SOMETIMES, works of art are born out of simple necessity.

For Christene Tee, what began as a simple blog to keep a record of the milestones in her two little girls’ development (“the orbit of whom I evolved around”) eventually became an exhibition of creative cooking.

With picky eaters to cater for, Christene, who works as an advocate and solicitor, had to come up with her own solutions for lunch – homemade bento (Japanese-styled lunchboxes).

It’s become such a cliché to say “think out of the box” when trying to get the creative juices flowing.

But then again, one could argue that the real challenge lies in thinking within the boundaries – at least when it comes to bento-making anyway.

If you’re not convinced, just pay a visit to http://allthingspurple.blogspot.com to get the picture.

How and when did you start to blog?

I used to keep a journal on my firstborn’s special moments and her quirkiness.

When I discovered an alternative in blogging, I jumped to it.

I was a member in a breastfeeding forum called My Mom’s Best (www.mymomsbest.com).

The owner of the site, Chan Lilian, encouraged us to blog.

It was my first step into the virtual world and I was entranced by what a blog can do.

Hence, Allthingspurple was created.

Why the name, “Allthingspurple”?

It’s because Kimberly, my first born, loves all shades of purple.

What would you really like to achieve through Cyberspace communication?

To encourage public awareness on conservation of environment.

We can start by saving water; disposing plastic and glass at recycle bins, bringing aluminium or stainless steel tiffin-carrier to hawker stalls when buying food home.

Or carry a foldable cloth bag for grocery shopping to minimise the use of plastic.

Instead of using commercial wet wipes and disposable diapers, we could use cloth ones.

Any regrets?

Of course not.

In fact, I have found quite a few good and true friends through blogging.

Has blogging changed your life?

Blogging has made me a slightly more computer savvy person, although I am still very much template challenged.

And I spend more time communicating with my siblings than before, since they are now just an MSN or an email away.

Phone calls, particularly international ones, can be so expensive!

Once in a while, people greet me at shopping malls or parties, they recognise me through my kids photos posted at my blog.

It is overwhelming to hear from people that they read my blog, since I am an unknown person.

The “Blogosphere”, what does it mean to you?

It means my world of virtual friends, some of whom I have had the pleasure of meeting and the honour of establishing friendship with.

Foremost feature in the Blogosphere that amazes you?

Communication in the blogosphere.

It is an amazingly influential and powerful tool.

It can do as much good as it can do harm.

If there were someone you could influence to take up blogging?

That would be my nine-year-old Kimberly, with my supervision, of course.

She keeps a diary.

A blog is a good alternative where she can actually load photos of her drawings and keep track of events in her life and make friends of her own age.

Any memorable incidents?

Would be the amount of supporters I never knew I had.

When I entered a bento contest set up by the veteran Bento Pet (http://onabentofrenzy.blogspot.com/),

I was pleasantly surprised to see my ranking steadily climbing throughout the voting period.

I didn’t win, and was in 2nd place, but it is overwhelming to know that there are readers who appreciate my blog.

Additional thoughts?

Always be careful of personal details on your blog.

You never know the kind of people who could be lurking out there.

And of course, be especially careful with details that you disclose.

If you are especially good in one field of knowledge, you can do your part contributing to society by sharing your thoughts and information through the blogosphere.