Ever have one of those times when you’re feeling super blessed? When you’re so happy you could just burst? Nothing specific has happened. No awesome event. Not a special announcement or exciting news. I write for my DIY blog (DIY Show Off and you’re here! “HI! Welcome! or Welcome back!”) and I almost always have a DIY project in progress. I looooove DIY. I love being crafty, decorating, improving my home, shopping, planning, organizing and even cleaning. I love learning. I love hands on. I love transforming ugly into pretty. And I’m so thankful that what I love to do has become my career via my blog. It’s a dream come true and I’m thankful for each and every visit every single day, every link up, every comment, every share and every feature. And the encouragement and support I receive, that makes it all worth while. Thank you!
Hello! My e-friends call me Roeshel. My family calls me Shelly. Mr. DIY calls me Mittens. My girls call me Mim.
Since I’ve been blogging for so long, sometimes I assume I’ve known my blog friends all along. But my analytics shows differently most of the time. So, if you’re new to DIY Show Off {“Welcome! Hi! SO glad you’ve stopped by!”}…you may not know our story.
Here it is:
Growing up, my parents owned an old fixer upper farmhouse. We’re talking serious fixer upper. No bathroom. Chickens running through the kitchen. But, they used their small budget and turned that old farmhouse into a home filled with love and fun memories…the place I see in my head when I think about my childhood. I loved that old house. And I guess I turned out just like my mom in that way. She was always painting, the queen of wallpaper and super creative when it came to re-doing a house on a budget. She is my inspiration.
When I was a little girl, one of my favorite things to play with was my paper dolls. My sisters and I would create our own. We’d have dolls and clothes and I’d take the creativity a step further and make a paper house with furniture and accessories, a yard and barn with animals. Not much has changed. I still love creating a pretty home (minus the farm animals).
Thank You: I’m so thankful for my family. I mentioned my mom above. I’m very close to my (gulp. grown up) girls {Bri & Ali} who share my love of DIY and thrifty treasures. They’re both artistic and creative souls. They’re my best friends. They celebrate my small milestones.
My sister is always a great listener and has the best advice. She is always optimistic and supportive. She makes the best of every situation and always sees the silver lining or accepts things that cannot be changed. I could write 100,000 words on the people that mean the most to me…my other sister always cares and shows interest in what I’m doing. My long time friend always offers her help. My blog friends and readers…too many to list, but I can’t tell you how often my e-friends have left a kind comment just when I needed it or shared my excitement. These people make me want to give 100% and do my best when it comes to my blogging. I haven’t forgotten my husband…
My partner: I refer to him as my Mr. DIY.
Mr. DIY is the one who encourages me daily to live my dream, to do what I love. He is amazing and if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be a DIY blog author. He reassures me during those difficult times. We rarely argue. Our biggest argument: When something is lost. Nothing gets Mr. DIY’s blood boiling hotter than when he can’t find something. And 99.9% of the time it’s because of me. I’ve either
- put it away where it belongs and he’s staring straight at it but not seeing it
- moved it somewhere without thinking as I was clearing clutter to stage photos for blogging and even I can’t find it for 20 years
- Or he’s left it where he last used it and doesn’t remember where that was.
kitchen before…
I started a blog to journal our home improvements at the time when we purchased this old fixer upper farmhouse. Those who started blogging around the same time might remember me from Evangeline’s Vine. I blogged about our life as well. Then two years later, I decided to create a blog dedicated to DIY because I found that others enjoyed DIY home improvement and decorating just as much as I did. I wanted to create a place where others could show off their work and be encouraged. That’s when DIY Show Off was created. {I finally had the opportunity to give up my full time medical/administrative position for a part time medical transcription job from home for the same company in 2009. My medical transcription position officially ended in 2011 and I became self employed! Hurray!} I LOVE my job now and look forward to ‘work’ every day.
DIY farmhouse kitchen makeover…
Personal:
I haven’t always used the best judgement or made the best decisions, but I’m learning and believe that my life happened the way it did because it needed to. I think I’m a better person because of the choices, and yes, sometimes mistakes that I’ve made. Things I dislike most about myself: lack of confidence, indecisiveness and not being witty or talkative. I always think of things I should have said after the fact. Drives me crazy! Things I do like about myself: My faith, my determination, my creative drive, my life.
BEHIND THE SCENES OF MY DIY BLOG
I chose the name DIY Show Off because after my first blog, I wanted a name that shared my specific interest. DIY and sharing – and I never meant for that to be ‘me’ as the “show off”, but a place for readers and other bloggers to “show off” their hard work. We put so much time, though, energy, creativity and hard work into do-it-yourself and getting a little recognition for a job well done is an awesome feeling! Now that there are so many feature blogs, I’d love to come up with something prettier but I’m torn because after so long, changing a name feels like starting over. So DIY Show Off it is.
I’m always working on something and taking pictures along the way. Sometimes I’m working on five things. All at once. I love being creative and productive. I’m so blessed {and SO thankful} to be doing what I love to do. I wanted to explain what my days are like for those who don’t own a blog. This is my average day:
Nearly everyday:
- After waking up and having breakfast, I check/answer emails.
- Comments.
- Social media.
- Most times I visit a few blog friends, see what they’re up to, leave a comment, pin some inspiring ideas.
- The most common windows open on my desktop are: other blogs, Gmail, analytics (real time), site meter (more analytics), my blog (both home page and dashboard), Pinterest, Facebook, HomeTalk.
- I have to tear myself away from the computer to get showered and dressed (somedays not until later in the afternoon).
- Back to the computer. lol!
- Then on to a do-it-yourself project or running errands.
- Gathering supplies.
- Grabbing camera (making sure the battery is charged and there’s enough storage on the disk). Sometimes I forget this step and use my iphone if it’s more convenient for me.
- Starting project.
- Taking pictures along the way and thinking how to word things, what steps and tips are helpful (and checking to make sure pictures aren’t blurry and lighting is good, etc.).
- Back to the computer in between steps which require drying time/etc.
- Back to the project.
- Finishing the project.
- Staging project for “after” photos. Most times, this requires cleaning or at least clearing clutter (Wouldn’t it be fun to see behind the photographer or to the side of a project? In my house, you’ll most likely see a mess!)
- Uploading photos to computer.
- Organizing/sorting pictures.
- Editing, labeling and re-sizing pictures.
- Writing a tutorial.
- Uploading pictures into post, making sure to label them correctly and give descriptions.
- Proofreading. Rewriting tutorial (oh, about 3 times). And I don’t know about you, but by that time I have the post memorized and I’m not seeing mistakes. OR – who else does this: proofreading means adding to the post and all of a sudden, it’s a book. So more editing to narrow it back down to a reasonable length. No, I haven’t done that step with this post.
- Scheduling to publish or if I’m too excited, just hitting “publish”.
Second most common purchase (which is usually my first)? Decorative items or things to re-purpose. Third: Second hand clothes for me. I’d prefer to shop for my clothes in a thrift store than a mall. I love wearing something that feels one of a kind rather than one off of a rack of 20.- St. Vincent de Paul
- Target
- TJMaxx
- GoodWill/Salvation Army
- HomeGoods, Ikea, Hobby Lobby – but they’re at least an hour drive that I only make a few times a year.
The Good/The Bad: Blogging is a roller coaster experience. When visits are up, I’m on cloud 9. I feel loved. Bloggers can’t help but smile or have that happy feeling - “Hey, someone took the time to visit, to comment, to encourage me, to understand me! YAY! I helped/taught someone something today. I inspired someone!” It’s an awesome on top of the world feeling! Being featured, being recognized. Hard work appreciated. Helping someone. Teaching. Making friends. That all makes blogging worthwhile. And at the same time, a day with no comments or low stats, well, it feels down right discouraging. And while all bloggers try NOT to let pageviews control our mood, the reality is, sometimes it does. I’m learning the trick is “don’t look” so often.
And those discouraging days? Those are the days when I turn off the computer, step away from blogging and spend time on other interests. For me it’s family, friends, just watching tv or reading a book. And more often I should be cleaning! haha! Sometimes bloggers need to re-energize and put blogging on the back burner. But again, it’s an addiction and more than likely, that blogger (me) is back online within the hour.
Blogging for money: When blogging starts to cost money, making some is helpful. DIY Show Off earns money from ad networks and sponsored posts when the product, company or service is a good fit. Money goes back into the blog. I’d guess a big % goes to doing projects which provide free content and makeover our home at the same time. I’m so thankful for the opportunities blogging has given me. Blogging has given me some dream come true moments and I’m still dreaming.
Blogging is time consuming!
As I mentioned above, in between all of the work it takes to create a blog post with original content, time for blog maintenance is required. Sometimes a blog will let you know when maintenance is needed (not a good day). And if you’re a little technically challenged like me, it takes a lot of research on Google to figure things out. I also have an awesome web developer who I email or call on for technical emergencies (or what feels like emergencies to me) frequently. I’m also in a few online groups and bother my friends and seek help there if all else fails.
Blogging highlights/things that have made me squeal for joy/accomplisments:
- Making friends and meeting others who share my love for DIY, home improvement and decorating is by far my favorite thing ever about blogging. Online friends are every bit as wonderful as real life ones.
- Being featured by other bloggers. When hard work is recognized and an e-friend feels it’s worthy to share with their readers…it’s the best news of the week!
- Being featured in magazines. When This Old House contacted me a couple of years ago, I felt like I won the lottery! What? Me? My budget bathroom makeover? Yes!!!!!!! And the ones since then have left me with that same elation. Definitely a dream come true!
- True Value Blog Squad. Being asked three times in a row is a huge honor and so much fun!
- FrogTape Blog Squad and spokesperson. Promoting a product I use all.the.time is an awesome experience! And those FrogTape ads in Sept. Country Living and House Beautiful made me realize that being a blogger is awesome and serious and exactly where I want to be.
- Shaw Floors/HGTV Home design challenge – the all expense paid trip to design a room around a floor with Cassity (Remodelaholic) and several other teams of bloggers was an unbelievable and amazing experience that I will never ever forget.
My dreams include continuing help others realize they can create a home they love with a small budget and a lot of DIY, to grow the DIY Show Off business and amazing opportunities to work with the brands I believe in. I’d love to create my own brand one day. My dreams include a full featured magazine article about something I’ve done with a real professional photography session. My dreams include a special project that my girls and I are working on. {Not something super huge, but something sweet that we’ll accomplish together.} My dreams include being able to continue doing what I love, to inspire others. My dreams do not include being famous…unless someone invents a dork filter and airbrushing tool for video. But I would like to be on tv one day if I can ever get over my anxiety associated with public speaking! What are your dreams?
Embracing imperfection: While blogging means showing off our best, the truth is…we have a messy house sometimes. Sometimes I’m behind on cleaning, laundry, projects or blogging because life comes first. And for every staged photograph, if you could turn the camera around or just a little to the left or right and see what I see…it’s “real life”. The same with our DIY. Real life contains “oops” and boo-boos and imperfections. Creating a comfortable, beautiful environment for your family doesn’t have to be perfect. Just do what you love. I spend more time in my home than anyone else on earth and all that matters when it comes down to it, is that we’re happy with our surroundings. {see my “keeping it real” post}
BLOGGING COMMUNITY: The do-it-yourself blogging community is filled with so many talented, amazing friends who share the same passion! Isn’t that the best? When others in real life mostly have other interests, sharing within our DIY, decorating, crafting community is so cool because those friends understand! Those friends are excited to see how a tool works or how an ugly piece of furniture gets transformed or how $100 can transform a room. We all share the same addictions and the same obsessions. In my real life, not many friends do.
I just wanted to tell you a little bit more about the girl behind DIY Show Off. And to tell you this: YOU are a HUGE source of inspiration and encouragement. If it wasn’t for YOU being here, there wouldn’t be a blog. Without your support, it’s just a diary but because of you, because of blog friends and readers, my diary became a blog and I am thankful every single day. Thank you for making this girl’s dreams come true.
And if you’ve read through this entire post…thank you x 10! I’ve always wanted to share a little bit more about myself. Maybe that was a lot. lol! But thank you for following along. It means so much more to me than you can imagine
Pingback: DIY Show Off - Roeshel's blogging storyDIY Show Off ™ – DIY Decorating and Home Improvement Blog
Thanks for sharing your INCREDIBLE story with such honesty. More good things are surely coming your way. You’re a rock star, girlfriend. xo
Kimberly, you are such a sweetheart. Thank you so much! I was so nervous hitting “publish” on that post, but your comment made me feel so much more at ease. Hard to talk (type?) about myself. lol!
All this time I thought that Mr DIY was fictional
Thank you for sharing your diary with all of us and continuing to inspire.
haha, Mel! I was getting worried that readers might think those hairy arms in the tutorials were mine! lol!
I’m so thankful for your long-time friendship.
It takes a lot of courage to share so much of yourself with honesty and humor. Thanks for sharing, and here’s to many more happy years of DIY!
Thanks, Korrie. I was really nervous about this post. I’m quiet/shy usually until I get to know people…maybe that’s why it took 5 years to write. haha! Many more happy years of DIY for sure and same to you!
Thank you for sharing! What an awesome experience. I’m new to blogging – started mainly because I wanted to share/journal about our process of making our farm ours. I love sharing the projects and what’s happening. Love how you share yours! It’s been an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work!
I so enjoyed reading more about “you”, your story and your blogging journey. Wishing all your dreams for the future come true. You really are one of the sweetest bloggers out there!
Awe, thanks, Shannon! I feel the exact same way about you. You’re always so thoughtful and genuine.
I LOVED reading that Roeshel. I’ve known you for a few years now… but learned a bunch of new info. Thanks for sharing with us!
Thanks, Maryann. I love reading about blog friends too. I find that it’s always so different than the impression I get when I don’t know…it’s more comforting knowing a little more detail.
It’s always nice to learn more about the bloggers that I have been reading for awhile. Thanks for chatting away about your life and feelings!
Thanks, Maureen! I loved your post today!
Great post Roeshel! I love reading about other bloggers and their lives. It’s always interesting to learn more about the person behind the blog. What I love about you most is your amazing relationship with your daughters! It is very inspiring. You are one awesome mama! With a 14 year old stepdaughter and 6 year old daughter, I can only hope to have that closeness with them. And of course all your DIY projects are gorgeous. I haven’t been commenting much, if at all, on any blog lately. Not enough time in the day. But now that school has started I plan on getting back to blogging and commenting a lot more! Thanks again for sharing your story! =)
~ Catie
If you’re interested, here’s my story so far.
http://catiescorner2.blogspot.ca/p/about.html
Very nice to find out more about you. I laughed about the Mr. DIY not seeing something right in front of him. I think it is totally a husband thing. Thanks for the bio – very cool!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Stacey – doesn’t that drive you insane?! Actually though, I think I’m inheriting it through marriage. It’s rubbing off! I’ve lost a couple of things lately and they were right under my nose. Of course I didn’t blame anyone or freak out like someone-we-won’t-mention.
lol
Thank you so much for sharing your story! You truly are and inspiration to not just me but to many others as well! You are definitely ONE OF A KIND person whom I’m blessed to know not just through this post but in real life! Once again thank you for sharing of yourself in this post!
Thanks, Celeste! You’re that ‘long time friend’ who’s always willing to help. Might take you up on that tomorrow. Will give you a call here in a little.
Oh thank you so much for giving us a real look inside you and your blog! Your projects are always such a DIY inspiration and learning more about your story is a life inspiration! Thanks again!
Awe, Jenny. Your comment brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. You are always so sweet and always take the time to visit and comment and that means so much to me! {hugs}
Thanks for your story! And wow! Blogging full time must be awesome/hard to stay fresh and inspired and I’m not surprised it takes a lot of time!
I think it is incredibly sweet that you shared so much of yourself with us…thanks Roeshel! Your precious story made my day! XO, Aimee
I was seriously so happy to read this about you. Sometimes when I read blogs that have so many followers and just feel like they are on a whole other professional level–I don’t always comment… you forget that behind it all is a mom, a daughter, a friend…just like the rest of us.
You are inspirational. You left gentle reminders in here and showed us the reality of how things can be—not just how they are perceived to be. I think it’s refreshing and makes you feel easy to relate to…in turn super encouraging.
I appreciate you taking the time to write this–and let us get to know you more. So well done!
Thanks for sharing your story with us Roeshel! You’ve come a long way, and have a lot to be proud of and thankful for. I couldn’t be happier for you!
gail
Gail, I love that you always understand and share my excitement. You always get it. I’m so happy we got to meet this year and can’t wait to meet again! One of the things that I loved about you was your close relationship to your daughter too. I love that we have that (and DIY) in common.
Don’t know why I wrote that in past tense. ? lol
I loved reading this!! It was great getting to know you better and also to read the details about your blog. As someone who still feels like a newbie at blogging, I’m always so curious about the blogging process for more experienced and successful bloggers. I love that you shared this stuff with us. It’s inspiring to read how your dreams are coming true through your blog, and best of all, all the features you do are helping to propel the dreams of other bloggers!
Thanks, Brooke. I feel like a newbie blogger most of the time myself…things are always changing! And I don’t think you’re going to have any problems propelling your blogging dreams with your creativity!
My favorite photos are of the real life variety. They make me laugh, and nod my head. My mini adult offspring are Bri and Allie…pretty close in names to your kiddos. I am always dressed in thrift store finds, unless I am still in a nightgown, which I am hoping the neighbors don’t spy when I am in my garden. So much in common. Hehehe!
Thanks for the glimpse into your life.
haha, Lisa! We do have so much in common! What a coincidence about our girls’ names! Oh…trust me. I’m in my pajamas some days up until the hour before Mr. DIY comes home when I think I better get dressed. Not that I didn’t do anything all day but when no one sees you “at work”, getting dressed isn’t always first on the agenda!
I probably get just as giddy when I see one of your pics in a magazine, I might squeal and say I know her!! Ok, not in person but through your blog and talking back and forth a little bit! You are without a doubt my favorite blogger. First off a talent that I could only dream about and the most down to earth person I’ve come in contact with since I started my blog. You always have a kind word, you are always a source of encouragement. I loved this post. it shows how real and down to earth you are.
xoxo
Jeri
Jeri! It sounded to me like you were describing how I feel about you. Always, always a kind word. You’re always so supportive and encouraging to me. You take the time to visit and comment and it means so much to me. You definitely just made my day {fanning the happy tears in my eyes! lol} You’re one of those blog friends that I feel I have a lot in common with and it’s so cool!
Thank you!!!
You are very welcome xoxo
I loved reading this and learning more about you! It was so great to see you in person at Haven. You are such a beautiful person inside and out Roeshel, I am so glad you posted this after 5 years.
I love how you keep it real, want to show off others and it’s not about you. I know you’ll do great things with your blog, look how much you’ve already accomplished! Hugs friend!
Ange, I’m so super happy that we got to meet at Haven too. Ever since working with you on your Roomspiration series, I’ve felt like I gained an amazing good friend. And OMGosh – laughing so hard I was crying at Haven. You are hilarious! I love your sense of humor, love your home and love your beautiful inside and out self too.
i’ve been following you from the beginning (had a wreath tutorial from evangeline’s vine saved as a favorite for ever!). YOU are the inspiration and i wish you continued success and the fulfillment of the rest of your dreams not yet realized!
I loved reading about the woman behind the blog I enjoy reading so much! As a relatively new blogger, I love reading about what motivates you and how you got where you are now. Thank you for sharing.
Love your story. Mine is so similar, but different too. It’s amazing the way the tough things in life shape you into who you are now. Your Mr. seems super sweet and a lot like my Matt. I’m so glad you shared this, and so glad I found you a few months ago…love ya girl!
Oh, so fun to read Roshel! I just love your personality….even though I really only know it through a blog, you seem so nice.
I just switched to WP, and still haven’t plugged-in Google Annalytics and somehow I got kicked to be a no-reply blogger again….ah, one of those down in the dumps blogger weeks, so it’s nice to hear that you have them too.
So fun to read more about your “real life” lol or whatever we call it when we’re not blogging
–Katie
Thank you so much for sharing your story in such an honest, well written and entertaining manner. Being fairly new to this blogging world (less that a year) it was very interesting to read about your thoughts, knowledge and experiences. I really enjoyed it! Take Care, Thea
Seriously LOVED reading this Roeshel! Although it still comes in second to having dinner with you at Haven and how much fun that was!
I loved hearing more about you and your story and it just makes me remember why I was drawn to your blog in the first place…not just because there were pretty (and cool!) projects but because there was a truly genuine person behind them!
Love, Vanessa
I love this post! I really like how honest you are. I feel like I know you so much better now. I wish we had spent more time chatting at Haven. I am super insecure also so when people are shy around me I just automatically assume it’s because they don’t want to talk to me because they don’t like me. I’m relieved to know you are just shy. lol. Okay, that whole sentence sounded weird, I hope you aren’t offended.
Thanks for keeping it real and being such a genuine down to earth nice honest person. You are awesome!
What a cool and honest glimpse into the world of blogging – from someone I repect and admire EVEN MORE after reading your story. I don’t blog and probably never will – but reading blogs is something I love to do. It’s like taking a nice long visit to far away places – without all the packing and traveling and unhealthy snacks that I always consume when I travel, lol. I don’t have any DIY skills whatsoever – but you make me believe that even I can do it!!!
Thanks for all you do, Roeshel – xxxooo
~dt~
Roeschel, I had no idea we had so much in common! I too raised 2 daughters from a previous marriage for 8 years on my own until I found Mr. Right. I too am a work-from-home medical transcriptionist and would LOVE to one day get away from it and do what I LOVE…DIY-ing.!! Thank you SO much for your inspiration! You may have just jump started my dreams into reality, and maybe the next time we meet at Haven, I can call myself a blogger rather than a stalker!! Thank you!!!
I’m so impressed and amazed!! You’re so talented and courageous. It’s one thing to share your abilities and your DIY history. To share your personal history is so courageous to boot. You’ve inspired me to have more confidence in myself in so many ways. I can’t thank you enough!!
You wrote a wonderful heartfelt post. You are and have been an inspiration to me for a few years now. I love to DIY. I don’t have any friends who like to DIY and so reading your blog and some others makes me feel I do have friends out there somewhere!! Thanks putting together a wonderful blog!
I loved reading this (every word, lol). You have accomplished so much, and having been a single mom, I know how hard that was, and how close it has brought you and your girls together. Great job!
I was so glad to see your ‘staged’ and ‘real life’ pictures, and your confession that you can’t keep your home perfect. I have seriously considered starting a blog myself, but I always think “but I can’t do it, all those bloggers have spotless houses, everything is so perfect, I can’t live up to that!” I live in a huge old house, with three big dogs and two cats, and my house is never picture perfect.
I so love and admire what you have done with your home, just amazing!!
this was really cool to read. thanks for taking the time to put it all out there for us!
marissa @ rae gun ramblings
So great to hear your story Roeshel! My list of what I don’t like and do like about myself are quite similar to yours. I have a feeling we would get along quite well!
You are a very talented lady and I loved getting this little peek at the behind the scenes of you life.
This is so great, Roeshel!! I love reading all of the behind the scenes and getting to know you and your life a little bit more. I think Mr. DIY’s recipes would be a great addition to the blog. So glad to really hear how genuinely happy you are in life.
Oh My…first you are so LOVED! Your blog…and I have been to many…make such a difference in my world every day…you have put me in touch with the learning experiences of others…given me confidence to explore different projects…inspired me to finish the projects I have…featured me on your blog…been kind enough to write me back..even with the myriad of other things you have to do in a day…you are beautiful…REAL…and devoted to your home…you have faith in Jesus…have beautiful children…a beautiful home and an energy that is indescribable….I could write a book just on you Roeschel! I am grateful and thankful for you and all the effort you put into edifying others…
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It was very nice to read and get to “know” you better.
I really do appreciate everything you just shared especially about the ups and downs of blogging. I especially enjoyed the “staged” and “real life” photos. I’m so glad someone else has a bedroom that looks like that!
I LOVE this post! I just started my own blog 3 weeks ago and you are an inspiration. I love that you don’t claim to be perfect even though your house and blog are amazing. I feel pulled in different directions all of the time. If I am on top of filling my furniture orders for people than I am behind on laundry, cleaning and making dinners. If I’m on top of the household, I’m behind on my projects. Do you have any tips on growing your blog? How long I should wait to try to get ads on my blog? I’m just beginning and feel like I don’t know anything. Any tips would be appreciated.
Thanks so much!
Shanna
http://restorationredoux.blogspot.com
Hi Shanna! Welcome to blogging! I feel like I’m a beginner most of the time too, there’s always something new to learn and hard to keep up with it all! lol I recommend getting Google Adsense on your blog now. After that, you can apply to ad networks, but I believe most prefer that you’ve been blogging 90 days/etc. Please feel free to email me anytime! I don’t always have all the answers, but I’m happy to help if I can!
So glad to find your site and thanks for sharing about your life. Very inspiring.
Of course I read this entire post! But the thing that really got me is your fabulous, close relationship with your girls. That’s really all that matters and I hope to have that when my girls are grown.
You are a rockstar and I know you’ll accomplish all your dreams. Thanks for sharing a bit of yourself – messy bedroom and all!!
Kelly
Roeshel…thank you so much for sharing your story. As I read through I began to notice a few things which happened in your life that seemed so familiar to me. My parents didn’t own a farmhouse but did own a Cape Cod and split level which together over the course of 32 years totally remodeled every room in both houses on some very thin dimes. I grew up around this so for me it was just a way of life. Didn’t every kid’s parents do this to their homes? I too had one failed marraige and was lucky enough to meet my Mr. Rosemary Lane, yes on-line! He and I will celebrate 10 years of marraige this November and we have two beautiful adopted children together. Also I have been employed in the healthcare profession for many years. I don’t know why, maybe the fighter in me always managed to intervene whenever advirsity was in my path, but each time life thew lemons at me I didn’t just make lemonade, I made candided lemon peels and planted the seeds to grow new lemon trees.This DIY community is filled with so many woderfully strong women who are not only talaneted but are so willing to support and help one another. It is a sisterhood, one of which I am very proud to be a part of. So again thank you for sharing your story and bearing your soul. I feel like I know you now on a much more personal level, and that is a beautiful thing. Have a wonderful week Roeshel and God bless.
It’s nice to know a little more about you too, Barbara! It seems we have some things in common and that we’ve both gotten through those tough times. Focusing on blessings was a huge help to me and realizing I had so much to be thankful for, even when a temporary situation left me struggling.
I loved your post and getting to know you a bit more Roeshel!
Noticed your new-to-me profile picture, then clicked on the icon leading here! Was nice to read your blogging story, thanks for sharing. I’ve yet to find the time to write a decent one for myself! I also met my husband on match — being a busy med student with all my closest friends dating each other wasn’t a great way to meet new people. Hope you’re doing well! xo
Roe- this is so cool to get to know you better! And I don’t care what you think, you are very witty and almost always make me laugh when I read a post or get an email from you! And besides, even if you didn’t, you amazing shazam like DIY skills make me inspired!
I enjoyed reading about your blogging experiences and yes, I read the whole thing!! I love your makeovers and parties.
My blog took a dive when I inadvertently let my domain name expire and a “domain squatter” got it and continued blogging with my hard earned audience! I am pretty sure his content is not his own, but what am I supposed to do? This is how they operate and just in it for money??? who knows! I just hate that so many of my followers are still linked to him 2 years later.
Having our first grandchild move in with his mommy when he was 2 days old slowed things down too. But, Mason has been a blessing and he just started 2 yr. old preschool allowing me to spend a little more time blogging. I have enjoyed getting back into some makeovers and I have been linking up to your parties.
I hope you keep growing and I hope you get a chance to be on tv and just be sassy and brave!
Rhonda
Wow, you are so generous to take the time to write this post! It must of taken a long time and yes, i read it all:)
As a new blogger, you’ve inspired me more than you will ever know to continue this new journey I just started.
Roeshel, I so enjoyed reading this post & getting to know you better. Had no idea you met your Mr. Right on Match. Love that! I’ve so enjoyed your friendship this past year & can’t wait for more fun times in the future. You’re the real deal! xoxo
Pingback: Ilha Renovada para Cozinhas Pequenas | Recicla e Decora
Well, the little “about sign” caught my eye today and I had to click, I am so glad I did! You really are such an inspiration to so many people out there and I am so fortunate to have run across you a few years ago and was so honored when you featured me. You are an amazing woman and I love getting to know a little more about you. The people that know you in “real life” are blessed to have you. XO
Roeshel,
Wow. This was just what I needed today, at this moment. I was laughing so hard when I saw your little description of the days that make you happy. I too am learning that watching my stats sometimes isn’t very healthy, and I feel better when I just immerse myself in projects. I have been blogging for 5 years, but did it more as a portfolio of work for my clients for whom I painted.
I hired my sister in law to help me re-do my site, re-vamp the whole look, and I upped my photography skills a ton. Now here I am, just 10 weeks into my new blog, a little scared and intimidated by all the amazing talent out there. I am inspired, and reading this story about your blog really gives me energy. It actually sounded a lot like me! My days are pretty much what you are describing, except a little caboose entered our lives, so throw breastfeeding in there, and it’s pretty much the same schedule.
I am trying to get over my fears, and allowing my talents (and I know I’ve got them) to be shown in hopes of inspiring others. I too want to make money from my blog, but in the meantime, I’m continuing to work for clients in my area and I’m feeding my addiction of making my home beautiful. For this I am the most grateful woman in the world.
Thankyou thank you thank you for being the exact words I needed tonight.
Wendy Jones
Thank YOU, Wendy, for stopping by, for taking the time to comment and let me know what I’m not alone.
Pingback: DIY Project Parade #135 | | DIY Show Off ™ - DIY Decorating and Home Improvement BlogDIY Show Off ™ – DIY Decorating and Home Improvement Blog
Hi Roeshel, I just found your blog through Joss&Mains newsletter. I really enjoyed reading about your life and it inspires me!
I wish you success and I am sure you will have more and more readers! I am based in Paris, France so as we say here “bonne chance!”.
Hello Roeshel,
I found you as well via Joss & Main. I love your house and your story. You have inspired me in many ways to make some changes to our home. Thank you for the pictures of your kitchen. I saw your granite counter top and decided right away that I wanted the same for our kitchen. My husband is amazed I finally made a decision!! Now time to hire the fabricator and find the perfect stone. Question for you -is your stone honed, polished or leathered? (amazing what you learn after a few conversations with stone yards! Thank you! I look forward to reading more of your blogs. Lauren
Hi Lauren! Sorry for the delay. We just returned from vacation. I’m so excited that you found me from Joss & Main! Hi!!!! Our granite (Virginia Jet Mist) has a ‘honed’ finish. Hope that helps! Good luck! I’d love to see pictures of your kitchen! Hope you’ll ‘show off’ and share!
Thank you, Roeshel, for sharing your blogging story! So inspiring! I read through it, nodding my head thinking “OMG, I do the same thing!” , and “I feel like I need a dork filter, too!”. Lol! You are a girl after my heart! I look forward to following along on your continued blog journey!
Hi, Roeshel,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It inspires me to keep working hard. My wife and myself have been running our website now for just about 1 year.
http://homeinformationguru.com. We have had good luck with how we have worked so far. We have been able to increase our traffic up to around 12,000 visitors per month. We need lots more. I really need ways to generate more income. I see you mentioned that you use ad networks. Could you explain in more detail about this. We have been working hard to connect with other bloggers in the home improvement and DIY markets but many do not seem interested in helping out. As of the beginning of the year we will be adding a new area to our website, all about our lives, DIY projects we complete and more personal item to try and pull in more people that want this type of information. We would love any help, feedback, contact, or any other information that you would be wiling to help us with.
Thank you for your time,
we can be reached at
corlisslearningsystems@yahoo.com
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
Tom Corliss-webmaster
Home Information Guru.comx
Hi Roeshel!
Your intro has been one of the most genuine I’ve read. You are an inspiration to many and I’m glad I stumbled upon your site (new subscriber!). I love that you are very grounded and share a lot of things in common with many of your readers (like myself). I just started my site on really beginner DIY’s and I love subscribing to bloggers like you. It’s so motivating to be part of a niche who enjoys the transformation process as much as I do!
Thanks for sharing your story!
Judy
Thanks, Judy! Welcome to blogging! Looking forward to checking things out and getting to know you better!
xo
Roeshel
HI Roeshel: I saw your Frogtape ad in BHG and thought I’d take a look at your blog. You sound like a really lovely person and i appreciate your transparency about your self and your work. You seem like the kind of gal with whom I could be very good friends. It’s obvious you’ve put a lot of work into this website and even more so your home! It’s really darling and certainly reflects who you are. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with those of us who have such a passion for design.
Many Blessings,
Beth
Beth! You are so sweet! Thank you so much for stopping by, taking a look around, introducing yourself and leaving a note. It’s so nice to “e-meet” you! I really enjoy transforming this old house and making it our home, blogging about it and making new friends. Have a great weekend! Hope to “see” you again!
xo
HI Roeshel! I saw the ad for FrogTape in Country Living and got your blog from that! I LOVE IT!! I am trying to start my on up right now and like you I prefer to shop in thrift stores. You are truly an inspiration and yes I agree Blogs are a lot of work. I started in November with 2 posts and haven’t been able to get back to it since. So much to learn but life happens and it gets pushed back. I have a chair from Goodwill that I am going to try to reupholster and blog about. Wish me luck!! You can look at my first 2 blogs at Thriftsellrepeat.com. Comments appreciated!! I have signed up for your updates! You are SOOOO talented!!
Hi Sally! So cool that ad brought you to my home on the web. It’s nice to “e-meet” you! I’m so glad that you found your way here AND introduced yourself! The best part about blogging is making new friends who share similar interests (not always the case with friends in real life, is it?) And Welcome to blogging! I’ve definitely made a note to check out your blog this week! I can’t wait to see your chair! I have one sitting here to re-upholster too. I’ve never tried it with a chair before so I’m a little nervous. But I spent so little on the chair…it’s worth a try! And Blogging is time consuming but after 6 years, it’s addicting and so much fun. I love what I do and that it’s turned into a full time career. Thanks so much for the note. I look forward to getting to know you better! xo
Hi Roeshel,
I stumbled upon your blog today because Thrifty Decor Chic recently featured your beautiful painted chairs. I have recently become addicted to both organizing and DIY blogs. Your blog is one that I will definitely follow! My favorite bloggers are those who share the honesty of their “less than staged” reality of the home that is not visible in the picture. Homes that appear picture perfect make me feel inadequate and discouraged as a novice DIYer.
On another note, fear of public speaking is the number one fear that people have, (more than the fear of death!)-I too suffer from it but in my (former) role as president of a board of education in a large school district where our twice monthly meetings were televised on our local cable network, I can tell you it does get easier!
It was lovely to get to know you a little bit.~Kathy
So glad you stopped by, Kathy! It’s so nice to “e-meet” you!
Thanks for the encouragement! I’m slowly working on it.
Not sure how I ended up here today or how it is the first time – but thanks so much for sharing so much about all sides of you and the blog. I loved reading it and getting to know you a little better! Your home and projects are always an inspiration. Take care, Laura
Good Morning. Wow what a journey you have had! And very inspiring to a gal who wishes for a better life sharing and doing what we both seem to love and creating it our own way! I am such a novice at the whole internet and blogging . It is intimidating and there is sooo much info out there, one can get lost and discouraged. Where do I begin? What are the rules, etc.
Thanks so much for your insight, and I hope to keep in touch. I have completed projects all lined up just waiting to debut so any advice would be wonderful!
Thank s to you and Mr DIY for the great things you do.
Billie
ps my pals call me Gypzgyrl , my grandughters say Gigi
Thank you for being so honest about the ups and downs and the hard work involved. If we really think about how much work goes into each post
we may never blog again, right?