Sunday, August 19, 2012

History of a Blog, Part One

In late fall of 2007, I began a blog (on Typepad back in those early days). I opened the doors to Mary Rose's Cafe for the purpose of helping my good friend, Beth, get her fledgling business enterprise off the ground.


Do any of you remember the Saltbox Studio? It was a line designed by Beth and carried by Amuse Art Stamps. Beth and I poured our heart and soul into that line, but sadly, it just didn't take off as we'd hoped. Consequently, this blog never took off, either.

So many crazy things took place in those early years! I was a Stampin' Up demonstrator, and then I wasn't. I lived in the suburbs of St. Louis, and then moved to the suburbs of Indianapolis. I went from worshipping at a megachurch to worshipping at the Church of the Holy Cornfield. I went from being a mother of a preschooler and school aged children, to now being the mother of one school aged child and two college students. I've had good jobs, I've had bad jobs, and I've had no job.

The blog has changed during these seasons of my life. At times, it's been about business. At other times, it's been personal. I've shared my cards and other creations, and I've shared my life. There have been successes, and there have been struggles.

Last year at this time, I was burned out. Burned out with paper crafting, burned out with blogging, just burned out in general. I nearly gave it all up. But instead, I sold off most of my stash and started anew. New stamps, new companies, new products, a new vision.

One year later, and here I am again. Burned out with paper crafting, burned out with blogging, just burned out in general. I won't lie to you. It's been a tough summer for me. I've been sick since Memorial Day, and let me tell you this. I'm sick of being sick. Life has been pretty draining.

So that's where I'm at, folks. I'm drinking an espresso, trying to get some energy into this tired body, and writing for anyone who will read my ramblings.

Bless you for reading this far! If you care to read more, then stop back tomorrow for the rest of the story.

7 comments:

  1. I remember the Saltbox Studio stamps - I adored them! I miss them now that you mention it. I think that is actually how I came across your blog and have been a follower ever since, albeit a silent one.

    Sending you quiet support and prayers.

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    1. Thanks for the memories, Christy! Glad you enjoyed the line as much as I did!

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  2. Oh Mary Rose, how I can relate! I have to say though, I love your blog, and I would be very sad if you left it altogether! You are a fantastic writer and I love your crafty stuff too. I'm not sure how I came across your blog, but I have it on my blog roll on my very own blog and I always look forward to visiting! All I can say is that I appreciate you...what you say and what you do. Keep your chin up and know that somebody out there cares about you!

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    1. Thank you for your kind words and support, Kate! You've always been such a sweetheart!

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  3. Oh sweetheart, two things: You are LOVED and the grace you pour into what you post, say, type, share is a blessings to those of us lucky enough to read it :) and ..... I can sooo relate! I could have typed this post myself. I am truly at a crossroads where I want to close up my Cabana (lovingly alter name for my craft room!), stack EVERYTHING in rubbermaid bins, close the door, and shut down my blog. I'm THAT tired. But then I think let me just pray on it, focus forward and when I get to it, I get to it .... and you know what? It's OKAY :) We're human, we're wonderful women of faith and that means there is always an answer. There is always a refresher in the form of friendship and fellowship if nothing else. I vote that you keep onward as often as you WANT and CAN ... we'll be here.

    From one tired mama to another in the same boat .... cheers! (water since it's dark thirty and school starts for my girls tomorrow!)

    Blessings, friend! x0x0

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    1. Thank you, friend! I'm going to keep visiting your blog because you speak my language! :) You're a kindred spirit, and I'm glad we've gotten the chance to know each other this summer! Bless you!

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