Today is my birthday. And I’m a woman ‘of a certain age’ but you knew that, right?
I was told I couldn’t make a living as a creative.
I was told I was NOT creative.
I was told I was unattractive.
I told that my house wasn’t good enough to make it into a magazine.
Like you, I’ve been put down over the years. Like you, there were people close to me that didn’t believe in me. I didn’t have a support system when I began blogging. I knew no bloggers, I was a nobody who didn’t know what she was doing. I didn’t even have a decent digital camera. My mother wouldn’t read my blog.
If you want to see some of the early photos on my blog, you can find them HERE.
But, God…
I put blinders on and put my head down and worked and worked. Some friends thought I was nuts. Many thought I was wasting my time. When my blog crashed back in 2012 (without a backup) my mom said she was glad, because now I could get back to my real life.
I had a laughable header, and didn’t know a thing about good blog design. I named my blog Cedar Hill Ranch after our farm/ranch because that’s what we called our country place. Then I realized that nobody seemed to get that I did country French design, because my blog had the word ‘ranch’ in it. I changed the name to Cedar Hill Farmhouse in 2013.
I made friends with other bloggers, and worked and worked. I didn’t copy what everyone else was doing. I did my own thing. I kept my eyes on my own paper.
Well, all of that to say, this blog has opened all kinds of doors for me. I work with sponsors I adore, I work with magazines that I find amazing, and I get to talk to you, and sometimes you talk back… in a good way. After 19+ magazine features, 4 magazine covers and a book deal, it’s safe to say that ‘they’ were wrong.
So why am I telling you this? Because this isn’t about me, it’s about you. What have you been told that isn’t true? What label have you been living with that is just plain wrong?
For everyone who has been put down, told you don’t matter, told you weren’t good enough, I’m celebrating you today. It’s my birthday but you are my heroes. I appreciate you so much!
As a present to you, I’m doing a 15% sale off everything I have in stock. Use discount code birthday
Click here to see my in stock items.
Edited to add: I love my Mom, and she loves me. She just doesn’t get the whole blogger thing.
Happy Burthday!! Thank you for the beauty you bring to us all!! May you have a beautiful, love filled day!
Happy happy birthday Anita! Thank you for your encouraging words! Also for believing in your God given ability & passion to reach out to others & share all the creative design possibilities for our homes.
Happy Birthday Anita!! What a beautiful and inspiring post, you are truly a gifted creative designer and thank you for sharing your expertise and lovely photos with us.
Hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends!
Happy Birthday! What a beautiful confirmation of believing in oneself! Wishing you many more birthdays.
Happy Birthday! An inspiring story about overcoming roadblocks. Thanks for sharing. Jude
Happy birthday! So glad you didn’t listen to all those negative people! Thanks for sharing your wonderful blog. You are an inspiration!
Happy Birthday January Friend. It was my birthday on the 2nd of January, so we have this in common.
The things you were told, and made to believe, well they were just not true. See what happens when you stop listening to everyone, but your heart? You took that leap of faith and did what you do best and that is inspire others, and somewhere along the way you started to believe in yourself. I can relate to much of what you said here Anita, when I started blogging it was that first step off the cliff, and that step in sorts saved me. It was trying times and a very cold lonely January 7 years ago, yes my birthday month was that very leap I took in creating the blog Burlap Luxe.
It was freeing to share, and inspiring, and it was a life saver to hang onto.
In sorts blogging I would say saved your life, it gave you confidence to continue with your vision, and to become all that you are. All the features in magazines are proof of that.
You wrote your story the way you wanted to tell it, you designed your home around your dreams, and heartbreakingly you found your place, and didn’t look back.
You really didn’t need anybody to read your post, or care in how you design or create, it was you that mattered and you proved it to yourself. A powerful outcome to listening to yourself for once and look at all who now listen to you.
Anita, your a brave powerful beautiful women, thank you for finally believing it.
It’s given many of us the courage to want to be you, the you inside all of us.
May your journey continue in blieveing in yourself, let know one stand in your way of your beauty.
Keep inspiring all you create, design, and believe in….
Yes, it’s your birthday and celebrate it believeing.
Xx
Bisous
Doré
Happy Birthday! 🙂
Happy Birthday!
Love your positive and powerful message. I have been there as well and learned long ago to trust myself and try as best as possible to ignore the nay-sayers. Happy Birthday … and thank you for what you do.
A very happy birthday to you! And…you proved them all wrong. Thanks for the wise lesson.
Have a great day from the Netherlands
Happy birthday
So wish you shipped to the uk
Happy Birthday. I am glad you didn’t give up. You inspired us all.
You’ve proven all the naysayers wrong! Be proud of your many accomplishments, you’ve earned it. Have a very Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday, Anita!
That must have really stung when your mother, in particular, dismissed your dreams. I’m sure you know by now that her reaction said a lot more about herself than you. I would have thought that she would have been so proud of and thrilled by your accomplishments. Something in her own life must have spoiled those feelings for her. Well, enjoy your special day and know that we are all happy for you!
But God, yes! Thank you for remaining faithful to your passion and calling. You have inspired so many! Happy Birthday dear Anita <3
Patti
Anita I love your story! You are amazing! So glad you persevered! My birthday is tomorrow! I always seems to gravitate towards my Capricorn sisters! Enjoy your day!
Happy birthday, and may your coming year be wonderful! Your brief story is a testament to the concept that you need to leave behind all the TOXIC naysayers. They’re people you don’t need in your life. Never give them permission to sway or deter you. Your gut told you what your calling was – aren’t you glad you listened? Keep telling yourself what a fabulous job you are doing! Your blog is lovely, you’ve learned (isn’t that what’s really important?) and grown (that too!). Best wishes! Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday…LOVE your blog!
Happy happy birthday Anita! Love your ideas and decorating inspiration! Keep up the good work. I am so inspired!
I am always astonished how negative and soul-killing some people can be to others, esp those close to them! Over coming all those barriers makes your blog doubly inspiring! You go girl! I always love to hear a “I did it against all odds” story! Thanks for sharing!
Happy Birthday Anita! I think your AWSOME!!?
Happy birthday- you are doing a great job, and I always am looking for a post. Do you have a store or shop on site, or is it all on line?
Happy Birthday, Anita! You are absolutely beautiful and so is your blog! Thanks so much for all the positive thoughts and your encouragement to those of us who are unsure about our decorating decisions. Hope you have a beautiful birthday! After 49 years of marriage – I still love dishes!!
Happy birthday!! You have a wonderful blog!! I loooovvveee it and look forward to reading it each day!!
Happy birthday! Thank you for the wonderful inspirations.
Happy birthday. So glad you were able to hold onto your faith and rise above the negativity for success. It’s amazing how others seem to obtain so much joy at our failures and so little happiness at our achievements. I enjoy reading your post each morning, and I love the inspiration you give with each day’s thought. Have a wonderful day.
What an inspiring blog to share your heart with others. May you have a beautiful birthday!
Happy Birthday!!! I’m glad you ignored the negative elements around you!!!
Happy Birthday Anita. I am new to your blog and being a stay at home mom who has been home caring for a terminally ill child and now another whom has been in a car accident left paralyzed, I don’t get out at all. Coming to your blog has brought me much happiness and inspiration. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to bring joy to some who dont get to do other things. Coming here is like going out for me. I am grateful. God Bless you and thank you.
Happy Birthday! Thank goodness you didn’t listen to others and followed your dream. I love your blog and read it daily.
Happy Birthday Anita ! You go girl. You are truly inspirational!!!
Happy birthday, Anita. My view of success for oneself is first to believe in your own thunder. There will always be people who doubt your abilities. Usually, they are very willing to share that with you. Over time, you have proved them wrong. I love your blog style and content, both personal and decorative. Hope your day is filled with joy.
Happy Birthday, Anita! Wow….. we and you would have missed out on so much if you had listened to the naysayers. I am so glad you didn’t. Thank you for encouraging all of us today!
Happy birthday to YOU! And THANK YOU for this post.
Happy Birthday Anita! it is also my birthday! So glad you kept blogging despite what others said! Many blessings!
Happy Birthday, Anita! You have, and always will be, an inspiration to me! Blessings for continued success, dear friend.
Happy birthday! Thank you for giving all of us the gift of inspiration and encouragement. Congratulations on all of your success and for not giving up. Here’s to many more achievements!!
Happy birthday to an amazing woman with an amazing story!
Happy Birthday! You are such an inspiration to all of us. I hope you have a wonderful day. Maria
Happy Birthday Anita!!! I think yours was the first (or almost) blog I read and surely the first I followed and looked forward too! You have a wonderful story and I congratulate you on your birthday!
And the blog post about the dishes… too good for words, lol. I love dishes, too, but the second guessing myself, giving in to what others like/think, is a weakness of mine. I often regret not going with what I like or think is right. You are so encouraging!
Happy Happy Birthday,Anita.
Thank you for being creative. Thank you for taking beautiful photos of your amazing home. Thank you for sharing your love and skills with all of us. It was wonderful meeting you at Haven and I hope to see you again…maybe around Texas. 🙂
Happy Birthday!!!!!! I am proud for you!!! I have followed your blog for a couple of years now. I want to say: I find you talented! I find you creative! I am glad you kept your head down! I am glad for your fresh perspective! I am glad you are you! Keep going!!! I love your style.
YOU are awesome! Happy birthday! Can’t wait to celebrate you!
Yay…Happiest Birthday…you’ve come a long way, baby. 🙂
Happy Birthday to a fellow Cappy!…and we have all benefited by your tenacity and belief in yourself! May you have a most beautiful Birthday!!!
Happy birthday! You have much to celebrate!!
Happy Birthday Anita.
You are truly an inspiration to all. I love reading your blog and I love your home. Have a wonderful day…
Happy Birthday! But God….when we look to Him it makes ALL the difference. He knows us, He Made us and He has plans for our life.
I feel confident that your birthday will be a most glorious one, mainly because you will make sure it is! I love your blog and your belief in yourself. Thank you for being you!
Happy Hirthday! But God! But God had other ideas. I love how God does what HE does best and that is love His children through all the hurt and pain and He is the one that gives us our creative minds. I had no positive influences in my young life and was told I would always be fat, not pretty like my sister nor as smart. BUT GOD saw the strength in His child and the beauty and life has been miraculous for me. Praise the Lord for His goodness.
Happy Birthday! I think you are amazing and how wonderful you are to share your a talents and encouragement. Have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday to you Anita ! Thank you for all you do…I LOVE your blog…it’s inspirational ..I so enjoyed the entry with all the photos of houses in your neighborhood…wishing you a beautiful celebration with your family and friends…Smiles …….Anne
Happy birthday! I’m so glad you didn’t listen to all those naysayers. I, too, am of a certain age. I love reading your blog and have been a reader for quite a while. Keep writing, and I will keep reading!
Thanks for sharing your inspiring story; I would never have guessed that about you. Congratulations on your many accomplishments & HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
We actually share January 17th; it’s my birthday, too. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US !!!
My first thoughts were “oh, my God, who would tell you those things?!!” “How ugly! Why weren’t they encouraging you ? ” I think that most of us who have ever taken up a new creative outlet have realized later that our first efforts weren’t that great. But as we continued, our works morphed into beautiful pieces that we were proud to share with others. I join in with all your followers here to thank you for sticking with your dreams and pushing forward to produce one of the best blogs I subscribe to. You encourage us. You inspire us. You share as a friend would share. We celebrate you and all you give us! Look at all the gifts you receive here today, Anita! We give the gifts of love, friendship, confidence, pride. No, we don’t know you personally, but I for one start to feel a kinship to the authors of the blogs I read. And because you’re a fellow-Texan, I support you. So glad you didn’t listen to any of them. You have done well and I am proud for you. Happy Birthday, Anita!
Happy birthday!!!!! I love, love, love your blog! I believe that I told you before I had saved pictures of your kitchen when I was planning my kitchen renovation. So helpful and inspirational.
Your personal story reminds me of my own! I am now a painter. Portraits, still life, narrative paintings. And, practically no one–except for my sweet husband and God believed in me. My whole life I was told, “No, you can’t.” But, now I am. But, your story resonated with me, and probably many of your readers.
Many blessings on your special day, and thank you for being so real.
Love,
Elizabeth Brown
Happy Birthday!
I LOVE those two words, BUT GOD!
Happy Birthday. May the blessings of God continue to be upon you.
Happy Birthday Anita! You’ve truly built a legacy for your family. Well done.
Happy Birthday! Best post I’ve read all month! Thank you!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANITA!
Happy Birthday Anita ! Never give up !
Today is my birthday too !
Happy Birthday, boy did you prove those people wrong! You are one of the most genuine and talented designers I have had the pleasure of watching. You go girl!
The Happiest Birthday ever, Anita! Hope you have a safe, healthy, prosperous New Year, Much love and God’s blessings to you and your family.
Happy birthday! Thanks for sharing your story. A lot of times I don’t try something new because I’ve been told I will fail. Glad you have persevered.
Happy Birthday!!! I always enjoy your posts, your home is gorgeous and most importantly so are you. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Candy
I for one am very glad you did not listen to those negative people! It has been a joy to get to know you and watch your success over the years. Have a very happy birthday Anita!
Happy Birthday my dear friend ! You are such a kindred spirit to me – it is no wonder we share this day as our birthday! I am so grateful that you didn’t listen to those people so we could meet as bloggers and become friends. Looking forward to all 2017 will bring. xx
What Patty said! You were my first blog and I feel a real friendship with you. I feel sorry for those that weren’t only non supportive, but were downright RUDE. But not sorry enough not to tell them to go jump in the lake. Ha! Hope your mother can swim! Happy birthday, dear friend ♥
X0, Ginger
Happy happy birthday….
you have accomplished what some of us have only dreamed about…
Happy Birthday and thanks for sharing your story. You can look at someone and never know what’s going on in their hearts and lives. I stayed in a marriage for 37 years – finally realized I could do it – these past 9 years have been wonderful. Yeah for us and all the other strong, deserving women!
Anita, your blog is one of my absolute favorites and your home is so lovely (you are also quite lovely). I am so glad you let God take you beyond what seemed normal or natural. Have a wonderful birthday and I hope that in this next year many more dreams come true for you and your family.
I seriously got goosebumps reading your blog today. I’m so glad you didn’t listen to “them” and you followed your instincts…Which I truly believe is God. I love seeing how he’s blessed you. I wish you the Happiest Birthday ever. ????❤❤
Happy wonderful Birthday! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. You are an inspiration to us all. Keep on blogging 🙂 Cheers
Happy Hap-pi-ness Birthday Anita?Wishing you your best one yet!!! You followed your journey and have worked very hard and believed in you self… that said you have always been a very positive inspiring woman and Thank you>~~>now kick off those cowgirl boots and go Celabrate ?
Happy Birthday Anita. I so enjoyed your story. I was a lot like you when I was young. I was told that it took a lot of money to do some of the ideas that I dreamed about, a lot of my friends thought I was crazy also and told me that I needed to get a job that would support me since I was single. Yes, I thought of all that and did continue to work, but went to decorating school at night when I got older, worked with 4 great Interior Decorators, then I retired and now am doing what I wanted to do. I guess I was either stupid or just determined that I could make it (not get rich), but be satisfied and help other people. So glad that you didn’t listen, because your blogs help me and so many others. It is a joy to get up in the morning and turn o my computer and see all of you that I have heard about over the years. Keep up the great work, and so proud of you.
I love your story…and yes, I did go check out your first blogs – the plate story is a perfect example of listening to that inner voice and learning to trust your instincts! I love your willingness to be vulnerable with us, I love how you give examples of how you learn and grow. You are a beautiful example. If you can do all this then we can certainly imagine choosing a plate or pillow and learn to follow our hearts too!
We all have a story. Obviously your mom has one too. Where as she was locked into unhappiness – for reasons you may never learn – you broke free! Well done.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Mine is a week from today!
Your openness about your struggles to achieve your dream was awe inspiring.
I too had a dream to start a career the year of our son’s freshman year in college. It meant leaving the security of a job with a steady income to begin a job that paid commission only.
Contrary to your experience however, my husband was my biggest cheerleader,encouraging me to step out on faith. My current employer even offered to hold my position open for a few months until I was certain the new careeer was for me.
I never looked back,and after twenty three years, I retired with the blessing of a job that I loved and people who supported me all along my journey.
Now, I try to be an encourager to others,as are you.
Have a BLESSED BIRTHDAY!❤???
Happy Birthday Anita, enjoy your special day!
Happy birthday Anita! You’ve come a long way baby . . . . keep bringing those beautiful inspiring photos and words our way!
Happy your day Anita….
How wonder filled you make my day
Thanks for being YOU
Happy Birthday, Anita! and many, many more! I love, love, love your blog! It’s the first thing I read every morning. It always starts off my day the right way. Loved reading your story and learning that you too overcame naysayers and doubters to do the one thing you felt driven to do. May God bless you and your loved ones! Enjoy your day! Chicki
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Anita!!!!!!! It’s hard to believe anyone would have treated you like that (you’re beautiful, talented…) but glad you kept keeping on. Thanks so much for all you do, and enjoy your day!!
Happy Birthday! And I love your blog. It’s very helpful to me. I understand the feeling of not having support or encouragement. But thankfully we have an awesome God who loves us perfectly. For me, he also gave me a wonderful husband who knows the value of supporting one another. God bless.
YOU are REAL! thank you for sharing the transparency of your life with us!!!! I love your blog! Have a glorious Birthday !!!!! ?????
Happy Birthday, Anita! I am grateful that you did not listen to the naysayers! Love your blog!
Happy Birthday, and many more to come!
I have enjoyed your site very much.
? HAPpY BiRtHdAy to you….? Anita, thank you for sharing your inspiring story with everyone. I am wishing you a wonderful day filled with family, friends and fun! ?????
A very, very Happy Birthday. God put something beautiful inside each of us to find and explore. You found yours, Anita. Thank you for sharing your beauty inside and out, as well as your beautiful home.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear sweet friend! I’m so happy you walked into my life! You have been such a wonderful friend!
May more blessings abound toward you, Anita! Happy Birthday to you and enjoy your day!
Happy birthday Anita! So glad you didn’t quit and you continue to inspire me!!
Birthday Blessings! And thank you for inspiring others to give their creative vision a chance. I love your style and enjoy your blog. Thank you for being true to yourself! Happiest of Birthdays!
Happy Birthday!!!! Thank you for being your own unique self!!!!
Happy, happy birthday. May it rain all things French and lovely on you.
Happy Birthday, Anita! ????
Thanks for sharing your inspirational story with us. You had me fooled. I always thought you were a natural! ?
Happy Birthday. Gave a great day.
Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy Birthday ? Anita, how wonderful that you didn’t listen to them and now your living your dreams….
Smiles~~
Maritza
Happy birthday, Anita! You spoke to my heart. I am sure you have encouraged many women today. Thank you so much. I’m praying that you have a blessed birthday!!!
Happy Birthday Anita! I love your website and make time within my busy days to read it. You are a wonderful role model to the women out there doing what we do every day while trying to create and enjoy beauty and comfort in our lives.
Anita, you touch my heart. Aside from all your obvious talent you have a tender soul and your hard fought lessons enrich us all. I too had a very critical mother, and she seemed jealous of even my small perks or accomplishments. But because of that I had to gain strength and learn empathy. Congrats on your many, many successes. You deserve them all.
Happy Birthday! Thanks for believing in yourself and sharing your creative spirit! May you have many, many more!
Happy Birthday from someone also of a certain age + several more years than you. I too had a mother who tried her best to make me into the unhappy, sour, fearful and dismal person she herself was – and then a husband who could only make himself feel big by making me feel small. After freeing myself from yet a second unsupportive husband, it has taken most of a lifetime to allow myself to continue to be the person in my head. While I am not a blogger nor did I become famous in any particular field, with grit and hard work I raised two successful and wonderful children alone and now in my retirement years, I am proud and content knowing that throughout it all, I have maintained my love of all things beautiful, my connection to nature, my empathy for others and my appreciation that I was strong enough to come out the other side intact and as a survivor rather than a victim.
You too are a survivor and our world is a better place because of it. I love your blog and the story behind it – and your courage to share.
‘But God’, I just love that! Happy Birthday Anita! Wishing you a blessed day and upcoming year!!
Happy Birthday Anita! You are not alone in your life journey. Many of us have experienced what you have. I think it just makes us stronger. Thank you for your beautiful site for me it’s a place to escape to.
Anita,
Wishing you a most wonderful birthday! Thank you so much for sharing your story which encourages me! Your blog is one of my very favorites! May God continue to bless you! Have a great birthday! Louise
Anita! First of all, Happy Birthday! Second of all, THANK you! People have told me my home (the last one and our new project built in 1900) should be in a magazine, and I laughed it off…I even have a pinterest board called Blog…me? You inspire us because you have overcome the nay sayers and DONE it! I’m thinking about it more seriously than just having a facebook page for my dog! Again, you go girl! Maybe your Mom will start her own blog someday!
Happy Happy Birthday Anita!!! Thank you for all you do!! Thank you for having a blog that many of us look forward to!!
Make this your best yet Birthday girl!!!!
Happy Birthday, Anita! You certainly deserve it. Success is the best revenge. I admire you both for your grit and grace.
I’m so proud of you for keeping on keeping on. Good for you! Happy Birthday! I hope it’s extra special in every way!
Happy Birthday! I’m glad you didn’t listen to the nay-sayers!
Happy Birthday Anita! I sometimes like to say that blogging gave me a purpose in life and I think for you too! Enjoy your special day!
Happy Birthday Anita!! Thank you for sharing your road to success with us. I started a blog a few years ago (Divabirds Nest) , knowing I would soon be retiring from a nursing career. Decorating our home and others has always been my true passion. Then my husband had some health issues, so I put it on hold. You have inspired me to consider becoming active again! I think I have read all your magazine articles and have your book. Your blog is great and your sweetness comes across through your posts!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANITA! May you be blessed with a lovely day and a year filled with wonderful things! You are one amazing gal with so many great gifts! We love reading your posts and you are truly a blessing to all of us!
Bless you today — and every day, Anita!
Anita, Wishing you the Happiest of Birthday’s!
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring testimony, that will sustain me on my own personal journey. As for the naysayers, I’m sure they are still in shock and awe -:) Keep proving them wrong. You got this.
Desde bien lejos, al sur del sur, desde Buenos Aires, Argentina te envío este mensaje de feliz cumpleaños y decirte que eres un ejemplo inspirador . Adelante Anita
Happy Birthday, Anita! Just wanted to take this opportunity to say what an inspiration you have been to me. I took your photography class at Haven last year and have been following you since and just love your style and your outlook.
Here’s to many more (mine is Thursday and a “certain milestone”. Keep ’em coming.
Happy Birthday Anita,
Thank you for being You! I always go to your blog for French inspiration in my decorating…So glad you followed your heart…
Stay true to yourself & enjoy
Peace & Love
Stephanie
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Anita!! So glad you didn’t listen and kept going! Enjoy your day and thank you for all that you do and inspire in us!
Happy Birthday Anita…… Stand strong stay strong . So glad you prooved everyone wrong.love your blog and your ideas.. Great story bless you…
What a great message! Happy Birthday!!
Happy Birthday Anita! I have been reading your blog for years. It would be so much easier if all of the people closest to us were supportive, encouraging and happy knowing we are doing something we love. Unfortunately, there are many of us who do not have that support. So we have two choices,believe everything people say and go about existing,or,have enough strength within ourselves to be our authentic selves and live. I have done both,it sounds like you have too. I appreciate your dedicating your birthday today to us,your readers. I do hope also that you know how amazing you are! You have proven to yourself and everyone else,how well both sides of your brain work!
Happy birthday. My favorite words of encouragement for myself and others: “Let go and let God. . .”. Only God knows your future and talents. I have been told that I am an encourager. It makes me feel good when I am making someone happy. A “friend: doesn’t criticize another friend. We get enough of that from others. You are creative and beautiful. Really enjoy your blog. Thanks so much for sharing.
Happy, HAPPY birthday, Anita! I hope you have had a wonderful day doing something you enjoy! I am so glad you never listened to all the nay sayers!!!
I’m another new-b but you ‘story’ sounds like so many of us that pushed through and made a wonderful life! Blessing on your Birthday and Always!
Blessings to you on your birthday.
Happy Birthday. Thanks for sharing all of the wonderful pictures that inspire us. Blessings to you.
Happy Birthday to you Sweetheart!! I hope your day is wonderful – as is your site and blog. I enjoy seeing and reading what you say everyday. Keep up the great work and Celebrate! Every year is an accomplishment!
Happy Birthday! Your story is inspiring for all of us. Whether we’ve heard these things from others or a small voice inside of ourselves, we CAN all achieve our dreams. Thank you for being so open and honest with us.
Happy Birthday! Even on your own birthday, you find the time to give great advice…
Helen H
Happy birthday! I love your confidence and your mom sounds hilarious ?
Vicki
Happy Birthday! I love your blog and I loved this back story. I think we all have been held back by what other people tell us. We truly grow up and become authentic when we do what you did – put your head down and keep going. Good for you.
I too, love Dessert Rose Dishes. I have been collecting the California made DR dishes as I find them. I love the hunt. Thanks for letting me know I am not addicted to dishes, I appreciate dishes! I’m not telling how many sets I have! Giggle.
Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday Anita. I love all of your work, your book and your advice. Glad you didn’t give up.
Happy Birthday!!! It’s been a fantastic journey, thank you for taking me with you.
Happy Birthday Anita, you are a true inspiration. I’ll share a quote that I try to repeat everyday, “it’s not who you are that’s holding you back, it’s who you think you’re not.”
xo Pat
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
YOUR’S IS MY FAVORITE BLOG!! I FIND YOUR TASTE IN DECORATING
TO BE EXQUISITE. YOU ARE MY IDOL! KEEP UP YOUR GREAT WORK AND KEEP DOING
GREAT THINGS TO SHARE WITH US. GOD BLESS YOUR LOVELY HEART!!
ENJOY WHAT’S LEFT OF YOUR DAY.
Happy birthday and thank you for several years of sharing inspirations. Congratulations on your present success and I wish much more in the years to come.
Kindest regards,
Carolina Elizabeth
Happy birthday Anita! I recognized your talent wa……………y back then when I first found your blog! It’s been a pleasure to see you find success and recognition.
Thank you so much Jane. Yes we’ve know each-other for a long time.
A uthentic
N ever give up
I nspiring
T ruthful
A wesome
Happy Birthday, sweet Anita! Where would we all be without YOU? I appreciate your honesty, inspiration, and you believing in YOURSELF!
Keep up the GREAT work! I thank God for YOU!
Hope YOUR day is wonderful and it takes you DAYS to read all of YOUR birthday greetings!!
Wishing you a day of happiness and a year of blessings. I am glad you continued with this blog. I enjoy your posts.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Marilyn and family
Happy Birthday! Thank you for following your calling to share your inspiration with the rest of us. We love what you do and find our inspiration in things you share. We are proud of you! Keep up the good work. Hope you have a fantastic day!
A most Wonderful and Happy Birthday to You, Anita!! Thank you for sharing some of the road blocks you had to hurdle to get where you are. Thanks for the encouragement you give to the rest of us who struggle with our own blocks. You are anything but what the nay-sayers told you! You are amazing, unique and lovely–a talented and beautiful woman “of a certain age!” Those of us “of a certain age” must hang together and encourage each other along. Sometimes we only hear the things we already know when someone else tells them to us.
I enjoy your blog very much and wish you a satisfying and prosperous 2017!
Happy Happy Birthday, Anita! Thank you for not listening to others, but only your heart. Only you know where you are supposed to be in life. You have made so many people happy with your wonderful, inspiring blogs. Really think about that and know you made the right decision. I can’t imagine anyone telling you you are not talented, they must all be eating their words. As for telling you you are not attractive, they were right, you are Beautiful!
Keep following your heart, we need you!
Happy Birthday Anita! WELL DONE!!!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Anita! You pressed on regardless and have set a great example for all of us. Congratulations and I wish you much happiness in the future! I love your blog!
Happy Birthday!, thank you for the post. It sure speaks to me! Congrats on ur successes!
Hi Anita, I’m wishing you Happy Birthday along with the rest of blogland! (sorry I’m a day late) I can relate but not with blogging, mine came with my spiritual beliefs and journey. Other people, sometimes it’s a family member, are the hardest on us, and the last to see our path and vision. Many people don’t understand that often our pursuits and goals are God inspired, and even though they don’t understand (that they don’t “get it”) that they should support us with our goals and dreams. I’m sure God gave you the strength and determination to see the success that He had instilled in you. Bless your heart, Anita, I’m so glad you weren’t deterred by naysayers. xoxo Debra
Thank you sweet Debra. You really inspired me a lot. Thank you!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOD BLESS! and GOOD LUCK ON YOUR CONTINUED SUCCESS!
Anita, thanks for sharing the real you!! Love your Blog!! Happy Bithday ?
Anita, I love this post SO much! I’m glad I saved it in my inbox until I had a chance to read it… 🙂 Hope you enjoyed a wonderful birthday!! Oh, and I can’t believe anyone said any of those things to you, but I completely understand and also have people who just don’t get the whole blog thing. My mother doesn’t read my blog either… 😉
I also found the old photos inspiring because of how awesomely (is that a word?) your photography has advanced!! Love your creativity and love what you have built!
Hello Anita,
I want to thank you for your post. I cannot convey here how much it inspired me to follow my heart without allowing obstacles to stop me.
I signed up today to follow you, and am really looking forward to exploring your wonderful blog.
A belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday – so glad you rose above all the negativity! Keep up the beautiful work!!!
Happy Birthday Anita! ?
I can’t believe that people didn’t encourage you and grab hold of you to lift you up. I love your blog. Also being a woman of a certain age I can understand your self doubt and lack of confidence. I’m so glad you hung in there with your nose to your own paper. Your blog is a breath of fresh air. It inspires as well as stimulates me to do new things outside my comfort zone. Thank you for all that you do Anita and for inspiring us no matter what our age is. Thank you ???
I am much too late but still had to say it: Happy (belated) Birthday, Anita.
I am so glad you proved “them” wrong. The world – espcially blogdom – is so much better with you in it!
Congrats on all your achievements thus far – and I know deep in my heart that it is just the beginning for you. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much Michele. You made my day!