Hello my friends!
As most of you know if you’ve been with me for awhile, I’ve moved in with my parents after a turbulent few months of life changing events that have totally rocked my world. And not in a good way.  You may hear about my story one of these days on 48 Hours Mystery, or some show like that.
Just kidding.
Maybe.
Actually, I might just have to write a book one day.
This means I’ll be supporting myself completely again, which is nothing new. I’ve been single and married and have worked most of my life until about 4 years ago.   This transition is not totally easy, but being here with my sweet family has been just the medicine I’ve needed. I tossed it over and over trying to figure out where I want to go job-wise at the moment and I do believe I’ve decided to keep on heading in the direction I’ve been going and go full force into blogging full time. I’m going to stay with my parents for a long time, I imagine, since I have a lot to dig out from under. The good thing with that is my expenses will be low.
When I started this blog back in early 2007, I had no idea where it would go. It slowly evolved into a part-time business. I started out by joining BlogHer ad network and that was a really good beginning for me, getting my feet wet, then adding my own advertisers and a few other ad networks.
I know many do not like advertising, but really if someone spends so much time working on a blog, trying to make it the best it can possibly be, then why not make some money from it? It does become a business at that point. A very fun business! Is it sustainable for the long haul? I have no idea, but that is something I’ll deal with as time goes by. I do know that I sure love working for myself and working at home. I will never be the biggest OR the best blog out there in my niche, but I will work hard at making it the BEST it can be, sharing from my heart.Â
So, that is where I am at the moment. I’ve heard that the job market in Atlanta is really, really bad. One of my friends that I talked to recently told me that after losing her job a couple of years ago, it took her 15 months to land another one. That’s not good odds. I did work for many, many years as an Administrative Assistant and can always go back to that if I need to, but I really don’t want to. Big difference. I can always go back later if I really have to.
I so much enjoy the creative side of myself and blogging has really let me explore that creativity even more. And I know that home projects and decorating is what I love to do. Since I don’t have to feel pressured to get back in the rat race of a Corporate job, I will continue to work on my blog and hopefully grow it even more. I also want to try to develop the decorating consultations that I so enjoy too and would love to grow that side of my business even more.
If you are in the Atlanta area and want help putting your home together, I’d love to have the privilege of helping you do that in person. Â I will be happy to come out to your home and chat about what you want to accomplish. Â You can contact me by email and we can talk:
NOTE:  I’m no longer doing design consultations.  After my house renovation in 2012, I got so busy and then my blog has completely taken over my life in a good way!Â
I also have some new ideas on opening an online store. The Open Sky shop I was a part of changed their format, so those of us who had shops are no longer part of it. So, I want to find a way to keep selling my famous beadboard wallpaper that I love so dearly and I do believe I have figured out a way to do that. So stay tuned for an online shop too that I hope to add some fabulous things to!
That’s where things stand today! I’ve so enjoyed this blog and meeting all of YOU out there who so faithfully come by and read what I put out there and I hope to continue putting out great content and fun projects that will keep you interested and entertained.
Thanks again from the bottom of my heart for all the support and prayers that I’ve received from all of you. My journey is still ongoing and I have no idea where all it will lead, but I’m looking forward to a bright future, one of hope and promise!
Libby@Light of the Home says
Rhoda, it was a pleasure to meet you in person last Saturday at the bloggers luncheon. As your blog title aptly states, you are a southern and hospitable person. I truly believe that God has gifted all of us in specific and unique ways. When we walk in our purpose we discover His provision! Praying for successful and profitable days ahead for you in the home design business!
Lynn says
Rhoda,
It makes my day when I see that you have made a blog entry. Please know how much joy and valuable ideas that you bring to others with your creations. I wish you the best with your journeys. Starting a new life is petrifying and what a strong lady you are to do it. You seem to blessed with a lovely family that I suspect is giving you the world of support that you need. Please try to take your time for yourself while getting back into the groove of things. You give the aura of a true Steel Magnolia! ~LWW
Dawn says
Hey Rhoda! I wish you the best of luck with your new venture! You’ll do great!
Hugs!
Fairfield House says
Rhoda,
We ALL have stories — it’s part of living and growing. I’m so glad you choose to share yours with us via your blog. I love being a “Rhodie” and reading about your traveling, “sailing” and decorating adventures! Your house tours are a favorite. I have no doubt that you could be a success as a full-time blogger.
The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Rhonda says
Rhoda,
I wish you the best of luck and much success with your design business in Atlanta.
Rhonda
Sherry says
I wish you all the best as you move forward with your plans for the future. I have enjoyed reading your blog this past year and will continue to do so. I love the pictures of your home, a great portfolio!
Maddie says
I love your “can do” attitude! I have enjoyed your blog and your style for awhile now. I wish that I lived in Atlanta area. Good luck!
Gina says
Rhoda, I think you’ve made a great decision. I’m a regular reader of your blog – its one of my favorites! You give me inspiration and you have great ideas. I love your style.
Keep the faith,
Gina (in Texas)
margaret says
Rhonda,
I am delighted to hear that you are back. You cannot get a good girl down, eh? You’re attitude is an inspiration to us all! Stay strong!
Margaret
Carol Cottrell says
Rhoda,
I too,am a “Rhodie”. Actually, yours was the first blog I discovered! A few years ago, I didn’t even know what w blog was. I wish you could see my laundry room…..It’s yours all over again including the black and white press down tiles! I wish you could see my little office space….It’s yours all over again! I’m sure there are many more “Rhoda rooms” all over this country. You have inspired so many with your design style and now you are inspiring so many with your spirit. You never have a “woe is me” attitude when you post, you are always uplifting. Jesus shines through your blog.
Carol
Jen (Balancing Beauty and Bedlam) says
Oh my friend – if there’s anyone who can completely make this into a full time living, it’s you. And to see your rates for inspiration boards? That is a STEAL that EVERYONE should take advantage of!!
Love ya, sweet lady. This is only the beginning …
JEn
Annette says
Rhoda
I enjoyed your taking in the thirft stores , garage sales and local sites. Have you thought about online garage sales. I loved the pictures of the sale you had at your house. You have good taste, honest and very likeable. I know what ever you do you will be great at it. If you could get alittle closer to those price tags..you could boost the tourist trade there..lol Have a good day, lots of us are praying for you.
Annette
Casey says
Rhoda, wishing you all the best as you begin this new chapter. I am positive great things will happen for you. You are such a sweet and kind woman. Looking forward to watching you SOAR!
Suzanne says
Rhoda, I wish you the best of fortune with your new path. Life never seems to go as planned but I firmly believe that we are led where we are meant to go. I can’t wait to see where this journey leads you!
Pinky says
Rhoda, when I think of you I think “style” and “grace”. You have faced this new journey with both and I so admore you for that. I hope this will be the best adventure and a HUGE success!!!! I am so happy that you have decided to go this route! I ahve followed you for quite awhile and always look forward to your posts. I know God will guide you, but you are a STRONG woman and will be fine!!!! XO, Pinky
Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode says
Hi Rhoda, so glad you’re pulling yourself up and going with something you love to do. You will be successful, I can just tell. I’m wishing you lots of luck and sending prayers for your new chapter of your life. Take care and I will continue following you.
[email protected] says
You will do a great job – you are full of talent and inspiration! I look forward to following along with you:)
Screaming Meme says
Loving all of this! Especially the turquoise bird cage on the wall! If you get the chance come and look at my french VINTAGE bird cage and read my hilarious confession! ha! Sure to make you laugh! 🙂
Xo, Meme
BTW, I am having a HUGE giveaway series!
Adrienne says
Good news, my friend. I’m thrilled to hear of your ‘new’ ventures in blogging and decorating – it’s just what you need! When I first heard that your world had turned topsy-turvy I thought of this and hoped you would go this direction. Want to come to Oregon and do some decorating projects? Seriously, I’m praying for you and asking God to bless you in ways you can’t begin to imagine! Can’t wait to hear how things progress and grow from here.
~Adrienne~
Sue says
Rhoda, I’m sure that you will do well at whatever you set your mind to doing. “Where there is a will, there is a way” is definitely my mantra. Good luck in all of your endeavors!
🙂 Sue