outside our religion to see that we are not all a bunch of weary moms. You are a creative, beautiful example to the world, and women especially, of a mother living life to the fullest, and “seeking after ‘those’ things”.
I love that you wrote on this topic, Gabrielle! As a new fan of Design Mom, I had noticed little things, like links to your sister, who also has a number of children, and you and Ben being from big families… and to be honest, I assumed you were Catholic! (As I am.) I totally agree about the frugality and make-do-with-little mindset that comes from being of a large family. We have five children. I have raised them with the “whatever we do for this one, we will do for many more” thought in my mind since back when Emma was the only one. It is definitely a mindset. I see the differences between my husband and I- he is one of two kids; I am one of six. He has recently shared a realization or two about the advantages of being from a large brood, such as the independence that naturally develops in the children.
gabby i love this post and the comments!
but i especially love this…
“An admonishment to keep an eye out for beauty is a lovely sentiment to be raised with, and easily adopted by anyone — religious or not.”
fantastic!
xox
I agree with all of your proposed theories and have most definitely noticed the same thing. :)
Thanks for shedding light on this topic – I have wondered myself for some time, but didn’t think it would be PC to ask!! I’m not LDS (I’m a Christian) but many of us with faith are motivated to be resourceful with our time as it is scriptural. As women, we are also often trained to be skilled in Home Arts, so design is a natural outlet.
Thank you for addressing this topic because I had noticed the same thing and thought maybe it was just me wondering “wow, there are such a lot of very talented Mormon women out there writing blogs, or am I just the only one who noticed”! Hats off to you all of you! While we’re on the topic, I’ve been wondering how you’ve handled practicing your religion in France? I know you said you belong to a very small church near your home, but it must be quite different from here in the US.
I actually wouldn’t agree with the supposition that a disproportional amount of design bloggers are LDS. I just think that if one is LDS (which I am), one notices them more and is naturally drawn to their work and websites, and therefore one thinks they’re more dominant than they really are. There are hundreds of design blogs, but this view that we disproportionally are represented kind-of shows our own natural tendency to ethnocentrism, or viewing the world through our own community network. This isn’t at all meant to be a criticism, but an observation — perhaps wrong in itself. I do admire how LDS people support each other and create communities, but sometimes I hope we’re not neglecting the merit and all the incredible substance of others.
I am a Mormon blogger and I actually had no idea about the LDS blogging trend until I started my own blog a couple of months ago. This is why I started blogging…a) as a new mom with a degree in interior design, I needed a way that I could use my career but still be a stay at home mom. b) I honestly think of design projects to try all the time (probably because of my Interior design background) and blogging was a great way to get me to actually pursue these ideas as well as share them with others b) My family just moved to a new area and I have a little more free time on my hands!
Good points Gabrielle. Personally I think we begin creating at a young age in the Mormon culture because IRS just inbred. Since pioneer days young girls have learned to sew and cook and generally be domestic. Many of the church activities for young girls (activity days) and young women involve creativity. It’s a way of life, really.
*it’s, not IRS
Isn’t there an economic side of it too? Very few women are stay at home moms theses days, but many Mormon women do and blogging is a great stay at home job that can help with family income.
I’m a little tardy to the party here, but I wanted to thank you for addressing this. I read Jordan’s blog which lead to finding yours, and I remember you mentioning something about BYU and thinking, “WHAAAAAAAAAAT?! THEY’RE MORMONS!!??” Not because I had the “sister wives” notion of Mormons, but because…..I never thought of Mormons as, well, cool. Now around half the blogs I read are written by Momons, because they are so cool and inspirational. I think all those blogs do such a great job of debunking any “negative” Mormon stereotypes.
I always assumed the creativity and success of Mormon blogs was a combination of the large family/limited resources (which I think teaches one to be creative AND resilent) and the work ethic for which Mormons are known. I don’t know a lot about the religion, so please pardon me for stereotyping, because I certainly DO NOT want to offend anyone! It is a very mysterious religion to outsiders, so I do find it odd (and great!) that there are so many public blogs – it makes talking about things like this so much more approachable. Also, I want to thank you, because it’s really made think about how I live my own life; like, could I be more productive and successful if I didn’t go out drinking 5x a week? Proooobably. :P
“It is a very mysterious religion to outsiders, so I do find it odd (and great!) that there are so many public blogs – it makes talking about things like this so much more approachable.”
I’m really glad you said that, Summer. Since our religion is part of our every day, I think Mormons forget how mysterious it seems to other people.
A few weeks ago I was watching Survivor, and was surprised how much Matt (the one living on redemption island the entire season) preached his faith. I’ve never understood that kind of belief – I’m not saying that it’s bad – it’s just that I don’t understand it. As Mormons we are taught that we’re always an example of our faith, and that it’s up to us to save ourselves and our neighbors through the gospel. But the conversations I’m used to having are about our experiences that brought us to know God – maybe it’s because we see God as being so close to us, our actual Father, that it becomes very personal. I once had a non-Mormon boyfriend who kind of asked me why I didn’t do it like other Christians do (like Matt) and continually assert that I believed in God to friend and stranger alike. I didn’t even know how to respond then. It has always just sounded to me like words, and not much that I could grab hold of and relate to as a shared “human” experience. Like I said, I truly don’t understand it. We’re not taught to spread the gospel in that way I guess. So I don’t think that Mormon’s start blogs to evangelize – I think they start blogs because they are interested in topics and design and their families, etc. And being a Mormon isn’t like putting a coat on and taking it off when you like. It’s more like putting on sunglasses – it changes the way you look at everything. So the lives in these blogs are real – and probably the hard part is taking the Mormon part out of it. It’s just too much a part of the very way we think.
I love to read these blogs, and I do get inspired by them for sure. I love all the ideas shared, and sometimes incorporate the ideas into my home. At other times I feel bogged down and am anything BUT inspired because it is all so overwhelming (wanting to do every project, but where do I start?). So I end up doing my own thing….=) I love that you all are so willing to share your ideas with everyone. I don’t know how you find the time to write the blogs – I often can’t even find the time to read them.
“and probably the hard part is taking the Mormon part out of it”
…I kind of love this as I feel it sometimes when authoring my blog. I don’t strive to take it out ” “per se”” it’s just that I didn’t start to my blog to evangelize. As a graduate of the BYU Illustration program (who sat drooling over the design students next door to us in the Brimhall…yeah, they were tough stuff) I just wanted to find an outlet that kept me connected to creative friends (Mormon or not) and keep my creative brain sharp. But life comes in and we just can shy away from sharing who we truly are, how we live and what we truly love.
addendum…”we just can’t shy away”
Rebecca NYC asked about there being places for Mormons to attend church meetings outside of the US. There are actually more Mormons outside of the United States than there are in it! My husband was in the Air Force and we were assigned overseas and as a result travelled to many countries and were able to attend church in just about every city we visited. We would just look up on mormon.org and click on VISIT US. When it asks for a place to search, don’t enter anything and hit search and a map will come up with red dots showing every place there is a meetinghouse throughout the world. It will give you an idea of how there are members worldwide.
Another observation I would like to add is how diverse we are. Just as we don’t resemble the stereotype of being repressed women who are ‘ruled over’ by domineering men we also are not all young, cute, have large families, who craft and sew (or whatever!) We are unique and have a variety of life situations and perspectives. We are each to be valued and respected in whatever life situation or stage we find ourselves in. And yes, as we seek after those things that are good, we also seek to deepen our faith in the source of all that is good… maybe that is what is appealing to so many?
I’m a bit late to the conversation, and don’t have any new theories to add (probably because I don’t fit into any of the categories posited, being a convert that has never stepped a foot inside Utah, and brought up by a decidedly non-crafty/non-artistic family, yet ultimately pursuing an education in design) but wanted to say that I appreciate your “bonkers” comment. I’ve quickly learned that any foray into discussing things/issues of the church that do not sit comfortably with me get shut down fairly quickly by my church friends. It can get frustrating and I feel like my concerns are invalidated. There is such a reluctance to even consider thinking against the grain, but I find that my testimony is strengthened when a particular topic is thoughtfully considered, and prayed and studied upon. I think that is what you mean about loving those parts that drive you bonkers? (correct me if I’m wrong!).
Anyways, I’m glad for your candor and hopefully more fellow Mormons will be open to thoughtful, civil discussions with each other — instead of running away the opposite direction because I’m wondering out loud why a dearth of women speakers the last GC!
So interesting, Jenn. I wonder what it is about us that makes us feel so uncomfortable discussing aspects of the our church that bother us.
I find it sad so many smart, educated apply themselves, outside being mothers, to crafting and beautiful things rather than a job that cod provide a for a real need out there.
Hi Maureen! There are literally millions of Mormon women. Most don’t turn to design/craft blogging. Most end up contributing to their communities or returning to their careers. A tiny number ends up in the professional blogging world.
This post isn’t meant to sound like all Mormon women are design bloggers (sorry if it does sound like that). But I am curious about why so many of the top design blogs are authored by Mormons.
I love this article and I am glad that you “went there” because it can be a sensitive topic….but it is SO intriguing and I appreciate so much your perspective…our faith is so important and does shape our lives in big and subtle ways. I am not Mormon personally, but I appreciate my Mormon friends and what their faith means to their life and in turn to my life. I get to benefit from their creativity, sense of family and community, and their willingness and sincere desire to share it with others. I SEE that it does shape their lives and who they are and strive to be in a really positive, rewarding, and give back kind of way. I love that! And I try to do the same.
So to all the Mormon ladies out there making the world beautiful and spreading their love through design…I thank you!
I feel just lost in the wilderness. I just like to read design blogs. I didn’t notice that anyone was Mormon.
This is crazy!! I, like a ton of ya’ll, also mentioned the same thing to my husband a few months ago. At first, I thought I was imagining it…
I’m a Texan Muslim, so I didn’t know much about Mormons and LDS and had never met any people from that faith, apart from having 2 Mormon friends in middle school. I do remember that they were very conservative.
Anywho, after reading a lot of craft blogs, I’ve realized that all of my preconceived notions (probably encouraged by TV) about ya’ll were way off, and in reality, ya’ll have a lot of similarities to Muslims. I’m glad that ya’ll are uber-creative, organized, crafty (in the good way..hehe) women, because I really do love your blogs!
Keep up the great work!! :D
-amna
Thanks for sharing these thoughts! I have been puzzled by this proliferation of crafty Mormon blogs. What surprises me is that people end up talking about their faith on a crafty/design blog. Personally I would never mix the two. Though there is nothing wrong with talking about your personal life and faith is part of that, it sometimes feels like a subtle marketing. Having said that, I admire the work of these very talented women, and enjoy following their work and life.
I hear that, Silvia. It can totally feel like subtle marketing.
I’ve been thinking about this for awhile – I think blogging fits the situation of many LDS women’s lives:
– They are brilliant, smart, creative women.
– They have incredibly supportive husbands who make it possible for them to choose to mother thoughtfully and then write about it.
Note from Design Mom: This comment was off topic and answered via email.
What a great read this has been.
From my experience LDS (Mormon) members blog because it efficiently allows us to do many things that are important to us all at once: journal, scrapbook, share with friends, vent, involve far away (and close) loved-ones, extend out of the confining four walls that child raising tends to build and have a creative outlet. (I am speaking mostly of lifestyle blogs now).
My wife and her friends blog – I see what it does for them. Missionary work is likely a secondary consideration for most.
I wish you all the best.
As a Mormon, I think there are a lot of reasons for why there are so many popular Mormon bloggers (I’m not one, but I read several). I think we are encouraged in our church to always be progressing and we focus on self-improvement as well as self-reliance all the time. We also talk tons about talents, spiritual gifts, etc. Something someone else said about being asked to do things we wouldn’t normally do rings true also; any girl who was raised in the church might think of all those personal progress goals we made in our teen years. Our prophets tell us to make our homes beautiful, but they for sure teach practicality as well so that means GET CREATIVE. And since we are such a family-oriented church, many women do stay at home where they need a creative outlet (like a blog) that maybe other women find in their chosen careers. Anyways, very interesting topic.
you know, our creativity could be the result of many-a-mothers who went to ‘enrichment’ activities regularly; sewing, crafting, scrapbooking, and i don’t know… painting it up! goodness knows my mother is a diy’ing fiend who made so many of my clothes while i was a little girl.
how that translates to my becoming an interior designer? not sure, but i think exposure to these things helped.
Great posts guys!
I just stumbled across this post…I’ve been blogging/reading blogs for the past few months and it seems like every other blogger I come across is LDS! I’d notice a phrase they used or something like that that made it really obvious. LOL.
Great post!
This is the first time I read your blog, and mostly because I’m looking to move my family internationally for a while… Anyway. My dad is the head of the design program at the Y, and as computer illiterate as he is (yes even as a graphic designer) I’m sure he will be tickled pink to think he’s contributed so much to not only the design world, but the big bad blogosphere world! Hahaha, he probably has no clue what that even means:) Not sure if you went to the Y but I’ll pass along the theory you mentioned!
This is such an interesting question and one that I have been curious about for a long time. I am a former member of the LDS church and have noticed so many blogs authored by members! I think a lot of it can be attributed to the Young Womens program. We learned crafting, sewing, cooking, scrapbooking, and many other creative skills. And we do all of these things while surrounded by like minded women and girls. Being exposed to so many activities at a young age helped me to figure out my own talents and abilities in ways that I wouldn’t have on my own. After the Young Womens program, we move into Relief Society where we learn even more skills and are able to develop our creative talents even further. There is a myriad of parties, service activities, craft making, and so much more. Blogging is so similar to this. A sisterhood of like minded women gathered together to share all of the exciting things that they love! I am no longer a member but I will always cherish the wonderful things that I learned from being a part of the LDS church.
El mayor diseño mormon es la gran patraña(mentira) que envuelve su religion.