Five years ago on Mother's Day, I was in a mood. A sort of irritated mood that was affected by the day's events and people that had been building up that made me decide to take action on an idea that had been brewing. Little did I know that by paying my $10 fee to claim a domain as my own would take me on such grand adventures. Hang with me today as I take a stroll down memory lane, and share some new beginnings I've been working on for the last few months.

Some of you have read
my stories of how I started out, but it's worth repeating for those that need a bit of encouragement today. I had no idea back in 2013 what I was doing, but I knew I had more of me to share than what I was currently doing. Mind you, I had already begun my business in 2012, so changes were already in progress.
CHANGES
However, it was until that Mother's Day that I was exhausted of being ignored in my life by various people and felt it was time to share me. Now, don't get me wrong that I think I'm above anyone else, but knew that if I was to make any difference in this world and still be in the most important place - with my children - I had to do it online.
The internet was somewhat appalling to me, social media was something I turned my nose up at and refused to become a part of, and staring at a screen couldn't be any more of a deterrent. However, I saw them all as tools. Those things may often be used for dark reasons, but I decided it was time to be a light.
DIVE IN
So, I dove in headfirst and began to learn how to code a blog. Computer-ease became my new language, and I spent HOURS and HOURS figuring out how to set up my new home away from home. Starting a blog is as easy as filling in a template, but that wasn't enough for me. I wanted to make it
mine and I refused to look like a newbie. (yes, confessed overachiever here...is there any other way? {{wink,wink}})
My first post published in June of that same year was sort of a test. It was titled, "
Peonies and Painting". Big surprise, eh? Those are still some of my favorite things. That post was something to see if anyone would care if I was there. For fun, you should take a read. I feel it's good if we all take a minute to look back at where we came from to see how far we've come. My original blog looked nothing like this one and has come a long way, but you get the idea.
DECISIONS
What started as a way to just feel like I was doing something became a point of: I have to make an income doing this or it's not worth my time as my time is precious to me. I noticed other bloggers earning a bit from ads and such, but the idea of putting ads on my blog literally made me sick (still does, honestly). However, I knew if I was to reach anyone I had to jump in, even if I was in over my head. Yikes!
Okay, so here I was blogging, and things were taking off like a rocket ship. New beginnings! I found myself doing topics on interior design, furniture, home decor, sewing, cooking, crafting, and repurposing. Those are all things I love and by writing about them I was able to provide funds for my growing family. God was blessing me beyond all belief AND I felt like I was doing something to make a difference.
FEELING LOVED
I can't tell you enough how much it means to me when you send me a note of encouragement. When I hear how what I do makes an impact in your life, it's utterly fulfilling. That's what I'm all about and this blog is my home and family too. So, when you send that email or leave a comment, I can come back, even years later, and see how I have been blessed. Better yet, others can read and also be inspired.
For all those that come to tear me down, that's what the DELETE button is for. While I can't delete the words from my head as much as I'd like to, they do impact me greatly too. I've learned ways to handle them - as they do happen all the time. I used to respond to many of them causing myself even more headache. Some have even made me want to quit opening up my heart and walk away from blogging. However, I truly feel God wants me right where I am...for now.
FUTURE
While I don't plan on going anywhere soon, I am asking God for guidance in a few things. I feel that there is more I can be doing for my family, my community, and even me. Painting furniture and being crafty is not only what I want to do, to be honest. My heart is being pulled in a different direction and He is leading me, but I have to be patient. Your prayers are coveted and deeply appreciated while I listen to His still, small voice. I feel things are taking shape, so I will share as I can. Best way to stay in the know is to subscribe to
my newsletter to get the updates as I roll them out.

In the meantime, I'm all about new beginnings and starting fresh. One of the ways that I had to make some changes was in my site. You would never know it unless you were also a blogger or a techie and could see the problems. Either way, things were a hot mess. All sorts of parts were clashing causing issues with my site and my shop. It is an unending battle in the online world, I tell ya. So, for the last 8 months, I've been cleaning house and still am, and even have moved
my shop to a new (online) location. YAY!
So, instead of prodigalpieces.com/shop it is now
shop.prodigalpieces.com. Make sure you change your bookmarks!
NEW SHOP
To me, my shop is more than just a place to sell. It's where my family and I work hard 24/7 to help you create your home story. We offer items that are handmade, supplies, and even goods from a previous era that can't be bought in a box store. For us it's all about creating an environment where you feel welcome as if you are in our own home.
As you read about my journey, maybe you are looking to begin your own adventure. Possibly you are seeking the inspiration you need to start a project, or even just be with like-minded folk. Either way, you are important to me in more ways than one. Because of that I want to give you some
LOVIN'.
GIVEAWAY
One of the ways I want to celebrate my new beginnings is to offer a special gift to all of you. Yes, all of you, meaning even those that aren't moms, but want to honor the mom in their life or have a mothering spirit.

But that's not all. I love to gift people, so I'm also offering 3 different giveaways to all of you too. Wahoo!!
First, this prize package is an antique printer's drawer, two of my Trashure mugs (one for you and one for a friend), plus a $50 gift card to my shop.

Second, you can win a set of my farmhouse ticking potholders, an antique rolling pin, a Trashure mug, and a $40 gift card to my shop. Yippee!!

Third, one of you will get a Trashure mug, and $25 gift card to my shop. Sweet!

Easy entry - just fill out the widget below for as many entries as you like (daily even). Open to U.S. residents 18 years of age and older.
Winners will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Be sure to check your spam. GIVEAWAY CLOSED.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you again for being there on the other end of this vast screen, for showering me with love, and for following along with me on my adventures. I'd love to hear from you, so shout it out. Here's to new beginnings!
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Pin and share to inspire others to get out there and begin their own adventure. New beginnings for all.

Up next, I have some new beginnings for this cutie I nabbed at the thrift store.
Head here to see! (<--CLICK)

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my shop. Until next time!
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