blogiversary no. 9.

Published on by Quandie

Hard to believe that I started this blogging gig 9 years ago tomorrow.  My goal at the time was to give it five years.  I figured after 5 years I’d be ready to move on to something else.  But here I am, still blogging away.

When I look back, I can see that I’ve come a long way since that first blog post … well, technically there were three first blog posts.  Somehow back then I thought you had to have multiple posts on a new blog so I posted three very short posts on that first day.

And one of them was about a toolbox makeover!

Maybe I haven’t changed as much as I think!

Then again, maybe I have grown a bit.

Truthfully, some of those early posts are really cringe-worthy.  But hey, you gotta start somewhere right?

I have to admit, I almost gave up blogging back in 2021.  I was really overwhelmed by the day job at the time and had very little energy left over for blogging.  I had a couple of conversations with my inner self about being responsible and not allowing my hobby (ie. my blog) to interfere with the day job that actually paid the bills.  I was seriously considering letting the blog go.

But then I started thinking about how much I love blogging.  I get so much satisfaction out of taking a worn out item and giving it a new look.  I also really enjoy writing blog posts, staging photos of pieces and editing the photos.  I love interacting with people via comments, I feel like you are all friends even though I wouldn’t recognize most of you on the street.

How sad would it have been to give up an activity that brings me so much joy?

So I did something that was incredibly out of character for me.  I decided to give up the day job instead.  It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Now you guys are stuck with me!

For the time being anyway.

I typically celebrate my blogiversary with a giveaway to say thank you to all of you who make this blogging thing worthwhile.  However, I have to admit it kind of snuck up on me a bit this year.  I wish I had a much more spectacular accumulation of stuff to give away.  But instead I’m keeping it simple and giving away three of my favorite Dixie Belle products, their Drop Cloth paint, B.O.S.S., and flat clear coat.

Just for fun I’m throwing in one of my trees in a vintage flour sifter too.

The rules for today’s giveaway:  Simply leave a comment on this blog post (and please forgive me if I don’t respond to every one, but know that I read and appreciate all of them).

Your comment must be left on this blog post, not on Facebook or Instagram.  You are not required to follow my blog, or follow my Facebook or Instagram accounts, although it would be awesome if you did!

I will randomly draw the name of a winner for today’s prize from all of the comments left on this post by Saturday, December 3, 2022 at the stroke of midnight (U.S. Central time).

The fine print: no purchase necessary, you must be 18 years of age or older to win, void where prohibited by law, the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning, approximate retail value of prize is $100, if the prize is not claimed by Friday, December 9 another name will be drawn at random to win, blah, blah, blah.

Thank you to Dixie Belle Paint Co for providing their products that I’m giving away today.

111 thoughts on “blogiversary no. 9.”

  2. I have been reading your blog for a long time now, so thrilled you are staying with it! Love seeing how you transform an old piece into something beautiful and usable again. Sharing your creativity provides inspiration to so many and it fills up your spirit, too — perfect combination! Congratulations and here’s to at least 9 more years. : )

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  5. Happy Blogaversary to a friend I’ve never met in person🤣. I enjoy this blog above all the others I read because it’s got variety. A little of this and that and sharing your creativity. So glad you are enjoying retirement and looking forward to many more bloganversaries to come!

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  7. So glad you chose Joy over your day job! I am enjoying your blog again after losing track of it awhile back. I always enjoyed your pieces that were posted in “Feature Friday” on mmsmp blog years ago, which is where I first learned about you. Congratulations on 9 years, wishing you many more!

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  9. Oh Miss Quandie……..didn’t even guess that we were so close to losing your blog in 2021! You’re my favorite! Don’t go away! Not to say that I’m not getting your struggle….. I appreciate it. I don’t want to be selfish……..did Mr. Q ever doubt the value of your blog? (I don’t want to hold a grudge against him :-/). And, you definitely don’t need to give away a freebie to keep your audience! No way! That would NEVER be important to my loving what you do! Follower forever!!!

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    1. Thank you so much for your support over the years Connie! I can always count on you to leave a thoughtful comment. And not to worry, Mr. Q totally supported my decision to leave the day job and stick with the blog, in fact he was far more certain it was the right choice than I was 🙂

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  11. Congrats on your blogiversary! I’m glad you made the choice to keep blogging because I love seeing your creations. Who knew old rusty toolboxes could be so beautiful?

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  13. I love your blog and am so glad you did not give it up! I have been really busy the last few weeks so I saved up about five of your posts to read when I could really sit down and enjoy them-I just read all of them and I’m so glad I finally found time. I love to see all of your Christmas ideas every year. Thank you for doing what your do!

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  15. So glad you are happy giving up the day job. That is what counts the most. I love your blog and seeing all the cool things you do. Love the gardening too. Valerie

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  17. We’re glad you didn’t give up the blog! Congratulations on nine years! I love the tree in the sifter….. thanks for that idea. Love all three products in the give away…..great gift for whoever wins.

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  19. I absolutely love all of your posts and flips, you have such an amazing eye for flipping items and making them beautiful. I love your blog and IG.

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  21. I love your blog and so happy you’ve continued it! I think I’ve read it for almost 9 years and continue to look forward to it daily. Much inspiration comes from you!

    Your faithful follower Jane

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  22. I am so glad that you did not give up on your blogging. Being able to see the evolution of your creativity over the years, in art as well as in writing, has been very inspirational. We need people like you to help us keep moving forward in the more difficult times of our lives. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with all of us.

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  28. Congratulations!!
    I have very much enjoyed reading this blog and will continue to do so for as long as you write it. You have been and continue to be a great source of inspiration 🙂

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  30. I’ve been following your blog for years.
    Your staging is so spot on. Your pieces are beautiful. I got to go to Reclaiming Beautiful on Friday while I was visiting family. Beautiful store. I appreciate you. Thanks!

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  31. Congrats on 9 years! I have been following since June 2014 and am so glad you didn’t give this blog up! Love seeing your posts and what you come up with and hope to follow you for many more years!

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  32. YOU are an inspiration! I love your blog AND the work you do! I often wish I lived in your area to purchase some of your beautiful pieces…but I’m pretty sure my husband is happy we’re in Michigan 😉 You are a joy to follow, thank you!

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  33. I am SO GLAD you didn’t give up the blogging!! Yours is the only one I follow and you have given me so many ideas to work with! So thank you and Merry Christmas!!!

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  34. Your blog is the best! I’m so happy that you didn’t quit and also that you had the courage to start one in the first place. It seems like a lot of work so it’s wonderful that it brings you joy. It definitely brings me joy and inspiration. Enjoy your time in Mexico and have a margarita for me!!

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  36. i look forward to each and every blog entry from you! thank you for continuing to post entries of your travels, your projects and welcoming us into your home. happy holidays

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  37. I sure am grateful that you are still blogging. I love your projects and advice. Plus, I look forward to reading your blog during my day job morning break.

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  39. Always love seeing your work, and I have to admit when you put up the new headboard sign on your carriage house I drove past your house to get a glance in person! (Don’t worry, not a crafty stalker LOL) Your blog is what actually got me started on refurbishing furniture and other items! Even got to meet you in person at an occasional sale long ago!

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  40. I’ve read every post in your blog and I continue to go back and refer to several of them over and over. You are my very favorite blogger (the first one that I ever followed, and only one of 3 that I follow regularly). You’re such a talented artist, full of ideas, have a great imagination, and I’m always in awe of the things you create. I hope you’ll always continue to blog!

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  41. Congratulations on another successful year. I can look around my house at any given time and find projects that you inspired me to do. I love to thrift and repurpose and your style is spot on. Thanks for all of the helpful hints and ideas that seem to flow out of you. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and and a new year of creativity.

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  44. So glad we are ‘stuck’ with you!! lol Congrats on nine years of sharing your wonderful sense of humor and style. With nine years, i missed most of them, but so glad to find you during the last couple of years. Thanks for sharing your travel, remakes, garden & all!!

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  45. Thank you for your creativity and sticking with it. I also appreciate your tips and instructions. I don’t think I would have taken up painting old things and furniture if not for you. I was inspired and learned so much about products and techniques from your blog! Thank you!

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  46. So glad you didn’t stop blogging Linda!!! I love, love, love your blog – i read both new and old posts! It’s a feast to my eyes! And i’ve learned so much from you during these years!! Thank you!

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  48. I have loved all your ideas & projects & wish I lived closer…you have great taste & style, and you are one of two blogs I open FIRST…also love your travel stories! Keep up the great work & inspirations!

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