Two years ago, feeling nervous and unsure, I pressed the publish button for the first time. Not knowing if anyone other than my husband and perhaps my sister would be reading, this little blog – initially intended to serve as a journal of our lives – has became more than that. Not in terms of the numbers of hits, readers or features, but in becoming a place where I challenge myself to face some of my insecurities, share my passion for creating and my deep love for God, family and life itself.
Even though two years have passed, I’m still learning how to let go of those insecurities and still feel as if I just got here; as if I’m still waiting for the right time to press publish. This little blog has brought me so much joy yet there have been times when I felt as though I was talking to myself and my efforts and time were for not. But then I would receive a beautiful email telling me I have inspired someone to paint again after many years and that’s all the encouragement I need to keep going.
Blogging takes time and effort and we all need some validation from time to time. Sometimes when I feel as though things will not work out the way I envision them, I think of the reasons why I’m here, the doors that have opened and have yet to open because of this little place and it becomes very difficult to be unhappy when you are grateful. Similarly in life, I cannot help but to look around me and think to myself, ‘I am so blessed.’
Today, as I celebrate my second year of blogging, I want to encourage those of you who are just starting out to keep going. Sometimes it will feel like a lonely place but remember that there is somebody that loves you always. Be yourself; you can only be someone else for so long before you start to forget who you really are. So be honest, be kind and do all you do with love.
Yesterday as if planned, I received a package in the mail. It was a beautiful magazine and inside, was a dream coming true…
I was published in two of the most beautiful magazines I have ever read – Somerset Life and Artful Blogging, both by the Stampington Company.
I am humbled and so honoured to have made the pages of such beautiful magazines, featured amongst talented and deserving bloggers and photographers…
I am truly blessed.
Care to celebrate with me?
My sweetest friends, thank you for making this journey so enjoyable. Thank you for walking along with me and lifting me up when I needed it most. I look forward to the future and I hope that you will continue to walk with me as together we nourish this Craftberry Bush.
As always, much love.
Lucy
A love note to hubby
Dear Baby,
I just wanted to say thank you for all of your patience and support through this blogging journey of mine. You are my biggest fan and without you I could not do this. You are not only the best editor a Spanish girl could ask for, but you are my daily inspiration.
Thank you boo…I love you.
Congratulations! I love when your blog pops up on my Google reader – I love seeing your mantel each season and i love all the beauty u create and share – with 5 littles at home daily with me it is a treat to escape to your world of beauty.
A BIG congratulations, Lucy! Continued success. Thanks for brightening all your followers with your wonderfulness!
Congratulations! It is so exciting to see a talented lady like you receive kudos! I’m so glad you decided to share with us all.
Blessings,
Linda
In just two years you’ve accomplished so much. You are a true inspiration. Thanks for following your dream and sharing it with us!
xoxo
Congratulations on being published! That would truly be a dream come true! I have a question, when you first started blogging, how did you grow your blog? Did you link up or did you stay away from all the link party stuff? I’ve been blogging for a little over 3 years and I would love to see my blog grow but, I’ve done very little to promote it.
Anyway–Happy Blogging and have a great weekend!
Congratulations Lucy! Having read those magazines, I’m not surprised at all that you were featured in them. Keep on sharing and keep on writing!
Congratulations Lucy It Is always so wonderful to see such an accomplished woman get recognized. I always enjoy your blog and seeing what you are doing.
A well deserved congratulations! Such an exciting time for you, way to go!!!
Congratulations, Lucy! Published in both magazines at once – Wow! And congratulations on your two years of blogging also. Please keep going, knowing that many love following along even if we don’t always leave a comment.
I am so happy for you that you have been ‘discovered’ by these two wonderful magazines. I love reading your posts and seeing the beautiful photos and crafts that you have created. It is no surprise that you were chosen – you deserve it!
Congratulations and well done! Those are really wonderful, summery photographs. Thank you for your encouraging words. I’m only starting my second year of blogging and yes, there is still doubt as to whether what I’m doing is acceptable. But I’ve learned so much and come into contact with so many really nice people, it’s all been worth while.
Felicitaciones Lucy, estoy muy contenta por ti, realmente te lo mereces! Lo que más aprecio de tu blog y de tus posts no es sólo tu gran espirito creativo y tu capacidad de realizar trabajos tan hermosos, sino el amor, el Sentimiento puro y verdadero que siempre pones en éllos y que también acompaña cada comentario tuyo. Qué puedo decirte: eres una muy bella Persona y me siento muy afortunada por haberte cruzado en mi camino virtual, gracias!
Congratulations! Well deserved!!!
Congratulations Lucy!! This is a beautiful tribute to yourself!! Thank~You for continuing to press the Publish Button and encouraging the rest of us!!
Huggs, Nancy
One has only to look at your beautiful photographs and well written text to recognize “Excellence” and immediately know that you/your talents are Special. I appreciate your overcoming your insecurities and blazing forward in sharing your thoughts and art. We are the ones Blessed!
Congratulations on being published – it’s only the start – believe it.
Judith – Texas
Congratulations Lucy. Ilove your blog, so please keep it coming.
Karen Lawrence a Canadian fan.
Congratulations sweetie! You deserve all the attention!!
Enjoy your spotlight 🙂
Lucy,
Congratulations! What an honor, you deserve it! I’m so glad I found your blog several months ago, I love reading your post and your pictures are always so beautiful! Maybe one day we will meet until then I’m happy to be your blog friend. 😉
Blessings,
Jeanine
Congratulations on being published! How very exciting and so well deserved. And congratulations on two years of blogging… I love reading every post you write! Hope you are having a great weekend.
Firstly, congratulations on being published! What an achievement 🙂
Secondly – thank you. I have recently felt a little demotivated when it comes to my blogging, and this post of yours reminded me of exactly why I fell in love with blogging in the first place.
Thank you again.
Grace of C’est La Vie de Grace
http://www.cestlaviedegrace.wordpress.com
Congratulations on 2 years, a beautiful blog, and for Being Published in two magazines! Thank you for your inspiring words to this blogger still trying to “feel it out”.
Kari
http://thesweetestmemoryblog.blogspot.com/
Lucy, Congratulations on 2 years of beautiful blogging. I always look forward to your new posts, they are beautiful and inspiring. Keep up the good work!
Dannyelle @ http://www.lifeisaparty.ca
Congrats – what a great milestone to achieve. I absolutely agree with your advice to new bloggers. I’m also in my 2nd year of blogging and there have been some lonely times. I keep going though 🙂
You totally deserve to feature in those magazines and your blog is an inspiration.
Your honesty about creative struggles, doubting your ability and pushing yourself to new levels is encouraging.
Your consistent positivity is inspiring, and your crafts / mantels / photographs are always beautiful.
Katie x
http://www.katiescreative.blogspot.com
Congratulations on reaching your second year blogaversary Lucy! You always inspire me with your beautiful photos, art work and the joy you find in creating a place of beauty for your family. May God continue to bless your efforts always.
Oh Sweetheart! I am so delighted to see you getting such well-deserved recognition. I wish I could buy those magazines in Australia. I started blogging only two days after you – happy 2nd blogoversary, my sweet friend. J x
Congratulations!
Congratulations on being published…and on your second anniversary!! Beautiful pictures and good advice for us new bloggers.
Debbie 🙂
It’s so nice to know that one’s efforts are not in vain. Hearty congratulations on your two years of blogging and being published in a beautiful magazine. Keep up the good work!
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