An Upcycled Birdhouse (that travelled 13,670 miles)

Through this little blog I’ve encountered so many special people. Today I want to tell you a story of an upcycled birdhouse that travelled 13,670 miles.

13,670 miles is also 22,000km.

A few weeks ago this sweet little bird house travelled ALL the way from British Columbia to my home. It didn’t arrive by mail, but was hand delivered.

Okay, maybe I should back up. I was in Boston with my mom, accompanying her for some medical tests. While in the waiting room, I discovered that a message was on my phone. A dear blog reader, Carolyn, left me a voice mail. She called to tell me that she, and her husband, were traveling (they’ve been traveling for several months and are now heading back home) and their travels brought them all the way to my little town, Scituate, MA. They were actually at my favorite coffee shop, The Lucky Finn, in Scituate Harbor. Did I want to join them for coffee or lunch?

I wish I could have joined them. I called her right back to say that I would have loved to but was in the city.

She then asked if they could leave a little present for me at Lucky Finn. I told her Luke was home, working, so that they could come up and see the house, and meet Luke and the dogs.

This is the gift Carolyn brought from Canada. You all know how much I love upcycled treasures, and this sweet little birdhouse is made out of old fences for the structure, a roofing nail for the area a bird would sit, and an old tin tile for the roof. I LOVE it.

I never expect gifts from readers. I write this blog for you and, also for myself. It is my little creative space and journal. I think you guys all know that it’s been a hard year with my eye surgery and my father passing away. My eyes have healed fully (I might write a post on the PRK laser surgery if it’s of interest, let me know via email or in the comments) and my heart is healing, but I think they’ll always be part that is in heaven, with my dad. Even writing this I fill up.

Life has brought so much upheaval but also so much love from readers, from friends and from our family. The boys are getting older, and sometimes I wonder where the time is going. If I’m spending my time wisely? If I could be doing more?

Blogging and painting and design can be solitary.

Creating tablescapes and vignettes.

Photographing, editing and writing.

It all takes time, and blogging nowadays feels a million miles away from when I started 7 years ago. I started this blog as a creative space. It was my way of sharing life here by the sea. Many bloggers and influencers goals are high page views and affiliate income, and sometimes it’s hard not to get caught up in all of that. The business of blogging. I may not have the most page views or be making loads of money.

But I have the kindest readers.

Ones who have followed our journey from our old house to our new house. Readers who, like Carolyn, have watched our boys grow up and also have witnessed new additions to our home (Max), watched my style evolve, and also watched me try new things (antique booth, markets, writing my ebook and now my e-design service).

Sometimes I question what it’s all for. Why do I love creating and capturing creativity for the blog?

Does anyone actually care when I share projects or new posts?

Carolyn wrote to me (and I hope she doesn’t mind if I share this):

“Good Morning, Danielle, oh what a special privilege it was to actually be in Scituate. So sorry to miss you…So fun to see your beautiful home and thanks Luke & Poppy & Max for answering the door!! Yes, I did take a peek at your awesome pool and She Shed. The bag was very well traveled but it came a long distance….22,000km!!! You are so welcome. Hope you enjoy the cute birdhouse. Of course, you already know how much I enjoy your blog. Thanks so much.”

Thank you, Carolyn, your gift and generosity couldn’t have come at a better time. Your words mean so much. To know I add value to your life, to know that you made this journey to our little sleepy, fishing village to see the spots I write about. The place that captured our hearts 16 years ago. A million thank you’s.

The birdhouse is sitting in our dining room on the welsh dresser, and will always remind me to not doubt myself, or my blog, again.