When I was small, my two favorite things to play were house and school.
I don't think that's a surprising fact, I mean they've always been pretty popular games.
Especially among little girls.
I loved making mud pies, decorating the inside of my playhouse with loose leaf wallpaper and using that red and blue double sided stick pen.
Of course, the most challenging part of these make believe sessions, was battling it out with friends to be the central character.
Mom in house, teacher in school.
Those were always the most coveted positions...which I generally had to no trouble nailing down, since my neighborhood was short on girls.
So my little brother and his, let's say, energetic, pals were always my students or my children.
Not surprisingly, that only lasted so long. Once they hit that 5 or 6 year old mark, baseball became much more enticing than playing pretend.
And I was left to educate and keep house for my dollies.
Or very occasionally for Ginger, my calico kitty.
An experience that provided me with a very early understanding of the phrase, like herding cats.
But I digress...
I enjoyed those games so much that I was basically settled on a career path of homemaker and/or teacher, until middle school, when I started taking dance.
Then I was sure I was going to be a professional ballerina. Or a Rockette, where I would perform on the same stage my mother sang on decades earlier.
Of course, in college I changed my mind again, from fashion design and back to teaching, before settling on a degree in communications.
This time I was 100% convinced that my big girl job was going to be in public relations.
Until I actually worked in a Manhattan museum doing just that, only to find out it wasn't for me. The pay was horrible, the job was boring and the commute was an absolute nightmare.
After two years split between driving cars for a rental company, working as a retail manager for various brands and as an office assistant for my generous brother in law, I finally realized that I was always meant for the classroom.
A path I never should've abandoned.
So I took the long and winding road back to school for my master's degree and taught elementary school for several years.
And I loved every single moment of it, right up to the minute the nurse put my newborn daughter in my arms. An event that changed my status from part time to full time homemaker.
I spent those blissful years, feathering my nest and filling it with another baby, lots of bright colors and handmade decor.
Teaching at church, during extra curricular activities and taking on any creative task that came my way.
Living a grown up version of my dreamy preschool play days.
Until...those babies became teenagers and they too found much more enticing ways to spend their days.
And I was left without playmates once again.
They didn't need me as much, yet I desperately needed a creative distraction from a life that was all too real and not always in a good way.
So on March 5, 2013, after a suggestion from my nephew, I hit publish for this first time here at Exquisitely Unremarkable.
Despite the fact that I had no idea what a blog was - I'd never seen one before, never read one before, and I certainly knew nothing about code or website building.
I just knew it was a way I could share my decorating style, my crafts and my know-how with anyone who was interested.
Never, ever did I imagine that I would still be typing away with as much enthusiasm and excitement as I felt on that brisk March day, exactly 12 years ago.
Blogging in this tiny space on the internet has become such a huge part of life, my daily routine and most importantly, my heart.
And that's because of you.
All of you who tune in and join the conversation, as I drone on about paint colors, thrift finds, decorating challenges and my beloved tulips.
You, who have become my friends. Leaving comments on every post, emailing me or, on a few, very precious occasions, coming out to meet me in person.
I've been blessed with cards, letters, gifts, encouragement and advice. You've shared your stories, your joys and your sorrows. And I've been touched by each and every one of those heartfelt interactions.
They mean more to me than you could ever know.
That, my friends, has been the absolute best part of blogging and, on this anniversary, as I celebrate another year of crafting, creating and sharing, I'd like to thank you for all the moments you've chosen to visit with me.
Playing this virtual game of house and school.
Adding (and then ripping down!) wallpaper in my rooms.
Teaching, anyone who cares to learn, the processes I use to cook, create and craft.
Without that sweet, but unruly cat and those rambunctious neighbors.
Although I really wish I still had one of those pens.
Don't you?
😉
What were your favorite childhood games?
Here are a few more anniversary posts:
- It's My First Anniversary!
- Everything I Needed To Know About Blogging I Learned In Kindergarten
- 3650 Days Of Blogging
With gratitude,
Beautiful Kim! It is us your faithful readers who thank you. You give so generously of your talents and time. You are one of the most relatable writers I follow. My schedule has been so hectic for so many years that I relished when I could grab some time and a Diet Coke and read your latest post. Some days I would binge them. Please know that although I don’t always find the time to comment I truly treasure your blog. Keep going and thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan!! 🥰 Your comment is a perfect example of the lovely interactions I was describing and longstanding relationships this blog has given me the opportunity to build. It truly means the world to me! I hope you have a fabulous weekend my friend.
DeleteHappy Blogoversary! I agree, that it's the people and the friendships we make that makes blogging such a blessing! I loved reading about your childhood fun and dreams and how you've used those dreams and your skills here in blogland. You've been a blessing to many, including me and have taught us so much, including thinking outside the box on how to use things!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Mari. Trust me, the feeling is mutual! 💕 I really had no idea what blogging would be like when I started, but I honestly never counted on the friendships and the community aspect. What a wonderful surprise! There's been lots of changes to blogs over the last 12 years, and I know you've been blogging longer than that, but I'm glad that's one thing that hasn't changed! Here's hoping that never goes away!
DeleteOh, man. We could have been cut from the same cloth, as my mother would say! I LOVED playing school, and because I was the bossiest, I got to be the teacher, always. (: Another goal of mine was to be a mom. All of my dolls were so real to me. Then I grew up and had four live dolls and really, it was such a good job. I'm happy to know you through these little ole blogs of ours. I hope you stay crafty (and blogging) for a nice loooong while.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gina, and yes, so glad we’ve become blogging friends over the past several years. It’s truly been a pleasure. I laughed at your bossy comment, because I have two older sisters, 11 and 14 years older, so it was a very rare occasion when I got to be the boss! Maybe that’s why I liked those games so much…and my very obedient dolls!! That cat…well, not so much!! I think she thought she was the boss! 😉 Happy Spring!
DeleteHI Kim. You and I started our blogs about the same time. It is amazing how time really flies. I had no idea how to blog either and we all kind learned as we went along. It still to this day amazes me with all the friendships made through the years that without blogging would have never happened. I played school in our basement with a chalk board and a couple of old school desks. My brothers were roped into being students too. Then they got into sports and that was over and my dolls were my students along with some neighbor kids that liked to come and have me pretend to be their teacher. Good memories. Have a wonderful week. Happy St. Patricks Day. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteTime does fly, Kris!! Yikes, and I feel like it's picking up speed! It sounds like we had the same childhood game experiences...ah, sports, it's a hard one to compete with!! Thank goodness for those agreeable dollies! What would we have done without them? I hope you are having a lovely week!! Hugs!
DeleteI, too was planning on being a school teacher at age 4, looking up to my big school teacher sister and my dad, who made furniture, made me a desk so I could teach my dolls and stuffed animals. Sixty four years later, I still have the desk and it's still beautiful! In high school, I discovered typing (on a manual typewriter) and fell in love with everything office related and became a secretary for over 43 enjoyable years. The part of your post that got me the most was the blue/red pens. I had forgotten about those but remember if you had one, you needed nothing else in life. Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Love your posts and all your crafts. No day is complete without at least one craft project.
ReplyDeleteHi Drue! Thanks so much for your lovely comment. You have just made my day. 💕 I loved reading about your desk and your typing days...because I too LOVED typing. I remember one of the best Christmas presents I ever received was a red and white plastic typewriter with a real ribbon. I played with that thing until I literally wore out the keys! Thank you for rekindling that memory!! I hope you've been enjoying crafting this spring. I've been a bit distracted, but I plan to dig in tonight again. Hope to see you in the comments again, soon!!
DeleteI loved playing "house"! My dolls were my babies. I grew up during the time when it was politically incorrect to admit that you wanted to be a mother and tend to your home. I went to college. I had jobs, got raises and promotions. It was nice to establish good credit and be able to afford nice things. However, my biggest joy was being a mom and wife and tending to my home. It was wonderful when I discovered your blog. I was looking for a place where I could find a kindred soul. I love your sense of humor and your ideas are so inspiring. - Briana from Texas
ReplyDeleteHello Briana! House was a great game and dolls were the best babies. They listened to everything I had to say!! I grew up in the 80s and yes, everyone wa supposed to be a career girl, and I was, but as you said, wife and mom took the cake...and as for your kindred soul comment...💕...I am honored. And trust me, I found the same kinship with all of you who share your lovely words with me, your ideas, your stories and your encouragement. Thank you my friend!
DeleteHappy blogiversary Kim! Isn't it incredible how one simple suggestion can spark an entire journey? It’s inspiring to see how that moment of encouragement from your nephew blossomed into something so creative and impactful.
ReplyDeleteYour dedication, creativity, and hard work have made your blog a must-read for so many. Here’s to celebrating another milestone and all the incredible content yet to come!
Thank you so much, Sara...and yes, that simple spark from my nephew has certainly grow into something I cherish. I couldn't do it without all the wonderful encouragement from you all...
DeleteOH, yes I loved playing school and house.. but since I had an older sister I rarely got to be the teacher or the mom! I too just love the community and friendships I've made through blogging.
ReplyDeleteIsn't blogging the best, Joanne? And just when you think you've met everyone and seen every blog out there, someone new pops into your world and it's lovely!!
DeleteKim it is your unfolding stories that keep me coming back. After all these years I feel as if I am sitting down to chat with a dear old friend. The crafts are great and lots of fun but it’s your personality that keeps me here. Good luck on another 10 years of blogging.
ReplyDeleteYou are a dear friend, Mary! Thank you so much for all your sweet comments and visits. I do cherish each one!!
DeleteKim, congrats and happy blog anniversary. It's amazing how long we've been blogging and what an accomplishment. I love visiting your blog each week to see what craft, recipe, or decorating post you have to share. Wishing you many more years of blogging. By the way I love your tulip Jellycat!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Julie!! It's really been quite a journey and I'm so grateful that we've become friends along the way. My goodness, what would I do without all your fabulous shares? One of these days we'll have to meet in person my NY friend!!
DeleteHAPPY BLOGAVERSARY KIM! You know, I just realized we have both been blogging about the same time. I started blogging January 2013! It is so amazing the process and journey we have been on - I loved hearing your childhood stories, and playing house/teacher and I was right there with you - only I intended to be a nurse when I grew up, so that was also part of my playtime memories, lol! You took me back with that red/blue pen too! Do you remember the doctor/nurse kits, well I carried one of those around too, lol! And like you, my vocation changed to becoming a medical transcriptionist, rather than a nurse, and a Mom of course, my most important job. Thanks for the memory visits with you today!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how somehow, someway, we seem to be programed toward a vocation from birth? We play what we love and if we are lucky we get to continue doing it, for years to come, in our professional and home lives. I'm so glad we've been on this blogging journey together, Marilyn and connected, across a great many mile, through our words! How fabulous!
DeleteGreat post and happy blogaversary.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much, Jan!! I truly appreciate all your visits and heartfeld comments.
DeleteHappy Blogaversary Kim!! Our lives parallel each other so much. I played house, and school, also, taught Home Ec until my first of four babies came along. I had had two miscarriages before and was so happy to my daughter was born. Motherhood was my ultimate reward in life.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your life and your wonderful ideas and crafts with us. ❤️
Motherhood is wonderful, Kitty! I'm right there with you, it's been the absolute best!! I appreciate all your sweet comment and lovely visits. It's meant the world to me!
DeleteI've loved Home Keeping (as I like to call it) and I've done that for years in my home and on my blog! I want to get back to blogging more than two days a week. I can't believe I used to blog every day!
ReplyDeleteGlad we've become blog friends and sharing our mutual interests in family, home, garden and design!
Deanna Rabe
Thank you Deanna, I'm so glad we've connected, too. We definitely share a love of home keeping...and red!! ❤️
DeleteOH MY... what a lovely post Kim. Thank you for sharing your heart with us... you do it so well, that is why I have always enjoyed reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that I do know a ballerina. :-) If we ever do meet in person, I want to hear all about how to dance, because I do not know a thing. Hee Hee!
Thank you, Carla! 🥰 Oh and those ballerina days were so much fun, but so long ago! I wish I could still move like that.
DeleteMy favorite things to play when I was little were house, school and Barbies. Happy blogging anniversary!
ReplyDeleteWasn't that fun? My Barbies, made great students...and they were very fashionable! Happy Spring, Melanie!
DeleteHappy Blogaversary Kim. Playing house with girlfriends was a favorite past time. We would talk about how many children we are playing. One of my girlfriends and I would sing and dance. Our neighbors would play until dark in the summertime. Red rover, red light green light, etc. We built Xmas tree forts and explored the fields. It’s good to dream
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Linda! Omigosh, you just brought back so many more fun childhood game memories. We played Red Rover and Kick The Can into the night...and built snow forts and ran in the fields and the woods. Good times...that went by way too fast! Happy Spring my friend!
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