Encouragement~

I am sitting at my desk at work, with a pounding headache. I walked into our kitchen at work in search of some "Advil" and of course someone took the last packet and left the empty container...the container sat there laughing at me. I walked back to my desk and popped into my e-mail, because the "real work" well that can wait, it is Friday after all. After sifting through the junk an email comment from my blog caught my eye, and this is what it said:

I just want to stop by and say that about two years ago I started blogging - because of you, because of this site - and because what you do is lovely. This post is no exception. And now I've been in Reader's Digest and now I've been invited to speak about my blog in Palm Springs and Hawaii and now I'm writing and loving it. And, well, thankyou for being my *inspiration* and for being the catalyst that started my life down this strange journey. Just thankyou!

Lori

~ click the link to go to her blog~

Wow....really?

 I did that?

This silly blog did that?

 {she shakes her head in disbelief}

I have sat down at this blog many times over the years and started to write down my heart, the truth, my past, my emotions, trials and tribulations...all the while wondering who is reading this? Why am I doing this? There are women out there who have these amazing stories, of courage and strength and possibility. Women like myself, looking for "peace", looking for a way to express themselves, and a way to share their experiences.

I took that plunge a few years ago, opening myself up to the world, to whomever might stumble onto this silly old blog....there have been times when my finger has lingered over the "publish" button, worried what I posted might seem too vulnerable. I have received "mean" comments, and I have done my fair share of comparing myself to all these brilliant women I have come across through our blogs...

But mostly, I am so grateful for this platform. I have released so much of my life on this blog and I look at it is "cheap" therapy...in the comforts of my own home...with people I don't know, and a keyboard in which the letters are fading from so much typing.

This blog has brought me friendships I never knew would have existed. I opened an "etsy" store and this blog helped me enjoy that experience to its fullest. This blog helps me paint the thoughts that flow through my head, and helps me remember those tender moments with my oldest punk...and the precious moments with my newest little punk.

I have in the past left this platform...and there have been several times my finger has lingered over the "delete this blog" button, but for some reason I keep coming back...

I wanted to share this comment I received today on my blog as encouragement to anyone who is thinking they want to start a blog....

To anyone who feels their story needs to be shared....

To anyone who is lost, looking for a way to express those feelings that eat them up at night....

I want to encourage you...to hit that "publish" button...

You have no idea where your little blog might lead you and the friends you might make...

It is worth it...

You are worth it...

Hit that button!!

Go on girl...

I am waiting...

Cheering you on all the way!

I hope you have a wonderful sunshine filled weekend...dare I say with flippy flops on your feet?

I am refinishing 5 pieces of furniture this Sunday  for a bedroom redo for a lady in our neighborhood who is in the hospital. She had a brain tumor removed and this is just one way a few friends are trying to make her room a little prettier as she will be spending a lot of time in her room when she comes back home from the hospital...we are all praying for her.

Blessings from me to you!

 p.s. I also wanted to give a little shout out to this lovely lady, who made a butterfly garland from my tutorial that was posted in the article from "Romantic Country" magazine...I actually forgot all about it! Thank you Susan, your garland is beautiful, as is your home! You must see her home and her gorgeous photography! **sigh**

p.s.s. if you have any extra "advil" send it on over...me and my headache thank you in advance, muwahh!

 

Comments

[Michelle]

You ARE inspirational! I am so glad you hit "publish" otherwise I doubt I would have known you!

[kate]

Tara
Its women who are brave and courageous as your self that leave a mark in another's heart. Sometimes its not all about the big story we see from others, its about the strength that lies in only a few that can bare their soul for the world to see. You are a blessing and yes your blog means the world to so many. Sending you much love to you and your beautiful family.

One of your biggest fans, Cheering you on
Kate
xoxo

[Wittylittlesecret.wordpress.com]

<3 <3 <3. That is all.

[Susan]

Hi Tara,
Thanks so much for your sweet reply today. I'm really glad my comment brought a smile to your face when you needed one. I'm especially glad I save old magazines and went back to that fab butterfly garland tutorial you gave.
You have a gorgeous home, lots of talent and a great sense of humor! I look forward to seeing more. It's good for you to see what a great impact your blog has on many folks. :)
Thanks so much also for linking to my post. I'm honored!
- Susan

[Stacey@ A Sort Of Fairytale]

You must work with my husband as it is so very like him to take the last of something and then put back the empty container! ;)
But seriously...blogging has been an amazing outlet for me and I have "met" so many wonderful and talented people that I would not have if it weren't for blogging. I always enjoy reading your posts, you have a natural gift in writing...very honest, funny, and just darn good!
Sadly, there will be no floppy flops on my feet this weekend as it snowed today where I am :(
I hope you have a great weekend...what you are doing for the lady's room who is in the hospital is wonderful!!

[Kacey]

But of course you've inspired people, you sweet girl! Your fabulous style and your wonderful way with words - you invite people in and make them want to be your friend. You're the coolest!

Happy weekend - hope your headache's gone!

[Anne Lorys-Fiona and Twig]

You have inspired more of us than you know, my friend!!!

XOXO,
Anne

[tara]

I loved this post.
You took the words right out of my heart {and head}.

These old blogs are good for a lot, aren't they?
Who knew?

I'm with you....I wonder sometimes why in the world I do this.
And, then, I get an email that totally confirms why I do it.

You're awesome....praise God for friends who redecorate our bedrooms when we are coming home from hospitals to recover.

What a blessing her room will be to her.....praying for a full restoration of her health.

[Judy A]

I love your blog and check in often to see your posts, but also to listen to your playlist. Thanks for opening yourself up to all of us; it's what keeps your blog as a favorite.
I always wonder how you Bloggers manage to do it - have children, work, keep house, etc. I struggle with those things and have no idea how I'd ever find the time to blog.
Cheers to you!

[susan]

hello there sweet girl! sorry about your head :( what a beautiful email and how proud you must have felt. you're right we never know who we touch.......you're a beautiful soul and it's no surprise! hope you are feeling better. xo suz

[Andrea]

Hi Tara,

I just stumbled across your blog, and I wanted to leave a comment because we're neighbors, and that always gets me super excited -- it's like buying locally grown food, except with blogs. I believe in supporting my local blogs! LOL

Anyway, it's nice to meet you, and I'm looking forward to following from here on out.

Andrea

[Denise]

Hope you found some Advil!! :) can't wait to see your furniture projects. Hope your weekend is relaxing and fun.

[Lolo]

You my friend are waaaay to humble!! You are so amazing and inspiring (obviously) to so many that you dont even know. I enjoy each and every one of your posts....I too decided to blog after reading yours. You just have a way.
Now, if we could just get together and giggle over a yummy coffee!
Enjoy your weekend my dear Hugs and stuff...XOX

[Rebecca]

you've inspired more than just her! ;)
hope all in going well in your last month of work! this is like the 3rd time i've been over here in the past few weeks & finally i get to comment on this post -- God bless a ringing shop phone. :) me i'm gonna be working a few months longer, but i'll be highly anticipating it, perhaps i can live vicariously through you. :)

[Denise]

Well hello again! I hate even telling you this because there's nothing I can do about it, but we just drove through San Clemente! On our way to visit some friends in Carlsbad. I'm so directionally challenged - I guess I always thought you were closet to LA!! Hugs as we fly past on the freeway! : /