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. 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!
Thank you for sharing. I loved reading this…
I would like to share something I have made. It’s a cross stitch wall-hanger.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/73399758/cross-stitch-wall-hanger?ref=pr_shop
Best wishes to you!!
I’l be praying for you in your new transition! I think your plan sounds wonderful. I love hearing you will be trying out what brings you the most joy. I’m all about staying true to your passion and talents (: You always inspire me!
We’re behind you 100% Rhoda!
😀
I’d love some help, but we live in China! Your story sounds like it would make quite the page turner. Perhaps an ebook is on the way? Blessings as you begin this adventure.
Rhoda,
I’m happy to hear that things are calming down for you a bit and that you are able to enjoy the company of your family, so important.
For different reasons, I am in a similar place! My husband passed away on Christmas Eve and now I am a single mom and a widow! I still have a mortgage and need to work but am going through the process of ‘figuring out’ who I am and what I want to do with the rest of my life.
I love home decor, photography and organization but don’t have a proper outlet for that at this time. Praying in my future!
I work as an office administrator for a medical practice which I love but, like yourself, would LOVE to be self-employed! I admire your strength, courage and perseverance to ‘go’ forward into your new today!!
Blessings from AZ, Cindy
Rhoda, you continue to be an insipration! An idea for you; one that I know it’s needed in our area. Window display decoration/design for small businesses. We had someone do it at our old store & it always looked great (windows are different now). She did seasons, holidays, trends, etc. As is pretty obvious when one is walking around window shopping, not everyone has the knack and you certainly do. Just a thought. As always, the best to you.
Just started following your blog a couple of months ago and have enjoyed it so very much. Good luck to you and may God continue to bless you through your endeavors.
Hi Rhoda,
I bought some of the beadboard wallpaper from your Open Sky shop some time back for my laundry room. I must tell you that it is the easiest, most effective wallpaper that I have ever used. I LOVE IT! I wish you God’s best in all of your future endeavors. STAY CREATIVE!
Rhoda, All the best of luck to you. I know you will do a great job full time blogging.
Rhoda,
I think you are on the right track. You have a natural talent for design so why not use it. I pray you will have much success!!
Blessings
Rhoda,
I wish you much success in this next phase of your life. You will be fabulous that I know. I have been reading your blog for a long time now, and you just keep getting better, because you are so passionate about it. I truly think you are a special person and can achieve what you set out to even in the face of adversary, you will over come.
All the best.
Rhoda, I wish you nothing but success and happiness! You seem passionate about blogging so I know you will continue to grow and succeed.
Hugs,
Sherry
You’re an amazing woman, Miss Rhoda. I think you’re spot-on with your design service ideas…and for people fortunate enough to live close to you, they’ll be able to go yard saling with you to decorate their homes. Now THAT I’m jealous of! 🙂 Wishing you the best of luck as you follow your passion.
I’ve been reading you forever. And although you have a beautiful house, my decorating style is very different from yours. But it was you, and your heart, that have kept me subscribing. I know that you will succeed in anything you put your mind to! I’m praying for your success and happiness. And I hope you know that you are supported.
P.S. I’d love a coffee table book about garage sale finds made beatiful!! Maybe you could work on a book like that 🙂
Hey sweet friend,
You’re such a great writer and photographer and I always enjoy your posts. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I truly believe one of the reasons we must go through difficult trials in life is so we can carry another through theirs. Being so transparent will naturally connect you with those who you might “carry”. May God bless you as you bless so many. Love you,
Vic
I don’t know why anyone objects to bloggers advertising. We pay nothing to read the blog and it’s easy to ignore the ads! Besides, I’ve found many of them to be something I’m interested in and a few years ago got a huge pool umbrella at a discount thanks to you. Good luck going down this new path.
Rhoda, we’re blessed to have you in Atlanta. From experience, the job mkt here is ROUGH – my hubs just found a job last week after two years. I love your blog + have no doubt you’ll find success here.
Hey Rhoda… I’m truly sorry for all of your heart ache!!! I have often wondered why certain things have to happen in a persons lifetime… I wish you the very best in your new life and thank God for such great parents!!! I have been enjoying your blog for sometime now, but never have left a comment.Your blog has such creativity and grace that keeps me coming back. Ps. love the beadboard wallpaper ~ would love to know where to get it. XoXo
So happy for all your comments on this post and I wish you the very best and know you’ll be great at whatever “job” you end up doing. So sorry for what you’ve been through and you so deserve all the best! I’ll be cheering for you all the way!
I’m a longtime reader–I don’t even recall how I landed on your blog. Your plan seems absolutely right for you. : ) We’re about the same age (I think), and while some employers appreciate a stable “older” employee, there is a lot of subtle age discrimination out there. Self-employment can be a great solution, and you’re so talented at what you do. All the best.