Personal Reflections: Me Write Pretty Someday

In Personal Reflections About Writing, I am intimately sharing a chapter of my blogging journey. Always wired for words, it has been 10 years since I felt compelled to write a few of them down…

French farmhouse Nordic style vignette with a vintage bucket of hydrangea upon a galvanized metal chair, leather handmade bag, and Ilse Jacobsen wellies. Hello Lovely Studio.
Hello Lovely Studio

This will be a glance back, and truth be told, I feel as though I am only getting started!

Personal Reflections About Writing

For 10 years, I have been writing a little each day. My words have found their way into more than a hundred articles and thousands of blog posts. What a blessing to reach souls across the miles willing to read my thoughts. Writing can be lonely indeed and almost exclusively un-glamorous.  So the recent blog award nomination is a sweet change of pace indeed and just the dopest excuse to take a trip.

Anyone still reading? I just said “dopest.”

A vintage bucket with hydrangea sits upon a French metal chair. Ilse Jacobsen lace up boots and a leather purse (Byloom & Hyde). #hellolovelystudio #frenchfarmhouse #interiordesign #vintagestyle #europeancountry
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Snapped this a few falls back in our French country home’s hall. Crazy for Ilse Jacobsenboots and everything they make! Find these metal French style chairs RIGHT HERE. The ruffly linen and leather bag is handmade in France RIGHT HERE. Personal Reflections About Writing: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Hello Lovely made the shortlist of nominees for Best Written Blog (Amara Interior Blog Awards 2018) so I will travel to London next week for the ceremony. It will be my first trip to that fair city, and my three best friends are coming too…what a triple blessing! Until a few days ago, my beloved (a busy Chicago litigator) could not join us due to a trial, but the case just settled…YIPPEEEE!

C. S. Lewis quote.YOUR'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO SET ANOTHER GOAL OR DREAM ANOTHER DREAM. #quote #inspiringquote #cslewis #goals #dreams
Graphic: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections About Writing: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Have you considered writing or embarking upon something new in spite of nagging doubts? I am here to remind you to kick your chronological age and negative self-talk to the curb! You are never too old to dream another dream!

Here I am, well beyond midlife…a fresh young writer.

Michele of Hello Lovely Studio.
Picked up the vintage crocheted tablecloth-cum-shawl for a buck. Photo: Jody Stella for Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections About Writing: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Accidental Blogger

Before I ever created one, I adored reading blogs, and this has played to my advantage. Also, I may not have stuck with the medium in the beginning were it not for the supreme confidence boost of seeing Hello Lovely on a major design icon’s daily read list. At the time, I thought, “my frackin life has been made.” (I still think that.)

The Path to Blogging

If you are fairly new to these parts, I began blogging in 2008 on two other sites before HL was born in January of 2010. Blogging functioned to store inspiring images (in a pre-Pinterest era) and to practice my new job, freelance writing. Before the blog, I worked as an academic tutor writing a steady inventory of parenting, education, and humor pieces for magazines. I was also raising teens, losing my marbles, and reading mainly humor as medicine. (The phrase “I wanna be sedated” was spoken daily at the time!)

Hello Lovely Studio logo- Personal Reflections About Writing.
Me on the dining room table with a picture book…my idea of bliss. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections About Writing: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.
Frida Kahlo quote about endurance. #hellolovelystudio #quote #fridakahlo
AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE CAN ENDURE MUCH MORE THAN WE THINK WE CAN. Frida Kahlo.

Me Talk Pretty

Anne Lamott’s work influenced me back then (oh, her raw honesty and cranky humor…read Traveling Mercies!). During my early foray into writing, I thought, “She sounds a lot like me. I just need to learn to write bravely, with a voice as delicious as Anne’s!” Another edgy humor essayist whose writing style resonated? The one-off, naughty and hilarious, David Sedaris. Years ago, I picked up Me Talk Pretty One Day, and it was truly…GAAAAAAME OVER.

I told a friend: “You’ve GOT to help me write humor like David.”

African glass rosary beads and candlelight. Photo by Hello Lovely Studio.
My faith tradition is Christianity, but family and friends hail from a variety of beautiful backgrounds. I hope you feel welcome and safe here even if your faith is in short supply or you have been harmed by the Church. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Turns out, I can only write like me.

And that girl is moody.

Which means (as I confessed on Facebook today) depending on the day, I may sound like my Southern grandmas, a 16-year-old valley girl, a trippy Jesus Jedi or a spiritually awakened, over the hill, Elle Woods.

They are all flowing freely inside me.

Grey wicker chair with French pillow on my front porch. Photo by Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #porch #wickerchair #rh
Grey wicker chair on the front porch: FIND HERE. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections About Writing: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Texas & Utah Like Me

Blogging provides writing practice and helps to give expression to the uniquely fluid voice belonging to me within a blog sea of millions.

Even though it was my intent to blog purely for daily writing practice, it became a source for connection and immediacy. With magazine writing, you rarely receive feedback. While fortunate to win accolades for my freelance work from respected places (school board associations in Utah and Texas, for example), I rarely heard from those parents for whom I was writing.

Owl nightlight on a white shelf at RH. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections About Writing.
Owl lamp and shelf: RH. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections About Writing: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

A Prerequisite is Being Off Your Rocker

Blogging is a rollercoaster ride. Doubt inevitably creeps in if you foolishly play the comparison game or read social media headlines. A few years ago, blogging was presumably dead. That was fine with me me since I remained a hobby blogger until more recently. Living life will inevitably interfere with blogging too. A major health crisis led me to fast from all social media (save an occasional blog post) for three whole years just before blogging grew en vogue (again) for its profitability due to changing consumer habits.

What have I learned? Every time you turn around, there will lurking whispers of ‘instagram decimated the blogosphere’ or ‘youTube is the ONLY place to be.’ It’s true that plenty of folks stopped blogging and blog readers increasingly turned to microblogging (à la expressing their opinions via Facebook and IG posts). Insta-gratification is hard to resist. However, there remain more than 164 million blogs out there!

Black Converse in red fallen leaves in Paris 2012. Hello Lovely Studio.
Fallen Leaves in Paris, 2012. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

One in 164 Million

There are so many blogs now that just as Forbes predicted a couple years ago, blogs and brands (as influencers) have become nearly indistinguishable. Branding. Social media promotion. Virtual assistants (people or robots hired to handle your social media channels). Things keep growing more complex and frequently, more impersonal. Who can be sure the someone liking your post is the actual account owner or possibly someone’s assistant on a different continent?

The media landscape, publishing, and internet platforms keep shifting, and I am sorry to say the climate online is too often unfriendly and grossly competitive.

I’m still a one-woman-show. Learning as I go. Learning as I grow.

French farmhouse still life by Hello Lovely Studio with branch, apple, pear, and peely painted farmhouse decor. #hellolovelystudio #shabbychic #frenchfarmhouse #whitedecor #serene #tranquil #simplelovely
Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Still Blogging Imperfectly & Still a Flawed Me

I like the idea–even if it’s terribly naive–that writing conversationally in a deeply personal and flawed way from the heart…still has value.

Paris apartment dining room with Louis dining chairs and a round table. Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #Parisapartment #diningroom #frenchdecor #interiordesign
Our Paris apartment – loved every architectural detail and curve. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Because I am still…the imaginative 6th grade sugarplum fairy in ballet slippers…the timeless and tranquil renovator within a cozy European country style home…the daydreamer in men’s style pajamas…the budding writer stringing together pretty words for beauty seekers.

Paris rooftop in fall. Photo by Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #paris #rooftop #frenchroof
View from our Paris apartment’s kitchen – loved the beauty of this urban rooftop. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Relationships Are Healing

Hello Lovely gathers all sorts of kindred spirits from diverse backgrounds and has become an ongoing conversation where we can all find a pocket of peace.

French country courtyard with Bonjour pillow on bench and galvanized vintage watering cans. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #courtyard #peagravel
I have to tell you about the vintage galvanized buckets and watering cans you see looking messy always in our courtyard. It is not a styling thing. Chipmunks love these for shelter and lounging so I dump the water out that collects when it rains and check them occasionally, but I just leave the beautiful mess of a metal mess to let them have their fun. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Thank you for reading this blog with kindness and for your loyalty as I muddle through…there’s no guidebook for the blogging journey.

You have truly helped me in beautifully mysterious ways.

Belgian linen dining chairs and round table in our dining room adjacent to the kitchen. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #diningroom #belgianstyle #belgianlinen #lantern #serenedecor #frenchcountry
We are real renovators and DIYers, and shortly after buying this place, on a Friday night, my husband I knocked down this whole wall between the dining room and kitchen. Oops. Load bearing. We made a wide opening, and I found these vintage French doors for $38 at a local antique store. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Me Write Pretty Someday

Sharing and snapping pretty images is gratifying; sharing the words between them, far more.

Belgian linen armchairsand a vintage style French round table in a breakfast area of kitchen with window seat. Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #kitchen #windowseat #belgianlinen #serene
I love everything designer Pamela Pierce does, and she uses floor lamps masterfully. In the kitchen though? Why not? See some lovely options HERE. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

I keep returning to this rather old fashioned notion:

Black and white word painting on canvas by Hello Lovely Studio with Mother Teresa quote: every act of love is a work of peace. #helloloelystudio #motherteresa #quote #peace #painting
This is one of my original handlettered word panels on canvas – I created lots of custom pieces and sold them in boutiques and online a decade ago before they were everywhere! Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

Write a little each day as a small act of great love, as a gentle work of peace, for souls seeking light amid the shadows.

Me and my Bella Luna - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #shihtzu
I miss my sweet girl. I messaged someone on FB about a puppy yesterday, but I’m not sure I am yet ready to adopt again. You guys know me well…let me know if you have ideas for my next fur baby. Photo: Hello Lovely Studio. Personal Reflections: Me Talk Pretty Someday. Thoughts on writing, blogging, and growing within a changing media landscape.

p.s.

If you have a moment, I’d love for you to check out my PINTEREST BOARDS and PIN pretty things you like – I am saving Christmas decorating ideas at the moment!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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14 Comments

  1. Teresa C
    October 18, 2018 / 4:10 am

    Hello! I awakened a few hours ago and am wide awake. So glad your blog popped into my email at 2:06 a.m. Your simple expressed thoughts intrigue me so I continue to read, look at the pictures of beauty within your blog. They lift we out of myself. My husband, ill with bad heart & lungs, is currently hospitalized. He may be released today. So! I escape from time to time reading novels, watching Netflix to distract myself. Right now we cannot travel too far away from home as he is on oxygen 24/7. Your blogs each day are a journey I take.
    Thank
    T

    • michele
      Author
      October 18, 2018 / 9:45 am

      What a blessing to hear you are uplifted and have a heart open to beauty in the midst of heartache. Sending peace to you and your husband as he heals – times like these call for extra reserves of strength and beauty from within. I pray that light will find you this day, that you will continue to look up and see blessing on the journey. Thank you for taking the time to chat here – you honor me. xox

  2. October 18, 2018 / 7:01 am

    Hi Michele! I’m so glad that I found you and HL, I don’t know how many years ago!!!! You are most deserving of this award my friend!! Your words bring healing and hope to many ❤️

    • michele
      Author
      October 18, 2018 / 9:42 am

      So many years! I am bound to show up in Atlanta and mosey on over to the art gallery one day soon — so many wonderful years of connection. Thank you for your loyal support and love. xox

  3. Patricia
    October 18, 2018 / 8:15 am

    Michele-you are a kind and gentle soul. (I know cause I read your blog). There is a fur baby out there who needs you and you need him/her. Our pets are one of God’s greatest blessings put here for support, love, emotional needs, and on and on. Consider finding that connection today! You won’t be sorry. Thank you for blogging. Safe travels to London!

    • michele
      Author
      October 18, 2018 / 9:41 am

      Thank you so much for your heartfelt lovely words this morning. I’m nervous about adopting another pet and appreciate the encouragement from a friend. Peace to you, and I will keep you posted.

  4. Joanna
    October 18, 2018 / 8:32 pm

    I’m running late today! I had to check in to HelloLovely to read your tender, heartfelt words. I find solace in your pictures and words. In a busy world, your blog posts are a little bit of heaven – soft, ethereal and kind. Keep writing and we’ll keep reading!

    As for another fur baby? Everyone needs the love of a pet in their life. They keep us grounded and hear our voice when no one else does. Find another sweet little one to warm your heart and put a smile on your pretty face.

    • michele
      Author
      October 19, 2018 / 12:35 am

      Thank you for cheering me. I’m so grateful to have the best company here in blogland! xox

  5. leigh
    October 21, 2018 / 5:33 pm

    Bless your heart and uplifting soul! We are all lucky to have found your blog in a huge sea of others…Thank you for sharing your thoughts in such a “uniquely fluid” and thoughtful heartfelt way!!

    • michele
      Author
      October 21, 2018 / 8:06 pm

      Ha! I may or may not be claiming unique fluidity so I can try on a variety of tones and moods! Thanks for the kind words and for reading me with an open heart. xox

  6. Robin Fink
    October 22, 2018 / 9:53 am

    Thank you for this post, Michele. So raw and beautiful. Touched me deeply. I have read your posts for years, but rarely commented. Big hug, R

    • michele
      Author
      October 22, 2018 / 1:01 pm

      I’m so humbled by your kind words. Thank you so much for reading and warm hugs right back to you. xox

  7. October 24, 2018 / 7:24 pm

    Wow what an amazing read! Congratulations on your award! We are certainly kindred spirits in so many ways. I can identify with many of the things you share. I am a daydreamer, and Jesus Jedi some days as well, emotionally harmed by “the church” which resulted in becoming an awakened member of the true church, the body of Christ. Your beauty and creativity inside and out is unique and refreshing.
    Chronic Lyme Disease took me out of blogging from 2014-1017. I was a hobby blogger before from 2011-2014, but my health issues led to me being home full time and when my health improved, I returned full force and have not looked back. It has been an rewarding experience and when I stopped playing the comparison game and worrying about social media, good things began to happen.

    Loving this blog! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and images with us. Truly inspiring!

    • michele
      Author
      October 24, 2018 / 8:55 pm

      Oh Amber, thank you. I am so happy to find you in blogland and will be emailing you. I love your story, your blog, your creativity, and your heart. Looking forward to getting to know you better, friend.

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing