You know how you’ll hear a designer or another creative say, “I’ve been rifling through fabric bins since I was a kid,” or “I’ve been painting as long as I can remember.”
I was not that kid.
I was studious, athletic, and always purchased a matching set. Always.
I remember knowing I was a creative writer…that was my passion from the time I was so small. But I also remember dubbing myself as “so not creative.” Shying away from even drawing posters for school events, I was convinced I had about, um, zero creativity.
I’m not sure what changed. I talk about this in my ebook, but something changed. I have received so many questions about the blog lately that I decided it was time to write about it.
Matt and I got married young. At the time, it didn’t seem so young to me, but he was 22 and I had just turned 21. Now that I look at my 25 year old brother, I realize: we were babies.
We had Grayson the summer I turned 24, and somewhere in that time, creative gumption struck.
It started with wanting to create a space for him, and to finish a couple of rooms in our home. I’m not sure what made me less afraid to play around with design, but it got less scary for me as I painted the pieces of furniture that would reside in his nursery.
Oh, and when he came, all I wanted to do was hold him, love him, and give him this home. All of it. The messy parts, the cool parts that were just me and Matt, and the beauty that came from creating our haven in this southern slice of the world.
When I began working with Southern Living at HOME (now Willow House), I fell in love with their design and product showcases. That’s where it hit me: I loved design. I loved to design my home, to change it along with our ever evolving family.
During that time, I began my first novel. I wrote about 8 chapters, and life and babies got in the way–it’s not finished yet. That’s okay. It will be.
A few years later, I was ready to have another child, and the work schedule I had created for myself just didn’t fit anymore. I didn’t want to be away at all. After quite a bit of prayer & conversation, Matt and I decided I would simply be a stay at home mom.
It was enough. It’ll always be enough for me. Being a purposeful stay at home or a working mom takes all the energy and resolve one can muster. Either way, it’s the best and hardest and most important job I’ll have.
I remember sitting in my pj’s on Christmas Day of 2009, holding my baby girl and watching my beautiful boy play in empty cardboard boxes. I felt so full I thought I might burst.
I had to write. Googling “how to start a blog,” I wrote my first post there in the wake of a gift wrap storm and too much holiday food.
As I began blogging, I was blown away by how much people accomplished, but knowing the basic nature of us all, I knew it was rooted in a desire to provide for our families. Rather than simply doing what I loved, now I would just photograph it, and get to do my favorite thing in the world…write about it.
Furniture projects were quickly made the focus, and I remember Tracey from French Larkspur was the one who told me to go for it and sell my work. That had never even occurred to me before. I began selling furniture on Etsy and Craiglist, and taking on custom orders from locals, blogging about it all the while.
And that’s when something changed. The blog went from hobby to full-time business. Business is really the wrong word, because I’m just still doing my thang, and I happen to get to do what I love. It all went in a different direction when I began writing about painting–and how to paint furniture.
That’s when I decided to write an eBook.
It was exhausting and exhilarating. My friend, Lauren, and I worked on it incessantly for a couple of months (and I had begun writing 3 months before that). It changed everything.
It definitely brought in more traffic, but more than anything it showed me that this little blog might be able to make the difference I hoped it would. It broadened my horizons, and opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities.
Do what you love possibilities.
Go for it possibilities.
My work load shifted dramatically after the book, and I realized that while I loved selling furniture and repurposing for Troy Antiques, I simply couldn’t keep up the work I loved the most if I was focused there. I couldn’t blog the way I loved…couldn’t visit all of you as much. I lost time to answer any email, and my family sure wasn’t going anywhere, so in the end, I decided to let the antiques space go.
The two Anne’s are adorable, and they still have a few of my pieces in their window space, but something had to give.
The plus? I got to start spending more time on projects around my house, more time doing painting tutorials for you, and more time to develop new ideas that are still in the works.
And I got to paint my walls white.
🙂
Now, I am able to spend time thinking about what you’d like to hear more about, and what we need to do around this place. We do love a good before and after, you know.
I have gotten asked my one of my real-life/blogger friends this question: Why do you think your blog grew…is still growing?
Oh, it’s a combination of different things I’m sure. But at the core? Totally a God thing. I simply have no other explanation–it’s like this gift I get to open up every single day. It’s not a massive blog….and that’s okay. I love what I do. I love our home. I love my readers…and thank you for humoring me. For being my bff’s.
Speaking of BFF’s, we have met so many incredible people along the way. It’s been amazing to have so much in common with people I’ve never met…and get to meet them! So many folks have encouraged us and supported us along the way along this blogging highway, and certainly shown us the ropes. That’s just the tip of the iceberg o’ encouragement thrown our way, and I couldn’t be more thankful for ALL of YOU that have been here to visit and decided to pull up a chair to stay.
Especially since things have been c-r-a-z-y lately!
It’s been insane, fulfilling, and wonderfully challenging. I’m so thankful for it all, and know that no matter what, we’ll keep on doing the things we love.
We’ll be here blogging about our renovating and family adventures, and sometimes along the way, I’m sure I’ll ramble. I’ll keep working on some new ideas that I want to see come to life, and my hope is that we’ll always keep doing the important stuff.
*Speaking of important stuff, stay tuned for a big announcement this weekend!!*
We’re still waiting to see if there are major changes heading our way, and either way, we’re happy. Happy to take on some new work, or happy to keep on keepin’ on, sharing it here all along the way.
Speaking of changes, we’ve got big plans to head back to homeschooling in January. It’s for many reasons, travel & flexibility for our family being a lot of it, but mostly…I second my friend, Edie…I simply want their days. (By the way, if you haven’t seen Edie’s new home tour, go. NOW!)
So, we’ll happily tackle that along with everything else. It’s really, really funny to me sometimes when people will say to me, “I don’t know how you do it all.” Well, I’ll tell ya how: Sometimes I stay in my pajamas until noon, and I’ve ruined quite a few shirts from painting. Sometimes Matt helps pick up groceries, and our house is constantly a project HQ. It’s messy….more often than not, and we’re working on dejunkifying it, one room at a time. But you know what? A little mess is okay with us. Matt helping with groceries & dinner is okay for us.
I have no doubt that some of our friends and family find it hilarious that I write a full-time blog about our home. They have seen our messes. We know this…but writing about our home was never about portraying perfection….perfectly imperfect, right?
Practically, I do try very hard to work in spurts. I might work on several projects or rooms one day or one week, accomplishing a lot. The next week, however, is mostly spent cuddled on the couch with my babies, laptop in hand. I’ve learned to close it quickly as they need me and I them. It’ll always be this delicate balance, this writing/working/renovating from home.
So it is with this thing called life. Talking about the blog, where it’s at or where it’s headed…who knows? But it kinda takes me back to the beginning…
Moving forward is all I know to do, and thanks to you, I think I’ll do it with a little spring in my step. If I could have my way, I’d steal Matt away from his job and hire him full-time. Man, that would be fun.
For the next steps, and the ones after that, I think maybe you’ll find me reciting these powerful words to myself…
That’s a bit of my little blog story. I know you guys always have great questions, so if you’ve got em’, ask away in the comments, and I’ll answer you there or I may write a part 2 of this story.
Here’s to doing the thing you think cannot. And all it brings because you did.
🙂
Not sure what originally lead me to your blog, but I feel blessed to have found it. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Thank YOU, Sharon!!! You all are such blessings to me!
🙂
shaunna
Love this Shaunna. You wrote so much of what I’ve been thinking and feeling. I say on our blog that I always loved design…and I have. But I totally didn’t think I was creative till after dean and I got married (oh and we got married when he was 24 and I just turned 20!!). It was like God gave me the partner I so needed to help me sort out out who He created me to be. Our house too is in constant flux. We spend days working on projects and then days snuggled up on the couch. I’m so excited for you to do homeschool – having their days is a most amazing gift!!!
Bless you Shaunna!
xo,
Shannon
Thank you, Shannon! It was so great to talk with you the other day…kindred spirits, maybe?? Your words are so encouraging to me–thank you for sharing them!
🙂
shaunna
I love your story! I too grew up thinking I was totally not creative or artistic. I still kind of feel that way. But, I used to create little “books” ALL THE TIME. To fold paper in half & write a book in it w/ pictures was one of my favorite things to do as a child. I had piles of them! I really like writing & totally write how I talk, which is probably annoying to some people, but, it is what it is. 🙂 I love your blog & think you are absolutely lovely! So glad to have found you.
Thank you, Sarah! How cool–and writing how you talk is not annoying. It’s engaging…and the bravest way to write.
🙂
shaunna
So fantastic to hear your story. With a lot of leaps of faith, a lot of talent and lots of creativity look at what you and your family has achieved. So nice to hear of good people getting a bit of what they deserve. 🙂
Thank you, Jane! It’s certainly very little to do with us, I think…and yet, our schedule of late seems to suit us. And THANK YOU for always leaving me such kind, encouraging comments! You’re the best!!
🙂
shaunna
This post resonated with me to the core, because we essentially sound like the same person. Growing up I was the “left-brained kid”–I loved writing, literature, etc. but couldn’t draw or paint or do anything “creative” to save my life. I moved with my husband to Nashville from Mississippi when I was accepted into a Ph.d. program at Vanderbilt. I realized quickly that’s not what I wanted to do, had our son, and voila! creativity explosion! I started my blog for the same reasons, too. I wanted to write! I’ve never thought to write an e-book, and it seems like everything’s been covered so much by everyone else, but maybe this is the inspiration I need to give it a shot!
Sorry to ramble, but this one really struck a cord. Thank you for your wonderful blog!
You didn’t ramble, Kristin!! Thank you for sharing! I hope you’ll take whatever your next step should be…ebook or something else…go for it! What a wonderful story you have!!
🙂
shaunna
I needed to read this today. Thanks!!
Just wanted to let you know how much I LOVE your blog, the contents, the inspiration, writing and your beautiful pictures. I will continue to stay tuned. Michelle
Shaunna,
I admire your ability to jump into projects without fear… I also admire your ability to share your ups and downs….You truly seem to be the poster child for — what you see is what you get-no pretense here…and that is why i keep coming back…I also LOVE your e-book–it is my new go to……my latest ascp project turned out awesome….just finished the post….so excited to share it! thanks for helping….and you are correct…it is a God thing……..chris
Shaunna, I enjoy your blog so much. I have been following you for a while now, don’t always comment because I run out of time with reading all the blogs I follow. I want you to know that you do inspire me to do things around my house. Thank you and keep up the good work!
LOVE this.
Man girl, you just rock! I’ve only been blogging for 3 months and can’t even remember how I found you but I’m sure glad I did!!!! You have a great passionate way about you that makes me feel so good after reading your blog posts! You come across as a friend in all your posts, emails & replies to me & I’ve never even met you! You are a special chic and I wish you the best with all you do 🙂 Can’t wait to hear the good news……just spill it would ya! Now I’m off to read that “painting white walls post” you highlighted 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Loved reading all the twists and turns that have happened along the way to your current situation. My journey to finding how creativity fits into my life is filled with starts and stops, but I keep plugging away at it – thanks for showing us it can happen if one finds the focus that’s right for them.
Shaunna, I enjoy your blog so much. Thank you for sharing so much about you and your family. Through your posts I feel like I know you! Tomorrow my boys and I are heading to RI to pick up some Chalk Paint and I can’t wait to tackle some pieces in our bedroom and other rooms! Thank you, thank you, thank you – for your blog and your inspiration.
Thank you Shauna! Your post totally spoke to my heart, my passion, my creativity and my fears. Your story is inspirational. I never really thought of myself as s writer, but I love blogging! I’ve always been a bit timid with my creativity almost talking myself out of and not following my passion. I really just need to go for it. My blog has certainly not grown overnight, but I KNOW I have so much more to give. Carrie
Thank YOU for sharing your story like this. And for adding those quotes at the end. I’m at a major crossroads for myself personally and professionally and it rings so very true to me. I was one of those who was always creative but then lost it all to a corporate job. I have found myself again through blogging and I couldn’t be happier. Getting to share that with other bloggers and seeing their journeys makes me so happy. You are an inspiration.
This is a great post! I love to hear how other bloggers “get into blogging”. Love your blog…you’re such a talented lady!!
Great post Shauna! Many of your words about your own journey could come out of my mouth exactly. I never thought of myself as creative, and still feel super inadequate in the creative world, but I would love the stay at home mom role while blogging all the updates to our fixer upper. You definitely inspired me today!
What a beautiful story Shaunna! You inspire me more than you’ll ever know. 🙂
Hugs,
Gail
Loved hearing your story! And thankful for sharing your authenticity, talents and gifts to all of us. Blessings to you and your family.
What a blessing to see how God moves, works, and cares about every little detail! It was an encouragement to read your blog story and learn about where you have been and where you are now. What a blessing to look back on it all I’m sure!!! Thanks for sharing and encouraging me, a newbie to the blogging world!
Homeschooling is probably THE biggest adventure! I’m so happy to hear you are going to return to it!
Awesome post. Thanks so much for sharing the whole story of your blog, it was fun and encouraging to read 🙂 May God bless all of your future adventures/endeavors!!!
Hello Dear Shaunna,
I have to say that I am drawn to your honesty and girl-next-door approachability. Your story seems to reinforce my belief that when we are honest with ourselves and others, do what we love, share what we know…good things will eventually come our way. If they don’t it just means we are not ready for them yet and not that they may never come.
I smile every time you share your good news with us. I am 57 and in my day, if we had blogs, I would be right up there with the big ones. All the things I see you young gals doing, I did back in the 80’s and 90’s, but we had no avenue to share like you do today.
So keep creating…writing (work on that novel), painting and all along the way ..hug those babies snugly.
Much love and admiration being sent your way..yours if one of my most favorite blogs.
Janet xox
What a great post! I feel like I sort of fell into my current job too, and it’s been a complete blessing. Here’s to letting life take you where it will!
Oh, I just think you’re the coolest. I love reading your blog and I’m so happy for all your success! 🙂
I agree with many others who have said it’s your “girl next door”, down to earth approachability that keeps me looking for your blog and reading it first. I love the “This is your Life” poster. You are an inspiration!
ME TOO! What part? ALL of it! It is embarrassing to admit, but you made me cry:( Of course I do tend to cry every time something touches my heart…and you did. Thanks for sharing and inspiring….I especially appreciate that you knew when “something had to go”…I still struggle with that sometimes. May God continue to bless you and your family, Lori
Shauna,
I just watched your video — sweetest thing EVER!
This was just so nice…I’m sitting here with my glass of wine just loving what you wrote and just loving your blog. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for being real, as always. That’s what makes reading your blog so enjoyable and inspiring. It’s like having an imaginary friend that you love, except you aren’t imaginary, just haven’t met you…. Hmm. did that make sense or did it sound as weird as I think it did? Anyway, you don’t know how much you’ve touched my life through your blog. You have been a real blessing. Prayers for you as you start homeschooling- I did it for 10 years, until my kids went to highschool. It’s a commitment but also a blessing.
Shaunna this was so inspiring to read your thoughts and your journey. I’ve been a fan of your work but it is so good to know the nuts & bolts and why you do what you do. I too am a SAHM, but I blog and run Etsy shops and sometimes I think that there isnt enough hours in the day. I do enjoy being home with my 19 mos old and to be home when my other 4 come off the bus. I admire you pursuing the home schooling…here in NJ not a big thing and heard quite difficult to be approved.
But I take it one day at a time, and it’s so true you make amazing friendships with people who might not have ever met in your life. The bond and support that is sometimes given in blog land is amazing…it also shows jealousy and bitterness but I like to think that the good outways the bad always.
I look forward to continue this journey with you….so happy that you were featured in Flea Market Style…..I guess your not our little secret anymore…
Blessings to you
MJ
Lucky 7 Design
I am so happy I found you…how inspiring!!! After being single for 35 years, I married the love of my life and because of his encouragement and support, I am now repurposing vintage stuff and writing about it and about my life as a wife and stepmom…I love how you write about your spurts – doing projects then the next week writing a lot or cuddling…I sometimes feel badly if I do not accomplish constantly, but I really think these “seasons” of our days and weeks are what real life is all about…thank you for sharing!!!
I love your blog Shauna. When I see a new entry in my inbox, I can’t wait to open it. I would love to blog about my creative interests, but I just know my plate is a little too full right now. I’m restoring furniture and trying to find outlets to sell them. When both my kids are in school full-time, I’m hoping to have more time to create a blog and continue to create, which makes me happy.
I can only speak for myself, ut I am so glad you do your “thang”. I love your blog and your sweet, creative spirit is such a blessing to me. Things have been crazy around here the past few months also and I don’t get the time to always check in with my favorite blog friends. Your blog is always one of the ones I can’t miss and one of the first ones I go to when I get a chance.Keep up the great work. <3
Cheers to doing what you love! Thanks for sharing your heart!
Hi Shauna, I’ve only been following your blog for a few weeks and in that short amount of time you’ve been quite an inspiration. Seeing all that you do and have accomplished is so motivating. So for that I thank you.
What a nice post! Thank you for opening up you heart and telling us your story and journey. It’s nice to hear your voice too!
God brought me here today. Your blog name is the one I tried to use when setting up my blog and found it was already being lived. Imagine that! Good on ya’ for having the courage and wisdom to discover and puruse your passions and dreams. Live it!!
Your story is inspiring! You are so right…choose what fulfills you, embrace it and make it into something that will continue to fill you up.
For me, after years of raising my sons, homeschooling, driving them everywhere, soccer, football, baseball and basketball, I finally has sent them off on their own. And now, I am pursuing my passion for painting. Just this week, I have my 3rd art show…and great hopes that I will sell several paintings. (so far one BIG one has sold…and it’s not even finished!!!) This is what I have wanted to do for years. Now…I need to get my work up online…But it’s one step at a time…Thanks for your inspiration.
Jane (artfully graced)
Hi Shaunna! I’ve so enjoyed reading your posts, viewing your work and meeting you via video this morning! I feel like I’ve made a new (young) friend! I grew up in the deep south, in Thomasville, Georgia so I have a real appreciation for ante-bellum, historical homes and also clean, bright sunlit rooms and all things dogwood and azaleas and camilla’s… and magnolias! Oh, and southern pines! Now I live in the Northeast in a Queen Anne Victorian (Lafayetteplace.weebly.com) (which is on the market) As I face a move, you have encouraged me to think about using my pieces in a different way. If I move to N.H. (which I think I will be doing) I think I need to focus more on light colors to counter the deep dark days of winter when I get sadd! I love black as a neutral, and have used it but I just wonder what it would do to brighten things up? I live alone, a grandmother who is 62 years young, and love to paint and renovate. So thanks for that inspiration! Do you feel that if you paint furniture in your home that it is okay to mix the black with other colors? I have some white pieces and some black pieces right now, but wonder if my space is smaller, if I should make the color throughout the same? The colors I normally associate with N.H. are all warm colors, like rust and brown and green, etc….but here I am thinking of cool colors! Do you think it could work? White snow outside, white inside! Would that really help me to cheer up? I just can’t stand the dark days! For that reason I miss the south!! Please don’t feel you need to reply. Maybe this color topic could be addressed in your blog… what colors do you associate with living in certain parts of the country? How you can change it up? Thanks again for your inspiration! And God bless you and your family!
Margie O. Holloway ~
Days before I was married, I thought my parents were nuts for watching HGTV. 2 days after I got married, my favorite place to go was Home Depot. It’s like it kicked me into decorating/diy drive! Crazy! So I love the fact that the bug didn’t hit you until later in life, too. 🙂 LOVE your story!!
Wow what an amazing, inspiring story. Love your blog and the projects that you do. And I must confess I love listening to your accent on your videos. Over here in England we don’t get to hear that too often!