Dear Daisies,

Dear Daisies,

Oh my goodness! The response from my last entry {"Compared to Others"} has been truly overwhelming. I knew that more than likely, a few others like myself have felt...hmmm...perhaps a little "less than" on occasion, but I had no idea how many readers it would strike a cord a with. I've learned that though it is often in our nature to try and see how we seemingly measure up to others, it is almost never a good idea. It will always be an apples to oranges scenario because we're all so different - different circumstances, different walks of life, different outlooks, different goals, different talents, different strengths, different weaknesses. There is simply no comparison!

In just about every way you can imagine, when I say that I do understand the temptation to compare, I really mean it! Well, you already know that I live in a tumble-down house which I'm not always particularly proud of. My neighborhood is far from charming and on my negative days, I see it as downright hopeless! Our budget is small and my time and energy are limited, so we're not the speediest DIYers in blogland, that's for sure! In our darkest times, we nearly lost this tumble-down house in it's far from charming neighborhood - and I remember thinking..."How depressing to have to struggle so hard to keep such a money pit in this ugly neighborhood! What's wrong with us?!"

But then there is the part of me that knows it's fruitless to compare - that as long as I'm trying my personal best in all areas of my life, then that is all that ever matters. As far as Twice Remembered goes and the neighborhood it happens to be in, I try to remember two things: There is potential in everything and Bloom where you are planted. Somebody has to take the steps to start improving a neighborhood. Why not me? Why not Twice Remembered?

For those of you who have been in or are in similar circumstances, or who are struggling to keep up with the heavy demands of taking care of a family, or who are working hard to get a business off the ground, or who are trying to grow a blog...just keep doing *your* best. That's all you can do. Otherwise you'll drive yourself crazy getting lost in all those comparisons we talked about, lose your enthusiasm, and just want to give up. No one wants that to happen!

Thank you for all your wonderful comments...I loved reading and rereading every one of them. And thanks for hanging in there with me as we slowly try to bring this place to life.:)

A couple of notes: Tomorrow I'll be posting some information regarding the 4th Annual Cottage Charm Giveaway event. I can't wait!

Also, please take a moment to visit Deborah at The Fairfield House. She is having a postcard exchange link party and would love to have you join!

Until next time, take care and have a wonderful evening!

~Kim