Yesterday, Creative Little Daisy turned four, but I was too busy reading about how the Pioneer Woman met Marlboro man to write a proper post. Right now, I really should be taking down the Christmas tree and putting away the other shiny, Christmas-y paraphernalia that is sprinkled throughout the house, but hey, it's not going anywhere right? I did get Mitch to take the wooden reindeer and geese out of the yard and the wreaths off the windows. We don't want the neighbors talking. All is well, as long as no one peeks in the windows.
I mentioned in my last post that blogging had changed my life, and it has. In many ways. Once you start a blog and commit to its upkeep, it becomes a part of you. It inhabits a part of your mind, becomes a family member. Maybe the redheaded stepchild family member, perhaps the crazy aunt Myrtle or even the forgotten fourth cousin Louis, but once you step out there and hit that publish button a few times, you are forever changed. Don't even get me started on stats and comments. Once you start getting a few comments and notice you have more than 2 readers... good grief, that new family member may as well be triplets with the time and energy you begin to devote to it. Luckily I started my blog during a phase in my life when I needed something to fill some space in my head and heart. Alyssa was in her first year of college. Casey was still home but between school and work, he wasn't here much. I was a little lost, to say the least.
I had no clue what I was doing. I just jumped in, learning by trial and error. I'm not saying that I don't still feel clueless in a lot of ways, but I've picked up a few things along the way. Most of it through the generosity of others to take the time to share what they knew. I have to say that was what drew me to blogging to begin with. The generosity and spirit of community among bloggers.
I know for sure if I hadn't started blogging, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to design a pattern for Simplicity. I wouldn't have projects published in books. I never even dreamed such a thing was even possible.
I am a different person because of blogging, a better person, I believe. And I don't just mean by having a blog, I mean by what I've learned from other bloggers. I've grown spiritually because so many of you lovely ladies not only share your talents, but you also share your love for the Lord. I've become a better cook. Hey, I am a 41 year old, born and bred county girl who just got the hang of making biscuits and I have a blogger to thank for that. That's right Granny, I'm sorry, but I learned how to make biscuits from the internet. Once I made the angel biscuits a few times, I felt comfortable enough to adjust the recipe a bit to make a sturdier biscuit. The kind you put some meat into. I've become a biscuit making fool!
My husband will not dispute the fact, blogging has been a good thing. On second thought, he probably would argue that it's not always a good thing. Learning to make biscuits ~ good. Learning how to board and batten the bathroom ~ not so much. I've learned things big and small. Tips I used just once and ones I'll remember forever. Like how to knot thread, as demonstrated so beautifully by Heather Bailey. Or how to fold fabric the Happy Zombie way. Seriously, thanks to Monica, my fabric stash looks like this~
instead of like this~
Life changing, I tell ya.
It's been a wonderful four years. I have shared ups and some downs. Happy times and a few sad ones. I've captured snippets of our lives that could have slipped by unnoticed. I've recorded images that my mind may have soon forgotten and put words in print that my mouth could not form. It's been life changing. Thanks for your part in this wonderful adventure. Here's to four more years!
Congratulations Autum. I like your analogy of gaining a family member - it rings true for me too. And yes, life changing.
Here's to more blogging, more sharing and more learning.
Posted by: Ali | January 04, 2010 at 02:04 PM
We have much in common. I started my blog for pretty much the same reasons and it has taken on a life of it's own. I'm glad you blog bz I learn so much from you!
Posted by: Cindy | January 04, 2010 at 02:40 PM
Said so beautifully well, Autum....I've enjoyed your blog for as long as you've been writing, and you're right, the blogging community is a wonderful group of TEACHERS! You are one of those that is so good at teaching, I must say. Congratulations on four years!
XOXO
Joni
Posted by: Joni | January 04, 2010 at 03:43 PM
Awwww...happy blogversary Autum! We too have learned so much from you the past four years - thank you:)
Posted by: Shannon | January 04, 2010 at 05:27 PM
Happy FOUR! It's always a pleasure to come visit here!
Always.
Posted by: Dawn | January 04, 2010 at 06:18 PM
It's been a true pleasure to get to know you through your blog. And, I credit you for getting me over my hatred of sewing :)
Posted by: Kim | January 04, 2010 at 07:23 PM
I totally agree - I mean, I haven't necessarily learned the same things as you, but I've learned SO much from other bloggers. I've learned that I want my house to look like yours. :) Happy 2010!
Posted by: amylouwho | January 04, 2010 at 08:01 PM
Here's to four more years indeed Autum! Your blog was one of the first I found and I love it. Thanks for sharing bits of your life with us - WE have learned from YOU!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 04, 2010 at 08:23 PM
Congratulations. I am so glad to have found you and love reading about your creative endeavors. I took the word challenge for a New Year's Resolution. Thank you for suggesting it. It just might work for me. I will continue to check in with you. You are inspiring. happy blirthday!
Posted by: Jennifer Tyler | January 04, 2010 at 09:10 PM
I'm always interested in what you have to say. You write and express yourself beautifully!
Posted by: Ann | January 04, 2010 at 09:12 PM
I love how you compared your blog as a family member...I pretty much feel the same way. I love my blog and love all of my blog friends. It's an outlet and a teaching tool to me...
Posted by: Nina | January 04, 2010 at 09:38 PM
Autum,
Congratulations on 4 fabulous years. :-)
I will say that I would not have had the confidence to sew handbags, keychains and other accessories if you had not shown me the way.
Thank you dear friend and keep on blogging.
Peace.
Posted by: Lynne in NC | January 04, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Happy Blogiversary to you Autum!
I am so glad you are still blogging. I have learned a lot from you. I fear the zipper no more because of you and your generosity with tutorials on how to do just that. You inspire me with all the wonderful things you sew and share. You've kept it real when you didn't feel like blogging and you shared your heart and soul when it came to your family.
Thank you for all you do. Keep blogging.
Hugs to you,
Cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl | January 04, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Yeah! I am so glad you started. Your blog is lovely and your sweet spirit shines here. Thanks for being a blessing!
Posted by: randi | January 05, 2010 at 08:34 AM
My sentiments exactly. Blogging fulfils so many different facets of my creative life, and your blog was one of the first I found back in 2007. You have great ideas, and it is encouraging to see the hard work of maintaining a thoughtful blog pay off in so many ways! -- michele
Posted by: Michele C | January 05, 2010 at 08:51 AM
Yours was one of the first blogs I started reading, Autum. It is still one of my favorites : ) I have been really neglecting my little blog, you are making me want to change that.
Posted by: Tonya Richard | January 05, 2010 at 09:55 AM
I couldn't agree more - blogging has enriched my life too. I love connecting with my "friends" each day - you all bless me so much!
Happy bloggyversary!
Posted by: Robinznest | January 05, 2010 at 12:39 PM
I'm glad you started blogging too!! I enjoy reading it!!
Posted by: Donna S. | January 05, 2010 at 05:21 PM
This is so beautiful. I've been following your blog for several months now and recently started my own-inspired by you and those like you. I hope it brings me as much happiness as it has so obviously brought you!
Posted by: Homemadepineapplemarshmallows.wordpress.com | January 05, 2010 at 06:11 PM
When I first found PW I obsessively read her love story for DAYS. Until it was all ready and then I felt like I just wanted to read more!
Blogging has changed my life too, in good ways, and I think you for being a part of that!
Posted by: margot | January 05, 2010 at 06:58 PM
Your blog was one of the first blogs I read and I love checking back now and then. I love how open and honest you are about difficulties. Something that is so hard for me. Happy Bloggyversary
Posted by: Jennifer | January 05, 2010 at 09:26 PM
Happy anniversary. So happy that it has enriched your life. I truly feel the same way. What a wonderful community, eh?
Posted by: Devon | January 06, 2010 at 12:34 AM
Happy Anniversary , times just flies doesn't it .
Chris
Posted by: Chris Kauffman | January 06, 2010 at 08:12 AM
Happy Birthday! I couldn't believe you were 4 already... and then it dawned on me that I am almost 4 too! How did that happen? Best part of the realization is knowing that it's been 4 beautiful years of being friends/bloggy pals with you!
I loved your post, I ditto so many of your sentiments. I heart you so muchly!
Happy BIrthday, Autum!!!
xoxo,
m
Posted by: happy zombie | January 06, 2010 at 03:47 PM
Happy Blogging Anniversary to you! I have learned so much from your blog. Gotten so many wonderful ideas. Love hearing about your and your family's lives.
Thanks for telling us about Pioneer Woman...I spent part of two days reading her love story with Marlboro Man...SO GOOD!!! And still looking around her website when time permits.
Posted by: Elaine | January 06, 2010 at 05:12 PM