Today is a very good day. So good that I’m posting twice!
Seven years ago this July I started a blog — alone in my room, learning as I went. I didn’t know how to begin, what to post, or how blogs were “supposed” to look. I had no strategy, no social media plan, no fancy graphics, and no idea about driving traffic. It was simply me and my computer, writing from the heart to… well, nobody at first.
Soon a few strangers began to leave comments. I was surprised and delighted. At first I had maybe three readers and felt grateful. Gradually that number grew to ten, twenty, thirty, and beyond. Over the past seven years I’ve posted words and photos, sharing life’s ups and downs and the decorating projects happening in our home with people on the other side of the screen.
But through all that time you have become friends — kindred spirits. It feels like we meet for coffee every morning. You’ve encouraged me when I tried new things and took risks. You’ve chuckled at my poor jokes and been forgiving when I made decorating mistakes or had awkward moments. You’ve cried with me, celebrated my successes, and quietly urged me forward when life got hard. True friends do that.
So today I owe you a big thank you. Because you show up, support what I do, and greet me every day, I still enjoy these moments as much now as I did when I had three readers. Because of your kindness and encouragement, I received some very exciting news today.
Readers voted The Inspired Room the #1 Readers’ Choice Decorating Blog at Better Homes & Gardens Magazine. I was stunned and truly honored.
Earlier I was humbled to be included in the Top Five Better Homes & Gardens Editor’s Favorite Decorating Blogs. That recognition was wonderful on its own, but being chosen by readers feels especially meaningful and touching.
There are so many excellent blogs out there. I don’t consider myself better than anyone — far from it — but receiving this honor felt surreal. I double-checked the email because I couldn’t believe it: they like me! I’m grateful for every vote and for everyone who took the time to support the blog. Congratulations to the other winners as well — the blogging community is full of creative, inspiring people.
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, from my family’s heart, and from Jack and Lily’s hearts — we adore you. Your encouragement keeps this space alive and meaningful.
To celebrate, here’s an awkward cell phone selfie we took after hearing the news. We were pretty happy, as you can see.
