Thursday, February 17, 2011

Humble Beginnings

Hi Bloggerettes!   I've been thinking about how much my life has changed in the past few years. I mainly use my blog to talk about projects and decorating but today, I'm going to share my heart.

When Mr. Sissie retired we moved far away from my family.  During this time my Dad passed away and a few years later my Mom passed.
I was struggling with adjusting to a new life and I wasn't doing well at all.  As hard as I tried to snap out of it, I just couldn't.  I was sad and depressed.

During this time, our son became very ill and we brought him home to live with us so we could care for him. I was faced with caring for my sick son and dealing with difficult decisions.
I found myself lost in an unfamiliar place and longing to go back home.  I would spend my days taking care of things at home and barely left the house. I found myself becoming sadder.   

One day I finally forced myself to get out and explore the area.  It was then that I  found the sweetest antique shop called Miss Minnie's Antiques.  The owner, Dianne was so nice and I loved talking with her and browsing the  shop.  The shop was an old two story house that reminded me of home.  I found myself drawn to the little shop and would frequent Miss Minnie's at least once a week.  There was something about walking in the old house that lifted my spirits. And
Dianne always smiled and made me feel welcome and comfortable.

I started to sew and making pillows, lots of pillows and I thought why not try selling.  This is the first pillow that I made and sold on ebay.

One day, I gathered up all my pillows and lots of nerve and went to Miss Minnie's.
 I asked about renting a little space to sell my pillows.
And as luck, or fate would have it, Dianne
gave me a little spot at the top of the stairs.

These are some of the first pillows that I made and took to Miss Minnie's.
Funny how my style has changed over time.


This was my first little space at the top of the stairs.
I was in business!  And, the rest is history!
   I was suddenly too busy to be depressed and sad.
I felt like I had a purpose.
Maybe it was karma that drew me to Miss Minnie's, maybe Dianne sensed that I needed a friend.....maybe a little devine intervention...
I don't know.
But, I know that I am thankful that I was given the chance and I love what I do.  I love being at Miss Minnie's. My happiness gave me confidence to write this blog, which led to meeting so many wonderful people like all of you.

A few months after I joined the Miss Minnie's family I was offered a larger space and here is  my very first full size booth

This was a very big step for me.  I wasn't sure if I could handle a larger space but looking back on it today, I'm so glad I was given the opportunity and I did it!

I'm feeling blessed, I'm feeling loved.

Thanks to all of you for being here for me.
And thank you Dianne!

~~big heartfelt hugs~~
Sissie



49 comments:

Terry said...

Very inspring! I love your blog and your decorating style is devine! Keep on blogging - you are very loved!!

Pamela said...

Thanks for sharing your heart Sissie!
I can relate to what you went through moving far from family and having your dad pass. This is exactly what I have gone through. Thank goodness my son is healthy ..how hard it must have been having your son sick. Blogging has opened up a huge door for me...I don't even notice most days the lack of family or friends I find everyone here in blog land has filled a huge void. Hopefully I too will find my calling like you did.
You a certainly a natural at all you do!!
Pamela xo

" SHABBY JUNK" said...

Sissie, that was your destiny to walk in that store and start a new life of happiness. All things happen for a reason, well there is your reason. judy

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

And to think that a pillow started it all, Sissie! What a great story and I'm so glad you did start your blog to share all your beautiful pieces with us.

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

What a sweet story. Thanks for sharing it with us today! Your pillows are lovely and it's so fun to see what your booth looks like. I am so happy you found your niche!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Sissie, thanks for sharing your story. I am so glad that are doing what you love. That first pillow was very pretty. I love toile.

Victoria said...

That is so wonderful Sissie and very inspiring! Your little shop space is lovely:)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Sissie I think it's important sometimes for us to share a little bit more of who we are. I loved learning this about you..why? Because it gives me hope that I too will find my passion. I love blogging and it has really changed my life and I know there is more out there for me. Big hugs to you sweet lady. Linda

Amy Kinser said...

I love this story. That booth looks just like what I would imagine your booth would look like. It is so perfectly Sissie!

I am so thankful that God brought those ladies and that antique shop into your life at just the right time.

May I ask about your son now?

Anonymous said...

Hi sissie, I'm so happy that your doing the things you love!!That's what it's all about.

Kathy

Mari said...

HELLO SISSIE :)
WHAT AN INSPIRING GLIMPSE INTO YOUR LIFE, YOU HAVE SHARED WITH US TODAY THANKS SWEETIE, ITS NEVER TO LATE TO DO WHAT WE ALWAYS DREAMED OF :)

LOVE YOUR BOOTH ITS BEAUTIFUL AND ROMANTIC AND OHHH SOOOO GIRLY GIRL :)

XOX~MARI

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Sissie, thanks for sharing your story with us... I'm so happy that you found Miss Minnies, but even more happy that we can all be such good friends thru blogging!
Hugs~~~ Daphne

Patina said...

I'm so glad you are going uphill now Sissie! Those would be very difficult things to go through. I hope your son is doing better.
Biggest Hugs!
Debbie

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Oh Sissie...that was so from the heart! I know exactly how you feel about being in a town and your family not living so close. I've lived here 4 years now and I still only know a small handful of people and I AM a PEOPLE person! I need to follow your example and put myself out there and take more chances. I wish I had your talent though! Even your beginnning photos of your first booths are gorgeous! I am happy for you that you have found your "place" in your new life! ~Hugs, Patti

Victorian1885 said...

What a great story Sissie..your space is wonderful! Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

oh this is wonderfully-inspiring. wow....you shared a big part of your heart with us mon amie and we will care for it with love and gentleness. you are brave and strong and i am so very happy that i have the pleasure of calling you "friend." you keep going girl!!! blessings..

Lynn said...

I decided to "blog light" for the rest of this week and think I missed something. I hope all is well Sissie, and hope you know how much beauty your blog brings and how much of an inspiration you are:@)

Anonymous said...

Oh Sissie!

Thanks for sharing your heart and story! It's very hard to lose our parent/s. I just have my dad. I understand how depressed you can get. I'm so happy that these wonderful ladies came into your life and you have an outlet for all your talent. Your booth is beautiful!
Hugs,
Michelle

Char said...

Sissie, this is a wonderful story of friendship and the heart. Yes, it was meant to be and I am so very happy you found the courage to try. Miss Minnie sounds like someone I would love to meet. I wish you continued success in everything you do, you deserve it my friend, Char

Patty Sumner said...

from making pillows to your real purpose in life. I believe God implants inside of us desires that help to fulfill his purpose for our life. I believe that your decorating gives you opportunity to meet lots of people and brings joy to them. Complete happiness is not found until we fulfill our purpose with him and through him. I pray your happiness and creativity touches many lives. Blessings!

Amy Chalmers said...

Sissie, thanks for sharing that side of yourself with us. It is amazing how much inspiration you give people and it is what saved you from your dark days. Your creativity is a gift and you are using it well. I loved seeing the first pillows. I can relate to your old style and having taste changes as we move on. What a wonderful genuine post!

CHERI said...

Sissie, I feel sure this was God's plan all along. All your readers are blessed to have had you share this part of your story. Sometimes we think a person has it all but usually there is something in their past that has brought them to this place. By the way, your pillows were lovely then and they are now.

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Sissie,
Thanks for sharing your story with all your blog friends...so happy that this one pillow opened up doors for you and now you are much happier. You do beautiful work:)

Blessings,
Linda

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for sharing your story. Sometimes, I think we need to hear how others struggle. It helps us realize that we are not so different than others. Certainly your booth and your beautiful pillows reflect happiness!

Annie Joy said...

Oh, Sissie, your pillows are beautiful and I wish I could visit your booth! Oklahoma is so far away, but, who knows -- maybe I'll be in the neighborhood some day. Meanwhile, I'll still enjoy visiting you "virtually"! Annie

Jane said...

Hi Sissie,
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I think Miss Minnie's called out to you for a reason and I'm glad it did. You have amazing talent and I for one am happy you share that talent with all of us.
Jane

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Sissy, everyone has a story, I don't think we are ever old enough to lose our parents, my father has passed and my Mom is 80...I dread the day! Did your son recover? I understand, My booth and blogging gives me so much joy, I went right from 16 hour days as a pharmaceutical rep to my webstore and blog. I don't think I would be a very happy person with out my interests. Your store sounds more like a family, what a great place to spend your time.

Carol

Carol

The Feathered Nest said...

Dear sweet Sissie, you are so precious!!!! Thank you for sharing your heart and story with all of us ~ life changes are always hard to swallow but I just have to say I am SO VERY GLAD you found blogging!!! You are so talented and I always love seeing what you create dear friend....thank you too for sharing with us ~ hugs and love, Dawn

afistfullofweeds* said...

Life can certainly bog a person down. Thank God there are people who can give us what we need..just when we need it!!

Tatjana said...

What a wonderful story.I am glad you find your self in an amazing way.You are lucky and blessed with this wonderfull people and I am happy for you.We say "every evil for some good"

Tara said...

Sissie,I'm so glad you took a chance and you've found happiness in something your gifted at.Your beautiful furnishings always inspire me..xx

shabbyfufu said...

Having a purpose and following your dreams....YES! xoxo, Janet

Anonymous said...

Sissie.....don't feel alone, I think all of us at one time or another felt hopeless, lonely and depressed, maybe even scared too. I think your first attempt at selling pillows was overwhelmingly successful. I think your first pillows are darling...I would take one, heehee. I love your blog and am a very, very faithful follower. I anticipate opening your blog first thing every morning......and I mean first......yours is the first one I look at.
I just wish we lived closer together because you are my type of friend even though you don't know me at all.
Love,
Linda

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Loved this post. Look how your life has changed! and of course, you KNOW I love those pillows!!

Passionate for White said...

I love true stories with a happy ending. Everything for a reason...

Red Door Home said...

So enjoyed learning more about you and how you arrrived at the place you are today. Your pillows are beautful and look like they are made with love!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Sissie, you are a treasure! I love that you used your imagination and talent and turned it all into something which not only brings you pleasure but everyone else who knows you! Thank you for sharing your heart. You truly are an inspiration to me!

Hugs,
Sandi

Curtains in My Tree said...

I just love that toile (twall) green pillow I have blue materail like that.

I remember and loved the pillows from days gone by and we love the new toile ones now

Janice

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh my gosh, I read your story and just cried because it is such a miracle...what a beautiful story and one filled with miracles.
Sending love and hugs your way,
Cindy

Kathysue said...

Life is a wonderful journey isn't it? We never know where certain paths will take us and in hind sight I am always awe struck at where I had been to where I am now. It sounds as if you are too. I am glad your journey took you here!! KS

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Sissie, I am just getting caught up on reading my favorite blogs and I am so sorry I missed this post yesterday. Everyone goes through periods in their life where they just want to shut down. I am so glad you found something that inspires you and makes you happy. You are one of the sweetest and kindest ladies in blogland and I wish you joy and happiness. You so deserve it.
Big Hugs,
Sherry

Jacqui said...

Your post struck a chord! Thank goodness for people like your Dianne. Thank you for this beautiful post
Hugs
Jacqui

the old white house said...

Hi Sissie! What an inspirational story... thanks so much for sharing it with us! I think it was fate and the fact that we all get what we really NEED, sometimes we are just surprised at WHAT we need. Have a great weekend! Theresa xoxo

Anne Lorys said...

How wonderful to learn more about you, Sissie!
I'm so glad that you discovered Miss Minnie's, which allowed us to discover YOU. :-)

Big hugs,
Anne

The Rustic Victorian said...

What a wonderful post Sissie. Dealing with life and it's losses is something I know about. Finding the balance in it all is a challenge. Prayer is my only answer. A little lovely lace, and beautiful fabrics, and nature walks helps.
God Bless You!
Marcie

Cindy said...

Sigh... what a great story. And look at you now... you're so talented, and lovely, and your home is amazing.

Hugs,
Cindy

Unknown said...

Doing what you love gives you a reason to go on ! I know this first hand . God helps those that help themselves .

Unknown said...

Happy that you found Miss Minnies too! We wouldn't be the same without you!

Debbie @ The Shabby Bungalow said...

Way behind on reading my blog posts and I rarely have time to comment but found this such a heartwarming story. You are such a clever and talented lady and I am so happy that things worked out for you. Your blog is a delight to read xxxx

My favorite stuff

  • Donuts
  • Iced Vanilla Coffee
  • Finding Junk and making it beautiful
  • Spending Time with my Sister
  • Holidays with my family
  • Poirot movies
  • reading murder mysteries
  • searching shabby chic stuff on ebay
  • writing stories and blogging
  • snuggling with my husband and my kitty kats
  • comfortable pajamas
  • slot machines
  • yard sales
  • hunting through estate sales and thrift shops
  • going to antique shops
  • eating out with my sister
  • having lunch with my husband
  • having lunch with my son
  • vanilla wafer cookies
  • pedicures and pink toenail polish
  • Lavender scented soaps and body wash
  • Good makeup