I started my blog at the urging of my friend/web designer and a bit of a whim. I really didn’t know what I was in for.
I had no idea…
…I would have to be a hand model. This is a cruel twist, because I do not use lotions or cuticle creams. I do not give myself manicures or pay someone else to do them. My nails are always uneven or cut really short, so I can play guitar. There is almost always stain, paint, dirt or some other foreign, crusty crud under my nails as well.
To make it even worse, I have horribly double jointed fingers. I actually have to tuck my thumb upside-down against my palm when I’m opening jars. It just collapses when I try to open it like a normal person. And I get “ews and icks” when I show how I can bend my thumb back at a perfect right angle.
…I would make wonderful friends. I knew I wanted to be a part of a community of DIY women, but I had no idea I would meet so many amazing gals and find friendships in people I’ve never met.
77 Responses
Marian luck has found you! You truly deserve all those great opportunities and I feel the same about my work and blog – hard work but so much fun, worth losing sleep over it!
….it would change my life!! I've met a WONDERFUL group of folks….and grew a hobby into a business!!!
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Onion-Grove-Mercantile/109515762464557
I never thought it would become such a part of my life- new friendships, new opportunities to be creative by someone elses inspiration. I never thought I would win giveaways and have a giveaway because I had over 600 followers- which by the way I am having and would love for you to come over and sign up to win a great enamel sign!
bee blessed
mary
When I started blogging, I had no idea anyone would read me, let alone a magazine wanting to feature me, my kitchen and my family! It has been a wonderful experience, and I am going to keep on keeping as long as I have those friends and readers interested. I am so happy for you Marian..your talents are amazing and you have inspired so many of us to be all that we can be!!~
P.S. I am having a chalk paint giveaway..that is another thing thanks to your inspiration..LOVE that paint!
I had no idea… I would find such personal fulfillment. This blog is all mine. It's not the kids. It's not the husband's. It's my own little playground.
…..it would become so addictive!
……I would meet so many talented, funny, down to earth artists.
……I would aquire friends from several countries.
……I would be so inspired to create and explore my inner Picaso.
……I would have to take a break from my own blog for longer than I anticipated but my family and friends would stand behind me.
…..I would meet some of you wonderful ladies in person.
This blogging has opened a whole new world of which I barely skimmed the surface.
Thank you.
When I first started blogging I had no idea it would take a mere hobby to finally reach magazine status!
Blows me away each and every day. Really says something about where passion can take us, doesn't it?
Donna
When I first started reading this blog I had no idea it would spark the creativity that was once in me!! When I was first married (17 years ago) I enjoyed transforming freebie furniture, decorating, making curtains, and being creative but after having children I thought "my projects" were not as important as the chores and caring for the young children. I'm so glad to see I CAN have it all!! It felt so good today to feel like myself and enter a thrift store with butterflies in my stomach looking for just the right project 😉 Who knows??? Maybe I'll post one……Watch out Salvation Army……My inner creative goddess is BACK!
Ashley
I had no idea….how much I love connecting with people who share my passion. Being a stay at home mom is sometimes a lonely job, but blogging has opened a whole new world to me.
when I started my blog, I had no idea of the wonderful and like minded women I would meet or that someone other than my family or friends would care about the life we lived and my love for thrifting and crafting..following blogs like yours give many entrepreneurial women hope for success..with hard work..success can come..thank you for sharing your story!
ox
I had no idea that it would push me to do more creating, more connecting, and a such a desire for positive feedback (ahhhhh)!! I love that I have many different tastes and I'm not just all about one thing!
I've enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your decor! You're the 2nd person to post something about this amazing chalk paint!
How it would open a life for me of friendship and fun and wonderful helpful ideas right in my home where my kids are dumping sand box dirt out of their shoes, bringing in pockets fulls of acorns, and demanding snacks every 3.5 minutes. It's my way of getting away when I can't.
…that I would be writing for national magazines.
…that I would have photographs published in national magazines.
…that I would start my own fine art photography website.
…that anyone would actually read my blog!
and most importantly…that I would make lifelong friendships with some of the most wonderful and talented people on the planet, both men and women!
It truly is amazing what blogging can do. Congratulations to you on all of your well earned success!
Kat 🙂
Well I just started blogging, because of your inspiration. I hope I can gain as much from blogging as you have. Your blogs on business have really made you become more of a mentor for me than anything else, of course I love "everything" you do. You truely are an inspiration to me. I thank you!!!
It would change my life. I have been fighting a five year long battle with infertility and I needed something to distract me. It has opened a whole new side of me.
I had no idea that what started a meer 3 months ago as something to distract me from the wait of our adoption going through, would introduce me to so many cool, wonderful and inspirational women. I am amazed every day when I check my blog at 6 am before I head off to work that there are people out there who are reading what I wrote the day before.
It shocks and amazes me how much I have learned, how much can be done, and how quickly my husband jumped on board. (Seriously, sometimes I think he digs more than anyone…ladies (and gents) that man is a MASTER tag sale negotiator!)
Marian – your talent and generous spirit blow me away…you deserve all of the wonderful things that come your way!!
I had no idea there were so many Moms out there who are just like me. Lots of Moms who love God and love to decorate. Who knew! And you, my dear, are an inspiration to us all! Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us.
Ruthie
thechristiangirlscottage.blogspot.com
I had no idea how much I would enjoy learning new things like photography and blog design and html while startting a blog about sewing and farmhouse and vintage living! Im almost liking blog design more!
You tickle me with the hand model thing!
When I was still in MS and had my decorative painting business, I made the mistake of going through a McDonald's drive thru on my way home from a job (think brown glaze)
Yes, I had tried to clean up, but it was a new construction and there was no running water and I didn't wear gloves. The poor little clerk was pregnant and when I held out my money, she took one look at my hands and pulled back real fast. It was just too funny. I explained and she took my money. So, I feel your pain 🙂
And, blogging does come with a lot of opportunities for sure.
We all got to meet you! Thanks for generously sharing so much with us.
Rhonda
I had no idea I would ever receive such amazing emails from people who struggle with things just like me – having a child with autism. They have encouraged ME, while I have also encouraged them. It has been amazing to meet so many like-minded women who understand what it means to blog.
Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
i found your blog through the most recent issue of "flea market style" magazine. and boy am i glad that i did. the things you do and the generosity that you share them with are a sign that kindness and good values are not dead.
each summer i get to be the envy of all of my friends. my husband takes our kids camping. i get to stay home and spend a portion of this time listening to the sound of my own wheels turn. i have decided how to finish my kitchen that my husband renovated (incompletely)16 years ago. there will be painting and curtains. and maybe other surprises.
as for blogging, i now feel fine about letting others hear my crazy little voice. it feels so good and healing to have company on my travels through my life. thank you for your encouragement and reasonable approach to things.
xoxo.wendy
…I would make so many friends from all around the world, with similar interests, and they would be such an inspiration to me that I become brave and let my creativity flow in ways it never had before. And even though I've managed to meet only a small handfull of them…I know they will be there when I need a comforting word, a good laugh, or a kick in the butt. And for that, and for blogging…I am thankful.
…that I would find SO MUCH inspiration from people I've never met. It's exciting to see what everyone is doing to make their house a home, to make old things new again, to be creative. I'm sure me or my blog will never be famous, but I just love to look at all the talent out there in blogland. I've gained courage to try new things and confidence to do things myself!
and where would we be without you! I LOVE your blog… every piece of furniture you make amazes me. I wish I had awesome waxing skills like you but unfortunately I'm still afraid of it lol 🙂 P.S. I LOVE your desk in the later post! AWESOME!
Marian,
When ever I think about you and your blog this quote comes to mind "God can dream a bigger dream for you, than you can dream for yourself" ~Oprah.
When I started blogging I had no idea that I could feel so inspired by people I barely know. Thank you for all you share!
…I had no idea it would push me creatively…again. It would be such a commitment. That I would love it. That I love taking pictures (esp. with a camera that ROCKS!)That I am still that young at heart. That it would make me glow and tick and want to get out of bed in the morning. I had no idea how many creative, gutsy, wonderful, dreamer women there are out there in this big ole' world just like me…………
I am fairly new to blogging, but I had no idea that there so many people who share the same interest as I do. Blogging has inspired me to be more creative than I have ever been before, thanks to all the wonderful, creative people.
I had no idea I would love it so much. I also never knew I would make friends in the blog world. There are so many great people out there. Blogging has been a whole new world to me. I never really knew were it would take me and I really still don't. I just enjoy it, so I continue.
I had no idea….how much I could clear my mind; connect with people I know, people I love, people I have never even met; and find inspiration to stretch and grow.
What an amazing community of creativity….It's made me look for beauty in every day things and try to capture it through pictures and words.
It's also become my gratitude journal of sorts and had made my outlook more positive.
Megan
You are just fantastic I love you blog, I peek every day to inspire me, I have been learning a lot, You generosity in teatching some painting techniques and other things are very imortante for me, kisses from Portugal
http://www.dovelhofaznovo.blogspot.com
…how many wonderful, talented people there are out there!
Let me just say that Marian did not get her double jointed fingers from her Mom 🙂 – her Dad might be the culprit on that one! MMS's Mom
When I started blogging just a couple of months ago, I had no idea I would feel so fulfilled!
Hello Marian,
When I started my blog I had no idea I would meet woman from around the world who I would come to cherish as best friends…truly tell your secrets to, chat all night, swap gifts and do anything for…best friends.
I would have a hole in my heart without these woman.
Janet xox
http://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/
I had NO idea what I was doing! About 2 months ago, I happened across your blog. I immediately fell in love. In fact, I emailed you (sounded like a stalker, I'm really not) to let you know what an inspiration and mentor you were and are to me. My husband asks me every day "What did The Seed have to say today". I have become obsessed with not only ready your post daily, but a few others. Because of you…I completely redid my blog, which was a change for the better and I am now actually seeing traffic, instead of blogging to no one. Not a lot of traffic, but even the slightest makes me giddy with excitement. Thank you for all that you do! I am very new at all of this, I had no idea what my expectations were, and still really don't know what they are. It's a journey I am on and I look forward to the ride. Congrats on your success! You are awesome at what you do and an inspiration to many.
When I first started my blog I had no idea that people I don't even know would be interested in my art work. They love it when I post how and what I am doing!! Love this and I love the encouragement and feedback!!
Hugs
SueAnn
… when I started reading blogs, relatively recently, I had no idea that it would impact my life in such an amazing way. For decades, I've felt a creativity deep inside of me, just longing for expression, but never had the confidence to give it a go. You've given me the confidence to just try. You are an inspiration Marian, thank you for your generosity. A huge thank you too, to all of the other wonderful, talented and generous women "out there" in blog-land. You have changed my world and my life in such a positive way. God bless!
…it would become such a powerful creative motivator and that I could share this energy and excitement with so many like minded people in a genuine way!
You forgot to mention……or how…..you would be joining so many girls all over the world daily as they make the attempts to follow your tutorials on how to make slipcovers. Even tho I have never met you believe me you and I have spent the day together for the last month while making my slipcover.
I can't thank you enough.
Hugs
Becky
I just started mine but it seems to be an awesome outlet. It isn't about crafting, just a personal journey journal. It's nice to get stuff like that out there. I don't mind strangers reading but my family, well…passwords are so much more secure than hiding a diary!
In the Pursuit of Cuter Clothes
When I first started blogging I had no idea anyone would actually read it much less follow it. Every single comment and new follower actually blows my mind. I don't receive gifts in the mail or offers to be in magazines (I also don't put in as much work as you do; you're amazing) but I have "met" some amazing people which also is a surprise.
I had no idea….blogging would be addictive….where is the warning label?
that so many women in the world were "just like me"…
I had no idea that I would a)stick with it b)meet so many awesome and talented ladies c)start an Etsy store selling my wares and lastly d)MAKE MY OWN WARES!!! It is amazing to me the encouragement and support garnered through blogging. I have made friendships that I cherish and take pride(my friends are super cool and talented gals!!!) I am so happy for you Marian that your life is going down this path, for you inspire many, and that has a trickle down effect, so thank you dearest!
When I started my blog I had no idea writing could make me laugh and cry…
http://tree-shades.blogspot.com
Valerene, Malaysia
TOTALLY have the same thumb thing. Completely double jointed on my left hand only. Here's the funny part…my 1 yr old son has the SAME THING!! Left hand and everything. Hilarious.
Marian you really are a wonderful inspiration to so many women. You are considerate and kind and you have obviously touched so many lives. You were my first spotlight and you were one of the biggie blogs that I contacted, and you were so gracious. I do turn to your blog everyday for inspiration, like so many others. This sounds corny coming out of my mouth ( it's just not the kind of thing I say ) but you have definitely definitely discovered your own version of God's work using your talents! P.S. Mothers are always right aren't they?
God Bless
Karajeanne
http://decor-voyeur.blogspot.com
How hard it would be to stand out. I thought my creative furniture/decorating ventures mixed with my grandmothers diary from 1938 would be as big a hit with others as it was with me.
That the creative, exciting, professional direction I thought my life was taking was in fact a glimmer before the struggle and incredibly hard choices I would have to make, choices I would never want to have to make for myself, let alone make for my parent.
….how much it would help me get out of the funk I was in after we had to make our last move. It brought new friendships, new passions and revived some old ones. And I discovered how many others there are that love the same things I do!
You are such an inspiration! I love your blog. I just started my blog a few months ago and I am having so much fun with it. I have ALOT to learn and it is slow, but I can only hope for the success you have. I have a background in interior design and have been in sales since college, the blogging world made me finally realize I need to follow my heart and use my extra time to do the things I truely love, decorating, furniture painting, gardening, and baking! Blogging is a great outlet.
My little piece of happiness
http://heartsdesiresathome.blogspot.com/
When I started reading blogs I had no idea that there were so many inspirational women out there willing to freely share their ideas. I had no idea that reading these blogs would ignite my own creative juices and get me painting furniture, making slipcovers, shopping at thrift stores and generally just having a fun adventure re-making my home into my nest. Thanks to you and all the superwomen who share themselves so generously. Maureen
When I first started blogging (writing or reading), I had no idea…
That I would keep it up this long! Or that my friends would read my blog and somehow come to the false conclusion that I'm a supermom.
When I first started blogging I had no idea…I would get so many readers from around the world. How cool is it that someone from India or Australia or France checked out what I was writing. I also didn't realize that it would inspire me to get so much more done around my house. Now I want to do more projects just to have things to post about – our house has never looked so nice.
When I first started blogging I had no idea that there were so many incredibly talented people out there and that I would become a blog-stocking junkie!
I just started my blog this week but your blog is one of my very, very favorites and you are such an inspiration! You are so creative and talented!
… when I started reading blogs that I would try so many new things and start loving power tools as much as my sewing stuff. I had no idea that I would be able to fearlessly attempt things like fixing broken furniture, making slipcovers, and even upholstery! My efforts aren't perfect or expert, but I am having a ball and feeling empowered! I am so happy for your success, and grateful that you share so much with your readers and other bloggers! I wish you and your fellow blogges much continued success – I hope to find time to blog about my own humble projects someday too 🙂
Patty
I am still very new at blogging but when I started my blog I had no idea how much it would help me to take a step back and really appreciate the little everyday things and catch them in the moment in a photo!! That and how much I would really like it!
I had no idea when I started reading this that I would get to know my family better. 🙂
When I first started my blog, I had no idea it would be so much fun! Thanks for your inspiration MMS!
I had no idea how a sweet comment or compliment left by a total stranger could make my day!
I had no idea that when Miss Mustard Seed made a little mention about one of my post:
http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/2011/02/faith-of-mustard-seed.html
It would take my blog to a whole new level.
Thank you Miss Mustard Seed.
I have had so much fun.
love, Me
I had no idea… That someone other than my mom and my mother-in-law would look at it! 🙂
I had no idea….
I would meet another blogger who has matching thumbs with me!!! That's hysterical. My son inherited it from me but I've never "met" someone else who could do the same thing. Too funny Marian.
Good for you and all of your success 🙂
I had no idea how hard it actually was!
I had no idea I would meet a friend or realized how much work blogging is yet at the same time the it has uncovered opportunities.
…that only 4 months in I would already have 100+ followers and would be having so much fun I literally sit at my computer and giggle! Yes, I'm sure I look like a crazy person when that happens but I just can not believe the awesome people I've "met" (like you Miss Marian!), the cool things I've learned, and the support I've received from folks I've never met in person.
I never knew you could come to care and be cared for by people across the world and feel their love at the low parts of your life ( like a tornado ripping through your neighborhood) or make you feel so great during the highs ( like being featured in Creative Embroidery Magazine!).. it's all so wonderful..hard to give it enough good words.
Maddie
…I would find my passion and career in the middle of an identity crisis. I was a designer for 3 rather large companies in the greater Chicago land area, all of which folded. With student loans backing up, I decided to return to school to get my Masters in Edu. Sounds good. I'm on high honor roll, aced a 30+ page paper, grew intellectually, BUT haven't been able to pass a standardized test to continue in my program…how devastating is that?! "You're very well educated. The problem is if you don't pass this test (which is based on how well you test, yes how well I can TAKE a test), you can't continue." On a whim, I went to an estate sale and bought a couple things, and flipped them earning up to 10 times what I paid! It's only been 2 months since I started this journey, and it has grown way beyond I ever imagined! Design is my passion and love, now I'm getting paid for it.
I had no idea it would be so addictive (down side) or that anyone would ever care what I wrote (up side). What an amazing world blogging has opened up. I'm still a very small fish in a big pond, but it is fun and I never thought I'd enjoy it so much.
Hugs,
Judy
These pictures are so impressive. I am sure my peers will enjoy these too.childrens furniture
When I first started blogging I had no idea that it would be so fulfilling.
I have met so many wonderful people and the inspiration is endless!
… that I would meet so many amazing, hilarious, and generous women from all over the world.
… that my "self-sustaining hobby" would become a viable side-business.
… that other people enjoy junking as much as I do.
… that I actually had plenty of junking wisdom to impart.
… that it would bring me daily joy!
Great post, Marian! I had no idea either that my blog would turn into a business. From Part-time to now full-time, I'm devoting myself to creative endeavors & it all started with a blog. I too have loved meeting & collaborating with so many bloggers out there. It's a wonderful world!
Hi Marian,
I'm pleased to meet you!!
When I first started reading, I had no idea…that I would start my own blog. I'm having so much fun. I needed to embrace my creative side once again, and it feels so good. I lost it for a while but after reading your blog and few other favorites for a little while now, I have found my inspirations and creativity. I didn't know that we all share such an interest in surrounding ourselves in the things that make us happy everyday. My blog is in its infancy but with lots of love and care it will grow, inch by inch, & row by row….Thank-you for your continuous and generous support!! All the Best! Christine
When I first began blogging and reading other's blogs, I had no idea of the wealth of talent out there. I truly (and thankfully) am the only person in my area who does furniture like I do. I am so thrilled to find so many hundreds of amazing women around the world who freely share their tips, talents and gifts. I had no idea I would be so inspired by people I have never met, and most likely will never meet. I had no idea how grateful I would be, and continue to be for everyone who shares with each other. We are all blessed for it.