I think I take the expression ‘better late than never’ a little too far. As always, I’m late to the blog tour party, but I’ve been having fun learning about new blogs and getting to know a bit more about bloggers I already know as well. I was invited by Tammy who blogs over at One More Time Events. Tammy and I cyber-met when we started doing weekly blog hops over a year ago and I’ve been a fan ever since. Tammy has super creative ideas that she loves to share with her readers, so be sure to check her out.
Before I get into the nitty gritty, I have to ask, aren’t these ‘feet’ adorable? This picture was taken last September while staying with a friend in Montauk. We took the rocks home and I’ve recreated it on our deck (sorry, I don’t have a picture at the moment. Just trust me).
You know the drill, so here goes!
1) What are you working on right now?
I think it would be easier to answer the question, what am I NOT working on right now!
I’m always working on a something. Sometimes it could be something small, like organizing the pantry, trying something new like this bowl, or sewing some easy pillows. Other times it could be a more time consuming project like this plaid, painted dresser or my favorite project so far, this brooch bouquet. Right now I’m focused on getting the space under our deck enclosed so it can be used for much needed storage, and I’m excited that this past weekend we started the process of having the area leveled. Since we retired in April and essentially had to combine two households into one, I’ve become somewhat obsessed with organizing and getting the most out of the space I have and I’ll be sharing what I learned in upcoming posts.
When I’m not working on a house project, lately you can find me glued to the computer trying to learn as much as possible about LightRoom. It’s a huge learning curve for me! I’m convinced the technology Gods have it in for me. It’s like they all got together and said ‘what can we do to make Doreen’s life more frustrating?’ But I’m gonna keep on truckin!
2) How does my work differ from others in this genre?
Is it any wonder this question was a tough one for a lot of bloggers? I don’t ‘work’, at least not in the traditional sense, and I don’t consider my blog ‘work’. My blog is a crafts/home decorating/lifestyle blog. We all know there are thousands, no, actually tens of thousands of blogs that fall into that category so let’s face it, the only thing any blogger can claim is different about his/her blog is that it’s a reflection of them and their personal style. I enjoy sharing my life and my projects with my readers and can only hope it inspires some of my readers to stop thinking about doing projects and ‘just do it’, because as cliche as it sounds, if I can do it, anyone can!
3) Why do I write/create what I do?
I started the blog as a hobby in the spring of 2012. It has since grown into something that means much more to me than just a hobby. I’ve always enjoyed writing as well as decorating. Blogging gives me the opportunity to combine the two, and as a huge added bonus I get to meet like minded people out in cyber space that I never in a million years would ever have come to know. I love sharing my life at our little cabin and diy adventures with all of you, and really, are there any nicer people out there than bloggers? I think not!
4) How does your writing/creating process work?
When I first started blogging two years ago, I was far more regimented and organized about the blogging process. I wanted to make sure I was posting at least 2-3 times a week because that’s what the ‘experts’ recommended, but that started to feel more like a job and was getting, well, old.
I’m not monetized nor do I necessarily have the desire to go in that direction so I’ve become much more relaxed about what I blog about and how often. Sometimes I will know what I will blog about if there’s a particular project I’m working on, but oftentimes I blog spontaneously. That’s actually counter intuitive for me because I’m typically a huge list maker and planner but when it comes to blogging I think it would take a lot of the fun out of it if I over planned things or worse, was pressured to pump out a certain number of posts a week. I know if I ever want to make money off of blogging that mindset will have to change, but for now, especially in the good ol’ summertime, I’m taking it nice and easy.
The enclosed porch, pictured below, is one of my favorite spaces at the cabin. It’s while hanging out here that I get much of my inspiration, read and comment on other blogs, check my email and maybe Facebook. I’ve pretty much given up on Twitter (never could quite ‘get it’) and Google+ is a bit of a puzzle that’s missing a few pieces to me so I’ve moved on and rarely post there or interact. It was actually liberating! At other times sometimes I’ll watch some tv, read or talk on the phone in this space and with the possible exception of my craft room, it’s what I cherish most about living at the cabin.
So, now that I’ve shared a little bit about myself. It’s time to make room for two of the loveliest bloggers I know. They will participate in this tour next Monday, July 21st. These are blogs that I love to visit and I know you will too.
Jane, who blogs over at ‘Blondie’s Journals’ is a a Midwestern sweetheart of a lady, who now lives in a quiet & beautiful neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. She loves to garden, read, try new recipes, go antiquing, decorating, and needlework crafts. Jane has a year round home in the country on a huge lake in Southwest Michigan where you will find her doing all these things and more, and telling her readers all about it as only ‘Blondie’ can do!
Cindy, who blogs over at Cloches and Lavender, grew up and lives in New Jersey. She’s been happily married for 24 years and is a Momma to two miniature dachshunds, Peanut and Reeses, which are the love of her life.
Cindy and her husband recently built their dream home, and she’s thrilled to have a blank slate to decorate, and from what I’ve seen so far, she’s doing a fabulous job! I’m sooooooo jealous!
I hope you enjoyed the tour everyone, and don’t forget to check out Cynthia’s and ‘Blondie’s’ tours next Monday, the 21st!
Till next time…
Poppy says
Although we’ve only ‘cyber met’, and mostly hang out at each other’s blogs, I now consider you a friend, and one who would definitely come over for coffee and cake and conversation, if we lived closer! Your knack for smart redos and magical makeovers is always inspiring and your slightly sarcastic sense of humour, admirable!;)) So enjoyed reading about how House Honeys operates; thanks for another entertaining post!
xo
Poppy
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
nice post and wow does that porch ever look cozy and comfortable…I just love it! 🙂
Tammy says
Great post Doreen… love learning more about you and your pictures are great…I to have lightroom and can’t seem to figure it out… lol
Jane says
I really enjoyed this post, Doreen. The questions are quite original and we get to see a different side of you. You always have a lot on your plate and while you don’t make it sound easy, you make it sound doable and that’s inspiring.
Thanks for choosing me to do the hop next Monday. And I have to visit Cindy…she sounds very nice. Love the names of her pups!
Jane xx
Linda says
Hi Doreen, great to meet you. You have the cutest header. I see you are involved with many interests. Blogging is fun and it’s great to meet new people. Great post on about you and how you write. Keep on doing what you love, from your newest follower, Linda
Vicky Hunt says
I enjoyed getting to “know” you a little better! I always enjoy popping in here for a visit. Your photos pf the flowers are so gorgeous! I’ll be participating in the tour next month…was just asked yesterday! Have a wonderful week!
Blessings, Vicky
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
Well that was fun to read! I love your cabin and porch. I miss my Montana cabin and seeing yours made me smile! Nice to get to know you a little more.
Julie says
Hi Doreen, I like that I got to know you a little better and wish you happiness in your cabin! Good luck with all your house projects too. Thanks so much for all your lovely visits to my blog too. Enjoy your week.
Julie
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
Thanks for the compliment on my arrangements. I was a floral designer when I worked and stgill do things on the side for people. This was fun to read nabut you and I will have to go back and read again. I feel like you do about blogging, I don’t want it to be a “chore” or a “job”!!!! I just share what I like. There is pressure to grow bigger and better but I am not going in that direction. Thanks for sharing your life and I look forward to the others. I follow Jane too but don’t know the other gal. XO, Pinky
kelly says
It was fun reading about your background in blogging. I participated in this same tour several weeks ago myself. I look forward to following the other 2 bloggers that will participate next Monday. I already follow Blondie’s blog.
Alli says
I did enjoy learning more about you, Doreen! And I’m so glad that I’m not the only one who just doesn’t get Twitter. And Google+ is still a bit of a mystery to me. Some ‘experts’ say you shouldn’t thank people that share your post on Google+, while others say you should. It can be dizzying.
We are a lot alike! I love to write and share the little bit that I know and that’s why I started a blog. The other stuff is just stuff.
And I’ve got to recreate your “feet!” They are adorable!!
SharonFromMichigan says
Doreen, You’re not alone with no Twitter or Google+! I’m not a big Facebook fan either, but I do love to read blogs! Your enclosed porch sitting room is beautiful. It looks so quiet, cozy and bright, a great place to decompress and relax! I’ve been contemplating starting a blog next year (after I retire) and your tour through blogland is giving me some hope that I just might be able to do it. Thanks for the inspiration! Have a wonderful weekend. Sharon
Doreen says
Hi Sharon! That’s fabulous that you’re about to retire and considering starting a blog! If you get a moment, read one of my early posts about ‘why I blog’. Here’s the link: http://foxdenrd.com/?p=1713 (If for some reason it doesn’t work just type in ‘why I blog’ in the search bar on the right sidebar.)
Michigan is on my bucket list of places to see. Maybe one day we will meet!
I appreciate your stopping by and commenting, and if you have any questions about retirement or blogging (or both), just send me an email!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
I liked going through your answers! I liked the way the questions were different from the usual ones, even if I agree, they were difficult to answer!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hi Doreen! This is great! I’ve enjoyed all your answers and pictures. You are so endearing. I look forward to many more of your blog posts. 😀