That is a great question. Well once upon a time I started a blog…and then last year somewhere between opening my Etsy shop and a Pandemic, my blogging fell by the wayside. Not to mention a whole lot of life happened along the way. I think we can all agree that 2020 was a crazy year and now here we are nearly 3/4 way through 2021, I’m not sure how this happened.
At the end of last year, we decided to become foster parents and we received our license this Spring. We currently have a long term placement and have been adjusting to life with a little one.
All of this to say, I’m still here, and I will have more to share soon. I mean it this time. I plan on sharing how we converted our guest room into a nursery and I have a few other ideas. Not to mention, I feel like it is time to give my blog a little refresh.
Whether you stuck around through my lack of blogging or you are new to my page, I appreciate you being here.
Hello there. Its been nearly 5 months since my last post. I’m not proud of that fact but I’m still here. I started & stopped writing on several occassions over the last few months. Honestly, I struggled knowing if/what/when to post. On one hand I would remind myself that I started this blog as an outlet to write whatever, whenever I wanted. On the other, I felt like I was in a creative rut and my normal content felt trivial amidst everything going on. Yes, there is still a lot going on, but over the last few weeks I have been feeling the creative pull again. I look forward to sharing more soon.
I hope you’re doing well and stay well my friends, thanks for sticking around.
On Sunday it was beautifully Sunny and unseasonably warm. We took the dogs for a nice long walk and chatted about our plans for Spring including our first scheduled trip to the cottage this year over Easter weekend. However, as I write this today we’re in the midst of a 24 hour winter storm/advisory/whatever. The weather this time of year can be quite a tease here in the Midwest.
As we walked we talked about how much we miss our little home away from home. We miss being close to family & friends in Michigan. I miss “my” spot on the couch and Mark “his” recliner. During the Spring/Summer months and through the Holidays we are able to visit more often. There is always a lull this time of year and it is when we are the most cottagesick…its like homesick but I just made it up. I find myself going back through my posts and photos fom the renovation and daydreaming about family dinners with a lake view, pontoon rides & bonfires. It can’t get here soon enough.
On the bright side it is almost March and the first day of Spring is just about 3 weeks away. As much as I truly love winter, I am starting to develop a serious case of Spring fever. I know I’m not the only one. What are you looking forward to most this Spring?
I’ve been a little quiet on here since my last post , but for good reason…
I finally did it. I hoped an Etsy Shop. I’ve been toying with the idea for about a year and decided there is no time like the present.
If you’ve been following along with me here, on social media or know us in real life you know that Mark and I love going to antique auctions, markets and vintage shops. We have accumulated quite a colection from our treasure hunting over the last several years. Often we buy pieces because we intend to decorate with them in our own home but there are plenty that we’ve snatched up solely because they were unique, in great condition or needed to be rescued (that may be a bit dramatic). Now its time to release some of these pieces back into the world.
I spent a good amount of time over the last month researching about selling on Etsy. I have learned a great deal so far through various articles & blogs but I know there is room to learn much more. You have to start somewhere right? So that is what I’m doing. As of yesterday I clicked on the “open shop” button and By The Poole is officially open for business. Below is a preview of my first listings, I’ll be continuing to add more.
Even if you have no intention of buying anything, but could spare a minute to check it out, I would greatly appreciate any constructive feedback!
“feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful” ~ dictionary.com
If you are reading this, THANK YOU. If you have read any/all of my posts in the past, THANK YOU. This feels like the perfect opportunity to express my gratitude for every time you have taken the time to stop by my page.
The internet can be a scary place to put yourself out there but I have been fortunate enough to experience only kindness and support from those who follow along with this little blog of mine. This isn’t something I take lightly. I appreciate each and every one of you.
I have completely slacked on my blogging as of late. It’s been over 2 months since my last post. My excuse? Summer. In my attempt to play catch up, here’s what we’ve been up to…
We spent a week at our cottage
We had already made a couple weekend trips but over July 4th we were able to stay for a full week. This is the 2nd summer vacation we’ve spent at our cottage after 2 the two previous summers spent renovating it. Every drop of sweat and penny spent is well worth the time with family, pontoon rides, bonfires, quiet morning walks in the woods and everything else that comes with it.
We visited Manistee, MI
A few years ago we started a tradition during our summer vacations in Michigan of picking a new destination for a day/overnight trip, this year we picked Manistee. This was a first for Mark and what felt like a first for me. From what my parents’ told me there is a good chance we visited there when I was too young to remember. We spent the day exploring, eating, sipping and shopping our way through this little lake shore town. We were also lucky enough to be there to watch the Manitowac cargo ship come all the way down through the canal.
We adopted another dog
His name is Woody and he was an unclaimed stray that we discovered through the same rescue group we adopted Ruby from. Our first attempt at fostering was a “fail” in the best possible way. He’s been recovering from surgery and he has a lot to learn and experience but he is sweet as can be and is already part of our family. I have quickly learned how difficult it is to get a good photo of 2 dogs at once…I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it.
We completed zero projects around our house
Unless buying new cushions for our patio furniture counts? (not pictured) Other than that we did nothing by way of DIY/home improvement projects. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of projects I have in mind. However, evenings on the patio, long walks with the dogs, nights out with friends and various other summer activities have been the priority. I’ll have plenty to keep me busy this fall.
I hope you’ve wonderful summer so far and enjoy what is left of it. I promise it won’t be another two months until my next post.