Welcome

47 comments:
A lot of thought goes into a personal space and a blog is just that.

Somewhere in the last year my blog morphed into something I didn't recognize.
I kept editing the look, taking away one week and adding back another.
I enjoyed writing again and then I'd quit for a while, taking yet again, another month off to see if I really wanted to do this anymore.

I read an article a while back about a hugely popular couple who stopped blogging.
Their blog was called Young House Love and they went on to write two books, designed home goods for Target, had two kids, renovated 4 houses and yes they managed to stay married.

You can read it here

Their's is a blog burnout story in the extreme but I think we can all relate.
When something we really like doing ends up consuming way to much of our time and energy, it starts to diminish the reason we wanted to do it to begin with.

So anyway, I think it was good to step away and re-think.
I also have a whole new living situation, so creatively speaking I'm doing a lot less of the things I posted about over the last 5 years.

But here is the creative and interesting up side to blogging:

You get to share the things that really interest you,
even your quirks and flaws,
the pretty stuff AND the gum on the bottom of your shoe.

 It really is the daily stuff of life,
  sometimes, often, always a bit sugar coated.
Hey that's just the nature of blogging, you can edit out the stuff
that is not all that glamorous or fun.
Nobody really wants to read about your flat tire
or the gross sandwich you ate from the back of the fridge any way!


So simply put...
blogging is not a job, at least for me. 
 I try to keep it in perspective 
and try not to take myself all that seriously.


The blog now has a new look and a re-launch of sorts.
There are a ton of things I want to share and talk about,
much of which
will be different from things in the past.


I do hope to post more often but not so that it becomes a chore.
Daily photos on Instagram is a great way to fill in the gaps
and you can follow along
here

As for the re-design, wow are there a bunch of
wonderful looking blogs these days.

I wanted to have everything from the last 6 years in one place 
and easier to navigate 
 I redesigned  a $15 dollar purchased template to make it more my own,
which was a bit challenging, but again a creative process I wanted to try by myself.
I suppose you could call it a blog re-model!
I am still adding things and re-working all of the content
and links so bear with me.


My sincere thanks to all of you who have followed along 
and endured the endless gardening posts and crazy lamp projects.
I honestly astounds me that you take time out of your day to read my ramblings.


I hope to keep the little spark going...at least for a little longer



47 comments:
  1. I will always read your blog, even if all you have is bullet points. :)

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  2. thank you Lori! bullet points? really? Kill me if I ever get that lazy : )))

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  3. I will always be inspired by your blog. My husband and I have been gardeners for about 30+ years now. When I found your blog my husband, Stan had just taken me to Ojai for my birthday.
    I love it there. What a beautiful place. Anyway, I'm excited about your change in your blog and look forward to many more inspirational posts!
    Hugs, Jody

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    1. Jodi and Stan....wow true gardeners. Once you get the bug it's pretty hard to stop. I get all giddy when I go to the nursery. I know really weird ; )

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  4. Just love to see the words Polished Pebble in my feed, so like the others, just thrilled to have you back in whatever form you choose, Kelley! Your writing and photos and aesthetic just make me happy.

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  5. Kelley,
    I hope this 3rd attempt to comment is the charm...I have loved your posts and your moves. They are always entertaining! I picked up your challenge to post about why we carry such heavy handbags. https://gardenhomeandparty.com//?s=Purses&search=Go
    I look forward to your latest move and all that comes your way. I am currently on a little blog hiatus myself.
    Karen

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  6. Kelley, your blog truly is my favorite and I look forward to every post. I can only imagine how much work it takes to maintain your gorgeous blog and I truly appreciate you and all your hard work. I also love your Instagram feed and would be happy with just a picture or two every now and then. Angie

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  7. I've enjoyed your blog over the years - the posts are always thoughtful and I've been inspired by your lovely homes and gardens...Either way - I'll continue to read and look forward to any posts ! Thanks so much for a great blog....

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  8. Hi and thank you all for the wonderful comments. Apparently something is wrong with the comment section because I'm not able to reply, so I'll have to figure out what I did ; ))) That will probably only take me about two days.....~! Thanks again for hanging in there Oh and Karen I will check our your post about heavy purses. What is up with that and what do we have in there that is so heavy?

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  9. Hi Kelley, Whew . Thought it was "goodbye" until I pressed on.We readers are selfish and don't want to see our favorites go away. I am always happy to see your posts. Just a few seconds ago I looked at my email and opened your first. See?

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  10. this is my first visit here, what you say resonates with me so deeply, I find myself in the same place,, the way I blog has had to change and I found myself a bit lost, you certainly put things in perspective and it feels good to know someone else has the same concerns, I thank you for that,

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  11. Your redesign is lovely!!! Post whenever you can...it's always fun for me to be here. That's funny about not posting about the flat tire, etc. Sometimes I edit the bad stuff out at the last minute...sometimes not. :)

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    1. I always enjoy your wonderful post Mary Ann! and I haven't seen one flat tire on your blog yet ; ))

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  12. I miss your posts so much but I understand completely. Give us what you can and we'll be satisfied with that. Your's is such an inspiring blog.

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  13. I follow a lot of blogs and the first thing I do is scan my email for The Polished Pebble. I am THRILLED when you post. Your images are beautiful, your style is fabulous and I always pick up on something to use now or save for later. You rock Kelley.
    Jane

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    1. Wow Jane!!! I doubt very much that I rock but it's super nice to know that the "stuff of life" is at least somewhat interesting. Often the most simple mundane things can be really inspiring if you take the time to really look. xo K

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  14. Thank you so very much again!!! I can't use the reply button so I'm still just commenting along with everyone. I didn't realize that so many of you subscribe via email....which is awesome. I need to do that with other blogs as well. Then I might read more ; )))
    xo kelley

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  15. Always enjoy your posts Kelley!!
    ~Marcy

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  16. I appreciate your blog and its content whenever it appears in my feed. It seems that the bloggers who stop actively blogging are the ones I enjoy reading and there must be a reason. I think it's because you do it for the love of sharing and not for clicks, shares, sponsors, etc. happy to see anything you post!

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    1. thank you! I know that quite a few bloggers have hit the pause key lately. Its probably just the nature of writing and trying to fit everything in to a hectic life! ; ))

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  17. Great post! I always liked your blog. The way you write is like I'm listening to my friends. Comfortable and cozy.

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    1. Hi Claire! I guess that is how it's supposed to read. xo

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  18. Great post! I love your blog and will continue to read it in whatever format you choose and whenever you choose to post. I was so afraid you were going to discontinue blogging...so glad that is not the case!

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  19. This is what makes your stuff so special...it's the real stuff of life. Keep going, Kelley...love you!! ~Marianne G.

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    1. Hi Marianne! Well you finally were able to comment!!!! woo hoo. I had some filters on that prevented anon comments...hope you and the family are great! xo

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  20. Good for you!!! Looking forward to the next chapter of your blog!! Change is good :0! Blessings from Missouri!

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  21. Long time, no talk. I only subscribe to maybe 3 blogs that actually come into my inbox. One of them is yours. It's like a present when I get a Polished Pebble email :) We are on the move again too, back to So Cal. This might be a record...less than a year in one place!

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    1. Well at least you know where you are going to live! I hope this move is all good for you guys. How is the little family doing? Email me sometime and fill me in xo kelley

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  22. PLEASE don't stop blogging! I love peeking in to your garden/home for inspiration!

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  23. I love your blog, because of you I want to blog. You inspire me! I purchased a site but have not had the time to launch it, crazy!

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    1. Please blog Cassandra. All of the busy stuff can be pushed aside when you write something really great and people enjoy it! You will get bit by the blog bug ; )

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  24. Yay! Keep them coming - love to read your thoughts.
    Appreciate your perspective amidst all the moves and changes

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  25. looks great and thrilled to hear you are staying with it, have always loved your outlook
    cheers
    debra

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  26. Kelley, I have always loved reading your blog,mostly because you keep it uniquely YOU. YOU have insight on life and home that interest me and i Love to read about your approach on these subjects. I was excited to see your post in my inbox. If you write I will read,
    Kathysue

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  27. Replies
    1. Geez Artie! Where have you been? Miss ya. xo

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  28. You put your heart and soul into every post that is why it is always such a delight to read. I too have decided not to blog to make money or to just blog because I feel I need to. You are my gardening guru and I love your sense of style. I hope you never give up blogging totally it would be such a loss to so many of us.

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  29. I hope so. I really enjoy your post:)

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  30. Love the new look! Congratulations! It only took me over two years and 3 designers and untold number of $$ and it still has major issues. Major. Can I hire you? :)

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