Be True to YOU

I'd like to share two emails that I received from a beautiful reader named Suzanne ...

The first one:

Dear Miss Daisy Cottage i.e. Kim,

I just wanted to send this email of thanks for many hours of enjoyment viewing your beautiful blog.

I am a high school English teacher, and one week before my 50th birthday I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer, stage IIIA. I am presently in treatment and have received 4 of the 6 planned treatments for my recovery. So far things are going well although chemotherapy is no walk in the park. I, however, have always been one to never slow down and believe with all my heart that we have a choice in this world--To see the bright side or not. I have always chosen to look for the bright side and continue to do so each day of my life.

Naturally, being an English teacher, I love to read, but I also enjoy anything to do with home decorating--So with this "down" time that I have had this summer, I searched the internet for interesting things to see and read.

Like a true blessing, I ran across The Daisy Cottage and have spent much time enjoying all the beauty you place each day on your website. I believe that there is so much beauty in this world, and the photographs that you take are absolutely gorgeous--You capture so many beautiful things so precisely.

I think your home is utterly charming and happy-- I have enjoyed seeing how sweetly you arrange the treasures of your home--You are a true artist with your compositions.

And so...

I saw that your email address was posted on the website, and I thought I would take the time to say thank you for the "eye candy" and "heart songs" posted each day on your website.

Just know that sometimes we human beings can do beautiful things for others--You are one of them, and I send my thanks and appreciation. 

I will be returning to teach soon, and I hope I have the time to continue reading The Daisy Cottage each and every day--It's good medicine!

Sincerely,

Suzanne

And the second one:

Dear Kim,

I just wanted to say "thank you" for answering my email when I know you must have SO MANY emails sent your way on a daily basis. It was very thoughtful of you, and I appreciate your kind words of encouragement.

I am the English teacher from Illinois who wrote to tell you how much enjoyment your blog has given me as I recuperated this summer during chemotherapy treatments due to endometrial cancer.

I will be returning to school tomorrow, and I thought that I would take a picture of my new "daisy" chair that I saw at Pier One a couple weeks ago--It reminded me of your beautiful home so I decided to add some  "happy color" to my "brown" living room with the daisy chair. I also placed accent pillows from Pier One on the sofa and love seat. These pillows have little red, orange, and blue flowers embroidered on a brown background.  It was a rather simple way to have punches of happy color, but it made a big impact--Even my family loves it, and that's saying something!  

I've sent another picture of an arrangement of faux flowers that I made to place on my sofa table. Your beautiful flowers in your dining room are so nice, and I especially appreciated how you said "Fake It" because I took out all my silk arrangements a few years ago after reading Oprah Winfrey's favorite designer's book.  It was a book that one of my friends had placed in her guest room when I was visiting her in Florida. I can't remember this designer's name now--Nate something, but he said that there should be NO fake flowers in a home--And he said this on one of Oprah Winfrey's shows so I thought, "Hmmm...Maybe I am getting dated here with my silks" so I put them away.

My mother used to own a flower shop when she was alive, and even though she loved fresh flowers, she loved silk flowers as well and always had them in her home--Even when she had the opportunity to have fresh flowers each and every day she still loved her silks. 
In the end, you reminded me under your "Fake It" post that "it's YOUR home." 

My mom would have said the same thing if she read that book, and I always admired how she had that "touch" when decorating. She was gifted--Just like you.

I have one more chemotherapy treatment on September 1st, and hopefully things will begin to look up even MORE.

I am grateful to be alive and grateful to be able to go back to school because, yes, the students do NEED me (thank you for reminding me). My life is greatly blessed.

I wish you all good things--and thank you always for the sweetest blog that you share with the world, Dear Daisy Cottage. It is truly good medicine, and so appreciated.

Sincerely,

Suzanne

 

((((Suzanne))))

Thank you for your kind words and thank you for allowing me to share these emails.

And why do I want to share them? 

Because YOUR spirit and YOUR attitude is truly the definition of beautiful.

Thank YOU for reminding all of us what is really important in life.

And thank you for reminding all of us that when we open the door to our home ...

we need to see what WE love ...

And that's all that matters.

Home is where OUR heart is. 

Be true to YOU.

Thank you Suzanne for everything. YOU ARE THE GIFTED ONE. Here's to YOUR precious life - may you continue to bloom and be surrounded with whatever makes you happy. 

You go girl.

Love,

Kim

Comments

[Colleen]

What inspirational letters those are! Kim you certainly are an influence to so many with your beautiful charm, your beautiful home and your beautiful heart. Keep on doing what you do because you do it so well.

[Esther Sunday]

Wishing you the very best, Suzanne. You can't go wrong with Daisy Cottage for inspiration!

[Rachel]

What beautiful sentiments! I wonder if Suzanne would allow you to share with us the photos she sent. I would love to see her 'daisy chair'!

I'm sending good wishes your way, Suzanne, as you go back to school. We head back on Monday and, as excited as I am to see my students, I will miss the lazy days of summer! But I always make time to visit Daisy Cottage.

[Lavender Dreamer]

How beautiful! And how wonderful to know you've made a difference in someone's life. Thanks for sharing this and reminding us all of our blessings.

[Jill]

I'm sending good wishes your way, Suzanne! Daisy Cottage brings happiness and inspiration into my life too!
Kim, you are such a sweetie to share your beautiful blog with all of us!

[Karla Nathan]

Your cheerful blog does wonders for so many of us!

[Country Lady]

My heart is moved! Wow! I do feel that Dear Daisy Cottage is a blessing to all who venture upon it and share in your writings and pictures. It's your gift to our world! Thank you for that. I also send my prayers and blessings to Suzanne. Thank you for opening your heart and touching ours. May God's love shine richly in your lives!

[Cindy]

I'm praying for you Suzanne! And Kim........your wonderful, cheerful, beautiful blog touches so many people in so many ways. I cannot imagine a day without Daisy Cottage!

Just a side note....the parsonage committee visited yesterday to do their yearly "walk through". One of the ladies jokingly said..."Well, when you guys are moved to another church, we will just have to start about a month before you leave covering all the little nail spots from ALL your artwork".

Now, I wonder what lady gave me this advice (when I e-mailed her about my love of artwork and feeling a tad uncomfortable about having so much in the parsonage).........."Hang em high and Hang em low" Daisy Cottage should be REQUIRED reading for all parsonage committees. I think I will talk to the bishop about that!

[Rhondi]

Dear Kim
What beautiful letters from a precious lady! It's people like that, that make blogging so rewarding. You are making a positive impact on all our lives Kim and we love you!
Many hugs, Rhondi

[The Decorated House]

Dear Sweet Kim~
I so understand the feelings of these precious ladies of being so happy to be alive. That alone is the greatest gift each day. Thank you dear ladies.

Those who know you very well will also know to the depth these letters have touched your heart and soul. And those who might have just met you, even today, will know so as well.
Hugs, Donna

[Dena]

Oh Kim,

Reading these letters made me smile. This is such a wonderful example of how deeply you touch and inspire your readers and how truly loved and special you are.

Blessings to you and Suzanne.

Hugs,
Dena

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

Beautiful. Thank you Kim and Suzanne! Would love to see the chair as well, sounds darling.
xo~Tracie

[LeAnn]

That was so heartwarming Kim. Thank you for sharing that with all of us.

LeAnn:)

[Wendy McDonagh-Valentine]

What a wonderful post!! It truly touched my heart and I am so thrilled that Suzanne is returning to teach again. What lucky students they will be to have her!! Isn't it just incredible what this wonderful world of blogging has been able to do for so many people?!!? I am a new reader to your blog and I am thrilled to have found it. Take care and God bless. : )

~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

[Lisa]

Wow. You never know how you may touch someones life. Your blog is a colorful and beautiful blessing. I always smile when I come to visit.
Keep up the good work!

[Jennifer]

Kim, this post is beautiful! I feel just like Suzanne and I have made myself a Daisy Cottage pillow! Your pictures inspire me and I look forward your posts every day.
Suzanne my prayers are with you and... can I see your Daisy Chair? I'll show my Daisy Pillow!

[Heidi]

wow,Kim!
Isn't it wonderful the way you can have such a very positive influence on someone you didn't even know. How great that because of today's technology you could touch a life in such a way, and Suzanne could find you and let you know how she felt about you, sort of created a circle there (-- a circle of kindness!).

I'm sending Suzanne positive,healing thoughts (wherever she is, they will find her!).

I especially loved your photos for this post, and what you said at the end is so true. Which is why I named my own blog "Heart and Home". Home is truly where the heart is.
XO
Heidi

[Cindy]

What a wonderful heart-warming post. To Suzanne I send good wishes, blessings, and my prayers. I hope that she gets to return to teaching soon.

Kim, thank you for sharing a little of your world with all of us. How wonderful to know that your blog has touch so many. I know that I sure enjoy visiting your wonderful blog. Daisy Cottage is a special place!!
~Cindy~

[Jennifer]

Beautiful and inspiring post! Kim your blog touches and inspires us all. Thank you for being YOU and reaching out to us all. Suzanne your in my prayers!!! :)))XO,Jenn

[Patty Boyd]

Amen sister.
Blessings,
Patty

[Kris Grover]

Beautiful! I posted today about Random Acts Of Kindness, as I watched my precious neighbor boy next door, sit out on the curb in the heat, waiting for the trash man to come so he could give him a cold Pepsi. He is 17 yrs old, and has Down Syndrome. He reminds us every day about true kindness, from a heart that is pure!
Hugs

[Elle]

WOW! This is just the daisy chain of love isn't it?? Visiting your blog is like going to a dear friends home. You always leave feeling warm & fuzzy. Thanks for all the warmth and inspiration! And for those cute pics of Maggie, of course ;)

[Michele]

To Suzanne, through Kim's blog:

May you beat this, and feel wonderfully well, happy and healthy.

Praying for a cure every single day, for you and so many wonderful others.

Sincerely,

Michele

[Elaine Vermette]

So very touching... thank-you both.

[sondra]

Suzanne is so right! This blog is so peaceful! I love to click on Daisy Cottage and find a new post! I know it will be something beautiful or some sweet words of encouragement. Thank you for making this blog and thanks to Suzanne for finding the words to tell you how much it means. Praying for Suzanne. That she will recover and keep on being a blessing to those around her.

[Florence Muma]

Kim that was beautiful, I am so glad you shared that story with us. Your blog is an inspiration to all of us. The colors are so vibrant, they always make me smile. Thank you.

[Diane Stephenson]

Kim, your blog has taught me so much, and I have especially learned from this post, with just the glimpse of coming in your door and seeing the things that you love, Kim. It brought home the importance of making your own choices. If you didn't express your own taste, we would miss out on so much!
Thank you Kim and Suzanne, for reminding us that we have a choice, and to be open to expressing what is beautiful to us, individually. That is so thrilling and energizing!
Hugs!

[Anna]

Aww this was so touching! But Suzanne is right, your blog keeps so many people smile, i fall in love right away in your pictures:) Thank you for this great blog Dear Daisy Cottage! Big Hugs from Poland
www.amalena-luisante.blogspot.com

[Jane Weston]

What wonderful letters!

Smiling here in Rugby UK :o)

[rue]

Good morning Kim :)

Thank you for sharing Suzanne's emails to you. She truly is a beautiful person. I'll say prayers for a complete recovery.

love you,
rue

[Mimi]

Kim, I thank you too for your sweet blog. I have had so much enjoyment going through your archives. I hope you don't mind me saying "hi" to Suzanne.
Dear Suzanne, I was dx'd with breast cancer 10/08,and completed lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I have been comforted by Kim's blog, too. It is nice to know that we are not alone. I am so happy to hear you will be done with your last chemo in September. I pray for your continued healing. Thank you again, Kim, for sharing your home with us. It is good therapy and a Blessing! :)
God Bless you all.

[Natalie]

Please let Suzanne know she is in my thoughts and prayers! What a beautiful person!

Your posts are the bright spot in my day, Kim! It is filled with beautiful things and even more importantly, a stunning attitude!

You are a blessing!

[Julie]

I hope all go's well for Suzanne I have a sister-n-law going though cancer and its not a fun time.

[[email protected]]

What a great letter! Your blog fills me with joy, too.

There was a show on HGTV about the common decorating mistakes people make. I think using silk greenery and flowers was the first.

I was shocked as my home is filled with silk greenery and flowers. Everyone who has been here thinks they add a beautiful background (of course, one could have too many but that's another issue). :)

My daughter has a four year interior design degree. She has always told me if I put together what I love, it will look great.

[Mary Lou]

Dear Kim,
Thank you for sharing all that with us. It is a blessing to read something like Suzanne's notes. You are so special, and bring so many people joy here. Thanks, too, for taking the time to reach out to people who contact you.
Mary Lou

[Bev]

It is always amazing to make such a difference in someone's life. What a blessing she gave YOU by letting your know it. God bless you both on your journey's in the life.

[Mary]

Dear Kim and Suzanne-thanks so much for sharing your wonderful,positive,and loving thoughts. Wishing you the very best,Suzanne. I truly do believe that this wonderful blog has enormous power of love and sending it out to all of us is incredible. Love to read Kim's interesting views and look at the beautiful photos. Oh- I checked out the cute daisy chair on Pier 1's website. Cute! Hugs to all!

[Carole]

Goosebumps...oh my goodness!

Blessings to you Suzanne and may the Lord keep you forever in His care. You are a very strong woman and survivor.

Kim, you are a true spirit of inspiration and loving thoughtfulness to your readers. I'm so happy to know you.

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Carole

[Carol @ Old Glory Cottage]

Oh Suzanne, you're so sweet and brave! I hope after Sept. 1 that you will be free and clear! Thank you so much for letting Kim share your story. It is very inspirational, and proof that surrounding yourself with beauty, and things that make you happy, can be very uplifting.
Kim, thank you for sharing Suzanne's story. You touch so many lives with that sweet soul of yours!

[Lucy]

Well I join Suzanne in congratulating you on a beautiful blog and home. Your sharing brings joy to all of us that love our homes. Suzanne thanks for sharing your life story with us and may you continue to recover and enjoy your home.

Lucy

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

That was wonderful Kim! You really are an inspiration to us, in more ways than you know! Thank you for your beautiful blog and your gift for making us all feel that we have a friend in you!

[Nancy Hutson Maisenbach]

Dear Suzanne, Kim and all readers,
I had chills down my spine as I read your communications with Kim Suzanne. Thank you for sharing them with us! I must never never forget what the power of prayer and love has upon us.
Your letters Suzanne and your life Kim remind me of one of my favorite scriptures: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:7-9
Your love is contagious.
Nancy M.

[Karen]

I think Suzanne beautifully put into words what so many of us feel about you and Daisy Cottage. You are good medicine and Suzanne's letter, about choosing the bright side, is just the medicine I needed today. Thank you both!

[Jennifer]

OMG your blog post came at a perfect time for me. Thank you so much for everything Kim and for your story Suzanne. And yes, we'd love to see your new daisy chair! xoxoxo Jennifer

[Cindy]

Kim, what a sweet note from Suzanne. You are everything that she has described you as being, so many have benefited from your loving messages on your blog. You are a gift from God to me, too. Your sweetness and enthusiasm warm some very lonely hearts around the world. My heart goes out to Suzanne going through chemotherapy. My own sweet daughter underwent chemo for seven months and the her husband had to, also. Thank you for being YOU and for reminding us that our homes are meant for US. Big hugs, Cindy S.

[Vicki]

A kind Word in a long line at the grocery,letting a car out in front of you,posting wonderful Blogs...all ways we can spread our inner light,no act of kindness no matter how small goes unnoticed!

Thank you Kim,your blog is a great place to rest our weary heads......

[Rose - The Center of My Self]

Lifting a prayer for Suzanne, from one cancer survivor to another. Blessings and peace to you, and may you thrive with good health for many years to come.

And the same blessing to you, dear Kim!

[Julia @ Hooked on Houses]

These letters got me all choked up. What a beautiful post. Wishing Suzanne health and happiness and a good first day back at school! :-)

[Donna]

Kim, I would love to say ditto to all the comments above, beautiful blog, it makes you feel so happy. Thank you Suzanne for expressing what so many people feel. I had tears in my eyes reading the letter. May Suzanne have a full recovery and may Kim keep right on spreading happiness where ever she blogs. I would love to see Suzanne's chair also~
Hugs,
Donna

[Sue]

Exactly!! I have been smacked in the face far too many times by so called design blogs...the ones that preach what we should abd should not do. Phooey. At 53, I KNOW who I am and what I love. I will not let someone else tell me I need to rid myself of this or that and to spend thousands of dollars (which I don't have anyhoo) on what is IN at the moment.
Like you sweet Kim, I adore color. I revel in it. I also like my clutter, the *controlled* clutter, the stuff that tells the story of my life and makes our house, OUR house.

Dear Suzanne...I wish yo good health and a long life...and a home that is YOU! Don't let anyone steer you away from what you love. If you love faux anything, GO for it! If you love purple walls, GO for it. Our homes should be unique...just the way God made each one of us!

God Bless you Suzanne and God Bless you Kim!

Love to you both,
Sue

[Barbara Jacksier]

Hi Kim
I've re-read this post several times. It defines what blogging and being connected and making a home are all about.

To Suzanne
I'm keeping my fingers crossed. We're all pulling for you.

[Toni from NC]

That letter really touched my spirit, Miss Kim. Thank you for sharing it.

[Dive Boracay]

Truly inspirational! What a great feeling to be able to take part of someones life and make a difference. What a wonderful person you are. God bless!