Wednesday, March 18, 2009

It's Personal

On this date last year, I posted my very first photo.
It was a picture of my suitcase stack.
Just over a year ago I found myself in an interesting place in my life. I'd had multiple opportunities to help people design their homes. I loved making their homes beautiful and personal. I loved being involved in the design process. I loved that people were looking to me for "expert" advice, and I really enjoyed the fact that I was being well paid for something that I loved. I felt a very strong desire to go back to school to get another degree. I had earned two degrees in education earlier in my life, but now, I really wanted a degree in interior design. I felt that I needed a design degree in order to validate myself. However, with our family and financial situation, the ability to go back to school was not a possibility. . . the sacrifice would have been too great. I was at that point where blocked creativity and total frustration collide.
I had talked for months about starting a blog. I thought that maybe I could showcase some of the work I had done in my clients homes, as well as my own home. My husband had even bought me a digital camera to show his support for my decision. I had spent hours and hours looking at, and being inspired by many designers blogs. I noticed that several mentioned that starting a blog was one of the best things they had done.
So, after months of talking, late one night my daughter helped me start my blog.
I thought that if nothing else, blogging would help improve my computer skills. I hoped that blogging would give me that extra push to complete a few of the hundreds of home improvement and craft projects that I constantly have running through my head. Blogging could serve as my substitute for higher education until the time was right. Interestingly enough, I chose to tell very, very few people about my blog, only a couple of my closest friends. I needed my blog to be my very personal outlet; the place where I could create with words and pictures without the fear of being judged by people I knew. . .whether good or bad.

Today I celebrate one year of blogging.
This is a photo of my suitcase stack today.
There have been subtle changes in that stack, and in my life. What has happened over the past year? Well, I do have a few more computer skills, although not enough to mention on a job application. I have been able to complete several projects. However, the amount of to-do projects running through my head has actually increased. Still, to this day, very few of my neighbors and extended family know that I have a blog, only those who have happened upon it through other sources. There have been other changes though. Changes that I never would have expected when I began this journey a year ago. I never would have expected that ANYONE would have ever been interested in what I had to say or do. I never would have expected that people would take time from their busy lives to leave kind, uplifting, positive, and friendly notes to me---someone they have never met and yet have a connection with, and they do so without expecting anything in return. I never would have expected to wake up every morning wondering what I could say or do on my blog so that someone I have never met might be inspired to enjoy their home and their life just a little more. And now, after a year of blogging I understand what others meant when they said that blogging was one of the best things they had ever done.

Blogging truly has been a life changing experience for me. I have each and every person who has ever read or commented on my blog to thank for that.
I am deeply appreciative to YOU
for being an important part of my life.

THANK YOU
from the bottom of my heart!


And, if you are wondering, I'll be throwing a party this Friday to celebrate this one year journey. I hope you'll be there. I'll even have a few prizes to give away.

92 comments:

Jamie said...

Congrats! I love your blog!

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Happy one year anniversary! I just love coming over to your blog. You are so uplifting and inspiring!

Have a super anniversary!

XOXOX
Jen

Emily said...

Congratulations! We are the lucky ones who have been able to enjoy the journey with you and be so inspired by your posts. Thank you! You have an amazing talent.

terramisu said...

I just discovered your blog and I LOVE it! I am totally addicted (In a total non-stalker kind of way-lol) I just love your decorating ideas. Keep 'em coming!

Amber M. said...

Happy anniversary to you! I am grateful that you decided to share your talents with the rest of us.

Here's to many, many more.

E said...

Congratulations! I so enjoy your blog, and adore your suitcase's!

Ali said...

Congrats to you, I will be there!

Connie said...

You've come a long way baby! I think your site has got to be one of my top 3 that I check daily. You have a gift and talent that needed an outlet and what a wonderful way showcase those talents. Isn't blogging great?
Happy 1 year anniversary.

AnNicole@Our Suburban Cottage said...

Awww, I needed that today. Thanks. And BIG Congrats on reaching the 1 year mark. I'm so glad you decided to blog. You've definitely added to my life.

misskp said...

Happy blogiversary! Your ideas, photos and projects keep me wondering, too, what you will "have" for us next! Thank you so much for sharing a part of yourself with us each day!

Kim said...

Happy Bloggiversary :-)

As we start from scratch (in another country) I often look to your blog for ideas and inspiration so I'm VERY glad you started blogging!

Cindy said...

Happy Blogiversary!! I am happy it has had a personal uplift in your life, because you have definitely given an uplift in many lives!! Yours is one that I pick out of my new reader posts to go to first!! You have such creativity! :)

I too chose to keep my blog as my personal outlet to myself of those I know personally...I have made many friends through blogland (and I didn't know it existed until 6 months ago, tho I am a savvy to the internet and the computer!)

Can't wait for your Blogiversary Party on Friday!

Darlene said...

Hi Joy,

Happy, Happy, HAPPY blog anniversary. I am always amazed at all the fabulous things you make, show us and how you decorate. I LOVE your blog and am so glad I "met" you through blogging. I think blogging friends are just the BEST!!!!

Sturgmom said...

I'm failry new to your blog, but I did want to say HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY!! And I LOVE your suitcase stack! Ingenious and gorgeous!

Jennifer@woodleycottage said...

Hey there! Happy first year. Looking forward to more!

Brittney said...

I just recently started following your blog and love it! I check it daily for inspiration for my home - you have a special eye for home decorating and I hope one day you are able to get the extra degree you want! Happy Blogiversary and I look forward to seeing more! =)

blairsblog6 said...

Joy--Yours is one of my favorite blogs1 I am so glad you started and can't wait to see what you come up with next!

Brittney said...

PS. I got a glimpse of your stack of suitcases in your last post and just loved them! Such a great idea!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!!

I love, LOVE your blog. You have inspired me with everything you post, even if I'm unable to replicate some of your ideas (due to a lack of space, time, or money). Since I started blogging and reading other blogs in January, I have done more "crafty" things that I had in years. It's been wonderful to see other people's ideas and share your own success - and failures!

I haven't told anyone in my family, other than my husband and daughter about my blog. I'm not sure why, but I think I've enjoyed it more that way.

Anyway - a huge congrats to you, and can't wait til Friday.

Lisa

Amelia said...

Thanks for allowing us to be part of your journey this past year. We have learned from you - and hopefully we have been an inspiration at times.

May God bless you in your endeavors.

marilynl said...

I look forward to your blog every day. I identify with you in more ways than you could imagine. I wish I had more confidence in my design ideas. You are helping me find that confidence

Melissa said...

Happy Anniversary, Joy! You know I'm a big fan of yours and I loved reading your reflections on the past year. Congratulations on being one of the very best out there~
Melissa

buebau said...

Congratulations on your blog 1st aniversary!!!
I love your suitcase stack! It's amazing*

KL said...

Congratulations! Your blog is on my "Inspiration" blog list!

lani said...

Happy one year anniversary!!! I know that I enjoy looking at your blog everyday for fun new ideas!!! SO thank you!!!

Trixi said...

I have to agree with the above. I am so glad you started a blog and I love reading it!!

Unknown said...

Thank you for opening your home and sharing your designs. Happy One Year to you!

Pam @ Frippery said...

Happy anniversary.I so agree that blogging is life changing and affirming. I have met so many people who are just like me in thoughts, taste, the urge to create and have learned so much from them.I have gotten to know people I would never have had the opportunity to come in contact with otherwise. My friends and family rarely read my blog , they don't "get" it. I love visiting your blog. You are just brimming with creativity. Thanks for sharing your wonderful decorating ideas, Pam

Alissa said...

Thanks for blogging and being an inspiration! :)

Unknown said...

Happy 1 year anniversary, Joy! Your blog was one of the first I stumbled upon when I discovered bloggy land in August. Now I have my own blog and feel as you do. By the way, my family and friends don't know about my blog, either. For the same reasons you mentioned.

Sheryl

Lady Dorothy said...

Happy, happy blogiversary! I'm so happy that a year ago you decided to start blogging. You have changed the way I look at things and how I decorate. And I now LOVE spray paint! Thank you!

Ruby Red Slippers said...

I am so glad you are blogging! You were one of the first blogs I started to follow-you do inspire me, and I am motivated to be creative, rather than just buy to buy...Thank you for all the projects, and tutorials, and being the sweet person you are-it shines through all the decorating...

The Lind Family said...

WOW! I am so excited for you! Blogging has been a blessing for me as well. I love checking out each of your posts...feeling inspired each time I do. Thank you!

Dawn said...

Happy blogiversary! I'm one of your newer readers and I'm very glad that I happened upon your blog. Your projects are always inspiring and your writing uplifting. I hope you have many, many more years of blogging!

Blessings!

Andrea said...

Congratulations, Joy! This is the first time I've been on your blog. It is very impressive, and I so appreciate your Christian testimony. May God bless you and continue to give you many more successful blogging years!

Andrea

Gayle said...

Joy - I really should follow your lead and start my own blog - I just, I just, I just........

Congratulations!

Terri said...

Joy,
I'm so glad you embraced your passion to blog! I really enjoy following it. In fact, it's one of my favorites. Happy one year anniversary!

Ms. Witi said...

That was such a super sweet blog....

I feel blogging is such an unique outlet...whether its sharing your decorating/creative skills(like you) or sharing what took place in your child's kindgergarden class (like mine). :o)

Can't wait to check out the party!

Kasey said...

I'm always happy when I see you've posted something new. Happy anniversary!

Staci @ Designing and Motherhood said...

Ah that post was very sincere. I am an Interior Designer and I appreciate and admire your passion and vision. Happy 1 year anniversary. I think we have some things in common-mainly working with what ya got. Feel free to check me out on my blog sometime. I haven't told the people close to me either about my blog. I just want more honest feedback than the usual...looks great. Comments are inspiring and I look forward to building up my readers. I like checking out your blog. Keep it up. Take care. Staci

Anonymous said...

I for one am sooo glad that you started blogging. I have found so much inspiration on your site that is helping me transform my home. I just adore your blog!!!

bj said...

Oh, Joy...Happy Anniversary!!
I must say that your blog is one of my very favorites and I look forward to reading it for a long time....
and...I am totally in love with your suitcase stack!!
xo bj

Unknown said...

Oh, my goodness, ma'am, you have written my story, except for the one year anniversary part. You are one of the bloggers that inspired me to start. Happy blogiversary! Can't wait for the party!

Our Paper Plates said...

You do such a great job at sharing your beautiful ideas on how to decorate a home. I am so glad you decided to create a blog! Keep up the great work :)

Adrienne said...

I'm glad you started this blog too! Happy Blogiversary!

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

A great big congratulations to you! You have given us an incredible gift through your talents. Thank you for sharing so freely with us.

Cathy said...

Happy Anniversary! I love your blog!

Kasey said...

Happy Anniversary!!

Tracey said...

Happy Blog Anniversary! Blogworld is so wonderful!! I am so happy you started a blog and are so nice to share your talent and your wonderful and creative ideas with us!!
Tracey

Montay said...

Way to go Joy you have been a part of my daily routine for awhile now and I have tried a few of your ideas and I love them keep it comming! Happy Anniversary to you..

Shirlee said...

Congratulations Joy on your blogging anniversary. I remember when I first discovered your blog, way back when, and how impressed I was (and still am) at your creativity.
I make a point of dropping in on you every couple of days to see what cool project you've come up with or to envy all your thrifty goods. I'm convinced you have the best thrift stores!
Again, congratulations and I look forwards to all your future posts. Sounds like you have lots of ideas swirling around to keep your blog going for a long, long time.

prez :)

Liz said...

Happy blogging anniversary...and just so you know, I am glad you decided to go into the blogging world!

Brenda said...

Congratulations! I love your blog and I especially love all those suitcases! How wonderful to have so many friends through blogging! Happy Anniversary, have a great party!

Robin said...

I'm so happy I stumbled over here a little less than a year ago! You've given so many of us such inspiration! I don't "share" my blog with extended family either.....and I agree with everything you've said, It's really opened up my world!

Nora said...

So sweet. I love that blogging has been a blessing in your life. Can't wait to see where you are in another year!

Lindsey,Alyssa and Carly said...

So glad I found you... You are an inspiration to me- I love your ideas! You're one of my fav blogs! Keep up the great posts and creativity... God Bless you!

Anonymous said...

I have felt a rebirth of a piece of me that I didn't think I would get to enjoy until the kids were grown and married. I love blogging for the sheer fact that to me it's like I get to publish a book about my thoughts on a WEEKLY basis. Where else can I get such a creative outlet? I tell ya, changing diapers just doesn't do it for me! :o) Congrats and I'll be back Friday.

My best, Lynn
(I have a giveaway this week too. Ends Friday)

Sweet Caroline said...

Yes...I saw your suitcase stack a bit ago and have been collecting suitcases since. My mom in CA is even looking for some to complete my collection. I love this look.

You have great ideas that are easy and fun to do--which is so important. So, I am glad you have a blog!

Priscilla said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Priscilla said...

Well, I am glad that you decided to start a blog - I love all the projects you do and the inspiration I get from visiting your blog, so thanks for blogging!
And happy bloggerversary :o)

Mom in High Heels said...

Happy blogiversary! I love your blog and have gotten so many wonderful ideas from it. I can't wait to see what the next year brings.
BTW, March 18 is my wedding anniversary. I posted photos on my blog of our wedding. Talk about changes! It was 14 years ago.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

That was beautiful. Congratulations on your blog's one year anniversary.

FlowerLady

Shell in your Pocket said...

What fun...congrats to your one year...I am so glad you did!
sandy toe

Unknown said...

Congrats on the Blog Anniv.

You have some darling ideas, I look forward to each new post!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Great you jumped into blogging, Joy! We're so glad you did. I sure have enjoyed seeing all your projects this last year & you've inspired a few of mine too.

Wendy said...

Congratulations Joy! I am glad that I've been a reader of your blog for most of this last year!!! You're great!

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

Happy Anniversary!

I LOVE your blog! :)

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Congratulations on your ONE year Anniversary! I'll be there in about a week myself! You have a wonderful blog!

Unfortunately alot of people around me know that I have a blog and check it regulary. I really wish I had kept mine more personal. I didn't tell many people, but word travels fast!

Here's Wishing You Another Great Year of Blogging! :) ~hugs, Rhonda

Michelle said...

Happy Blog Anniversary. It's one of the best things I've done also...a very good outlet, a place to get away so to speak. I love your blog and can't wait to see how you will inspire me next. You are surely a creative person who can make just about anything beautiful with your own special twist!!!

Now just go on and keep surprising and challenging us all with you wonderful post.

Jeanne Oliver said...

Congrats on the one year anniversary....so much can change in a year. Probably one of the biggest things you have learned is you didn't need that interior designing degree...I think sometimes you either have it or you don't....and you have it. Still loving that stack of suitcases.

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I must say that you are the ONE blog that I check EVERYDAY!! It's my special 'me' time to sit and feel inspired by you and your amazing ability!! I look forward to seeing what you will come up with over the next year!!

Kimberly said...

So glad you started your blog. I so enjoy reading it every day and seeing all your new projects! My dh is starting to wonder about my obsession with black spray paint!LOL!
Happy Anniversary!

Laura said...

Congrats!

Thanks for sharing your creativity and inspiration... I love reading your blog and seeing your beautiful ideas.

Lewaina@cliffsideranch said...

I enjoyed you post today! I like to come a see what you’re doing. Congrats on the anniversary. It's a mile stone to be celebrated! ♥

Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary...I LOVE your blog! You are so talented and articulate. I think blogging has changed almost all of us; and for the better. It's a bit of happiness brought into our lives, and it encourages us like nothing else. I probably will never meet but a handful of my blogging friends but I will always refer to them as friends.

I'm glad for your changes and happy that you are finding such joy in blogging. "See you" at the Party on Friday!

Charlene said...

I stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago and I look forward to each new day to read a new entry from you. I love to go to the thrift store and turn something old into something new and stunning and I have received so much inspiration from you. Thankyou for sharing your talent with us.

philben5 said...

Joy, as a somewhat new blogger myself (Oct.08) you were one of the very first blogs I found and I have been smitten ever since. You truly have inspired many of us to better our homes as well as our hearts. For that I thank you. You were one of my first blogs to "follow" and would make my way here even if I didn't see a new post for the day. Happy Anniversay and YOU GO GIRL!!!
Blessings
Roxanne

RuthAnne said...

Congratulations! I love your blog! I love all of the fun ideas. You have truly opened my mind to all sorts of new possibilities!

Lift Up Your Hearts said...

Your blog is a huge blessing and inspiration to me!!

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Yeah...congrats....on to 100 more!!

onehm said...

Congrats on such success! I love your blog and the inspiration you share! Thank you!

Des said...

Congratulations on your 1 year blogiversary!

I am so glad that I came across your blog and so appreciate the great ideas I get from visiting it! I feel so special to have you responding to my email and visit my dinky blog! :) Thank you for blogging! :)

Here's to many more years!
XOXO,
Des

Erin said...

I'm grateful to your daughter for getting me into blogging too! It has been so much more theraputic than I could have imagined. I'm so glad I'm friends with your COOL family! It is so fun to live close to your daughter! She is a TREASURE. I love your blog and the only reason I don't comment more is because everyone says exactly what I want to say! Lots of Love!

Anonymous said...

Morning Joy! I am very glad you started your blog! I look forward to your ideas (even though I don't always have time to comment, I still check them out!!) Like you I still adore blk/white and find there are very few creative blogs out there that feature those colors! Your ideas are simple, fun and easy for us to "copy"! I hope all those bottled up ideas keep escaping so we all benefit!!! Congrats on your anniversary!!! Sincerely, Jeannette

Tennille said...

I'm so glad you decided to blog- I just love it!! Happy Anniversary!!!

. said...

Lovely blog you have. I do sometimes lay awake and think of blogging. But I also let myself pray for those in the blog world. I also struggle with tooting my own horn. Sorry to ramble. Congrats and blessings. MY 1st time stopping by. Denise

Our Complete Family said...

Happy blogiversary!
I do enjoy your blog and look forward to more fun posts from you!
Happy weekend ahead~ Les

CandiShack said...

Congrats on one year! I have been being inspired by your blog the past couple of months. I really liked this post. I'm kind of in the same boat that you describe in this post - I love to decorate, and there are people that are starting to hire me, as well, I want to get an interior design degree... yada yada. Just exactly what you said. But like you, it's not the right time. So maybe I will stock up 'before and after' photos to one day do a blog of my own! (on decorating, that is). Anyway, thanks for your wonderful and inspiring blog!
-Candice

Karen said...

Happy Blogging Anniversary! And here is to many more years to come!

me me me said...

K- you have no idea who I am, I stumbled across your blog from somewhere- cant even remember where, but I have to say that yours has become my favorite blog! I visit it all the time to copy your projects and get inspired to do stuff around my house. When people come over and see projects that I have copied from here, they are impressed- very impressed (especially when I tell them how little it cost). My first project you inspired me to do was painting lamps. You see we have been wanting lamps in our master for about 3 years, but I have been super picky, and could not find ones I LOVED, but as I was at my local D.I. I found 2 ugly (color) brass lamps that had shapes that I absolutely loved. Black spray paint made a world of difference and now everytime I walk into my bedroom I smile and feel great about what I made, and that I love them. OK- I know this is super long I just wanted to say THANKS for all the inspiration!

Gwynie Pie said...

Congratulations on your 1 yr blogging!! I started my blog 2 months ago for some of the same reasons you mention. I so enjoy just getting to "say" what's going on in my world. And I do love, love, love visiting other blogs. Your is quite fun. I'll be back. Gwyn Rosser

Michelle Hughes said...

wow!!!! Now lady, THAT is a stack!! Thanks so much for sending this link my way so I can be insanely jealous!!!
xoxo~ Michelle

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