Imagine my SHEER excitement when Staci Dumoski, the editor of Stampington's gorgeous publication, "Artful Blogging", contacted me last September and told me that she wanted to feature my blog in an upcoming issue. I was sooooooo excited and VERY honored! "Artful Blogging" is such a beautiful work of art. I have enjoyed reading my copy of the first issue over and over again.
When I sat down to write about my personal blogging experience - the old-fashioned way, with a pad of lined paper and a freshly sharpened pencil - I began to write about YOU. I wrote about what you mean to me in my life and how grateful I am to have you be a part of Daisy Cottage. I finished typing the final draft and after attaching my photos, I excitedly (and nervously with butterflies swarming around in my tummy) hit the "send" button. I took a deep breath and hoped so much that the 700 or so words that I wrote would be okay.
On Saturday afternoon, Dave the mailman, delivered a complimentary copy of the new Spring edition of "Artful Blogging" to Daisy Cottage's mailbox. Take a sneak peek with me......
There we are!! You and me. Me and YOU.
THANK YOU STACI - SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH! I AM THRILLED BEYOND WORDS!
This issue of "Artful Blogging" will be available on February 1st. You will be able to find it at Borders, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble and other book stores. You can also order online! If you can, please treat yourself to a copy of this FANTASTIC publication featuring amazing artists and talented bloggers - oh and some simple, but very heartfelt words from me to YOU.
To celebrate, I'd love to give a copy away to ONE OF YOU ... just leave a comment if you'd like to have one - from my mailbox to yours. xo, Kim
Congratulations!
I haven't seen that magazine before.
I will look for it!
Posted by: ~~flo~~ | January 21, 2008 at 10:10 AM
That is so exciting! Congratulations! I agree with you completely, it's the wonderful blogging community that makes blogging so special! I'm going to go look for that magazine on Feb. 1st!
Posted by: cindy ~ my romantic home | January 21, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Fantastically Cool! I haven't seen this magazine before, but will be sure to check it out! Congrats to you Kim!!
Teresa
xo
Posted by: Teresa ~ French Poppy | January 21, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Congratulations again! Such a wonderful experience and it couldn't happen to a nicer person!
Posted by: Shari | January 21, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Oh, what a special treat! You deserve the space in this wonderful publication. I haven't seen it on the stands but will look for it. I'd love to have a copy.
You always make my day. I love visiting you each day to see what wonderful things you will share with us. You inspire me and encourage me to keep working on my little home that still needs so much work and updating.
~Adrienne~
Posted by: Adrienne | January 21, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Kim~
Congrats!! That's so great! I just found your blog last week and I have really enjoyed it! You do a fabulous job decorating and coordinating(your books with your decor). I have been to Goodwill three times since reading your blog...you'll have to let me know where those great stores are. I will be in the Orlando area the first week in March. I'd love to take a peek at Artful blogging...where do you find that book?
Posted by: janae | January 21, 2008 at 10:49 AM
How exciting, Kim. Congrats to you. I've never seen this magazine but it's a great concept. I have met so many wonderful friends through blogging. Thank you for encouraging me to start my own blog.
Hugs,
Hope
Posted by: Hope | January 21, 2008 at 10:58 AM
wow! congrats darlin! I have not seen that, but surely your blog is a work of art! I would love a copy!xo
Posted by: apt. a {berriehead} | January 21, 2008 at 11:04 AM
CONGRATULATIONS! It couldn't happen to a more deserving person!! You're the best!
Posted by: Rachel | January 21, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Congratulations on this well deserved article Kim. I've not seen this magazine. Is it available on newstands?
Pat
Posted by: Pat | January 21, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Big congrats, Kim! I would be beyond excited too. Sign me up for the drawing. I've never heard of it either, but will be on the lookout for it on the newstands.
Hugs,
Rhoda
Posted by: Rhoda | January 21, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Kim,
Congratulatons! Your writing has been appreciated by some of us for a while, now others are lucky enough to read your work also! This magazine and others.... You rock girl!
MimiG
Posted by: MimiG | January 21, 2008 at 11:11 AM
How exciting! I have never seen or heard of that magazine. It looks beautiful! Where oh where can one purchase a copy?
Posted by: Vickie@PursuingSimplicity | January 21, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Congrats! That is so super cool!
Smiles,
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | January 21, 2008 at 11:17 AM
WOW!!!
congrats my friend!
this is so cool. i bought the first one, and enjoyed seeing old and new friends.
i will be getting this one too!
Celebrate!
jessi
Posted by: jessi nagy | January 21, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Congratulations Kim. I have been reading your blog for about a month now, and totally love it. I decorate in the same style and colors as you and you have given me so many ideas and inspirations.I have to look for this book, it looks amazing.
Posted by: Sherrel | January 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Thank you sweethearts! ((hugs))
I just updated this blog with info about where to find the issue..
xo,
Kim
Posted by: Daisy Cottage | January 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Congratulations! I am not surprised at all that Daisy Cottage is featured. I will have to look for this!!!
Posted by: Andrea | January 21, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Congratulations Kim! I am enjoying reading your blog so much. The Artful Blogging publication is difficult to find here in Canada ~ but I'll keep trying :-}
Posted by: Deb | January 21, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Congratulations Kim! Very well deserved - when I came across your blog a few months ago I became inspired to start my own. I look forward to picking up a copy of this magazine!
Posted by: Erin | January 21, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I am so happy for you Kim.
I'll be at Barnes & Noble to pick up my copy.
Congratulations ~ Good things happen to good people!
Tracie
Posted by: Tracie | January 21, 2008 at 11:31 AM
How very exciting!!!! I'm so happy for you. I've not heard of this magazine - but will be sure to check it out.
tina
Posted by: | January 21, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Congrats Kim!! So very well deserved :)
Hugs,
Dena
Posted by: Dena | January 21, 2008 at 11:36 AM
No one desrves it more than YOU! Truly one of the best blogs on the web. Enjoy your success! That sweet Daisy Cottage keeps giving and giving...xx
Posted by: Denice | January 21, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Congratulations! You are an artful blogger so this is a great honor to be recognized! And it couldn't happen to anyone more sweet.
xo
Melissa
Posted by: melissa @ the inspired room | January 21, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Congratulations on having your blog featured. It is one of the best I have seen. You have lovely pics, you keep it updated and exciting. One thing I like about it is that you don't ramble on and on, I don't have time to sit and read a long post. I check yours out almost every day. Hugs, Cindy
Posted by: | January 21, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Hi Kim
How exciting for you. They made an excellent choice because your blog is just the best!! You make us all feel so welcome when we visit. I tried to find the first issue of The Artful Blogger when it first came out. No one here had it, so I am glad to see that Borders is going to carry it this time.
I just began to blog in November and can't believe how many wonderful people I have met.
Count me in for the draw. Hope I win!
Rhondi
Posted by: rhondi | January 21, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I generally lurk since you have so many comments already, but wanted to congratulate you! I LOVE Daisy Cottage and I will be on the look out for Artful Blogging!
Sherry
Posted by: sherry | January 21, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I loved the last issue of that mag and can't wait to see the next. Congratulations on being featured! So exciting! What I find really amazing is all of the bloggers and women owned websites I recognize in many magazines. I feel like I know them! I would love to be entered!
Posted by: Dawn-Hydrangea Home | January 21, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Kim,
I just looked and you can also get it online for bloggers who can't get to any of the stores listed.
http://www.stampington.com/html/artful_blogging.html
Tracie
Posted by: Tracie | January 21, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I'm so excited for you!! Congrats!!
What a beautiful book! Love your blog, Sincerely, Amy W.
Posted by: Amy Wingate | January 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM
How wonderful Kim! I am so excited for you. You have the most warm and weloming blog. Every time I visit, I feel like I am visiting my best friend. Well, for sure I would love to win this giveaway, but if I don't I will run out and buy a copy!!
Hugs,
Penny
Posted by: Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio | January 21, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Yay you!!! I have seen that first issue and wanted to buy it...but now I REALLY want to find a copy as I know someone featured in it! Congratulations...your blogis a precious sunny spot that brightens up my day no matter what!!
Posted by: Meredith | January 21, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I am so excited for you, Kim, congratulations! I would love to be entered in your giveaway. One way or another I will make sure I get a copy so I can read your article.
Posted by: pam | January 21, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Kim~
I hope you don't mind, but I put your blog and address in my blog today. I love it so much and wanted to share.I did run into a technical problem though...Do you know how to put the link in so people can just click on it and it will come up? I couldn't figure it out.
Thanks,
Janae
Posted by: janae | January 21, 2008 at 12:05 PM
KIM
We are all so proud of you, way to go girl. I cant wait to see the story you do on our home for FiFi and Romantic Country. Your words are music to our ears.
Hugs Gene ans Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | January 21, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I was JUST looking for that issue on the stands the other day. How long do you think it will be? Since, I have been a closet lurker on your blog for quite some time, I look forward to reading all the dish.
Posted by: Mary Alison | January 21, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Kim, Congratulations! I know I love your blog, and I'm glad others are recognizing you, too! Pam
Posted by: Pam | January 21, 2008 at 12:25 PM
That is so very cool! I didn't even know that publication existed - Congratulations Kim!
Manuela
Posted by: the feathered nest | January 21, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Congratulations! How exciting for you, I couldn't be happier. Can't wait to get me a copy. Thank you for all the sunshine you bring my way. Have a wonderful day Daisy Cottage!
Posted by: Carey | January 21, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Congratulations! I've never heard of that magazine before but then again, this whole blogging thing is fairly new to me! I'd love to be in your giveaway! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Janeen | January 21, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Kim!
CONGRATULATIONS! Why of course you would be part of this book you are the queen of blog you know! Ha, so happy for you and Daisy Cottage.
HUGS,
Rose
Posted by: Rose @ Classic Charm | January 21, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Congratulations! Just looking at the front cover is exciting! Can't wait to find it at the bookstore (or to win it from you)! Beautiful!
Posted by: Vanessa | January 21, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Congratulations Kim! You really deserve this recognition and I'm really really happy for you! Gosh, if I made it into a nation wide publication I think I'd pass out!
Posted by: Cece Marie | January 21, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Way to go Kim !!!
I have not heard of this....if I don't win I will be sure to get a copy.
Your talents are limitless Kim, besides being such a gracious hostess and inviting us into your cottage...you are someone that that I am sure outside of "the blogging world" we would be proud to call a friend.
Thanks again and again for all your thoughtful and insightful posts...they help make my day !!!
xox
Kathy :)
Posted by: Kathy :) | January 21, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Kim, How exciting! I will be haunting my local Borders and Barnes & Noble's till I spy it! I'm also looking forward to the new issue of Romantic Country for Cindy's blog. Gosh, lots of fun things to look forward to in icky February! :)
xoxo,
Mary
Posted by: Mary | January 21, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Dear Kim,
I am very proud of you. I have told so many people about your wonderful blog (which is truly a masterpiece). It is such a respite for me. Really, like a mini vacation. The pictures of your home are inspiring and beautiful and your writing is so very, very good. You have been a ray of sunshine to me during some very dark days this fall. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart and a heartfelt, "Congratulations!"
Love,
Sara
Posted by: Sara Achuff | January 21, 2008 at 01:15 PM
Congratulations! I love your blog and you truly deserve such an honor!
Posted by: Valerie | January 21, 2008 at 01:16 PM
This is just wonderful news, Kim! I cannot wait to get my copy! You go girl!
xo
Becky
Posted by: Sweet Cottage Dreams | January 21, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Hi Kim, congratulations.
Another magazine I will have to look out for here in Australia.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | January 21, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Kim,
Congratulations on your well deserved publicity. Your blog is so warm and sunny, just as I suppose Florida to be. Enter me for the drawing please, I would love to have the magazine and read the article.
Posted by: Janet | January 21, 2008 at 01:20 PM
I still have my first issue sitting on my desk... I can't wait for the new one to come - congrats on your article! Oh please pick me!
Posted by: Carrie | January 21, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Congratulations Kim!! Your blog is so inspirational, I'm not surprised you'll be featured! I love that magazine and am looking forward to the Spring issue (since I've read the first issue several times).
Posted by: Jackie | January 21, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Congratulations! What an honor!
Posted by: Rachael | January 21, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Congrats! If this magazine is like their other publications it should be beautiful!
Posted by: Kim | January 21, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Never knew such a print magazine existed. You set the bar high.
Posted by: sweetshrub | January 21, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Kim,
Warmest congratulations for your newest magazine feature such an honor! Your blog has been so inspiring to me that I have been working setting up my own. Like you I have a sweet darling girl named Miss Sophie who is a miniture chocolate daschund. Miss Sophie and I love to sit here listening to the melodies as we look and read about your adventures. In fact most days we tune in to listen to your oldies while I am at my easal painting...so inspiring. I hope to one day find a perfect cottage to make my dreams come true but until that day I will be content to gaze upon yours knowing that dreams do come true!
Kathy in North Florida
Posted by: Kathy | January 21, 2008 at 01:57 PM
How exciting for you....I mean "us"! I've been a lurker of your blog for quite a while now and had to come out to say Congrats. I love your blog and get inspired by so much I see and read on it. I didn't know there was such a magazine and I'm so proud that a "friend" of mine received such an honor!
Posted by: KyliesTeta | January 21, 2008 at 02:01 PM
What an awesome thing to have happen! Congrats! Please do enter me in the contest. I haven't seen the magazine before and it looks intriguing.
Posted by: Shelley Jo | January 21, 2008 at 02:02 PM
How Fabulous! You and your wonderful blog deserve it! congratulations and I can't wait to see the article! xo, suzy
Posted by: suzy | January 21, 2008 at 02:12 PM
So Very Cool! I will be waiting in line for my copy :-) Can't wait to read about all the blogs I visit!
Posted by: Rosie | January 21, 2008 at 02:13 PM
How exciting for you Kim.I can't wait to check it out!
Count me in for the drawing.
Posted by: Carol | January 21, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Congratulations! I enjoy your blog so much. Count me in as another lurker, but your blog is one of the first things I check on the computer every morning.
Posted by: Janet | January 21, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Hooray Hooray Hooray!!!!! So so GREAT!!! I am so excited for you! Cannot wait to see the new issue! The first issue was just fabbbulous!!
It is only a matter of time before all editors catch on!! :) Mary E needs to pay you a visit soon!! :)
Best Wishes!!!!
xoxo Jenny
Posted by: jenny holiday | January 21, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Congratulations for this well deserved honor. I have enjoyed reading your blog it seems like forever! You have a way with words that seems to touch my heart.
Hope you're warm in Florida. We had below zero temperatures today. I am wearing my Mickey Mouse earrings and my Disney World charm bracelet trying to chanel Florida in my mind.
Posted by: Chris | January 21, 2008 at 02:38 PM
What a lovely honor!!! I am so thrilled for you and can't wait to check out the issue. Congratulations!
Posted by: StarXLR8 | January 21, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Hey, that's neat Kim. Looking forward to reading it.
Posted by: Alicia G. | January 21, 2008 at 03:02 PM
OH WOW!!, Kim, I'm so very impressed with your honor to be in "Artful Blogging"
Your Blog is so uplifting, thank you for being there...for us.
Posted by: JOY | January 21, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Oh congrats and hats off to you. You are very deserving. I can't wait to get my copy. Keep being artful and sharing with us your blogging admirers.
Smiles
Posted by: Monkey Giggles | January 21, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Congratulations Kim! I love your blog and read it almost daily. I LOVE the birdhouse Penny made for you. It soo fits with everything you've done. She's awesome too! The Artful blogger is so inspiring. What a delight to be included. The honor is truly well deserved. Thank you for including my name in the drawing. Teah
Posted by: Teah | January 21, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Hello Kim,
You go girl! You do deserve it, you are such a classy lady (and so nice!!) Hugs, Rosemary~
Posted by: Rosemary | January 21, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Congratulations! That's so exciting! :)
Posted by: Mandy Ford | January 21, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Congratulations Kim! I have just recently become aware of this publication and look - you're on the cover! I visit you almost daily because your blog is so beautiful and pleasing to the eye and you have such down to earth and lovely things to say. I've been inspired by you many, many times.
Blessings,
Kim C.
Posted by: Kimberly C. | January 21, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Kim,
Congratulations on this accomplishment. I can't imagine a more deserving blogger to win this coveted spot in the magazine...I can't wait to see what other delights it holds for the readers. I would love to be included in your give-a-way...See...yet another reason you are so loved...you are just so generous!
Blessings...
Teresa
Posted by: LivingtheLife | January 21, 2008 at 03:59 PM
That is so awesome that you are in going to be in Artful Blogging!! I, like you keep reading the first one over and over. It is one reason I started my own blog! Congrats to you!!!
Posted by: Leigh | January 21, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Kim, CONGRATULATIONS! you deserve this feature in more ways than one. :-)
Posted by: Hasmin | January 21, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Do I dare say I would love to see this magazine? It may give me more blogs to become addicted to!
Congratulations!
Posted by: Steph | January 21, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Congratulations Kim!!
That is such a honor, you must be so excited!
Thanks for letting us share your life at Daisy Cottage!
Hugs,
Henriëtte
Posted by: Henriëtte KB | January 21, 2008 at 04:50 PM
How exciting for you to be recoginzed in this way. Very well derserved.
Posted by: Jean T | January 21, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Can't wait to find this on the newstands! Congratulations!
Blessings ~~
Mary Jane
Posted by: Mary Jane Smith | January 21, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Congrats Kim!! I am so excited for you.
Can't wait to read it.
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | January 21, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Congrats! This exciting news is well deserved. I didn't know about this magazine, it sounds great!
Posted by: Dawn | January 21, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Congratulations Kim. It doesn't surprise me. I feel God has big plans for you in the future and He is just starting. I can remember when you were trying to find a name for "Daisy Cottage." I am so happy for you. Please enter me in your wonderful drawing - I would love to read about all the other bloggers.
Thanks for sharing your good news with all of us.
Hugs,
Connie
Posted by: Connir | January 21, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Well deserved! Congratulations on the feature, looking forward to reading it!
Smiles, Heather
Posted by: Present Past Collection | January 21, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Many many congratulations -- you certainly deserve to be in this magazine -- your blog is truly one of the best and most inspiring ones on the Net!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage -- always a fan!
Posted by: Jan | January 21, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Congratulations. I can not think of a more deserving blog! Where do you find this magazine?
Posted by: christy | January 21, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Sooooo well deserved! I can't wait to see you in print!
Kelley
:D
Posted by: junqueygal | January 21, 2008 at 06:07 PM
I think the reason we love your blog so much is that you have the ability to connect with us in so many of the day to day experiences we all share. Congrats!!! Fondly, Janet
Posted by: Janet K | January 21, 2008 at 06:11 PM
How exciting for you...and us! I'll be sure and get a copy in February.
Posted by: Andi | January 21, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Congratulations!! What an honor! I LOVE your blog and would LOVE to be entered into your drawing! Thanks for the opportunity.
Posted by: Cathy | January 21, 2008 at 07:01 PM
What an honor Kim. You truly are an inspiration and talent. Congrats dear.
Hugs:)
Posted by: Debbie L. | January 21, 2008 at 07:20 PM
What took them so long? ;>
Hearty congrats!!
Posted by: Vee | January 21, 2008 at 08:03 PM
congrats! you deserve it!
:) Diana
Posted by: Diana | January 21, 2008 at 08:13 PM
I'm so happy for you, you deserve it - your blog is is the first one I go to each day-trying to keep warm in ILLinois, Love, Kathy
Posted by: kathy charniak | January 21, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Congratulations! It couldn't have happened to a nicer blogging lady!
Posted by: Kellie | January 21, 2008 at 08:21 PM
One day while looking for a craft idea, I came upon the Apron Thrift Girl blogsite, don't ask me how I got directed there, but I did. When looking at some of her favorites I stumbled upon your blog. I have to say that I am in awe of how wonderful this site is, and how personal you make it. I feel as though I am evesdropping on a conversation amond friends, and I am the outsider. It is easy to get pulled into the world of people you do not know. Even in a world where you don't know someone, you can have something in common. Several of the colors in your house are ones that I have in mine. I think how maybe one day my home could be as comfortable and full of lovely things. I am so very happy for you and will look for the magazine when it hits the shelves! Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Sherry Campbell | January 21, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Congratulations! I'd love to win a copy!
Posted by: Karla | January 21, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Congrats, Kim.....you so deserve to have a spot in that delightful magazine! I have yet to see a copy.....I love the yellow frames peeking out in your photos on this post!
Posted by: Laurie | January 21, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Woo-hoo! I'm so thrilled for you, Kim! It's wonderful to see you and your blog recognized and shared with others. I know everyone will enjoy your article and you'll be adding many more new friends to your blog. You're such an oasis in the everyday rush of life!
Posted by: Rose | January 21, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Certainly I would love a copy.....thanks, Betty
Posted by: Betty @ Country Charm | January 21, 2008 at 09:06 PM