Did you know that November is statistically the gloomiest month in Minnesota. It averages just five days with clear skies. Egads. Luckily, I have so many things to be grateful for in November to cheer me up.
For one thing, there are lots of birthdays to celebrate. There is nnK’s birthday, my handyman Ken’s birthday, my niece’s birthday, my brother’s birthday and my own birthday.
November is also the month that I retired from the day job. Can you believe it has been three years already?!
Then of course there is Thanksgiving, the perfect day for reflecting on gratitude.
And finally, there is my blogiversary. Today marks 11 years that I’ve been at this blogging thing.
I never thought I would stick it out this long.
Every year around now I start reflecting on why I write this blog, whether or not I want to continue with it, and if so, where to go from here.
As I’ve mentioned many times, I don’t do this for the money. My blog isn’t monetized, I pay extra for my WordPress account to keep the ads off (because let’s face it, ads on a blog are super annoying). Although I do sell many of the items I create, those sales barely offset the related expenses. I also create content for Dixie Belle Paint Co in exchange for free product, but they don’t pay me and I don’t get any commissions from them for sales.
Here’s the thing, I absolutely love blogging. I really enjoy the creating, the photography, the writing, and the interacting with my very gracious followers. And now that I’m retired, I have all kinds of time to devote to it.
But lately things have been feeling a bit stale. I seem to repeat the same sorts of projects year after year.
Painted sleds for Christmas.
Toolboxes galore.
And lots of stenciled cupboard doors.
I post about gardening in the summer.
Well, sometimes in the winter too.
I also post about travel now and then.
That’s Malta, by the way. It is one of the most beautiful places to arrive in via cruise ship.
Anyway, I’m wondering if my readers feel like things have gotten a bit stale as well. There has been a steep drop off in the number of comments I receive. In 2022 I got 4,439 comments on my posts, and so far for 2024 it’s only 1,513. Ouch.
My sister tells me that’s because it has become too difficult to leave a comment, are you having that experience as well? Unfortunately, there isn’t anything I can do about that, that process is regulated by WordPress, not me.
People are still viewing my posts, that number is down slightly, but not nearly as drastically as comments.
So now what?
Well, as I mentioned, I don’t do this for the money. So it doesn’t really matter what the numbers say. I also don’t do it for the accolades, although I often have to remind myself of that. But I take you back to earlier in this post where I said that I do it because I love the process. As long as I continue to enjoy creating, writing, photographing, gardening and traveling, I’ll just keep at it.
And perhaps my new projects in miniature will help freshen things up a bit going forward.
I’m definitely excited about them. You’ll certainly see more of them over the coming months.
And that brings me to my annual blogiversary giveaway where I try to pay it forward.
I’m including a few of my very favorite Dixie Belle products; Drop Cloth and Midnight Sky chalk mineral paint, Iron and Bronze patina paint, Blue and Green patina spray, and their Scrubby Soap in orange and lemon.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned this soap much, but I absolutely love it for cleaning my paint brushes. It’s also excellent for getting paint off your hands, as well as dirt (from gardening of course).
The bars have a built in scrubby pad that works right up until all the soap is gone. I’m also a fan of the citrus scents of the orange and lemon (it also comes in lemon/lime).
But wait, that’s not all!
I’m also including the Christmas themed Lane cedar box, and both of the Dixie Belle transfers that I used on it, Yuletide Hearth and Caroling Cardinals.
Finally, I haven’t forgotten that I promised to include the spare miniature dress form that I created back in October.
She’ll be nestled cozily in the Lane box.
You may not have a dollhouse, but she’d look great on a bookshelf or desktop.
I wish I could give these things to each and every one of you, but unfortunately that isn’t possible. But please know that I am grateful for any support you give me, whether it’s leaving a comment, purchasing one of my items, or even just simply becoming a follower of the blog. Thank you so much!
The rules for today’s giveaway: Simply leave a comment on this blog post and let me know you are still out there.
Your comment must be left on this blog post, not on Facebook or Instagram.
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 7, 2024 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 $215, if the prize is not claimed by Sunday, December 15, 2024 another name will be drawn at random to win, yada, yada, yada.
Good luck!
Thank you to Dixie Belle Paint Co for supplying most of the items I’m giving away today!
q is for quandie 
Wow congrats on 11 years!! Reflecting on your thoughts I know how much I enjoy and appreciate your consistency over the years on the blog. I have learned and been inspired a lot. Your sister is correct – leaving a comment was a challenge for a long time but hopefully I have figured that bit out. I look forward to you in my inbox and keep up the good work and thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Blogiversary! I love reading your blog…and you are so good at it! All your creations are such an inspiration…now I am not going to get rid of that dollhouse kit I bought years ago that is out in the garage. 😉
As far as leaving a comment, I always intend to say something later and get back to you…but never do!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know exactly what you mean Patty, I do that too!
LikeLike
Love your blog every day. Your creativity has no bounds! Happy Blogiversity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey there! I’m still a big fan of your blog..love your style and love the dollhouse miniatures especially. I don’t comment as much but I will try to lift you up in comments! Keep it going!! Happy blog anniversary 💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy blogaversary! I love to follow and marvel at your projects, just don’t always have the time to comment…my bad…Thank you for the giveaway, and Happy Thanksgiving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your blog – it’s always the first email I read on the days that you post. Loving your posts on the miniatures. Though I don’t have a dollhouse to put them in, I do have a “non-collection” of cloches that I will use them in. Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!! Please, please keep it going!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that idea of using the mini’s in a cloche. May I borrow it? I’m actually working on a blog post about ‘dollhouse alternatives’ and that would be a great addition!
LikeLike
Please do! I’d love to see your ideas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi,
I don’t comment on much of anything but I do read you regularly because I like your ideas and your style. I noticed a lot of bloggers branching into other areas periodically. I have found some really good products as a result of reading what other people do even though it’s not something I would ever have considered. And since I live in another part of the country is like having a local in a place I know nothing about to read about your stores and parks and other things you do in your area. Another thing I find helpful is when you compare different products like top coats.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I think I’ve been following you since you first started! I’ve been to two of your cottage sales, which put me on a course to start DIY projects of my own! I enjoy your style immensely and thank you for sharing with us.
Dana Jacobs
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love all your blogs and look forward to reading them. You are very good at it. You have a great writing style and I love your photos😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Still enjoying the things you share! I usually don’t comment but will from here on out😊 Happy Holidays to you and yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your blog anniversary! it has become more difficult to comment, which is frustrating so many times I read and enjoy, but don’t comment, sorry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am grateful that you continue to blog your adventures and projects. I look forward to seeing what you are creating and doing. I especially love the tool boxes, which have been inspiration for my own tool box makeovers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
happy blogiversary. I’ve been a fan forever. Love all of your shared projects, they always give me so many great ideas.
oh I cannot forget and the yard sale posts!! Congratulations
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh my goodness! You are the first email I look at every day! I am sorry to see engagement down. (Have seen the same on this end) please keep doing what you’re doing, we love it!!
-elle
PS. I am now used to this area to leave a comment, but did notice on my phone that it was hard to see the comment box the first few times, until I was familiar 🤷🏼♀️
PPS. Happy Christmas 🤶
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m still here!!! Please don’t st
LikeLiked by 1 person
Leaving a comment had become so difficult I gave up. Seems easier now, but some stuff gets cut off. We are still out here and love seeing you in the Inbox!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do enjoy reading your posts. My favorites are the furniture makeovers and your gardening posts. Thanks for the chance to win!
LikeLiked by 1 person
11yrs, wow that is amazing. I did not join your blog from the beginning and can’t remember when I did join…hmmm. I know I had been following you at least a few years before you retired.
I absolutely love your blog. I have learned a lot over the years and always want to try every technique but alas I have only painted picture frames. I do love those frames.
I miss your transformations of big pieces of furniture. I know you mentioned they are not selling these days. Wish people would start buying them again in your area as they are missed by this follower in your blog.
I love the doll house projects. The transformations of the furniture is amazing. Incredible what you are able to do on the big and small scale.
Wishing you at least another 11yrs of blogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your blogiversary –
I usually read your posts from my laptop, and it seems easy enough to post a comment. I guess commenting is not something that I think to do, but now that we are all aware of how important it is to bloggers, and yourself, I promise to start doing so more often.
I love your writing style, how you style your finished projects, and the variety of topics you write about.
My favorite posts are the ones about painting furniture, what you find at garage sales, and paint color comparisons (ex: different blacks, or different whites, etc).
I hope you continue the blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmmm, I wonder if that is the problem … that it’s hard to comment from a phone, but easier commenting from a laptop or desktop computer. I’m sure quite a lot of my followers just see my posts on a phone.
LikeLike
I always enjoy reading your posts…perhaps it’s because I’ve attended your sales, met your neighbor Ken, and even took a class at your home years ago. I always feel like I’m reading a letter from an old friend! Thank you for all you do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for coming to my class Mary, it was such fun!
LikeLike
I’m rebuilding my childhood dollhouse I built from a kit my parents gave me when I was a young teen, and your pretty little furniture is so inspiring for the decor! I look forward to more. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your gifts with us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like such a fun project!
LikeLike
Love your work and it inspires my own projects. I don’t comment often but I would love to win your giveaway!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your blog as it is! I especially love your non-collections. I now use the term when telling about my interests. Non-collections! ❤️ keep sharing it all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, I’m still in denial about being a ‘collector’ 🙂
LikeLike
I enjoy all of your content, the painting, gardening and the travel. I don’t enjoy traveling myself and would rather stick a sharp knife in my eye than endure the discomforts of air travel, waiting in line for everything, public restrooms, living out of a suitcase, etc. Your pictures and descriptions are a great way to experience far away places from the comfort of home. As a southerner my gardening is completely different but it’s fun to see what you grow. And I will admit that I’m not just inspired by your painting projects but I’m a downright copycat. Congrats on 11 years and cheers to at least 11 more🍾
LikeLiked by 1 person
piggybacking on your comment Jan because I also despise traveling for the reasons you mentioned but love to read the posts about it. I thought I was the only one alive who did not like to travel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Believe it or not, I can relate to your dislike of travel. Those are all the things I don’t like about it myself, especially the air travel bit. And these days it seems like every plane is completely full, and they are making those seats smaller and smaller all the time 😉
LikeLike
It’s funny, I have just started commenting again because now I am retired and have the time. I always enjoy your posts because you are so honest and entertaining. You are never trying to sell anything and your enthusiasm for what you are doing comes through. I’m not feeling like the content is stale but you may be feeling that now that you too have more time. I adore the whole miniature series and get excited when I see the subject line is miniature something. But I also love the toolbox makeovers and your photography is exceptional. I say do what interests you most but please keep blogging. I have an older iPad and the blogs with ads take forever to load and honestly I’ve just given up on them. Happy Blogiversary 🥳
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your blog posts and receiving emails highlighting all of your amazing updates! You do a great job, and it’s fun to see how you have evolved over the years. The dollhouse updates are terrific, and I love to see how you can transform the most humble toolbox into a work of art. Thank you for all you do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been reading your blog for years and don’t intend to stop. You are so creative and original. Your blog is refreshing and inspirational. Thank you for many happy moments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH I do so love your work!! You have inspired me to try new things and I LOVE your miniature work….I am so happy I ran across your blog and I look forward to my new mail updates that you have posted a new article
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your blog. I think I have been following for about four years. My favorite things are the posts where you have painted just about anything you can get your hands on, your gardening posts, and now the doll house furniture. I love it all. I’m so glad you always list your supplies and sometimes where you get them. I have ordered some of the miniature furniture and I’m trying my hand at painting them. I don’t always leave a comment because I assumed you must get so many. Keep blogging. I eagerly await the post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello! Everything in your blog is fresh and new to me since I only came upon it about a month ago and am loving it. Must have got here through one of your beautiful tool boxes on Pinterest or something. I’ve made some too so they always catch my eye. I have to say it’s been nice for me to slow down and get back to reading a lovely blog post – a refresh from the fast pace and short attention span of insta-posts and reels and such. Thanks for the time and inspiration!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Blogiversary # 11! Thank you for sharing your unique and lovely work and for your teaching. Your “q tips” have come in handy many times. Your brilliant tool box makeovers have inspired me to search for and convert those utilitarian hunks of metal into items of practical beauty. And I’ve learned from your gardening successes and mistakes.
Thank you for all that you do!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy blogiversary! First of all I’d like to apologize for not always commenting. I have been a longtime follower and still enjoy each and every post. Today I learned that you pay to keep the ads off and I want you to know how very much it is appreciated. It’s so very hard to read a blog with ads constantly popping up, that sometimes I just give up and don’t read it at all. Before closing I’d like to say that the Lane cedar box is so very nostalgic, as I received mine upon graduating high school. That was a wonderful giveaway they used to do. Thank you for your wonderful blog. Happy Holidays!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi…I have been following you for at least 4 -5 years, if not more…
I love the fact that you don’t overdo(?) your dialog. So many bloggers go on and on about one thing or another, THEN, finally get to the subject. I don’t see it helps in anyway. BUT…I AM NOT A BLOGGER!
Yes, in some situations it maybe needed?? I am one to get straight to it. And I thank you for that.
I think your work is AWESOME!! I, too, was a big crafter, and with so many moves/distractions in the last couple of years, it’s almost heat breaking that I have lost so much of my creativity. Of course my living situation is a huge factory in that too!
I hope you continue blogging, as I truly am encouraged by your crafts!!
You are the only blogger that I KEEP most of your blogs. It’s a great “referral” for me!! Really enjoy/ed all your tool boxes, and and furniture refurbs!! The dollhouse looks to be a good one!! Wish I had the room for that!!!
Traveling blogs, well, naturally, make me jealous, but so very happy that you have made all the accommodations to make that happen for you and Mr. Q. Have only been to Amsterdam and Belguim, and a few beachy places…Nevis, Cabo ,and Jamaica to name a few. Would love to go to more European places. Hopefully, one day!!
Now I am babbling on! Keep doing what you do!! I look forward to everyone of them!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you get to do more traveling to Europe, and I also that you get that spark of creativity back!
LikeLike
Oh…HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!
KEEP IT UP!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow has it been that long? 11 years went by in the blink of an eye. You already know I just struggle to get my comments to post. So I became for the most part a silent lurker. However had to jump in here to say congratulations.
BTW – I was watching a 2019 video of Nora Murphy last week and she was talking about a chest of drawers she purchased at Brimfield years back that was tartan. I always thought those pieces were meticulous painted. She said they basically paper glued onto the furniture probably a form of decoupage. Earlier than the paint transfers you use today. Have you ever seen or tried that before? I will email you a photo.
And Happy Thanksgiving to you and Mr. Q!
LikeLike
I very much enjoy your blog. While I do not always comment, I do appreciate all your projects and dialog. Congrats on your milestone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’m still here and I’m still reading every post.😀 I actually enjoy them all, the furniture and other goodies, the garden, the travel (my hubby & I love to travel) and I’m very fascinated with your journey with the miniatures. Although it’s a bit difficult to comment I don’t let that discourage me.
I am sorry to hear the posts are much less than a couple of years ago, hopefully they will pick up again. They wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving and I look forward to your future posts.😊 Fingers crossed that I win the prize 😀🤞🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for continuing your blog – it’s one of the few bright spots left to look forward to these days.
Happy Anniversary !
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please don’t stop your blog!
You inspire me to step outside my comfort zone and continue to create what makes me smile(like your miniatures)!
It’s also a treat to know you’re not that far away from my home in St. Cloud!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on 11 years! I think I’ve read your blog since the beginning. Yes things have definitely changed. I don’t paint as much furniture as I used to either. But I love to watch your process and read about all your adventures. I’ve even gone back searching your blog for garden answers.
I comment once in awhile but honestly I think I don’t have much of interest to say. Haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, I definitely think you have been here since the start. Thank you so much for that Jane!
LikeLike
I always look forward to reading your blog! I especially love the projects and the garden posts. My wish would be that you would ship items! Thanks for all the work!!
LikeLike
I’m always happy when someone says they like the garden posts. I’m going to need a lot of garden encouragement next year as I battle those dang jumping worms!
LikeLike
Please don’t send them to Wisconsin!!
Enjoy your vacation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love reading your blog and look forward to receiving it. I have learned so much from you through it. Thank you for giving your time to all of us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sooo happy and thankful you will continue to share your talents! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gained inspiration from you and appreciate your humor and gardening. I wish you were on You Tube, you would by far be the Queen! Happy belated birthday and please keep doing you!
LikeLike
YouTube … I shudder inside thinking about it … video just isn’t my jam. But you never know, maybe one day 😉
LikeLike
Congratulations on your blog’s anniversary! 11 years is quite the accomplishment! I found your blog way back when Miss Mustard Seed posted link up parties. Remember those?! Yes, there were years where I couldn’t leave a comment, but now I can?? Anyhow, over the years I’ve picked up many tips on painting and different products from reading your blog. You have always answered my questions personally when I’ve reached out with a specific question, which is greatly appreciated. (My rusty pots turned out amazing!) Even though we now live in a modern home, I continue to read your blog for the gardening tips, pretty pictures of your garden, and a Minnesota connection. (I grew up in Hastings.) Do what brings you joy, I say. As long as you keep posting, I’ll keep reading. Again, sincere congratulations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on 11 years of creative blogging! I really enjoy reading your blog. It is relaxing and inspiring! Please continue to share your talent, beautiful thrift flips and style with us. I am always encouraged to try new things and see my thrifted finds differently thanks to you. Safe travels!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on 11 years of blogging, Linda! I’ve been following you for many of those years, and love your creativity, unique projects, instructions, photography, down-home writing, and lack of ads! You have inspired me to paint sleds and tool boxes, use transfers, try new techniques and create non-collections. Plus, you live in Minnesota, and I’m nearby in Wisconsin, so I feel like we’re kindred spirits. Keep doing what you do as long as it brings you joy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Blogiversary! As long as you’re here, I’ll be reading.
I have been following since your very first blog post, but have never commented! You had a friend with a blog who was excited to announce that you were starting your own blog and I’ve been reading ever since. I wish I could remember the name of her blog because I really enjoyed it but she stopped blogging years ago. I hope she is doing well these days.
LikeLike
You’re thinking of Bee’s Knees Bungalow. She did stop blogging years ago, and she has also moved away from Minnesota. Her daughter came to my sale last summer though, and said her mom is doing well. I do wish she had kept up with her blog, she is incredibly talented. I always loved her work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have very much enjoyed your blog and have been following more regularly these past few years (since I retired). I first discovered you when Miss Mustard Seed was posting Feature Fridays on her blog and so many of your lovely furniture pieces were featured. I have enjoyed having a booth in an antique mall to sell my collected, updated and upcycled treasures. I know what you mean when you say it’s not for the money. Wishing you another year of happy blogging!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on 11 years Linda! Love your blog, your work always inspires me! Thank you for keeping it up! 😽❤️😽
LikeLiked by 1 person