Posts
After reviewing the 2009 year of my blog
I began to ponder. . .Am I happy with my blog?
Is my blog going in the right direction?
Is it worth my time?
Is it worth the time of those who read my blog?
When I began my blog my purpose was to motivate myself to get some projects done and document the process. I never thought that I would have over a thousand people interested in what I did.Is my blog going in the right direction?
Is it worth my time?
Is it worth the time of those who read my blog?
But now I do.
And I feel a sense of obligation to you all.
I want my blog to be not only worth your time, but also be helpful---for entertainment, inspiration, distraction, relaxation, encouragement, motivation, WHATEVER!I've taken a few days off
to figure out a direction for my blog.
The only trouble is, I'm still directionless. So here's where you come in.to figure out a direction for my blog.
Why do you come here? What would you like to see more of? What can I do to help you?
If you feel so inclined, leave me a comment.
I Really Appreciate Your
Help and Support.
THANK YOU!
Help and Support.
THANK YOU!
89 comments:
I understand your dillema. I too have wondered about this. (well, I did when I bloged all the time and was worried about comments and such) Then, I stopped and asked myself, why do I blog? Do I love it or just like it? Do I get joy out of inspiring others? Yes-you do inspire others and I truly enjoy coming over to visit and be inspired. So-I think you should ask yourself-do I inspire myself? Do others creations inspire me?
ps-plus it keeps me going and on my toes-through the creative side. Just my thoughts and opinion. Good Luck!
I come to visit your blog because you do amazing work.
Of course it must serve a purpose for you, but if you ask me (and you did, indirectly), it is perfect, just the way it is.
Thank you for sharing so freely. I am a better DIYer for it.
Mel
I love your projects! It makes me feel creative, and I usually end up trying them myself.
I really enjoy seeing your decorating ideas. I have saved so many pictures of your mantle haha!
I love seeing your creativity and how you repurpose items. Even if I don't "copy" your work exactly, it usually inspires me to recreate something in my own home!
If this blog gives you pleasure and keeps your own creativity pumping, then keep going and don't change for anyone else!
Blessings!
I love looking at your projects. It helps keep my creative juices flowing. I would recommend that you add a section on your blog where people can look at posts with the same label. I always love it when that is on a blog so that when I'm looking for a certain type of project it is easier to find.
That's just my 2 cents.
I love to see how you re-purpose things from thrift stores! I also love to see how you decorate for the holidays!
I like seeing your projects and decorating, Joy, and when you are so inclined, sharing about yourself a little bit.
I don't really need for blogs to have direction, exactly. I just like seeing what people are up to. This is a fun blog just the way it is!
It's fun to see how you put things to together decorating and arranging wise. You have a real talent for that and also taking trash and making treasures. As my SIL who does a crafty blog says "It's for fun, not stress", so really if it's still fun, keep er' up!
I question myself often about blogging. I want my blog to be interesting, fun, informative for other people who love their homes. But I struggle with what more I could do to have people visit my blog. I often wonder why some have so many followers and others so few. So then we have to ask ourselves do we do it for comments? or for the joy of doing it?
If you no longer find joy in it, then you shouldn't "waste" time on it.
I enjoy coming to your blog for ideas of decorating and thrifting. I enjoy blogs that show how to reuse stuff we have...cuz we all can't keep going out and buying new!
I really hope you keep up...maybe you just need to step away for a while and then come back refreshed. But whatever you decide, it will be correct for you!
Ok, that is my 2 cents worth!!!
I just started blogging in December '09. But I have visited your site several times and have really enjoyed your ideas, sense of humor, definitely. It's always interesting and you're very honest. My favorite subject is your mantle ideas. The snowflakes was my favorite. So many inexpensive ideas to decorate. That's my style! Happy Blogging and Thank You!
Please don't stay away too long! You are such an inspiration to all of us! The decorating ideas you have shared have given me countless ideas on things I can do in my home. You have wonderful taste, and your color pallettes and choice of furniture and accessories are always lovely.
What inspires you?! Whose blog do you go to? Is there something they do that you can add your own taste to? Lots of possibilities out there, I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Blessings!
I like your simple projects (thrift store ones are inspiring) and how to details for the average home. I just set up blog goals-they are simple but good. I am trying to focus on my blog quality posts not quantity posts. I have thought your same thoughts. I did a survey once on my side bar to get readers feedback. It was interesting to see that.
Don't be burden by it....love doing this or don't do it. Come check out my goals. I would like more followers too so feel free to follow my basement remodel. This is my main blog focus this year.
http://designingandmotherhood.blogspot.com/2010/01/stacis-2010-blogging-goals.html
Staci
I like your projects--ideas that I can use and translate to work in my home.
I too started my blog to motivate me to get some projects done, and it has plus so much more.
Inspiration! You are endlessly creative. You have so many ideas I would never even have come close to thinking of. And everything looks great!
I found your blog about a year ago. I love looking at your beautiful decor! There were other design/home decor blogs out there, but I just wasn't feeling it... then I stumbled upon Joys of Home and just salivate over how you make something gorgeous out of nearly nothing. I think it's just nie to find a blog that is such gratifying eye candy- I just love your style! It does help that there's another great member of LDS faith out there, too. It's like your blog and many others that are such a gentle and nonobtrusive way of sharing the gospel and testimonies planted in rich soil. I understand the feeling you have, though. It's hard to find and define the line between maintaining a blog for your personal use and maintaining it for the happiness of others.
I have really been inspired by your blog. I had been in a funk due to "empty nest" syndrome. I had no desire to change anything until I began reading your blog. I have been thrifting, painting, crafting and now I am even trying to sew. So, you see, you do make a difference. Keep on keeping on!
Have you helped one? Inspired one? Made one grateful? Shared joy with one? Yes, I am that one. What are the joys of home? You reminded us of these: stewardship, diligence, the value of a man's oasis when he's returned from slaying dragons, cleanliness, beauty in the little things.
I love to see your thrift store finds and what you do with them. You always make it seem like I could make or decorate like you do!
I understand your dilemma.....maybe only blogging once or twice a week would help you find a balance with life and blog life.
I love looking at your projects! I love your door projects the most. I'm always looking at them trying to figure out how you made them. :)
The bookshelf is my all time favorite! I am getting ready to build some "built-ins".
I like the decorating part of your blog too, and the personal touches when you talk about your real life.
I became a follower the very first time I laid eyes on your wonderful blog.
You inspire me to look at things in a different way.
Thanks for listening!
gail
I love your blog!! Your style is amazing! I have a fire place mantel in my new house and am always at a loss on how to decorate and I love your ideas!! Keep on blogging girl! I only subscribe to blogs I enjoy reading and you are one of them so I wouldn't change a thing.
I love your frugal, creative ideas for my inspiration. Keep it coming. Sally
I love seeing the decor you place in your home! Please keep posting so that we all have somewhere to draw inspiration from.
Blessings!
You have gotten my creative juices flowing on a number of occasions, so if blogging works for you, go for it.
Truly, only you can answer many of the questions. Follow your heart. If you do that, you can never go wrong:)
I think the fact that you have more than 1000 readers means that you have found direction. :) Your blog's strengths are showcasing your good frugal ideas for decor, and inspiration, as some others have suggested!
I love your step by step tutorials...and when you share things you shop for at thrift shops (and when). I love when you show how you arranged things and how it changes over time....I love when you "keep it real"...love it all.
My favorite reason for visiting is when you post pictures of your thrift store finds! I also love your step by step tutorials. This blog inpires me to finish projects around my house!
Joy, i've thought of writing so many times to tell you what your blog means to me. in 2006 i lost everything...20 years worth of antiques and family heirlooms, my children's photos and mementos, custody of my children themselves. it has been a slow climb back, building a home and regaining custody of my sons.
when i got my apartment in February 2007, i had nothing but a bed and a couch. i was completely broke and broken. i didn't want to collect anything again. all i could remember were my beautiful antiques that were gone forever.
your blog...your spirit and enthusiasm, the way you create magic out of dollar-store finds and thrift-store treasures has been like having a very cool friend beside me reminding me it can be done for peanuts, and that building a home isn't just for me...i'm creating space to make new memories with my sons.
THANK YOU for your blog. i was crushed to have to go through christmas without you encouraging me every day by showing me easy things to do to make magic.
please, don't change a thing. just keep letting the spirit lead you, because you're making magic and touching hearts you don't even know about.
much love, jennifer
Thank you for all the inspiration I receive from reading your blog. It is the first one I go to when I log on. You have inspired me to get so many projects done around the house. Thank you again & keep up the great work!!
Well, Joy, there's nothing I can say that won't be totally repetitive of what's already been written. I, like so many others LOVE your blog (guess you knew that from my email to you the other day!).
I can, however, understand your question. But please try to remember this, not everything has to have a defined purpose, know what I mean? From a reader's standpoint your blog has always been inspiration, enjoyment and sometimes entertainment. Sometimes we just want to look at pretty pictures and by inspired.
But, if you're "not feeling it anymore", than maybe it's time for your direction to change. But, don't do it necessarily for your readers. I think it's pretty evident everyone loves and supports your blog the way it is.
I'm still new to blogging, and don't get too many comments yet. At the very beginning, it was a little worrying, but then I realized whether I had 1 or 40 readers commenting, I was truly enjoying the "blogging" - the writing, the photography, the planning of future posts. I feel like it's "exercising my brain" a bit. And I'm really loving the process.
Sorry to be so long. I'm sure whatever you decide to do, it will be a success, as long as it makes you happy.
Regards,
Carla
I don't comment on every post. But I do check it often. I like your sense of style and thriftiness. You are an inspiration to me!
Only you can answer your questions, but if you want to know what I enjoy on your blog? Everything! :-) You have truly inspired my creativity. I love your repurposing of thrifted items. And, of course, I learned all about spray paint from you!
Joy, I come to your blog because it inspires me - not only with ideas for my home, but some of your posts really make me think. I like that you say life isn't perfect and has piles, because mine certainly does. And I especially like it when you sneak your testimony in. (This is actually my favorite part)! Whatever you decide, I'll keep reading.
Krystal
You inspire and motivate me. I love watching you create and you push me to make my home a better place, beautiful and filled with joy. I love your thrift!
I love to see what you transform. I love to see your thrifting finds. I love to see your holiday decor.
I found your blog a long time ago, I think when you first started it! I love it because you always have a fun, creative and inexpensive way to decorate a home and it makes me want to craft. I love all you clever ideas and positive attitude.
Joy, I visit your blog daily to see how you have taken mundane or old or castoff things, and made them special or new or treasured. When most of us see junk you see potential, and then you get to work and we get to see the resuts.
I've learned so much reading your blog. God bless.
I honestly have to say you and V and Co.'s blogs are my first visit daily and my favorite. I love that you are CHEAP...like myself but you live a beautiful life!! It makes want to make my life more beautiful!!
I think you should blog when you want to. I feel like I must blog daily...but lately I don't feel like blogging and so I don't. No one gets upset...people still come back. I think "Keep (ing) calm and carry on" at you own pace is the key!!
Hi Joy, I enjoy your posts. I love your projects, I like looking at your photos. It's fun to see what you are up to.
I'll read regardless of what direction you take, so you probably don't have to sweat it too much. You see to be doing really well.
I just like looking at your beautiful photos of your home. Out of beauty comes inspiration.
Thanks for your efforts! I know blogging can be time consuming, not to mention one with so many fans!
I haven't been here in a while but tonight I decided to visit some of my favorite blogs and yours is on the TOP of my list. I love your ideas, but I also love your inspirational words. In fact your words on April 10, 2009 were very inspiring to me and I blogged about them and inspired others. Keep up doing whatever you like. I hope you stay, but understand if it you had to take a break. I had to.
I love your blog- you give me so many great ideas. even if I don't comment often (if at all) I do read daily!
I enjoy the creativity of your blog and the inspiring ideas :)
You gpt a thousand people to follow you because of what you did over the past year. Don't get too far away from that!
I love your blog! Please don't stop blogging, you're an inspiration.
I love your blog. I love that you have found ways to be content where you are by surrounding yourself in beauty on a budget. I love the fun projects the shots of your home and the ideas you share. I love your projects. Your blog is one of my favorites. However you change, don't stop and keep brining us the beauty and creativity you come up with.
I love your blog and all the wonderful ideas you give me. I enjoy seeing how you decorate your home and use thrifty items too. Just keep sharing what YOU love to do. That's why I keep coming back.
Your creations inspire me! Plus I love to hear about how devoted you are to your family!
As your newest follower I will tell you why I came to your blog and why I fell in love with it. I came to your blog on a recommendation from my lovely mother-in-law. I fell in love with your sweet disposition and your amazingly inspiring posts. I love all the before and after photos and your choices in beautiful decor. I don't think you need a new direction at all! Just be yourself and everyone will love you. Obviously what you've been doing so far has been working for you because you have a huge following! Congrats on your success!
I have felt the same way! I however am on the other side. I want to get my blog going and make it worth someone time. It also helps me to get the project that have been sitting around forever get done!
The reason why I come to your blog is because I am a young mother that was suffering from a light case of postpartum depression and the struggles of being a new mom. Then I found your blog. I would come to your blog every day to have some "Joy" as I called it. It was a way that helped me to break out of my little shell and tap into my craftiness. Thank you.
I love that you can take something from the DI and make it look like you bought it out of pottery barn. I have truly been inspired!
Joy,
I love your blog!!! I don't think you need to change a thing!!! I think we should blog about what we love. And I can tell you love decorating & thrifting. You come up with fabulous ideas. I think too many bloggers are gearing their blogs to how many followers or comments they can get. The blogs I love the best just share what they love. Just be you & the majority of us will be happy with your blog.
Kim
It's interesting that I have read similar posts from other LDS bloggers. I can't help but feel that we know what is most important in our lives and we don't want to do anything that will take us away from that which is most important. But I really love your blog. Melissa at 320 Sycamore,
granvillehouse.blogspot.com changed hers up a bit by turning off the comments. Julie Harward at circlecliffviews.blogspot.com has a great blog as well. You may already be familiar with them.
No matter how you change it up, I have enjoyed reading your blog!
I love seeing your creativity and how you re purpose items. Even if I don't "copy" your work exactly, it usually inspires me to recreate something in my own home! I love the way you decorate and the way you "see".
If this blog gives you pleasure and keeps your own creativity flowing, then keep going and don't change for anyone else!
Hugs!
You are truly talented and should only do the blog for yourself. I so enjoy it the way it is and hope you continue to do what you LOVE.
I love that everything you do is something that I am able to do. I am such a thrift store/garage sale kind of gal and I love to see your finds and what you repurpose them as.
Please don't go away!
I really enjoy your blog! I don't comment but I do read. I like seeing your projects, how you decorate and praise the Lord. Keep up the good work!
I love your creativity, your design sense, and seeing easy DIY projects come to life. You have definitely sparked an interest and excitement for repurposing. Thank you for all the creative inspiration, considering I started out not being creative and/or crafty in the least!
I come here because I love your "voice." You're a real person, an amazing, talented person, but a REAL person and not a show on HGTV or wherever with a crew and time lapse. You make real things, they're not perfect (that's the best part). I love seeing how you transform thrift store finds into beautiful decor. You are so inspirational, you're a cheerleader, you're such an important part of the blogosphere.
I understand the sense of obligation. I hope it doesn't ruin the fun for you. I hope you continue sharing and being yourself. That's why we all come here!
I love your projects. You are very inspiring and I love any ideas you give for church decorations as I am asked to do often. I am a member too. Got to lovethe gospel and how we feel a closeness to those we come in contact with that are members. We truelly are sisters. And I love that. Keep up the great work you do. :o)
I love to see your decorating talents at work!!! I also thoroughly enjoy reading about all of your thrifty finds & think you are a very talented woman! Thank you for always sharing with us!
I just love your blog. Whenever I update my Favorites List, your blog is always on it. I really like seeing all your wonderful decorating ideas, furniture make-overs, and crafts. I'm usually a little bummed when you haven't had a chance to add a new post, but at the same time I very much appreciate that your a busy mom and that comes first.
I know how hard a blog can be to keep updating (I have yet to be successful). Being a mom comes first--If you do have even a few spare moments a couple times a week, though, I hope you'll still post some of your wonderfully inspiring ideas.
First of all I send you a hug! I love your blog as it is....but I can see your point. I think our blogs take on enough of our personality that they have ups and downs just like us. I personally like having this and that pop up.
With that said, I really like when you do projects like furniture and show us some of the steps.
Good luck blog-pal!
I like to see the projects that you are working on. That is my favorite part.
I had to ask myself this same question a couple of weeks ago. I blog to share...share me...share recipes...share crafts...share stories...share decor. I think you do the same thing and it is funnest when we share what we love. I enjoy your blog for the inspiration and the little ways you choose to share the world your love with the blogger world.
I started my blog a week and a half ago. I like getting comments on my posts. It really makes my day knowing that not only do peopleread them, but they are willig to take the time to comment. I saw your picture of Christ, and where it linked me to, and I decided to put one on my blog. YOU INSPIRED ME! THANKS.
I love your blog! I check it each time you post something new. There are some days that I am in a RUT with decorating or want something new....I just glean from the ideas from your blog. You do good work! :)
I love your blog! I check it each time you post something new. There are some days that I am in a RUT with decorating or want something new....I just glean from the ideas from your blog. You do good work! :)
You inspire a lot of people and it gives us that push we all need. Thank you so much touching my life for the good. You are an amazing gal.
Anything and everything! I love the variety of your creations on your blog. Please. :)
I love everything about your blog! I am a goodwill-er and you have inspired me so many times. I am even collecting milk glass now! I love your dollar store ideas and the rooms you redo for others. I am also LDS and enjoy your little tidbits about your family and the boys' missions. I hope you don't change a thing!
Please dont stop.. My week is complete when I can visit and then accomlish something after visiting.. I enjoy your imput even with email or blog..
Anne with a bare home..
I love love to see your ideas. You inspire me to make my house a home. A home that "I" can take pride in. I love your ideas. You give me insperation.
I have really enjoyed seeing your thrift store finds very much. I love how you give them a new life and add them together with old and new things. You have given me lots of fun ideas! Thanks!
I read your blog often. You inspire me to make a beautiful home for my family. Your ideas are cost-effective and I can actually do some of them without the help of a handyman, plumber, electrician or the like. One suggestion...I do not feel like I know you on a more personnal level. Maybe you don't want that as you've written several times how you don't want to include your family, but it's just a suggestion.
Please keep up with your blog. You are an inspiration to other "Moms"...like me.
Your blog is simply the best one that I visit regularly. I don't think you need to change a thing. My hope is that you get as much pleasure from doing it as I do from reading it. You have an incredible eye for design and I love to translate some of your ideas for my home. Thank you!
Your blog is one that I have read for some time. I see the passion that you have in your life and for the things that you blog about.
My daughter challenged me to start a blog, but she is far from home serving a mission. Without her technical support, I wasn't sure that I could do it. But everyone has been so kind and supportive and patient with me.
I am inspired to get busy and to enjoy my everyday life with more passion . Reading your blog has contributed to my motivation to do just that... so thanks. Just blog about the things that make you happy and that you are passionate about. Plus- blogging is supposed to be fun!
Sincerely, Kerin at cottageonmain.blogspot.com
I think your blog is fabulous! Just fabulous! I've spent the past two days doing nothing but reading through your archives and deciding that I hate everything I own. That should tell you that you're doing a good job and should keep it up! If you continued to do just what you've been doing that would make me happy. So the only question left is what would make you happy. As long as it includes sharing your ideas with us, your adoring fans, everyone will be happy campers.
You are an inspiration! I enjoy reading your blog. It gives me confidence to know I can be creative too.
I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!! You give me ideas all the time and inspire me!
Ditto to all of the previous comments. I don't think there is more that could be said about your creativity and how much I like seeing your ideas. Keep up the good work, if you feel so inclined!
I come here for inspiration... not just project inspiration though. I love the spirit you convey in each of your posts. You truly have joy and I love coming here and seeing some of why and how. Of course, I do love your projects. I've really enjoyed the makeover rooms you've done recently like your daughter's and friend's. I wish I had someone like you to come in and help me figure out what to do with my house.
Hi Joy, I'm too new to know why I come here. I came here because it looks like you have incredible taste and I love to look at creative peoples blogs. I'm a follower. One of over 1000 I see, so you must be doing something right. I love all things black & white. my blog is all about that. Come and see me some time. I'd be flattered to have you as a visitor/follower too. Keri (a.k.a. Sam) www.blackandwhitesite.com
I'm new to your blog. Just found it in the last month. I've spent a few hours reading it all. You are inspiring, your ideas amazing. I went to Goodwill for the first time last weekend and bought a chair to refinish. I probably wouldn't have done that before reading your blog - trash to treasures. Keep the ideas coming! And thanks for your time and commitment to sharing with those, like myself, aren't nearly as creative.
I just found you and I love all the creative ideas! God is creative and I think we are supposed to jump in to life and try and be like him: creative, passionate and loving! You seem to be all three!
I love your blog and check it everyday. I love how you repurpose things, not only is this creative, frugal but it's also green and good for the environment. When thrifting if I find a interesting find but now sure what to do with it I ask myself "what would Joy do with this?" You are so inspiring!
Your blog was one of the first ones I found in blogland that made my creative juices start flowing. Love all that you do!
I read that you have made your decision re your blog and I'm glad it's here to stay. I just wanted to echo others sentiments, that your blog serves me, and I hope it serves you. I enjoy the diversion and reminder that taking time to be creative and indulge, actually feeds my spirit as well.
Thank you and good luck to your boys, my 2nd just enlisted this week and has joined his brother. I now have 2 soldiers, and a heavy but proud heart.
I get inspired to create, I love it! Your ideas and projects and how-to's are my fav.
Post a Comment