Blog Focus Thoughts

I have a birthday coming up next week, and with my kids nearly all grown up, I recognizing I'm in a different season of life.  I want to continue to be as active and vital as I can be, and I want to be used by the Lord to encourage women in their unique rolls in the world.

In the blogging world my focus has been my home and life, and all that encompasses.  When I could have gone with a home decor focus, or a homeschool focus, I didn't, choosing instead to show all of who I am on my blog.

As my homeschool years come to an end (4 years to go!) and I find myself an 'older woman' I find I want to reach back to those younger women behind me, and I also want to reach those women who are in my place.  Busy in their homes, and at work, grandmothers who are encouraging their kids as they raise their families.

So, I'd love to hear what place you're in in your life.  Are you a young woman?  Older?  Single? Married? Widowed?  What kind of blog do you like to read?  I guess I'm wondering what you look for in a blog that you go back to over and over.  

I want this cottage on the web to be a place of encouragement, hospitality, and friendship.  Just like it is in real life.

Let me hear from you in the comments, please!

Reality of Social Media

There's been some conversation on social media about how people are stressed out trying to make their lives 'perfect' like the people they follow.

I know that it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison.  For me its not comparing my life to theirs, but comparing my business opportunities to theirs.  However, the more longer I've been at blogging (almost 11 years) the clearer my thinking has become.

I have three goals in my social media usage.

ONE - Hospitality.  In our real life we practice hospitality a lot.  Some of it stems from having teenagers in the house (who've grown up with hospitable parents).  Last week there were several movie nights here, and last night there was a huge game night. There were nearly 20 young people here.  That's a lot of loud!  But they had fun, and the girls cleaned up afterward!  Win!

Hospitality is messy and I don't always show you photos of that.  

Two - Friendship.  I want to be a friend to the people who frequent my blog and Instagram.  This world can be a lonely place, I want Creekside Cottage to be a warm and welcoming spot.

I keep it real, but in all honesty, I'm not going to talk about when my husband and I have a disagreement or when my kid has a bad attitude.  Those are private issues, and people don't need to know that.  I do however, talk about hormonal teens, in general, or the fact that we all have areas of challenges in life.  Sometimes I talk about it more openly than other times, it depends on the issue.  And I want to be real because life is hard, and we need each other to walk through it.

Three - Encouragement.  This is a biggie for me.  My love language is words of affirmation.  I need to hear encouraging things regularly and I love offering that to you!

I want to encourage you in your parenting, your married life, your grandparenting, your struggles, making your home a welcoming place.

But just because I don't show you that some of my clothes are folded up on top of my dry sink in the basement - 

Its because this is temporary while we are sleeping in the basement, and because I don't want you to think we are somehow 'amazing' people because we are doing this.

I don't want to ever give the idea that when I share my life, I'm bragging or trying to make my life seem better than yours.

I struggle with selfishness and I am learning new lessons all the time about dying to self.  I'm in the middle of learning this in a new way, right now.

Social media can be wonderful.  I use it for fun and keeping in touch with friends, and blogging besties.  But I leave the rest behind.  I don't need more drama in my life, do you? 

People act like social media can't be controlled.  Of course it can, and you're the one to do it.  You choose who you follow, and why, you choose to step away from the computer and your phone.  

I think most of you know this and use social media wisely.  You work, you have your homes to care for and your family.  You have kids and grandkids to be involved with.  Real life.

I also want to share the process I use, and why, when I show a photo.  I'll use these photos of myself.

I took several photos of myself while I was waiting in the car the other day. (Our friend has PT three times a week and I have lots of waiting time)

 I liked the second one better - the angle I think and so I shared it on Instagram, but not before I used a filter to fix the color.

Here's the photo that showed on Instagram.

I'm vain enough to want to look my best, but not vain enough that I airbrush out freckles on my lips or my laugh lines.

When it comes to sharing photos of my house, I sometimes do show the mess that comes after hosting people, or the dishes in the sink, but only if it is part of the story I'm telling in the blog post.  Otherwise I assume you have enough dishes in your own sink and don't really want to see mine!

Just know that I will continue to show you my cottage garden flowers, but I'll also show you the weeds and talk about how I'm not a fan of the weeding that needs to happen in order to have a pretty garden.

Deal?  Good!  I think being authentic and sharing your life with others is important.  How much to share can be a challenge, and we need to be wise about giving out TMI (too much information), but it honesty and authenticity is important in friendship.  I'm so happy you're hear every day, and I hope you find Creekside Cottage a place of encouragement!  


What are your thoughts on social media.  Let's talk in the comments!

Friendship: Blog Friends

Cheryl and I became friends online when I read a series she was doing in October writing '31 Days' posts about hospitality.  I found myself commenting, "Amen" and "I agree" on every post.  We started to email chat and found ourselves to be kindreds.  How many years ago was that, Cheryl?

Since then we have spent time in each others' homes, sharing meals and family, and our hearts.  We still email and when we can we make the three hour trip (one way) to visit in person.

We had not been able to make it work for two years!  There were illnesses, and a move to a new house, and the start of a business, and family needs.  You know the stuff of real life.

Several weeks ago, Cheryl mentioned they'd be coming up our way for an overnight stay and could we meet for dinner?  "Yes!" was my quick reply.  I love Cheryl's sweet family, and it was fun to catch up with all their news.

Blogging has changed over the years, but the one thing it has done is bring many wonderful friendships my way.  Some are older friends,  not blogging much but we still keep in touch, and some are new friends!  

I hope you find Creekside Cottage a friendly place, full of encouragement and hospitality!

 I'm thankful for you all.

Some Blogs And Instagrammers I'm Following

Style At A Certain Age - Beth Djalali  

I found Beth on Pinterest while looking for clothes for women over 40.  I like her style, its very doable for an ordinary woman.  She also has a youtube channel here.  

The Lettered Cottage - Layla Palmer

This gal is so adorable.  She and her husband have a darling son from Haiti, and they live in a sweet community where they drive a golf cart around town!  She talks clothes, home design, and life.  

I adore her Insta-Stories!



So many of my longtime blogging friends are not blogging much these days, so I've branched out.  

A gal I've been following for a few years is Courtney from French Country Cottage.  Courtney has a romantic style to her cottage design and recently announced that she is the new editor of Romantic Homes Magazine!  

I hope you'll check these gals out both on their blogs and on Instagram.



I had a crazy day, and then hosted 9 people for our Mexican food dinner for ladies from my church.  I ran out to do some errands this morning and my battery died.  Thankfully Tim was between jobs and was able to get a new battery, and install it.  The nice thing is that we were able to have lunch together.   I'm really tired tonight/early morning and am headed to bed!

Hair cut later today!  Hurray!

Simple Decorating

In my first year of blogging, I found another new blogger at The Inspired Room.  Melissa has a home decor blog, and I love the things she shares about making your house YOUR home, and styling your home to suit you and your family.  

She's been writing books the last few years, too, and they are really wonderful.  She has a new book out called, Simple Decorating, and I really love it.

It is a small paperback book with 50 tips to "inspire your home."

When I got my book in the mail, I thought, "This is a wonderful book for a newlywed or a young mom."  The format is laid out so you can read a tip in just a few minutes.  Tips about lighting, rugs, paint, how to decorate on a budget.

This may be my favorite book of hers so far.  I keep it on the table next to the chair I sit in to read.  It's inspiring even for me with many years of home making and creating experience.

I was sent this book by the publisher, but my thoughts are, as always, all my own!

ps - Did you know there was an Inspired Room coloring book?  You can check it out here!

I Was Struggling This Week

to find something to say.

I've been blogging since 2007 and I rarely do not post.  That is a lot of talking and sharing.  When I read back over old posts and comments, I see that blog following has lots of flow.  What I mean is that people who used to be regular visitors here have moved on, and there are many who are new readers here.  

 New growth on my Mini Rose Bush.  

I'm not an overly analytical type ( I leave that to Tim and a few of my kids!) but at times I wonder why someone stops reading a blog or at least commenting.

Then I realize that I have done that too, over the years.  There's only so much time in a day and if you are working, or still raising kids, something has to go.  

 New growth here too!

Recently I've joined with a few new link ups online (I miss Vee's Note Card Party!) and have found some new friends, and am enjoying 'new to me' blogs.  It was through Vee's monthly party that I met Dotsie, Judith, and Lorrie. 

Sometimes, we follow a blog because of where we are at in life, and the bloggers' writing resonates with us, sometimes it is due to a shared love of something such as gardening.  As our lives change, or our interests change, or our circumstances it is only normal that the blogs we seek out may change or expand. When I started blogging in 2007 I had 6 kids still at home.  Now three are married and I am a grandma. My life has changed!

We have 7 years left before all of our children will be adults.  My time is freer than its ever been, my interests have changed and are growing.  I'm thinking ahead to what will occupy my time when I am no longer raising kids.

 I am excited by the possibilities.  However blogging for so many years, I wonder what's left to say - haven't I said it all?  That's what was on my mind this week.  Then I realized that my thoughts have grown as I have continued to grow both as a person and spiritually.  I have a lot of new readers here, and I am so happy to welcome them!

I want my blog to still be about the things that drive me and this blog - Hospitality, Friendship, Encouragement. 

I'm thankful for this week of pondering, actually its been a bit of pondering longer than a week, so perhaps I should say this week of struggling with what to write about.

I feel like I have a fresh focus, and I am grateful. 

 Continued growth here as well!

Happy September!

From several years ago on my deck.

 For many of us, September marks the beginning of the autumn season though the official first day is September 23rd.

We are having one of the hottest weeks we've had this summer, which is a bummer because last week was a perfect preview of early autumn - warm days, no humidity and beautifully cool nights.  Too bad we couldn't have reversed the weeks temperatures since we have an outdoor wedding this weekend!

At least we have a tent and we can bring fans out if we need to circulate air.  Right now the forecast is for 79 degrees and partly sunny.  If the humidity is down, it will be lovely.

The early changing trees have their tinge of autumn on them and along the roadsides the sumac are changing.  It's so pretty.  The fields of pumpkins are nearly ready, and the mums are for sale along with the purple asters.  I love this time of year.

Right now I am immersed in red, black and white, which are the wedding colors.

This summer seems to be quiet-ish in the blogging world.  I know that there are a lot of concerns about the economy, and the culture.  Big changes have occurred in such a short period of time.  I hope to be a voice of encouragement.   Even as we need to tighten the purse strings, we can still live a joy filled life.  More on this in the days to come.

Four more days until the big day!

It's The Little Things

For a month or so, the left shift key has been gone.

It was a real pain to type with it missing.

Tim asked Em's friend Joseph the other night about replacing the key, and he mentioned that it would be inexpensive to replace the whole keyboard.  Tim got online and after a bit of research, he ordered it.

This laptop gets a workout everyday.  From blogging to email to the kids' math programs, it's a work horse!

The new keyboard came today!  It took 3 days I think.

 So out with the old...

 in with the new...

     Hello left shift key...

It's the little things in life that make me happy!

She Made Me Cry

Oh, yes she did!

If you want to see how, go read her blog post for today.  

Love you friend!

Deanna

"If you remain silent because what you say could be taken wrongly, you will never speak."

This is a quote that a friend posted on her blog today.  Interesting timing as I have been pondering this very thing lately.  I have been asking the Lord if I am blogging about the things He wants me to.  

I want my blog to be a place of Hospitality, Encouragement and Friendship.  I want you to feel welcome here, just like you would if you came to my home.  But just as you would hear my heart for the Lord, my family, and others if we were visiting and fellowshipping here in my home, that is what I want you to 'hear' from my blog.  I want you to leave this place knowing that you are welcome here, that I care, and I want you to be encouraged.

I began to blog because as I read blogs, I found out that I was not alone in the world!  There were so many ladies out there that cared about the things that I care about and this was so encouraging to me!  I wanted to do the same thing, and perhaps inspire and encourage women to love the Lord, love their families, to love their homes, and like me use their homes as a place of outreach.

As I started to do this I have developed such precious friendships with ladies that I found through blogging.  I have been blessed to meet several of these folks and a few families as well!  So wonderful and encouraging. 

On the other hand, there has been criticism.  Funny isn't it that when I go to post now I think "Oh, I am sure I will hear about this!" or "Better not say that," instead of "I know this will be a blessing to ____," so I end up not posting about the things on my heart.

It is good to be on guard with our tongues, to be careful about what is shared.  This is public after all!  

But I am wanting to get to the place where I don't worry about who might be upset by my sharing what the Lord is teaching me.  To be free again like I was in the beginning.  

Have you dealt with this?  How were you able to get your 'voice' back or at least to the place you would like it to be?

 

Joseph.....

Thanks Warren, for taking our photo!

What an awesome time we had yesterday!

Becky over at Hospitality Lane made tickets available to see Joseph at Sight and Sound Theatres!  I didn't think it would work for me to go...Lindsay was already going, Emily had to work, Tim wouldn't be home in time for me to leave, and we are headed out for a quick trip north in just a few days!  

Well, everything came together for me to go...God sent a huge rain storm yesterday that caused Emily's work to close, and I picked her up while I was still out doing many errands.  Tim had already planned to take Emily and the little ones to a Christian music night rollerblading event that happens every week...Anyway, to make a long story short - I got to go!

I kept hearing how amazing the show was and how "you've got to see it", so I had pretty high expectations.

It was fabulous!  I mean it.  You may recall that the girls, my Mom and I had a night out in June to see 'Phantom' at the Fulton Opera House.  You can read about that here.

Joseph is head and shoulders above the other show.  The music is fantastic, the acting is great, the sets and staging are amazing!  Since I sew I love to look at the costumes...so wonderful.  The technology in this show is neat.  At one point the set changes from the prison dungeon to Pharaoh's palace and on the wall they show Pharaoh's dream...it is a great way to tell the story.  The other amazing scene was the celebration at Potipher's home with the performance of showing the glories of Egypt.  That was Awesome!


A scene near the end of the show had me in tears as Joseph sees his father Jacob after all those many years, and he tells him with tears "I kept my name Father, I kept my name."  Joseph's name means "May Jehovah add/increase."  That is what happened to Joseph.  He kept trusting God - he held to the truth that the Lord is in control and had a plan.  Oh, yes, he had to fight being bitter against his brothers, keeping him from his father and younger brother Benjamin, but Joseph recognized that God planned his life to place him in Egypt at that moment in time, in order to preserve the family line. It is so powerful, to watch God's hand at work!

After the show we found out that the actor playing the Joseph was not the lead or the understudy, but the third guy in line!  He did an amazing job!  Having never seen the show I didn't realize he wasn't the lead actor!  

Can you tell I LOVED the show?  It really is the best show I have ever seen there, and one of the best shows I have seen anywhere!

If you get the opportunity to come to Lancaster County or even near by, I hope you will go and see Joseph.

Hello Readers!

www.allposters.com

I had the neatest thing happen to me yesterday morning.  Emily worked yesterday at the maze, so I drove Chelsea home after a sleep over and then Emily took over the driving as she needed the drive time.  She loves to drive and I showed her how to get from Chelsea's to work.  

When we got there she got out of course, we hugged, I reminded her about keeping hydrated, as it got to be nearly 100 degrees here yesterday and off she went.  Behind our van was another Mom dropping her son off for work.  

As I got into my seat, and was busy readjusting it for my comfort, I noticed the van had pulled alongside mine and a sweet lady was trying to get my attention!  I fumbled with the window button and she said to me "Do you have a blog?"  I answered with a smile, "Yes."  "Are you Mrs. Rabe?"  Again, "yes!"  "I recognized your daughter!"  And the conversation was on!  

Mrs. L. was concerned that I would think it weird, but I didn't!  I was so touched and it was lovely to meet someone who reads my blog and is encouraged by it!  Thank you for letting me know!  It was such a blessing to me!

It also made me realize that perhaps more people read my blog than I know.  I see the followers number and that blows me away, and yet I read blogs that have over a thousand followers or hundreds even.  My point is not that I am trying to get more followers (you mean people actually care to know what I am writing?).  My thought is that I don't often get very man comments, so I tend to think not very many people actually read my blog.  

So just this once, I am going to ask you to post a comment if you read my blog.  Just say "hi!"  I am kind of nervous to do this because what if it is really only Becky K., Tracy, Karen, jAne, Miss Paula, and my mother who read my blog?  hee hee hee...

Pretty please?

I Met A Blogging Friend This Weekend...

Karen from Blue Barn Bulletin and her family were in town to surprise the Becky's daughter Chelsea, and it was a surprise for her daughters Julianne and Allison as well!  Karen's daughter Julianne and Chelsea have become great pals through emailing and since Juju just had a birthday on Thursday and Chelsea's is Tuesday....Well let's just say the Mommies conspired to bring joy and delight to their daughters!

Yesterday Hospitality Lane hosting a big party celebrating Chelsea's birthday with cake for both girls, lots of yummy food and great fellowship.  

Later everyone came our way for fireworks as my dad loves to buy a big pack from Costco and share them with us all!  Afterward the kids were playing hide and seek in the dark and it was so precious to see Kyle holding Allison's hand while they were seeking the hiders!  Karen was quite jealous! 

I don't have one single photo to show you.  I am sure Becky will post some soon.  The Blue Barn folk are headed home this morning. 

This is so sad to me - I wish they lived next door!  They are so delightful as a family.  They really fit right into all our Sunday Craziness!  :)  

After finding Karen's blog about 3 years ago, it was so wonderful to get to show her Creekside Cottage in person, and to give her a big hug!  

I hope we will get to see them again soon!