Happy Friday Y'all!!! I hope you had a great week! We have made it through {I hope} a last ditch effort at this NC winter thing and are holding our breath for blue skies and 70 degree temps coming up!
I have a bit of exciting news to share with you but first I want to chat a little bit about dreams, particularly the unconventional kind.
I am a dreamer. I mean a head in the clouds, have 50 million different ideas and interests, don't know what to do first kind of dreamer. And at first you might think this is a great quality, and it can be, but there is a catch.
If you have amazing dreams but you can't focus on any one dream for any length of time, focus and direction can become a problem.
Let me help you put this in perspective. I've wanted to be a veterinarian (not sure why because I can't stand the sight of blood), an FBI agent (because that would be super awesome), a night club owner (this one's for you Ki), an interior designer (not too far fetched), a travel agent (don't get my parents started on this one), a real estate agent (this one is sort of true), a singer (this is still true but you haven't heard me sing), a sports photographer/writer (this is probably the path I should have taken).
I could go on and on. My family teases me about what type of "agent" I will be next.
I also have big non-career related dreams. I want to volunteer at an orphanage and help children or travel for a cause, I want to travel the world and take my kid(s) to live abroad for a year, I want wanted to adopt, I want to create an amazing home for my family, I want to paint, I want to live at the beach (particularly Charleston, SC) and so on.
My point here is that as I have grown I wished I had been able to settle on a handful of dreams or career options to focus on earlier but deep down in my heart I never let the dreams die.
This is what comes from pursuing radical dreams and how can I argue with that?
I don't know what gave me the courage to follow my dream of adoption as a single mom with not a big income but I know my faith in God carried me through.
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV
The reason big dreams are on my mind right now is that I have discovered that this blog has become one of my dreams. Such an unusual way to realize a dream I think but it is part of me now. Finally I am able to channel my love for photography and writing, decorating, relationships, creating and sharing all in one place. Why didn't I figure this out sooner?
And, the reason I feel like my dream is actually coming true is because little ol' Simple Stylings has landed it's very first magazine feature! Our local Lake Norman Currents is a beautiful, glossy, lifestyle magazine that is truly loved in our area!
I reached out to the publisher, Sharon Simpson whom I met years ago when I was an intern at the Lake Norman magazine, to let her know that I am around and would love to contribute to the magazine if she ever had a need for any DIY features. The next thing I know the editor emailed me to ask if they could feature Simple Stylings in the March home issue and of course my answer was a very quick and resounding YES!
I am truly humbled by this and I really can't believe it still!
This feature is so special to me because this is my home, my community and I am so thankful I get to be a part of it. So local folks let's get involved!
Check out Currents and Simple Stylings and all the great local thrift and antique shopping in our area...hey that might be a new blog post topic! Would you like a post about local shopping? There is a feature article in Currents about this right now!
And a huge thanks to Lake Norman Currents and all of you, my faithful readers, because without you these dreams wouldn't be realized. I would rather be dreamer any day of the week than dreamless, wouldn't you?
Have an awesome weekend!
Bethany @ Dwellings By DeVore
So awesome Summer! Congrats!
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Bethany!
J.K. Hogan
Don't forget the one where you wanted to move to Hawaii and be a surfer girl!
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Ha! How could I have forgotten? I was serious about that one!
[email protected]
That's so awesome! Congrats and have a great weekend!
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Julia!
Lois Ellen
Good for you! So proud of you! Can't believe you didn't spill these beans last night!
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks LE :) Totally didn't think about it during the excitement :)
Beth
I am a dreamer too. Some call it ADD but I like to believe it's just a love of a lot of things! So glad you took a chance and contacted your old co worker! I will have to check out the mag.
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
I hear ya Beth, totally agree :)
Jennifer
Summer. My dreamer soul sister...I am so proud of you for reaching out like that!! This is fabulous news and well deserved!!! xoxo
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
:) Thanks Jen, you are so sweet!!! Dream on...
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno
Congratulations Summer!!! That is absolutely fantastic....I'm SOOOO happy for you! :)
Simple Stylings {For The Semi-Creative Mind}
Thanks so much Gabbi!!