Infinity and beyond.
and we all know that makes it a really, really big thing, right?
and I am branching off in a
adorable chubby bear.
and renovations and photography projects take center stage here
and share a piece of moi on occasion.
Frightening, I know.
and you don’t really ‘see’ the girl who is behind it.
As I was chatting with an amazing blogger at Haven encouraging her get out there and
be the designer and photographer that she already is
I found myself quoting something that my baby sister said to me several years ago.
It had to do with Winnie the Pooh.
And I know there are probably so many who think I had this big calculated business plan
with marketing degrees and ideas and making money in mind.
But you might be surprised to know what really prompted me.
and was fortunate to be able to stay home and work as a mom with each of my babies.
It is the best job ever.
And as those babies grew and went to school- I went to school with them.
Helped out with arts and crafts and music classes.
And when they got a little older, I danced while the band practiced
and thought the musicians playing heavy metal out in the cottage
were the best musicians EVER.
And I am telling you- they were.
by herself.
And my middle son was starting freshman year in high school
and my oldest son was graduating from high school.
And the band broke up and moved away.
And my oldest started talking about moving to another city.
And I started to feel that twinge that I know so many of you know so well.
That being so proud of who those babies had grown to be
and so excited for them and the next chapter in life
but that bittersweet that comes at the same time.
I began to realize that the day was coming when one of my
closest friends since the day I was born wouldn’t be here.
I was struggling to find my footing and was feeling a little lost.
And in a quiet conversation with my younger sister one winter morning
You can write more again, make friends online and find a community of people
who like the same things that you do
and you can work towards dreams at the same time.’
Seriously.
True story.
French Country Cottage
(something that I already had written down for years)
And when my blog in all it’s brand new baby blog glory popped up on the screen
with my name right there -well talk about excitement.
with ‘Start blogging!’ written across it-
and paused.
I felt like this was an unwritten part of me that was waking up.
It felt like a place I could find myself.
And so I jumped in and wrote my first post
about that Charles Faudree inspired piece in our bedroom.
My sister read it and commented and told me what a great post it was
And then crickets.
commenting & encouraging again.
And chirping.
My sister was quite literally my only reader for the first 6 months
and the barely 5 posts I had written.
I really began to wonder if blogging was my thing.
I wasn’t really feeling immersed in this creative energetic and fascinating ocean of blogging.
I felt like I was in a row boat on a lake with one oar by myself.
Maybe no one was really interested in what I had to say or how I decorated my home.
I mean honestly,
I didn’t even know if I was interested in what I had to say.
Maybe sharing ‘me’ was not the way to go.
Another early morning conversation with my sister led to that familiar
‘How’s your blog going?’
Well… crickets.
I told her I hadn’t really made any new friends and hadn’t figured out how to find or be in
that community in blogland and no one but her was even reading
and I apologized that she had to spend time reading about things
that she really didn’t care about simply to encourage me.
And in her 2nd grade teacher in training Pooh Bear wisdom she said:
You have to venture outside and go find them.’
Really thought about it.
How much of my life had I spent in the forest waiting?
In that comfortable spot in my quiet little corner
twirling around on that stage that was
behind the safety of the curtain?
I knew that stage so well.
But as much as I loved the safety of the curtain hiding me…
And so I stepped out.
I talked to other bloggers and made new friends and
found a path starting to become a little more clear.
With each blog post, there were new reasons to create something
or even ramble on about who knows what
and random things like Winnie the Pooh in a post.
and even more are happening even now.
But if I didn’t step out of my comfort zone
I would be dancing behind the curtain even now.
So if you have something you want to do but think
interesting enough
pretty enough
people won’t like you- whatever it is
I am asking you- who says?
or have butterflies at trying something new or even putting myself out there more than I am used to,
you might be surprised.
You can’t do that.
You definitely are not good enough.’
and listen to that Pooh bear voice.
and smarter than you think.’
And stepping out of the forest is a good thing.
Vicki says
I absolutely love this post and although I love your beautiful blog and have been here many times, oohing and aahing over your gorgeous home and lovely photographs, this is the first time I have been moved to comment. Thank you for sharing a bit of you and a bit of Pooh! Love it!
Courtney says
Thank you Vicki- I am so glad that you decided to leave me a note and that you enjoyed the post!
Marci says
Lovely post! Thank you.
babs1652 says
I love this post as well. Your sister is a very wise person and I think I am going to take her advice and go from dreaming (2 years) to doing with my own blog. You have a lovely blog and such beautiful photos but they aren't just pretty pictures anymore, there is a person behind them, a person I enjoyed meeting today. Anyone who loves and appreciates Winnie the Pooh is a person worth getting to know better!
Courtney says
Thank you so much for your sweet comment- I appreciate it! 🙂
Little Farmstead says
Hi Courtney ~ I'm crazy about your style. But, this. This was the most amazing and inspiring post!! In fact, it was a message I really needed to read today. So, thank you! I love how involved you were/are with your kiddos, how your sister encouraged you and how you did make the choice to step out! We are all so glad you did. 🙂 ~julie
Courtney says
Thank you Julie! What a sweet thing to say!! And I am so glad that it helped you to read it too. 🙂
Karen says
I RECENTLY picked up writing a blog I started 10 years ago, and then a Bandan. Its crickets over here so your posts are ENCOURAGING. May i ask where you found your fellow blogger community ti connect with? I need ENCOURAGEMENT and support. Thank you.
Karen @ Livingaprettygoodlife.com
Unknown says
Beautiful post. So true about Winnie. Braver, smarter and stronger.
Courtney says
Winnie has some really great quotes! Thanks for stopping by!
Unknown says
Fabulous thought-provoking words and beautiful photos. I love your blog and pop in often. Best wishes from the other side of the pond.
Courtney says
Thank you Margaret!
Texas Shoe Queen says
Truly beautiful words. Keep 'em coming!
Courtney says
Thank you!
Debra says
Thank you so much for this post. I am a very new blogger, can't even believe I can now write that and oh the emotions I have experienced. But after reading blogs for so many years I have discovered the bloggers and readers are so kind and giving. It is a wonderful community. I enjoy reading your words and looking at your beautiful photos. You are an inspiration.
Courtney says
Thank you Debra- blogging is a wonderful thing isn't it? And yes, the community is amazing. 🙂
lisa says
So glad you did not stay in the corner of the woods!
Donna Kohler says
Courtney, that was a great post!!! We all have days that need a little pumping up. I agree, your photos are beautiful and amazing but a little insight into your life has just given your blog more meaning. Thanks to you, your sister and Pooh bear.
Rick and Brigitte Healy says
Courtney, I have always loved reading Pooh to my daughter-the message of his wisdom is always spot on. And I truly love reading your blog of inspiring pictures and style. For me, this post is the marriage of two perfectly different and amazing worlds.
Courtney says
I like that- what a great thought (and marriage!) 🙂
~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ says
I love your blog and my thanks to you for sharing these thoughts with all of us. You cannot be old enough to have kids that old! You look like a sweet young thing.
Chloianna says
This is by far my favorite blog that you have written. Having the courage to expose yourself and your insecurities in this way has really made you a real person to me. And I love the flowers you post. i live in PA and we have a very short rowing season.
Courtney says
Thank you so much Chloianna 🙂
Packers94 says
Loved this post and look forward to the others. Love your wisdom and I am also a big fan of Pooh's wisdom.
Rosemary-Thyme says
Beautiful post Courtney. So often I question my self and wonder if blogging is worth it or if anyone is truly paying attention to what I post. Very often I find that blogs paint a very perfect world and beautiful life which can make one question their own but I am glad to see read your story and sincerety in your words.
Thank you.
Janet
Arell says
Thank you for this post! It is right on time for me. And thank you for going in another direction and sharing it with us. I enjoyed reading about your start here in Blog-Land!
Courtney says
Thank you Arell!!
Wendy Johnson says
I am continually amazed when people share a bit of themselves and I realize again that we all have some of the same needs. I enjoy your lovely blog, tell your sister thanks.
Courtney says
Thank you Wendy- and I will tell her. 🙂
Anonymous says
Let me start by say I enjoy reading your posts and your sense of humor. Your post is beautiful and you have touched ny heart today. I also thought about starting a blog to sell my gift tags, then I started to read a few blogs and I thought nope, as I have been dealing with the same type of thoughts but related to school. But I now because of school I it is not an option to not have a blog.Yes I crush on your photos and the flowers ,but I love photography and your choice of flowers. I enjoy reading about your trips and shopping finds. According to Home Good style scope I like farmhouse chic / boho. I would be honored to call you friend.
I love Winnie the Pooh. Have a great day.
Warmly
Pam
Courtney says
Thank you so much Pamela – you are so sweet. I feel like so many of us are friends right here in blogland- even just over coffee in the morning on the computer.I hope that with school or your gift tags that you find your way to the right path for you as well. 🙂
Anonymous says
Thank you Courtney, I feel the same way about being friends over the the computer. The gift tags will improve because of school.☺️, and I know some how it's all related .have a great day.
Sandi Magle says
Interesting post. Yes, what ARE we all doing here? I'm here to have fun and share, hopefully that will be enough. If something positive comes out of it, all the better. I love your honesty…and thanks so much for sharing! Sandi
Courtney says
Having fun and sharing and meeting others are such an amazing things that come from blogging. 🙂 Thank you for reading Sandi!
BarbaraAnn says
I have followed Winnie the Pooh and his thoughts since I was in high school. Many decades ago. I take the 100 Acre Woods as my calling to seek a different path and go with it. And always remember your friends and their differences.
I have yet to start my blog, I shiver like Piglet sometimes at the thought of it. But I take inspiration from people like you, and Christopher Robin, to Remember that you are Braver Than You Think…..Great post.
Barbara Ann
Courtney says
When the time is right – you will start blogging Barbara- You can do it!! 🙂
Roses et chandelles says
Thank you so much Courtney for sharing your story with us, it is a beautiful post. It's really comforting for me who started a blog a few months ago. And your photos are beautiful, as always. Thank you again for your sincerity. And thanks to Winnie the Pooh !
Nathalie
Courtney says
Thank you for reading and for your compliments Nathalie!! Best of luck with your new blog! 🙂
thepoutingpensioner says
This has been most inspiring. Thank you. I too have a blog set up. It's been there a year. I came up with the name some years before that. It's still at "start blogging". For several reasons, that first blog hasn't been written. Maybe it will now (I'd insert a huge smiley face right now if I knew how!). So, enormous thanks again.
Courtney says
Aww-congratulations on your new blog and new adventure! That first post- those first words- that first time hitting publish- it can be daunting- but you can do it! 🙂
Satu says
I've been reading Your blog about a year and I've never commented althought I've should – maybe lack of courage to write non-native language, I read/speak english everyday, but writing is not so easy.
I just love the way you write about everything!
I'm a new blogger and started mostly similar reasons than You;kids growing up and starting to moving away from home and I'm strating to have kind of 'empty spot' in my life. I don't have many readers, mostly friends, but I love write down my thoughts and doings, its like therapy!? And I love photography and learning all the time more and more. That's also reason I love your blog, I just love your pictures! The 'layouts' is just perfect and I love flowers… so these pics went just to my heart.
Keep posting and I'll be reading Your blog every day!
Love,
Satu
Courtney says
Blogging can definitely be like therapy and is a wonderful place to grow and find yourself in a new world. I really found my love of photography (and flowers!) here on my blog too. 🙂 Thank you for reading and leaving me a note Satu!
Anonymous says
Love, love, love this post – and you! I'm so glad you decided to step out of the forest. (And yes, I love Winnie the Pooh as well 🙂 ) What a lovely voice to wake up to and read with my morning coffee. This little venture post of yours has very likely changed the course or at least the footing, of my day. Thank you, Courtney, for all your posts. And for that beautiful bravery. <3
Courtney says
Thank you for your comment and compliments! I hope that your day was wonderful! 🙂
Marisa Franca @ Allourway says
Oh Courtney! I have tears in my eyes because you are me — at least you are my mind. I am a LOT older than you and I started the blog at the prompting from my kids. I am so happy blogging and I remember the time when the tech who helped me with the blog told me the first time to hit "publish". My hand was trembling but I did it. And Courtney, I am very happy to know YOU and your photography. If your photos represent what is in you?? Then you are a very beautiful person. In two weeks I am giving a talk to a group of women on why a started a blog — you could be speaking about what is in my heart and mind. I am a very private person and when I read somewhere that readers sign on to know you and read about you. My blog is basically food so the thought was if all they wanted to have is the recipe they would just go to the recipe and not read the narrative. I am learning to be more open. Tell your second grade teacher that she is very wise!! Grazie mille e buona giornata!
Courtney says
Hi Marisa! Thank you so much for your note. You saying that my photos represent me is such a compliment. I hear you on the trembling hand but I am proud of you for hitting publish and starting that new journey! I think readers follow along for various reasons- but I also hope that most do want to get to know a bit about who is writing the blog as well. I will have to pop over and take a peek at your recipes- always looking for something new to try! 🙂
Cecilia says
Thank you for writing this and being such an encouragement! I love this post. And I love your blog. Blogland has been such a wonderful place to meet new people and be inspired by them. Have a wonderful week! (I may just have to put that quote somewhere as a reminder to step out!)
Courtney says
It is such a great quote! Thank you for stopping by Cecilia!!
Down Raspberry Lane says
As an introvert, the quote about coming out of the forest is something I should have pasted on my mirror long ago, because I keep forgetting it. I do love your blog, and am happy you are going to share a bit more. My favorite blogs are those whose authors write about their own lives, as much as they are comfortable sharing with the public. And maybe you want to know more about your readers too! One blogger I follow asked her readers to share something about themselves in the comments, and it made for very interesting reading!
Courtney says
More personal posts are definitely something that I have been a little shy with sharing- and I would love to know more about my readers as well- great idea about the notes in the comments! Thank you!
laura says
Loved this – in fact I sent it to a friend who also wasn't sure if he should be blogging. I'm NOT an introvert, but I am also like someone who likes the limelight. I blog as a journal and also HOPE that others read it and at least like some of the silly things I write about.
I love yours!
Courtney says
That is a great way to sum it up- and I think silly is always a good read! And I hope this post helps your friend! Thanks for stopping by!
Tanya Rachelle says
Beautiful post! I truly can relate! Great thoughts to live by and remember. Lovely photos… your pink flowers on my reading list caught my eye… and so glad they did! Thanks for sharing 'your' story… it's as beautiful as your photos and projects.
~Tanya
Courtney says
Thank you so much Tanya!
Unknown says
I love this, beautifully written. Thank you for sharing just a little bit more about you, and for the inspiring words to keep on keepin on and that you are worthy. That Winnie the Pooh, he's a wise (cute) little bear 😉
Lauren Baxter | Lovely Decor
xx
Courtney says
Thank you Lauren – I appreciate it!! And yes have to love Winnie!! 🙂
Unknown says
A post well spoken. I could remain here in my perfect little home and read and dream on. My thanks for the inspiration as I make future plans for my new live style.
Irene Peterson
Courtney says
Thank you for reading Irene!
Unknown says
Smashing post Courtney!!! Well written post. You were one of the first blog I started following, and well, the blog speaks for itself… Simply amazing. Thanks for this post. Truly.
Hugs, Gee
Courtney says
Thank you Gee!! And yes, we have been blog friends for awhile- I love that. 🙂
an angel at my table says
Gorgeous photo of my favorite flower!
LuAnn says
Thanks Courtney for your lovely post! Like your sister, I have my son Nick encouraging me to keep going with my blog. He helped me start it three years ago while we talked in his bed room about his life and where he wanted to go with his music. He said that I should start a blog. I told him I knew nothing about blogging and I'm not a strong writer. He said that I would be amazed at how easy it is and how many friends I could make. He was right about the friends, but easy? Lol ! I love blogging though it's a lot of work as you yourself know. By the way, you were one of the first blogs I followed! I love your beautiful home and photos. You are very inspiring!
I'm not an empty nester yet, my daughter is the only child that left the nest for now leaving her four brothers still here. I don't think I'll ever be alone with a baby boy on the way in February and my daughter having me baby sit him during the week. I'm not sure if I'm ready to be a Grandmother! Blogging might get even harder then, but it's all well worth it! I enjoyed reading your story thanks for sharing it!
LuAnn with Lovely Livings 😉
Anonymous says
Courtney, your post described so well the heart of why I blog and I love the Winnie the Pooh quote – hope you don't mind if I use it (with credit to your blog, of course) in my quote of the day sidebar!
LindaB says
I've been struggling really hard for the past two years, since I was forced to retire from teaching. I simply couldn't find my way, after all those years of working with kids and having a real purpose to my days. Reading your blog today has given me a twinge of hope that perhaps I can figure out how to blog, and share ideas and thoughts with others. Thank you SO MUCH for writing about your journey.
Maureen Wyatt says
Ah, so now you see that you inspire us, not only with your lovely sense of style but with your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I always love to meet the person behind the art. Great post!
Unknown says
This just spoke to me!
I too am a blogger and over the summer I was so busy with the G-babies and getting my booth set up in the new shoppe that I didn't really have time to blog very much. I was having the same thoughts as you. "I only have a few regular followers"…"am I interesting enough"…"is this blog thing really for me"…etc.
I have followed and been one of your biggest fans for years. You and Miss Gracie inspired me to start my blog, and you have just inspired me not to give up on something I love doing!
Thank you so much for being such a wonderful inspiration!
Blessings,
Nina ~ Farmhouse Junk
P.S. I'm so glad you didn't give up! 🙂
Christinemitch81 says
Wow! Thank you for sharing your story. I, like you, was a very young mom (19 for me). I stayed home with all three children. My husband traveled every week so, I was the stabilizing force at home but, when my kids finally grew up and left home I was left wondering what the next step for me would be. I have since started a floral design/event planning business, as well as, a blog. Self-confidence is a problem for me so, I really appreciate your encouragement. Thank you :).
Sheila @ Maison de Cinq says
Courtney,
I am not even sure you will see this comment, as I realize I'm commenting on an old post! But I read your recent post on blogging tonight, and when you showed this link I wanted to see what it was. And I'm so glad I did.
As I mentioned to you when I sat next to you last month at the Traditional Home dinner, I've read your blog for a long time and I'm such a fan. Your photos and your styling are beautiful, and are what bring me back week after week. And I don't usually comment. Though now I wish I would have done it more. But this post, this made me want to comment because SO much of this is what I have been going through.
In blogging there are so many things to do, and worry about, between social media, and marketing, and optimizing SEO and ALL of that, that it feels like I will never succeed. It is, quite frankly, overwhelming. Especially when the "comparison" game comes into play.
But it is so encouraging to read something like this, from someone I admire and respect so much. You are a beautiful writer, and this is the first time I've been moved to tears by one of your posts, and I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for writing this and for being a source of encouragement and comfort. It means so much.
Sheila
Corinne says
Thank you
Kathy says
All these years later, your blog gives me something to be excited about! Thank you for taking the plunge! Keep the beauty coming!
Anonymous says
So beautifully and honestly written! Winnie the Pooh is my favorite book — such life lessons and wisdom from such a little bear – now with you writing this blog and me actually following your and Winnie’s advice I will follow thru with my Teddy Bear Country Cottage ideas! There I said it out loud in public! First step….thank you! Linda O.
Runningonempty says
This is such a good post. I was told I should write a blog a couple of years before I finally tried. We all have to take a risk sometime.
Unknown says
I gave to tell you how much I love your blog.I have followed it early on and it is the first thing I read every day.You have lots of fans Courtney.
Yoli C. says
I love your style and your photos {so dreamy}. I appreciate your sharing a small piece of your private emotions. But how exactly did you come out and change your followers number? I want to come out of my corner but wish I knew what steps you took . Love your Book!
Unknown says
Thank you for sharing yourself as well as your blog! I look forward to trading your posts and seeing your stunning pictures! Knowing a little about you makes it even more interesting! I admire your courage and I’m so excited for your book!
Unknown says
Thanks for sharing that private piece of you! Just LOOK how you have grown!!! A blogger, photographer, an editor of a beautiful magazine….and now you have a BOOK published (mine comes tomorrow 🙂 !!! Thanking your sister and Pooh Bear for giving you that little push back then!!!
penguinstamper says
Courtney, I'm glad you stepped out of the forest because I always get excited when I see that you have a new post. I don't get to travel much and I don't have the opportunity to purchase luscious French-inspired mirrors, furniture, or a beautiful oven like you have, and I would give anything to have your "she-shed" that is absolutely gorgeous, so I live vicariously through you….and it all makes me so happy to dream! Thank you for being who you are and for stepping out of the forest for people like me!
Deli says
I just love all your posts. You truly inspire me. Your stories take me on journeys that I love. Felt like I was with you in France.. I love your style…
Rebecca says
Thank you so much for this inspiring post. my beloved dad passed away suddenly on sunday and I have so much to sort out and was doubting myself. this post has made me realise that i can do it.
“if ever there is a tomorrow when we are not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we are apart i’ll always be with you” Winnie the pooh. This has never meant more to me xx
Courtney says
I am so sorry for your loss Rebecca. 🙁 Winnie the Pooh definitely does have some wonderful tidbits of encouragement and love- glad that it resonated with you and helped. Sending good energy your way.
Jody Baggerly says
Courtney, thank you for once again touching at my heart strings to continue to move forward! This, above all your other beautiful posts, hit home with me today. i am a CHILDREN’S’ book author; however, i’ve reached a point of which way do i go as those little “whispers of not good enough” have been circling around my head. time for the “boots to hit the ground” and for me to take the step once again. have a blessed day, stay safe.
Nancy Yoakum says
What a wonderful post! I am glad you decided to be brave and share your beautiful world. Cheers to all of us who were lucky enough to find you and enjoy the beauty that you, your home and positive, honest juju bring to the world. Keep shining bright!
Mary Alice says
I have been following you for some time now and love your sense of decorAting I guess because it just so happens to be my sense of decorating aLso but I don’t think I could ever think of what you come Up with. I just love it. And all the time too. But I also love how down to earth you are and how you put your feelings out there for all to see. It is so REFRESHING. You have so much talent and yet you sound insecure. It is so heartwarming to me but with all your talent I am surprised that you do sound insecure. Maybe you are not in reality. Maybe just feeling your way through. At any rate, I love all you do and am so glad you started all this. Please keep it up. I would love to see your beginner blogs and see how it all came to be. Could you post those? If anything I wrote is offensive please forgive me. I struggled with finding the right words and meant well. I promise!
Phyllis says
Glad you ventured out!
Anna says
Ever MORNING i wake a look at your blog, i am GRATEFUL you ventured out, it has given mE courage to be a little bit braver, and more me in my life. Thank you for not staying in the corner.
Shirley Ann says
Oh….your words havr spoken to the very heart of me.
I contin tO feel like it’s too late for me.
You have inspired me once more.
Thank you.
Les says
I’m new to your blog, and love the gorgeous images i’ve seen so far but i count myself lucky to have seen more of “you” so early on… thank you for the inspiration and the encouragement – this was the post i needed to see today.
Mona Turner says
what an inspiration you are! Exactly what i needed today. imagine, just listening to the wisdom of pooh and look what happens.