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Blissfully {un} Domestic

by | Jun 12, 2008 | Authentic Living, Domesticity, Where I Lose My Sanity

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COVER YOUR EYES! OH NO! THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE PRETTY!

Blissfully {un} Domestic
Dirty sock on floor, dust filled registers, broken doorstop, yucky ripped wallpaper = Blissfully Domestic Diva

“Just call me a Blissfully Domestic Diva!”

Uproarious laughter went up in my house when I announced this to my family, and I fully expect that you are stifling your giggles if not actually falling on the floor in hysteria with this announcement. Or perhaps rolling your eyes. You know me and have seen it all. You know my kids wear undies on their heads.

Blissfully {un} Domestic

You all know I don’t like to cook, I don’t sew, I throw Costco dinner parties, I’m not that crafty (remember, I think throwing vegetables in a wreath on a table constitutes a craft), and my house looked like this the day before Thanksgiving. And you know I had a dead rat in the basement.

Blissfully {un} Domestic

And, I’ll admit I cheated by using ready made sugar cookies at Christmas time.

Blissfully {un} Domestic

You know about the horrific Unfortunate Party Incident in my home involving this sweet innocent looking pup.

Blissfully {un} Domestic

You remember the day there was a little domestic faux pas involving hand dishwashing soap. Oops!

Blissfully {un} Domestic

And, you know the slate is coming off of my patio and I won’t be fixing it any time soon.

Blissfully {un} Domestic

But, in spite of (because of?) my obvious domestic foibles and limitations, I’m honored to announce that I will be writing for the awesome online magazine Blissfully Domestic. Blissfully Domestic will be going through some changes at the end of this month so stay tuned for the new format, it all sounds very exciting!

I am not sure exactly when my first article will be up, but I’ll let you know so you can all RUSH OVER (just kidding).

I hope that you will pop on over to Blissfully Domestic and see all the informative and helpful articles that are posted each day by other authors! And, do me a favor? Comment on my posts if you see them when you are over there, even if you yawn because my post looks so familiar? I will do new ones and change them up, but just pretend you love every word and idea I share so I don’t look like a total dork? Thanks for boosting my self-esteem, you are always the best friends ever.

Blissfully {un} Domestic

My little gift to you.

The editor of Christian Women Online made this for the debut of my column there last year and it still suits me today. It is my life in a magazine cover. You may have this little button because I know you are a kindred spirit, you too try to live authentically and are not afraid to admit your life isn’t always magazine cover ready either (even though we try — you can’t blame us for trying to make things pretty).

I think if you paste this code on your blog,

it will allow you to put a little button in your sidebar:

 

<a href="https://theinspiredroom.net" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2568453513_b6963ee0f1.jpg?v=0" alt="" width="175" height="230" /></a>

Thanks for letting me be me. I love beautiful things and beautiful homes but the real beauty comes from just living. You all GET THAT! And that is what this blog and my writing is all about. Thanks for letting me ramble on day in and day out!

Blissfully {un} Domestic

64 Comments

  1. kara

    ha ho ho ha ho ha ha ha! You are too funny. Dearie, dust resides everywhere! {and mishaps, etc.} Have some coffee, that will make it better.
    Love,
    Kara

    Reply
  2. karen

    Oh, how nice of you to show us your normalcy, it makes me feel tons better. Congratulations on your new writing adventure. I look forward to reading that magazine. Karen

    Reply
  3. CC

    Melissa, you are so real, so funny, and so sweet that’s why I admire you so much!!!! :) How exciting to be writing for this new magazine. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

    Reply
  4. Tanya

    Laughing like crazy at your post and pictures! I love your honesty. Congratulations to you! How exciting!!

    Reply
  5. the Farmer's Wife

    I feel so much better now. The dust bowl blew through here last week and I still haven’t shoveled out. I love the photos of the “situations” so much more authentic than some of the type-A interiors I see while surfing around the blogosphere.

    And congratulations on the writing gig.

    – Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

    Reply
  6. Virginia

    Melissa – I did almost spit out coffee laughing. LOVE your honesty. Does a woman good. Congrats on your latest writing endeavor. We’ll be sure to visit….

    Reply
  7. Kristin

    Yay! Another place to get some awesome ideas; I will be looking for you!

    Reply
  8. Beverly

    Melissa, you know you are our very own Blissfully Domestic Diva. I bow down to your greatness.

    Really, I do. You always seem to have just the right balance, and you always provide us with lovely pictures and ideas for finding our balance. And, most important of all, you give us smiles.

    Reply
  9. Jaime

    I love it! :) Congrats, and thank you so much for your comment on my blog. I love your ideas!

    Reply
  10. teresa

    How fun new adventures- way to be- you will be fabulous-
    I will see if I can figure out how to paste that code to my blog- {some of this blog stuff is still a mystery to me :}

    Reply
  11. Donna Kay

    So, I am NOT the only one who has days like that!! I feel better all ready!! Thank you for a glimpse of the REAL side of life – (mine is MUCH more real than that!!). BTW – I love your blog!! Can’t wait to read some of your articles.
    Bless….
    Donna

    Reply
  12. Polly

    You’ll be representing the masses! Congratulations… I think. You’ll have fun with it, I know you will. I recently read The Undomestic Goddess – it was easy reading with a cute story. Fun to read about her learning to use the washer & dryer… and eventually taking baking and cooking lessons. Anyhow, Blissfully Domestic sounds like your kind of spot! Have a great Wednesday. Blessings… POlly

    Reply
  13. Catherine

    Congratulations! I will definitely be there to read your articles and to comment. I love how “real” you are and your willingness to show us the “real life” that we all actually live.
    Hugs,
    Cathie

    Reply
  14. Lorrie

    Congratulations on your new writing gig! I’m looking forward to exploring the site and will definitely comment! And it’s so great to see “real” life – the life that combines pretty with reality – the life we all live. Enjoy every minute!

    Lorrie

    Reply
  15. Diana

    Haha – these are GREAT! The truth behind all the design. Good to see the photos of reality – thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  16. JO

    You have just made me do the happy dance!! I thought I was the only person in the world with dust bunnies and messes everywhere…. thank you … thank you … thank you…!!!!!!!!!!

    And I hope you dont mind … as this is not for me but for a good cause…. anyone who is interested please visit my blog to read about a virtual garden tour for breast cancer that will be happening on the 15th of June …. you do not have to have a garden to participate… you can do a drive by (get tips for that by reading about it from the master herself …. MELISSA! ) or photos of your neighbors garden or just some flowers….

    And lest I forget CONGRATULATIONS MELISSA!!

    HUGS

    JO

    Reply
  17. Lynn

    Melissa, Girl you are just too funny! And I love you for it. Congratulations on your new writing assignment. I am still trying to get my outdoor living areas right so I can send you photos. ~ Lynn

    Reply
  18. Chris

    I have to say, Melissa, that I think this post is one of my favorites! One of the reasons I blog is because of the comfort I feel knowing that other moms out there are going through the same chaos that I am. Your son wears underwear on his head. I love that. By all means, keep those “personal” posts coming! Everybody has those stories–they’re just not secure enough to post them to the world. :-) As for the blink thingy, I will, of course, be putting it on my site. Anything to support “the Oprah” as I call you!! Good luck with the new blog–I’ll be following you!

    Reply
  19. Neutral Dwelling

    Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!! I am thrilled for you and look forward to more of your wonderful articles!

    Reply
  20. Jill

    Life is hardly ever neat and tidy – it only looks that way in magazines. Although you just know that off the edge of every perfect page is a pile of stuff pushed out of the camera’s eye! That’s what happens around here when I take photos, anyway. I love the glimpse into your little bit of chaos – my own chaos looks different but is here just the same.

    Reply
  21. Alice

    Too funny! It’s nice to know that there are other folks out there that have a ‘normal’ household. I love the dishswasher!

    Reply
  22. mrs darling

    Love those reality shots.
    Congrats on your new assignment! Im sure your articles will be the best ones there!

    Reply
  23. Kathleen Grace

    Oh goodness, don’t you think we all have some unfortunate dust and pet skeletons in our closets? I know I do, it just took me three weeks to get the house in order for our daughters graduation open house! I LOVE Blissfully DOmestic! I will look forward to seeing your articles there. Thanks for keeping it real Melissa!

    Reply
  24. A-M

    Oh brilliant photos and comments. You sound like a truly beautiful person. Congratulations on your appointment. I will read and rave in my comments, with pleasure! You are so right about authentic living. I have posted an example on my blog today… the meaning of life… I got it on my pillow last night.
    A-M xx

    Reply
  25. Vee~A Haven for Vee

    Gosh! Did I give you an award, Sweetie? I don’t remember! LOL!

    I love you, Melissa, because you are real. We all have dirty socks on the floor sometimes and dust in the vents. Who sees those vents exactly?

    Thanks for the button. Can I link it to something for you?
    Christian Women Online perhaps?

    Reply
  26. marita

    first congratulations on your winning colomn! how exciting melissa and …
    by the way i just love you’re natural looking patio and unfinished slate!

    Reply
  27. Trina

    It’s so good to know there are people like out there.. if we lived close by I’m sure we would be friends and I wouldn’t even worry about cleaning my house before you came over :-)
    Trina xx

    Reply
  28. Pat

    Congratulations Melissa! I’m looking forward to your new adventure!

    Pat

    Reply
  29. Tara

    Melissa

    This was great! My fave was the dishwasher, I think…ah well, it is never done…we just got to putting our yard together after being here 13 years –I had it planned for the first year…what happened???

    Reply
  30. Wonders Never Cease

    I LOVE those pictures! And I’m excited for you. I look forward to your articles!
    Becky

    Reply
  31. Design for Mankind

    I can’t think of anyone more perfect for the role— congratulations, Melissa! :)

    Reply
  32. jeanne

    What a fun post. Had to laugh at the dishwasher cause I’ve had such an incident myself.

    Reply
  33. Kim

    I am so excited to see and read what you have to say on Blissfully Domestic. Can’t wait!

    Reply
  34. Melissa

    thank you all so much, you are so kind! i was busy all day, but i wanted to pop and and say THANK YOU for your support and understanding and encouragement! you are all my BBFF!

    Reply
  35. melissa lewis - off the wall

    I am with all the others who admire you Melissa and wish you many many Congrats! I can’t wait to read more of your thoughts!

    BTW, you’ve mentioned your back yard need work before and the slate popping off, but I must say, I LOVE it! Beats my little 8′ x 8′ pea gravel:)

    Reply
  36. bridgette

    So glad I found your site. I do believe I am a like minded thinker. Proud of your accomplishment….and honesty!

    Reply
  37. Jill from foreverandeverhouse.blogspot.com

    Oh me oh my! You are one popular blogger! My quiet blog has received over 100 hits from you mentioning me in this post!! I can only imagine how many people must visit you everyday. Thank you for doing this! Really, very kind. :o)

    I love this post. I love that you “keep it real”. You are my kind of person. Imperfect and o.k. with that. If you live near me, I would definately be inviting you over for coffee. :o)

    Reply
  38. Jan

    You are way to much fun. Love your blog and this post was hilariously delightful. Good luck with all the wonderful things that are ahead of you.

    Reply
  39. courtney

    Sweet Melissa – yes, this is what I love about you. You are REAL! And the more I read from you & about you, the more I feel like a kindred spirit. My house looks like that on a fairly regular – no, a daily – basis…the dust bunnies in my house carry machetes, they’re so big and mean…and in just two days, I’m hosting a baby shower that will be “catered” by Costco. Ha ha! Thanks for being you and giving us all a peek into your life.

    Reply
  40. bj

    When I realized YOU saw my humble, little red-neck kitchen, I nearly paniced! YOU, of all people….Now, I am feeling a LITTLE better about it since I see you are normal, just like me!
    You are sweet and you are REAL and thank you for coming by to see me…
    hugs, bj

    Reply
  41. Irene

    I am so pleased for you!!! Go get them!

    Reply
  42. LES REVEURS YEUX

    Congratulations lovely Melissa,
    Wonderful news and well deserved.
    I look forward to reading your new articles.
    Oh, and I’d already added you as one of my favorite ‘links for dreaming’ when you first visited my blog, and I then discovered yours.
    Bon chance with the new gig!

    Reply
  43. all things bright and beautiful

    Oh FLAMING HARRY MELISSA! this is FABULOUS news!! I am SO EXCITED for you!!

    And you know what – now that I think about it – I cant believe that a magazine hasn’t snapped you up earlier!!

    I am serious!!

    They are very fortunate to have you!!

    WOW WOW WOW!!

    PS I am officially computerless as of Sunday for the next 3 weeks so apologies if I’m not over to say hi – I’ve pre-scheduled posts tho If you wonder why I’m computer-less and still posting

    Oh I am so proud of you

    God bless you girl!!

    Go get em tiger!!

    FelicityXOX

    Reply
  44. katiedid

    What a relief. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will not stress about the make-up all over my daughter’s sink and floor….the toothpaste tubes with no tops and crusted toothpaste congealing on the sink…the whirls of dog hair all over the house…the piles of mail and unfinished paperwork….the desks from school cleaned out and brought home to lay in heaps on the living room floor along with the now discarded backpacks….the socks and shoes that lay where they were taken off……and what is that smell coming from the refrigerator?!? Thank you Melissa….you always make me feel so much better. :)

    Reply
  45. this is glamorous

    Hello Melissa! First of all, congratulations on your Washington Post mention! How exciting! And secondly, congratulations on your new collaboration with Blissfully Domestic. It would appear I’ve missed a lot in one week :) Loved seeing the photos of your son with the undies on his head and the ‘dead’ giraffe again. Have a lovely, lovely weekend! {Sorry I wasn’t able to pull some strings for the draw.}

    xo

    Reply
  46. karyn

    Congradulations!!

    Reply
  47. Melissa in Mel's World

    I hate to say this, but it is so good to see that you are normal and don’t have it all “together” all the time like I have you pictured in my head. Here’s to being “NORMAL”, whatever that is!!!

    xoxo,
    Melissa in Mel’s World

    Reply
  48. Melissa

    You guys are the best, what is being “together” anyways? If I was “together” that would mean that I spent my whole day working on looking like I was together. And how crazy would that be! I’d never get anything else done! Thanks everyone!!!!

    Reply
  49. Darla

    I’m writing for Blissfully D too! They ran my first article yesterday.

    What an honor to share the position with such amazing authors!

    Reply
  50. pam

    Love it! It reminds me of my little brother when he was about 5 and he came out with underware on his head, we all about died laughing. Boys are fun.

    Reply
  51. julia

    Yeaah! What an exciting announcement Melissa! Wow you do have lots of things going on don’t you?! Can’t wait to read your first article, it will be no doubt as inspiring as always and as many have mentioned… real! So very proud of you.
    love j

    Reply
  52. Lisa

    Congratulations! I love this post! Thanks for being so “real”!! :)

    Reply
  53. Jeannene

    All I can say is; “OH you have a KIRBY I want one so bad!!!!!” I love your post, you are just like the rest of us…(even with a messy house)…lol!!

    “Hey, that is a great Idea…we should have everyone participate in a “Blissfully UN…domesticated” virtual tour of each other’s home…”what do you think??”

    And I am confused were you tagging me at the end of your post dear???

    XOXO!

    Reply
  54. Mrs. B

    Oh Melissa, I loved this post! I’ve been feeling very domestically challenged lately and it’s nice to know that everyone else isn’t as perfect as they seem (I mean that in a good way of course). That picture of your son is hilarious! And I look forward to reading your articles at Blissful D. I haven’t been over there in a while and didn’t know they were going to make changes. I’ll have to check it out.

    Reply
  55. Sandy

    Congratulations on your new writing assignment, so exciting! Thank you for the laughter and the tears (the laughter caused them!) great post!

    Reply
  56. Mari-Nanci

    Oh Hon, this is why you are so loved! You are real! You show the …. mmmmm… not so purrrrrrrrrrrrfect stuff. I love it. We love it.

    And so, even though we love you for all you teach us, and share with us, about ‘gorgeousness’ in a home….

    Betcha’ we love you best, because you are you. You are real and funny and not afraid to allow us to see the….. mmmmm… not so purrrrfect stuff. -giggles-

    Hugs, hugs, hugs, hugs, hugs, hugs,
    Mari-Nanci
    Smilnsigh blog

    Reply
  57. The Nester

    so glad that you got the gig for blissfully d! You are perfect for it and I always thought you would be a great person for the job!

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful mess!

    Reply
  58. Susie

    Ok really.. I think I just may have to pee now! you made me laugh so hard. I think I love you too! Who couldnt? You are too funny and oh so real. Love ya girlfriend! Susie H

    Reply
  59. Darla

    From one Blissfully D contributor to another, RAWK ON SISTAH!

    I’m running to put your button on my blog roll! =)

    Reply
  60. Darla

    Hey! Your post is up NOW!

    Reply
  61. Aimee

    Thanks for always keepin’ it real, Melissa! Your post made me laugh!

    Reply
  62. mmw

    WOW! I’m thrilled to find you, someone who loves beautiful things and writes about them from a Christian perspective.

    You might be pleased to know I found when I googled images for “sunlight streaming into kitchen.” Your post about using Sunbrella fabrics came up.

    I’m so looking forward to reading all your articles.

    mmw-the music minister’s wife

    Reply

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