I cleaned out my craft-and-everything-else-under-the-sun closet. (And I finished shredding. Just thought I’d throw that in there.) I have a lot of fabric in wire bins, but I also found some fabric in another container. It was the fabric that I bought in San Diego a few years back. Cheery colors. Some Amy Butler fabric. And, sigh of relief, more of the blue-green print that I have used as a border on the quilt. Now I can use it for binding.
Now, please tell me this happens to you. I found some lovely fabric that I cannot remember buying. I have no memory of it at all.
I stared at it. Was it vintage? No. But I could have sworn it was for a moment because it reminds me so much of the fabric here:
I had to take it to the bedroom and compare it to the headboard fabric.
Then there’s the fabric on the wicker rocker cushions:
Which is a faded version of the same sort of print. And by the way, not long after I bought this rocker, I realized that the fabric I used to cover the piano bench is almost the same pattern as this one.
And here’s the vintage pillow cover on the bed.
Can you tell I like big flowery prints, with red/pink flowers and green leaves?
Some updates:
• Dad is in the nursing home/rehab wing. They are trying to regulate the blood thinner before he goes home. He’s still on oxygen. His room is right next to my mother’s, which is good and bad, because he’s in there all the time. She’s used to having some quiet time. My father is a complicated, often difficult man. He’s scared right now, which ups the difficult factor and I pray each day for more patience in my dealings with him. It isn’t easy. But I need to do better.
• I mentioned a while back that I would be starting another blog, one where I helped other bloggers with their blogging problems. I did all the ground work, even developed the beginnings of a website. I got hung up when I started to think about what I would charge. And that’s where everything ground to a halt. I just don’t feel right about charging for my services right now. Yes, I’m pretty good at figuring out what might be a problem with Blogger or WordPress and I like that sort of challenge. But, my gut tells me that now isn’t the time for that. I’ve learned the hard way to trust my gut instinct and, if every time I tried to wrestle with what my fees would be, I turned away from the project, that tells me something. So, no blog fixing business. That’s not to say it won’t ever happen. It’s just not happening now. If you have a question, you’re welcome to email me and I would be happy to give you any advice that I might have.
• On Sunday, I will be celebrating 5 years of blogging. (Stop by. There might be a giveaway going on.) Since I started this blog, it has gone through all sorts of redos and updates. It took a while to find my blogging voice. It took some time to settle into what I always wanted this blog to be: a friendly place to visit where I share my life here at the cottage and on the road with you. I’ve realized over time, that though I’ve added advertising and that advertising gives me a little additional income, I’m never going to be one of the big bloggers. Nor do I want to be – simply because that would mean I have to concentrate on one thing. On one niche. Personally, that would drive me crazy and would stop me in my tracks. Always writing about decorating? Or crafting? Or gardening? Or whatever? I love all these things and love sharing them with you, but being limited to one thing is just not me. So, if being a big blogger means finding a niche, this girl ain’t going to be a big blogger. I doubt I will ever earn enough on this blog to make a significant difference in our financial life. But I’m oh so grateful for what I do earn.
With the move to WordPress last August, the blog finally became what I want it to be. I love what it is. I love all of you. I love having a conversation in the threaded comments. That, to me, has been a wonderful change for the better. I’ve accepted the fact that I really don’t care about SEO or all the myriad tips out there for building your blog. My eyes glaze over. I. Don’t. Care. Because that stuff takes any joy out of blogging for me. And this blog is and must remain a joyous endeavor for me. That’s why I do it.
I have settled into who I am as a blogger. It took me a long time to do that in my personal life. But finding that truth about myself helped me to find the truth about this blog.
Anyway, I’m glad you’re here. I treasure your friendship. I value your advice. I thank you.
Happy Friday.
Thank you Claudia for sharing your thoughts. As a newer blogger, I have been thinking about why I’m blogging and why anyone would even want to read what I write. My ambition is not to be a big blogger either but to record life as it happens, kind of a scrapbook of our life. Figuring it out as I go. One question: how do you make money blogging? Hadn’t thought of that!
Love the fabric. Does look vintage to me. I’ve done that with my fabric stash – opened it up and wondered where certain pieces had come from, wondering why I had bought it and what I was going to use it for! Have fun figuring it out.
Claudia, I love you for who you are!!! I follow your blog because of the vareity of topics and somehow they alway relate to what’s happening in my world. It’s always a pleasure to come and see what’s happening and get the latest news from your side of the world, lol!! I just went through a big bout with my Dad but he finally came out of the hospital, so I am thinking of and praying for your parents, it is a difficult process and I feel for your Mom…..
I love the big flowers and that chintz look, it’s lovely! I do understand about the no progress and halt on your other blog, goodness I can hardly find time on mine just to keep up and of course, Pinterest has taken hold of me too, now that is addictive, yikes! Have a wonderful weekend and create!!!
Hugs,
Mags
xx
Thanks so much, Mags! You know I love you, too!
Chy, after you’ve been blogging for 6 months or so, you can apply to run ads from BlogHer. Also, there is Google Adsense. Just google either of those names and see what you think.
Claudia you are so right. I had a good think about why I Blog this year and I thought it’s an expression of me. I’m not going to zero myself into a pigeon hole of thinking I should Blog on crafts because that’s what people want to see or home decor or anything else. If that’s what I happen to be doing and I share that, so be it.
I just share my little bit of the world and if someone enjoys it I’m happy.
Plus I love down loading my Blog into a Blurb book and just enjoy thumbing through it now and again, my little tangible journal, when all this technology goes kaput or I’m long gone, there is a little paper record.
Christy
P.S. Always love your down to earth every day reality of life.
I’m behind on my Blurb books, but I love doing that, too. It’s a wonderful record of all that’s happened on the blog and in my life.
Claudia I am so glad you blog about your life and your home! I can’t imagine your voice being any more you or more perfect. I am not a ‘big’ blogger by any means and do not care about ‘growing my blog’ or how many views I get. I love my blog as an expression of who I am and my life (much like you) and enjoy the wonderful friends I’ve made blogging. I love how you listen to your gut and follow your instincts.
hugs, Linda
Thanks so much, Linda – hugs right back at you!
Your post today speaks loudly to me as I have just realized the same thing, and that I have to do with MY blog what brings me joy. This past week I’ve made a huge change in what I’ll be doing there … and I’m not looking for money or followers, though I love to interact with people through blogging. Frankly, it got to the point that doing the decorating and perfect pictures thing bored me to death. If it wasn’t perfect, then it wasn’t good enough – it wasn’t doing a thing to bring joy to my life.
I love reading your daily posts and will continue. Thanks for being real.
Mary
Mary, you’ve discovered what I discovered. I blog for the pleasure of it – for the joy of it. And you do, too. If it gets to be too calculated, too much of a chore, then it’s time to re-evaluate. Thanks so much for being there, Mary.
Claudia…..that’s some serious nesting you’ve been doing while Don has been away! I bet you feel pretty good inside too. I agree with Mary’s comment. I don’t blog but I love to read about people and what inspires them. I recently did some blog closet cleaning and eliminated a bunch of blogs that I don’t enjoy anymore because they don’t seem genuine anymore. Keep your post coming sweet lady. I like your attitude and spirit!
Brenda
Thank you so much, dear Brenda!
THANK- GOODNESS Claudia, I Lost my favorite,first blog I ever read, blog when the owner started to “diversify” to different blogs. Her original blog lost its richness to me and I eventually just quit reading. That’s not to say that always happens,or that it would happen to you. But it would make me nervous because of my last experience! Of course you do what is best for you and your family. I Love Your Blog. It’s still my first click every morning! -Judy A-
That does happen with certain blogs. I’ve encountered it, too. I think ‘To thine ownself be true’ is good advice on anything, any day of the week.
No Claudia, we thank you. You are my kind of blogger. A little of this and a little of that……I like a blogger that is true to her heart. I love you just the way you are.
Thank you, Debby. Love you, too.
Claudia, I enjoy the bits and pieces you write about. It’s a little insight into the life of a creative person. Creativity is something I’m starting to explore more in my own life; about time!
-Karen
Creating is good for the soul, Karen!
I love that flowered fabric. I enjoy your blog so much. It reminds me of your house, a comfortable place to visit!!
That’s such a nice thing to say, Kathy. Thank you!
Love the fabrics :) I don’t tend to use a lot of flowery fabrics, mainly ’cause I’m surrounded my men in my home! But someday I hope to have a room all to myself and I will have flowery things. :)
Best wishes for your parents and their health. I will probably be in the same boat in a few years.
Don has made a few comments about the flowers. But generally, he just accepts them! I do have to make sure there’s a balance between flowers and some guy stuff.
Claudia,
I am so glad YOU are here. I so enjoy your blog. You have such an interesting life and you are such a great writer, that is very important when reading a blog, I have found. It must keep my interest and yours absolutely does. I also love all your photos. I look forward every day to visiting you and seeing what you are up to.
Please don’t stop!
Linda – Kennesaw, Georgia
Thank you, Linda! I won’t stop. I really love blogging.
There are a few bloggers out there that I faithfully read and almost always comment on and you are one of them. I admire your honesty and what you share with all of us. I feel the same way, blogging should be fun and bring you joy. Glad you are being true to yourself!~Hugs, Patti
Hugs to you, Patti. Thank you for being a faithful friend and reader.
Hey Claudia – I confess I am a fabric hoarder. I buy fabric I like – not necessarily for something in particular and I have pieces that I bought 30 years ago. If I live long enough, they may become antiques!
Follow your gut – it’s always right.
I love your blog and I’m glad you don’t want to be a big blogger. I like cosy and personal. I still don’t think I’ve found my voice but all I have is time. I started to blog for me and friends and family. I never considered that anyone out there could even find me. How naive. At times, I’ve gotten caught up in the pressure to blog eevry day, make it look more professional, get followers, look at my stats but all that just became stress and not the reason I blog so I ignore all that now. I’d even like to remove the followers button but I don’t want people to feel I’m shutting it down so I’m indecisive about that. J
One of the good things about moving to WordPress was that I couldn’t move the followers button along with the blog. That took it right out of my hands. I’d even like to remove the linky followers button. I may, someday in the future.
I love large floral prints! Especially vintage cabbage roses!!! Love your find!!
xo Kris
Thanks so much, Kris!
Love that fabric!! It would make beautiful drapes/curtains for your “new” bedroom. Or, would that be too much floral for your husband?
I think it might be. Especially since the quilt is filled with different floral fabrics!
Hi Claudia!! Let me start by saying Thank you for your wonderful blog and letting us share your life and lovely cottage every day with you!!! You are a bright light on life’s tough road!! I look forward to your blog every day and enjoy the diversity you bring to us!! Please keep doing what you do!! Hope your dad continues to improve and is on the way to recovery. Thanks again, Claudia!!
Thank you, Francine, for reading it!
Love that fabric Claudia. The old florals are a favourite of my a particularly the reds.
Glad your dad is getting good care.
With your wanting to do a blogging help blog have you thought of just putting a paypal donation button? I know that when I use something from a blogger, such as a header, I always donate.
5 years! That is fabulous. I enjoy your blog very much. I have been blogging going on 3 years (cannot believe that) and I do follow a lot of blogs. Yours is one I do visit everyday.
Thanks for letting me get to know you,
Sue
I still am hesitant even about a donation button. I just have to trust that when and if it seems to be the right thing to do, I’ll feel it in my bones.
Thank YOU! I thoroughly enjoy your blog~ Best Wishes to you~
And to you, Susan!
Claudia,
I enjoy visiting your blog because it feels like I’m visiting a friend and we’re sharing our life, whether it be crafting, gardening or whatever we choose to visit about that day. I’ve been told that I should try to make extra money with my blog, but that’s not why I blog. It started out being a way to update people on my Japan project, and then I continued because I didn’t want to lose contact with my friends that I’ve made.
I’m so glad to have “met” you through your blog and that I can call you a friend.
Blessings,
Betsy
Oh, thank you, Betsy. I’m so glad to have met you!
I absolutely love the floral fabrics. I naturally gravitate toward them much like you. I’m going to JoAnn’s today to look for fabric for runner for my daughter’s shower tables. I will be up to my ears in florals…love that!
Happy anniversary on your blog! That’s a lot of writing. I think you have found your niche in that you refuse to be put in one. You stay true to yourself and I think that enables you to touch on so many subjects that relate to you and those of us that read your blog. I really enjoy starting my day by seeing what you are sharing each morning!
I will keep your mother and father in my thoughts. These are very trying times for you, I know. Hang in there.
XO,
Jane
Thank you, dear Jane. And I hope you found some pretty fabric today!
I don’t remember when or how I found your blog – but over time, I have found that it is your blog I’m most drawn to. I guess I just get bored with so many blogs. Most definitely not with yours! Keep up the wonderful work. Your labor of love is appreciated daily! When I get my real blog up and going someday, I hope to carry the same attitude of being who I am, and not pretending to be someone I am not!
Funny you mentioned “finding that fabric” Yesterday I found in my buffet drawer a set of silver plated corn holders – I swear I have NEVER seen them before, let alone where I got them. Anyway, they are VERY cool – and a wonderful little gift to myself yesterday!
And the patience you are referring to …. I know exactly what you are talking about. I have to work on it daily – with every visit, every phone call.
I so wish I was more patient. I seem to be very IMpatient lately. I need to work on it in every part of my life. Thank you for the lovely thoughts about the blog. And thank you for being a friend and reader.
I ran across your blog soon after I started my blog one and a half years ago. I am not sure what it is exactly, that draws me to it but, it is one of the few that I read almost daily. I don’t always identify with your topics but usually find them interesting anyway. I think it is the realism of your sharing your thoughts and life that makes it attractive. I often wonder how you bloggers that post everyday can come up with something to blog about that often. Yours just seems to flow naturally – sharing bits of every day. I rely heavily on photographs made with an inexpensive camera and for me, the photography, as lacking as it is, is a big part of the enjoyment of blogging. I keep reminding myself that my blog is about my life and not, my life being about my blog. Keep up the work!
I meant to say keep up the GOOD work.
The photography is a big part of my blog, too, Betty. I love taking photographs. My skills, over the past 5 years, have definitely improved but the wonderful thing is that I still have so much to learn! Love your words about the blog being about your life and not vice versa. Thank you!
I like to read you because you speak like you’re chatting with us over tea or coffee. I started my blog with “crochet” in the title, then realized right away that I don’t do enough crochet to put myself in that niche. And then people started asking me.. or even complaining.. that I wasn’t showing crochet, so I took that out of my title and now I call mine a “lifestyle” blog. Just about all the things that interest me.. and I’ve made lots of new friends with it, so I am thrilled with it all. I so understand the parent thing as we dealt with all 4 of ours in the end and patience is definitely a virtue. Love the fabrics!
Funny how a blog can start out as one thing and then grow to become about so much more! Thank you, Teresa.
Your blog was one of the first I started reading, just came upon it by accident but I’ve never left it behind while others have been pushed off the screen by the delete button. One of your charms is that we never know what we are going to get–photos, thoughts, pets, decor, quilts, and with a voice that comes through sincere while creating interest and variety. Many blogs that are centered on one area such as design often seem to be more of a business than an adventure, and you get the feeling it’s all about the bottom line. Pioneer Woman, who of course is a business, is the rare exception as she manages to be multi-faceted and always fun and imaginative, and you do too, so Happy Blog Anniversary and thank you for the pleasure of your company. Sonja
I agree about The Pioneer Woman. She never sounds like she is running a business, even though we know she is!
Thanks so much for being there and being my friend, Sonja.
You’ve been quite busy! And you got your shredding done, congrats! Too many times, I’ve found something in this house, that I have absolutely no remembrance of…no inkling….not even a glimmer. So I’m here to tell you, you are not alone. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog…just as it is…just so you know! ;)
Yes, the shredding is done! Thanks so much for being a loyal reader and a friend, Donnamae!
Such great and true blogging advice – although I’m not on wordpress, and still so new that I’m not sure of the difference. Thanks for telling us what you like though, it helps me learn.
Claudia, I wouldn’t change a thing about your blog either. I love visiting and seeing what you’re up to. Your fabrics are all so beautiful….can’t wait to see what you do with your new find.
I hope your mom and dad are okay. It’s so hard to see our parents having problems. I sure miss my parents. Just savor every moment you have with them…..good and bad. Sending blessings. Hugs, Debi
I blog for the sheer pleasure of writing and sharing my life (home, decorating, cooking, gardening, cats, family, thrifting, thoughts) with others. I don’t have a mansion or a designer decorated home, nor do I want any of those things. I love your blog (and you!) because you are down-to-earth, realistic, humble, smart, talented ~ and I enjoy what you have to say, teach, and show us.
A big, hearty congratulations to you for finishing shredding! You’ve really been on a roll lately with busyness in your home. Of course I will stop by Sunday. I usually stop by every day and say hello to you anyway. :-)
I love the voice of your blog, and having discovered it just recently, it is one of the first things I look for in my email when I relax at the end of the day. Whatever you have ‘settled’ into, it works! Thanks for sharing glimpses into your corner of the world.
I’m glad your father is doing better Claudia. How nice your parents can be so near each other but I’m sorry he’s using up some of your mom’s resting time. It’s all so very hard and complicated. Sending you lots of hugs!
Love all the fabrics you shared with us, so pretty. And hurray for you, getting organized. I have been trying to do the same. I’m finding it such slow going. ARGH!
Happy upcoming Five Year Blogaversary!
Claudia,
Your blog is one I look forward to receiving in my email everyday! I myself don’t blog, but feel like I’ve met friends via the blogs I read. With my husband stationed overseas, these friendships have taken on added meaning for me. I hope you always continue your blog, as I would genuinely miss you . Doing with countdown with you for Don’s return to you and Scout! Have a wonderful weekend!
Claudia…I just want to say, how much I enjoy your blog…so down to earth…
The main reason I love your blog is because it’s NOT a huge commercial blog. It’s just you. I feel like I’m drooping in to visit a friend when I read MHC. May you always blog because you want to, not because you feel you have to!
I LOVE all those fabrics, Claudia. We have a huge fabric mill nearby and I enjoy going in a few times a year and looking at all their ‘chintz’ and upholstery fabrics. I particularly love the ones that are tropical in various shades of green. They also have plastic check material (red, yellow or green), like the old oil-cloth kitchen table covers, and it’s fun to search through the remnant tables for pillow cover material. I agree it’s always best to follow your heart/intuition when it comes to starting something new. When the time is right you’ll know what to do. I think blogging can be a strange cat on the best of days. It really depends on what a person wants it to be. It’s wonderful to hear that you’ve enjoyed the process and are at a place that feels right to you. I always enjoy visiting and reading what you have to say! I hope your dad will improve enough to leave the rehab soon. Take care.