I hope you’ve enjoyed the fun Easter collaborations I have done recently with Matthew Mead. It’s such a privilege working with someone as talented as Matthew!
Earlier this year, I was asked to contribute to his upcoming magazine, Flea Market Finds. Notice my Great Grandma Chunkie’s apron that I am modeling. It’s so cute and holds such sweet memories for me. I love shopping for vintage napkins, dish towels and aprons. Finding old hand sewn items in good shape is always a thrill! It was fun to share that part of me with everyone.
Imagine my surprise to open Flea Market Finds and see my photo next to one of my creative idols, Mary Engelbreit!! Holy cow! That’s just crazy to me! I absolutely adore Mary and admire her so much. She’s one of the main reasons I wanted to become an artist. So I had to share this with you, as I was really in shock when I opened this page. Really.
I feel so blessed to have met so many talented artists through the world of blogging. I can’t imagine what I would be doing now if I had never figured out WordPress and widgets. I remember being so frustrated when I couldn’t get an image in my sidebar to work. Spending hours researching HTML, getting no sleep, on the brink of giving up and trashing my blog.
The people I work with and have met through my years online have inspired and taught me so much. I gave up a lot of design clients to give this blog career a go. It was scary to take that chance. Give up financial security for the unknown. To do something I really loved and that nobody understood at the time. “Why are you talking to strangers on the internet?” “What is a Twitter?” Yes, I remember those days. hee!
I know this is just a photo in a magazine, but to me it’s so much more. It’s like a dream I never knew I had. Not to be in a magazine. Sure that is fun, but not my goal or why I do what I do. The dream is being recognized alongside artists, writers and bloggers than I admire so much. I want to thank Matthew Mead for including me in his world!
This beautiful world…
If you are ever thinking of giving up or scared to try something new, I want to encourage you to keep going. Don’t give up. Believe me, there will be day when you will look back and will be amazed by the journey and the things you have accomplished. The journey never ends, it just gets better!
Enjoy this video of lovely things by Matthew Mead.
Find Flea Market Finds with Matthew Mead at Amazon.com.
Amazing…so Happy for you! Way to go!
Can’t wait to get my hands on that magazine!
@Maria @ All Things Luxurious,
Good luck with blogging and it’s great that you are having fun while doing it:-)
@Tiffany,
You’re Living Locurto…. that’s so cool! ha! Thanks for the great comment. You made my day!
@Michele,
Ha! I’m glad you impressed everyone at school with those cupcakes:-) Oh, I feel the same way every time I see a great idea by another blogger and I already have a blog! There is always room for more ideas and inspiration. Just do what you love on a blog and see what happens. You’ll never know until you try. Good luck!
Thanks so much for posting this, Amy. I am relatively new to blogging and really enjoying myself. The world of DIY is so much fun, and I’ve finally found something that I think I am good at. 🙂
Amy! How awesome! You are a constant inspiration not just in your work and talent but also in the wonderful being that you are. Congratulations on dreams coming true…even those that we didn’t know we had. I love that you wore your great grandmother’s adorable apron. So sweet. Thanks for letting us into your world! I’m living locurto 🙂
This is so awesome , Amy. I’m glad you started blogging, too! Or I wouldn’t have impressed all the teachers at preschool with the adorable flowerpot cupcakes topped with Starburst carrots : )
I’ve been thinking lately about starteing a blog but feel so intimidated because there are so many fantastic blog (like yours) already out there. Thanks for your candor in letting us know that everyone starts somewhere. Keep up the great work and congrats on book!
@TidyMom,
Thanks so much Cheryl!! I feel like I’ve known you so much longer. I am blessed to have you as a friend:-) You inspire me daily!
So proud of you girl!……..I think we became friends when we both started blogging about the same time…….now nearly four years later, I call you one of my dearest friends!! So glad you never threw in the towel! and you’re always there for me, to lend a shoulder, bounce ideas, pick me up and help me out!!
Keep up all the hard work and every thing you do Amy!!
@bridget {bake at 350},
Thanks Bridget! You are one of the artists I am so happy to have gotten to know:-)
@Tiffany,
Thanks so much stranger:-)
What a great post. Your words really inspired me. You said – dreams I never knew I had (so true) & to be recognized by artists (YES! Exactly!!).
It’s wonderful to watch dreams come true, regardless of who’s they are. Congratulations to you! and thanks for sharing with us “strangers out here on the internet”!
Yay, Amy!!! You ARE so talented! So happy to see you in the magazine…great picture, too!
@Screwed Up Texan,
That means a lot Allie! Thanks so much:-)
@Maureen,
Thanks Maureen! I still haven’t let go of my “day job” totally yet, but gave up a lot to blog and create. It’s scary, but so worth the chance:-) Good luck with your dreams! You can do it!
Amy,
I am SO happy for you, not just about the magazine, but for reaching for your dreams and facing your fears. I am in a place right now where I need to step out in faith and you really inspired me today with this post. Thank you for sharing your story and for all the beautiful things you have shown us along with Flea Market Finds and Matthew.
BTW, love the apron and I too collect vintage aprons, napkins, tablecloths, etc. . . Love the history behind it all!
One of the things that I find so admirable about you is your desire to keep helping others, provide lots of useful information, and to always give credit where credit it due! You are so talented and your gratitude shows–keep up the hard work!
–Allie