This week was the week three years ago that I first hit the button –
-that button on the back end of a blog that says – “Publish”
I nervously clicked it not knowing where it would take me. The thoughts –
Would anyone read this? Did I do it the right way? Would it even show up on the Internet? Would I write another?
– all raced through my mind. It was thrilling and scary at the same time. All I knew for sure was that I wanted to share what I knew with others and this blogging thing just might allow me to do it – my way.
Up until this point, I had been lucky to have had a decorating book published, be featured on TV many times, and had the opportunity to write a few articles for magazines, but as thrilling as it all was – someone else was calling the shots. They wanted things done in a certain way, color, and style. I wanted to do it my way – I wanted to be the Editor-In-Chief making the decisions on the who, what, where, and how things should look and be presented.
In August of 2009 I went to see the movie – Julie & Julia. It was about how a food loving girl made a recipe from Julia Child’s cookbook every day and blogged about it.
As I left the movie theater, I thought– I could write a blog. OMG! I could write a blog and do what I love to do – my way. I decided to give it a shot and my life has not been the same since.
I started to do research on how to start a blog. The learning curve was steep for me on the back end of things, but I had time to learn as my life was at a turning point since my youngest had left home for college. I was an empty-nester. I had just taken a display job at a local store, and when I was not at work, I was working on the blog – 2 months later – I pressed the “publish post” button for the first time. I have since pressed it 393 times, plus I have been fortunate to write for other sites sharing what I know. I am now a full-time blogger and loving every minute.
I named my blog, In My Own Style for two reasons. 1. I wanted to do things my way. 2. I wanted to inspire others to live life authentically – with oodles of personal style – listening to their own unique voice and calling – to do things their way and not second guess themselves.
I joke that I can’t add 2 + 2 to save my life – as life to me is all visual. Someone can put 2 toothpicks down on a table in front of me and then place two more down and I can visually see 4 toothpicks – I get it, but not when I see numbers – my brain doesn’t comprehend them. I may lack that mental comprehension, but God had another plan for me – he gave me another skill – to see things perfectly in my mind in a transformed or different way. I was given the knack for taking the mundane and elevating it to a more elegant level – affordably. I enjoy giving things new life no matter what they are – a tin can or a table I find curbside. This is my style and I would not be happy doing things any other way. I see potential and style in everything and want to help others find it in their stuff, homes, and themselves. For the past 3 years I have been able to do just that.
I have made plenty of mistakes on the journey so far – I am not afraid to experiment – I consider my house my lab were I try things out to answer –What if? I have had major fails – like the 12 x 12 rug I painted that would have turned out OK, but would have cost way too much as it was sucking up way too much paint. My style is very affordable. My background in display has taught me to be resourceful and that there is always a way to get something done and it may not be the conventional way, but it works just the same. My husband doesn’t even blink when I bring junk home and always asks – Do you want this? before he throws what most would consider trash -out.
On the technical side of things -I have brought my blog down, thinking I knew what I was doing with .php – I don’t. It cost me to get it fixed. My server crashed for a day when Apartment Therapy featured my work. It went back up again and crashed again the next day when another big site featured another project I did. You learn about things like bandwidth and file size as you go. I have my blog host help desk phone number memorized and know a few of the help desk guys by name. I had no idea what a server was, let alone -URL, html, .php, CSS, or meta files. It was all a foreign language that I had to learn when I started and am still learning as life on the Internet is constantly changing.
I have so much I still want to do – there are not enough hours in the day, but I will keep striving towards the goals I have and bringing more creative and affordable ideas to you. My husband has been unemployed since before I started blogging. Even when he does land a new position – I will still do things the same way – just be able to do more of them in a bigger way. :)
I have reached this 3 year mark with lots of hard work, but more importantly because of – YOU – my readers. I can not thank you enough for reading and connecting with me. I wanted to host a big giveaway, but when my basement flooded when the power went out due to Hurricane Sandy, I had to quick switch gears to take care of it. Now things are pretty much back to normal and I hope to have something special to mark the occasion for you soon.
I have a few other pieces of news. They are not related to my blog anniversary, but are very exciting for me that I wanted to share them with you.
– This Old House Magazine featured my bathroom in the Nov/Dec issue. I picked it up while waiting in line at the grocery store. It was fun to see something I did in a national magazine. Thanks Megan Baker for writing such a nice feature. It is even mentioned on the cover – at the bottom – Clever $265 Bathroom Redo.
The article is also online. You can find it here – A Bathroom Refresher for $265.
– Last week a reporter and photographer from a local newspaper came to my house to do a story about me. If you noticed I didn’t post any big projects last week as I was too busy cleaning my house to get ready. I found out that the article ran today after receiving a few emails from friends this morning telling me they just read about me in the paper. I have not been out to get a copy, but I did see the online version.
-In the past three years I have also been given the opportunity to write for other sites. None of them would have happened if I didn’t start this blog.
This month over on My Colortopia -dining rooms are being featured. Very timely with the holidays fast approaching. I know you have seen photos of my dining room, but do you know why I painted it the color I did? I chose the color for a specific reason. You can find out why on my latest post – My Dining Room, Finally Done Right. You will also get to see a few of what seem like ancient before photos of the many decorating schemes the room has worn over the years, too.
When I look back to those first months of blogging, I had no idea how much I was about to learn not only about the world of blogging, html, social media, and the world of the Internet, but how many wonderful people I was about to meet online and even in person on this blogging adventure. I feel blessed to be doing what I always have wanted to do – be the “Editor-in-Chief” of my own publication while getting to work from home in yoga pants and a snugly sweater.
I am living my dream and it all has happened because I took a leap of faith and pressed – Publish!
Thank you each and every one of you for reading and making this blogging thing a success for me! It would not be a success without YOU! XO
Carla says
Congrats on the 3 year mark and providing everyone with an enticing and inspiring read.
Barbara @ DIY Home Staging Tips says
Congratulations, Diane, on reaching a milestone. I hope you continue blogging for a long time because I — like many others — count on you for ideas and inspiration. Since I’ve read your blogging “herstory” now, I suspect you’ll keep going.
I’m reading how some bloggers are getting dissatisfied with the entire experience. They’re feeling overwhelmed by the work involved because it takes them from family and other activities and responsibilities. Blogging requires study, and it tends to take on a life of its own, and the smart ones like you find a way to get control. Being an empty nester (I’m also one) certainly helps with time management.
I enjoyed reading all the linked stories. Thanks for including them. The bath story and dining room makeover are fascinating, and the pictures are beautiful. I especially like the idea of setting up a bar on the mantel. If you blogged about that, I missed it.
Congrats again!
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Barbara for the nice note. Blogging can be overwhelming – I would have never been able to do it to the extent I am if my girls were still little. I did not yet blog about the bar on the mantel – I did it for Momtastic.com, but will be showing it in my post tomorrow.
Ann says
You are very good – keep up the good work. Perhaps your husband should blog about the unemployment world. He could rally people around him and maybe help a few along the way. You just Never know…
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Ann – Funny thing about my husband – he is big on LinkedIn and with his contacts and what he knows he has gotten a handful of people jobs. Everyone jokes that he should start a business coaching others. Not sure if there are any unemployed blogs, but there should be! There are quite a few professional groups that he belongs to where everyone in the group is “In-transition”. They meet up monthly to discuss things and network with each other. He has made some great connections through these groups.
Katharine from Kat's Almost Purrfect World says
It’s only been 3 years? I think I’m one of your first readers cause I swear I’ve “known” you at least 3 years. I’m so proud of you and your blog. Congrats on all that you have accomplished. I do remember what brought me to your blog. I had seen the drawers exchanged for baskets and organizing. I remember asking how you got on the labels and I’ve been reading ever since. I didn’t know, till today, that you were able to just blog for a living. Wow! Way to Go!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Katharine -I do remember when you left me the comment about the baskets. Time does fly. I love seeing your name come up in my comments. It always makes me smile.
Sophie says
Dear Diane,
Congrats on your Blog-Anniversary! Love your site and always look forward to your post on Facebook! Keep up the good work–you’re an inspiration to a lot of people and blessing too!
Hugs,
Sophie
Martha/Marty says
I must have found your blog soon after you launched, and you’ve been a favorite ever since. You are original, inventive, and realistic – and delightful. I’ve loved how your background in display informs your projects! I’m looking forward to all that’s coming, and hope it will include another book!
Kristal @ Engineering Life and Style says
Diane-
You are amazing!! Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary!!
Kristal
Carol Walker says
Congratulations on your Blogiversary! Yes, that is something daring I have never tried and not sure I could keep it up – but I’m so happy for you and hope your husband finds work soon. I have tried several of your projects and they are simple if the instructions are followed. Thank you for sharing! I always enjoy your blog!
Mary Alice says
Your blog is one of the few that I visit everyday. I love your resourcefulness and creativity. Keep it up!!!
[email protected] beautiful life says
How fantastic! Happy blogiversary.
Christine says
You are my kinda gal; real, fun and adventurous.
The very reasons I love reading your blog!
Happy Bolgiversary. Here’s to many more years! {{clink}}
melinda ke says
I’m glad you hit the publish button three years ago, I love reading your blog! Congratulations, and I hope you have many more great blogging years ahead of you. :)
august says
Congrats!
I’m right where you were 3 years ago. I’ve had a blog for a month and I’m too afraid to make a single post because someone might read it. One day I’ll get there . . .
Diane Henkler says
Hi August. It is scary, but once you do it a few times, it does get easier. Post a photo or something general to get you going – then you can start posting more personal stuff as you gain confidence.
Sheryll & Critters. says
I think I outdid myself with the “so”….. lol.
Sheryll & Critters. says
CONGRATULATIONS DIANE!!!
I am so very, very happy for you. And me too, since I have garnished so much of your teachings and ideas and everything.
Thank you so much for all you have given me. And so many others as well. I am always so very happy to get that special email from you. I stop what I am doing to read and sometimes reread all your blogs.
Thank you again so very much.
Rebecca says
Congratulations on your three-year anniversary and on the great in-print homages to your style. Keep up the good work!
Debbie says
Congratulations Diane! I really enjoyed reading this story of your blogging journey. And wow…the bathroom looks fantastic!!
Looking forward to the next 3 years!
Debbie :)
Donna McBroom-Theriot says
Congratulations! I, too, remember the first time I hit save and there was my blog with its first post. I was so excited when I hit 10 followers and had comments that I thought I’d explode. That was in 2009, umm, don’t do math (like you) but I think if I use my fingers…yep…three years? What a way to celebrate. I love your blog and I, for one, am so glad you hit save! Donna
PS – thanks for always responding when I ask about the different fonts you use!
Carol Fitzgerald says
Congratulations on your 3rd Anniversary. I love your Blog and love getting the link by email ….. you inspire me. I read the ‘budget redo’ in This Old House magazine and loved it … did NOT realize it was your bathroom when I read it. Keep up the excellent and creative work!
Carolyn says
Diane…just wanted to tell you that through your encouraging message and blog, I am in the middle of REPAINTING my nicely shaped, but truly ugly pine cabinets! The knots are not showing and I’m totally excited to see the kitchen brighten (didn’t go white, as I didn’t want to trim the entire kitchen in white and have it be the only room in the house that way) in a beautiful sage green with glass knobs! I’ll be sure to send photos when it done!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Carolyn – Your kitchen sounds like it is going to be very pretty. I would love to see your photos when you are done.
Denise Cerro says
Diane,
I just started following your blog. I happily found it while looking up recipes for chalk paint and your great DYI comparing 3 different types (I shared it in a post yesterday http://denisecerro.blogspot.com/2012/11/furniture-reveal-using-dyi-chalk-paint.html), thanks for the great info!
I too have had a long display/visual presentation career…so I totally get and appreciate you and look forward to keeping up with your future posts.
rhonda says
Congratulations Diane. I have tried following other decorating blogs, but end up overwhelmed and doubtful they are real, eventually unsubscribing. Your blog has been my favorite for many months and I look forward to each new post. Keep them coming!
Eileen says
Congratulations on a job well done. I look forward to reading your blogs for many years to come.
Betsy E says
Diane, Congratulations on your 3 years of blogging! It is YOUR page that comes into my computer that makes me cheer in my heart, “Yes! Another one from ‘IN MY OWN STYLE’ today.” While I get many blogs, yours helps me the most! Keep up the wonderful work!!
Kim says
Congratulations! You have great ideas and I really enjoy reading your blog. Thanks.
[email protected] Decor says
Diane, Thanks for the great inspiring story! I encourages me to keep hitting that publish button. Some days you feel that you are wasting your time and than you have encouraging days like today. I keep hitting publish knowing that this is exactly how the others have gone before me did It too. I am loving my life and what I am doing, so I hit publish again and again! I have faith that I can say even half of your accomplishments when I celebrate my 3 year! 7 months and counting!
Happy Anniversary!
Debbie says
Congratulations, i love your blog! Just started blogging myself so I recognised your feelings in the first few paragraphs.
Lynne says
Congratulations Diane . . .
Soon after I began my blog I met you. I am proud o say I have created two of your DIY ideas. One the outdoor lanterns and the other, a fabric info foam board for the backside of a cupboard door. Easy to make, each of them, because of your perfect tutorials.
Continued creative success to you . . . now . . . back I go to check out the links you mentioned.
Love, Lynne
Serena @ Thrift Diving says
Great job, Diane! I discovered you late last year, and loved the projects that you do. I now have a blog (where I find thrift store scores for my home and life), and your blog is one I look to for a successful model. Keep up the good work!
Serena
Thrift Diving
Shelley Fosse says
I found your blog pretty recently and have sure enjoyed catching up. Happy Blogiversary!
Mary says
Congratulations on 3 years of Blogging. Thank you for all the many posts of inspiration you have brought to us!
bee blessed
mary
Erin says
Congrats on three years. I have your book from way back when. Didn’t make the connection.
Anne says
Happy Anniversary! I love your decorating style and your dining room re-do. Did you make the dining room chair covers?
Diane Henkler says
Thanks Anne – Yes I made them. You can find the post and tutorial I wrote about them here –
https://inmyownstyle.com/2010/11/how-to-make-a-simple-slipcover-for-dining-room-chairs.html
Marilyn Holeman says
Congratulations, Diane!
Jennifer L. says
Also, here’s the sidebar in case you missed it. (Our website drives me crazy.)
http://www.thereporteronline.com/article/20121114/LIFE01/121119851/0/SEARCH/a-quick-thanksgiving-project-from-towamencin-woman
Jennifer L. says
Happy blogiversary Diane! Thanks again for being so gracious when we visited. I can’t wait to try some of your ideas. :)
Cindy says
Diane – you are such an inspiration to me! Congratulations on your blogiversary and your continued success. :)
Kelly @ Mom's Workbench says
Congratulations, Diane!! What nice features!! Wonderful!
Stacey says
Wow Diane – you have accomplished SO MUCH in just 3 short years! I’m glad you decided to start your own blog. I only found you recently, but look forward to seeing your eternal creativity. Happy Blogiversary!
[email protected] Satori Design for Living says
Love your blog and I’m so glad you took that leap of faith 3 years ago to do YOUR own thing. You are one of the people who inspired me to start my blog one year ago, so thanks for that. Wishing you many more years (and thanks for your support this past year too!).