New Beginnings and Somerset Life Magazine

Hello friends!
I am continually surprised by the path this blogging life takes me on, and this week is no exception. 

I am so excited to be featured in Stampington

&  Company's beautiful spring issue of Somerset Life magazine!
It is quite surreal to have admired Stampington's publications for so long, and suddenly find myself in their pages. Crazy!


In their "Blogs With a View" section, I was given the opportunity to write about any aspect of my blogging experience. I chose to share a very personal story of what led me to blogging in the first place. I guess I thought if I just put it out there once and for all, I could lay it to rest, so to speak, and it might be helpful to someone else who is struggling and wondering if things will ever change. 

Have you ever written something- a letter, a post or an article- and wished you could take it back as soon as you sent it because it made you feel too vulnerable? Maybe too...exposed? I felt a little like that after submitting this article. Was it too personal? Did I say something that might hurt my kids in the future? Is it too late to take it back?! 

Recently, I shared some of my personal story over here, but with that I felt a little more at ease. It was among YOU, my "blogging buddies", in a community where I felt more secure. 

I received my artist's copy of the magazine about 10 days ago. After having some time to 'process' what it's like to see it in print, I have a few thoughts I'd like to share with you today. 





Yes, I have been through a horrendously painful time in the last several years {I know I'm not the only one!}. I have fought for my sanity through the train wreck of separation, divorce. Dealing with the brutally painful underlying issues in and from that relationship, while parenting four children, is hard.


But here's the thing-

In the last year, I have made huge strides toward healing and hope for the future! I have gone from dreading waking up in the morning to face the day, to looking forward to my days. Well, most of the time :)
I am no longer in agony on a daily basis over what has become of my family. By the grace of God, we are doing well! 

What I want to say today is that I don't think, in the context of this blog, or magazine features focused on blogging, that I will write about that part of my story again. 

What happened to us has made me stronger and much more sensitive and compassionate to others in pain. And it led me here!

But I no longer want my daily life, or our future, to be "framed" by the traumatic experience of divorce. I don't want to be known as "the struggling, divorced, single mom..."

It's taken a long time, but all things are new, my friends! 

In a way, this article represents public closure for me. 

That happened to us. 
I've now shared it very publicly. 
It was terrible.
God used it {continues to use it} for good. 
Amen. 

Wait, does this mean you won't read it? I hope not! Hey, I got to choose my own photos! {smile}

Click HERE to preview the beautiful spring issue of Somerset Life magazine, available for purchase April 1st.  It's full of wonderful creative projects and inspiring ideas to make your life more beautiful! 

You know, life sure is interesting. Last week I was sharing with you how to hide your kitchen trash can, and today it's a magazine feature.

Cheers to spring and fresh beginnings! 

~Jeanette

Sharing over at
Be Inspired at Common Ground