I honestly don’t even know how to begin this post. It’s been sitting in my drafts for a couple of days.
There are dreams you have when you are almost too young to dream. While others are playing and running and mess-making, you happen to capture a God-sized dream and He sort of tucks it away for another, more hopeful day.
Since starting this blog, this tiny little piece of the world, I’ve been blown away by the inspiration, encouragement, and opportunity that comes from building an online community. But here’s the thing…sometimes, despite what numbers say, it still seems you’re just doing your own thing, and it’s quite easy to find yourself feeling too ridiculous for anyone to actually be reading this blog?!
More than all the inspiration, though, I’m mostly blown away by your support.
I posted a giveaway this week. A regular, plain old giveaway (a good one, but still, just a simple post!). It was one of the “just leave a comment” giveaways, and I have to say, y’all took my breath away. There were plenty of “ooh, I love Williams Sonoma!” but there were more comments of encouragement to me. It occurs to me all the time, but in that moment, I felt so close to each of y’all…you know me so well.
I try to lay it all out there, here in this sacred, imperfect place. There are those of you who don’t comment often, and those of you who do…and both mean the world to me. It was really special to hear from so many of you at once. You just get me, I think.
That’s why sharing my news today literally makes me all weepy.
I’m writing a book.
Yep, I said it….it’s true. A real-live, hard back, published book. It will hopefully sit on coffee tables, and, if I’m lucky, lay in garages, and be tossed in flecked paint.
I have wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl, my first short story at 7 (it was about a mermaid who lived in a golden lagoon) & long verse poem at 12. I have poured over books and literature my whole life…and to be completely honest, writing a book was the only professional goal I had growing up.
And I couldn’t wait to tell you.
You guys are in this with me, for better or for worse. You’re the ones (along with my wonderful little fam) who will cheer me on when I want to throw myself into a wall or when I can’t spell d-o-g for the life of me. You (I hope!) will be the sorts who will buy it and like it and use it and tell me.
You’re kind of the coolest, the reason I’ll get to try my hand at becoming an author.
Look forward to sharing more of this journey with you.
HOW NEAT! I can’t wait to see what it turns out to be. I am so glad you are encouraged. You are a city on a hill, shining the light of Jesus.
Thank you so much, Beja. I truly don’t feel that way most of the time…what a blessing you were to me today.
🙂
shaunna
Yay! So excited for you! I’m sure it will be as wonderful as your blog, shop, and well…YOU. Congrats and Good Luck! 🙂
Thank you, girl! Thanks so much for your local AND blog support!
🙂
shaunna
How amazing!!! Congrats & I can’t wait to see this amazing book of yours!! I will own a copy & it will probably make my coffee table look amazing 😉 Congrats again & I’m so happy for you!!! xx Liz Marie
Thank you, sweet friend. Let’s hope I don’t botch the cover shot! Ha!
🙂
shaunna
Reading this gave me goosebumps!! Good happy goosebumps!! I have learned so much from you and look forward to your posts! This one is fabulous. Wish you and your lovely family happiness and success!!!
Thank you, Jen. So much!
🙂
shaunna
CONGRATS!!!!! So very happy for you. I’m sure if you had any idea how many people you truly inspire to stretch beyond their comfort zone and reach for their dreams, you’d cry even more. I’m including myself in that. I rarely comment, because I’m so busy working full-time and running two businesses outside of that, but today I feel like I must tell you how you and a couple other bloggers are the reason I’ve tried new things and keep trying new things! Thank you for encouraging us to give our dreams a chance to be our reality!
Can’t wait to buy a copy!
Ginger…I’m honestly speechless. What a beautiful sweet mouthful of words! They mean so very much to me. Thank you for your sweet support!
🙂
shaunna
Oh, Shaunna, this is amazing news! I’m so happy for you – and for us because I’m sure we’ll love your book 🙂 You’re the person who made me try my hand at painting and since painting made me a happier person that’s basically your “fault”, too 😉 You’ve inspired me for a good year and a half now and while I might now always comment, I’m always excited when a new post is up. I can’t wait what the book might have in store… 🙂
Thank you, Meike! So glad you tried painting..happily take the blame for that one!
🙂
shaunna
All praises to God for this new journey! I cannot wait to pick it up. Thank you for sharing this and your heart with us.
those God-tucked dreams are the ones to really live out. kudos to you for pursuing it and no doubt, your little corner of the blog world friends will be here cheering you on.
oh how God is so good! doesn’t surprise me in the least:)
we are all behind you and God is before you..on either side..and behind you
love you friend.
listen for His voice..He will lead you
xoxo
Wonderful! I started crying as soon as I began to read your post. I love reading your blogs when you are vulnerable, because I know something great is about to happen.You are living the dreams of many of us to freighted to even begin.You are Blessed with a talent and a supportive family, what more can anyone ask for in life.
I am looking forward to you Book!
Keep sharing your Dreams,
R
Oh, I was so scared you were going to quit blogging….congrats on the decision to write a book and I will be patiently waiting for my copy!
Your biggest fan from Tallahassee!
That is great! When your done I hope to see a “give away” of signed copies. Can’t wait to place my order:)
Such exciting news!!! I look forward to reading about your ups and downs along the way. Best of luck to you 🙂
What wonderful news. I love reading about the amazing opportunities people have found through blogging. Good luck with the work ahead of you.
I know it will be great and looking forward to reading! Good Luck!
Congrats! I’m sure it will be fabulous!
Proud of you for chasing your dream! God uses a golden thread that he knots when we are born, to sew together our dreams, hopes and aspirations! Maybe, just once in a while we look back and see how He has orchestrated everything to our PERFECTLY imperfect fit! You are an inspiration to someone like me that wants to do but doesn’t know where to begin! I wanted to share with you that I work at the University and on my lunch hour a few months ago I happened in your store while you were there! I was like a giddy school-girl when I got back to my office and was sharing with my co-workers in HR! I got to meet Shaunna! Thank you and congrats on The Book!
Congratulations. I have to tell you that I am one who has read your blog for a very long time but has never posted. You have been a complete inspiration to me to follow my dreams. I wish you nothing but the best with this book! I’m sure it will be sitting on my coffee table in the future.
Your projects, tutorials and pictures are what helped me venture out and try painting furniture. The imperfectness of it all was very intimidating but I watched and watched your tutorials and I felt like you were holding my brush filled hand. So a book is going to be really amazing.
Well then it seems appropriate to tell you now that you inspired me to start my own blog (although I haven’t written a post yet, still in the very early stages).
And to dream big, you see ever since my first days in college (20 years ago) I’ve wanted to be an interior designer but felt that it wouldn’t pay the bills but now I’m dreaming that one day I will open my own shop.
So dream big!! Your only boundaries are those in your mind!
~Nicole
As I was reading this post I thought for sure you were going to say you were done blogging. But instead you shared your one dream and you are going for it. How exciting!I can’t wait to read the finished product.
Best of luck to you!!!! Follow your dreams – that’s all you need to do 🙂
I am one of those that don’t post often but I do read you every day and know you will write a great book and be successful with it.
Now THAT. THAT is awesome. Write on, girlfriend!
WOW! So exciting! Congratulations. I can’t wait!!!!
Congratulations! Love your blog and you have a way with words. Perfectly imperfect and that is how life should be. Cheers.
I can’t wait to stack it up with my YHL book!
I just found you recently (I think through YHL?) and really love your voice and style. Best of luck, it is obvious how hard you work an what a good person you are!
Yay for you! I’m very happy for you.
Woohooo!!! Can’t wait to read it…Mine will be the paint splattered one on my desk in the garage 🙂
Congratulations! I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
The best parts of life happen to us when we follow that nudging from the Spirit – when we choose to ignore all the negative thoughts and insecurities and trust in God wholeheartedly. You have demonstrated this in your blog, in your ebook (wonderful, by the way), in opening your store and most of all by the way you still prioritize your faith and family. I am not surprised only because this feels like a natural progression. Thank you for letting God use you to help others – I am confident that he will bless you more than you can even imagine.
I would love to purchase a first edition, please keep us updated.
Congratulations!!!!! I absolutely adore you blog, your style and all of your accomplishments. Such exciting news and I can’t wait to buy it 🙂
You go, girl! I’m one of those ones that hasn’t commented before, but I sure appreciate your heart and faith. I get very excited when someone has a chance to follow their dreams, and I wish you all the best. You can bet I will be following your journey even if I don’t comment much. Be blessed as you travel this road. God will lead you, teach you, and reward you. Keep following Him!
That’s SO great! Congrats 😀 and of course best of luck.
Congratulations!!!! I LOVE your blog and I know I’ll love your book!! I’m so happy!! Keep us posted!!
That is so awesome!! I’m so excited for you! Writing a book is something I’ve always wanted to do as well. I don’t even know what I would want to write about, but I would love it. I can’t wait until it comes out!
Awesome! Your ebook has been such an inspiration to me so I will for sure want your real life book! Those are my favorite anyway. It will go right on the coffee table with my collection and will be the one on top!
Woooo Hoooo” great news for all of us! When can we pre-order!
Congratulations! I’m sure the journey will be challenging but equally remarkable. May God bless your efforts.
You go! Give it all you’ve got!
So PROUD of, and for you! Reach for those dreams!! You can do all things….!
Congrats – I’m sure you will do a great job.
This is fabulous! I. Can’t. Wait. to get my hands on it! 🙂
Happy writing!
I’m one of those ones that doesn’t comment too often – however I am so thrilled for you and I can’t wait to purchase your new book – I enjoyed your e-book and I was hoping that you would be writing one soon.
Congrats and best of luck to you!!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! You are the sweetest person and so talented! I’m thrilled for you! God is so good! He doesn’t put desires in our hearts to break it, but waits until He knows we’re ready! I’ll be anxiously waiting to hear more!
Good for you! As an Independent bookstore owner I know what a feat this will be. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
How awesome that you are full filling a dream that you have had for so long. You go girl, we’re so proud of you and all that you have accomplished, you’re a true inspiration.
Bless your heart. It is the right time when God gives us a little smack and tells us to do it! Love your post and I hope my coffee table has your book on it soon. Congrats! You deserve it!
I don’t think I have ever commented before but I read ‘you’ regularly. You are a shining light for Jesus and a lovely, positive, kind, encouraging, creative, giving person….. I can just tell. Your words inspire me and most often leave me smiling. Congratulations on the opportunity to follow your dream.
I’m one of “those people” who doesn’t comment a whole lot, on some blogs I do some I just don’t, but I absolutely read your post every day!! And I can’t wait for your book!!! That’s such exciting news and even tho I don’t “really” know you I couldn’t be more happy for your dream to come true!! I’m excited to follow along. xoxoxox
Shaunna, So glad you are realizing your dream! Congratulations!
Congratulations, Shaunna!! God is so faithful with all he blesses us with… including opportunities. Thrilled to be along for your ride. 🙂
xo Heidi
Shaunna and online friends,
I am happy to hear your news about writing a book, Shaunna. I am excited to see all of your support. I am soon to be 54, and have always wanted to write a book. It will be VERY loosely based upon peoples lives and experiences, but the main character will be based upon my father. I have spoken with him about it and he does not want it published until after his death and that of several key people directly involved. Yesterday morning, at 5:45 am, after an all night vigil, we sadly, yet gladly, sent that dear man on his way to his Savior. We sang hymns, read scripture, recalled times of our lives together, embraced and loved this dear man out of this life. At this time, he is out of his pain, and into his glory, but my sweet momma still has to grieve with the rest of us. Please pray for Lucy Harrison and family as we walk through this valley with one less encourager.
Pamela
So very proud of you for taking the big step forward! Our precious God will be there to guide and direct every step of the way. I know you will do an awesome job, just as you do everything. God bless.
Shauna, this is amazing. I am so happy your dreams are coming true. It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving, hardworking, talented girl.
Can’t wait to see it!
Holly
It will be an awesome book and I am sure I will want one! Stopped in your store today and still wanting the painted spool table for my deck and will be back to get some of the new books for my grandchildren to color. Just keep following your heart and where God leads you – you definitely inspire me!
Congratulations! My father has 2 mystery books published and a third in the works. It’s a very challenging process but so rewarding. I am sure he would tell you never to give up and keep going.
Best of luck! I am amazed what you can do with two little ones. I admire you…so inspiring!!
Yay! Congratulations!! I have a coffee table that your book would be perfect sitting on:) can’t wait for it to come out
Congrats!! I, like some of the others, rarely post but follow your blog regularly. You are such an amazing source of inspiration and imagination. I hope your book makes it up to Canada so I can get a copy!
I am so happy for you. That your life long dream is finally coming true. You and Miss Mustard Seed are my inspiration. I just started painting furniture and looking for vintage deals about a year ago to save money for my college dtr’s first apt. And I am hooked! Thanks to you two. In googling how to do certain things I stumbled across both of your blogs and fell in luv with all things vintage and distressed. And of course, CHALK PAINT. My first goal is to have a booth in the near future!!! I live in Georgia but one day I will plan a trip to Alabama to shop at your store!!!!! Thanks for your inspiration!!!!
Shaunna, congratulations and my very best wishes for your success with a wonderful book . . . I can hardly wait to get a copy to read, to enjoy seeing on my coffee table, and
I’m sure I’ll refer to it often!!! I’m also one of those who has not commented often, but I have enjoyed your blog for a couple of years . . . it was one of the first I began reading when I discovered the wonderful world of decorating blogs. You’ve been a great inspiration to me in my painting furniture endeavors. May God continue to bless you!!! Louise, another Southern girl.
Go for it! I know you already are! You’ll do great!~ ” )
So happy that your dreams are coming true 🙂 Writing a book will be amazing – can’t wait to read it! You are blessed to have people around you that are supportive of all your creative talents, and that they help you soar. Best Wishes!
I am so happy for you! But I am also still disappointed because I have reached out several times to you about getting information about that art print w/ the little red sail boat in your living room & you’ve NEVER responded. I still want to purchase a print like that. Now that you are writing a book, I’ll never get a response. 🙂
Thanks, Jerri! Oh, I’m sorry about that! We realized a few weeks ago there was an open account (no longer existing) that some of our shop emails were going to. I remember you emailing Natalie, our store manager, a while back, but I haven’t gotten any more emails since that first one. Plus, we receive several hundred a week between the shop and blog…I try my best, but sometimes questions fall through the cracks. Forgive us…We’ll be happy to look into it for you! Technology sometimes!
🙂
shaunna
Shauna, what a joy to be included with all your other readers who will be with you all the
way on this new journey. I found your blog through Pinterest about a year ago and you instantly became “my favorite” blogger. I know your book will be a fabulous success, and I can hardly wait to get it. Stay true to your dream, and stay true to God who gave you
this dream.
Joy!
Sharon P
Congrats to you! I started blogging 6 months ago and just found yours now through Centsational Girl…and I’m so glad I did! You’ll now be on my daily reading list!
Best of luck with the book!!!
That is so WONDERFUL! I was almost afraid to read the rest of the post past the first lines, because I was afraid you were going to quit blogging!!! So happy for you and I cannot wait until your “dream” is published!! I will definitely be adding it to my library!
Best Wishes!!
Jennifer N.
Wow, such exciting news! I have no doubt your book will be amazing, and I can’t wait to read it! You inspire me with your sense of design, and your way of practically looking at life (like understanding what works for your growing kids in the house) You were one of a handful of bloggers who inspired me to start blogging myself! Congrats on taking this big step towards your dreams, and I can’t wait to read about the journey!
That is wonderful news!! I am so excited for you and can’t wait to get my hands on that book. I read your blog faithfully and love your design ideas. I’m sure that most of us feel as if we know you and your family intimately- you lay it all out there on a daily basis. That’s what makes this blog, and you, so successful… you are so real.
No fluff, just “this is how it is” and “this is how to do it”.
God Bless you Shaunna and good luck with your latest venture!!
For everything there is a season Shauna.
Can’t wait to purchase it!
Congratulations! I miss coming to Troy and working with you. Judy has had so many problems in her family. Had a great granddaughter born she needed to help with and then her boy friend had stents put in. Lot of health problems with others in her life. Maybe one day we’ll get back down to see you! Thanks for the time we were able to spend with you!
wonderful step in your life. Congratulations and I look forward to reading it.
How fun and scary and exciting and awesome! Congratulations, Shaunna. 🙂
Can not wait to get my hands on your book! You are such an inspiration to me.
Congratulations! I can’t wait for the day it comes out:) SO excited for you!!
xo, amy
That’s awesome and exciting. I am looking forward to reading it when it’s completed. 🙂 One day maybe I’ll get to make the long trip to Alabama to visit your shop and meet your sweet self.
no, you are the coolest. 🙂 we are going to be your cheerleaders. 😉 now, stop being weepy and get to writing that book.
Oh, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Such wonderful news, and I’m going to be so excited to see your book when it’s published! Great news indeed!
Yeah!!! I’ll buy it for my coffee table!!
So happy for you!!! I will buy it!!! I love the way you go after your dreams…everyone should!! Proud of you!
Congratulations!
so very happy for you!!!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to get your book! Praying you have fun and stay encouraged they the process! I know the result will be amazing!!
Congratulations Shaunna! Your book will be fabulous!! Shelly
Shauna, this is so exciting for you! Congratulations! I’ve always new you would do something like this. I know that it will be amazing and I hope it’s sitting on my coffee table one day soon.
Totes amaze…as they say!!!
What a wonderful thing to be able to fulfill a long held dream!
I wish you the very best in your new venture,and may your thoughts come spilling forth with ease!
Congrats!!!! What a fun adventure! Can’t wait to see it 🙂
Shaunna,
So happy that you are following your dreams! Those that are blessed and pass on the blessings become even more blessed! We are all lucky to have found you! I was fortunate enough to make a little trek to your shop in Troy on my way home from our beach vacation and I must say…your shop is simply FABULOUS!! 🙂
Keep the inspiration flowing! You are a such a treat for me to live vicariously through! Your courage to LIVE your dream not only inspires me, but many…and we pass that along!
I look forward to your book! My coffee table (or bench that acts as a coffee table!) has a spot saved for you!
Big giant, warm hugs to you!
M
I am not surprised but curious we all know you can write and have talent, so what took you so long to realize it.
Wow. I’m so glad. At first I thought you were going to be giving us bad news like you were giving up your blog. You are a great writer. All of the best bloggers are. There are lots of blogs with pretty pictures but the ones that keep me coming back are the ones with the stories to go with them. Keep up the good work!
Desi
Great news!! You’ll do a great job!! Can’t wait to read!!
I’m weeping with you! I don’t post very often, but I watched you grow over the years. I love your honesty and Godly heart. You’ve given me hope with my own little business. Some days can be tough. Your always have encouraging words and hope for the future. May God bless you as you write this book!
How exciting. I am amazed with all the energy you have! May God give you more strength that you knew was possible!
YAY! So excited for you & cannot wait to purchase your book! You are so talented & inspiring! Thank you for always sharing your heart with us!
How exciting! I can’t wait to see the results of your hard work. So wish I was closer to pay your store a visit – slightly big ocean in between 😉
How exciting!
Congratulations. I can’t wait to read it.
Have a wonderful day.
Sandi
Congratulations doesn’t even seem to say enough Shaunna! This quote popped in my head and I wanted to share it with you…I’m sure you have heard it before-
“There is no passion to be found playing small- in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” –Nelson Mandela
My wish for you is that you enjoy every moment that this leap of faith will bring you. Close your eyes…don’t think…don’t be afraid…you are meant for GREAT things! So incredibly happy for you! xoxo Jesse @ Scout & Nimble
Go for it! I’m excited that you are writing your book. It will be a rewarding feeling when you’re done. I’ve written and published a cookbook and also compiled my Dad’s WWII letters home into another hardback– it was great! I hope it goes well for you.
Congratulations! How incredible. If it is anywhere near as fabulous as your blog, I know I won’t be able to wait to see it.
Shaunna,
This made me cry. I am so incredibly happy for you! I know that’s been THE thing you’ve wanted forever. I’m so glad the time has finally come! What a blessing and adventure. I hope it turns out to fulfill all your longing.
Can’t wait to take your class at Haven and MEET you! I’ve learned so much about expressing myself and my faith through reading your blog. I can’t wait to see you up to your elbows in paint joking with MMS!
The Other Marian
You GO girl! I’m so excited for you! What an undertaking – dream or not! I’m smiling from ear to ear for you.
I love your sweet heart! When I attended your workshop, I loved that you were not ashamed to mention Jesus!I am so proud for you. Pray your writing will flow easily and straight from your heart!
Shaunna-
I have followed your blog for a few years now but have never commented. I don’t know why…I’m just not much of a “commenter”. 😉 However, I follow you religiously and felt compelled to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are truly inspiring to me as a writer, designer and shop owner. God has blessed you with “many-o-gifts” and I feel honored to be one of the many you share them with! Truly…speaking from the heart. I don’t know how you do it all?!?! I’m a full timer job-er with a family and a small interior design business on the side. I live in Birmingham and stay crazy busy, but always make time for a visit to your blog and hope to one day make a trip to your shop! Blessings to you and your family! 🙂
ooooohhh!!! One more thing! Someone recently said this to me and I wanted to share. Our talent is God’s gift to US, but what we do with our talent, is our gift to HIM! Good stuff 😉
i’m one of the ones who doesn’t comment often but who celebrates behind the scenes for all God is doing in your life.
I’ll be honored to read a book authored by you…
Thank you, sweet friend. That means the world to me…and DITTO!
🙂
shaunna
GREAT NEWS! Can’t wait to see it in the bookstores! Congrats!!! 🙂
I am so happy for you I hope everything goes smoothly and the experience is all you want it to be. I can’t wait to read your book, I know it will be awesome!