The Beginning of Apricotpie

(posted by Ben Kniaz)

All the way back in 2000, when I was half-way through my senior year of high school, I began designing what I then called just plain "apricot." It was the night before my sister Beatrice's birthday, January 14th, when we came up with the idea of making a website for homeschoolers. Ever since I have been slowly adding to and developing that original notion.

What did the original site look like? In 2000 I was experiencing school for the first time as a dual-enrollment, post-secondary student attending Framingham State College. I became aware that I was leaving behind my homeschooling days. The early "apricot" was really about writing, as it is now. It featured musings by me about life in general, an "animal tales" section by Claire (who occasionally writes still, although "animal tales" is gone), and then there were interviews and stories/essays by homeschoolers I knew or met. "apricot" was about homeschooling less than it was for homeschoolers.

After finishing high school that way, I became a real college student and spent my freshman year at The University of Dallas (TX) before transferring to The Thomas More College of Liberal Arts (NH), where I graduated in May of 2004 with a BA in literature. I am still interested in apricotpie to this day, partly because two of my four siblings are homeschooling, and partly because I feel this place is still maturing into something amazing!

If you read my interview with Home Zine from 2004 you may learn a few more things I neglect to mention here.

Why do you call it apricotpie?

The reason is deep... very deep. Back in January of 2000, I was sitting upstairs designing the very first pages of "apricot", when I decided it was time to think of an interesting name. Beginning with "A", I decided to run through the alphabet to help me find a name. When I came to "apricot", it just sounded right. You may call it inspiration or mistake, but that's how "apricot" came to be. A few months later I was ready to buy a ".com" domain name, but "www.apricot.com" was already taken. So, my family sat around the dinner table one night trying to come up with a new name. My dad came up with "www.apricotsparkle.com", and my second-youngest sister came up with "www.apricotsquishedonline.com". But, in the end, I chose "www.apricotpie.com." The name sounded good and filled my mind with great design themes using pie (none of which worked in the end). I've found that the address "apricotpie.com" sticks in people's minds a long time.

What are people saying?
(these comments were compiled by Aisling)

"Hi Ben, I like your website and ideas. It is good to see creativity. Take care and God bless you with His best."
Lynda K., 1/29/2000

“Hi Ben, Your Apricot website is very impressive! Someone just forwarded it to me and I've spent lots of time at it as well as your links. I will pass the link along to others. I was just starting to feel discouraged about homeschooling so it came at a good time. I have been wondering how you are faring in the "real world" now. I am concerned my children will have a difficult time when they are older. I wonder if they are missing out by not going to school. I am not sure what they could possibly miss, though!
Anyway, great job on the website; I am looking forward to seeing what more you will add.”
Lisa S., 2/3/2000

“Ben, Hey, I got the address of your homepage from a friend, and went to check it out! From reading the information about you, I found out that you live about an hour away from my family. We live in Merrimack, NH, and have been homeschooling for seven years. I am going to graduate this year (I am 17, will be 18 in April), but am also taking a class at a community college nearby...I'm taking Typography Design and Layout, and find it very interesting.
Well, keep up the good work on your site! I enjoyed it. May God bless your efforts!”
Sara M., 2/16/2000

“Ben, I spent some time looking a apricot. Best wishes with it. It looks like you put a lot of work in to it.”
Michael D., 2/22/2000

“Ben, Greetings from a fellow AGOGGian. Like what your aiming to do with Apricot. Keep up the good work and let me know if I can help at all.
The Lord's peace be with you.”
Daniel V., 2/23/2000

“Ben, Hi! How are you! First of all, I'd just like to say what a brave soul you are for putting out this new site. There are very few well done sites on the web for homeschoolers (particularly Christians), and I wish you luck with Apricot. I want you to know I am visiting your site now because I saw the link to the Apricot on the Ramblin' Irishman. Well, maybe I should just quit writing and actually check out your site. Lot's 'O Luck!!!!!!!”
Rachael R., 2/23/2000

“Dear Ben,
Just a quick e-mail message to let you know our homeschool family really enjoys your web site, Apricot. It's good to see a place that is safe and accessible to homeschooling families. Anyways, this homeschool mother of three, from northwest Ohio, just wants to say thanks! Keep up the good work on this! May God continue to lead you and guide you in His wisdom, as you do all things for His glory.”
Debbie D., 3/17/2000

“Hey Ben~
I've really been enjoying the Weekly Apricot, and I *love* the site! It's really cool - one of the best I've seen for homeschoolers actually. =) Thanks so much for doing it!”
Chrys, 3/30/2000

“Wow!! What a site! I just wanted to tell you that I have been homeschooled for five years now, and I have been doing great (getting A's, B's & C's). And I just LOVE it, I get to know people all over the country by traveling and see great stuff! I always take my homework with me at the same time! In school I don't get to do that kind of stuff! Homeshcooling ROCKS!!!! Got to go.”
Aschley, 5/2/2000

“Hi, Just wanted to say that I am a homeschooling Mom. My middle daughter just graduated from twelfth grade. My younger son is out on the farm working, and will get his GED within the next year.
I just wanted to say also that I love your site. I am taking some computer classes to learn web design, have had about 5 sites on the web, but haven't done anything recently. Where did you learn how to do your web page? You have a superb site and I commend you for it.
Vonda V., 5/9/2000

“Hi Ben:
I just had to write again and tell you how wonderful your site is. You are so inspirational. Your latest musing has really helped me work through some of my homeschooling issues. Keep up the good work!!”
Lisa S., 5/22/2000

“Hi Ben, my name is Pat, a homeschooling mom. I found apricotpie from Cafi Cohen's website, homeschooling and teens. I just wanted to compliment you on apricotpie and let you know I'll be a regular reader (even though it's for teens, I enjoy knowing how other teens feel about homeschooling issues). I'll clue my son into this website too.”
Pat M., 6/15/2000

“Ben:
I was just visiting your website and was wondering if I could send you a review copy of two of our new titles, HOMESCHOOLING HIGH SCHOOL by Jeanne Gowen Dennis, and HOW TO GET YOUR CHILD OFF THE REFRIDGERATOR AND ONTO LEARNING: Homeschooling Highly Distractable, ADHD, or just plain fidgety kids by Carol Barnier. She is one of our new debut authors and we have been getting incredible feedback from homeschooling parents on this new, very practical book. We attended aprox. 40 homeschool curriculum conventions this last spring season and found this and some other of our new titles to be very well received. If you would be interested in receiving review copies please let me know where you would like them shipped. Also I was wondering if I could send a catalog in hopes that you might consider us as one of your links.
Thank you for your time.”
Anna K., Emerald Books, 7/19/2000

“Ben,
Keep up the good work. I enjoyed taking some time to check out your site.”
Dr. B., 7/31/2000

“Dear Benjamin Kniaz,
I am a published, home schooled/unschooled author of only a few poems. Those poems have appeared in The Flicker Magazine, Teen's World (formally The Children's Magazine), and Rural Montana (a very small publication.) Thank you for your time, consideration, and such a great website.”
Rachael R., 2/28/2001

“I tried your "Fresh Apricot Pie" today and my husband and couldn't wait to try it after dinner, so we had it instead of lunch. It was great! I am eager to try it for company as I know it will be a hit.
Thanks again. I had searched almost everywhere before I decided to just search under "apricot pie". Even Martha Stewart didn't have one.”
Madge A., 6/3/2001

“Hi!! It’s great! I want to know more about the site author!! It's very impressive...What did you use to make it?? Photoshop, raw html??? How long have you had it?? Thanks.”
Patricia D., 6/5/2001

“Hey!!! I love the site!! Very proffessional!! I'm just curious and have a few questions... I really like the design, did you use photoshop?? Thanks.”
Trisha, 6/17/2001

“Ben,
I like the new look for your Weekly Apricot. I wish you well and will send students to your site. Thanks for keeping up this good work in the Lord. May He bless you beyond belief.”
Dr. B., 8/15/2001

“I really find your webpage very helpful and interesting and I love being able to write my poems and stories. Thanks keep up the GREAT WORK!”
Kevin P., 9/1/2001

“I would just like to say that I love this site. I think it is great for home schoolers. Definetly the best on the web! Thankyou! Keep up the good work!”
Alicia B., 9/23/2001

“Dear Ben,
Hello. How are you? I am fine. I love your apricot issues! Even though I am only 11 years old, I still love reading them!!!! And I love the stories that you send me. Send on!
Love in Christ.”
Tryphaena, 10/25/2001

“Hello, my name is Naomi and I am an freshman at Brandeis University, just outside of Boston. I am writing a paper for my freshman writing class on homeschooling. I attended public school as a child and teenager, but my aunt home schools my cousins so I have always been interested in the topic. The question I am seeking to answer through my research is: How will children who are being home schooled fare in the college and business world where peer teamwork is increasingly important? Basically, I am looking at the socialization aspect of home schooling. I love your website and may cite some of the essays I found on it in my research. I was wondering if you might be able to help connect me with one or two home schooling graduates who would be willing to talk to me about their experiences in college or their jobs.
Thanks you so much for your time and I will be sure to introduce my cousins, who are home schooled, to your website if they have not seen it already.”
Naomi S., 11/14/2001

“I really enjoy your website for homeschoolers and all the wonderful writers. J.M.J.”
Amy G., 11/28/2001

“Have any of you checked out this great homeschool e-zine? Who knows, maybe you could get yourself published in it! Remember that being published throughout your high school career opens the door for possible scholarship money. A past student of mine puts this gem together while attending college.”
Dr. B., 11/29/2001

“I just now found this page while browsing, I think this is a great website. Too bad I did not come across it sooner! You might be hearing from me more often on this site. Thanks for your time. Best Wishes.”
Aisha, 12/20/2001

“Hi, Read about you on Foxnews.com 5 April. Thanks for being on the web, spreading a good word about homeschooling. Please keep up the good work.”
Ron T., 4/5/2002

“I don't have a comment for anyone in particular -- just wanted to encourage you to keep up the good work. Homeschooled kids (and parents) need to see examples like you every now and then.”
Mary Ann B., 4/5/2002

“Hello,
I thought I would email y'all and tell you how much I enjoy your site, and that I find it inspiring. Many of the homeschoolers I know are somewhat characteristic of the view of anti-homeschoolers. It encourages me that there is a place for homeschoolers that love to learn, love to know, and love to think.
We're currently in the middle of moving to Oklahoma (from Louisiana), but when we're settled in, I'd love to begin posting some of my writing and poetry on your site, if you would have me. thanks again for the encouraging site.”
Tom P., 4/5/2002

“Hi -
I found your website from the Fox News article and like it very much. I am a Catholic mother of 5 homeschoolers, graduate of Thomas Aquinas College and was homeschooled for all of high school. I'm planning on adding a link to your site from my website - Favorite Resources for Catholic Homeschoolers http://www.love2learn.net. Thanks and God Bless.”
Alicia V., 4/5/2002

“Just wanted to let you know I've thoroughly enjoyed your site! Keep up the good work!”
Jeneen, 4/5/2002

“This is the most beautiful web site I've ever come across. I'm a homeschooling mother of a 12-year-old boy and found your web address in a news article about homeschooling. Anyway, just wanted to say what a wonderful site you've got, and thanks for doing it!”
Kathy S., 4/6/2002

“My name is Philip, a proud Homeschooler. I left school in the second grade, found a love of history, and ran with it ever since. I am currently a junior year of study at Hampshire college (which Homeschoolers should seriously consider) studying history . I was so happy when I found your website because Homeschoolers now have a voice! We don't have to be spoken for anymore! I will offer some of my work as soon as I can for the website. I just wanted to say thanks for putting it together.”
Philip Y., 4/8/2002

“I would like to say to the person who invented apricotpie.com, that you showed me that writing, and poetry can be fun and can improve your life. Thanks.”
Scoreqt7, 4/12/2002

“It's really cool to see some more homeschoolers with an artistic side! Your site has a great selection of graphics, and has neat essays and poems. Keep up the good work and have fun on your site!”
Gina, 7/7/2002

“This is a beautiful site! I will be telling many of our homeschooling friends.”
Donna Lynn G., 7/11/2002

“Hi! I am a 17-yr-old Catholic homeschooler, and I'll be a senior in about two weeks when we get the material
Maria G., 8/15/2002

“Thank you for creating apricot. As far as I can tell, it is the only website dedicated to homeschooled writers where we (I will take the liberty of saying we) can get our work published on the internet. It is very well set up, and easy to use. Also, your photographs are beautiful.”
Julia B., 5/17/2003

“I liked your poetry. It was nice of you to let others read your work. Keep up the good work.”
Nikki, 1/18/2003

“Apricotpie is the best homeschooling website ever. What I particularly like about your site is the fact that you give homeschooler's a chance to share their own writing and ideas. Thank you for creating such an excellent website.”
Eva V., 3/16/2003

“Hi there
|I just wanted to congratulate you on your very cool site. I’m a young mother in New Zealand who is thinking of homeschooling my daughter Jasmine. I was kind of scared about the prospect but the awesome kids here have given me hope. If Jasmine could grow up like you guys I’d be so happy! I hope to be a regular visitor to apricotpie.
Sunshine and Lollipops”
Magenta, 5/28/2003

"This is a great site! I love writing even though I haven't written anything on here yet. It's great to see homeschoolers (like myself) writing so many wonderful things! Keep up the terrific work everyone!"
Jessica B., 7/23/2003

“I was looking for stars and found apricotpie. I thought I was the only one who doubted science. I am a somewhat literate 56-year-old homeschooler, I never quit.
I like your site, and your art. Most of all, I liked the actual thinking shown in the essays I read. I will be back and read more. Home schooling grows by leaps and bounds, and they all need peers. Apricotpie.com is a really important site. Keep up the good work.”
Bill R., 8/15/2003

“Greetings, Those of Apricot.
I am a 34 year old mother of 3, a hard core, in-it-for-the-long-haul homeschooler, and I was delighted with your website. I mentioned it in my little weblog, which might be read by 5 people (hehehe)...not a huge amount of publicity, I know, but the website was so beautiful I wanted to make a plug for it where I could.
"Keep up the good work...you are an inspiration and a good witness for the "Homeschooling Community"!
Samantha, 9/3/2003

“Hey there! I'm really impressed with your website! Keep up the good work!”
Bethany B., 10/6/2003

“Great job Ben!!! Your site looks fun and professional.”
Joanne, John and Kate, 11/3/2003

“Hi, I am homeschooled and I love this website. It is great. I would like to know some info about how to join it.”
Elizabeth K., 11/13/2003

“Nice work. It seems like you put a lot of soul into them.”
Kate, 12/22/2003

“As a mom planning to home school (as well as an autodidact) I am scouring ever source possible to prepare! It is so great to be able to read actual writings from home schoolers and "graduates". I get more and more sure of my families decision as I read. Thank you for a great site!”
Amanda N., 1/19/2004

“Hi. I was directed to your site by a homeschool e-mail loop I belong to. I am a homeschool mom. I have a 10-year-old daughter who will absolutely LOVE your site. I also have two boys, 12 and 15. What a great website. Beautiful design. And you're right, the name does stick in your head!”
Kelli J., 3/2/2004

“Hi! I love this site. We will come back often to be inspired and one day to contribute. Thank you, thank you, for your gift of this site.
Love and light.”
Deborah I., 4/1/2004

“Hello from South Africa. I love your site. I stumbled upon it but gladly so, for you've done an amazing job with Apricot Pie. Thank you.”
Lee V., 12/9/2004

“Just wanted to say that I think this is a great site. The poetry was moving and well written. God Bless.”
Mangum W., 3/24/2005

“I have spent sometime looking through your site as a parent of a teen and tween who are about to begin homeschooling for the first time. I am very impressed with the work of the students. Seeing such excellent examples of what homeschooling can produce, helps me to feel more comfortable and confident about my decision to pull my kids from public school. I also think it is a wonderful way for homeschoolers to talk with others, especially if there are not other homeschoolers in their area to socialize with."
Andrea L., 8/19/2005