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Between the Lines – The Boondocks Blog

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I am so excited to share with you today a blog series that I have been asked to join by Katherine of Katherine’s Corner.  ​This series highlights bloggers who are 50 and over.  Yes, there are many of us out there in Blogland and it is with the help of Katherine of Katherine’s Corner that we have all come together. She is shining the light on us each Tuesday for ten weeks. I was chosen to be in week six of the series. Each week 10 bloggers will be interviewed and featured at Katherine’s Corner. On the eleventh week, we will ask Katherine herself some questions.

The Blog series  is called “Between the lines”.  What lines are those?  Well they can be looking past the blog to the actual blogger or they can be in reference to all of my lovely wrinkles, which I have earned and am proud of. 

A New Beginning

Why did I start blogging at this ripe old age?  After so many years of raising four kids and taking care of the household I felt that it was time to do something for me.  Something that would truly inspire me and get the brain cells working again.  My love of crafting and repurposing has been with me all of my life. And after seeing so many bloggers on the internet uploading all of their projects I too was itching to show off my humble attempts and more importantly to connect with like-minded people. Because let’s be honest, there are not that many people willing to save junk, most would rather go shopping. 

This desire went hand in hand with the ever growing economic crisis in Greece. I had spent far too many days staring glumly at the talking heads on the TV who had no answers to our problems and only compounded them by their shrill talk.  I  thought, why not focus on repurposing old things.  My infamous basement was full of things that could be repurposed. And I also saw this as a stepping stone to a new career.  Who says we can’t do something different and new after 50? 

Of course, I jumped into it blindly.  You can read all about my first year’s trials and tribulations here.  I had no clue what blogging was about; after all it is a relatively new profession.  And for that I am grateful.  Because had I known all it entails I might not be sitting here talking to you right now. But I do love a good challenge and this for me was just that!

Nature photo, Between the lines - the boondocks blog

Making the Connections

In the beginning, I felt like Robinson Caruso on an island.  It was not “build it and they will come”.  But once I discovered commenting and realized that someone can actually link back to me, it was as if my eyes had opened.  I really had no idea what I was up to and that hasn’t changed all that much.  Thank goodness for Google.  We are best friends now. 

I was however, fortunate to follow bloggers who were kindhearted and helpful with information and nudged me along on the right path.  I have made friendships with bloggers of all ages because this beast called blogging knows no age boundaries. And surprisingly many of my friends are not in the DIY home niche. There are so many talented people out there who freely give their knowledge and wisdom on topics ranging from food to parenting, blogging and even how to build a canoe. And you can trust them because they are not selling you a product but they are giving you their experience.  I only wish I had more hours in the day to read more blogs.  

Branch over the lake, Between the lines - the boondocks blog

The Importance of Blogging 

  • I have acquired many new skills some of which I did not even know existed. Social Media anyone?  I also learned about chalk paint because as far as I know, it had never set foot in the boondocks before me. 
  • My long forgotten love of photography has been reawakened and has helped me to see in a whole new way.
  • I see this as a stepping stone to a new career or an end in itself.  I am only limited by how much work I put into it.
  • This is a good example for my daughters.  I want them to know that they can choose to follow their passion and not feel limited. And have the confidence to move forward. 
  • Let’s not forget about the aforementioned brain cells.   This is a great way to work your mind and creativity.  I feel as if I have come out of hibernation. 
  • And lastly, my home is getting a full upcycle.  There is nothing like a weekly deadline to make you work on all those home projects you’ve been putting off …indefinitely!
Branch in front of mountains Between the lines - the boondocks blog
Now all of this is not new, but for me personally, someone who did not even know how to use a computer 10 years ago it is quite a giant step.  I wake up each day with purpose and a twinkle in my eye (probably from dreaming about my next DIY project). 
There is no limit to what you can do once you set your mind to it. We see it over and over again.  And you will see it here in this remarkable Blog Series “Between the Lines”. Go on over to Katherine’s blog and check out our interviews.  You will also find the links to all the bloggers below and a full list of the blogger series in Katherine’s Corner
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This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.

I love it when I get your comments and I will reply to each and every one of them. ​
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Wendy

Monday 6th of June 2016

Mary, Greece seems like a lovely place to live! I have always wanted to visit, and hope to make it there one day. Visiting today from Between the Lines (fellow BTL blogger here :) ). I love your list of reasons to blog, and I agree with every one of them! It is so nice to "meet" you!

Mary

Friday 10th of June 2016

It is very nice to meet you too Wendy. I am left with my mouth opened at the reception this post has gotten. There are so many of us who blog and we have so much to offer. It makes me so happy to know that I'm not in the minority at all. Thank you for taking the time to drop by.

Krista

Tuesday 24th of May 2016

Your blog has a way of making the reader feel like they are connecting with an old friend over a cup of coffee. You are one of first blogs I followed when I started blogging 9 months ago. I look forward to your posts and projects every week. I am even planning a project using chalk paint! I have also rekindled my love of photography.

Mary

Friday 27th of May 2016

Krista you have bought tears to my eyes. That is the nicest compliment I have ever recieved. I am also glad to have inspired you with all these crazy projects of mine. Thank you so much Friend!

Keri

Tuesday 24th of May 2016

Mary, what a great series to be part of. I really enjoyed reading and learning some new things about you, my friend. I'm so very glad you started blogging. :)

Mary

Friday 27th of May 2016

I'm so glad I started too Keri, I think I've turned into another person. It is liberating to talk to people you don't know and yet feel as if they are a part of your community.

Gail @Purple Hues and Me

Tuesday 24th of May 2016

Love your story, Mary! And I agree with everything you said. There are so many of us who have experienced what I call a mid-life renewal in blogging about what we love. It's another wonderful way to sustain us and to make us thrive!

Mary

Friday 27th of May 2016

Exactly Gail, a renewal to do what we love! It certainly is not work when it's a pleaure to get up in the morning. Althought I could use less social media. I think some days facebook swallows me whole.

Nancy A

Tuesday 24th of May 2016

I'm a first time visitor to your blog and saw it at Tuesdays With a Twist. Lucky me. I enjoyed reading about your blogging beginnings. I can relate to starting a new career later on in life, as I have reinvented myself several times over the years. Keep up the good work (I'll pin this) and please visit me at my two blogs, obloggernewbie.blogspot.com and www.colors4health.com. Nancy A.

Mary

Saturday 28th of May 2016

It is very nice to meet you Nancy. I am having such a great time at this stage in my life and am happy to share it with everyone. I will pop over and check out your blogs. Have a great weekend.

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