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A while back, I asked for help in supporting this site. Many of you responded, in a variety of ways. Some of you sent money. Some of you sent lovely, handmade things for me, and even for my children, to brighten my day. Some of you (many of you) sent words of encouragement, either in emails or comments or letters. Quite a few of you offered awesome ideas for home businesses and other job possibilities. (If you’re interested in perusing these for yourself, see the comments on this post–there are GREAT ideas there!) Some of you who live nearby helped me in other ways, directly. One note that was sent to me with a donation said (and I kept all of them!), “This is just because I believe in you and your talents.” How amazing is that? Another letter read, in part, “I suspect you underestimate your influence and I aspire to your level of courage.” Me? Courage? Influence? I am absolutely humbled.
I have a number of goals for my blog, but underpinning them all is a passion to do something that matters in the world, that touches people, that entertains people, that inspires people. If I can do that even in a small way, nothing would make me happier. For the most part, I find that you all touch me, entertain me, and inspire me. Sometimes it is midnight before I get my post done for the next day because I’m so busy, but just when I think I’m too tired to post, I think of all of you and that if you aren’t too busy to come, I can’t be too busy or too tired to make sure there is something new here when you arrive. I hope, eventually, this site will actually sustain itself financially, but even when it does not (and with the current state of the economy, cannot), I love doing it, and your incredible acts of kindness are deeply appreciated.
And so, with your encouragement holding me back from filling out the application for McDonald’s that my son brought home to me, I want you to know what came of your suggestions and support. First, I developed some immediate, if small, cash flow by starting to sell baked goods, just by word of mouth. Second, I began developing a new concept for a book based on my blog, contacted an editor in New York, and got a request for a full proposal package, which I’m working on. (This process will take some time, and I can’t go into details now, but when/if I have news, you’ll be the first to know!) Third, I was offered a column based on my blog in the Charleston Daily Mail. My column will appear in the newspaper every other Monday, starting January 5th. (The column will also be available online.) I’ll be writing some freelance feature articles for them, too.
I wish I could mention every single person who has helped me, in the past several weeks and over the entire past year, but that would be impossible. I do want to name a few: Bryan Stealey from Racer X Illustrated, who not only encouraged me to try one more time to approach the media but also (quite tirelessly) showed me how to do it right, directly resulting in the July feature story about my blog in the Charleston Daily Mail; Monica Orosz, who wrote a great article that was picked up by the Associated Press all over the state and who then took back up her fairy wand to offer me the column in the Daily Mail; Jerry Waters, former radio broadcaster and Bridge Day founder, who has, generously and behind the scenes, promoted me and my site; and my good friends and fellow local small farmers Kathy Russell and Pete and Missy Prescott, who have helped me in innumerable ways. I also want to thank Fused Network, my domain hosting service, who gives a farmgirl with more traffic than she can afford to support a break, and my creative genius website designer, Emily, who has also given me a break many times and who makes this website work. I want to mention about a hundred more people, but I had better stop. I am blessed by each one of you, and because of your encouragement and support, I am struggling a little bit less than I was a month ago and I am following my dreams.
Thank you.
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Sounds like everythings comin’ up Roses :clap:
Congratulations!
Miss Lila in Atlanta
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May 2009 bring you many blessings!
Merry Christmas
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HUGS and Prayers that these new developments will take you far. Or at the very least bless you so that you can live happy on your little far with the chickens, CoCo, Clover,nutmeg and honey.
Give Clover a cookie from me!!!
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You know what surprises me?! That the newspaper hasn’t snatched you up before this. I look forward to this every morning and I’m sure the Charleston Daily Mail readers will, too.
Thank you for all the effort you put in here. If I were a rich woman, I would give you lots of money so you could just blog and cook all day long!
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I just have to say how very much your blog means to me.I wish I had just a snippet of your talent.The thing you don’t realize is that you have been gifted with the ability to brighten the lives of many thousands of people who read your blog every morning with their morning coffee.
Not all your readers submit comments, but they’re out there.
You have allowed me to follow along with you and your children as you shivered in the old farmhouse, witched for water, built your new farmhouse,raised a garden, canned and preserved your bounty, acquired your precious goats and giant puppy, and hatched chickens.I have participated in egg hunts and sympathized with Clover over her lost love.
I’ve laughed, cried, and rejoiced with you as I watched from a distance.
Thank you for being you.And for sharing yourself with us.
P.S. When do I get to see your Christmas tree?
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I can’t wait to see what your farm book is about.
Be sure to give us a link to your online article!
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What you do DOES matter, touch, entertain AND inspire. I can’t wait to read your column. I’m amazed everyday that you can find something to write and I think your talent is vastly under-used.
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God’s 3 answers to your prayers:
1. Yes
2. Not yet.
3. I have something better in mind.
I’m grateful that you’re here too!
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Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a very happy year in 2009. My dad always used to toast people at New Year and say “Here’s wishing you everything you would wish for yourself”. So that’s my toast to you for 2009!
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Also, I’m salivating over those pepperoni rolls. Mmmmmmmm…
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Hope you won’t give up on the cookbook idea!
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so happy for you
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I just ordered my Chickens in the Road calendar. It’s not much, but every little bit helps. Plus, I’ll get to look at my Farm Friends all year long!
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to your family from mine!
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Jerry W :rockon:
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Suzanne: When the door closes a window opens!
If you only knew the pleasure we get from enjoying your many adventures and all your humor and interesting stories!
I do believe you have more courage than you realize.
I see many many more important outlets for all your talents! You have only just begun!!!
Hugs: Liz in PA ♥♥♥
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I am happy that things are looking brighter for you. What a great way to begin a new year. May God’s blessing continue to pour out over you and your family.
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Keep it coming!
Blessings from Ohio…
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More blessings from Ohio…