Good news, bad news, good news, good news, bad news, good news.

The last two weeks have pretty much been an ear-to-ear-grinning happy blur of home projects that domino'd into more home projects, (good news!) but I haven't had television, nor internet for that entire time, (bad news!) so I couldn't share any of it with you!(God only knows what crazy looks Steven Tyler has given folks on Idol these past couple of Wednesday and Thursday evenings that I will never see, and who's still around on The Bachelor?....)


Yes, plenty of late nights and early mornings spent picking up supplies and greeting workers, all without my trusty MAC and the world wide web.

Not too worry, as I have photos to document pretty much every step of the fun progress, (good news!) starting tomorrow!

How big of an undertaking was it? Well, let's just say that in exactly two weeks we accomplished a home re-do project that would have typically taken the average home renovator two months. (Good news!) We literally got the kitchen back to operating order,and the furniture back in place just in the nick of time for our Superbowl party. We should have had our ehads examined, after pulling a nearly all-nighter (we made our way to bed at about 4:30 a.m. for a couple hours sleep before setting the last minute things up for the party....) with my Rock n' Roll Buddy tweaking the surround sound system and me hanging pictures, fluffing pillows, and removing the layer of sheet rock dust that seems to be everywhere.In the end, it was worth every minute of sleep we lost. (You'll see, starting next post!)

Now then....

I'd like to address a comment (bad news) that I got a couple of days ago from someone that signed her name Carol but chose to post as "Anonymous" rather than link to her own blog or email address so that I could reply privately. I don't get these kinds of comments to terribly often, and when I do, I usually leave them alone. I respect all of you out here in Blogland and I honestly think (I hope) most of you realize that sometimes life gets busy and...well, things happen, like no internet due to a remodel project that required you to unplug all of your electronics including your wireless modem. Couple this with not enough time after work to pop over to a nearby Starbucks to write and publish a blog post, because you're back and forth fifteen times to Home Depot with your new best friend in the canned lighting department each night till they close at nine.....

Anyway.

Here is her comment in it's entirety: (or read it yourself in the comment section following my last post here. )

Hi Tracey,

I'm excited to see what you're going to do with your new home. Finally. However, I've noticed that you hardly ever post anymore. How come? I've been reading your blog since before Mr. whatshisname left and you used to post every day or nearly every day. Surely, you can come up with SOMETHING for your readers....a recipe, a table presentation, a light fixture or paint color you like. I have a friend who has an acquaintance who writes a blog and she gets paid for it by how many clicks she has on her blog. I'm assuming you get paid for this blog. You are jipping your readers if you are getting paid because people are clicking to see if your posting. It's been TWELVE days since you've posted ANYTHING!!!

Carol 

*sigh*

Well, thanks, Anonymous Carol.

I guess it's a good thing that it didn't turn out I hadn't posted due to a hideous family emergency.

Being snotty and snipey isn't pretty and frankly, it just isn't my style. (And it's not appealing on anyone else for that matter, Carol included.) I'm sharing this comment because I do care about all of my readers (Anonymous Carol included) and I hope you're not mad at me for being away. Please know that I was thinking of you, and that should be confirmed with the amount of photo documentation I did during our big-fat-remodel adventure..truly, you will feel like you were there with me, every exciting, dusty, messy, take-out-mealed step of the way.

On yet another note, I am at last announcing the winner of the Word of the Year Banner. (Still more good news!) I did the drawing on the 28th but had no way to share the news...

The winner is Amber, with  her word being "Bloom". Thanks to all of you who entered my giveaway, and continued to check in here for blog posts!

Comments

[Ithilien Fields]

Well let me one to say that although I have missed you very much, I am also thrilled there is now more to your life than a very loyal band of blog readers who love you dearly.

[Sommer]

:) You go girl! Looking forward to the pics of the remodel when you get a moment to breath and post them. :)

[Carol Bennett]

Tracey, please know we missed you while you were out of pocket but we knew you were up to something exciting and fun! Were glad you are back and doing well. Please know the snippy Carol wasnt this me! ( Carol, Your loyal cyber friend in Georgia!)Luv ya!

[ARRAY(0xb07b010)]

What is wrong with people? Seriously. I felt my blood pressure going up as I read Anonymous Carols comment. Tracey, I love visiting your blog and seeing what creative adventures youre up to, but I also, (and I think the vast majority of your readers) are thrilled that you have someone to share your life with, and we understand that you DO have a life! Anonymous Carol obviously has no idea how much time you devote to this blog in order to so generously share your life with us.I absolutely appreciate your blog whether you post everyday or once a month.

[Belle Inspiration Magazine]

Good news on the huge remodel in record time. Now hopefully you can have a bit of a rest. Good for you on handling everything in such a classy way! Enjoy your new space!Mimi

[Barbara Stevens]

Dear Tracey, how dare you have a life outside this blog! In all seriousness, I have enjoyed your journey and admired your positive attitude and ability to get so much done. You gave me the inspiration and courage to paint my tired oak cabinets which transformed our kitchen. The vast majority of your followers think the world of you! Barbara Stevens.

[Christine]

Nicely put!

[Betsy]

This is just amazing to me! Dont people have better things to do? I told you a couple of years ago how thankful I am for your blog because for me, its free! I dont have to buy magazines anymore because of wonderful blogs like yours. I am so thankful for all the time and trouble you have put into your blog, and if you do get any remuneration for it, well that just makes me happy! You deserve it! Cant wait to see what one of my all-time, favorite decorators has done to her new cottage!

[marla]

Tracey,I also miss not seeing your blog posts. I am not that great at following your blog ( or any other for that matter) but I do get a little ohhh when I see that you have posted. Just like today. I cannot wait to see the pics and will be back here tomorrow to check them all out!

[Debi]

WOW! had no Idea people had nothing to do but wait for blog posts!! Congrats on all your accomplishments, you guys are amazing!

[Anonymous]

Tracey,I Love that you are Living Your Life and are not tied down to your blog. Just know that there are way more Anti-Carols out here in blogland supporting you and cheering you on!!!!Denise

[Amber]

Yay, I won! Im so happy and looking forward to the banner. Cant wait to see pictures of your beautiful newly remodeled home! My remodel took two years so I know you are a rockstar for getting it done so fast.

[The Feathered Nest]

Un.be.lievable....youd think shed be happy for you and all the goodness going on in your life!!! Some folks never cease to amaze me Tracey ~ I cant wait to see you work your magic in the house! hugs and love, Dawn

[Anonymous]

Hi Tracey, Cant wait to see your project. I really enjoy your blog and look forward in receiving it! Barbra Stevens I would love to see a picture of your kitchen cupboards remodel!Mary

[MARY PERNULA]

Sorry that Anonymous had ro send you such a comment, looking forward to seeing your finished project. Hugs Mary

[Joy@aVintageGreen]

Goodness me. Deep breath. That is a lot of reno work. Wow.Sorry that someone Anonymous was feeling out of sorts. When a blogger isnt blogging it isnt a personal for the reader problem. I have loved reading your blog from the first time I found it. Love reading about happy things (like weddings) too. Looking forward to reading your next posts whenever they are posted. Hugs, Joy

[Anonymous]

To bad there are those kind of people in the world. I just kept checking because I just knew there would be something good that youd be sharing with us. Cant wait.Debbi

[Sue at Serendipity]

Good grief! Im thankful that it was all hard work, sandwiched in those spare moments in your other life and not illness, injury or loss! We missed you and will wait breathlessly for all your pics and stories. I dont feel the least bit gypped and Im sure 99.9% of your other fans agree!

[Pat]

Tracey....I,too, have been reading your blog for several years. Evidently I love it or I wouldnt return day after day to see what you are up to. When I find you havent posted anything, I figure you are like me...BUSY! Please know that not everyone expects a blogger to post every single day or even every few days, but whenever they have something they want to share. I have a blog myself and sometimes posting just isnt on the agenda...I have a life, as do you. And, I LOVE visiting Traceyville and I will patiently wait for each post. Perhaps Anonymous Carol should just sit back, relax and enjoy her own life...something that is good for all of us. Do enjoy your remodel and know that your posts ARE worth waiting for and we wish you the best. pat

[Anonymous]

Oh, Tracey....I am appalled by annonymous Carolscomment to you! It seems I have been reading your blog just as long as she and I adore your talent and have much admiration for you, althoughI dont leave comments for you to that effect nearly often enough. Your blog provides such inspiration for me and like someone said earlier, I am so happy that you are now happy.Keep up the good work, enjoy your life and postwhen it is convenient to do so. I will await thedecor revelation you will SHARE with us when youare ready. All the best............Marie

[Anonymous]

I missed you, I also know you have a life!Looking forward to your new stuff.Carole ( Im anonymous because I dont have a blog)

[The Country Nest]

Tracey,I too have been reading you since the end of time...you inspired me to start a blog. I have enjoyed each move with you, ordered cupcake directions, shed tears for you and just love your blog.I would like to say two things...in Caroles defense, maybe she did not mean it as bad as it sounds...sometimes a voice helps to know how it is being said. Then number two is, sometimes when we are living life, doing things there is just no energy for ideas or time to blog. Tracey keep doing what you are doing, blog when you can. LOVE your blog and the happy things happening in your life!Hugs,Donna

[Marilyn]

Some real people need a lesson in kindness. Cant wait to visit again and see more.♥♫

[J]

Wow- I never realized that we readers were ENTITLED to read your posts, I just thought it was a nice bonus for us that you choose to share them.But now that I know the (cough cough) truth....I guess you need to get busy having those life experiences and posting them for our reading pleasure.

[Tami SouthStreetShabby.blogspot.com]

Good heavens Tracey...you have a blog...we all enjoy reading it...if anyone asks you whats going on...it should be out of concern, not to criticize. Like when you had comments on your living arrangements...you dont owe anyone an explaination...jeepers...give the woman a break people...shes living...isnt that what were all supposed to be doing? Ease-up people... and Tracey...dont apologize...its never warranted or necessary. Its your life and (thank God) you seem to be enjoying it!Tami

[Kathleen Grace]

Yeesh, some people just cant play nice. I made a decision a long time ago to:a. delete nasty comments as soon as I might see them (although in 4 years of blogging I havent really had any!)b. Never give the nasty commenter the satisfaction of acknowledging the comment at all. Some people are only encouraged to snipe more by getting attention for it.Whatever other people might think a blogger should or shouldnt do, how often they think they should post, whatever they think the subject matter should or shouldnt be, its your blog. Nobody elses, and that person may vote with their mouse if they dont like it. We all have lives to live, (good news!) and however wonderful blogging may be, it will never beat real life and real time spent with those we love.

[Audrey]

Hi Tracey. I am sorry that you had to go through this crank pants comment. I just started my own blog and I have a lot to learn but I worry about getting negative comments. I agree with Kathleen Grace above. But you also handled it very very well. Keep up the good work and I cant wait to see the improvements. Audrey - fourhousesdown.blogspot.comPS I dont care if you get paid or not - why is that anyones business??

[Audrey]

I meant cranky pants!!

[Audrey]

Amen!

[Dotti]

Leave Anonymous Carol in your (plaster) dust. How dare she! Is this all about her???? Cant wait to see your pictures. I certainly know that youve been busy developing blog entries in your busy little head and were in for a big treat real soon!!!

[Anonymous]

Tracey---Forget what Anonymous Carol said in her comment. I have been reading your blog for the past year but Ive gone back through your archives and read every post....and Ive enjoyed each and every one. When you dont post for a few days I just think to myself that it is perhaps because you have LIFE like the rest of us and it is perfectly okay. Your absence for a few days just makes me more excited to see what youve been up to. Jana in Texas

[knuckstermom]

mmm pineapple pizza! I think you better review the pizza joint too!! Cant wait to see the remodel!

[Anonymous]

Hey! Whats with Carol? I didnt realize bloggers were OBLIGATED to post every day, but then what do I know..... As a professional writer, Id find it difficult to write unless I had an assignment for Big Buck$ (yah, right) or something really cool to write about on another level (unpaid). In any event, I love your blog, have followed it for some time, and admire you for having a life and not feeling that each moment is so incredibly unique and fantastic that everyone wants to read about it, as too many bloggers obviously do. LOLYou have mucho fans out here, Tracey. You go, girl!!cjP.S. I have to post anonymously because Im not signed up with any of the listed options.

[Anne]

Wow! Some people need to get a life and learn that they are misuing the word gypping by spelling it jipping. If you (or other bloggers that I enjoy) havent posted for a few days I just assume theyre having fun and/or are busy with their own lives. That said, Im looking forward to your redo pictures, and I will no doubt be a little bit jealous.

[Judi]

Oh pooohy on Anonymus Carol! And, yeah for you Tracey! However, arent you just a little bit flattered that YOU are that important and so inspirational to someone that they wait by their computer for you to say something? If she thinks any blogger is getting RICH from CLICKS, I want to hear how that happens! If THAT really is the case, Im gonna quit my day job and stay home and just click on my blog all day long! It would be much less stressful than how I spend my days. I havent posted in a few days and no one has yelled at me! I feel so unloved.....lol!Cant wait to see those pix Tracey! And, I cant wait to see if Anonymus Carol posts again!!! Onward!Judi

[Karen]

Hey Tracey, Those of us that have been with you for a long time (through all your tough times included) are so happy for you that you are in a good place, happy, and BUSY. You get to choose when you post, and your loyal readers will keep reading because you inspire us and we feel connected to you and wish you the best. Amen. karen from NEp.s. So anxious to see all your remodeling projects!

[Carol]

Cmon Anonymous Carol...youre givings us carols a bad name. Im not feeling gypped when my favorite bloggers dont blog. It just makes me appreciate it all the more when they do. Weve not paid for subscriptions where Tracey is obligated to do something in a set time. We all have lives. Lets follow Traceys example and enjoy them!!

[Anonymous]

Tracey...you really are a classy lady to respond the way you did.. cant say that about her...I checked in every day and I coulda cared less whether you were PAID or not for it. I knew we would hear sooner or later what was up...love your posts.Lorretta from NH

[Shanee @ LivingLifeSouthernStyle]

Tracey, I enjoy your blog and remember thinking when you announced your remodel that it would be fun to see. I still think that! lol Chin up, you are allowed to have a life....the blog is simply an outlet for you and a treat for us readers when and if you choose to share :)

[Anonymous]

Tracey...so sorry you have to endure the good with the bad comments. Praise god you usually just get good comments. I admit Ive been checking often for an update, but I was so anxious to see pictures :) But did you not tell us of the whirlwind redo you were working on, I KNEW you didnt have time to post. Anyone that has done even redone one room knows it is all consuming!! Keep on keeping girl, we all love you and are so happy for you!! Rachel B from Texas raekb56@hotmail.com

[Blackfeatherfarm]

Yeah, well there is a reason Ole Carol is anonymous isnt there..... my readers must feel like Ive abandoned ship, if they get a post every week or three they are lucky. I have never had anything but kind and cheerful comments, I think its because my readers have lives.... carry on and dont post for awhile just to make it clear, your life is your own, not hers to dictate what you do .....

[Janet]

Have enjoyed your incredible journey the last 5 years of reading your blog. I am so thrilled that you have a life that keeps you sooo busy and seem sooo happy... it gives those of us going through lifes changes hope that there is life after your husband up and leaves you behind after nearly 35 years, yea thats me. Keep on living your life of bliss.

[Anonymous]

Oh Tracey I am so excited to see the changes you and Ralph have made! When you wrote in your post you would be doing the remodel you did mention you had a time frame to get it done in 2 weeks. I didnt expect a post at all during that time as I knew how busy you would be (of course I checked daily just in case). I have been reading your blog for quite some time and feel like this is your online home and when you want to open it to guests you will. I love the days that I can come into your online home and spend a little bit of time with you. I know you are a very busy (and classy) lady with children, grandchildren, significant other, friends, a job and more...the fact that you take time out of all that busyness to share with us just shows what a giving and caring person you are. Your ideas have saved me money, inspired me and your words have lifted me up. Thanks for sharing of yourself and opening your online home to us. I am anonymous only because I have none of the other options listed to post. Jeni

[Meadowsweet Cottage]

Maybe Carol was just looking forward to your next post and expressed herself poorly. Id like to think that...but the Anonymous signature gave her away, alas. Theres plenty of us patient sorts out here who are happy to have you back! --pogonip

[LuvWheaties]

Hawaiian pizza! My absolute favorite! My local pizzeria adds maraschino cherries, and it is wonderful. Im looking forward to seeing the renovations you and Ralph have made. I bet Carol is too.

[Maria (Magia Mia)]

How pathetic is society becoming, that anyone should feel a sense of entitlement over free reading material? Or the notion that somehow by starting a blog we are obligated to a writing schedule? And what happened to just subscribing to a blog, so you only click on it when theres a new post, rather than checking back all the time? Im at a loss. These Anonymous Carol types really need a strong dose of perspective and need to be schooled on what a real problem is. Sorry for the rant Tracey, but this dreck just really rattles my cage, and makes me weep for the future......... Live your life Tracey. No guilt required.....:)

[Terry]

I rarely post here..but love to read your blog. I saw the last post with the flooring and read about a big remodel and just knew what you must have been up to! I did check, but was in no way mad. You always get a LOT done ..working full time, doing things with family and friends..making special treats and lovely decor for events, as well as blogging! I work full time, but can not imagine even doing a blog. I read a quote the other day..something about rude people being insecure. Carol should find other ways to keep busy rather than counting the days between your posts! Congratulations on the remodel, it sounds fun and rewarding. :)

[Brenda]

Get a life, Anonymous Carol! Tracey doesnt OWE YOU ANYTHING!Very nice and gracious reply, Tracey!

[Gordostyle]

Holy crap! People can be clueless. Wow. Paid. Not paid. NONE OF ANYONES BUSINESS. Post. No post. NONE OF ANYONES BUSINESS. Dont worry Tracey... MOST of us have a life and completely understand.

[willywagtail]

A great piece of satire - if only you had written it yourself. I missed you for a long time when I lost your net address but now I have found you again I can go back and enjoy all the pieces I lost. Looking forward to the transformation pictures.