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

[Bloesem]

Amy, your gorgeous blog has become one of my absolute favorites in the last year and I'm so looking forward to seeing another year of your blog...it's pure, unique, real and warm....and that's what a 'home' or a 'blog' should be about! love from KL and HAPPY NEW YEAR...irene xx

[Lucy @ Attic24]

Hi Amy
I've just this minute discovered your blog (via a link on Jane Fosters blog), and I am sooooooo happy to be here! I read this particular post of yours and it felt as if you were speaking for me, I can so relate to what you say.
I just wrote my own New year sort of review type homey-post and my sentiments are incannily similar to yours. I was trying to put into words why I write my blog, how I love to appreciate the colour, fun and beauty in the Everyday Ordinariness of stay-at-home living...ah well, you know I'm sure!

Anyhow, wanted to wish you a terrifci New Year ahead, I'm about to make myself a cup of tea and enjoy a little hop-skip-and-jump through your archives, you have a new reader on yer hands!!!!

Lots of love to you
Lucexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Attic24)

[Mama Veg]

I'm sorry someone made you feel the need to explain yourself. I visit your blog often and always find lovely things here. Thanks for inspiring me.