A Personal Journey: Building a Simple Yet Meaningful Website After Two Years

Creating my own website was a project that took two years—not due to technical complexity, but because of personal growth and perseverance. While the process wasn’t driven by intricate technology, the end result stands as a testament to patience, focus, and intentionality.

The Background

For years, I worked with companies touting “innovation,” only to encounter barriers that stifled real creativity—focused questioning, difficult decisions, and subpar execution often derailed progress. Frustrated by these limitations, I decided to carve out a space that truly reflects who I am. This site is not just a digital footprint; it’s a handcrafted sanctuary for my voice and vision.

Design Philosophy and Technology

This project consciously embraces simplicity. The core of this website relies on basic tools: a straightforward React.js setup paired with Markdown—no heavy frameworks, trackers, or SEO tricks. This minimalism was intentional, creating space for authenticity rather than distraction.

Key Features and Technical Highlights

• Styled Markdown: Custom styles elevate plain Markdown content, ensuring clarity and aesthetic consistency.

• Procedural Backgrounds: Dynamic backgrounds are generated algorithmically. Currently CPU-based, I am exploring the use of WebGPU for smoother, hardware-accelerated rendering.

• Theme Awareness: The site adapts seamlessly to light or dark modes. Achieving an overlay blur effect across browsers, especially WebKit-based ones, was challenging—any advice on improving theme responsiveness is welcome.

• Embedded PDF Viewer: Powered by pdf.js, this feature allows easy access to document content. I’m keen to learn how to customize default styles across platforms for a cohesive look.

• Easter Egg & Hidden Features: Scattered throughout the site are surprises—interactive elements and easter eggs. If you find them, I’d love your feedback or playful roasts.

• Content as Commits: Posts are presented as commit-like entries, hinting at future possibilities such as integrating a dedicated CMS.

• Motion and Accessibility: The site contains plenty of animations, but I’m considering adding a “low motion” mode for those sensitive to excessive movement.

Reflections

The website remains a work in progress—glitchy at times and evolving constantly. Despite its rough edges, it’s alive and meaningful to me. I invite you to explore it and share your impressions, whether they evoke feelings or just curiosity.

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