It’s so hard to believe I’ve been writing this blog for 17 years! The years sure have flown on by way faster than I would have imagined, but it’s been the best ride of my life and my life has been so enhanced by having and writing this blog. Sharing my life seems second nature to me now and I can’t imagine not having you all out there to share with! I will say I have the best readers around and you all still show up and support me. You come by and grieve with me, support me wherever I am, and I know I can count on you to be happy for me and get excited for good things that come along in my life. For that, I’m grateful. It’s like having a whole bunch of girlfriends that I haven’t met in real life, but I know you’re there for me.
I still enjoy sharing with you all and as I mentioned last year, I did slow down quite a bit, even declaring myself semi-retired and I didn’t worry about posting as much, which really takes the pressure off. I didn’t want to live with deadlines or pressure, so pulling back was the best thing to do and you might not have even noticed, but it helped me a lot mentally to think of myself as semi-retired. We sure had a lot of fun last year and did 2 major trips. In my effort to travel more, I’m already planning trips for this year and I’m so excited to be sharing more of that with you this year.
My ad network, Raptive, does a fine job of helping me keep this blog going and I’m grateful for a good ad network that stands behind their publishers and gets us the best rates going. I’ve published 4,189 blog posts as of the date of writing this post and that’s quite a lot of content. Thank you as always for supporting me. I know the ads can be annoying and I appreciate your patience when you read my blog, whether it’s on a phone or computer or tablet. I think a laptop is probably the best experience with ads.
Mark and I have been in our house for 7 years this summer and that has flown by too. We have a bathroom project I hope will be coming up sometime this year. That’s the only bathroom we have left to do, the upstairs guest bath between my office/playroom and Mark’s man cave. It’s going to be pretty when we’re finished. We are still in the process of planning what we want to do and looking at tile and ideas along the way. We already have the wallpaper bought and ready to go, so of course I’ll share that with you. Other than the basement, we don’t have a lot of projects left to do and that’s up in the air as to how much we will do down there. It sure is nice to have a basement though! It sure comes in handy. We sure have enjoyed our pool! It’s been two years ago that we had it installed and we are loving our summers out here.
As I mentioned last year and every year, I’m so very concerned about our country and this is going to be one heck of a year, I’m afraid. Maybe more tumultuous than any of us have ever lived so far. Just when I think it can’t get any crazier, it does. It’s a scary world we live in and I couldn’t make it without my faith. Without getting into all those topics, I pray God’s blessings on our country. We need Him more than ever! The world seems to be turned upside down and it can be so disconcerting to navigate the drama and chaos that seems to be around every corner these days. My faith is in God almighty!
Last year was a year of ups and downs. Looking back and not knowing it would be my mom’s last year with us, it was a good year, in spite of the sadness of losing her in December. She was a bright light to so many and we all miss her dearly. Thank you again for all the support and heartfelt messages you all sent to me. I loved reading them all. My dad is doing good, but he doesn’t seem to remember that mom is gone. He hasn’t asked about her at all. He doesn’t talk much these days and is more isolated in his day to day activities, so we will let him take the lead on that and I won’t bring it up unless he does. I’ve talked to the care manager and she said he hasn’t said anything to them either, so we just let it lie for now. I get by to see him pretty often and I know he does get lonely at times, but he’s in a good safe place and is stable and comfortable so that’s all we can ask for at this time in his life. I’m grateful for places like Dogwood that take care of the elderly and give them a safe place to live.
Personally, Mark and I joined a new church last year and are settling in there. For the locals, we joined Kennesaw First Baptist just recently after we started attending last February, so we’ve been there almost a year. It felt like a very homey place the first time we went and we love the 9:30 traditional service where we sing old hymns. The church is built almost exactly like the church my dad pastored in Marietta and the church I grew up in. Big beams and all! Not a mega church, we were looking for a church that wasn’t so big and overwhelming and we found that. I just joined the women’s ministry team and will be helping out with events and contributing to the decorating that will happen for these events. I think that will be fun and a way to use my talents.
I’m still waiting for a spot to open on our local Acworth tourism board. Someone has to drop off before I get asked to join and I hope to do that eventually. Taking care of my parents has been the primary thing on my plate for awhile, but with mom gone, it frees up some of my time that was devoted to her.
This last year had the least amount of sponsored posts and working with brands that I’ve had in several years and that particular way to earn money seems to be really slowing down (for me, that is). There are many people making big money on Instagram, but I see the endless hamster wheel that is Instagram and it’s just not how I want to spend my time and effort. So I’ll be doing less selling and less sponsored things. I do what feels right to me and at this stage of life, less selling and less pushing products is what feels right. I’m loving life and enjoy life with Mark and Daisy at home. We live in a wonderful little town and life is so good at this stage.
I still enjoy sharing fashion finds when I find things I like and endorse, so I won’t stop completely, but constant buying of clothes is not something I want to do all the time either, so that is not going to be a big push from me. There are so many Instagram influencers who are over 60 fashion girls and they really stay busy sharing. I admire their drive, but it’s not for me! Overall, there is fierce competition in this online world and I do feel it, especially on Instagram. That’s why I’m glad I have my blog and I own it. No one can take that from me and I don’t depend on sponsored posts to keep it going. Nor do I have to rely on selling products all the time. I’m so grateful to be a blogger first and foremost!
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT ME AND MY BLOG?Â
I don’t have a lot of new things to share in this recap, but I’ll remind you once again how you can support me the most. i mentioned this last year, but the very best way to support me is to read right here on my blog every time I post a blog post. If you subscribe to my emails, you’ll get one in your inbox every time I post and you can click the link to come over to my blog and read it live. That gives me pageviews and that’s how I make an income from my blog. Many people don’t know the particulars of this, but it’s a pretty neat thing. I’ve said before how much God has blessed this blog and I don’t take it for granted. I had another great year and I have to thank all of YOU for that! Just the fact that you all come over and read makes it possible for me to keep it going.
AMAZON SHOP AND HOME DECOR LINKS
The other ways you can support me is to buy through my affiliate links on Amazon and Like to Know It. I don’t share links constantly, but if you can please help me out there too. I make commissions when you use my links and that adds to my income.
You can find all my links under Shop my Home on the home page of my blog on the menu bar.
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What’s In Store This Year?
I don’t have a lot of exciting things that I know will happen this year, but I’m ready to get the year started and see how the year unfolds. I did just book a trip to Italy in April for Mark and me and I’ll be sharing more about that soon. I went to Italy 30 years ago and have been dying to go back ever since. I’ve never had a lot of extra money to travel with, but at this stage of life, God has blessed us and we can afford to travel more now.
Each year, I look back and I’m so grateful to God that he allowed me to start this blog and keep it going all these years. It’s been one of the best things that ever happened to me and you all are a big bonus in that story. As I said, it’s like I have all these girlfriends out there all over the world who I’ve never met, but you all know me! That’s pretty cool! So as I hit 17 years, going into my 18th year online, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your continued support of me and my blog. I look forward to whatever the year brings. I am so enjoying slowing down and not feeling the pressure and that just feels so good to me. Here’s to another good year!
Good Morning….. You are right we all feel the uneasiness in the World sad that the Word has so much going on. Faith is what we have to go / run with do the best we can
what surprises me we have a lot of adults running the world but not acting like an adult….. I say this because greed puts us in War but
God knows and handles all …Faith
Thank You for Sharing and blogging
Hi Eva, I couldn’t agree more! The greed and evil seems out of control at times, but we know that God is ultimately in control. It’s all in His timing!
I love following you because you are a Jesus Lover! Keep up the good work. Thank you!
This was such a nice post! Gentle and calm. I hardly ever leave comments, but must comment on your acknowledging your faith. Not pushy, just a part of your life like everything else. As a retired school teacher, I wish I had relied on my faith more when I was teaching. I am sure it would have made things easier. Love your subjects in your blog and will continue to follow you. Enjoy slowing down.
So glad I found you when I retired in 2020. Have enjoyed reading about your sweet family, your beautiful home & your travels. Congrats on your 18th year!
Good Morning Rho!
You know that I am one of your greatest fans. I read your blog every day and I follow you on Instagram. We have been friends for over forty years. Can you believe that? I have seen you go through some really tough times, but I knew that God would see you through. Even in those tough times you were faithful to Him so he blessed you. Blessed you with Godly parents and a loving family. Godly friends that love you no matter what.
We don’t know what the future holds, but we know that our loving Savior will see us through.
Love You,
Judy
Congratulations on 17 years! I love reading your blogs but mostly your faithfulness to God.
Excited for y’all to take your trip to Italy and can’t wait to see what you share.
God bless y’all!
You started your blog about the same time I retired from teaching elementary school. I can’t remember how I found your blog, but I’ve followed you a long time and really enjoy your content. I’m from SC, so it’s nice to follow a southern gal! We traveled to Italy the last two weeks of September in 2018. It was a fantastic trip, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go again! So much to see and do!
We were on a Globus bus tour, which I was skeptical of before going, but turned out to be wonderful for our first time in Italy. Have a great trip! Can’t wait to read all about it!
Congratulations on 17 years of blogging…I have followed you from the beginning as I stumbled across your blog somehow. I have enjoyed watching your life evolve and when you met Mark, I was so happy for you! I don’t think you could have found anyone more perfect for you! And you for him, I’m sure!! You shared some tough times with us so you deserve all the happiness and good things life brings. I’ve loved getting to know your parents as they are so like my own. Sharing your projects has been so fun to be a part of, and I have learned much from you. I share your values, world view, and your faith. I admire that you share what is on your heart and that you stay faithful to your values. Thank you for not pushing products/ clothes, etc constantly- just sharing when you truly like something. That means so much more. I hope you continue to blog….Your journey has been fun to share! Would love to meet you some day and give you a big grateful hug!
Congratulations on 17 years! That’s quite the blogging career! I can’t remember what year I first started following you, but you were in the process of moving back to Georgia and living with your parents. I love that you are not afraid to share your faith. I love hearing about your family and wondered how your dad was doing since your mom passed. I’m glad to hear he seems to be doing ok. I’m perfectly ok with how often you blog – sometimes it’s just time to take a step back. I’m not on instagram so don’t see those posts. Keep up the good work and have a great 2024!
Oh my, every time I get too scared I read some of the Old Testament. We constantly constantly let God down but He is always always there for us. To think that Jesus Our Lord and Savior came as an infant in a manger is just overwhelming, so fragile, so dangerous. We get more worldly and educated but never more intelligent. We went to Italy on a tour guided trip and it was nice. But we spent 7 weeks twice on our own and it was so wonderful, I want to live there for a year. It doesn’t have to be horrendously expensive. We got our flight and Airbnbs scheduled. With travel blogs, Google translate, phone maps and apps, and nice people everywhere, it’s so easy to get around and so much more fun than the touring trip. And we are older than you two. Tours don’t often take you to the grocery stores (which are fascinating) and the everyday places the Italian people frequent. We did use the hop hop off buses when available and we did rent a car for the Tuscany area. The first time we didn’t know about the international driver’s license, there were no consequences, but my husband got one for the 2nd trip. We’re Catholic so we spent tons of time looking at every church, but I think anyone who likes art and architecture would love these as well. We walked 10 or more miles a day and lingered as long as we wanted when we felt like it. I am like you, not too crazy about shops, but there is so much to see and the people watching is spectacular.
HI, Nancy, I love your comments about the Old Testament, I think the same thing. We are just like they were! Rebellious and sinful, yet God still loves us and longs for us to know Him and love Him. I went back and forth on a guided tour and since Mark hasn’t been before, I thought it would be easiest to just go on a group tour. I’ve also been where we did things on our own, so I know how that is too. Way before cell phones and all that we have now. I really want to go back more than once to Italy, it’s my favorite country I’ve visited so far. Like you, I did do the grocery stores the first time I went and really got immersed into the Italian culture, even spent time in people’s homes. It was wonderful!
In a tumultuous, sometimes terrifying world, your blog has always been a safe, kind, gentle and good place to land. Precious few places like yours are left in the online world of today.
Congratulations on entering your 18th year of blogging semi-retired (but still all in for a wonderful life!)
Ciao, Bella!
Congratulations on an amazing milestone! I can’t remember exactly when I discovered you, it yours was the first blog I ever read. It has been such a great experience following along ever since…from watching you and your daddy remodeling your house to your marriage to Mark and beyond. And being included in the hard times too through Covid and losing your dear mother…you truly have made us a part of your family. Hugs, sweet girl.
Congratulations to another successful year of blogging! I’ve enjoyed watching your blog evolve to this point and happy you have decided to semi-retire and enjoy the fruits of your labor! No one is more deserving! Yes! Here’s to another great year and considering your trip to Italy, it will be! Blessings to you and Mark!
Good afternoon! I’ve only been here for a short time, but I love your blog. And being a dog lover, I love you little sweetie! I’m in the time of my life to start clearing out my home and decorating for myself since I am living alone now.
Your posts and ideas are so interesting.
Thank you
Congratulations on 17 years of blogging! I think I began subscribing around the time of your divorce. I was enamored by your strength as a woman and your Christian walk! I can identify as a Southern woman too. (Memphis) I’ve loved watching your home transformations and tips through the years. Enjoy your slow down years and continue to focus on what’s important for you and Mark.
We already know the future. God will provide.
XOXO Lee
Dear Rhoda,
You are such a gem of a person! I have been reading and enjoying your posts for years now and I am so glad that you are semi-retired but yet still do posts from time to time. I check in every day to see if you have a new post! It has been such an honor to share the years with you….to see your sweet little nieces growing up….to mourn with you over moving your parents into the assisted living and losing your mom last year. I’m so glad to hear that your dad is doing OK….dementia can certainly soften the blow of some of life’s tough things.
I agree with you on the bad direction this country is headed and pray with you too. Let us keep trusting in the Lord! Thank you for this lovely update, Rhoda. I can’t wait to see and hear all about your upcoming trip to Italy! Thank you for such a splendid Blog! God bless you. Mark too.
Rhoda, thanks for sharing with us! I have always loved reading your blogs and will continue to look forward to them! Congratulations on completing your 17th year! How wonderful! God has truly blessed you — and us through your wonderful blogs.
Your blog is are one of my very favorite blogs. You always share your heart, your faith and your family with us and we have been so blessed through this. Thanks for always sharing your faith, Rhoda. We are living in such scary times. I am so thankful that God is still on His throne and that we can take all our cares and concerns to Him in prayer. How He loves and cares for each one of us! He knows our every fear! How we continue to pray for the USA and Canada. Our governments are in a real mess and things seem to be going from bad to worse with each new day.
So happy that you and Mark are going to Italy! You are going to have a wonderful holiday! So happy for you both that you have this time in your life where you are able to travel!
Also, just want to wish you all the best for your 18th year of blogging. Thanks, Rhoda, for always being so genuine! May God continue to bless you!
Rhoda,
I always enjoy reading your blog. You are so real, sweet, faithful & caring. The relationship you have shared with your loving parents is so much like mine.
Congratulations on 17 years!
Rose
Congratulations Rhoda.
I am so happy for you and Mark’s having found a home church you can feel at home in. Out daughter a young widow’s church has finally hired a new pastor and his wife to replace the pastor they have had for 35 years. It has been quite the journey to even have pastors who are willing to go through the application and or tryout process. I am not sure if this is the product of the unsettled world you spoke of in todays blog. I have selfishly wanted a more settled church atmosphere for her sake/ It is quite nice to have blog we can read without the craziness of Instagram to be sure. Your sincerity ane willingness to share has always been a huge hallmark for your blog. God Bless you
I so wish I would’ve found your blog sooner than I did! I love the content you share. While we are living in such dark and chaotic times your blog and your faith is refreshing.
Thank you, Rebecca, I appreciate that! I have lots of good stuff on here going back all those years.