What did you dream of when you were a child?
And, I mean, really dream of?
Was it a family?
A fulfilling career?
Travel? Romance? To see and do as much as possible?
If you’re like me, it was a little bit of all….or, rather, “I’ll take it all, please.”
I’m lying in bed and just can’t quite turn off my mind, and I think there’s a reason why.
I’m thinking about you guys.
Really.
Yes, I miss my husband, and his absence makes me a bit of an insomniac (and a maniac, but don’t tell), but that’s not what’s keeping me up tonight.
I’ve got this big thing going on in my mind…and I’m dying to share it with you!
So, I’m breaking the rules.
I’m going ahead and telling you all about this way before it’s time.
Do you want to know what I dreamt of when I was a little girl??
I dreamt of telling a story, of sharing beauty with the world through the written word.
It’s why I conjured up a mermaid and a blue lagoon when I was six and wrote the whole tale for only my mom and dad to read.
It’s why I insisted on writing some sad poem after every breakup in highschool.
It’s why I began this blog. Go back and read the first post. The very first one. It’s me sitting in my living room, surrounded by gift wrap on Christmas day….feeling fulfilled, tired, joyful, and whipped…and wanting to write about it.
As I shared more of myself, it just felt so good. Good to express myself the way I always felt God intended. It seems as if my experiences have all led to this one place, and first, I want to say thank you. And I mean it. Thank you for reading my stories, my rants, about my furniture transformations. All of it.
I guess that’s why I couldn’t sleep. I’ve grown accustomed to sharing everything with you guys.
So, like stated, I’m breaking the rules and telling you that I’m writing an e-book. I’m not waiting until it’s all done and flashing you tidbits here and there, staying true to the perfect marketing campaign.
It’ll be about furniture, yes…but hopefully about way more than that. Everything we record in this world of blogging is way bigger than the tasks we accomplish.
We are constant learners, ever-changing and adapting. We are teaching our children to work and see the potential in the down trodden. We are inspired.
That’s what I’ll write about. That, and a good bit about paint. Don’t worry, it’s going to be the best book on painting you’ve seen! Not because I’m good–but because I love it. I’m passionate about it. And if I can inspire one person to pick up their confidence and throw it into a project so that memories will be made with their creation, then that’s worth all the marketing campaigns in the world.
So there it is. Book coming your way. I’m nervous, I’m overwhelmed, I’m ecstatic.
And because you truly mean so much to me….I really want to know something. Everything, actually.
What do you want to know? No question is too small or will go unnoticed. This won’t stop at steps in the painting process (although we’ll definitely cover that!)…it will go beyond that.
Because it does in real life. It goes beyond getting the dresser painted. It’s the look on our little boy’s face when he sees his mommy create something for his room (Cassie, I told you I LOVED that). It’s our husbands, fathers, mothers, friends learning to love our eye for “junk,” knowing we’re developing the confidence to bring it to life in our lives.
I can’t wait to share it with you, as I’ve shared so much of myself with you already. I can only pray that it will be what I envision.
Now, thanks for letting me get that off my chest. Hope you can get some rest….I think I can now.
Truly thinking of YOU tonight, friend.
🙂
Oh Shaunna I just KNEW that was going to be your news!! I'm good like that. 🙂 I think that is a fabulous move and wish you much success with the e-book. I know it'll be a hit! Your furniture revamps are just gorgeous and I wish I had the patience for that. So, what I'd like to see in your book is spray painting furniture as well. I spray all of my furniture. It's a lot quicker for me, and using a brush to paint hurts my hand, seriously. So, any tips you have to get a very nice finish by spraying I'd like to see. Mine comes out good, but not excellent. And are sprayers any good? Is it just more of a mess?
What wonderful news! Thanks for sharing it with us and best, best wishes on your writing journey! Can't wait to see it!
Hi Shaunna, That is a great idea and you will do a terrific job – you already do with your tutorials. I love them! I will order a pre-signed copy now please! Best wishes, now sleep…. 😉
shaunna- you are so inspiring! i studied english and communication in college, but i was never the writer. i always liked to take things and dissect them… figure out what motivated the author to tell this story, find the symbols, etc… so if you need a sounding board, i'm here! 🙂 i look forward to it and wish you the best of luck in your never-ending journey of self-discovery (that's what life really is, isn't it?).
How exciting! I'll be the first in line to buy it! I'd love to know more details about your furniture painting, but also how you work it into your life, how you see it bringing glory to God and how your husband helps….I'd have a lot of questions. 🙂 Lisa~
Oh my, that is awesome and exciting news! I am happy I found my way to your blog, I'll be checking back to see what happens next! I hope you did get some sleep!
Shaunna, your book will be awesome!! I can't wait. I have just started trying to get help with re-finishing furniture via blogs online. I am just learning by trial and error. I am doing some pieces for my house, but would love to learn more. I am currently doing 2 twin beds, a nightstand and dresser. Plus, I have recently purchased 2 really neat antique wall shelves and a plant stand that I want to do. Thank you too, for your sweet comments on my blog posts! I always love reading about what you are doing and you have such a lovely family. My sister used to live in Southern Alabama (Brewton). Have a wonderful week. After returning from the beach last night, I am re-packing and taking my daughter to college on Monday and then staying in the mountains with my sister and my parents. Looking forward to some rest and relaxation. Love & blessings from NC!
I forgot to comment on your question. As a child, I always dreamed of becoming a Mother and that wish came true. I have 2 beautiful daughters (almost 27 & 22). They are the joy of my life! Love & blessings from NC!
That is fantastic news, I'm already in line! I'm excited about being able to ask you this question. I don't have a clue how to deal with furniture that has ornate carving or turned legs with lots of detail. Sanding a flat surface is straight forward, but in preparing a carved surface, I'm at a loss
Hi Shaunna,
You are such a beautiful writer, Shaunna…and so sincere. I wish you the best of luck with your e-book and I cannot wait to read it. I'd love to read how to give a weathered gray [beachy] patina to new wood. I hope you got your rest, my friend.
You go girl!
Shaunna, that was such an honest and heartfelt post. I loved reading ever word of it. How exciting to be writing your own e-book. Go for it girl!
Shaunna, you are such a sweetie! Best wishes with the ebook.