Wow! It has been a while since I have checked in! I keep asking myself why that is, especially when I did so well to update almost daily for so long. I could blame work, life...all the usual distractions that eat everyone's time. I could blame it on my role as "Mother of the Year," which I call myself around these parts -- sometimes sarcastically, other moments literally, and I remind my children of it often (see the meat pie photo above, my self-imposed title poked out with a fork).
But I think my lack of sharing boils down to several things:
1. I have run out of projects to do in my home. I am now at the point where I should just commit to selling or start making over rooms, which seems kind of frivolous, considering they are perfectly fine. Also, the things I would like to do really require starting over. They are more costly changes (in time and $$), so I hang back and wait.
2. I also have concluded that I've become a bit intimidated by the "blogging photography challenge." While I have a pretty decent camera, I haven't taken the time/conquered the fear of mastering it. Therefore, my pictures seem so poky and horrible when I upload them onto my blog. So many bloggers have seriously gorgeous, quality photos and when I consider the time and effort they go to to set up, edit, and watermark each photo, it just makes me feel that my photos fall pitifully short.
So, I have decided that for now, I will write for myself and try to meet only my personal standards (I apologize in advance!). Things are quietening down around these parts: our German exchange student has returned home (we miss him!) and my eldest son has decided what he would like to do next year (he graduates high school this year) and all applications have been sent out. We are planning a family trip and are now just down to the final, little details. I am enjoying the slower pace.
I have also finished up my work on the latest Matthew Mead publication: Flea market Finds with Matthew Mead. I am so excited for everyone to see it as it is truly beautiful and filled with so many great projects using items everyone can afford! I will share the cover with you as soon as I am allowed. It will be on newsstands in April but the expanded keepsake edition can be pre-ordered via Amazon here.
As for home projects? In or out, overdone or not (I think neither!) I am seriously entertaining the idea of a large chalkboard wall. I have a few ideas for updating the look and now need to just set to work and pick the perfect spot. I have also been slowly picking up frames for all of the fun photos and artwork I have been collecting via Etsy. Both projects sound manageable, don't they? Something that even a Mother of the Year would have time for, right?
(chalkboard photos via pinterest.com)
Good to hear from you! I have been lacking blog posts as well, mostly to the fact that I feel like I never truly complete a project. I do the shotgun approach to decorating. Looking forward to showing a "finished" room soon. I like pictures on blogs even if they are not professional quality. Don't let that hold you back! :)
ReplyDeleteI so feel ya on the blogging pressure (and the mothering part, too). Please stay and continue to blog. Your home is beautiful and inspiring. And Matthew Mead??? that's fantastic! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeletewhy are you so hard on yourself honey - your blog is delightful & cottage-y & lovely! your blog is what got me started with blogging! don't feel the pressure to keep up with 'whoever' just do what you do so well! xo
ReplyDeleteFirst, congrats on the book! Second, I think we all feel a little intimidated from time to time. I know I struggle with photogs too :)
ReplyDeleteAre we sending mind-messages? I've been staring at chalkboard walls for weeks. Just trying to decide whether it's to be kitchen or Boy#2's room that gets one. I'm thinking magnetic too just for fun :)
I love your blog, just keep on keeping on. And send us a *fork message* every once in a while.
Linda, it's always fun to catch up with you a bit. Don't let what anyone else is doing change you or what you enjoy doing in Blogdom. No one does it in quite the same way. You have a unique voice in the kingdom. Ohhh, you make me want to find the Flea Market spring issue when it's out. I find them at Joann's usually.
ReplyDeleteNow do you really want to know what I think of the chalkboard look? No, you probably don't. Let's just say all the years of teaching have jaded me. =)
You're one of my favorites - just the way you is on this here blog! Just keep on.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, family needs a reminder how valuable mamas are! I love the forked message in the crust! You rock.
YES!!!! Chalkboard wall my friend....I love them. In our old home I had one and I miss it so...thinking it is time for me to do one in our laundry room. Life is busy but I think you are doing an amazing job with all the things you have happening....hugs and love from the West Coast...where it is so sunny and warm...love it!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to display a collection...I LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, I'm loathed to spend anymore money on our house as we intend to sell this year/latest next year which makes blogging projects really hard. But lovely to see you here when you can, it sounds like you've been super busy!
ReplyDeleteI've just popped the book in my Amazon Wishlist, I can't wait to read it :) x
I like your camera collection. Are they still working?
ReplyDeleteI think your blog is lovely! I really enjoy that it's written like a REAL person. Too be honest I've stopped reading some blogs that have just become too perfect. I won't even attempt to have a blog. I can't take a decent photo if my life depended on it and I'm not that witty. Your log is so real. That's exactly why I like it. It seems in the past couple of years a fun hobby has become a bit competitive. Thank you for all your years of posting. And yes I love chalk boards too.
ReplyDeleteKathy
Kathy, you have made my day with your kind words!
DeleteThank you. :-)
I SO wish we were running out of projects to complete! That's what happens when you purchase a house too fast that needs some TLC, and your husband doesn't enjoy doing the TLC, lol! Or, I should say, Grrr! I am FINALLY able to post comments on others' blogs again, thanks to getting a long awaited new computer, yay!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I thought you had already decided to sell, and you were starting to declutter and get ready for the "move", or did I miss something?
I have enjoyed reading your blog and thank you for introducing me to many other bloggers. Always fun to see what "other people" are doing. Thanks for sharing - Judy
ReplyDeleteI stumbled onto your blog this morning, and I'm glad I did... you have so many good ideas! I'm commenting on this particular post because you mentioned your German exchange student... I too am a host mom! We've hosted two German girls, and we'll have a girl from Spain coming in August. We took this year off, and both of our previous students planned visits... one was here in September, and the last one, whom I was exceptionally close to, will arrive in two weeks!! I'm so excited to see her again! Anyway, just wanted to say hi. :)
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