Don’t get too excited…there are absolutely no signs of spring here in Ohio. I decided to add a few to my house though and will be showing you pics through out this post. I’m really here just to chat. No project to share. No recipe. No nothing. I hope you don’t mind. From the very first post on this blog, I have said that I will always be honest…that what you are seeing and reading is as close to the real thing as I can get. It’s been a journey, with this last year being the most important. I want to tell you about it so you know what’s going on…in my head and in my heart.
For several months I have been growing my number of email subscribers. I am so grateful to all of you…especially the ones who actually click over and see my posts. (Hint, hint to those of you who don’t.) As a result, there are new readers stopping by who might not know how this blog got to where it is today.
Here’s the story in a nutshell. I took a gigantic leap of faith and quit my day job in June of 2012. I began blogging full time and it became a real job. I made no money for the first 6 months. Not one cent. The seventh month (after going full time) I made $40.65. My point being that it took a while and I have you all to thank for helping me grow. I learned how to market my blog on Pinterest and made a very important connection that got the ads on my site squared away. These were the two turning points that enabled me to finally begin to earn a small living.
When the realization hit that I could actually make decent money, I stepped up my content. Over the past year I have tried to always bring you my very best. I didn’t want any fluff or filler posts. Of course, this was more work and much more time. I didn’t care though. I was willing to do whatever it took, within reason, to grow.
Along the way there have been growth spurts and plateaus. Lots of ups and downs which is very frustrating. Working from home was my dream. What I didn’t realize was that at times the isolation would be overwhelming. When things are going well, being alone is not an issue. When I hit a road block, or experience some sort of disappointment, it sure would be nice to have a co-worker who would listen to me whine. Again though, this was a choice I made and I’m not complaining. Thankfully I have met a few wonderful friends who are bloggers too. Kindred souls and all that. I’m not sure I could do it without them.
I love what I do. I am blessed beyond measure and among the things I am most thankful for are you all, my readers. I consider this blog my job and along with any job, there are responsibilities. I strive every day to combine marketable content with the real me. My hope is that every time you come here, you leave with a lighter heart…or a fresh idea…or the confidence to do something you didn’t think you could do. I don’t know what lies ahead…no one does. I do know that life can change in an instant so we need to live in the moment. Right now, my moment is here. On Sutton Place.
One last thing. When I said that I would do anything within reason to grow my blog, the within reason part is important. I will never, ever step on another blogger or be mean-spirited in any way. I have tried my best to follow all the rules…that is when I knew what the rules actually were. I have tried to stay the same person I have always been. A daughter, mom, wife. Now I can add “blogger” to the list…thanks to a little luck, perseverance and faith.
Thanks for listening.
Kelly and I would like to wish you a very happy Friday…see you soon.
P.S. Just in case you are wondering…I got the blue scale on Etsy, the basket on my coffee table was on sale at potterybarn.com. The egg wreath was $5.00 at a home decor store about an hour away from where I live. Could not pass that one up.
