Tracy Porter Blog… be inspired!

“A girl can never have enough pillows… or shoes… or makeup… right???”….. OH Tracy…we are all kindered spirits!!!

…and can we add…handbags, jewerly, lamps, tassels…etc. Tee hee hee

uh, I am aching for this bedding. I actually wrote a post about it on my blog because I am so in love with it. You are killing me with this video…I must get it now!!!!!! This is by far one of my utmost TP products. It is so luxurious. Great video.

Loved the cocktail ring too:)

Melissa, if you are aching, you should buy it!

I love the cushions – the colours and patterns are stunning!

Melissa-do you have a blog too? Or just that fabulous website?? Love the painting instructions for painting stripes…

Melissa, Have you ordered the bedding yet?

Girls, I wish I could order the bedding. With me starting my own business, and my husband beginning his ministry from scratch, you see my budget at the present does not allow these fine, luscious pieces. But, I am having a blast living through you all.

Virginia, yes I do have a blog. You can get there through my main website. Or just type in http://www.offthewallhome.com/blog.

BTW, Tracy, love your inspiring story of how you and John began your business! Again, you should consider writing a book on this topic. As a woman, there needs to be more women success stories that inspire and encourage.

Melissa, these things will come with time. Take this from someone older than you. Right now you are doing the right thing by working in something you love and supporting your husband in his ministry. You are blessed and I know you know that. I tell my adult children the same thing…you just need a little more time. Good things come to those that wait!

FYI, our “Artist” is a wise woman. She helped me in accepting a family member. I would quite often turn green with envy when I was around her; but now see it from a different viewpoint. There really are 2 sides to EVERY story!

Virginia, thanks for your kind words but… it’s called OLD not WISE. haha

Thank you both! I know, it’s all in God’s timing. For now, I am enjoying Tracy Porter, and the Tracy Porter clan:)

Melissa, you are such a sweetie. I’m so glad we’ve connected I so enjoy “visiting.” Oh, don’t believe Artist….it’s WISDOM….not old age that she possesses!

perhaps it is “old soul”……something I always look for and adore when I find it in people……and I agree….time brings good things, that and a willingness to be open to what good is……..it comes in many forms…sometimes in mistakes….sometimes in persistence, sometimes in waiting……I agree with artist as well….do what you love…for your soul, your days, your family…even if you have to do it on the side..it will keep your spirit alive and growing. again….you girls are just so good to chat with……such good stuff in these conversations.
xo

Old soul….I like that, Tracy.

Oh wow. Thanks for all of the encouragement ladies. Isn’t it funny how God brings encouragement. I never would have thought 2 months ago I would receive it from a group of women I met online. I’m so glad I found my way here…you all are so sweet!

Tracy, did you ever think your blog would be all of this?

Melissa – it IS so strange how this blog has brought us together!! I feel like I have a whole new “nest” of dear friends. It’s lovely. And, it just warms my heart that our Tracy is so involved in the blog. Tracy-I so agree about keeping your spirit alive. I’ve never felt it selfish to do so….girls – you must! This blog is just chock full of life lessons! GREAT for a magazine…hint, hint. Ta-ta…

Yep..I’m with Melissa and Virginia. I NEVER in my wildest dreams thought I’d have so much fun on a blog. Y’all are like my group of “secret friends.” IN A GOOD WAY!!!

Tracy, you and your staff are incredible! To have the personal interaction/attention from you and the rest of the sweet ladies in your company is unheard of… I find it both refreshing and a true blessing that you take the time to allow us into your life. Thank you!

I didn’t even know what a blog was until “tracyville”. I knew how to shop online but just stumbled upon this blog and started reading for a while and then I couldn’t help myself and I had to join the fun. I could just relate so much to the things I read and I found it SOOOO inspiring. I love the little things in life and this blog is full of such unique, creative people. We are all drawn to Tracy and her art so I think we have a bond and are probably a little quirky and the type of people who like unique things.

Tracy, I third that comment from CC and Virginai (wait, can you do that?)!

Magazine or another book. I’ll take either one. I just want to add something else to your plate. Your husband and boys won’t mind will they?

Im…loved your comment. I think we are kinda quirky and unique with a zest for life. I like that image…never really thought of myself as creative, but am sure getting loads of inspiration from everyone! I also have never blogged and don’t have plans to anywhere else. No time, plus Tracyville is all the therapy I need. Better than a prescription….hee hee

Priss – I think Tracyville brings out the BEST in all of us!!!! And, YOU are so right: this is far better than a prescription. There is the addiction factor though. I find it’s harder and harder to stay away from Tracyville. Oh, woe is me!

Virginia, my husband would definitely agree with you!

This blog is addicting. Tracy made reference to Marie Antoinette and although the movie wasn’t my favorite, I thought the set and costumes were the most beautiful that I have ever seen. I bought the soundtrack just for the cd jacket that had pictures. I get inspired in the weirdest ways. I am an inspiration junkie. Inpiration in, creativity out.

I have a confession to make. This blog is so a part of my life that I had my first Tracy Porter dream. Yep, in my dream I was friends with her and stayed with her family when I came to Wisc. to shop at her store. Maybe I should cut back on visiting the Tracy Porter website. What do you think?

IM……NEVER! Don’t ever cut back from Tracyville. It’s just too nice here!

OH…I have such a thing for Marie Antionette….I recently missed a tv special on her life….grrr! I just find the entire time so intriguing…not the gore part…but more all the fantasy………makes me open my to things in a different way.
Dearest IM….I do hope you don’t cut back……see you in your dreams!
xoxo

IM, you are too cute!!! Enjoy this time, you are among friends. Have you purchased anything yet? Then you will really be addicted. I am wearing my filigree locket now. Love it!

Thanks for all of your understanding everyone but should I take advice from people with the same addiction as me? ha ha. Artist, I do own quite a bit of TP items but they are light fixtures i ordered from a lighting store. Also various decorating accessories from a variety of stores over the years but I do want to order from the catalogue. I want some jewelry or vases. My kids are looking at the catalogue for mothers day ideas. I looked up the necklace you got and it is so cute. The details sound amazing.
Tracy, this is also, i believe asking advice from someone with my same issues but anyway….do you ever decorate a room and think i am going to keep it this way..it’s just perfect and then you find yourself needing a change down the road? I do that and my kids who are 13 and 11 ( with big opinions)are telling me that they can’t count on things being the same when they come home from school. I say “i know i have a problem but i just came up with a better idea” Or do you know yourself by now and just know you are going to change it up in the future? Do you get emotionally attached to arrangements, decor, paint colors, or wallpaper?

Im, I know you didn’t ask me but I am going to chime in here. As an artist zi am always seeing things in a different way. What I am emotionally attached to is the process of the change, not the items. It’s fun and creative. We are nesting creatures and I for one am enjoying that!
BTW, you can see the filigree locket I bought on Tracy in the video where she shows the rings. It is around her neck.

IM, may I help you feel better or is that called justifying our addiction? I’m no artist, but have always changed out my rooms. I am constantly looking at how to make it more appealing. I really think that’s why the blog is such a hot spot! I’ve befriended 2 of the bloggers outside Tracyville. The 3 of us are SO alike it’s almost creepy. I kiddingly think we are triplets from different mothers! So, I am in agreement with Artist. We are nesters. We are nurturers and want our nests to be oh, so pretty.

Ever changing…I have the same problem…and our son Sigerson always comments that while he thinks the changes are “pretty” he wants it all back the way it was….I am always telling them change is healthy…keeps you thinking, keeps you fresh…I think change ( anyway in some parts of my life) keeps me calm…and flexible.
So glad you like the locket artist…Have you put any photos in yet….?

This is why I like this blog. All of you get what i was saying about the need to create and change. You are right, it is that process that is so invigorating. A lot of people I talk to think it is the craziest thing to move things around. On this blog i’m normal. What does that say for all of you?

I just had a friend over for afternoon tea and scones. It was great and made me think that I need to take that time more often to stay close with friends.

Im – 2008 is my year of connection with girlfriends too! I am making concerted efforts to do so. I had a reunion of 12 girls a couple of weeks ago. We used to play Bunko “when were young.” It’d been 4ever since I’d seen some and was such fun! (That’s when I put sugar cubes in a pretty bowl with my Mom’s tiny silver tongs!). I tried to get a group of us to go see the play in town “Menopause the Musical” but it sold out asap. But, there’s nothing like a good girlfriend and on this blog, we all have MANY!!

Virginia…what a hoot about the play….I definitely would want to see that also! I love reading about everyone’s thought processes in how you design and change it all up. I have been a TP fan for many years and have devoured all your books Tracy! I simply love how you think and I have shifted in many ways. I always do little “altars” for the holidays…now it is easter bunnies, eggs, etc. But, I just have to get more organized! Whew, can the “junk” multiply. I love to purge and get rid of stuff…then hunt the junk stores for more finds! How do you ladies stay organized??

Virginia,
Girlfriends are great. Takes the pressure off my husbands to be all things. That’s the advice I give my newly married sister. I say “don’t try to change him…let him be him and have girlfriends for everything else you need.”

Im – SO true! I’m seeing a Tracyville Convention in the future…ya know, they have the Red Hat Society, class reunions. Wny not Tracyville?

Oh my Goodness, Virginia you are definitely on to something! We should do it. After all, you and CC had the opportunity to meet, right?

Also, although it’s hard having to leave Tracyville to go to work ( I am now 15 minutes late, but can’t stop reading these conversations) I do enjoy coming back and reading all the banter, especially b/w u 3…Virginia, CC and Artist. It never fails to make me giggle:)

IM, I am going to chime in right along with artist, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong w/ redecorating a room so often, and if there is, who cares? Several of my rooms have become noticeably smaller b/c they have so many layers of paint on the walls:)

IT’S JUST WHAT WE (creative beings) DO!

Correction: i have one husband (my blog said “husbands”) and yes a Tracyville convention sounds like a blast. I would come.

So funny ..I actually was thinking about this last night as well…a gathering of sorts…..I think we just really may need to do that at some point! I realize we come from all parts of the country, but I have no doubt we’d have a blast.
Hey, Priss…..I love being organized and I do try to keep my basement filled with each “seasons” goods in big plastic tubs with labels on the fronts for easy access …but one thing I have learned since having kids is that I will not let the organizing of stuff take over my world…! I hope that makes sense…I’m not saying it isn’t a really great thing, but WHEW…lately it seems people have gone bonkers over organizing their lives, their stuff…the magazine editors have become crazy people over this..I don’t want that to rule my world. You’ll find a system that works for you, one that is human but still lets you feel like the stuff isn’t your priority.
I love the girlfriend connection, I have 3 very dear friends that I try to get together with once a year, we do a group thing somewhere. ( I know doesn’t sound like much) but we all live far apart, some of them I see more, but I have known them since grade school, and still when we gather…we are us. We are just the same people we always were, just older….with more perspective, we love each other , we support each other…we laugh so hard…we cry. ( yes, you know….SO SAPPY…that is me!!)
xoxo

Priss, I am always working on being organized, i am trying to get better at not holding on to things just in case i want them in the future. I had a garage sale last year and then i wanted all of my items back. I like to have a stash in my storage room for when i feel like rearranging or just mixing things up a little. I think there is a balance and i don’t know if i have found it yet.

I do know that in order to enjoy the beautiful things in a home it needs to be neat and orderly. I try….it is so fun to collect though

I have to go to work too. I am just not going to wash my hair for one more day because i used my time to blog this morn. I have a smile on my face and i’m ready for the day. Have a great day everyone.

IM, how wise you are. Girlfriends do take the pressure off our husbands to be all things. I have got to repeat that to my daughter.