This past Saturday, while the menfolk hunted, Jeanetta and I hunkered down with all the kids at Darley Farm. I worked on my proposals, she worked on potato soup. Once the soup was done my eyes were crossing and we decided it was time for a little flea marketing break. Luckily for us there was a local antique and flea show happening just down the road, so we stole away and did a little window thrifting.
I am in-love with this adorable globe/desk lamp. Such a great mid century piece. This would be great on Wylie’s desk. If he ever used it. Let’s be honest. Everyone does all their work at the kitchen table.
I’ve told you that I was a HUGE Lady Di fan right? These dolls were in amazing condition. But they cost a fortune. And I am not really a collectible doll person. And their faces are weird. Charles looks completely wigged out and Diana looks like she went to the MAC counter on her way to the church.
But still, what a great find.
I know I am about five years behind with this reference, but Hello McDreamy!
Someday I will own a vintage card catalogue. Someday.
I already have about three six hanging light fixtures waiting to be revamped and used. No way I could justify bringing another one home to hang out in the hall closet. But I did love the colors on this one so much
This was the most precious little medicine mirror cabinet ever. I would have loved to purchase it. The vendor who had it for sale is local. Wondering if I can track it down. I have no idea where I would put it, but I really think it needs a home.
Non-Buyers Remorse.
Just fun and cute. Not my style at all but I loved all the colors.
A classic. One day I am going to find the perfect and affordable USA map. But right now I don’t have anywhere to hang it, so I didn’t feel too bad about leaving this darling behind.
Redwork on white linen is always a favorite
The only thing I purchased was a bracelet made entirely of vintage white buttons. It’s adorable. And I forgot to take a picture. Perhaps later on I will remember to Instagram it.
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So lately I have seen a lot of blog post about why people blog. Is it over? How commercial should one be? Should you have sponsors/giveaways/ads? Do you blog for others or for yourself? Is it a hobby or a job?
There is a lot of thought dancing around the blogosphere. There are conferences and workshops and tutorials and oy vey, it all makes my head spin.
My blog, like my life, has seen it’s fair share of phases.
This is my 1808 post.
I have been doing this for almost nine years.
Crazytown.
This little slice of Internet space has served so many purposes for me.
It has been a creative outlet, a way to make new friends, a way to be inspired by others, a way to promote my businesses, a way to chronicle our family life, and a place where I can stretch my writing wings a bit.
It has been a habit, a passion, a burden, a joy.
Occasionally I will chase a rabbit down a hole, and get lost thinking about Branding or Traffic or Optimum Posting Times or Cooperate Sponsors. Occasionally I feel like I should be doing this better. I should post more, I should write deeper things and stop doing things like showing you what I didn’t buy at the flea market. Sometimes I think I should have two blogs – one for writing about faith and one for pretty things. Or that I should get more focused in my posting.
But most of those thoughts are nonsense. And they are the sort of things that rise up when I am tired and stressed and feeling particularly brittle to the touch. When I am feeling behind on everything in my life – not just blogging.
Mostly what I have done, and what I plan on continuing to do, is playing it by ear, taking this thing one day at a time. Sharing bits of my life- the thrifting, faith, food, kids, worries, celebrations, successes, failures, and writings – with you as they happen.
So here are a few little thoughts on what I can tell you about the future here at Jolly Goode Gal:
Dear friends you are not my target audience. You are friends and pen pals and acquaintances and readers and peers. This means that my blog will probably never be a Bid Deal because you are a bit of menagerie and there is no pinning you down to one demographic or special interst group. But that’s OK. In fact it’s beautiful. I like who you are, and who we are together. You are a Big Deal to me.
I will always host giveaways because as a thrifty gal I like free stuff. But I will only ever giveaway stuff I already love myself. No fake product pushing here. Mostly I like to give away books (OK, so I am book pusher. The rumors are true) and cute things.
I wrote a book so from time to time I will promote it here.
Also I have friends who make cool stuff and write cool books. I will promote them from time to time as well. I like to share the love, spread the wealth, and walk in kindness. .
I like it when you comment
I have to be honest. Sometimes when a post doesn’t get a single comment, my smile turns upside down. But I am not a great commenter myself, so I get it. No hard feelings. But I do like it. If you were wondering.
Speaking of being honest, that is what I strive for more than anything.
I try to be honest.
Even if that means that sometimes all I honestly have to share is pictures of what I didn’t buy last weekend.
And I try to be tender.
Which is why sometimes I will tell you things about myself that aren’t so great. Ways in which I am broken, or worn out. Ways I am failing and flailing. Sometimes I will moan about the same thing for six months. Thanks for hanging in there with me when that happens.
I live at the crossroads of Beauty and Mess. Sometimes it’s fun and sometimes it’s boring. Sometimes it’s cool and sometime’s it’s the awkward kid who won’t stop talking even when no one is listening anymore. And lots of times it is full of grammer mistakes and off-centered photos. But it’s where I live and where, for the time being, my blog shall remain.
I am always glad you stopped by.
And that’s the truth ruth.
xoxo
J
I love stopping by your place to see what you've been up to-even if it's just to see all the pretty things you didn't buy at flea markets {mostly because you have good taste, different from my own-but still so pretty to look at}. Personally, I don't ever feel like you're trying to sell me something. Also-I'm bad at commenting. Will do better 🙂
That Di doll totally reminds me of lady elaine fairchild on Mr Rogers. Snort.
I love virtual flea market window shopping! And I like that you don't have triple digit comments here–it makes me not want to comment when there are so many comments. I mean really, who needs all those people to ooze all over them about how lovely and inspiring they are? Gag. But just so you know, you ARE lovely and inspiring…even if 150 people don't stop and tell you so.
I like being a bit of a menagerie. And I love your flea market photos! I never find anything as lovely as all that.
Blogs evolve, blogging evolves… I think as long as your (okay, my) blog is feeding your (again, my) soul, and not the other way around, things are going well, regardless of traffic and sponsors and comments and all that.
And, P.S., I ordered your book last week. It is scheduled to arrive TODAY! I'm super excited. I had to have it before Christmas was upon us. 🙂
Thinking lots about blogging and social media as I write and promote my first book too. And, I love this post because it reminds me what really matters and what I love about blogging…creating an online space to live life out loud and honestly. Thank you, and I'm glad I found your little slice of Internet space!
Nice to know what you are thinking. I do enjoy your space here. Love the comment by Sarah! Snort, indeed!!! 😀
Oh man. What is a flea show and why have I never heard of one before. More importantly… I NEED TO FIND ONE!!! You have way more willpower than me leaving all those pretties behind! Love your blog, love your book, and love this post!!
I always read, only rarely comment but always appreciate. I'm glad you are going to roll with things the way you have been. This is one of my favorite blogs because….oh lets just call it distinct lack of pretense. Thank you for being you and sharing yourself with us. There are lots of us at the corner of Beautiful and Mess, we're neighbors. Let's just love each other.
I enjoy your blog and am so glad you are going to continue to share here. Good luck finding the cabinet — so very cute!
I commented because you like comments. I love your writing. 🙂
About eight years ago my daughter and I went to the famous Brimfield flea market in Massachusetts. It was fabulous, we spent an entire morning there and ran out of money before even seeing a quarter of the market. But we also found lots of treasures at great prices (they also have a section for New York designers but it cost more to go into that area than we planned to spend all morning). They are SO much fun.
PS: I just ordered your book from Amazon with a couple others that had been on my Wish List. Can't wait for it to arrive. 🙂
I don't always leave a comment, but no fear, your blog gets read! Keep it up!
Jolly Sweet Gal, I always enjoy visiting your blog. Your writing is refreshing, honest, tender and so often brings a smile to my face. Keep doing, what you're doing. xo
we have never met, but i have been reading your blog for a long time now. i recently read your new book and absolutely adored it. i love the woodland advent wreath. i am going shopping this weekend to get all the pieces to create one for my husband and i. i have always wanted to participate in advent, but this time of year always feels to crazy to me and it's often easier to just embrace the crazy. this year is different. i am facing a crisis in my family and things will be very painful and different this christmas, and so i was really moved by some of the new traditions (new to me!) in your book, homemade year. i really need to not embrace crazy and instead, participate in advent and choose rest even when it seems like the last thing i should choose. i am excited to make our own advent “wreath.” i am grateful for your book because i find myself in a difficult time in life, where i am having to look at holidays and traditions and decide what is meaningful to my husband and i, what new things can we do as a family unit to remember the work of christ, not just on christmas and easter. i think that's really neat. i have recommended it to several of my friends who are starting to have children and are also thinking through their own traditions!
I have several blogs on “my favorites” book mark thing (that's some great IT talk, huh?) and there are 4 that I look at almost nearly every single day – – this blog is one of those 4. And I have your book – and I've also given the book, it's a perfect 'just because' gift. And lastly, I made the GranMary's angel biscuits last night and they are, I believe, the most perfect biscuit on the planet. Keep doing what you're doing – – it's awesome.
I do not want the blog world to end.. I love reading peoples blogs every evening while sipping on some tea and watching HGTV!
Xo
Keeping it thrifty
I love my beautiful, mess friend. And, I want that medicing cabinet.
I want that medicine cabinet so much. I have to admit to now being sad that I live in a different part of the country. 🙁
love your mess dear friend! you can also visit my blog: http://ichoosejoy-vanessa.blogspot.com/ i will take the vintage suitcases!
Gave my sissy your book for her birthday a few days ago. She loves it! Keep doing what you're doing. We love you heaps
Thanks Gina 🙂 Hope you are good!!
It's SO true! Snort is right 🙂
I agree about triple digits comments. I also feel as if my voice will get lost when I see so many comments have been left. Thank your sweet comment here 🙂
Oh how fun! Thanks for the book order -I hope you enjoy it! And thanks for the menagerie love 🙂
Thanks Erica and congrats on your book!
Thanks Dawn!
Well a flea show is sorda like an antique show but not so uppity 🙂 You must find one -they are big fun!
Yes! I am all for the love 🙂 Thanks for always coming around here to visit – I love it when your name pops up 🙂
Oh how fun! I would love to go to some big flea markets in other parts of the country, Some items are still so regional! xoxo Enjoy the book!
Thanks Dori 🙂
oh thanks!! how wonderful to be starting new traditions. i will say prayers that you find a way to rest in the moment and to remain focused on Christ and his love, and that there you will find comfort and inspiration. thank you so much for your sweet comments!
oh how wonderful! those biscuits are divine – truly! so glad you enjoyed them! (and for the sweet encouragement!)
I agree!
thank you friend! I love you too!!
this is a pretty wonderful little corner of the world 🙂 thanks for reading!
If I could I would send them your way! xoxo
Thanks Besti! Love it when you come here to visit! Tell your sissy I wish her many homemade blessings!
I love stopping by for a visit with you even though I don't always comment. It's rather like sitting around your kitchen table, coffee cup in hand, sharing a morning conversation. Next time I'll bring cookies:)