‘I once wrote a blog post about a girl behind the curtain.
Like the powerful wizard of oz- who was a man full of confidence and made magic happen.
But behind that curtain facade- was merely an ordinary man afraid to share his realness with the world.
I would share rooms, vignettes, simple DIY projects and an occasional personal post – though I haven’t always felt ready to share more about what was behind that curtain.
A somewhat complicated, always dream- filled girl with her head in the clouds, who found inspiration everywhere and who saw things a little differently a lot of the time.’
Excerpt from my book
When I started writing this blog in 2010-
I started out with an illustrated photo as my profile picture.
My sister was my only reader for 6 months. She is an amazing sister and she commented and encouraged me – and I was a terrible blogger.
I started out with an illustrated photo as my profile picture.
My sister was my only reader for 6 months. She is an amazing sister and she commented and encouraged me – and I was a terrible blogger.
Many of you know the story- how I was searching amid the life changes that were tripping my steps. That I was feeling a little bit lost not knowing who I would be when those changes all happened.
And my sister suggested a blog and it became a bit of a happy place to retreat to.
And I found the most wonderful things through blogging. I found a career and a passion.
I met the most amazing brands, I found a bit of my voice.
And I found an incredible community of friends and kindred spirits.
I met the most amazing brands, I found a bit of my voice.
And I found an incredible community of friends and kindred spirits.
And after awhile,
I started to feel a bit more comfortable sharing a bit more about me.
I started to feel a bit more comfortable sharing a bit more about me.
I shared my crazy design ideas, our run down house that we were renovating
and a little bit about my family.
And I took tiny little steps towards big goals and dreams
along the way.
and a little bit about my family.
And I took tiny little steps towards big goals and dreams
along the way.
But that first day I started blogging,
I could never have imagined the incredible things taking those first steps would bring.
I could never have imagined the incredible things taking those first steps would bring.
And it all started with a 1940’s house and a dream.
This house.
The little house that could if you will.
The little house that could if you will.
This house that was quite frankly – rotting away in the countryside when we found it.
The realtor said tear it down and rebuild on the property.
But it was never an option for me.
Because along with the cobwebs and broken windows-
I saw something special in that shell of a house.
Because along with the cobwebs and broken windows-
I saw something special in that shell of a house.
I saw our home.
And over many years, we renovated to make do as we could
and then renovated again.
and then renovated again.
And I shared the before and afters here on the blog and on occasion,
I shared a personal post about dreams and chasing them and taking baby steps and more baby steps.
I shared a personal post about dreams and chasing them and taking baby steps and more baby steps.
And those baby steps included doing things I definitely was not comfortable doing.
Between you and me- I faked confidence quite a bit.
But the more I blogged, the more I stepped out out of my comfort zone
the more I found myself.
And then one day
I was ready to step out from dancing behind that curtain
and dance on the stage.
And lots of learning and working and dancing on that stage- and several years later-
a dream landed in my mailbox.
a dream landed in my mailbox.
One I had been working towards and dreaming so much about for so long – it almost didn’t feel real.
It was the chance to write a book.
A book that was about a little old forgotten house and how that house
showed me so much about myself,
how it helped me to find the confidence to be myself and follow my heart
and how as we renovated that house – it helped me to grow and find myself.
And to dance on the stage instead of behind the safety of the curtain.
showed me so much about myself,
how it helped me to find the confidence to be myself and follow my heart
and how as we renovated that house – it helped me to grow and find myself.
And to dance on the stage instead of behind the safety of the curtain.
And Today
s the day that my first book French Country Cottage is released.
s the day that my first book French Country Cottage is released.
I seriously cannot.believe.it.
From where it began with a broken house,
trying to find my footing in the world
to baby steps and big dreams
trying to find my footing in the world
to baby steps and big dreams
to This.
I am more than a bit beyond at this point
and I know this first book moment feeling is a fleeting moment.
So I am simply pausing a bit and soaking it up.
And I am so grateful for this opportunity to share more of my heart and home
and I just wanted to come on here on a random but special Tuesday to say
Thank You.
To each and every one of you – you are all part of this book journey.
Without you reading my blog and your support- this would not have been possible.
I am so grateful for your friendship and the many blessings my blog
and this incredible community have brought
and this incredible community have brought
Thank you for being here celebrating
this dream come true with me
and for encouraging me to dance on that stage.
Happy book birthday Tuesday everyone.
Ours is on its way! Congratulations! xoxo Su
Thank you! I hope you like it!
Hello,
How wonderful! I can just imagine how elated you feel! I am so happy for you and am looking forward to getting my book! What a sweet comparison to The Wizard of Oz. We all have that wonder about what we do and it's marvelous the opportunities and fun provided through blogging.
Wishing you all the best,
Kathy
Thanks so much Kathy!! So enjoyed the lovely post you shared- thank you again!
Dear Courtney,
I was so excited to receive your book this afternoon! It is incredible as I knew it would be. I am savoring each and every page. Your photography is fabulous and your story is heart warming. You are such an inspiration! Congratulations and thank you for taking us on this journey with you!
Oh that is so wonderful to hear Donna!! I am so happy you like it!! Thank you!
I received notice that my copy is on the delivery truck!!! I cannot wait to enjoy it. Congratulations. I know it will be wonderful. All the Best Courtney
So exciting! I hope you like it Debb!
Congratulations, we are so happy that you took those baby steps out of your comfort zone and shared your vulnerability. I have admired your beautiful photographs and looked forward to your posts landing in my email for several years.
xo Pat
Thanks so much Pat!! So appreciate your support!
Armfuls of congratulatory hugs to you, your beautiful fairytale photography and sincere, creative, tender stories are all so very inspirational, thank you Courtney – There's no place like home x [email protected]
Thank you so much!!
Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! SOOOO happy for you!! A dream come true! Yay for you!!
Thanks so much Karen!!! xo
That was so inspiring. It makes me want to do something right now to express the real me. I'm going to start back on my book. Thank you and Congratulations!
YES!! Go do it!! 🙂
My book arrived minutes before I read this post.
I can't wait to read and see the beauty on these pages. The cover alone is so pretty and romantic.
Congratulations to you for achieving your dream.
Cindy
How wonderful!! I hope you like it!
I'm very happy for you Courtney and wanted you to know how glad I was to find your blog in 2011. I love your style, willingness to share and don't even get me started about all the Christmas posts. Sigh…….
Thank you so much Di- so kind of you! And Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year to decorate for sure 🙂
The book is as beautiful as I imagined it would be. Congratulations.
So wonderful to hear- thank you!
Courtney, your story and journey are inspiring. Congratulations on your book and being true to you! Your home and this book, a reflection of lovely you!
Thank you so much Myrna!
Congratulations on your book. I received my copy today and it is a delight! Inspiration abounds with each page. Thank you for the lovely "eye candy".
Thank you Jan- so glad you like it!!
Just ordered mine!! Can't wait!!!!
Yay!! I hope you like it Carol!
Courtney,
I cannot wait to read your book from cover to cover. I just received it in the mail today. Based on what I just read in your post, I know I will find inspiration from you.
I started my blog almost 2 years ago. It was shortly after I lost both of my parents. I realized I knew them as Mom and Dad, but not Julie and Eddie.
Their deaths left a whole in my heart and I thought, some day, my children will want to know me as Mary, not just Mom. My blog is somewhat of a living diary about life here at our home, a historical property in Phoenix, AZ.
I only have 125 followers, but it doesn't matter. The blog was never started to make money or get sponsors (not that I would mind!:), but it's a creative outlet for me. Life at Bella Terra is about home~~and all the things that make it special.
I will cherish your success and quite frankly, your pictures always astound me and bring joy to my heart. Congratulations on the publishing and distribution of this fabulous book!
Your story is so inspiring- thank you for sharing it with me! It sounds like we have some similarities in why we started blogging- it is a wonderful creative outlet isn't it? Life at Bella Terra sounds like a wonderful story to be sharing – wish you much success with your blog Mary!!
It's here! Just arrived. Fanned through immediately, but will be shortly making a cup of tea, putting on lounge pants and savoring. Congratulations. (BTW, I am also casshess@, I comment from my google, but have a different account for blogs and such.) xo
So glad it arrived!! Thank you so much Cassandra!!
Dear Courtney … sharing in the delight and joy this day holds for you! Congratulations! ???????????? Trenda
Thank you Trenda!
Dear Courtney … sharing in the delight and joy this day holds for you. Congratulations to you!
???????????? Trenda
Courtney, I received your book today. It’s absolutely perfectly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your dream, vision and beauty! Congratulations ❤️
So glad to hear you like it Dawn- thank you so much!!
I GOT MY BOOK AND CANT WAIT TO SETTLE IN MY CHAIR, BE INSPIRED BY YOUR BABYSTEPS AND PIROUETTES ON THE STAGE OF LIFE! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
🙂 Thank you so much Trish!
Courtney, your book arrived today! I'm estatic for you and the success that has followed your blogging adventure. You are an amazingly talented indiviual whom I have followed in awe. Congratulations on yet another great accomplishment. You must be over the moon about seeing this work in print and in the hands of all your faithful fans.
You are so kind Sarah- thank you so much for your sweet note!!
Blessings to you on the publication day of your book! Congratulations on your dream come true. My package arrived today. Squeeeeeee! Thea
Thank you Thea!! I hope you like it!! 🙂
I received my book this afternoon and can’t wait to dig into it! As an avid reader of your blog, I just know it will be wonderful. Congratulations on making this dream a reality. May ALL your dreams come true.
Oh I do hope you like it!! Thank you so much!
LOVE IT!! CONGRATULATIONS!! BABYSTEPS TO PIROUETTING ON THE BIG STAGE OF LIFE!!!
Thank you so much Trish!
Sooooo happy for you and the hope that shines bright from you…
Thank you Jamie!!
Congratulations! Is is a beautiful book, as I knew it would be.
Thank you Lurlie!! So glad you like it!
Dear Courtney,
I received notice earlier today that my pre-order of your book is finally on its way to me. Congratulations on your publication. I know that many hours of dreaming, inspiration and hard work are between the covers, and I truly look forward to enjoying your creation!
Enjoy the glow!
Kathleen
So exciting!! I hope that you like it Kathleen!!
Courtney, love your designs, and your heart that you pour into your beautiful french country home. Thank you so much for sharing it with us on your blog! I can not wait to get your book! Celebrating with you. Many blessings, Cate
Thank you for sharing your precious story. I’m a Christian Counselor and my joy is to see the “mess” become glorious; so your courage to share your story written in the pages of such a beautiful and inspiring book will bring more blessings than you could possibly imagine. I feel like a child waiting for Christmas because your book is one of my mid September birthday presents! Thank you, thank you for sharing your heart, soul and God given talents in such a joy bringing way.
Thank you so much Cate!! I hope you enjoy it!!
Thank you Deb! What a lovely note and thought!! You are so kind!!
Courtney, Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I received notice your book will be delivered tomorrow:) I know it will be beautiful! Definitely take some time and soak it all up. You deserve it! DeAnna
YAY! How Exciting! I hope you like it DeAnna!!
Hi Courtney,
I love your blog, and, your designs. I ordered your book, and, am so looking forward to it.
Thanks,
Bonnie
Thank you Bonnie!!
I sooo have to have this!! Congratulations Courtney ???? a dream come true. You are beyond inspiring. Thank you for sharing your true talents. I so admire you.
Thanks so much Martha!! I hope you like it!!
Congratulations Courtney!! I am looking forward to receiving my book, it is on it way! So glad you are taking time to soak all this in your hard work and vision is now reality good for you, absolutely love your blog and look forward to your future post!!
Yes, not a moment that comes around everyday! Thank you so much Alison!
I am so excited to receive your book, Courtney, and many congratulations on all that you have achieved! I live in the UK but follow you closely because I find your posts so incredibly inspirational! I am celebrating my birthday this week and my top gift will be your book which my husband has ordered for me. Well done for pushing through the curtain and appearing on the stage. I applaud you! With love and blessings, Sally
So wonderful- thank you so much to you (and your hubby) I hope you enjoy the book- and thank you so much for following along here!
Received my copy yesterday and spent the evening enjoying it. It is truly beautiful in so many ways. Congratulations and thank you!
So glad you like it Deb!! Thank you!!
I just received your book and it's beautiful. I'm looking forward to many hours looking through it. Congrats!
Thanks so much Sandi!!!
Courtney – thank you for sharing your journey, and of course "the little house that could". It is a beautiful book and so inspiring. Congratulations
Thank you Donna!
Your book arrived yesterday, and it is just gorgeous, Courtney! Thank you for bringing so much beauty into the world and for allowing us to find inspiration in your creativity. Congratulations on your success!
I am so glad you like it Melissa!! Thank you so much!
Congratulations, it is a beautiful book. All of your work is so inspirational.
So kind- thank you Debra!
Oh my gosh! Your book is coffee table fabulous, but is spending more time in my lap. Was going to give it to my daughter who shares your book birthday, but I couldn't part with it. Will have to order another copy. This makes a great gift for French style lovers. Ooops, make that order several copies. Is there a discount for bulk orders??? Congratulations on a gorgeous book that oozes beauty.
That is so great- thank you Sharon!! 🙂 Yes a perfect gift idea indeed!!
Congratulations on following your ream. So many don't
. Your posts are always so beautiful and I envy your proximity to flowers.
I am a wee bit obsessed with flowers for sure! Thank you Linda!
Courtney, I have always loved everything about your style! Your transformations are so beautiful. My book should be here tomorrow and I cannot wait!! I will be drooling for sure!! Ha ha!! You truly deserve everything and all the congratulations on all your hard work. Hope you will make it to the Atlanta area for a book signing!!! I would love to meet you.
So excited Teresa! I hope you like it!! And yes, I will be in Atlanta! Going to be at Americas Mart in January- and again for the Design Bloggers Conference (in February next year I believe.)
So inspired! Soak up every millisecond- we’ll deserved. xoxo- maryjo
Thanks Maryjo! 🙂
Your book arrived yesterday afternoon and I love it!! Every page is a wonderful little nugget full of beauty, it's a very special Christmas present in August. Congratulations, much success with the new book. God bless, Jody
Thank you Jody!! I am so glad that you like it!!
I feel that my story is like yours in that I have a 1934 cottage in the country that my husband and I have been fixing up for 16 years. I love our home with all its problems. One of the difference between you and me is that I am still behind the curtain at 68. I am afraid of people seeing me as ridiculous so I only share snippets of myself on Facebook. Your blog has inspired me in so many ways so I hope one day it inspies me to drop my curtain and dance in the lighy. I get my book tomorrow can't wait and I loved your blog thanks for everything
Oh Victoria- I encourage you to step out from behind the curtain – even just a little bit at a time. I know it isn't easy- but you might be surprised at the amount of support and encouraging people you might find who love what you share. Do you blog and share things there at all? Maybe that would be a good spot to start if not. Share what you feel comfortable with and keep doing it until it feels like an everyday thing to do. 🙂
Hi Courtney. Although I don't often comment, I have been reading and following along with you ever since I started blogging. You have such a beautiful style and it will be such fun to see it all in print and to read your story. Everyone who lives in an old cottage has a story to tell about what that means. It is always a beautiful and sometimes hard, but wonderful, journey and I am proud to say that I "know" someone who has taken it..I have ordered your book and can't wait to read it..Happy Wednesday..Judy
Hi Judy!! You are so sweet- and yes indeed- old cottages have so many stories to tell!! I hope you like the book when it arrives!!
Your success is very well deserved, you have a wonderful talent and it is such a pleasure that you have been willing to share it with us.
Congratulations on the book!
Thank you so much!!
and She Dreamed it. . .and She made it happen. She is powerful beyond her knowing. Congratulations Courtney.
So sweet of you Ahrisha. Thank you!
It came yesterday! I can't wait to sit down and thoroughly enjoy every page. Its a visual feast for the eyes! Mindy
Yay!! I am so glad you like it Mindy!!
Courtney….you came from behind that curtain and you danced like no one was looking…on the stage of life and in the front row. Bravo!!! Bravo!!!