Friday, April 30, 2010

Artful Blogging Summer 2010!



I'm just a little excited this morning because Simply Hue is featured in the new Artful Blogging magazine! This is just so surreal to me and I'm extremely thankful. The last several years have been difficult ones due to a chronic health conditon and at times it's been hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Without getting too "deep" on you this morning, I just wanted to offer you encouragement if you're going through some challenges. There is HOPE and often good things come out of the overwhelming challenges you face (even though it may be hard to imagine right now.)

Because of my health issues it's difficult for me to hold a steady job.  I"ve been forced to stay home.  It's been a real strain on our finances and at times on our relationships.  But, all in all, if  it wasn't for my illness there would be no Simply Hue, I would not have discovered my passion for photography, been able to feature so many wonderful artists, or met the amazing people I've met through blogging.  And I think the most important "good thing" that's come out of this is that my family relationships have grown (sometimes through conflict).

What are your challenges?  What "good things" do you see coming out of them?  Please feel free to share them with us in the comments section.  xo

Have a great weekend friends!  Take some time just for YOU.  :)




P.S.  Oh, don't forget to leave comments for the featured artists to have your name entered to win a fun print by Volume 25!

31 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Vicki! That is wonderful! I can't wait to get my copy!

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  2. Thanks for sharing your story Vicki. It is inspirational. You know I would not have started painting again in this way and started a blog if the financial world hadn't taken a hit. With retirement coming up for us in less than 10 years I started thinking I better start doing something now that I can do the rest of my life. It was the push I needed to stop the talk and start the 'doing'.

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  3. Thanks so much, Maegan. :)

    And, Pamela, I really sharing. I think the poor economy has caused alot of us to be a little more industrious and creative. Can't wait to feature your artwork soon!

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  4. Congratulations! I'll have to check this issue out.

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  5. Congrats on your feature Vicki, so well deserved!! I so relate to your post--I have similar health issues that I haven't yet discussed openly on my blog, but I find it so wonderful that blogging exists as such an amazing way to connect with other soul mates! :)

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  6. Congrats Vicki! What wonderful news! Can't wait to read the article ~

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  7. Congratulations Vicki!
    I am excited to read your article.

    Your blog is amazing.

    xoxo
    ~k

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  8. Vicki, this is fantastic! Woohoo! Artful Blogging has been one of my quiet dreams for two years now, this is the first time I've "said it out loud."

    I can really relate to the health/job stuff. But it does drive my creativity and desire to find meaningful, creative work that is flexible enough for my life. The struggles are not easy but there is beauty everywhere even so.

    Congratulations!

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  9. Thanks everyone. :)

    And, Jessica, I appreciate you sharing that. Sounds like we can relate for sure. xo Your blog is beautiful...I know you'll be featured sometime in Artful Blogging. Have you submitted it before?

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  10. Mary Jo, I didn't realize that you had some health issues, too. I tried to send you an email but it didn't go through. Thanks for your encouraging comment. :)

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  11. this is wonderful news vicki - I'm thrilled for you. we all have our trials and hurdles, and one can either lie down and wallow or decide to overcome. you friend, are overcoming and in turn are an encouragement to a host of others along your journey. hugs, -SR

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  12. Sarah...thankyou! That's a very sweet thing to say. I sure hope I'm able to encourage a few people. It'll all be worth it that way. xo

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  13. Congratulations Vicki!! So exciting. I'll be picking it up to read your feature this weekend.

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  14. Vicki,
    I could not agree with you more. I personally have not had health problems but other problems that made me hit a rock bottom in January which was just what I needed to push me into pattern designing. I needed those major low points because from there really there wasn't anywhere to go but up! Definitely love your message of hope today!

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  15. Congratulations on being featured in the magazine! That's so very exciting! Hurray!

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  16. Thanks for sharing about your low point, Joy...not fun, huh? Look where you are now! An amazing and talented designer. :)

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  17. congratulations, vicki! you deserve it because you do so much for everyone on simply hue. all the time you take to feature the numerous artists here is really incredible, especially in light of your health issues. we would have never known you were facing such struggles, because a generous heart always shines through. i'm looking forward to seeing the magazine. seems there's always someone i know through blogging in there, which is wonderful. enjoy your weekend! xo, c

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  18. so happy for you .. to see in print must be a wonder, you are SO deserving of this..blessings!!

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  19. Thanks so much, Cindy and ELK. Cindy, I left a comment on your blog. xo!

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  20. Yes thank you for sharing! your blog is a beautiful bright spot in the world:) I lost my baby during birth 6 months ago. After his death I stopped the commercial freelance art jobs I was doing to focus on creating things that made me joyful. I started a blog for this creative journey and it has been really an amazing experience! I am now four months pregnant and sewing, drawing, painting, photographing and blogging has helped me to focus on what is lovely and hopeful instead of giving in to grief and fear.

    www.lovelybud.typepad.com

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  21. congrats! got my copy the other day. praying you are feeling well!

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  22. Hi Vicki,
    I have been insanely busy and was planning on playing catchup with your blog this weekend. But guess what? I was at the book store and picked up an Artful Blogging copy and I nearly squealed when I saw your name! Now I know a celebrity.

    Congratulations!! You inspire me.

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  23. Congratulations, Vicki!!!! What a thrill for you and a validation of the path you are heading down. Will have to get my copy today – Kim and Betty Jo are in it, too! Wow!!

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  24. Congratulations! I just picked up my copy this morning!! It's beautiful! :)

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  25. Thanks for your comments...I appreciate each one. :)

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  26. Hi Vicki, I left you a convo message on etsy before I found your blog.I'm so thrilled for you, your blog turned out beautiful! I too have been having some very tough family issues, but lucky to have my health! I so wish you health and happiness, we have to believe everything happens for a reason and your success through everything your going through seems proof of that!
    xoxo
    Amy
    I will add your blog to my favorites!

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  27. hooray for you. i also took up photography because of my health. i had a stroke and thought it was a peaceful way to satisfy me.

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  28. congratulations vicki - being featured in a magazine is a great recognition! it's also very well deserved in your case. writing a blog like this takes a lot of time, and we appreciate your work!

    congratulations also on your new layout - it looks fantastic!

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  29. How exciting for you! I love Artful Blogging magazine and now I'll have to go visit Borders during lunch tomorrow to pick up the new issue.

    Congratulations!

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  30. Thanks ladies! xo

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Thanks so much for your comments. Your thoughts, opinions, and ideas are important to me!

~ Vicki