Last week in the middle of cleaning up the mess left behind from a leaky roof and tending to a sick child, I let an important day go by without any fanfare at all. You see March 5th, 2013 was the day I hit publish on my first post. I honestly had no idea what I was doing when I decided to start blogging. I knew I wanted to take up writing again. I knew I needed a creative outlet. What I didn't know was anything about blogging or what I was going to share.
Two years later, I have to say that I actually know quite a bit about blogging...at times, I think too much! I can write HTML and CSS code, I have been on Blogger and WordPress and Blogger again, my writing has been published in national magazines and syndicated. I have been a craft designer for various companies and I have had my DIYs featured on some pretty big websites. All in all, it's been a very successful two years.
However, if you ask me what the best part of blogging has been, I would have to say, without a doubt, it's been the people; the fellow bloggers who have guided me around this new world, helped me out of a virtual jam and become my friends along the way. It's also been wonderful to meet others who share my passion for decor and crafts, who take the time to read my emails and then let me know how my words have touched them. I am not sure I will ever get over the thrill of opening an email from a reader.
Last week, on the eve of my second anniversary, I received a comment from Caroline, not a blogger, but someone who was looking for decorating inspiration and stumbled across my site.
She wrote:
Thank you for posting this! I made this valance for my daughter's room and they came out quite nice! I could not find anything in the stores that suited the space/ my needs so I decided to try to make them myself and came upon your site. Very well thought out, concise and easy to follow. I also appreciated that you were so encouraging and made things seem so simple. I tweaked things to fit my needs and design but am very happy with the results! :)
That one email totally made my weekend. It was the best anniversary present ever!
I was so excited to know that something I wrote, helped someone else to accomplish a project they were looking to do, to make their own space beautiful. Maybe it's the teacher in me, maybe it's the writer in me, I don't know, but either way, it was one of the most gratifying feelings I have ever had.
I answered Caroline and told her that if she wanted to share her creation I would love to see it. She was kind enough to send a photo along. I think it's so sweet. I just adore her interpretation. That ribbon is so feminine and light, perfect for a little girl's room!
This is my valance. It'a a box pleat curtain on rod, not a board. It's been featured on a lot of websites and is one of my top posts, visited thousands of times, and yet, Caroline's single visit is the one that means the most.
So thank you Caroline for taking the time to comment and let me know that I was able to help you out a bit and thank you so much to everyone else who reads my posts, shares my articles, comments on the blog and sends emails to ask technical DIY questions or just say hi.
I have appreciated it all, more than you know, over the last two years.
You are what makes Exquisitely Unremarkable, truly remarkable!
Kim, I popped over because you left a sweet comment on my St. Patrick's Day post. I'm sad to say that green cupcake is 3/4 gone. '-( I've been rationing it!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you and congratulations on your blog anniversary. I'll be back to read more later, but I'm now following along. ~ Sarah
I am sure that cupcake is so good, Sarah! ;) Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet words. You can bet I'll be following you and your yummy posts from now on!
DeleteWell, I'm so impressed with your writing accomplishments in other places! You'll have to tell me where sometime. This tells me that you could either teach online classes or write successful ebooks. If you have the ability to explain things so concisely, capitalize on it, girl! I'm so happy to call you friend.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
We’ll have to chat, Brenda! I’m an open book and of course, I’d love to write a book! Ah, maybe someday…thank you so much for the sweet words and for your friendship. I think I may still be sweating it out over on WordPress if it weren’t for your encouragement! :)
DeleteCongrats Kim on everything you have done with your blog and Happy Anniversary. Here's to many more.
ReplyDeleteKris
Thank you so much, Kris! :)
DeleteIt's lovely! She did a beautiful job. And you're so sweet to let her shine here, Kim!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed with her design, Kimberly! I hope that by posting it, others will find inspiration.
DeleteCaroline's valance turned out so well! It would be a nice feeling to know you had been a help to someone! I'm glad she sent you the picture.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 2nd anniversary! I was so surprised when once I wrote a comment and you repliied so nicely. Not all bloggers answer comments. You taught me to set the comments on my blog so they had to be approved - so I would always know when someone commented! And your living room is still my inspiration room!
Now, go write your ebook! Or a paper book, even! You'll do great!
Well, I take you urging to write a book as a high compliment, coming from you, a published author! Thank you Nancy, you have always been one of my biggest (and sweetest) supporters. I cherish the pretty gift you sent during the holidays and I always look forward to your comments.
DeleteCongratulations, Kim. You've done wonderfully well with the blog. For me, your personal touches and humor are the nicest parts (but I enjoy everything). Keep doing what you do!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl, you are very kind. I am glad you enjoy the humor…it’s nice to know that someone gets it! ;)
DeleteCongratulations on your anniversary and best wishes for more happy years of blogging! Thanks so much for your visit to my blog too! Jane
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane, I’ve really been having a good time! :)
DeleteHey Kim, congrats on 2 years blogging! I love your blog and all your tutorials are easy to follow. I'm so glad that we met through blogging. Wishing you many more happy years of blogging!
ReplyDeleteJulie xo
Thank you so much, Julie! I am glad that we met through blogging, too! xo
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed getting to know you and I love your projects. I have already learned several new things from you. I also love how you write and the humor you add to life. It is refreshing.
Congratulations! Job Well Done!
Carla
Thank you so much for the sweet words, Carla. I have enjoyed getting to know you, too and learning a little bit about your beautiful part of the country! :)
DeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post. I feel the same way about blogging. I appreciate all the amazing ladies I have meet and how much I have learned from blogging. Congrats on your 2 yrs anniversary.
Thank you, Vanessa! I really do enjoy the interaction with other like minded ladies! In real life I have very few friends who get as excited as I about something like a newly slipcovered chair! ;)
DeleteI have not experienced any of the success you have had, but I have loved blogging for all of the friendships. I have met one of my blog friends in person and know that I will meet a few more over the years.
ReplyDeleteMaking friends has truly been the best part, Carol! :)
DeleteCongrats on your 2nd anniversary Kim. I know from experience that writing a blog is hard work and you have done so well with yours. Thanks for the inspiration (and I love your valance).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! You're right, it is hard work, but a true labor of love...I'm sure you'd agree!! :)
DeleteWow, I love both of these! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb. I think she did an awesome job with the ribbon trim...love that!
DeleteKim you have had a very successful 2 years of blogging etc....happy anniversary and many more successes....oh and I love crafty people who can sew. I cannot...tried many times but just not my thing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Donna! I really do like the results I get when I sew, but I have to wing it when it comes to the process! I always tell people not to look too close! ;)
DeleteHappy Anniversary, Kim! So nice that you were able to guide Caroline with her curtain. Her email was really sweet and so are you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Brandi! It was really nice to get such positive feedback from a reader.
DeleteAwww, so sweet!! I think people don't realize how much us bloggers truly value their input, comments, and the knowledge of knowing that we may have inspired someone!!! I'm like you, it completely MAKES MY DAY when I am told I inspired someone to start and finish a project!! She did a fabulous job! Happy 2 years, btw!!! Thankful I met you! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you for your super sweet comment, Rachel! The feedback is so important to me and really does make my day, you are so right! I am glad we met up in the virtual land! :)
DeleteCongratulations on all the success you have had with your blog. I love how blogging leads us to places we never imagined. xo Laura
ReplyDeleteLaura, three years ago if someone told me that I would become a blogger, I would’ve said, “A what?” and then laughed. Until I started writing, I was rarely online, didn’t have any interest in or profile on Facebook and I thought that all those stories about creative second acts could not possibly apply to me. Huh, who knew?
DeleteWhat fun! She made a great valance! Congratulations on your 2 years! :) I had a Wordpress blog featured in the local newspaper...I did not like the Wordpress format at all:(
ReplyDeleteConnie, thank you so much. It has been a wonderful ride so far…well, except the WordPress stint, I did not like the format at all either. The newspaper gig sounds cool! Hey, thanks for popping by and have a great weekend! :)
DeleteWhat a lovely blogiversary post! You are so right, it's the readers and their response that make me keep blogging - and after five years I don't have near the response you do, but I can't make myself stop!
ReplyDeleteWow Dana, five years? That is some accomplishment. Congratulations!
DeleteCongratulations Kim on such a successful adventure! I love your writing style, and your creative talents, and your willingness to share them generously! I too enjoy the friendships that come through blogging, which has really been the best part for me too! It is exciting when you feel you've made a difference, even if it is in one person's life. Keep on with the awesomeness, and I'm glad to call you friend :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much ~ so many kind words! For someone who didn’t even have a Facebook page before blogging, the virtual friendships were an unexpected perk! :)
DeleteHappy 2nd Blogaversary, Kim! I'm so glad we ran across each other :)
ReplyDeletexo,
rue
Me too, Rue! :)
DeleteHappy 2nd Blogiversary Kim! As a fellow teacher and blogger I totally understand how you feel about having a reader share their successful project with you. It's why we do what we do :) Congratulations and enjoy your celebrations!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Hilda! You're so right, it's exactly why I do this! :)
DeleteSo glad you started blogging, Kim! I always enjoy my visits with you. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stacey! I feel the same way! :)
DeleteThe valances are so pretty Kim, and the fact that Caroline was able to make one like that says a great deal about your ability to teach.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your success, which I'm sure is well deserved!
Thank you for the kind words, Doreen. I used to teach and I loved it, so this did mean a lot to me! :)
DeleteIsn't it affirmation magnified when someone else grabs an idea from you and tries it!
ReplyDeleteHappy day . . . very nice post to recognize her!
I was so happy, Lynne! At least I know that one person out there found something really useful on my site and that is a great feeling! :)
DeleteCongratulations! I'm looking forwards to getting to know you. I've been blogging in the closet for awhile and am just starting to realize the friendship aspect and it is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI blogged in the closet in the beginning, Ronda, I had no idea there was this great big, welcoming community out there. I am sure you will make fast friends with many other bloggers and readers!
DeleteCongratulations on your anniversary. I am a bit late but catching up reading all of the compliments which are so richly deserved as your blog and your projects and your writing is beautiful. Good job, friend!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lorri! You are really too kind to me and I am glad to call you friend, as well! :)
DeleteI love this post! Blogging is surprising in so many ways! Congratulations on your milestone! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I'm following on Bloglovin' now and am looking forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteLinda, thank you so much!
DeleteTwo years is a really big deal! Congratulations to you, Kim. And by the way, there is nothing unremarkable about you!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! Your comment just totally made my day! :)
DeleteCongratulations, Kim! I am so glad you started blogging! I love blogging, it is not only provides a creative outlet for me but a great way to meet new friends who share similar interests:) I love both the valances, they look so pretty! Hope your child is feeling better now. Happy week!Hugs, Poppy
ReplyDeletePoppy, thank you so much…I have found a really fun creative outlet…and creative community! :)
DeleteThank you so much, Teri. I am so glad you enjoy your visits…that is what it’s all about to me! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your anniversary! What a sweet post! So nice to be reminded how inspiring you are! :)
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is! Now if I could just get my teenagers to tell me how inspiring I am, that would be wonderful! ;)
DeleteAhh....Happy Anniversary Kimmie! I just love your writing! Truly! The valances are absolutely beautiful! xoxoxoxo Jen
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen! :) You always leave the sweetest words!
DeleteHow wonderfully encouraging to receive an email from a reader and know you inspired her, Kim. I've loved your blog since the moment I began reading it. Congratulations on your two year anniversary, and the success you've achieved. No one deserves it more. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteNancy, you have always been so kind to me. Thank you for your lovely words. You just made my day! Big hugs.
Delete