I’m still in awe that I just typed the title – I’m in a Magazine! Never in a million years did I EVER think something like this would happen to me. Stuff like this happens to important people, or people who know important people, or people that are like really, really super amazing at what they do. I’m just me. A simple country girl who’s most prominent “connection” is Sylvia Weatherspoon, a local news anchor, who has shopped in my store, The Vintage Hive, a few times (by the way, Sylvia is sincerely one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met).
Stuff like this doesn’t happen to me. Sure, it was a dream to have my photos published in a magazine. But I pushed that dream way to the bottom of my list because I thought it was pretty much an impossible dream.
When the editor of Flea Market Decor Magazine reached out to me and asked if she could feature my Vintage Summer Garden in next month’s issue, I thought to myself, “surely she must have the wrong person.” She asked me a few interview questions and I sent her some photos, then she told me that the magazine would be released on May 21st. And that was that. I never heard from her again.
I was too afraid to tell anyone. Just incase it didn’t work out, you know. Like what if they decided it wasn’t good enough. Or what if she really did have the wrong person. So I only shared the news with my two closest confidants, my husband and sister. And I basically held my breath until May 21st.
My Magazine Debut
I didn’t even have to put the date on my calendar. I knew it wasn’t one that I’d forget. So on May 21st, I made my way to the local grocery during my lunch break. I scoured every magazine at the checkout counter and did not see Flea Market Decor. My stomach sank. I calmly fiercely made my way over to the magazine section, gazing at every magazine cover. Then I spotted it.
I picked it up in anticipation of what I may, or may not, find. My heart was pounding. My palms were sweating. I opened the cover and started flipping through pages while holding my breath. And there it was. On page 14 to be exact. Four full pages featuring me. My photos. Is this real life? Are my photos and my name really in a magazine?
I grabbed 2 copies, and with a huge grin across my face, I headed up to the checkout counter. As I was checking out, I wanted to open it up and say, “hey, this is me! These are my photos! Can you believe it? I’m in a magazine” But I refrained. I figured the young cashier would probably think I was a little wacky.
I walked out to my car and sat there in disbelief. My emotions overcame me all at once and I began to cry. I was in awe of God’s goodness. I thanked Him over and over because I know without a doubt that this only happened by His hand. That someone as “unknown” as me would be featured in a magazine. But God knew. He knew I needed this, at just this time, to renew my strength to continue this blogging journey.
Dream Big
There is no dream too big! I know that sounds cliche, but seriously, you can accomplish anything with determination. I’m not saying it will be easy. There will be days when you will want to give up and say that it’s just not possible. But God placed that dream in your heart for a reason, so don’t give up! Fight through those disappointments. Find an alternate way around those roadblocks. Surround yourself with positive people. People who encourage you and push you to go beyond your comfort zone. This is what my husband does for me. He is my biggest encourager and supporter. On the days that I feel like giving up, he challenges me to keep going. I wouldn’t want to do this without him by my side.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read my story. My little claim to fame. If you’d like to read the entire article, you can find Flea Market Decor Magazine at your local grocery or drug store, or you can order online at https://www.engagedlifestyle.com/flea-market-decor.
Have a blessed week, friends!
Woo hoo! Congratulations my friend! Such a beautiful feature and I couldn’t be more happier for you! God has you in His hands!
Thank you so much, my dear friend! God is so, so good! I seriously cannot wait to finally get to meet you at Haven!! 🙂
So excited for you friend!!!
Thank you so much, Kristin! I’m still in disbelief!!
Well… i told you so!!! 🙂 i knew when you shared your shed for our vintage summer gardens blog hop that it would end up in a magazine!!!!
Congrats!!!
Amber, thank you so very much! Had it not been for that blog hop, none of this would’ve happened because I never would’ve thought to take those photos.
Congrats ! Great job !!!!
Thank you so very much, Cynthia!
What an accomplishment, congratulations! God is good!
Thank you so much, Kimi! YES HE IS!!!!
Heather I am so excited for you! That is so awesome and I can’t think of anyone who would deserve it more. Congratulations and I can’t wait to go pick up a copy!
Wendy, thank you so much for your words of support and encouragement! They mean the world to me!!
Congratulations!!!!I am so excited for you!!!! Way to go 👏🏼🎉😎. Leaving everything in God’s Hands always works out! Many blessings to you and your family.
Thank you so much my sweet friend!!! God is so, so good and ALL THINGS are possible with HIM!!!
How exciting!! Good for you — you are so deserving of it! 🙂
Thank you so much, Sharon! I appreciate you my friend!
Congratulations! That is a huge accomplishment to make all on your own. I will be looking for it at the store.
Thank you for your encouragement and support, Lizzy!! It means so much to me!
Congratulations! I’m so happy to see good things happening for you! I have watched your little blog grow and you have worked hard. God bless you.
Peggy, your sweet words bless me! Thank you so much for following along!! God is so good!
Heather, CONGRATS sweet friend! When I saw this pop up in my inbox I was so excited! Your cozy and welcoming home is such an inspiration. I’ll be on the lookout for the magazine! <3 Caitlin 🙂
Caitlin! Thank you soooo much sweet friend!!! I appreciate your support!
Congratulations Heather. You deserve the attention. Next call is Southern Living! Keep doing beautiful things.
Thank you so much, Mrs. Bobbie!
Congratulations! You are an amazing designer. I love seeing what you do, your work is beautiful!
Thank you so much, Michelle!!!
I’m a little late to the celebratory party but wanted to tell you Congrats! I would have cried before I even got to the check out lane with the magazine! You are so talented and have such a loving sweet heart for the Lord. I love how He encourages us just when we need it most. Big hugs.
Cindy, you always bring a smile to my face! Thank you so much, sweet friend!!!
Congratulations Heather! I am so excited for you dear one, I know God has amazing plans for you!
Thank you so very much, Lisa! Amen!! He always does. 😉