A couple days ago, after reading the life story of Taylor Swift, Emmy came to me with her journal and pencil and told me she was going to write a song and she asked me what she should write about. My answer was simple… You can write about anything you want to as long as you write from the heart. She smiled as she thought about what that meant, and got to work. Within fifteen minutes, she had written “Forever Home” and asked if she could sing it for me.
You can read it above- it’s a very short 20 second song, but she wrote from the heart. She told me it was about how you are never really alone because your mom and dad are always there for you. Melt my heart.
Well here it is, the day before Thanksgiving, and I am taking my own advice. I always do try to write from the heart, but sometimes I am just getting a project post up and it’s not exactly an emotional experience so my passion for the project doesn’t always translate into the writing. With the holiday of gratitude upon us, I have been reflecting a lot on the last year. This year has had its challenges, but I am happy that I have been through it and have come out a happier and better person. Some of the things I am so grateful for this year….
A supportive family
(Photo by Jalapeno Photography, Fall 2014)
My kids have seen a much more stressed out mama these last few months, and they have shown me mercy and grace, and love and support through their words and actions. My favorite moment came a month ago, when Emmy gave me everything I needed to know that I had the strength and confidence I needed. She was very excited to show me the sunset and pulled me over by the hand to see it. I told her it was so beautiful and thanked her for sharing it with me. She said, “I wanted to show you because it was so bright and beautiful and stood out to me, and you stand out to me just like that sunset because you are bright and beautiful and colorful and happy.” They have also given me a million more hugs and kisses than I could ever deserve. I’ve enjoyed so many moments with them this year, watching them grow into these beautiful people with such big hearts.
Chris has listened to me vent, offered me ideas, and always done what he could within his power to help me. He’s actually donating his time and muscles to Sweet Clover this weekend while the kids are with my parents. We’ve had little time for one another lately, so I am looking forward to time together over the holidays. We are actually running a 10k together tomorrow, and in 2 weeks we will run the Kiawah half marathon together. That second race will give us a nice solid two hours together to talk. 🙂
My parents have also listened, and given me the support and advice I have needed. Knowing that they are always there for me (Emmy’s song, Forever Home, speaks the truth!), and that they are proud of who I am means the world to me. I would not be the person I am without them… I kind of feel like I won the lottery when I was born into their family.
The yin to my yang, Sarah (and Sweet Clover)
I am so grateful to have Sarah as my business partner. We’ve worked together now for 4 years, and together we have grown our business, taken business trips, taken family vacations with our kids, and most importantly we’ve laughed through it all. It’s sarcasm with a side of business at Sweet Clover. We have definitely had our most challenging time these last few months, and I am sure I will be sharing more about what we’ve been through later, but what I want to share today is that I could not have done it without her. We got each other through a very hard time, and we have come out with a stronger relationship, a clearer vision for Sweet Clover, and a preparedness for anything that comes our way. Onward and upward!
We have some of the most spirited, creative, and fun vendors at Sweet Clover, and I am honored to have them on our team. They’ve stuck with us and supported us, and they’ve laughed and cried with us. They are truly the kind of people you want on your team. Sarah and I are looking forward to a new year bringing lots of change and growth for all of us!
Our customers…. I can’t even begin to thank them enough. We’ve been gifted with some of the most encouraging customers who keep us going. A few weeks ago I shared an instagram about being grateful for opportunities that came our way. They were unexpected and not seen as opportunity, but then we embraced them and saw that it was a chance to change and better Sweet Clover. A customer commented on that post with, “I love that couch. And equally happy that your barn sale is so successful. @sweetcloverbarn is full of talented, genuinely kind group of wonderful ladies. I enjoy wandering through your barn and cottage to find just the right accent or piece for our house. Thanks for listening to that whisper. It has affected more than just you!” That comment right there shows me that what we are doing is worth it. And that is just one of many- we are truly blessed by our community.
A network of friends
I am so lucky to be surrounded by a plethora of creative, caring, funny, inspiring women. I have friends who run with me, and in doing so, listen and support me (as I do for them as well). There are friends who aren’t in this state or even on this coast who are always in my heart. I know that when I need them, they are there for me, and knowing is enough for me. There are even local friends I don’t get to see as frequently due to changes in work schedules for all of us, but again, I know that they are there for me, and if they should need me, I would be there for them. And of course, there is an amazing community of blog friends I chat with on a daily basis, sharing ideas, and encouraging one another. It’s a beautiful thing when women can be true friends, lifting each other up and celebrating each other’s victories.
Et Cetera
My brother’s family has relocated to the east coast, and I can’t wait to spent tomorrow with them at my parents’ house. And I am looking forward to being able to drive to see them. My brother has been in California since 1998, so being able to get to him by car is a beautiful thing. He’s also married someone I am thrilled to have as a sister, and they’ve given me twin nephews who are just entering toddlerhood, and I will get to see them more frequently. I couldn’t be more thankful for these changes.
My sister in law welcomed her first baby into the world this year, and I’ve enjoyed watching Chris’ little brother and his wife become parents. They’re doing an outstanding job!
I’m so grateful that I married Chris, who comes from such a great family. We have had our bumps, but I think the last two years have really brought us all closer, and that makes me happy.
I am eternally grateful that one of my best friends is kicking cancer’s ass for the second time. She’s the definition of grace and strength. She lives life to the fullest, and finds the humor in everything. I admit that I do not pray as often as I should, but gosh, I prayed and prayed about this one. And my prayers were answered.
I am grateful for all of the little things…. healthy, playful dogs; music that moves me; a beautiful countryside to live in; a home that lets me recreate it regularly; blogging opportunities that have come my way….
and you!
Thank you, dear reader, for taking the time out of your busy life to follow along here. I know how crazy life can be so that fact that you stop by to visit means the world to me. Thank you for joining me on this adventure I call Primitive & Proper.
I will be back next week when two Christmas tours I am participating in kick off! Next Friday I will be part of Blogger Styling Home Tours Christmas Edition, starting at Lindsay’s blog. The following week I will be joining Jenny’s 12 Days of Christmas Blogger Home Tours, but it kicks off on December 1! So follow along- you don’t want to miss all of these gorgeous homes decked out for the holidays!
I hope you and your family have a most wonderful and delicious Thanksgiving.
