Today is a very good day. So good that I’m posting twice!
Seven years ago this July I started a little blog from my bedroom. I didn’t know how to begin, what to post, or how blogs were “supposed” to look. I had no strategy, no Pinterest, no polished graphics and no social media plan to drive traffic. It was just me and my computer, writing from the heart to… well, nobody.
Soon a few strangers began to leave comments. I was surprised and delighted. At first I had maybe three readers and that felt amazing. Gradually that number grew to ten, twenty, thirty and more. For seven years I’ve kept showing up here with words and photos, sharing life’s ups and downs and decorating projects from my home with people I didn’t know on the other side of the screen.
Over time those readers became friends — kindred spirits who feel like companions over morning coffee. You’ve encouraged me to try new things, laughed at my bad jokes, been patient with my decorating mishaps, and shared in both tears and celebrations. When life was hard, your kindness nudged me forward. True friends do that.
Today I want to say a huge thank you. Because of you I still love sharing a morning cup of coffee here, whether I have three readers or three thousand. Your support, encouragement, and belief in what I do mean the world to me.
I received some very exciting news: readers voted The Inspired Room the #1 Readers’ Choice Decorating Blog at Better Homes & Gardens magazine. I was floored — what an honor!
Being included recently in Better Homes & Gardens editor’s top five favorite decorating blogs was thrilling, but being chosen by readers is especially meaningful. There are so many wonderful blogs out there; I don’t presume to be the best, but this recognition from readers touched me deeply. I had to double-check the email because I couldn’t believe it — they like me!
So thank you—from the bottom of my heart, from my family, and from Jack and Lily. We adore you and appreciate your daily presence here.
To celebrate, here’s an awkward cellphone selfie we snapped after receiving the news. We’re all pretty happy, right?
