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The Grow Your Blog Party!

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Today I’m joining up with the Grow Your Blog party hosted by Vicki over at 2BagsFull.  Hundreds of bloggers will be posting who they are and why they started blogging.  We will then have the opportunity to “visit” with and begin to build relationships with other bloggers like ourselves.
 
So here is my part.  As my blog says, my name is Patricia Krank, but most people call me Patti.  People that know me say that I am friendly, kind, a good listener and a compassionate person.

Some say that I am a bit mischievious but I think I just like to have fun!

Those that know me WELL say that I am funny, silly, a tad bit driven (as in always needing to be in the middle of a project)  . . . and sometimes a little crazy!

(If that didn’t scare you away, then we’re good!  Keep reading 🙂
 
I was born and raised in Washington State and currently live in a lakeside home just outside the state capitol of Olympia.  Yes, it is a bit soggy here, but very green!  We often dream of retiring to a warmer, drier climate, but when summer comes, and we get our pontoon boat back into the water, there is no better place to live.
 
I’m married to my best friend and partner in crime (I mean ministry), Kelly.
I have two beautiful daughters (Joy & Bethany) who live in opposite corners of the country – Buffalo, NY and Pasadena, CA (exotic aren’t they?)





 

 . . . and these are a couple of guys I found to be their bodyguards (in reality, this is B’s boyfriend Dave & my son-in-law Andrew, but they look kinda tough in these cool(?) caps they found).



 We also have three dogs, who are spoiled beyond belief!
 
So why did I start blogging?  Two things:  I’ve always felt compelled to write . . . AND .  . . I’ve always loved decorating, crafting, DIY projects, or just about anything to make my home a more beautiful and comfortable place to live.  You know the “nesting” urge that comes right before having a baby?  That is me ALL the time!  I never had time to pursue this passion to it’s fullest until retiring from a career in the dental profession. (Retired? – HA! I’m busier than ever!)  The bug to begin blogging began in earnest with the remodel of our little lakeside cottage a couple of years ago.  I’ll be doing a full post with before and after photos soon, but here a couple of before and after peeks:
 

 Kitchen before . . .
and after.
Living Room before . . .

and after. 
 
 Since we were doing this remodel with limited cash (and ran into the need to re-wire the entire cottage = $$$) I was forced to furnish “on the cheap”. I found used furniture online, then stripped, sanded, painted, and recovered cushions.  Here are a few pictures of my furniture re-do’s:
 
Before and after upholstered furnishings:
 

Before and after pine armoire:
(Oops! I had this project half painted before shooting any pics)
 


Before and after drop leaf table:

and chairs . . .

 
 
 
This was my first try at refinishing furniture and I was amazed at the joy this new hobby brought into my life!  As I worked lovingly on each piece I saw OLD THINGS becoming NEW and my eyes were opened to the correlation to the ministry that my husband and I are involved with.  Hence, an outlet for my drive to write and my drive to create came together in a blog called . . .

My goals through blogging are threefold:  The first is to share with others how one can make a home of beauty even with limited resources. Most of the projects I do are with things I have on hand or find while out “thrifting”.  I only pick solidly built furniture pieces that will last for years to come.  I hope to inspire others to think twice before paying full price!  My second goal is to build enough interest in my projects to eventually begin to sell them.  I am thinking of doing my first French Flea Market next summer and I’d like to build a big enough “store” of goods to try selling on Etsy.  I know I need to start pinning on Pinterest and building my Facebook page as well.  Whew!  There is so much more to this process than I ever imagined!  Thirdly, I’d like to pass on a little hope to those who are having a hard time. The intention of my blog isn’t to be “preachy” but being Freedom Session Directors is a huge part of my husband’s and my lives.  We regularly share our own experience of lives transformed by God, so some of that is bound to spill over into my writing from time to time.
I have a lot to learn as a novice blogger, especially since I’m technically challenged by virtue of age alone.  It appears to me that I am older than most of the other bloggers I see out there of my genre.  However, I inherited “Sisu” from my Finnish mom (loosely translated into English that is strength of will, determination & perseverance) and “stubborness” from my Irish dad . . . so I’m pushing on to learn the ins and outs of this crazy blogging world! 
So . . . on to the GROW YOUR BLOG PARTY!  I’m looking forward to the chance to explore other blogs and make new friends over the next couple of days 🙂
 
Blessings to you,
Patti 

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Comments

  1. It has been fun finding other blogs that are in on the party. So far, every blog has been one I was already following, but I am sure after tomorrow, I will find something new.

    It was fun to learn a little bit more about you.

    Reply

  2. Hello Patti – Greetings from Germany. I love the pic of you looking goofy……..so right from the get go you struck me as young at heart despite your age. This was a wonderful post/blog and it captivated me to join “Why I Blog.” It’s amazing how, at least for me, I get into blog and I litterly go “oooooo or wow” when I see all the amazing work bloggers do with their DIY’s, makeovers and crafts that I know them as their named blog and not as a person. So far you and I have some things in common. I have two daughters (and two sons) and I love and spoil my pugs x2 and recently retired from a career in the automotive industry. But more of that when I write my Why I Blog.
    Cheers,
    Kay

    Reply

    • Yes! My dad always said my eyes would get stuck if I crossed them. I guess I am a wee bit rebellious. Thank you for coming over to my blog for a visit. I’ll be over to visit you too. Patti

      Reply

  7. I especially like the new look for the drop leaf table. I had one years ago. But when I was young and foolish, I sold it for a song. Now I wish I had it. : ) Thank you for sharing your blog in the party.
    ~Elizabeth

    Reply

  8. I am a Washington native – California transplant.

    Age is just a number, there are plenty of us of “vintage” age.

    Popped in from from the Grow Your Blog hop.

    Give me a visit some time ~
    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

    Reply

    • Hahaha . . . I think I like being vintage since it is so “in”! I also like the name of your blog. Would love to come to California and participate in a “raid” with you. Patti

      Reply

  10. Hello Patti! So glad to have found you via Vicki’s party! You have done some beautiful transformations… care to come up and help me with mine? I so need help…

    Ah well, I guess I just need to get inspired from blogs like yours 😉

    I’ll be sure to join your Followers so I can keep coming back!

    Reply

  11. Nice to meet you Patti. I’m impressed by your before and after pictures. I have lots of after pictures but so far they are all in my head LOLOLOL Will be back to read more of your blog later.

    Reply

  15. Hello Patricia ~
    I am having a great time at the Blog Party. Thanks for stopping by to visit me. I love your work. I have a collection of chairs that are awaiting my crafty hands and some paint! You have inspired me to tackle at least one of them!

    Aloha…

    Reply

  16. Blessings Back to You. Looks like you have been very busy with all the Old things new you have shared with us through your pictures. I too am challenged by age with technology, but plan to master enough to enjoy friends like you out in blog land. Please stop by to see me. Jan

    Reply

  20. Hi Patricia, I enjoyed reading your blog and discovering your many interests and talents. What an amazing job you did on your renovations and alterations! I look forward to reading more and to seeing you over at my blog, too!

    Reply

  21. You have quite a talent to find joy in so much! Your pics of yourself crack me up!! Ok.. round of applause for the re-do and especially that chair. I’ll just pour myself a cup of tea and sit right down at the kitchen table. If you don’t mind! I am now your newest follower and look forward to getting to know you better. This will be fun!!

    Reply

  22. Your furniture transformations were amazing! Love them! We have much in common with our faith, ministry, re-dos, blogging, etc. I’m now following you and will be stopping by to see what you’re up to.
    sandy @ Hob Nobbers

    Reply

  23. Hi Patti,

    You are my kinda gal! I love the name of your blog and your header is so sweet. I also have two daughters that I have enlisted bodyguards for…..very cute analogy!

    Enjoyed meeting you through Vicki’s GYB party.

    If you have a chance, Come visit me at nonniescedarchest.wordpress.com

    Charlsey

    Reply

  24. Hello Patti – I am here from 2 Bags Full.

    Your humour and down-home writing are very captivating. I just had to keep reading post after post. Your projects look doable – like even I could start and finish one. 🙂

    It is amazing what chalkboard paint, lace and buttons can do on a recycled bottle. I think that project will be my first one.

    Freedom Session sounds like an awesome ministry. Blessings to you and your husband.

    Reply

  27. Hi Patti
    I am visiting your blog form the party! It is so nice to meet you. I was born and raised in Spokane and still reside here. Our youngest lived in Olympia for two years whie going to school. We made our way over there quite often to visit them. I love your refurbishing and will be back often to see what you are up to. Hey I am older than you and I firmly resolve their is no age limit on anything you want to take on.
    catiean

    Reply

  29. I found the blog party after it was closed – maybe next year. I also am a vintage blogger and in love with the repurposing and refinishing of forgotten pieces. I love your before and afters and am now a follower. Thanks for sharing…

    Reply

  30. Hi I just found you through the GYB party … yep here I am still partying after all these days, there are so many wonderful places in blogland to visit It’s taking me a while to go to them all.I enjoyed my visit, the furniture you refurbish is just beautiful. I’m moving into a little apartment soon and hope to find some pieces to do this to myself, but I’m sure its going to be a lot harder than I think to make something look nice!! I look forward to following your adventures in the months to come

    Reply

  31. Wonderful blog! You are inspiring me to work on a few projects! Lovely ideas and so fun. Am your newest follower from GYB party. Please visit me when you have the opportunity.
    ~Tanya

    Reply

  32. Hi! a nice blog here, and I love your before and after shots. I think you will inspire me to get on with some of my projects. I like what you do with old furniture! Will be watching! Stop by Rustique Gallery and visit some time. I didn’t get my post in on time for the blog party, but am enjoying it anyway!
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply

  33. What a wonderful visit! You have really transformed some old things into new! Beautiful work girlfriend! I just became your newest follower in the GYB party from Vicki’s 2BagsFull! I’m looking forward to coming back and visiting and even perhaps getting a few ideas on some of my old pieces!
    Great to meet you!
    Hugs,
    Beth P

    Reply

  34. greetings from a little south of you in Portland, OR! So glad I stopped by from Vicki’s blog party. I want to come sit on your deck with a cup of coffee and just stare out at the lake. That is my and my husband’s dream when we retire, and downsizing to a tiny house is also what we want to do…SIMPLIFY. I love your transformations and your thrifty finds! I’m going to start following!

    Come by my blog and giveaway if you get the chance!

    maggie
    http://www.themagrag.com

    Reply

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