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Thankful, Grateful, Blessed

September 25, 2015

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This morning was a bit nutty around my house and we all woke up late, to boot. I had a sick child suffering with a cold, a family member to call and say happy birthday to, a husband working from home and a lunch date to make around all of it. In the middle of the chaos I sat down at my computer to check my emails and there they were, tons of them congratulating me for making the shortlist of nominees for the Amara Blog Awards. 

I was stunned...

...and also a little perplexed. You see, some of the emails referenced the fact that my category had changed and I was listed under Best US Interiors as opposed to the Best Colour Inspiration blog. Hmm.

I quickly clicked over to the Amara website to read the announcement for myself and there was my photo and blog link right next to my good friend Brenda, from Cozy Little House, shortlisted for Best US Interiors blog.

What?? Surely, it was an error, I shouldn't be there, so I decided to send a email to alert the powers that be.

I composed it among a sick child protesting the bus and another so late that I would have to drive her. My husband was asking us to quiet down, so he could make his business call and I was trying to pack a lunch and scribble a "please excuse my kid for being late today" note ~ too many tasks at once.

I sent the email and then proofread it. BIG MISTAKE. My MacBook decided to auto correct Hello to Hell. Very nice. That meant that my first sentence read, "Hell Karen, I believe that there has been a mistake with the shortlist."

Now, that's not very pleasant is it? Clearly not my intention. Oh boy.

I sent another "Oops! Silly autocorrect" email immediately and got in the car to make the end of first period English with a very late child in tow.

When I arrived back home, certain that the response would say, so sorry Kim, it was an error, I received a big surprise instead. Turns out I did get enough votes to place me in the top five!! It was just that all US blogs had to be put into the US category.

Wow. How thrilling!!

I am actually speechless...and if you know me, you know that is a very unusual occurrence.

Seriously, it never happens.

I am also very, very appreciative.

I am Thankful for every one of you who reads my blog, Grateful for the votes, comments and emails that I have received and Blessed by the friendships that have developed over the past couple of years through blogging.

I thank you all and wish you a wonderful fall.

:) Kim


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  1. BenitaSeptember 25, 2015 at 4:15 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! THAT IS SO FREAKIN' AWESOME!! Can't wait to see your photos from LONDON!!! Much love and hugs to you my sweet friend!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 25, 2015 at 6:01 PM

      Thank you so much, my friend! Hugs right back to you!! :)

      Delete
  2. JaybirdSeptember 25, 2015 at 4:17 PM

    And VERY deserved!!!!! I am so excited for you!!!
    Blessings,
    J

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 25, 2015 at 6:02 PM

      Thank you, J! I am really excited myself!! :)

      Delete
  3. Jemma@athomewithjemmaSeptember 25, 2015 at 4:47 PM

    I was just getting ready to send you an email!! Here I have been without internet service and just scrolled through 375 emails and saw the Amara Awards email and there YOU were!!!!!!!
    I am so thrilled!! I am sending so much happiness, support, excitement and love your way!!
    Congrats you so deserve this and I am beside myself with happiness for YOU!!
    xo
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 25, 2015 at 6:04 PM

      Being offline sounds a little bit delightful! ;) I really appreciate the email, Jemma! I am completely blown away and very excited myself! It was so sweet of you to send such a BIG congratulations! I love it!!!

      Delete
  4. Debbie - Mountain MamaSeptember 25, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND BRENDA!!!!! Sounds like you need a celebration this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 25, 2015 at 6:01 PM

      Thank you so much!! Perhaps I will celebrate! :) Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  5. thompsontammy6463@gmail.comSeptember 25, 2015 at 7:41 PM

    Congrats !!! I haven't caught up on my email's lately and when I did , I saw you were in the top 5. I follow your blog and of course voted for you !!! Wish Benita would of made it for New Blogger :(( Good luck in the top 5 !!!! Take care, TT

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 25, 2015 at 7:48 PM

      Thank you so much, Tammy! I was completed surprised and yes, I wish Benita would've made it, too. That would have been the icing on the cake! She is certainly in my top 5!! :)

      Delete
  6. susanSeptember 25, 2015 at 8:33 PM

    That's wonderful news, Kim, and definitely not a mistake. You deserve to win this. My fingers are crossed. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 25, 2015 at 10:46 PM

      Thank you so much, Susan. It was a nice surprise! :)

      Delete
  7. LynneSeptember 25, 2015 at 10:30 PM

    Congratulations Kim . . .
    The news popped up in my email this morning . . . I thought YAY even though it seemed like a different category!
    Good news . . . CELEBRATE . . .
    I hope the "sick one " is feeling better . . .
    LOL at the Hell greeting . . . (Self correct drives me crazy!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 25, 2015 at 10:45 PM

      Thank you, Lynne! I was so happy and yes, perplexed at the same time…and that email (blushing face), I was so embarrassed. I am not a fan of that auto correct feature. Clearly, it does not know what I want to say!! ;)

      Delete
  8. quakerhillfarmSeptember 25, 2015 at 11:42 PM

    So excited for you! The inspiration that comes from your blog is awesome and it shows! What an honor to be in the top 5!! I will await the outcome with much excitement and will be rooting for you all the way!! Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate! Hugs, Lynn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 26, 2015 at 10:36 AM

      Thank you so much, Lynn!! I am so glad we connected through blogging. I have found a color-loving friend in you, for sure!! :)

      Delete
  9. LorriSeptember 26, 2015 at 12:42 AM

    Hell Kim, you so deserve this :). How fun. Congratulations. I saw the email and checked the list and was disappointed to see that you were not on the color category list. I mostly read the rest of the lists even though I really only know you and was so pleased to see your name.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 26, 2015 at 10:27 AM

      Thank you, Lorri! Yes, I am so excited, but like you, I was confused and kept scrolling...but yikes, what a typo!! ;)

      Delete
  10. My thrift store addictionSeptember 26, 2015 at 7:15 AM

    Congratulations Kim! Thankful, grateful and blessed is the BEST place to be ;) Blessings, Cecilia

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaSeptember 26, 2015 at 7:49 AM

    I saw that too!!! Of course I wanted to email you but don't have that kind of info at my fingertips and knew you would have to be posting about it!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! What an honor! You should not be surprised because you totally deserve it! I hope you have a nice quiet day now to celebrate!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 26, 2015 at 10:29 AM

      Thank you so much, AnnMarie and it was so nice of you to think of me. Like I said, I feel truly blessed to have so many sweet friends in this blogging community! You're all the best!! :)

      Delete
  12. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowSeptember 26, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    HELL you got alot of votes, ha ha :) That was funny to read, though I am sure that you didn't find it very funny at the time! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 26, 2015 at 10:25 AM

      It is very funny, Deb...yes, not at the time, but this seems to be par for the course in my life, so I just laugh and move forward! :)

      Delete
  13. Julie's LifestyleSeptember 26, 2015 at 8:15 AM

    Hey Kim, I'm so happy for you and congrats on the award. You have a such a pretty house and you deserve this. I love how you decorate your house with handmade items. You also share great decorating tips. Thanks for that.
    I Hate autocorrect!
    I hope you have a nice less hectic weekend.
    Hugs, Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 26, 2015 at 10:32 AM

      Oh Julie, that autocorrect…I was so embarrassed!! I appreciate your super kind words, but more than that, your friendship. I love our chats!! Thank you so much!

      Delete
  14. Celestina MarieSeptember 26, 2015 at 8:33 AM

    Congratulations Kim, you so deserve this and I am so excited for you. I got the email and was doing a happy dance in your honor. I think you are a winner in any category. Time for a weekend celebration. I just know there is more good news to follow. Congrats again and enjoy the blessing!! Hugs, cm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 26, 2015 at 10:33 AM

      CelestinaMarie, you are so sweet, thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so honored by all the wonderful comments and notes of congratulations...the unexpected benefits (the best part) of blogging!! :)

      Delete
  15. Tessa~ Here there be musingSeptember 26, 2015 at 9:19 AM

    Dare I call this the 'silver lining' in your a-bit-wild-day? :-)))

    Congratulations!!!

    Tessa

    ReplyDelete
  16. JunkchiccottageSeptember 26, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Congrats Kim. I am so excited for you. So well deserved. Woooooo Hooooo! You go girl.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 26, 2015 at 10:20 AM

      Thank you, Kris. I am a little overwhelmed, but excited! :)

      Delete
  17. Mom2347September 26, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    You're kidding right? You don't deserve to be on the Interiors shortlist?? You do know that your living room picture was my desktop picture, right? And that I bought a white loveseat (because that's all my house would hold) because I love the way you mentioned you can trade out the pillows every season without having to do much? And the puzzle crafts? And .... how many of your little simple and exquisitely remarkable decorating tips I have saved pictures of, thinking "when I get a clean spot, I'll do that" with the pieces I pick up at the thrift shop for that particular purpose? Sometimes I scroll down the list of pictures on the right and think "Oh! THAT's where I saw that!"
    You deserve it.
    Congrats!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 26, 2015 at 10:22 AM

      Thank you, Nancy, you have always been one of my biggest fans and I can't thank you enough for all of your amazing support! :)

      Delete
  18. An Oasis in the DesertSeptember 26, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    WOW, Kim, that is so awesome! I'm so excited for you! You are absolutely worthy of this honor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 10:55 PM

      Thank you so much, Carol. It was completely unexpected! :)

      Delete
  19. SarahSeptember 26, 2015 at 11:59 AM

    Awesome, Kim, and well deserved! Congratulations!
    PS
    I very much dislike auto correct! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 10:56 PM

      Thank you, Sarah! I am usually so careful, but oops! That autocorrect is a blessing and a curse!

      Delete
  20. MelanieSeptember 26, 2015 at 1:38 PM

    Congratulations - awesome news! Too funny with the autocorrect. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 10:57 PM

      I know…Ugh, Melanie, it’s always on the important emails, isn’t it?? ;)

      Delete
  21. tammy jSeptember 26, 2015 at 1:57 PM

    LOLOL!
    you got my accolades on last post as soon as i discovered it!
    i was blown away!
    so happy for you.
    well deserved.
    for you and cozy little house both!
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 10:58 PM

      Tammy, thank you for the second kind message! You are too sweet and I am super happy for Brenda, too! She is a great lady.

      Delete
  22. Carla from The RiverSeptember 26, 2015 at 4:26 PM

    Hi Kim,
    Congratulations. :-))
    And I have a sick one too. Already that junk has to be floating around for all of us to get.
    Stay healthy!
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 10:59 PM

      Thanks, Carla. That sickness stuff starts right away, doesn't it...another reason to miss summer vacation. Hope your sick one is getting better quickly and no one else gets it! :)

      Delete
  23. Blondie's JournalSeptember 26, 2015 at 6:30 PM

    I'm so happy for you---I know that feeling of disbelief but OWN it girl!!!

    Love to you and a big high five!

    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 11:00 PM

      Thanks Jane!! I am not good at owning things…but I will try and I will take that high five!! :)

      Delete
  24. Cheryl @ Artzzle.comSeptember 26, 2015 at 10:04 PM

    Congratulations. Another notch on your blogging belt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 11:02 PM

      Thanks Cheryl! Blogging belt…I love it! :)

      Delete
  25. Oliva OhlsonSeptember 27, 2015 at 11:08 AM

    Congratulations!!! So happy for you and so well deserved!!! What a nice surprise after all of your morning chaos...like a silver lining!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 11:02 PM

      Thank you, Oliva! You are super kind and yes, silver lining for sure! :)

      Delete
  26. Chatfield CourtSeptember 27, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    Congratulations my friend!, you certainly deserve it! So, so happy for you. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 10:46 PM

      Thank you so much, Kristi. Totally shocked! :)

      Delete
  27. DewenaSeptember 27, 2015 at 9:49 PM

    I just had to tell my husband about your little typo! She'll never forget that, will she?

    Kim, since I've only so recently met you, I'm looking forward to going further back in your archives to see more!

    Congratulations again, Kim!
    Dewena

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 11:05 PM

      Dewena, thank you, thank you, thank you! My husband laughed at me as I read it to him in horror, but I have a knack for embarrassing myself. This is a common occurrence around here! ;)

      Delete
  28. VanessaSeptember 27, 2015 at 11:43 PM

    Kim,
    LOL, how funny and I don't know why you thought you would not be picked. You are pretty awesome! I love it, autocorrect get's you all the time. Hate and love it. Congrats, you deserve it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 10:45 PM

      Thank you, Vanessa! I was shocked, so out of my league, I still consider myself a total newbie…and yes, grrrr, that autocorrect! ;)

      Delete
  29. RueSeptember 28, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    You deserve it, my sweet friend :)

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  30. Vel CristeSeptember 28, 2015 at 3:28 PM

    Congratulations dear Kim! You deserve to be on the top as well as the other fabulous bloggers on there!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 10:38 PM

      Thank you, Vel! That is kind of you to say and yes, so many very fabulous ladies.

      Delete
  31. Brenda PruittSeptember 28, 2015 at 9:13 PM

    Yep, writing "Hell" first was not a good way to start! I'm so proud of you, my dear friend! Honored to be with you.
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 11:41 PM

      Yeah, Hell was not a great opener, was it? ;) And I am honored to be with you, too, Brenda. Everything is more fun with a friend!!

      Delete
  32. Marilyn @ MountainTopSpiceSeptember 28, 2015 at 10:09 PM

    How excited I am for you Kim! This is just amazing, and you most certainly deserve it! Woohoo for you!!!! And hoping your sick ones are better! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 28, 2015 at 10:34 PM

      Thank you so much!! And we are on the mend…only a few days into to school and it starts! ;)

      Delete
  33. handmade by amaliaSeptember 29, 2015 at 5:30 AM

    How very very wonderful, Kim! I'm so happy for you. Congratulations.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  34. A Joyful CottageSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    Okay, so I'm in the sitting area drinking coffee and catching up on my blog reading. As soon as I get to the "Hell Karen" part of your story I guffaw and Dennis wants to know what's so funny. So I read the excerpt out loud to him and I can barely speak I'm laughing so hard, and then he laughs and that makes me laugh more, so then I tell him the Kmart panties story and he laugh even more, and I'm now to the height of laughter when the tears start flowing. Oh, my goodness! NOBODY can make me laugh like you can, Kim. Well, except Billy Crystal maybe. He makes me laugh pretty hard in Forget Paris. Congratulations on making the short list. Awesome!!!! Hugs, Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim October 1, 2015 at 10:09 AM

      Ok, well, I don’t even know what to say…Billy Crystal? Now that is a compliment of the highest order! When Harry Met Sally is one of my all time favorite movies, so you just completely made my day. I am so glad that I made you laugh, Nancy, although I am sorry about the tears! ;) I guess all of those embarrassing stories do have a silver lining after all.

      Thank you for your sweet words as always, my friend! :)

      Delete
  35. Mary K.October 2, 2015 at 4:20 PM

    Congratulations! I wish you all the best... and stay away from nasty spell check.

    ReplyDelete
  36. PoppyOctober 7, 2015 at 11:22 AM

    You are TOO funny, you short-listed nominee, you! Best of luck with the final list and can't wait to see that sparkly tiara on your beautiful blonde head!

    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim October 14, 2015 at 10:41 AM

      Oh, a tiara! Maybe so...and just in time for Halloween!! I could be queen for a day! ;) Thanks Poppy!

      Delete