I haven’t written a blogpost since Monday before last. Over the last three years, I’ve blogged like postal service:
source
Life circumstances convinced me that I needed to take a break from something. While I’ve continued to meet my commitments with my clients, my blog had to be the one to take a breather. A whole lotta duct tape has been keeping me together over the last few weeks:
thanks, Melanie G.
I took this photo last night in Colorado Springs, where I am spending a few days of respite. When I took the shot, I thought it would be a great photograph. At the time, I didn’t realize that there was a fog over my lens.
Sometimes, just sometimes, we experience a revelation that we’ve been seeing things through someone else’s lens for a very long time. The problem is, the lens is completely and helplessly fogged. That’s when it’s time to clean that lens, recalibrate, begin to look at things in a new light. Through the lens of reality.
crystal clear view of lake at the Broadmoor
The good news is that I am just fine – I appreciate how several of you have reached out to me wondering if something was awry. You know how much I love to create pretty from the not-so-pretty, which is why I LOVE what I do. It’s why I changed careers to pursue my passion for finding beauty where others can’t see it.
But in the process, I’ve been driven to prove something. Prove that I’m worthy, that I’m good, that I’m special in some way. I know that sounds pathetic. I’m working on it. And giving myself a break, which is also working on it.
I’m learning that as much as I want people to think well of me, I can’t control what others do or say about me. And it’s not even my responsibility to convince them that they are wrong.
Now lets get back to what we all love around here – beautiful color and interiors! Tomorrow I’ll share my experience touring the amazing Southern Living IdeaHouse here in Nashville – and meeting fabulous Southern Living Editor, Lindsay Bierman, and celebrity interior designer, Phoebe Howard.
via Pinterest
See you in the morning!
Hang in there sweet friend! Love, hugs, prayers lifted up for you.
xoxo
dana
thank you, sweet dana!
You don’t have to prove anything to me. 🙂 Rest your pretty mind.
xoxo
Kristie,
I was wondering about your lack of new blog posts and am glad you are okay! I think it is really important to take time completely off from work. I’ve been at the beach all week and totally stepped away from e-mail. I even turned off both work accounts (one for each job) on my iPhone. It has been a wonderful break, and I know I will be better for it when I return. Looking forward to seeing new posts soon and wishing you a wonderful respite in the meantime.
Francie
Thank you, Francie. It’s been good to be away 🙂
Kristie, I want you to know that I love reading your blog! I, too, love making underappreciated things very beautiful. It is my favorite talent! You have helped me so much with your advice here. I love your laid back, and at the same time, very well done and classy style. But more than that, I read your blog because I love your personality. Your sweetness comes through in your advice for our homes and the other things you share about your life.
I will probably never meet you. I’m just a random person that lives in Alaska of all places! But, I feel like you are a friend because you have taught me. You have a good heart.
Keep doing what you’re doing. You definitely offer something special to this industry. Even if people say things they shouldn’t, all that truly matters is what you think and what God thinks.
Hang in there sweet Kristie!
Wow, thank you so much for writing to me and for your encouraging words. Although I’ve never been, I’m sure Alaska is a beautiful place!
Sometimes, being forced to take a break from what we consider normal life is one of the best things that can happen. What wonderful freedom comes when we discover we don’t have to prove ourselves or our worth to anybody! I truly enjoy your blog and have learned much from what you share, but you can only do your best when you are at your best. Take care:)
I want to thank you for all your tips I’ve learned in the last few months — since I found you on-line.
I live in California and I hope I can find someone like you, here, to help me decorate my new house.
My mom, grandma, and aunt all have that lovely trait. Me? Not so much and I can use all the help
I can get!
Rest up, sistah, ‘cuz we can all use your tips!
Krystie,
Everyone thinks you are worthy! You’ve succeeded! Now enjoy your break, you deserve it.
Hi: I’ve recently discovered your blog and LOVE it! A couple things came to mind as I read this post.
1. You don’t have to keep making new content all the time. It’s great to give yourself a holiday, and still keep the blog going by scheduling reposts, like a rerun. It sounds like cheating but honestly, you have tons of great stuff here that I haven’t even read, and it’s all good & still modern and fresh.
2. This blog must drive a lot of business your way. Could you possibly hire someone to schedule guest posts from others for you? The best part about running your own business is that you are the boss of you. :0)
3. I like the quote above: “Rest your pretty mind”.
Suzy
Thank you for those great suggestions, Suzy! I am the worst boss ever 😉
Kristie, So many of us put the exact same pressure on ourselves to steam ahead even at the expense of our health, our relationships and our family. Good for you for pushing the reset button and taking some much needed time off for rest and reflection. I too noticed your blogging absence and was actually thinking maybe you hit the wall. As my friend once said to me, “the World is not going to stop just because you take some time off”. Take care my friend and remember, there is very little that is more important than you and your loved ones….sending love to you and good wishes.
Thank you so much, Linda. Your friendship and support means a lot to me 🙂
Kristie- thanks for your transparency. I had also noted the absence of posts and wondered if something was wrong. Glad to know everything is being righted, and you are taking time for you! Interesting to think of people being critical of you. Really? That would have mever crossed my mind. Your work and style is so fabulous. What people say always says more about THEM than it does about YOU. Honestly, when people are mean or critical, I try to pray for them. They must be so unhappy on their own if they feel the need to bring someone else down. Blessings to you-
Cleta,
Thank you. I have developed a thicker skin in regards to public criticism. It’s absolutely necessary when you “put yourself out there.” What I’m dealing with now is much more of a personal nature, but it certainly impacts how much of a workaholic I have become. Understanding where you come from sometimes reveals why you are so driven to do such-and-such. I appreciate you and your encouragement 🙂
Kristie, we,as your loyal followers owe you something, the respect you deserve to get a break, I am in awe of all of you awesome bloggers, Maria, Joni,etc- You have just been spreading yourself too thin-you can’t be everything to all people-It’s about setting priorities,I’m sure the more success you gals are receiving means more jealousy and more mean spirited comments from such a large audience-it would be hard not to take it personaly-my mom always said I did not take constructive criticismn well and she was right, I think it is because i am my own worse critic, I am well aware of all of my flaws-don’t need people pointing them out! haha-was thinking you need a bloggers union, where you all could agree to just post every other day or 3 times a week, so we, the greedy reading public don’t sap all the life out of all of you!!
Kathi,
I’m loving the idea of a Blogger’s Union, haha! Maybe just a Blogger’s Retreat or Blogger’s Beach Vacation . . .
Kristie, I think this is the smartest thing you could do!! I have been so blessed by all the help you have given me in Nashville at my son’s condo and at our home in Florida, plus all the ideas you have given me on your blog and on Pinterest. You are passionate and giving and have great talent. Love the quote above about decisions! Let me know when you need a beach break!!
Living in the real reality!!! It may not always be pretty but it sure is a much better place to be! Just remember your scheduler loves you and totally gets it….hee hee!
Kristie, first, I want to thank you for your wonderful blog and all of the inspiration that you have given me. I recently found you and have been enjoying all of your posts so much!! Plus, you got me watching “Downton Abbey!” I am now a fan!! (I had never heard of it until reading about your themed dinner party) You have helped me so much with ideas about painting my rooms and also, I love watching the outcome of what you have done for your clients. I too, had noticed that there had been a slight drop off of new posts. I really appreciate you letting us know that you are alright. My heart goes out to you. We all need some down time, some healing time. I hope that you are feeling strong again. You are a worthy person. In every area of your life!! Hang in there!!
Dear Kristie, Since the day I found you, I’ve come to your blog to see, feel, enjoy and share in the beauty that you create… until our own circumstances are back to normal enough that I can, again, do the same here at our own home. I do not have your gift; your expertise, of course, but I have your love for making a home beautiful; for making a house into a home.
I sense a beautiful spirit guiding your designs…your heart seems everywhere within what you create. Your love for your family is ever present. You are so wonderfully human. You are a great comfort to me.
You, and others like you, show me that normalcy still exists…and that I can get my family back there as long as I continue to hang on.
What we’ve been through has made me see everything in a different light. Living with sewer gasses coming into our home, and onto our property for the last year and a half has made me see that if we have good health, a place to live, people to love and that love us back, food to eat, clean water, and God given, priceless, wonderful, nurturing, blessed clean air…we have everything.
You do so much, for so many, it seems maybe you had to slow down to catch up with your brilliant, beautiful self…you are remarkable…you are inspiring…you are loved, and you have nothing to prove to anyone. May God continue to Bless you and your family, as you bless so many of us with your great gifts. I love you as I do my friends, and you have helped me in ways you cannot realize.
With great sincereity…Nancy Stinson, White House, TN
Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement, Nancy! Difficulties in life really can help us see the amazing blessings we have missed along the way. I hope things resolve quickly for you in your home and your family 🙂
Hi Kristie,! So glad you are back! Have missed your posts and wonderful advice! Ahh it’s a tough world we live in and just like you said, our perspective needs clarified once in a while. Rest assured….none of us escapes that! Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you and sending good thoughts and prayers your way! HUGS!!!!—-Marilyn in N.C.
I can so relate! I don’t know if we’re close in age, but I think something shifts at a certain point in life. Instead of living to please others, you learn to live true to who you really are. At some very low points, I’ve been refreshed by that very place where you are today. I’ve literally walked that loop around the pond a hundred times, praying and breathing the name of Jesus the entire time. So that loop is covered in prayer! 🙂 It was great to meet you at the Southern Living event. That was such a treat for me. Hope I’ll see you again.
Thank you, Linsey – so nice to meet you, as well. Check out my post on the Southern Living Idea House tomorrow, as you are in one of the photos!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Although we never met in person, I feel like you bring joy into our lives by helping to lift us!! So, I’m sending good thoughts and prayers to help lift you!
I can understand where you are coming from. I have a tough time saying “no” myself. I think that makes up uniquely women!
Hang in there…..and I LOVE the photo with the fog!! I think it was meant to happen!!
It was TOTALLY meant to happen, Patti! So many things have been revealed to me over the past month – bad things and good things – but things, nonetheless, that are crucial for my growth and refinement. It reminds me that God has not forgotten me.
So glad you are able to unwind… Here…in my hometown!!! I know you we’re resting but man what I wouldn’t give to see you in action! Sure would love to get you back here to teach a class to us!!! Hint..hint… :). Do hope the reprieve was good for your soul!! Blessings!
Kristie,
Everyone needs a respite/sabbatical/ some downtime to recharge their batteries– especially in this day and age of 24/7 social media. I just read “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed about the power of stillness and reflection– a 1,000 mile solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. It really touched me– no, didn’t run straight out to REI to purchase hiking boots, but am craving a real (as in several weeks) getaway. And yes, a shift in perspective is always healthy– travel does this for us.
Slow down… enjoy your time.
My dear, you got me with the Lego birthday party! Perfect in every way, but I thought,”how can she be doing all of this?” You are lovely, you are talented, you are a wife, and you are a mother, just to name a few. I have found with my own life, the ups and downs that have come with four children, losing our first one to a brain tumor, my husband running a snack food manufacturing business, my children leaving the nest, aging parents, and me finally starting my own business, WE CAN HAVE IT ALL! Just maybe not at the same time. I am 51 and I feel that I am starting a whole new, fun chapter in my life launching my new business. My children are now encouraging ME to reach for my dreams with confidence, just like I have taught them! You are at an age where you are starting to listen to your own inner voice and believing it! We, as your ever loving and loyal fans, will continue to look forward to your posts and webinars, and certainly give you kudos for taking time to “chill”. I hope all is well! XOXO
Thank you Gina, that is so encouraging to hear – thank you for sharing your personal story and lifting me up 🙂
I think you’re nifty.
I just love the end of this blog! It reminds me of Christ and His need to get away from all the craziness. We are only worthy because of His sacrifice at Calabary! Because of Him we can sincerely say it is well, with my soul!!!!!! ThAnk you for sharing your heart!!!!!!! Blessings!!!
Blessings to you, as well, Sylvia!
Taking time off for yourself to regroup, reflect and restore is what it is all about. We all need to do it. Giving ourselves that chance to take stock and offer up a chance to make a change is what life is all about. So kudos to you Kristie. Taking time for yourself is what shores up your family and your work. As a reader I appreciate your writing, pictures, thoughts and honesty. Enjoy.
Kristie,
I think by now you can see by all these responses that we all can relate to what you are going through….I just had hit the wall myself–so we jumped into our RV and took off for a few days too.
I was making way too many stupid mistakes and got really cranky! Sometimes I think God just has to stop us in or tracks because He wants to talk to us or hold us….
Rest & lean back on Him! Me too.
Love & appreciate you & what you do, Kristie.
Paula V.H.
If anybody ever complains about the quality or quantity of your blog posts, just offer to give them their money back. HAHAHAHAHAH! Seriously, it is so important to take care of ourselves first, and then everything around us can be cared for in its time…that is why the flight attendants tell us to first secure our own oxygen masks and then help those around us. Enjoy the balancing act!
Dear Kristie,
Other than our 2-hour consultation over the phone last month, I have not had the honor of meeting you. I must say right off, though, that I can NOT imagine anyone criticizing you or you feeling as though you need to prove yourself to anyone including you. Can I just say that, I stumbled upon your blog from some other page in a desperate attempt at finding someone with a design/decorator’s style for the average person. Someone who can work magic with an unlimited budget as well as those of us with a lot less to spend.
How wonderfully surprising and uplifting to find not only an extremely talented and down-to-earth designer, but someone with whom your readers can relate, and appreciate. Your blogs are well-written, entertaining, informative and make the reader feel as though they are welcome. That is a talent for which you can not study and earn a certificate or master at any university. A person either has this innate skill or does not. You’ve been so blessed with the ability and opportunity to reach so many people and make their everyday a little better. You know what? I can NOT remember the site I was in on the day I found your site ~ I never returned to it, because your site, your blogs and you are simply superior. Thanks for all the blogs and keeping it real for all of us regular folk. We appreciate you, your blog and expertise. Btw, I held it together until the last picture in your post ~ It is well with my soul ~ love that hymn. Hey, even God rested on the 7th day, right? Enjoy every little rest you take to reflect and be glad ~ you sure deserve it.
Kristie – I have been where you are. I suspect many women have. We care deeply about what other people think and always put ourselves last. Take a rest and never stop believing in yourself and always focus on the good.
Be well,
Kate
Hi Kristie,
I have been following your blog for the past 6 months and I have learned quite a lot from your blogs. I was wondering about the absence of blog posts and was happy to see new posts today. Hope things are ok with you and let the break work wonders for you.
Kristie,
Love your blog! It has been giving me some inspiration during another relapse of my cancer…I have been in this fight for 5 years…and at times, cancer has been front and center in my life, in more ways than I can count. My decorating biz has been my salvation…I am determined to not let cancer become my career…on my bad days I look forward to opening my e-mail and seeing your blog posts…it puts me back into the right frame of mind, and helps me to regain my determination to continue doing what I love…helping people make their homes beautiful…it reminds me of the beauty in the world, even while I continue to deal with the ugliness of this disease. Thank you for the inspiration you share with all of us!
Thank you for sharing your story, Deb. I will be praying for you and your recovery – I’m so glad you have a passion that helps you focus on beauty in the midst of your struggle 🙂