Today I’m sharing something a bit different and I hope you like it. I was invited to be a part of something called a Tour Through Blogland. Honestly, I’m not sure where it started. It has grown and grown. I will be introducing you to 4 wonderful bloggers as well as answering some questions about myself and the creative process I follow…which I have to admit makes me a little nervous! I have never tried to be someone I’m not (although I have thought about it many times) so my answers are totally my own.
First let me introduce Kelly, from My Soulful Home, who invited me on this tour.
I met Kelly last winter when she invited me to join her Hearts at Home tour. I was so honored and we have stayed in touch since then. She’s a gentle, beautiful soul. In her own words: My blog is about putting heart, mind and soul in all I do and sharing it with you. Mom, wife, blogger, mom to 2 girls and former attorney. Bursting with ideas and always creating, I share decorating projects, gardening and recipes.
Now for the questions:
What am I working on?
Right now I am concentrating on Fall. I am trying to get some projects started as well as sewing for my online shop. Balancing a blog and online business can be tricky and some days I’m a complete failure. At the end of the day I try to remind myself that I did the best I could…and there’s always tomorrow. One of the things about this genre or niche is that we always have to be a step ahead of the season. I’ve been thinking about fall for a month and am just about ready to move on to Christmas. Seriously.
How does my work differ from others in my genre?
First of all let me explain about my genre. Back when blogs like mine first came about, they were called shelter blogs. That evolved into DIY blogs, Home/Garden blogs and Lifestyle blogs. I consider On Sutton Place a lifestyle blog because I’m sort of a mixed bag. I share things that are a part of my every day life. Decorating, Recipes, Gardening and sometimes random posts like this one about Photography. I’m not sure my work is any different than other lifestyle bloggers. I try to be honest and be myself.
Why do I create what I do?
The simple answer to this question is because I don’t know how to do anything other than what I’m doing now. I love decorating my home, being in my kitchen and hanging out in my yard. The fact that I get to do it for my job is still sometimes unbelievable. I create what I do because I’m comfortable with who I am. The big thing these days is the concept of “moving outside your comfort zone.” I’m all for that but at the same time I sort of like my comfort zone. It’s taken me a long time to find it!
How does my writing/creative process work?
My creative process always starts with a list. I have yellow legal pads in a basket beside my chair…which by the way is my office too. I write down ideas and then add the details. Unlike many bloggers, I usually only work on one thing at a time. If I have too many things going at once I tend to get overwhelmed and that turns into being unproductive. I have found a rhythm of sorts and it helps me stay focused.
OK…enough about me! Now I’d like to point the tour in the direction of three other lovely bloggers. I’ve never personally met any of them, but like many virtual friendships, I feel like I know these girls so well.
First is Lucy from Craftberry Bush. She’s clear up in Canada but sometime I feel like she’s right next door. She’s a wonderful mom to three great kids and her photos are stunning.
In her own words: Hi I’m Lucy and the voice behind Craftberry Bush, where I share my heart through photography, crafts, decor and art. I am a true believer that there’s an artist in all of us. My hope is to be able to inspire you to find that artist. “The meaning of life is to find your gift, the purpose in life is to give it away.” ~Pablo Picasso
Next is Melissa from Empress of Dirt. Another Canadian blogger who is even more obsessed with gardening than me. She’s got the most amazing information and tutorials on her blog and they all come complete with steller photography.
In her own words: Hello! I’m Melissa and I share creative and frugal home and (mostly) garden ideas. When I was a kid, I always said I wanted to have my own magazine. Who knew the internet and blogs would come along and enable me to do just that? Itching to be more creative? I’ve got hundreds of projects and ideas for you at Empress of Dirt.
Last but certainly not least is Cynthia from A Button Tufted Life. I started following Cynthia on Instagram and then realized she was in one of my Facebook groups. I think she’s a delight and definitely one of the most talented interior designers around.
In her own words: I am Cynthia. My husband Kent and I run a design studio together. Our blog is called A Button Tufted Life. We share our personal and client projects, DIY ideas and lifestyle musings. Our lives are about to change big time. We have sold our home, Hoop Top House and are on the move! Our next adventure will be a wild ride including the redesign of a historic Inn. I can’t wait to get started and I hope you follow along!
Well that’s it! I hope you enjoyed this stop on the Tour Through Blogland. If you have an extra minute stop by the blogs I featured…I promise you will love them all.
See you soon!
Ann, I had to smile when I saw all your legal pads! I’m old school and use small spiral notebooks. I’ve saved them all as a history of what I’ve been doing and thinking for the past few years. Loved this post!
Hi Ann,
I thought I was one of the only people left using yellow legal pads for organization! Thanks for your wonderful blog. Yours is the only one I follow.
Jan.
Loved reading about you and your process Ann! I’m like you…it’s taken me a long time to find my comfort zone too so I hate to get out of it too much! lol Have a wonderful day!
This was a fun read, Ann! Great to go behind the scenes with you!
Ann…you know I love reading about you! You are the master of your zone and we reap the benefits. I found your blog just as I began mine & eagerly look forward to every post. I also know & very much enjoy Melissa, Lucy & Cynthia. Thank you for sharing a bit of you & them today my friend!
This is great, Ann. I’ve loved following your blog for the last few years because you do post about so many things and you write in a way that keeps it all interesting. I know you have a lot to offer. I love when you say you rather enjoy where you are at in your comfort zone (or inside your box) There is too much emphasis on change, change, change. We’re all unique, we all have something different to offer. I think “thinking outside of the box” is a great motivator for some, not all.
I did the tour and had fun. Yes, it opened my eyes as well as to why I blog! Ha!
Jane xx
I love your answers, Ann. My favorite thing about your blog is that it is YOU. That was what drew me in three years ago and what keeps me coming back. XO!
Ann, I’m trying to figure out how I found your blog. But I do know when I started reading my first one, PW , via my daughter. She had guest bloggers and from there started reading theirs and it just opened up a brand new world of wonderful women bloggers. Kathleen in Az
Hey – three Canadians! Thank you so much for including me. It’s extra sweet to read that you do indeed feel comfortable with who you are. It really shows in the strength and beauty of your work.
Ann, What a great post! I did the same one today and it was a blast! I love your blog and you! You are the real deal and a big influencer! So glad we became friends though blogging!
Where is the inn?
Thanks tor sharing but I like my Ann!
If you are asking about our Inn project it is The Little Inn of Bayfield on Lake Huron in Ontario Canada!! :)
Ann… thank you so much for including me in your featured bloggers today!! I love your style and all your projects inspire me!! Have a fantastic week… you certainly made mine start off with a smile! :)