Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Pearls of Wisdom. Survey Results

I want to start off this post by saying Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
I cannot thank all of you enough for taking the time to help me think things through. I believe sometimes we all just need a little help from our friends to see things in a new light and gain perspective.

So what did I learn? Well, lots!

First, I learned that I will ask my friends in blog land their opinions because their answers are much better than David's, "whatever you think Shell," as he looks at the TV or his car parts magazine. hee,hee,hee.

Second, I thought I was needing to "focus" my blog on one certain thing like a lot of people do when trying to build a business. But I realized from reading your comments that my personality is not "one thing" and I can't put parts of it in a box (even if the box is pretty!). I love to write and share and I think I would get bored talking about one thing all the time.

Third, I was getting consumed with the storms of worry over making money, finding a career "identity," having a purpose and it was stealing my joy and my creative spirit.

But then you helped me remember that if I would just try and clear my head of those storms that I might gain some clarity and inspiration. That there are always rainbows hidden in the storms if we just remember to look for them.

I made a card for a friend the other day who is starting the next chapter of her life after 20 years at a career. It was ironic that when I looked for the perfect quote to put in the card, the quote spoke loudly to me as well.
"The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination." --John Schaar

So, what am I going to do? Well, I'm going to start creating my own path. I am a writer, an artist, a decorator, a bunny lover and a friend. My true success comes from how much joy all those things bring me. I will look for the key that unlocks the door to combining all of those things so I can earn a living while making a life.
 "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. --EE. Cummings.  Thanks to Karen at Briarside Lane for sending that!

And yes, I will continue blogging as you are all pearls of wisdom and I treasure your friendship!

Congratulations to Juliet Wilson of Crafty Green Poet in Edinburgh Scotland. Juliet, you win this little book as the random number generator picked you, number 34. (Funny that it picked Juliet. She is a poet!) Check out her blog. Send me your address Juliet and I'll get your prize to you!

Join me tomorrow for the next block on "A Sentimental Journey" and of course, another giveaway! Hmmmm...I think it's something white. ;)

Hugs to you all!

20 comments:

Simone de Klerk said...

What a lovely post, Michelle! Thank you so much for your words.
They make me think about me, my creativity and what I want.
You got me thinking!
Good luck on your journey (O:

Pokey said...

See? It's neat that people tune in, or blog in I guess, for who you are. Thanks for the sharing of yourself!

Rebecca P said...

What beautiful words you speak & write Shell.
Please continue to take us along on your journey, we love you.

Lisa said...

I'm so glad you're feeling better. you have SUCH a great attitude! You're such a hard working and resourceful person, I know you will find your way.

Barb said...

You got all that out of one question....awesome!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you Michelle. It must feel so good to have that veil lifted and have a little more clarity and direction. I am sure whatever and whenever the dream happens it will be joyous and worth every moment in between.

Hazel said...

Can't wait to be share in your journey , I have no doubt it will be successful .

Hef's Mom said...

Glad you've got a clearer picture on things. I briefly considered having a seperate cooking blog and a bunny blog but its hard and when I decided to add cooking stuff to The Bunny Lounge, Rabbit's Guy said he liked blogs that were about more then one thing. Now I love Hef but even I can't write about him everyday when so much else happens! Keep sharing anything you want to Shell, and I'd love to read some of your writing, are they poems? short stories?

SheilaC said...

Michelle, thank you for the words of wisdom about our life's path... (great quote)

I spend too much time thinking about that too!!

Hopefully we will both figure it out!

SheilaC

Brenda Pruitt said...

I'm a little behind. So went back a few posts to catch up. First, you know very well that I'm a color person, not a white decorator. I can't stitch anymore due to arthritis from a car injury years ago. I come for you and the bunnies. It's that simple. I love your personality and your bunnies and your cute self. You can't box yourself in. Believe me, I've tried. You can't try on blog personas like a dress. Tried that too. Your personality is what people get attached to. It's what shines through that makes you different from any other blogger they know. So find your bliss, and stay your true self on your blog. We love you just as you are.
Brenda

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

I do think Brenda in the above post said it well---we love you and the bunnies just are you are---I think sometimes we get so "wrapped-up" in thinking that we have to create "fireworks" everyday or life is boring and we aren't gaining anything--but if one shares just one thing a day with someone else---that person has gained something--you might not realize it then or even that week--but somewhere down the road it all comes together!!!
have fun--keep on keeping on--
Hugs, Di

Allie said...

I'm glad you posted this, I needed to hear it too - it's easy to lose the blessing in the stress of the moment. I think of all the road trips I've taken, with people who 'had to get the miles' each day, and how I wanted to stop at each roadside attraction and enjoy the journey. Well, life is too short to not enjoy the journey, and look for the good in every mile.
You just keep on being you and good things will happen!

Anonymous said...

oh, *blush*

Carpe Diem! ...Karen

Karen M said...

There is so much to think about here. You are an inspiration.

Unknown said...

Just remember to always follow your bliss and you will go where you're supposed to be. I'm glad you're going to continue blogging - about everything and anything. That's what makes life (and reading blogs) so interesting! Happy 4th!

Terri Lee Takacs said...

Dearest Michelle,
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and your dear comments about Jake :) I enjoyed reading your blog SO very much~ I see we have alot in common! I will be back to visit often!
Happy 4th!
Terri

Crafty Green Poet said...

glad the survey was useful and thanks so much for picking me!

bee'nme said...

Ahh...a fellow bunny lover (although mine are of the stuffed variety ;o) So nice to meet you Michelle! I love your work philosophy - you're attitude is great, and I know success will be yours because of how you've defined it!

Your studio is stunning...just beautiful! I could learn a lot from your organizational inspiration...you're very gifted! Love your work as well!

Happy 4th weekend - enjoy!!

Hugs & Blessings,
Becky

Mandy Saile said...

The creative life is beautiful but it's also so so difficult, people don't often see that side of it...the long 12-14+ hours a day we work, often for no reward at all other than just the love of our craft...it takes so much to constantly push forward when no body responds, it takes courage everyday to live the creative life, as lucky as some of us are to be able to do it 'fulltime'...I am so so proud of you and I truly believe that you'll find your own unquie and wonderful path perfect for just you dear Shell.

...It is never too late to become what you might have been...XO

Katie :o) said...

Oh! Somehow I missed this post! Glad I scrolled back :o) Beautiful insights! I love your blog! So glad you will continue to be... YOU :o)

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