Some thoughts running around in my head today:
:: I miss getting mail. I’ve always loved watching for the mailman/woman’s arrival at my mailbox. I bet you feel the same. Will something wonderful be tucked into the box? Of course, nine times out of ten, the delivery consists of bills or circulars…but the anticipation is wonderful. Here? Rehearsal schedules. Period.
:: Even though I am very busy, I miss my daily chores back at Mockingbird Hill Cottage. My husband has those responsibilities now. I miss the fluffing, the cleaning, the rearranging and of course, the gardening. Here? I make my bed, I do my dishes, I do my laundry and occasionally I vacuum. There is nothing like the comfort of taking care of your own home.
:: I’ve been thinking a lot about blogging. I tend to gravitate toward nesting, crafting, gardening, decorating type blogs. There are the big superstar blogs that get thousands of hits every day and have thousands of followers and are always being featured in some publication. I am a fan of some of these blogs and enjoy reading them. Every blog has its own growth curve. When I started out, I couldn’t imagine anyone reading my posts. I also went through a period where I really avoided adding the followers widget. Eventually, I gave in and added it and I am honored that there are other bloggers who like my blog enough to become a follower. I’m sure that in the blogging world my stats are modest, though they make me happy. I’ve had giveaways but am not comfortable with asking readers to become followers. It doesn’t sit right with me. I am a modest person. I am shy. So my followers list grows slowly but steadily.
But I do have this wish to be published. My secret dream? To be in Artful Blogging or Where Women Create. Promoting myself has never been easy for me. It is something that I have to force myself to do. Really force myself. I’d love to see my blog mentioned in a magazine or in a list of cottage blogs or (gasp) be profiled in Artful Blogging. Oh my gosh, what a thrill that would be. Maybe by confessing my secret wish, I will be compelled to take action. This has always been a challenge for me. When I was an actress, I fought that battle all the time: how could I be nicely aggressive when it went against my nature? This year, I vow to take a few steps in that direction.
Thank you, my friends, for being there – for reading this blog. Being able to share my thoughts with you is simply the best. You are the best.
Well Claudia! I love coming here to see what you’ve done each day, or what your thoughts are on things! and today was no exception!
you have to push to spread your own message and get published if this is what you truly desire! go for it woman! you can SO do this!
come by and enter my giveaway, if you haven’t already….
@
Creative Carmelina
ciao bella!
Dearest Claudia, I’m sure you can make it! Your photos are fabulous and you are an interesting, powerful woman! So what!
Hugs, Traude
I love reading your blogs! And maybe it is time indeed to admit and promote yourselve. I think it’s a good thing even though it’s not in your nature to do so.
Go Claudia go!!!
LOl, Joni
HI CLAUDIA,
GO FOR IT GIRL…..I NEVER THOUGHT OF YOU AS SHY, YOUR LIFE IS SO FULL OF HOME, FAMILY, PETS, CRAFTS, AND YOUR GARDEN. YOUR LIFE BEFORE MOVING TO NJ SEEMS VERY FULL AND EXCITING, YOU HAVE IT IN YOU TO MOVE A HEAD. YOU HAVE MANY FOLLOWERS, AND GIVE GREAT COMMENTS. GO FOR IT!!! RIZZI
I too miss the mail. Those lovely hand written letters, the correspondence back and forth.
. “Promoting myself has never been easy for me. It is something that I have to force myself to do. Really force myself.”
I so related to this statement,,the only thing is that I haven’t forced myself to do so…sigh.
I’m so like you too where I gravitate to those types of blogs. I enjoy them and follow many, finding so much inspiration and enjoyment.
I stopped having the follow button for quite some time and than eventually started it back up.
Thanks for your honesty here, I could relate to all of it. I’m waiting for someone to come to me and say….’you have been chosen’.. Oh my!! Such excitement. I don’t know if my family could handle me than,LOL
Your blog is wonderful and I love reading it. It makes me feel like we are living closer and I am a daily part of you rlife. My blog is very, very small but I love it all the same. Thanks to you and your tinkering.
You are the best sister,
Xo, Mere
Claudia…
Sweet blog,
I’m sure it struck home with many.
If that is something you need and want, well…
Like my momma said…”You my girl, can be and do anything your heart desires.”
Is this your hearts desire?
The Claudia I know…doesn’t seem to be a shrinking violet!
It’s there for the taking…
go get it girl.
xoxo~Kathy @
Sweet Up-North Mornings…
What a sweet and honest blog. I can relate to all of . Your blog is one of my favorites. And, I feel in my heart of hearts that you will receive recognize in some way in the very near future. I love your writing style, your humor, your way of accepting life and of course you home and garden.
Keep blogging! Hugs, Cory/Dogwoos
Oh what a wonderful post!! I totally understand the need to putter around the house and clean this and that. I am so busy these days that I seem to rush through eveything..I do so miss Zen cleaning!
I write on my blog and that was a bit of a shock when folks actually wanted me to write more..being an artist and photographer..who knew anyone wanted to listen to me at all LOL. This next week I am launching a e-course site..whoot!
I love Pioneer Woman..and try every time she does a photography contest to get her attention..I would be beyond excited if she picked a shot of mine..we can dream.
But your blog is stunning and I do so love to come and read and look at the beauty here..I am thinkin’ it will come to you soon, this wonderful wish!!
Namaste, Sarah
Ps..was wondering if you all might know my BIL..David Ankrum..he is a bicostal agent..just wondering.
Claudia,
I love your blog. I just enjoy coming by. I think sometimes I try to make mine like one of the “big guys” and then I am disappointed when I don’t have zillions of followers and comments.
I think your blog deserves recognition and I don’t think you need to give anything away to get it!
Carol
As with you, my stats are modest but I truly love blogging.
As with you, nesting is what it’s all about for me.
As with you, I’m a bit shy and have a problem promoting myself.
As with you, I would miss the daily chores of “making my home my celestial place on earth.”
So today I went out and had some comfort food since hubs is gone to Reno. Hamburger, fries, apple pie and a Coke. I hope that makes me less lonesome, sweetpea. Try it!
xoxo,
Connie
AND very well said, sugar.
Hi Claudia,
I too love to putter and would probably go crazy if I couldn’t. I’m sure you are missing your garden.
I think if there is something that you want, saying it publicly is the first step to getting it. So go for it.
~janet
ps – You have 3 times the followers that I do! And I too can’t believe anyone would want to read a single word I write!
I have a quote on my wall by Mark Twain and it might apply to you!
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
And here one from me: “Dreaming the dreams great but living the dream just might be better!”
I’m planning to participate in Where Bloggers Create II too :) I don’t expect to win the grand prize. I’m using it to get those last bits done!
Love ya little darlin’ Claudia… So glad I found your blog!
Di
Hi Claudia,
How brave of you just to mention that it’s your secret dream. It was mine, too, and then I did it. I sent some of my work into the Somerset magazines and they published them…..whoo hoo. I’ve also had a second batch at their studios for over a year now and they haven’t published them, and they haven’t returned them, so I now have to pester them to get my stuff back (yes I sent return postage). I think you should just go for it missy, it’s not any harder than auditioning for a part. As Nike says “just do it.” I know you’ll be published, your craft room is lovely, your blog is lovely……dang woman you’re lovely….just go for it!
Hugs,
Meri
Every day of my children’s life as they were growing up I said ‘you can do anything, be anything, just go for it’ … great write Claudia … go gettum.
Have a great eve.
TTFN ~ Hugs in love, Marydon
Hi Claudia:
I can’t imagine not being at home for extended periods of time. I’d rather be here than anywhere else in the world. My heart goes out to you that you’re required to be away from home for a while each year.
My dream is to be published in a Somerset publication this year, too. We’ll have to work on that and cheer each other on, girlfriend!
I love stopping by to visit. I don’t have your “temporary address”, but if you’ll email it to me, I’d love to send you a little surprise!
Hugs from FL,
Donna
Well, you know I love you and your blog, Claudia! I’m not comfortable about the same things you mention. I will always be here for you, wherever you might be at the moment!
Brenda
Hi Claudia, I love stopping by and visiting your blog. I also love being at home, so understand that you must be missing that. I think if this is your dream it will come true when you least expect it. Isn’t dreaming fun? I know I will see you in one of those mags one of these days.
Hugs,
Debby
I LOVE your blog!! That fact that it isn’t a superstar blog is what I really enjoy. I’m able to relate to your world. I too work…my work is take what you can get. Even though I really enjoy my work my heart is in my home. I love the photos of your cozy home and the story of your cute dogs. Your blog is so interesting I’m sure it will be discovered…just don’t change anything.
No doubt you have to be feeling pretty homesick. Playing house can be pretty darn nice. You’ll still have a great summer to come back to and there’s beautiful fall!
I don’t post very often. Not having a blog so I’m kind of not in the “in crowd”…story of my life haha but I check in daily.
Thanks for posting and sharing with us.
Kathy
I can hear your longing for home. I don’t blame you one bit, I would feel the same.
Big hugs to you!
I would love to send you mail, if you e-mail me your address, you may just find something other than your schedule in the box! Wouldn’t that be fun???
Dear Claudia, I do not have a blog of my own (yet) :) but have enjoyed reading yours and several others like it which are not written by professionals, but by interesting people with real lives and a variety of interests! Reading your blog is like opening a new little magazine each day, with familiar characters and beautiful photos! Your joys and pains are shared with us all and we genuinely come to care about you! I hope you get your wish because you are an Artful Blogger, but in the meantime please know how much we enjoy reading you, even though we don’t leave a message every time! Linda
Claudia, I love following your blog and by reading it, I would never guess you would be the shy type in promoting yourself. You have a lot to offer and I for one would snatch a copy of Artful Blogging or Where Women Create to see you featured in it. Go for it girl! I love snail mail too! My friend and I in Kansas used to send letters back and forth. Just last week I took out pen and paper and wrote her a 6 page letter! It took me two days and my hand cramped up a few times but I got it finished and sent it out! I’m sure Mockingbird Hill misses you too!
Dear Claudia,
I love coming here and read your daily life stories be it happy or sad, thrifting trips or just stay at home doing nothing but enjoy the comfy of your home and natures from your point of view.
and I would also understand the feeling of homesick, miss your own home, your own bed and love ones.. I do feel the same at times..
and like you, I also miss getting real letters or suprise letters or goodies from friends.. but that won’t bug me so much as long as I still keep in touch with some friends tru emails and blogs.. but still deep down, i wish to get some real letters :D..
anyway, I wish you all the best and not to worry, am pretty sure one of the editors of those mags will read this post of yorus and who knows the next thing they do is to have you in their mags…
so have a good weekend!
xo
fitty
I think there will always be something about home that it wouldn’t be the same if you’re not there :-)
About blogging, I think it’s nice to dream. Your blog sure leans towards those you have mentioned. Maybe . . . someday . . .you will have a post also sharing with us you being featured too! :-)
WHat I love about blogging is that I feel free. I know, I know that it will never be the same about the real world. But see, there are just times where you just have to write something or put your thoughts out. It’s as if you are compelled to do LOL Not for others but for yourself first. I find that very satisfying.
Of course, looking back, I am so grateful for the people I have come to meet here. So nice, supportive, and encouraging. I dont think the people outside this world would understand how strangers can connect here :-) BUt I have come to learn that it is possible! ANd thst is the beauty of it.
MIzpah,
Li
A sweet hello to you from Frog Hollow Farm – and I’m your 27th comment! I don’t think I’ve ever had 27 comments on any of my posts! Your comment about enjoying the mail reminded me of something my husband said to me the other day. We had just returned from being away for 9 days and had a huge stack of mail to open. My husband commented on how differently I approached the task – he dreads opening mail, hates seeing any bills, etc. While watching me open my pile he noted that I looked excited, like I was anticipating opening something with wonderful news or information. And I have to agree with you, I love opening mail too. As far as taking my blog any further, I’m definitely interested but not sure how or why – I just know that I probably want to add some dimension and depth to the Frog Hollow Farm Girl blog.
Ciao, bella!
It’s funny because my thoughts run along the same lines – well, sort of…. I love to write, meet people, I’m thankful to new friends I’ve made. I love comments and wonder when people don’t – if my post was boring – when people follow I am pleased but I don’t seek them out. I follow because I appreciate something about a person’s creativity or spirit…does that connect in any way whatsoever? Besides I love the colors on your blog lol! Hugs, Jennifer jennsthreegraces
Claudia – I adore getting mail and look every day for a magazine or something for me! That’s why I still send thank you’s get well cards and design my own cards – if you’d like – I’d love to send you a card as a gift…just need an address – you can email me at jennsthreegracesmd@hotmail.com one mail box lover to another Jennifer
Totally understand about mail! I am patient waiting for my big box of money to be delivered!;) sounds silly but I am hopeful everyday!! Good to be hopeful! Sorry you miss home so much. And I agree about blogging. I love it and I am just putter along and happy that way! I hope you get published! You have some really great posts! Your creative space is wonderful and your wall with the photos hanging is just the best! You have a great eye and style! You should submit some of your posts! I love seeing my friends in the magazines!!
Hugs, Lisa
When I come to visit you it’s like stopping by to visit a friend. I never come to visit you out of obligation, but because I want to. You are genuine and I believe that is an admirable trait. Go ahead and promote yourself. I believe in you and your abilities and you won’t be too aggressive if you promote yourself a bit. So get out there Claudia and strut your stuff! When you are published in Artful Blogging I’ll be able to say “I know her”!!
Love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo
Hello Darling Claudia!
I love to come and visit your blog and read about your inner thoughts! I also enjoy the pictures and adventures you share.
There is nothing like home! When I am away, I try to enjoy the moment, but when I walk into the door of my home, ahhhh heaven! You are up to good works in SD and you will be blessed for them! I am looking forward to spending some time with you soon!
Know that you are loved by many, and I believe your dreams will come true about blogging!
Hugs,
Maryjane
Hi Claudia-
what a treat for me to find your blog this morning during my coffee.
I.Feel.Exactly.The.Same.Way.
I treasure and value the people that come to my blog, and if they sign on as a follower, I am humbled by that.
I am planning a giveaway- just as a celebration- but I just can’t do the required follower thing.
Am I taking that too far?
Oh well.
I’ll be back, and I am a new follower!
Laura
White Spray Paint
This blogging-thing is quite interesting. Initially, I thought it might be fun to share a little about my world and connect with others that enjoy the same kinds of things – but surprise – it also turns out I’m finding out a lot more about myself.
I am a lurker at some superstar blogs because I love their style, but they’d never take the time to leave a comment at my blog, so I lurk.
The superblogs to me are not the ones with the most followers or comments. The superblogs are the ones with thoughtful, heartfelt posts that cause me to pause, think and grow. Yours is just one of these, Claudia.
Happy May Day,
Zuzu
Hi Claudia
I have to confess that I’ve been following your blog for quite sometime and read your blog daily. You inspire me:) I hope that you are mentioned in one of the pubs that you wrote about. Everyone should have the chance to get to know you and Mockingbird Hill Cottage. It’s a wonderful place to visit and you are a genuine person.
Thanks for your support this week. I really appreciate you kind comments.
Leann
Your blog is so beautiful and your words so honest. I just know that you will be featured some day in one of those magazines Claudia.
Hi Claudia!
Why not you? You are inspiring, authentic, creative and a lovely writer. You should be written-up!
And thank-you for the reminder of the joys of “home.”
Good luck on your productions! I know they will be FAB!
love you!
kelee
Claudia, I would LOVE to see you in Artful Blogging. I love it when I see my artist friends being included in some great magazines. Keep thinking the thoughts and it will all come along.
I took the followers button off my sidebar recently, because seeing everyday, rattled me. I’t made me feel like I really needed to post something great every time, instead of posting something just for me.
hugs
LOVE your blog…you would be PERFECT in ARTFUL BLOGGER…
isn’t there a spot in the back of the magazine to send in a request…i thought there was…
thanks for stopping by to see Teddy…he has his little chin on my laptop right now…we are IN LOVE…he has stolen our hearts…
sending love,
kary and teddy
You have a lovely, deserving blog. I hope all of your dreams come true.
Hi Claudia, your post is so refreshing…..so honest and to the point.
I love your sweet blog and have bookmarked you. Please know that I have struggled with many of the same issues you discussed.
Great post.
Barb ♥
Part ONE of my comment…
Can you believe I had to split this comment in parts?
Yep..html warning came up…must be at most 4,096 characters! hmph!
******
Oh my SA-WEET little Claudia~
You HAVE to be my twin, or at least SHARE some DNA with me somehow!
About the Followers:
I love my followers but I LOVE MY FRIENDS EVEN MORE. Is there a difference? Yes! Some bloggers are in it for the numbers, some are in it for the LOVE.
I AM IN IT FOR THE LOVE OF MAKING FRIENDS~REAL FRIENDS!
I’ve moved my follower list to the bottom part of my blog. However I love to meet new people, but I don’t want the “numbers” to be the focal point or the first thing one sees when they visit me. I am SO NOT a show off, not by any means.
I just want my visitor to see ME for who I am, what I write about on any given day or how I feel. (And love me for it too! haha)
About being Published:
Girl, what’s stopping you? I was in your shoes last year, wishing I’d be within the pages of Artful Blogging or any Somerset Magazine for that fact.
I wondered if anything I wrote about would be “worthy” enough for it. Like who would want to read what I wanted to say, right?
Well, I wrote an article and attached some photos and burned it on a CD. I was so proud of myself that I took that first step. But then, that CD just layed there by my computer and I stared at it everyday. Then one day, I actually put it in an envelope and addressed it to Stampington. About a week later, there’s that darn envelope just laying there by computer! I was so full of doubt it wasn’t even funny. I was so scared of being REJECTED! Then one day, I put my big girl panties on and actually brought it to the post office. Off it went. I FELT LIKE 100 POUNDS WAS OFF MY SHOULDERS! Whew!
Part Two! hahahaa
Then, 2,4,6,8,10 weeks passed. I started getting depressed again. I didn’t hear anything. Not even a “no thank you”. I forgot about it. I guess about 4 months later, I check my email and I FAINTED. It was Christen Olivarez from Stampington! She sent ME an email. I couldn’t open it. I stared at it. I waited for my husband to come home for two reasons. One, I needed someone here just in case I went into cardiac arrest. Two, I DIDN’T WANT TO BE REJECTED. So he came home and I was crying. He was like…what the “f”? I said I can’t read my email. You’re going to have to read it for me. So he did and I cried some more! She wanted more information and more photos. It was A GO! Then my tears turned to stress as there was a deadline and I had different thoughts like, Will I give her what she needs? Is this what she expected from me? So I typed my little heart out and sent everything back to her. Two weeks later, she sends me the rough draft. I was actually going to be on page 102! It was real! wooo hoo! When I received the magazine in November Claudia, it was bitter sweet for me. I’m sure you remember of my Dad’s passing during the same time. I was never really able to enjoy the “excitement” of it all as I would have traded that article for one more day with him.
My point is, don’t sweat the small stuff. Write your heart out and we will listen. It is worthy and everyone who picks up a copy of Artful Blogging or any other Stampington mag has the same heart and soul. I say go for it. Do it from the soul and don’t EVER second guess yourself.
I have been published in two of their wonderful magazines, both were in November. I am proud, but it is bittersweet for me. It’s amazing the things we wish for. Little did I know that when I was published, it has opened the door to so many more people who read my article and now have become my friend. Even though at the time I lost my Dad, I gained new people in my life, all because of one article that sat on the side of my computer for weeks!
Don’t let things sit Claudia. Follow your dreams. Better yet, don’t follow them, you direct them where to go.
Remember, you are the author of the life you create. That’s my motto and I’ll stick to it until the day I die.
Wow! Did I break the record for the longest comment?
I could have emailed you personally but I know you are not the only one who feels like this. I’ve been there and felt it too so I just want to somehow help you and others out there who are dreaming. Do it Claudia…I’ll be first in line to read it (as long as you promise to autograph it for me).
:)
Jodie
You will be home by the time you know it my Friend.LizlovesVintage;)
Just discovered your blog.It’s just wonderful.I just began blogging so I don’t have ay big goals for my blog … YET. Thanks!!!
Claudia,
I love your post. Loved Jodies too. I think we’re all thinking of these issues lately. I use to read the big guns. The slick photo shopped blogs, the ones with 100’s of comments, but never once did they bother to comment on my blog. I changed my ways at Christmas, I started reading ‘smaller’ blogs, blogs that interested me. I started making blog friends & doing swaps & really getting involved. I agree with the emphasis on follower’s lately. I have never had a giveaway where I asked people to follow me. That is creating false numbers & that is not what I’m about. I love every thing about your blog Claudia, especially your style & attitude. You should defiantly try for publication. What’s the worse think that can happen? Great post. Lisa
Claudia, I am a big fan of yours. I love your blog, and I love the variety of your posts. There is always something interesting to read and great photos. You are an inspiration.
Having Pink Saturday featured in Artful Blogging has been a thrill for me. It makes me happy for all of the participants because it is all of you that make Pink Saturday special.
You’re very special, and I say go for it. I would love seeing you published. You always share your heart.
…but my dear, you are already ‘published’ right here, over and over again, whenever you write us another lovely post!!!
Love and hugs – Mary
P.S. No time for more – have read all and loved learning about your present life in SD – off next Wed. on my big adventure, lots of loose ends to tie up before I go!
I love your blog…as do so many others. You deserve to be published and maybe, now that you have verbalized that dream, it will happen! You give us such a gift with your blog. . . I think you lead a very interesting life. I know being away from your family is hard, however. I am still dabbing my eyes over the sweet note you received! Hang in there….you’ll be home soon and maybe your dream of being published will happen sooner than later!! L, Dan
Well, you know how much I enjoy your company Claudia, and I hope you know that I think you are a very kind and special person, with so much to share with others. Genuine in all ways, and so caring.
I know you can achieve anything that you work for.
I hope all your dreams come true…well, except for maybe one. It’s always good, to have something to look forward to!
xo
Lena