It's Time for Catching Up, and Exciting News

For a few months now, I have been contemplating a few really fantastic opportunities that have come my way. Do you all remember this post on my Facebook page back in October?......yes, that was October. It seems like just yesterday....so much has happened since then, and I am going to try to shed some light on that statement now that I have some clarity on things. There were so many things happening at one time..literally within days of each other.....I felt like I was in a dream. There were TV scouts calling about a network show {something I have said I would never do.....but was all of a sudden faced with}, there was a second book deal on the horizon, product sponsorships, and writing opportunities. Everything was happening fast, and to be honest ....I was a bit overwhelmed. It was all so exciting, but also very heavy and weighty as well. What was best for my brand? ....and more importantly...what was best for my family?After lots of talking, planning, organizing, considering, weighing options, and the natural process of elimination, here is where I have landed:1. I will be writing a second book!! Chronicle Books is amazing and I very much look forward to working with these great people again... and everything this second book will be. I will delve into lots more of my design process, color palettes.....and beautiful, beautiful photographs galore. Get pumped....because I'm super stoked about this project....and before you ask about a release date.....you all know that Chronicle Books are worth the wait....so, I will announce release dates when we get closer to time. For now, I'm writing my second book guys!!!!! A book that I hope will inspire you and make your eyeballs pop out of your head.....let's party!2. The TV producers quit calling...and that organically faded away. It wasn't meant for me...and I'm ok with that. But, I also know how these things work....they will call again ...and we'll see what happens next time. It will have to be a pretty sweet deal to get me on TV. I don't even like to have my picture taken.3. I am now a member of the FrogTape® blog Squad! I have loved and exclusively used this tape in my work for years, simply because of how it performs, and because I find it to be superior to other brands. I am super excited about joining the team and blogging about this fantastic product!4. I turned down another writing contract, that would have been a really fun opportunity....BUT, they wanted to retain all exclusive rights to my work. Been there, done that....not doing it again for any amount of money. Never ever give up rights to your work.....ever.5. As of this month, I am a dealer for Old Fashioned Milk Paint! Again, I have been using this product since the early 2000's and am happy to be carrying it at Knack. This company, and product have treated my furniture well over the years...and it is time to give it a proper place in my store. Some of you have asked if I will teach classes? do demonstrations? become all about paint? Nope. Nope. and Nope. I teach you everything you need to know about milk paint in my book Furniture Makeovers, and I simply wish to make a product available to you that I use and stand behind. I'm chill like that....but feel free to ask questions....I am happy to answer them.6. You will see fabric, wallpaper, and drawer liner designs from me this year! I have been talking about designing for some time now...and it is finally going to happen. I am really, really excited beyond words about this opportunity.....and you all better get ready for my design craziness.So.... as you can see, my plate is full. This is why I have not been painting as much furniture lately {although that is about to change}, and why I have been cleaning and organizing like crazy! Being focused, organized, and ready to go has given me such clarity and new creative direction.I am so thankful for my family and friends.....for how they coach, support, love and guide me through the many decisions I face.....and a huge thank you to each and every one of you who take time out of your day to come here and read my ramblings, leave me wonderful comments of love and support, and cheer me on in all of my ventures. I appreciate it more than you know and cherish every interaction.Here we go!xo,Barb