Cedar Hill Farmhouse

updated COUNTRY FRENCH

I’m in a Magazine… Again!

By 56 Comments

I had a dream that some day my photos would be in a magazine.  


I suppose we bloggers all have the same dream… of writing a book, having articles and photographs published, of being recognized for our art.  It’s not for the money, because the pay is little or sometimes non-existent. It’s for the acknowledgement, the validation, the head nod that says what we do matters, that people appreciate our art, or style, or photographs, or how we craft a sentence. Art, style, design, it’s what we do, it’s a part of us.  



I didn’t choose to be a designer/stylist/photographer/writer, nor did I study it in college. It’s simply who I am, a part of me. It always has been, even when I tried to ignore that part of myself. I had originally planned to study art in college, but my well-meaning parents steered me into a more sensible degree… engineering.  It would be easy to say here that I never liked engineering, but that wouldn’t be the truth.  I did like it, because I enjoy math and problem solving.  Math and I are good friends, it’s just that it didn’t feed my soul.  Do you know what I mean?


Those early years when I worked as an engineer, I wore a hard hat and steel-toed shoes to work.  I bought my work pants in the Men’s/Boys department at Sears, since that’s what the guys wore.  Besides, somehow it just seemed wrong to wear a pretty pair of pants there, knowing that by the end of the day they would be covered in grease.  I spent time at a cold steel desk, and out on the floor of the paper mill.  During the day, I monitored viscosity, percent solids, and tank levels, then checked on the 350 degree open air dryers that removed the moisture from enormous continuous sheets of paper.  I found myself surrounded by steel, and iron, dirt, and grease.  How I longed to be surrounded by sun and fresh air, beauty, and flowers. 



Meanwhile, at night I sewed curtains, laid tile, tested recipes, planted flowers, and painted walls.  I didn’t dare tell “the guys” that I adored toile and French linens.  My job required toughness. Any talk of sewing or lace would have undone years of hard work convincing them that I was one of them.  When asked what I did over the weekends, I was guarded, simply mentioning where we went for dinner, or that we had worked in the yard. I kept my passion for style and design to myself.      

Sure I liked my job, I was respected and well-paid, but my heart didn’t soar. It idled.  But now that I’m a blogger, I am finally feel free to be the artist I was always meant to be.
Somerset Life magazine sent me a complimentary copy of the issue my photos are in, and do you know what it says above my name on the mailing label?  “Artist, Complimentary”  Thank you Somerset Life for publishing my photos in the latest edition of Somerset Life, and for calling me what I have been working at all of my life – ARTIST.  


I was also honored to have my photos featured in a recent Romantic Homes magazine, here. 
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Comments

  7. Bliss says

    I do know what you mean, other than the part about loving math.

    Anita the Artist, has sort of a nice ring to it huh?

    Bliss

    Reply

  10. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    Congrats, Anita! That’s wonderful! And you truly ARE an artist! Was that a paper mill? My mom spent her early professional years in the engineering department of a paper mill and I grew up in a paper mill town back when it was a very grimy business…before pollution regulations. It’s difficult to keep an artist’s eye in that environment…makes me respect and admire you even more! Hugs…Debbie

    Reply

  12. Gee Singh Newbanks says

    Congratulations Anita!!!! How exciting for you. Your photography is wonderful and I am not at all surprised… But the hard hat, yes, just a little.
    Have a wonderful weekend.
    Hugs, Gee

    Reply

  16. On Crooked Creek says

    Anita,
    You are such a talented ARTIST, dear friend!!!
    I enjoy your blog, immensely!!!
    Your stories ( and your sense of humor), your photographs, your decor style…and sharing your family!
    You brighten my life everytime I open your blog!!!
    Thank goodness Sommerset Magazine acknowledged what you are. . .and have always been!!!
    Congratulations!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

    Reply

  17. The French Hutch says

    Hi Anita, Congratulations on being featured. Not only are you creative at photography you have a fabulous flair for writing! I couldn’t stop reading your story, so interesting! Just goes to show we need to enjoy what we do……….Happy Saturday

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    Reply

  22. Designs By Pinky says

    I know exactly what you mean, I never found a job I LOVED til I became a floral designer. Even working in a florist thogh stifled my creativity as she always wanted everything to look like SHE did it, and had HER style. I wanted so much to CREATE and finally found my outlet in my last job. The whole purpose of that job was to BE creative and come up with new things. You are truly a VERY talented artist and I am so happy for you that you have been so beautifully acknowledged. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! Can we get a copy of the magazine and if so, where? XO, Pinky

    Reply

  25. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    Anita, I AM JUMPING FOR JOY for you!!!!
    Yes, my dear you really are an artist… and the best of the best bloggers!
    As a little incentive I go to Barnes and Noble once in a while to read magazines and get inspired. I’m buying the current Somerset Life!!!!
    When I meet you (on my bucket list) I’ll have you autograph it.
    I am so happy for your wonderful accomplishment!!!

    Reply

  30. Shabby soul says

    Darling friend compliments! You deserve every thing is happening, I fell in love with your party in blue when I saw it… Marvelous. And I’m honored to be on your side!! =)
    It seems to me you have written my story (but I am a barrister…) =)
    Hugs
    Silvia

    Reply

  37. Barbara says

    Anita…so happy for you in all of your accomplishments. It validates all of us when one of our own receives this type of recognition. And I so hear what you are saying about having a somewhat hidden passion. Ever since I was a little girl everything I ever did in my spare time was centered around creating. I remember being 10 or 11 lying in bed at night wide awake because my head was filled with ideas of how to rearrange my bedroom or how to make a dress or some type of craft. Blogging has allowed me to explore all of my creative passions. My background is in the medical profession and while I did enjoy working as a CAT scan tech (always had to make the prettiest diagnostic pictures) and then as a nurse…I always felt like part of myself was missing. Honestly there is not a day that goes by that I am not thankful to my husband for allowing me to be on this amazing journey of self discovery. And there is not a day that goes by that I don’t ask my children what is it that they like to do best. I want them to find their passions and follow them full on.
    Your blog is and always will be one of my favorites. So very happy for you Anita…congratulations!!!
    XO Barbara

    Reply

  38. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    Oh my goodness, you’re a rock star! I’m so proud of you and happy for you too! You do have the most amazing photos and you have a fabulous eye for decor! Congratulations! Sorry I haven’t been able to visit as often; I have been in real estate school renewing my license.

    Reply

  39. 20 North Ora says

    Congratulations! I can’t imagine what it feels like to see your name in print. Your photos are so beautiful tho, I’m not surprised!

    Again, congratulations.

    Judy

    Reply

  40. Pendra Heldt says

    Congrats on your recent publication! It’s amazing the first time you are truly called an “Artist”! I can so relate to what you art talking about… I about scared the poor girl and kissed her when I was asked to join The Artist Guild here in Minnesota, what a wonderful feeling!

    Reply

  47. Elizabeth (Blue Clear Sky) says

    I am not surprised that your lovely work is in another magazine. You truly are an artist. Congratulations! Thanks also for sharing part of what makes you – Anita. I often feel physical or emotional fatigue after a stressful day at work but you are right that it is those free time creative activities that can recharge our batteries.

    Reply

  50. Jann Olson says

    Congrats Anita! So well deserved, and happy for you. My hubby is an engineer and would much rather be outdoors on the job than stuck in a couped up office. He’s definately not the suit and tie type of engineer. Glad you’re living your dream.
    hugs,
    Jann

    Reply

  51. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    Anita,
    I am so thrilled for you! How wonderful to get your work validated through the publication of your photos in several magazines. I read your post in my reader this morning and came back tonight to tell you congratulations!

    Reply

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