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Behind the Blog

By Anita 17 Comments

Come on in, and grab a seat.  I am joining some amazing friends on this fun tour. First let me introduce you to my blogging bestie Yvonne at Stone Gable, who invited me to this party.

Me+11+-+BLOG

We have never met in person, but we cannot stop talking when we chat on the phone.  I grew up in Hershey, PA, and she lives in Lancaster, PA very near by.  Next summer, I have decided we will meet in person. Her blog is Stone Gable.

So I am supposed to answer some questions, although I suspect the regular readers know this stuff, but a promise is a promise, so I am answering the questions.

 

1. What am I working on?

A book on French design.  I was approached by a publisher who asked me if I would be interested in writing a book. I looked around, and said, “Who? Me?”  Then I said, “Oh yeah, I’m in!”  I put a proposal together and boom, here I am. Writing a book is different than writing a blog. I am not going to lie to you. It’s a bit stressful.

 

Oddly enough what has been most helpful to my book writing process is the fact that I used to develop statistics courses years ago for corporations and also for a college. Turns out developing courses is similar to writing a book.  And so, just remember, even if you don’t like what you are doing today, the experience might help you later on down the road, when you are doing something you do love.  This book will be different from any other book on French design that I know about. Most books on French design although full of gorgeous photos show impossibly expensive antiques and accessories that are out of reach for most people. I am focusing on things that you can do with things picked up at the thrift store, or consignment shop.  I try to find everything at the lowest price possible because A. I can be cheap, and B. I am looking out for you.

anitque-cream-pitcher

2. How does my work differ from others in my genre?

Hmmm, well I would say I am the LAZY DIY’er.  Some in my genre or niche, put in new flooring, tear down walls, and tile bathrooms. Me? I buy pillows, silver, dishes, and antique French furniture. Sometimes I paint the furniture, sometimes I make a slipcover, but I try to keep it pretty simple.  Let’s not work harder than we have to, I always say.

I focus on French design on a budget, while having a bit of fun, without working too hard.

newel-post

3. Why do I create what I do?

For the same reason a dog barks, a fish swims, and a bird flies. This is what I do.  I was born for this. Remember the Logical Song by Supertramp? The song is about someone who was sent away to school, and taught to be logical and conventional. That was me!  I was a creative soul, trapped in an engineering job. I liked it, but it didn’t feed my soul. Something was missing, and I didn’t know what.  When I finally pursued my dreams, my passion, immersing myself in all things interior design, I found that this was what I needed. I was like a duck living with dogs. I got around pretty good, but when I found the water, I knew that was where I belonged.

blue-enamelware-pitcher

 

4. How does my writing/creative process work?

I’m not sure I want to answer this. I read another blogger’s answer, with a long description of her writing process. Let me say, I was impressed. A process? Really? I just don’t have time for a process. I photograph something I am working on, edit the photos, then I sit at my computer. Fifteen minutes later, boom, there’s the post. Did I carefully plan out what I was going to say, with an intro, and closing? Did I pretty it up with $5 words, and tie it in a bow? No. I sit down, and the post just writes itself, and I am on to the next thing.  And that would explain the plethora of typos.  I apologize to people who hate typos.  And now I find out some people are offended by two spaces after each sentence.  Really?  Having learned to type on a manual typewriter, I was taught to use two spaces, so that’s that. I can’t change now, it’s an ingrained habit.

So there you have it. Like most bloggers, I prefer to talk about my projects.  Now let’s introduce my blogging buddies! They will continue the tour next Monday on September 1.

 

JANE

Jane 016

Hi there! I’m Jane and I blog at Cottage at the Crossroads with my husband Leo. We retired a few years ago and underwent a major lifestyle change. We moved into my husband’s family home that’s over 100 years old and proceeded to update and renovate it. Shortly after, we started a large vegetable garden. On our blog, we encourage others to try to grow some of their own food as well as share family recipes and thrifty seasonal decorating ideas. You may be surprised to learn that we have an internet radio station on our blog where we play music that we like. Stop by and you may just like it, too!

 

SHARON

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Welcome to Mrs. Hines’ Class, a virtual classroom where I share my passion for making a house a home. I enjoy sharing recipes. I love sharing home decorating ideas that prove a beautiful home doesn’t have to be expensive. And, it’s so rewarding to acquire a new set of skills after completing a DIY project, and then sharing what I’ve learned with you. My goal is to inspire each of you to find joy in homemaking, to encourage you in your daily housekeeping routine and to show you that creating a happy home is the foundation to all other areas of life. So whether it’s creating memories, decorating or conquering a DIY project, there’s a lesson waiting for you. See you in class!
and
DOREEN
Doreen Blog Photo1
Hi, I’m Doreen and the name of my blog is Hymns & Verses.  I create home decor items that feature text from hymns, songs, and classic literature that I sell in my Etsy shop by the same name.  I grew up on a dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania and currently live with my husband in Lancaster County, PA.  I have three grown boys and can tell a tale or two about raising them!  A few of my favorite things are – the smell of a campfire, walking along the beach searching for seashells, having my family together for a home cooked meal, and shopping for treasures at yard sales and thrift shops!   I always have at least 4 projects going on at the same time – usually DIY’s for my home, and I’m currently working room by room to update my decor in a style that I hope is uniquely me!  
You can continue the tour on these blogs next Monday.
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Comments

  1. Sharon says

    August 25, 2014 at 07:31

    Great answers, Anita. Thanks for sharing and inviting me along!

    Reply
  2. Katherine says

    August 25, 2014 at 07:55

    I like your writing style – to the point, from the heart.

    Reply
  3. Joy Schumann says

    August 25, 2014 at 08:42

    Keep doin’ what you’re doin’…It works and we all love you.
    {{HUGS}}
    Joy

    Reply
  4. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    August 25, 2014 at 08:46

    I cannot wait for your book to be published!…I will be the first in line for your book signing!!!

    Reply
  5. Jacqueline says

    August 25, 2014 at 08:51

    Love your blog, thank you for sharing your wonderful talent
    Hugs
    Jacqui

    Reply
  6. Susan Cecere says

    August 25, 2014 at 09:45

    I enjoy your blog. It is interesting and great fun to read.

    Reply
  7. Mary Feguson says

    August 25, 2014 at 13:06

    Love your blog. You are one talented lady. Looking forward to your book.
    Mary

    Reply
  8. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    August 25, 2014 at 14:16

    Oh my gosh Anita! I didn’t know you were writing a book! My sister-in-law is getting ready to build a new house here at the Crossroads, and the style is going to be French country. She would be first in line to buy your book once it’s published! Thanks for introducing me today. Our writing process is similar because I’m a “fly by the seat of my pants” type of girl!

    Reply
  9. Larain Shannon says

    August 25, 2014 at 16:21

    Wow, writing a book. A friend of mine who is a published author, says we all have book I us. You are proving, yours it could imagine will have a few funny comments to keep us reading. I love your blog,and look forward to hearing your progress.

    Larain

    Reply
  10. Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says

    August 25, 2014 at 16:34

    Wait, people don’t use two spaces after a period? When did that happen?

    Love you point of view.

    Madonna

    Reply
  11. Donnamae says

    August 25, 2014 at 18:16

    I like your writing! Only one space at the end of a sentence? Who are these people? I do love your attitude…it’s very refreshing! 😉

    Reply
  12. Lory at Designthusiasm says

    August 25, 2014 at 20:27

    It’s really fascinating to read your answers to the questions and I very much enjoy your straightforward writing style. Curiously, while there was much of interest here, the one thing that I really connected with was the bit about two spaces. As someone who works with type all day (I do digital calligraphy in addition to graphic design), it drives me nuts when people *don’t* use two spaces. When did that supposedly change? Last year my college-aged daughter sent me a paper she wrote that she knew I wanted to read. When I mentioned to her that she didn’t have double spaces after the periods, she told me her instructor was very specific about the single space. I was incredulous… lol! Looking forward to your book!

    Reply
  13. Pinky at Designs by Pinky says

    August 25, 2014 at 20:37

    So excited that you are doing a book! Can’t wait to get my copy!!! Loved your answers, and that you don’t plan your posts. I am the same way, basically.

    Reply
  14. Ann P. says

    August 25, 2014 at 22:27

    Excited about your book!
    Ann

    Reply
  15. Pat says

    August 26, 2014 at 20:08

    Anita,
    Oh, dear friend. . .your own book!!!
    I am thrilled for you!!!
    Loved reading more about YOU!!!
    What caught my eye in your photos were your dried roses!!!
    Mine are almost ready!!!
    Thanks for the encouragement to just tie them, turn them upside down and dry them.
    Easy peasy, indeed!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    Reply
  16. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    August 26, 2014 at 23:18

    You are my kind of girl through and through! But you are so so humble. As you blogging bestie I know what a force you are filled with creativity!!! Meeting you was one of the very best things about blogging!!!! xo

    Reply
  17. Cora Simpich says

    August 30, 2014 at 17:39

    I am encouraged that you just take 15 minutes and a photo and blog…I enjoy spending less than fifteen minutes and enjoying your photos and a little about them. I have had an incredible adventure living in a newly built log cabin for the last ten years. No electricity or running water inside except for a few floods. Now I am living in a historic farmstead house and just beginning to share about all the fun I have had.

    Reply

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