Thursday, July 24, 2008

First Day of the Rest of My Life

Today is the BIG day.

My LAST day at the job I have worked at since August of 2005. I can't believe it's finally arrived- and that I'll be able to create Lettered Olive, full-time.
What a cool feeling. :-)
In honor of this special day, I have created a Blog Award.
It's the "My Blog Inspired Someone Today" Award. "Meeting" all of you creative ladies and reading your blogs has really inspired me to be creative and to pursue my dreams over the past few months.

So here it is:




The person I'd like to award it to first is: Rhoda at Southern Hospitality.
I admire her drive and am inspired by her blog on a regular basis. I visited her blog yesterday, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. I CAN start my own business, and be successful. She's proof! :-) So, if you haven't see it, definitely check it out. She is a remarkable lady! The definition of the word INSPIRATIONAL.

Rhoda, there are no rules with this award, just pass it on if you are inspired by someone and really want to tell them. :-)

Hugs,
Layla

23 comments:

Vanessa {Bloom Right Here!} said...

What a great idea for an award. I love the graphic. It is beautiful. Can't wait to see more of "Lettered Olive."

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Layla! I'm speechless....wow, you really have made me feel so good. If you only knew all the angst over me starting my own business. My hubby has been prodding me the whole time that I CAN do this too, so part of it is his fault, LOL. I worked in the corporate world for 30 years & have always wanted to pursue my dream of making a living decorating. Working with my designer friend has opened my eyes to the hard work I am facing, but I do love this...creating & decorating for other people too, not just myself. I may not make as much money, but it will be so much more rewarding.

I'm SO happy that you are starting your next phase in life. Congrats on your last day at work! It took me until I reached 50, so good for you...you're way ahead of me! I know you've got a great eye, just from looking at your blog & I have no doubt YOU will be successful yourself. I'm just getting started, so there will probably be bumps along the way, but I'll keep plugging along. And I really do think that if we LOVE what we are doing, it is contagious! I wish you the very best & can't wait to see what you are going to do with Lettered Olive. You really do inspire me too!

xo,
Rhoda

Anonymous said...

A big Amen!! Rhoda is awesome!! Thanks for sharing your gift with all of us, Rhoda. And you too Layla. Its great fun to read both of your blogs and be inspired.

Chris said...

What a great award. I agree--Rhoda deserves it! Congratulations on this new phase in your life, Layla. I hope it works out for you, and I can't wait to see Lettered Olive up and running!

Kristi said...

I've followed Rhoda for quite a while now and she inspires me more than any other decorating blogger. She is real and understands that real people have a budget but also want to have a pretty environment. I have really incorporated a lot of her tips and principles into my own home. And what a great role model for you as you start your own business! Good luck! You seem to have oodles of talent and a great attitude with lots of energy. Plus it seems like a wonderful mom to partner with and a supportive husband. So happy for you! Go for it!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Oh, Layla, be sure to read my post tomorrow. I'm showing off my award & passing it on!

Thank you ladies...ya'll have made my day with all those comments.

Rhoda

My Beautiful Mess! said...

Congrats Layla! I think it is awesome that you are following your dream. Keep us all along with you on your path to great success.

Lacy said...

Layla....you are so right. Rhonda is amazing. I love her so much and she is perfect for the award. Great designing!! I am loving your guest room by the way.

Stacy said...

Congrats on a new phase of your life! How exciting!

You will be awesome... and when can I see some Lettered Cottage products, etc??? I am on the edge of my seat! LOL.

~Stacy

Anonymous said...

Layla, I couldn't think of a better lady for this award to go to. She's one of my daily reads and I just love everything she does! Congratulations on your last day and Lettered Olive. How exciting to have this opportunity! Wishing you much success...you'll be fantastic!

-Hayley

Stacy said...

Yeah, I meant Lettered Olive product... when will I learn to proofread???

~Stacy

Anonymous said...

I love Rhoda too. She was one of the first gals that I got to know in blogland... I love that she loves pictures too!!!! Neat award.. You go Miss Rhoda! Susie h~ ps.. Im still dreaming of those cabinets... I shall be brave.. I shall be brave!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your ending AND your new beginning!! I think it is awesome that you are starting such an exciting chapter in your life! Way to go!!

{{Big Hugs}}

Cathy

Blogger said...

Good Luck, Layla :)

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

Congrats on your last day and many wishes for success on the Lettered Olive. I am anxious to see this come to fruition.
I agree Rhoda is spectacular!
Cheers!

Trixi said...

Rhoda is a great recipient for such a reward. I have thoroughly been inspired by her myself. Congratulations on your last day at work.
Blessings~~

Anonymous said...

good luck, with your eye you're off to a flying start i reckon

love Rhoda, such an inspiration, I love that all her posts inspire me but that they are REAL, i can't stand seeing things so staged that you just know it is for a magazine

and i love your cabinets, I am really fancying some black in my cottage

happy blogging and i'll be chekcing back to see how the business goes!

Unknown said...

Layla,
I found your blog today through Rhoda's blog. You picked a good one to give the award too....I'm doing more now with my 'stuff' and flea market finds than ever!

And now I have another new blog to explore!

Good luck with your business...I'll be browsing around it you don't mind!
Have a great day,
Diane

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

I found my way to your cottage by way of Rhoda's. I love what you have created. I'll be back!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Enjoy your final day at work!! A bit like the last day of school I would imagine!

Unknown said...

Layla,

I only found Rhoda's blog yesterday. I checked it out today and saw the award and of course had to check you out. I love your blog as well as Rhoda's. I am a new blogger and look forward to learning more about it as time goes on. I have had 2 businesses and have sold them. The first was an Early Learning Center and the second was a gift shop. They were both wonderful learning experiences for me. Congratulations on going into business for yourself. I'm so happy for you and your mom. Keep us posted as to when your new website will be up.

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Oh I just love Miss Rhoda!

Melissa said...

I just came across your blog through Southern Hospitality's...and love it!! You're officially on my Daily Reads list! Congratulations on this exciting new adventure, and best wishes to you! There are some similar things simmering in my own life so it's very exciting to hear about the success you're experiencing. :)