January 12, 2011

Today..

Hi Friends. I wanted to take a few minutes to say hi and reflect a little bit. As I look at my screen and you look at your screen, we can't see each other. We can't hear each other. But what you convey to me comes through loud and clear with each post I read. Like when Anonymous told me I wasn't very domestic because I used Cool Whip and boxed cake mixes. I couldn't see if that person was grumpy that day, had higher expectations of me..or maybe is just an unhappy complainer in general. They couldn't see that I didn't care and got a good belly laugh out of that comment and gave them a huge eye roll and *whatever* that I'm famous for. It's stuff like those posts that keep me on my toes. I'm a big girl. I can take it. Keep bringing it.

And then there's posts like this one below I received that stopped me in my tracks. A really sincere post that makes me feel really humbled. It's true that I love my reds and family. They mean everything to me. But I'm certainly not perfect. I get grumpy, I yell, I tell my girls to go do something else when I should probably stop and spend time with them. But it's what makes it all work. We all do the best we can, right?

I have to stop sometimes and realize how good I have it. I am blessed with a happy and healthy family. I have a nice home. I can pay the bills with a little left over. And I get to work in a creative industry that I love. That I feel I'm good at. And I get to share what I love with friends like you. Friends I've never met but that still pick me up....make me feel good....we share our creativity together...share our stories. That's what it's all about here on my blog.

So thank you for always visiting. Thank you for leaving nice comments. Thank you for sharing in my story. You make it all worth while.

Sean said...

Michelle: I think I have written before but want to reiterate that I have never met anyone who so obviously loves their children with such a pure, unshakable unconditional love as you do. I was a single parent struggling to just put one foot in front of the other while keeping my fingers crossed that the electricity had not been disconnected. I never really got to enjoy the kids.

That is why God gives us a "do-over" with our grandchildren. Reading your blog in ways makes me sad for what could have been but incredibly happy for what can be and is with my beautiful grandchildren. Your children are blessed beyond compare.
SB

37 comments:

Unknown said...

Mish-

Thanks for being so real on your blog. It is what brings me back for more. You have a unique crafting style and not everyone will like it and just because you use cool whip doesn't make you any less of a person. You are who you are and that is what I enjoy! You make me think outside the box and challenge me and that is what I love. Thanks for being you:) I also love that you can belly laugh the not so nice comments! Bring it on in 2011!

Tammie said...

Mish, although I visit your blog everyday, I have yet to leave a comment..so today, I will do that. I love visiting with you. Your posts are a good mix of real life and artistic creations. I enjoy a peak into your world and life and I agree with the comment you shared today: the genuine love for your family and your craft comes shining through! Thanks for the inspiration!

wendy said...

I have commented before but will again ...thanks for all you do , the crafty , the family life, the cutting firewood...I so enjoy visiting your blog thank goodness this world is not full of perfect people..how boring would that be..LOL ..too bad not all people realize this...you inspired me to try my hand a the project life scrapbook..but this morning I could not order one they are all gone....I have recently relocated to a whole new country and have no family or friends or job here ...I am extremely thankful that I have hubby and 1 of our 3 children here ..I feel the project life would help me weekly to keep my family ties close to my heart and pull out past pictures of when we were all together...hoping there will be more in soon before January is behind us

Beth said...

So sweet Mish - Although we have never met in real life, we sure have shared our own belly laughs and I am proud to call you my friend!

Jennifer Aviles said...

Xoxo from this mama and friend. Love that you're REAL, girl. Cake mixes and cool whip are cool with me...as are margaritas. ;) have a fabulous day!

Rosie Lilya said...

Hi Mish-
I don't always leave comments, but I stalk you daily! If you haven't posted yet or I log on too early before your post goes live, I am sad- Ok, really I say "Michelle, where are you?" I need my daily does of your creativity! In the last few years we get to watch your girls grow, and share in your life. Thank you for that.Really, you can't hear me saying "OMGoodness Mish that is SOOOO adorable!!" I might have to yell a little louder next time!

Priya Venkat Designs said...

I stop by every single day and wait eagerly for your posts. I rarely comment though. This post of yours made me stop and write a few words. That was a lovely comment left by a reader and your response to it touched me. Thanks for sharing your life with us. God Bless you and your lovely family.

Gingersnapped! said...

Wouldn't it be great if we were all perfect? I have two jobs...one full-time (40 hours per week) and the other REALLY full-time (24/7) as caregiver for my 93-year-old father. Do I cook? Not very often...thank heavens for Stouffers and packaged dinners and canned soup. We do the best we can and let the rest go. You keep doing what you're doing! It's amazing me to me how you can do all you do everyday!

Donna K said...

Mish - I enjoy your postings every day and miss you when you skip a day. Can't imagine what else you have to do. The love for your family and friends is so obvious in what you write. I wish I could know you in person but I feel I know you through your blog. I'm glad you can laugh at the anonymous, unconstructive posting of someone who is lucky enough to use real whip cream. Good for her. But please only concentrate on the lovely comments from the people who look forward to seeing you every day with pleasure. You are a definite ray of sunshine and I know you're not perfect but as the song says "you are amazing, just the way you are". (I plan to use that in a card).

Patti J said...

Another wonderful post, Mish! I never ever miss a post, and have even gone back and re-read from post #1. I adore the real-ness and wholesome family-ness (those aren't words, I know) of your blog. It is obvious that your family is as devoted to you as you are to them, for good reason! Don't change anything! The comment that you shared from Sean was so precious (now I can't wait for grand-children!), and your post today makes me so proud to know you, to be a crafter and a blogger, and yes, darn-it, to use that stinkin' COOL WHIP! Keep on keepin' on - luv U!!!

mamajulie said...

I agree with Gingersnapped--we do our best and leave the rest. Not everyone can do everything, but love needs to be the focus through which we make our choices. It obviously is for you.

Terri Bills said...

It is so funny to me that someone would come to read your blog (probably everyday) and say negative things. i guess i probably would laugh too. thanks for sharing so much with us.

Dinahsoar said...

What a wonderful comment and wonderful insight. Truly, looking at life through the rear view--the past--shines a light on the good, the bad, and the ugly. But it gives us insight, so that the road ahead can be better in spite of the bumps. We don't get a do-over, but each day is a clean slate and a new chance to get it right.

Leslie Deering said...

I just love to read your blog and look forward to it too everyday it is my OPRAH ha!
I am a sah mom of a child with many disabilities and your blog keeps me smiling when I have had one of those rough days.. so good for you to blow off the cool whip complainer some people are like you said just complainers and as we all know that is where prayer comes in! You are a blessing to so many and your family is beautiful keep up the good work and please never stop!!! Thank you leslie

{Chrissie} said...

Mish, thank you. Sometimes in the busy lives we all have, it's hard to take a few minutes to be thankful for the important things. It's so much easier to reflect upon what we DON'T have than what we DO have... Thank you for taking the time to make ME realize how good I have it!!! I've thanked you before for the creative inspiration you give, but now I'm thanking you for making me think about how wonderful life really is!!! :-)

Diana F. said...

I can certainly say your blog and creations bring me joy. My friends are not into papercrafting of any type, they enjoy mine, but I dont have that personal connection with others who have the same sickness, I mean passion, that comes with this hobby. Through your blog you keep my creative spirit alive and growing. Thank you.

Vicki B. said...

Hi Mish - I am one of those gals who visit everyday but do not always comment. LOL I have actually been up since O dark thirty and have checked your site at least 4 times. Not to put pressure on you but I (we) worry what's going on with Mish when I don't see a new post! Crazy - yea!, but I enjoy reading about your family, all your little goodie finds and seeing all your beautiful creations. You are talented in so many ways and from what I see are not afraid to tackle the new things that come along! You are truly blessed! Thank you so much for sharing with us your daily life!

Becky Elliott said...

Dear Mish,
I don't think I've ever posted a comment on your blog before, but today I wanted to say "thank you!" Yours is one of the three or four blogs that I visit each day to look for inspiration and crafty ideas. I love making gifts for people and I get so many ideas from your blog. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity with us! I can't find time or energy to criticize my blogging friends when there are so many areas in my own life where I "fall short" (at least in some people's eyes). So much better just to focus on lifting each other up and encouraging each other to be the best we can be- the best moms, wives, and friends we can be! Thanks for sharing yourself- your family, your creativity, and your heart with us so freely!

Caryl P said...

I think I can take you more seriously BECAUSE you use cool whip and make cake from a box. Brownies from a box taste the best to me, but then again its how my mom made it. I don't often leave a comment because I click over to your blog from your facebook posts on my phone--way too hard to comment on blogs on a phone! But today I am snowed in and enjoying the extra hopping time, so thanks for inspiring me, and many others it looks like!

Helen said...

well that kinda made me feel bad, which I know was not what you were trying to do, but I forget to leave comments all the time. I usually stop by once a day to see what cute project you have to share for that day, but lazily I never comment, so her you go... I love your site and you inspire me everyday to get working on my cards. and to try and be more creative.. Thanks for all you do. From my screen to yours.. God Bless you!! Helen :)

Tami McBeain said...

That Mish is why I visit your blog everyday! You are a beautiful, down to earth, great hearted, fun-loving and extremely talented gal! I love that you can take not so kind comments with a grain of salt and carry on, being you! I never miss a day checking in on you to see what you're up to! And, yes we have never met, but I am blessed to be able to call you my "online friend". Thanks again for keeping me inspired and for sharing a bit of your life with me!
Hugs.

Connie Pruitt said...

I always look forward to your blog. Thanks!

Geny said...

Just wanted to say that I ♥ you Mish! That's all...hope today is wonderful!

Sharon said...

What a lovely comment from SB, makes up for those others, doesn't it? I came across your blog purely by accident a while ago and am so pleased I did. It's a joy to read. I love your creations and I'll keep coming back to read yet another post, as I have you listed on mine. I don't always leave a comment, but know that every time you post one, I'm there to read it! Thanks for being YOU and for sharing your talent and life with us all!

Cele Schaffer said...

Mish people are crazy out there in blog and comment land! I think people are jealous of your obvious warm and loving home and family. Keep doing what you love and don't worry how others want to put their "spin" on it-they have no clue to YOUR life or feelings anyway. So now that that is said-I MISS THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS!!! HA! I wish you could do 12 days of creations every month (Yes-I told you we really are crazy out there!). I stalk yours and Melissa's blog EVERY DAY for those wonderful,fun,thoughtful and beautiful inspirations you create-so get to work! HA! Just joking but can't wait to see more>

Michelle said...

Mish,
You are definitely an inspiration. I am often amazed at all you accomplish in a day. People who think that a boxed mix or cool whip makes you less of a domestic goddess have way too much unhappiness in their own lives. Taking the shortcuts whenever we can makes a smarter moms who have more time to spend with our kids. God Bless you for your amazing attitude and talents. You kids are blessed to have a mom like you.

Michelle

Anonymous said...

it is great to be blog friends. i was thrilled I had a chance to meet you at CHA in Chicago this past summer. What a great day that was for me. Love your blog - the creativity and the honesty.

Barbara Axmacher said...

not sure why my post showed up as Anonymous - I am not a fan of not signing your name. So, I wanted to "declare" that the previous "happy to have met you at CHA" post was mine.

Julie said...

Mish,
Love your attitude, today and everyday. There are certainly worse things than Cool Whip. You could have made the desert and forgot to pick up the Cool Whip, LOL.
Thumbs down to whomever would leave a put down on anyone's blog and thumbs up to you for giving them the benefit of the doubt that maybe they were having a bad day.

Trinka said...

Hi Mish...don't think I have ever posted on your blog, but have bought many beautiful things on your site. I love reading and looking at your lovely work each day. I so look forward to seeing your beautiful things that you make and hearing about your lovely family. Thanks for making my day each and everyday!

nancy said...

Thanks for sharing, Michelle. You obviously hit a nerve with many people. So glad you have the ability to sort through the crap.
Nancy

Shirlann said...

And what is wrong with Cool Whip! Geesh...you have to have a sense of humour, and you do! I have been a regular follower of your blog for a couple of years...the reason? Your sincerity, commitment to family and down to earth feelings. I enjoy reading about your antique and garage sale finds..seeing pictures of all your treasures in the back of the car..now that was great! Seeing the girls grow up and enjoying their activities, hearing of your family news, the home decor ideas and all those "hundreds" of other projects you let us see.
If it was just about stamping...it would be boring!! Life is about surrounding yourself with people and things that make you happy and I think it's great that you share that with us.
A heartfelt thank you Michelle, you got me back into scrapbooking with Project Life (I completed my first week with your help!) documenting OLW for enriching my year and ...a smaller bank account, LOL! Cause I just have to have some things you showcase, like the Canon Selphy printer...LOVE!
I like my daily visits. You are a good friend! Thanks again beautiful lady.

wanda50 said...

Mish...
It's good to sometimes just lay it all on the table...It's also amazing what women can sometimes do. With that said...I really enjoy reading and following your blog...it's one of the highlights of my day..."everyday". Your creations are so pretty and you have such a wonderful way of taking paper and making it talk to me! You are so right...I love seeing and hearing stories about the girls...I don't have kids...but I feel like I do when I read your post and are watching the girls grow up. It's so special to see that...thanks for sharing them with us. Here's to keeping it real girlfriend!!! Huge Hugs...

Nadine said...

Oh Mish that was a lovely post and thank you so much for sharing it with all of us. Sean's comment just gave me a warm glow inside and makes me want to hold my kids close to my heart. It also reminds me that kids grow up much too fast and to enjoy this time now while they are still young.

Janine said...

I don't always comment but I read your blog every day. People who have the time to comment negatively have far too much time on their hands.
Embrace the positive!!

Pearlann66 said...

cool whip and box mixes = not domestic?? WOW, just imagine what she would think of me who usually gets my cakes from the bakery at the local grocery!!!
I think I am being REALLY DOMESTIC if I make a cake in my KITCHEN!!!and so does my HUBBY!!! LOL

Laura Petruso said...

Mish- I am inspired by your creativity, artwork and your zest for life. I thank you for sharing all of this in your blog with those who care to read. For those that leave negative or less than nice comments, shame on them. (What happened to 'if you can't say something nice, don't say anything'- not to mention no one is forcing them to read??) I hope you will continue to share as you have on your blog. You are a blessing to me on days when I can't find inspiration or am having a difficult day with my own children (we ALL have those days). I truly enjoy everything you post and sincerely thank you for sharing your life!

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