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.
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. I will be happy to come out to your home and chat about what you want to accomplish. 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!
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!
Beverly says
Rhoda, I’ve had major life changes more than once, sadly. Believe me when I say that they will take you in a direction you never thought possible for yourself. You will get stronger and grow from these difficult experiences and will be successful without the old situations holding you back and affecting your decisions. You have a wonderful blog, dedicated followers and I have every confidence that you are entering into an exciting and beautiful phase of your life.
ashley @ the handmade home says
THIS NEWS MAKES ME SO INCREDIBLY HAPPY THAT I’M TOTALLY SCREAMING IN MY COMMENT! {and jumping up and down. as I type. I’m multitalented like that.} GO RHODA. You seriously rock. I am so happy for you, and just know you have more than quite a few cheerleaders in your corner. I think you’re one smart, industrious woman, for sure, and I LURVE you and your blawgh. MUCHO PROPS to you!!!! 😉
Diane@InMyOwnStyle says
So happy for you Rhoda. I think you are going to do great – you already are!!! I quit my full-time job back in January and since I have devoted myself to blogging full-time – magical things are happening. Life throws us a few curve balls along this path called life, it is those who bat it out of the park and go forward with passion. The job market here in the northeast is still pretty bad. It is over 2 years that my husband has been “in transition”. Being self employed is the way to go. Best of Luck xo
My best- Diane
Carol Ann says
Being from Birmingham, I sure hated to hear you were moving away. But
Atlanta is where you need to be and I just wanted to wish you the best of luck in your new venture!
Erin @ Two Story Cottage says
Great post, Rhoda! I just wrote about blogging as a hobby – too funny! I think that sounds perfect for you and maybe one day when my kids are in school I can aspire to do what you are doing!! I know a lot of people in ATL so I’ll have to ask around & see if anyone needs your services. One reason I was drawn to your blog is the fact that you took on all the DIY projects yourself & just figured it out. My hubby is not interested in DIY (but is very supportive) and after reading about your projects I got that “well, maybe I can do that” rush & just took off from there. Your design instincts are great though & that will take you places for sure! I’ve certainly been thinking about you since January.
Hugs,
Erin 🙂
traci says
Yeah, Rhoda!
I am so excited for you! I think this is going to be a great thing.
Praying for God’s best for you!
Traci
Paula says
I have enjoyed reading your blog so much. Thanks for sharing what you’re doing, and I wish you success with your new venture!
Paula
Terri says
Rhoda, I am so thankful that you have decided to keep blogging.. and actually….. like some others…. I was thinking that you should do this for a living along with consults, etc…… You are really good and you seem to have such a passion for it!!! I am so glad that I came across your blog a little over a year ago….. I am really excited for you and sure do hope I get to meet you someday!!! Terri
Tiffany L says
Congrats and best of luck to you!
Sarah says
Good for you! that sounds fabulous and I think you are going in the right direction if it is what you love! I agree that if you are blogging, the time it takes to do one post etc. why not advertise? I would love to grow my blog too and get some advertisers, but I feel like as soon as I found the blog world, so did everyone else and the bandwagon got very full, very fast. Now, there are so many of us jostling for position, if you have a blog that people like, more will come. Best of luck!!
Cindy says
Here’s wishing you all the best in your new endeavor! I think you will do very well with it. If I ever feel I can afford an online consult I will contact you.
Love and hugs, Cindy
Natalie says
Wishing you the very best! God Bless You!
Kimm at REINVENTED says
Congratulations, Rhoda, I’m so happy that you’ve decided to blog and design full-time, that is a blessing to all of us! 🙂 You are one brave lady, I am in awe of you, and so proud to call you a friend.
sondra says
Best wishes on your new ventures! Love your blog!
Richella at Imparting Grace says
Rhoda, I’m so glad to hear about your decision. My heart has been so heavy for you over the past few months. You deserve the very best in life, and I know that you’ve been going through anything but the very best. I am so glad that you’re able to live with your parents and that you’ll be loved and cherished and able to live with low expenses as long as you need to. Honestly, though, I hope that your blogging and design business takes off so much that you’re soon able to be wherever you want to be! You are such a lovely woman, and I really appreciate you. God bless you!
Heathahlee says
Rhoda, you have been on my mind a lot the past few weeks. I’m glad to know you’re using your creative gift as your job! I KNOW you will be successful.
Danette Nickell says
Rhoda, I have so enjoyed your blog over the past year (when I began reading blogs…..) I don’t usually leave comments, just quietly read your inspirations then quietly slip out. You are an inspiration even to those that never comment. I wish you the best in this new season of life that you have begun… Sincerely, Danette Nickell of North Central Missouri
Julie @ Practically Spent says
Life’s strange isn’t it? You never know where the next stage/phase/step will take you. I hope your next one is everything you’ve ever dreamed of! GOOD LUCK.
Paula says
I believe you will be successful in your full time blogging job – I enjoy reading your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions! You have a natural talent & flair that some people are just blessed with: God blessed you with a wonderful gift!
Prayers for you as you move forward,
Paula
The Freckled Minx says
Rhoda, good on you for not taking the easy path and going backwards and having the spunk to forge ahead on a new and exciting path! Well done and the best of Aussie luck to you!!!….B:) x