Life is but a dream....

Thank you.

Thank you very much for sharing your dreams with me.

No matter how big or small they were or ARE - they are important.  They belong to you and they are born from your precious spirit.  I hope that you NEVER let someone take your dream away from you.  For those of you whose dreams have NOT come true - yet - I hope that they become your reality soon, or when the time is right, and I hope that they bring you great joy and happiness.

As I read each of your responses, and as my eyes welled with tears over some of the personal stories that you shared, it became clear to me how much our hearts yearn to love others - how much we like to give to others - how much we want to provide for others - and how for so many of us our dreams were to fulfill nurturing roles.  We wanted to marry, we wanted to be mothers, and we looked forward to becoming grandmothers, and great grandmothers.  We give, and we give, and we give - from our hearts and from our souls, and I think, we as women, probably always will. It is who we are.  Whether we work professionally outside the home, or work professionally at home, or whether we decide to be full-time homemakers - we all want to give our best to those that we love.  I know that YOUR families and friends who have YOU in their lives are truly blessed - and I am so happy that for many of you, your dreams have come true.

The main thing to remember, in my opinion, is it doesn't matter where we are in life - we can have a dream, it CAN COME TRUE, and each of our personal stories is still being written.  Every day in our lives is another page to turn.  My hope for you is to love yourself enough that you will claim some of these blank pages just for YOU - to pencil in whatever makes your sweet heart sing and your spirit happy.  Please be good to yourself - for you truly are a miracle.   

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, to answer your questions!  :-)

Do you have a professional background in photography, writing, and design?

I have NO professional background in any of these.  At one time I experimented with having a little decorating business and distributed a few brochures around town, but after a couple of "jobs" I decided that it wasn't for me.  I prefer to help my friends just for fun.

Your dream that has come true for you?

I have had many.  I married my high school sweetheart, and I have a beautiful son and daughter. I moved into my dream home three years ago and I have recently had my writing published!  And yes - I still have more dreams!  ;-)

Have you ever worked full-time outside the home - a previous career, etc.?

Yes, I worked full-time, outside the home, before I became a mother, and have worked here and there, at various jobs, over the years.

Have you always lived in Florida?

Yes, I have always lived in Florida! And I have NEVER seen snow fall from the sky.  Can you imagine??

What is your fondest dream?

My fondest dream was to be a mother - and that came true - TWICE.  :-)

What is your favorite fragrance?

I don't have one!  I rarely wear any as they tend to give me headaches.  I LOVE the fragrant smell of orange blossoms and Christmas trees though - does that count?   ;-)

Who or what gives you inspiration when decorating?

EVERYTHING gives me inspiration when decorating!  I also gain inspiration from my sister, my friends, other like-minded souls, decorating books and magazines, beautiful blogs, and web sites.  I find that restaurants, store displays, and hotel lobbies offer wonderful ideas too. I am an observer and I find myself taking in every detail of my surroundings.

What part of the country do you live?

I live in beautiful Central Florida.

How did you keep your home all cute and put-together when your kiddos were younger?

Oh believe me, their toys and belongings were scattered everywhere during their at-home days, but we cleaned up at the end of the day and used lots of baskets to store their "treasures"!  ;-)

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't blogging?

Well, besides spending time with family and friends, and of course Maggie, I love to go thrifting and yard saling!  I also love visiting coffee shops AND book shops. I'm a magazine junkie so give me a comfy chair and a brand new decorating magazine and I'm in heaven! I enjoy walking the streets of our neighborhood and especially enjoy chatting with my neighbors on their cute porches over a glass of wine or two!   ;-)

Did you always have a love for old things?

Yes, I have always loved old things!!  I remember going junking with my Dad and being enamored with the vintage treasures that we would find! 

My daughters think that I should start a blog.  Do you have a good source of information to get started?

My best advice to give to those of you who are thinking about starting a blog is to just jump in and do it.  Don't over-think it!  There are several blogging sources for you to choose from, although I am partial to Typepad! Once you sign up and choose one of their easy templates you are ready to go.  Write your first post and you are blogging! You can do it! 

What gives you the reason to get up every morning?

Because I am able to.  What a blessing to be alive and here to greet the morning!  As you know, I think we should treasure them.  :-)

Do you have a favorite film (s) or book (s) ?

This one is easy!  My favorite film AND book is Gone With The Wind.

My second favorite film is You've Got Mail.

When do you have the time to write and post your blog? Don't you ever sleep?

I am blessed to be home alot of the time and no, I'm not a big sleeper.  I usually get by on 5 hours or less a night.  I write my blog at all different times of the day and I compose it as I sit down to post.  I don't have any real blogging routine, other than I try to write a new post every few days or so. 

Where do you store your pretties when you change out around the house?   Do you have a big room to put things in?

Oh dear, you should ask Fifi!  ;-)  The poor girl was exposed to my cluttered closets and saw first hand how I am a "stuffer".  I have alot of things stored in my linen closet in our hall bath and under our bed.  I wish I did have a big room to put things in, but I don't.  So I stuff.  ;-)

Will you please come decorate my house, even just one room? Ever been to Michigan?

Suzanne, I am flattered!  No, I've never been to Michigan and I'd love to come play in your house!

What is your absolute favorite ITEM in Daisy Cottage?

My favorite item - and this was a hard question - would have to be the first real antique that my husband and I bought - the oak buffet that we now have as a bathroom vanity in the hall bath.  We used this piece in our dining room in our last home.  I hesitated about turning it into a vanity, but then I thought of it as a "present" that we could give to Daisy Cottage and it would be something of ours that we could leave behind if we should ever have to move.

What decor styles have you had in your homes?

I've always been a cottage girl.  My last home didn't have as much emphasis on "collections" or themes (although I had my roosters, baskets, and vintage treasures)  but it was still casual and with a cozy emphasis.  And of course, it had color!  ;-)

What was your biggest decorating mistake?

We had a beautiful pine ceiling in the family room of our last home and I decided that it should be painted white to "brighen" up the space and to visually "lift" the ceiling.  Big mistake.  We never should have covered up that gorgeous wood.

Have you always dreamed of owning a home like the one you have now?

Yes, ALWAYS!!  Ever since I was a little girl.  :-)

Can I ask how many rooms you have in that lovely cottage?

Let me count....  ten!

How long did it take for you to decorate your home so cute?

Thank you! 

Honestly, not long at all!  I picked the colors quickly and seemed to know just what I wanted.  I've added things as I've found them and I've had so much fun putting it all together.  :-)

Have you ever been to NH or New England?

No, I have never been!  I would love to one day!

How has blogging changed your life?

It has been a huge blessing in my life!  It has been 100% positive and I am so thankful for all of YOU and the entire experience.  It has made our world much smaller to me and it has opened my eyes to beauty and inspiration that I may not have ever known.

Where did you live before Daisy Cottage and did you also decorate the same? Does your hubby also enjoy all your decor?

We lived in the same town and in a ranch-style home for 14 years prior to living here at Daisy Cottage. I did decorate in the cottage style, but my color choices were not in primary hues.  For example, my red for the dining room was more of a raspberry, and our bedroom was painted a beautiful pale aqua - that is still my favorite bedroom that we've had.   Our kitchen was painted in a rich, goldish-brown.  My daughter's bedroom had many paint transformations over the years - it was sunflower yellow, cornflower blue, bright pink, and lavender.  My son's room was painted in a rich, dark green for many years. The outside of the home was painted a mossy green.  I've always used color in our homes. I had my roosters, my baskets, my shell collection, my vintage art, and I created vignettes everywhere, of course!  ;-)  I tried to create a cozy home with a cottage feel. My hubby does indeed love our decor!  I am VERY lucky in that he leaves that all up to me.  From our very first tiny apartment 'till now, he knew that it was my "thing" - my passion, and what makes me happy.  He DOES have a "man-cave" and it is filled with his things and as long as he is able to go fishing, he is a very happy camper. ;-)

What inspires your designs and photography?

Oh boy, it is hard for me to say when it comes to the photography because really - I am SO CLUELESS when it comes to that!  I am mechanically challenged and I wouldn't understand the manual so I don't bother reading it.  When I take a photo I try to capture what I think looks pretty or inspiring in some way.  I try my best to capture what I am seeing or feeling at the moment.  I point and shoot and hope for the best.  I appreciate and admire many different design styles - but whenever I see a room that evokes warmth or coziness, then I am instantly inspired.  I just drink it in.  And if it is colorful?  Well then it has me - hook, line, and sinker!  ;-)

What would be your dream vacation?

A dream vacation for me would be one taken with my family, and at a relaxed pace.  A beautiful place filled with quaint shops perhaps, and of course - great food - would make a wonderful setting, I think, for a very sweet vacation.  I've never been to Europe so that would definitely be a dream vacation but so would visiting Vermont!  Or Maine... or Boston... or Seattle... or....

What did you do to get published in a magazine?

My blog has brought me several writing opportunities and of course dear Fifi gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to write my very first article for a decorating magazine.  I first met her when she was the stylist for a photo shoot here in our home.

Are you originally from Florida and where did you attend school?

Yes, I was born and raised in Florida - a true native Floridian.  I attended school in Miami.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

I think I answered all of your questions - if I missed any, I'll try to come back here and answer them.  Thank you for sharing... thank you for caring. 

And remember - DREAMS DO COME TRUE!

Comments

[Katie]

So fun to read a little about you! :o) Thanks for doing the Q&A! "Gone With the Wind" is my favorite movie, too, and I can't believe you've never seen snow fall!!

[Kevin (hubby)]

What a great and informative post that reads like an open book to the real you.

Every answer was a brief peek into the unique and special person I love and admire.

[Dena]

What a treat to read all of your responses Kim :) You are such a special part of this community and your beautiful spirit shines through in every picture, and every word. Visiting with you is so comforting...like getting a great big hug. Thank you.

Hugs,
D

[Lace hearts]

I found your blog after reading your wonderful comment on Barbara Jacksier's blog - It was so heartfelt, I wanted to find out more about you, and what a beautiful, warm blog you have. Lots of lush pictures, and heartwarming sentiment. I can see I'll be spending some time here. :-)

[Michele]

What a wonderful post! I so enjoyed reading all your answers. You take wonderful pictures and you're very creative at decorating!!!

Hugz,
Michele

[charlotte lyons]

My favorite question answered here is actually not even a question. But in every response, your answer is so honest and true to who you are, such an open, generous and sweet friend. Thanks, Kim....that was so fun to read! And o, man, how dear is that comment from your husband! xoC

[Nancy]

I too thank you Kim. You give and you give and then you give some more. You know what they say about giving don't you? What goes around comes around and you my dear must see truck loads and have a truck load coming!
Thank you for your answer about beginning a blog. Maybe I could make the theme cottage decorating in an RV(giggle)!?
Thank you for your thoughtful answers to our guestions!

[Buffy]

You must see snow fall from the sky. It is equal in amazement as seeing waves meet the shore. ;) Wear black gloves when you do, so you can see that every snowflake that you catch is indeed very different and unique!

Your blog has brightened many a day for me.
Thank you for sharing!

Buffy

Kim, this was so fun. Thank you so much for sharing your home,life and that of your family with all of us. You have truly inspired me and perhaps I will get the courage to start a blog lolol! Your kindness and beautiful soul show thru the windows of Daisy Cottage. Hugs, Lucy

[Ana.]

Hello Kim,
Thanks for being so honest and so have opened your heart!

[paintergal]

I find it so amazing that we can live in the United States and have so many different climates and ways of living. I cannot imagine not seeing snow fall, but then I rarely get to see the ocean.

[Diane]

I enjoyed all of your questions and answers. Nice to know just a little bit more about you. Have a beautiful day.

[sondra]

Enjoyed your Q&A's. It does snow in FL. In 1976, it snowed a week or so before Christmas in Lakeland! I saw it!

[Vanessa {Bloom Right Here!}]

Thank you for sharing your home and your life. What fun to read! I know you just answered a ton of questions, but I do have another one. I know you have painted furniture on your porch, outside, etc. How do you keep it clean? I live in AR and have a huge porch. I love it, but many of my wood furniture pieces have a mold/mildew on them that I can't keep away. Do I just have to constantly wash them or is there a "finish" that will keep this away? Any thoughts?

[Chris@Cats on my Quilts]

Remember Kim, I have a cottage in Maine on the coast-you should visit. In fact we are going up there this weekend.

[Mrs. H.]

Kim,
I so enjoyed reading this! What a kind, sweet heart you have. I have been reading your blog for a long time now and it is always so encouraging and uplifting - a lovely part of my day. Thank you! :-)

[Amanda]

~Such a great post! Thanks for sharing! I love visiting Daisy Cottage!!!~ Mandy

[LeAnn]

Hi Kim,
You are an absolute delight and your blog is enjoyed by so many.

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

[Barbara]

Oh WOW, I am a native from Miami also, currently living in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Any chance you went to Southwest Miami HS?

[Daisy Cottage]

*waving hi* to you my Florida neighbor! No Barbara, I went to Miami Palmetto - but our football team played you! ;-)

[janet]

Kim,

Thanks so much for answering all the questions; it really does give us a chance to meet the person behind the blog. Maybe we bloggers should think about our own time share equivalent/ vacation house exchange. We live all over the country and want to see other parts of the country. For example: I have been to Europe and traveled quite a bit in the US, but I have never been to Florida. You could stay at my house outside Boston, see Cape Cod, drive to Vermont and see snow (8 mos of the year, lol) and I could stay at your Dear Daisy Cottage and see Florida. Wouldn't that be fun?

Janet@Housepeepers

[Kathy :)]

Hi Kim,

I loved reading this post. I agree with you dreams do come true !!

All the best,
Kathy :)

[Manuela]

Hi Kim, that was fun to read your answers! We went to the Gone With The Wind Museum this summer. It's in the next town over from me Marietta, Georgia. It was really interesting and they had lots of memorabilia from the movie. I have to read the book again cause they said the book is a bit different from the movie (as usual) but all I can remember is the movie.

Manuela

[Patti]

I didn't get a chance to read the previous entry, but if you are coming to Michigan, I want a visit with you too!!!!! And I have a lovely guestroom all ready and waiting for you.

[rhondi]

Hi Kim
What a lovely post. You have such a way with words. I sure wish I did! What you said mirrors my thoughts exactly. Thanks also for sharing the tidbits about your life.
It's always a joy to visit you.
Hugs, Rhondi

[Donna]

Kim, you are such a sweet and special person. I really enjoyed reading all about you.

Your blog is one of my FAVORITES!

Hugs,
Donna

[Connie]

Dear Kim,
Due to PC problems, I have not been able to read/comment on your neat threads for some time. I enjoyed learning more about you and your family. Even though we haven't met, I know you have been Blessed with all "The Fruits of the Spirit." It comes through your written words and your wonderful photographs.
I hope to meet you this January. DH and I are even thinking about living there six months of the year and traveling this way the other six months. I guess if it is meant to be, it will happen. One of my dreams has been to live in warm weather year around for at least a few years. Maybe, that dream is about to come true.
Hugs,
Connie

PS: I finally have faster internet and can enjoy your beautiful music.

[shiela]

i've enjoyed your blog today AND ALWAYS!

[DebbieCalif]

Thank you Kim for all this, I loved reading all that you wrote. Thanks!
Debbie

[Jean Eakin]

Its always good to learn a little more about someone you admire. Your blog and you are great and I appreciate you very much for sharing with us some little details about "KIM". Have a wonderful evening.
Jean in Virginia

[Rachel Going]

(((((Kim)))))

what a dear sweet posting about yourself. You are such a bright spot of joy to everyone who has the privilege to see your beautiful blog. Thank you so much for sharing. You and your groom are quite beautiful and handsome!

xo rachel

[sharron]

Oh I loved reading all about YOU.. questions I have often wondered about you and now WE know!!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[Sue]

What a wonderful post sweet friend. And oh how I love the pictures at the bottom. Now, if you would love to see snow fall, pop up here to OHio and watch with me this Winter! Oh, and the antiquing is wonderful 'round here! : )

Love,
Sue

[Janis Zettel]

I think we were separated at birth. The more I read about you the more I say "that's me!"
Thank you for your beautiful words.

Hugs, Janis
http://janiszettel.blogspot.com/

[bj]

So many thanks for answering our questions..We all love you, wanna be just like you, want our cottages to look just like yours, want your sunny personality, want MAGGIE...
love, bj

[Tina]

so very nice to read this post. it makes our blogging friends so much more special.
so glad to "get to know you" a bit better.
thanks for sharing.
hoping you have a lovely rest of the week.
~Tina
p.s. we'll soon be transplanting to Central Florida.I can't wait.Have to sell this home first...which may take a little while.

[Kim]

Dear Kim,
I stop by all the time but I have not said hello in quite a while. I loved your post today. It was so fun getting to know you even better. You are always such an inspiration.

Hugs,
Kim

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

Hi Kim,
I missed the dream post. I will be off in a minute to read it. I believe you have a new banner since I've last been here (which wasn't that long ago), I love it!
When I come here, I feel like I've known you for a lifetime and with this post, I almost cried for your true tender-hearted "I mean itness". Yes, I made up that last word, but that's how it is with you - so sincere.
I am holding onto a few pieces of that blank paper, we haven't found our dream house yet but will continue on the look out. I should probably be sending this via email sweet Kim, but feel it's appropriate in this format since I'm sure I am not alone in my feelings of visiting you here. I'm usually here on Sunday. This just seems like a Sunday cozy kind of place for me.
Here's to a few blank pages ;)
xo~Tracie

[Jane]

Hi Kim, Thank you for your lovely post, I love Gone With the Wind too and went to see it at the cinema for the first time in the late 70's with my Mother. Jane x

[rue]

Good morning sweet Kim :)

You are such a good sport to answer all those questions (mine too!). I loved learning even more about you. GWTW and You've Got Mail are my favorite movies too. If they come on TV I have to watch them even though I own the DVDs.

You really should vacation somewhere where it snows at least once. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen aside from the ocean. It's truly magical :)

Oh and Rich would have had a heart attack if he knew you had painted a wood ceiling! What is is with men and wood? LOL

Have a beautiful day and please give Miss Maggie a hug from me.
Love,
rue

[PamperingBeki]

I think this is my favorite blog post ever, from you. :)

It's great to learn more about you!

And your package from me *finally* went out in the mail today. Really. haha!

[Mary]

Kim, you are such a sweetie for sharing so much of yourself. You just sparkle!

mary

p.s.
my number one favorite movie is You've Got Mail!! I also love Gone with the Wind!

[Betty Jo]

Oh My! What an awesome post Kim. I feel I know you even better now. xoxo

[Faye]

You've been tagged!! :)
Just thought this would be a fun way for more Bloggers to get to know you.

[Lace hearts]

Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your lovely comment - it's so sweet of you to do that, given you have so many comments! I'm going to add you to my favourites, and I'll pop back. You have a wonderful spirit that shines through in the way you write. Blessings, Caroline x

[~~flo~~]

That was a great read, Kim!
Your positive attitude is contagious and
I thank you for sharing that positivity
with us!

~~flo~~

[Kat]

I haven't been by in a few days so it's been fun catching up with you. Loved reading your Q&A's.

Hugs!
Kat

[mary carroll]

Oh how sweet! Kim, you are priceless, and I have loved getting to know you. :)
xoxo,
Mary

[Sheila]

Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Your genuine warmth radiates through each post. I feel blessed that I've found this corner of the universe.

May the Lord bless and keep you...

XO,

Sheila

[Gretchen]

Kim,

I loved reading your answers to all those questions and to find out how your decorating style has evolved. I think you just have a talent that can't be learned but can be appreciated by all of us.

Hugs,
Gretchen

[Freddie Girl]

Kim, thank you so much for your help yesterday, I appreciate it more than you will ever know. Kudo's to Kevin for the sweet comment he made...give that guy a Klondike Bar! FYI..."Gone with the Wind" was mom's favorite movie...she saw it twice the day it came out in theatres, and you know how I feel about "You've Got Mail"...my favorite. One day you will see snow...hopefully when you come visit me in the mountains of NC! xoxo Vicky

[christy]

Okay, this is my favorite Dear Daisy post ever! thanks for the insight.

[Catherine]

What a delightful post! Thanks for answering all those questions. It's like sitting down with a friend and having a chat!
Hugs,
Cathie

[The Roost]

I just found your site and I love it! I loved reading about your home and you! I will be back again :0)

[Suzanne]

Dear Kim,

How nice was that?! Thank you for writing this beautiful "dream"...I cannot sleep tonight, so I got up to read my favorite blogs and this was just lovely. I am so glad you shared it!

I'll be back soon, after I get some sleep and dream a little!

Suzanne
xoxo

[Mo]

You are the cutest woman ever! Just so sweet! I love your blog! You seem to be very naturally talented at decorating and writing. And Maggie is adorable!

[Desperate Diva]

What a lovely way to share a little more of YOU with all of US....:) I loved reading the answers to your quesitons.

And I LOVE the idea that Janet@housekeepers has about blogging for timeshare and exchanging homes. That's a great idea.

I am 3 1/2 hours from Colonial Williamsburg....4 hours from the North Carolina beaches....5 hours from the Biltmore House.....if anyone is interested.

Hug Maggie for me,
Dianne

[The Decorated House]

Hello Sweet Kim~
This was so much fun! I even learned a couple of new things that I didn't already know.
You are such special person. I'm happy so many people are getting to know you, and see your wonderful decorating and loving soul!
Hugs, Donna

[Lallee]

That was really fun to read, and I also enjoyed reading the comments the other day too. The pictures of your dreams come true--perfect!

[Carole]

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions. In reading other responses, it gives a bit of insite into your personal life which you share so graciously.

I like the wedding photo and childrens photos as well...how the years do fly!

[Deborah]

It's been fascinating to find out some more about you Kim; particularly what inspires you because you have a completely unique style and a truly beautiful blog. It's so refreshing to see so much wonderful colour used. I think a lot of people are scared to use it today!
Best wishes,
Deborah

[Rowena Maxwell]

Hi, I have just discovered your blog from reading 'Blogging for Bliss' by Tara Frey. I have really enjoyed reading your blog. It blows me away how this blogging world can open ones world!!! I have just started my blog and I was hoping to put your blog link on my blog. I had already started putting links on my blog to others that I liked but then realised when reading this book that I am suppose to ask for permission to do so!
thanks
Rowena

[Mabel Tirado]

Your blog is so much pretty. Maggie is gorgeous! Lord bless you.