can we talk?

Hello, sweet friends!

 

You just never know what's going to be in your inbox, do you?  For instance, I got an email yesterday from a reader (or maybe not a reader...whatever) who was wondering why this blog had been nominated for a Homie award.  Actually, it's a very valid question, although I can't answer it for certain, as I didn't nominate myself, nor did I ask anyone to nominate me (as some blogs have, but I'm not naming names).  But I thought it would be fun to talk it out.  You game?  Oh, good!

So.  The Homies.  They are for blogs who exhibit "the best in home design."  I wouldn't necessarily put myself in that category, not right off the bat.  Not if you are looking for straight-out ideas for "decorating" your home, and nothing else.  But I do hope that Sweet Sweet Life offers more than that.  I do like to cover homes, but homes of a certain sort:  usually (but not always) family homes, always the homes of creative people who love to let their personality shine through in their surroundings, and who appreciate a sort of living beauty, the beauty of the everyday (I don't know how else to describe it).  I find that so inspiring, because that is what I think my family and I aspire to do in our home.  So, it's a learning process, really.

But, the houses aren't what it's really about, for me.  It's about living, and sharing, and inspiring each other.  It's about finding joy, and really good deals, and being excited when you walk in the door at night.  It's about raising sweet people, and appreciating each day, recognizing the tough ones as well as the good.  And that's all about home, right?

Real homes.  Real lives.  Jobs lost, illnesses dealt with, cookies baked, things being made, children taking baths, books being read, hugs given and received.  That's home, to me.

My home is in no way a "model" home, nor am I any kind of arbiter of taste or style.  (I wouldn't want to be--what a horrible burden!)  But, I know what I like, and I know what inspires me to be a better mom, and wife, and daughter, sister, friend.  And I hope that sometimes, the things I share speak to you, too, and give you a little something to bring to your home or heart or life, even if it's just a smile.  That would be totally awesome.

That's what my blog's about--making a home, making a life, making do.  I know, of course, that I won't win the Homies...not even close!...but I'm really excited that someone thought of me when they saw that nominations were open.  That makes me happy beyond words, and I'm really, truly grateful.  Lord knows, neither I nor my blog are smart or sophisticated, and if that's what one is looking for, I would urge you to click on (though, I wish you wouldn't!).  On a good day, I only have about 800 readers, and I know that that is because Sweet Sweet Life isn't everyone's cup of tea.  That's okay.  The people that have stopped by consistently and given me all sorts of wonderful feedback are more valuable to me than thousands of readers.  Really.

This week marks my first year of blogging, and while I'm not always certain I will keep it up, I always do.  Because it teaches me so much, and makes me realize what an incredibly lucky person I am.  And that life is fun, and really, really sweet.  In fact, my dear favorite, Emily Dickinson, said this: "That it will never come again, is what makes life so sweet."  That's it, precisely. 

Thanks for sharing this journey with me.  I hope I can continue to learn from all of you, each and every day...

Merci, merci beaucoup!

xoxox.

Comments

[AForestFrolic]

You should totally win...I LOVE your blog!! So inspiring!

Jamie :)

[annalea]

what a great post! a true and honest reflection of what your blogging means to you - thanks for sharing.

"living, sharing, and inspiring. . .finding joy, and really good deals, and being excited when you walk in the door at night" - fantastic.

thanks for bringing us real homes and real lives - including your own!

de rien, annalea

[Penny]

Merci to you. I check in on you most every day.
Miss you in person tho.
Hugs
Penny

[stephanie]

My sweet Amy, there is so much love for you & your blog here in the snow-covered mountains of WV! You are one of the highlights of my day and I appreciate you showing what a real home is about - family, love, and life. :) Kisses to YOU!!

[lynn-anne]

i love this post! really strikes a chord . . .thanks! lynn-anne

[Kelly Henderson]

Beautifully said... Your values and your love shine through in every post. Thanks, Amy!

[Chrissie Grace]

Lovely thoughts...
I am a true fan and am still perusing your links .
Thanks for all the inspiration
Chrissie Grace

[katiecrackernuts]

Amy. Blog on. It's exactly your kinda blog I love, homely, not homie ... dig it?

[katiecrackernuts]

Actually, why don't we start a new award called The Homelys?

[Alexis]

I for one love you and your blog. It does inspire me everyday that I read one of your post's. I may not comment often, but you do touch a lot of live, including this lil stay-at home Momma to 3 kidlet's. I hope that one day my blog will grow up to be as great as yours.

[karen]

Your home does reflect a "happy home" so I am sure that is why it was nominated, it is so inviting that it inspires me, I am sure that people admire your style!

[Miranda]

Well, just know that I stop by quite often even if I comment seldom. I enjoy your blog very much. And 800 readers is nothing to be ashamed of let me tell you, I haven't even hit the 100 mark!
Maybe you can give me some pointers on how to get more, although I keep reminding myself it's not about the numbers. I do it cause I love it!!

[soNOTcool :: Jodi Anderson]

Ah, very well said.

I am generally a lurker, but I really enjoy your blog. You have some of THE BEST links on the internet to artists and crafters and lovers of interior design. On my RSS feed, I keep you in the "Daily Reads" folder.

[cris]

when I first found your blog it looked like any other to me, just at first sight, then I started reading your posts and believe it or not it has become one of my favourite blogs, one of the first blogs I visit everyday. Your findings are always sweet, cozy,creative, one of a kind, warm ...and I love the way you describe it. I hope you carry on many years, I'll keep visiting. Cris from Kireei, Spain

[Katherine]

Great answer, this has quickly become one of my favourite home blogs, because it's sweet, and real.

[Holly Keller]

You are lovely.

[Sandra]

Love your blog. Way to go.

[michelle]

Just gorgeous post...
I love the "real" pictures and adore the lived in look...
With lots of treasures and family and memories scattered around...
I have never heard of these awards...But I think you certainly fit into that category...
Love your blog...You should win!!!

[sunny]

I totally love your blog because of your genuine and sweet voice. The photos and ideas are great... but your blog is far more accessible and down to earth than so many others. Thanks for sticking with it!

[Lena Godemont]

just stay as you are.
inspiring and real.
authentic creativity will survive!
thanks!

[kdear]

Oh joy!

I am glad you feel loved. I thought long and hard about nominating or not-nominating you and came to EXACTLY the conclusion you did.

If I am nominating a influence in how I wish for my house to feel and be - then you win in my book. It is about the love and fun and caring that you put into your home and your blog that makes my heart happy.

Of course I also like looking at magazines and super shiny perfect houses, but you DO things for your house yourself. You care for it, you curse its dust-bunnies, you are not afraid to paint on the coffee table - or hey, paint THE coffee table.

Please don't stop writing. I would miss you very much.
~k

[Sunny]

Amy - I adore your blog, as you know. You're at the top of my list for blogs I must visit daily! This post is so well written and sums up precisely why I feel so at home when visiting your blog. I feel at home instantly - a knack that you have to make us all feel welcome. And of course there's your pretty house that you personalize all the time - and show us stunning photos of..that I drool over. (that's a good thing - not icky) :)

I'm glad you're blogging and hope you don't stop for awhile! (or ever?!)

[erika]

You could not have said it better and by the way I love visiting your blog and I feel very much at home reading all your lovely and creative posts. I think that there are many blogs on the list all great and oh so different.....

xoxo Erika

[v]

every time I read your blog I feel little bit like: sitting in your living room, drinking tea together, chatting over etsy finds, paumes books ...and...I never even met you:).you are doing great job Amy:)

[Amy Hanson]

Oh, my goodness, you guys! Thank you very much--really, I'm so grateful for all that you give. I really was just answering the silly question "Home Blog? Really?!" And sort of marking the one-year thing...I hope I didn't make you all feel you had to cheer me up--I'm totally loving all the love, but I'm also really, really happy just in general...The New Year's a-comin' and I'm ready to start the whole she-bang all over again. Let's show 'em what us sweet-types can do, okay?! (And Katie--Homelies--I love it!) xoxox.