I am so excited to welcome all of you friends to this new space! I have been dreaming and planning (and categorizing a whole lot of posts :)) for a long time. First, I want to thank the three people who made it possible: Mrs. Linda (Jeremiah’s Mom) who gave me the most beautiful pair of boots I’d ever seen for Christmas…that wouldn’t zip over my calves. One devastating experience (who wants to find that they have fat calves on Christmas morning?) and boot return later, I asked if I could use that money to do this instead. I simply couldn’t bear to try on any more boots anyway.
Second, my friend Caitlin, who listened to me try to turn my life’s passion into a simple blog header…and she actually produced the impossible! She is such a creative, talented person, who creates images that make me say, “That is just what was jumbled up as a bunch of feelings in me and you made it real and visible on paper!” You can find her design business here.
Jeremiah, me, Caitlin, and her husband-Jordan. We went square dancing together on Valentine's Day. So. Much. Fun!
Finally, Chris, the blog butler. Who did the painstaking grunt work of transferring all the old blog to this new spot. Who dealt with an incredibly anal person who wanted to tweak one thing after another. Who was patient and kind throughout the whole process. Who gave me a custom looking blog for a fraction of the price. Thank you Chris!
And now, to celebrate the grand opening, I want to do a giveaway! I want you to poke around the site, browse the category headings and tell me which category you relate to most. I talk about a lot of different subjects on this blog, and I’m wondering which subject speaks most to where you are. So, if you’ll leave a comment by midnight on Tuesday March 15th, telling me which category you like to read most (and why you like it would be even more exciting), then I’ll draw a name at random and mail you a package to create a romantic evening in your own Storywood. To include:
Photo copied from Frans Chocolate website, linked below.
A box of my favorite local chocolates–Frans Gray Salt Caramels. Don’t get me wrong, Theo is great, but these caramels with a sprinkling of salt make me weak. I could inhale a box without blinking…probably has something to do with why those boots wouldn’t zip.
Photo copied from Saviah Cellars website, linked below.
A bottle of The Jack, our favorite local wine. I am the farthest thing from a wine connoisseur, but I do happen to know that this wine tastes delicious with those chocolates.
Photo copied from Amazon and linked below.
And finally, what makes for a perfect evening at our house–a good read-aloud book. I love to read out loud and fortunately Jeremiah loves to listen. We’ve done a few classics together, but it is really better to do lighter reads out loud (at least for my mind to follow). This is a good one to do with your husband because it has a combination of manliness (two strangers struggling for survival in the wilderness after a plane crash) and romance (the man is recalling–in dictation form–his love story with his wife). We are only about halfway through, so I can’t make any promises about the outcome, but I can promise an intriguing, light read.
So, I hope you win! I hope you get to snuggle up with a box of chocolates, a glass of wine, and a book to share with the man you love…
However, if you are not yet 21 (I can just see me getting arrested for contributing to the delinquency of minors) or if you have not yet found that man worth spending the rest of your life with, then I’ll send one of my new favorite girl movies (that sweet Mrs. Ohs recently sent to me), instead of the wine:
Image copied from Amazon and linked below.
You can snuggle up with your best girl friends and pass around the chocolates while talking about how a man could never appreciate the fine points of humor in this movie. Breathtakingly beautiful and it’s Austen…so you know it’s wonderful.
Welcome to Storywood! Browse around and leave a comment so I can send you a box of happies.
Love the new space!!! Your blog looks great and I love the name too! So fun! Such a fabulous giveaway, those chocolates look positively sinful and the other goodies are pretty fantastic too.
Loving Storywood…perfect! Abby, you already know my favorite section is Faith and My Mom. You also know why it’s my favorite section:) I love that you already know why that section touches my heart so deeply. Excited to be a reader of Storywood! LOVE YOU!
Hey Abby Madd!
My favorite category is “faith and my mom.” It made me tear up just reading the titles today even though I didn’t even reread the posts. Just walking that journey with you near the end and knowing how much faith your family had throughout it all was inspiring. I’m so moved just thinking about her and her wonderful girls. And I love how you can put your emotions, doubts, fear and trust into amazing words.
I miss you!
Come back to the ‘ham soon.
Ash
My favorite category is “Faith and My Mom”. I lost my mom to cancer May 6, 2010, and I have just related so much and received so much comfort and insight from your posts about your mom. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you are never ready to lose your momma. I miss mine everyday.
“Faith and My Mom” is definitely where I find myself going back to time and time again. It has been (and continues to be) a source of comfort to me to know that there is someone else out there who knows the pain of losing their mom. Your honesty has inspired me…thank you for sharing your heart, Abby!
i stumbled across your blog a couple of months ago and must confess i spent hours going back and reading through old posts! while i enjoy all the “categories” my favorite might be the love and marriage. my husband is in his 2nd year of a surgical residency, we’re 8 hours away from family, and sometimes that’s a little harder-and a lot different-than what i imagined this stage of my life would be like. seeing how you’ve really made your life so rich even in the midst of hard times is a blessing – not to mention what an encouragement it is to see that one day residencies (and fellowships) really do come to an end!
Abby,
Storywood is beautiful. It seems to complete who you are. Just perfect.
Love you,
Latte
I like them all–is that allowed? I think I relate mostly to “Life and Laughter” because I think laughter is necessary for a healthy life. And all those other categories make up a full life.
My favorite category is Love and Marriage. It is so nice to have a young Christian woman, who is still very “hip and cool” to look up to and learn from in this area. I find it fascinating to hear peoples thoughts and experiences with marriage and everything in between.
I’ve always appreciated your posts about your mom…so I would say your “Faith and Mom” category. I am slowly losing my mom to dementia (she is now in a nursing home at the age of 59) and cry often about how she isn’t around to “love my boring parts” and to be the Oma to my two children that I know she wanted to be.
You are a tremendous writer and a very special young woman. You may never know the changes and inspirations you make in a person’s life. You have certainly touched mine.
Abby – the new blog is amazing! I am so happy for you!!!
By far, hands down, my favorite category is “faith and my mom.” I don’t know if I’ve ever left a comment sharing this before, but several years ago I was at the funeral of a dear friend and afterwards, at the luncheon, I sat at the table with the sweetest couple. At the time, my own parents were going through a messy divorce. And my heart was bleeding all over the place. As I sat across from that precious couple, I could see they loved one another deeply. They flirted and laughed and talked and talked about the coming birth of their first granddaughter and plans for her baptism (?) gown. My heart ached, wishing my father treasured my mother as this man obviously treasured his beautiful bride. Not long after that day, I learned that precious couple was Becky and Ken Clark, and that she was battling for her life. Soon after I found your blog…and I love reading what you write about your mama. You encourage me and your story points me to Jesus. Thank you.
Hi Abby! I love your new site! As a fellow mom of two girls, I always enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for all the tips!
Hi there! Wonderful new blog. I’m loving the beautifully romantic vintage look! My favorite “speak to the heart” category would be Love and Marriage. My husband and I just had our baby girl, Anna Lynn, in December. So Love and Marriage is in an especially sweet season at this point! Thanks for your thoughts…
I can’t decide on one category but what I enjoy most about your blog is seeing your take on the Pacific Northwest and learning about what you left behind. I am from Salem, Oregon so I am biased but it’s fun to learn about where other people call “home.” I’m not even sure how I came across your blog but your honesty and wit are what keeps me checking back. Oh and Fran’s salted caramels are my favorite! The winner of your giveaway will be a fan for life!
Hi Abby – Love your blog, your heart, your stories… all of it. Not sure I’ve ever commented but I am a long time reader and follower. I get lost in your adventure stories; I cry when I go back and read about the last days with your sweet mother; I laugh hysterically when you talk about spray tans and bread baking and those sweet-cheeked little girls. Most of all I just thank the Lord that blogs like yours exist; you are real and vulnerable and you are glorifying the Father with every post you write! Be encouraged in that! You are an incredible writer and I’ll be first in line when your book is published. Thanks for inviting us all into Storywood. Looking forward to the chapters ahead!
Haley
P.S. I’m a Bham gal but I met someone the other day that knows you, maybe from cheerleading in Dothan? (Shelley Snell) Anyway, just thought I’d share!
Ahhh Abby, what can I say!? It is beautiful! Aren’t you soooo happy? I hope you are because you should be! So clean, organized and I just love it all. Now, I haven’t had a chance to explore the categories but I read the about and I love love love it! I am so very proud of you and this looks awesome! I hope it means you’ll be coming here more often to fill it up!? I can’t wait to see you in a couple weeks!!!! Congrats on a new site … the header images are breathtaking!!!!
xoxo D
I love the ‘love/marriage’ section. I always have loved reading about how you model your relationship after Christ and the ups/downs, knowing that I’m normal when I go through those ups/downs. I also LOVE your new website! great job!
Abby-
I just love your new blog. I found it some time ago, and adore your transparency. You put into words what most of us never could. So happy for your new “look”….can;t wait to read more!
Sarah
1) I’m really terrible at coming up with titles, so when I see one that I like, I get super-jealous. Storywood is perfect, and I wish I had thought of it. 🙂
2) I like “Faith and My Mom,” especially the most recent post that broke my heart into a million pieces. “Life and Laughter” is another favorite of mine because I like the way you tell stories. And I like the fact that you paired “Nature and Embroidery.”
3) If I’m (way) over 21 but haven’t found the man I will spend the rest of my life with, can I still have the wine if I win? Just askin’. 😉
Absolutely!! I should have clarified that 😉
Oh, Abby I love the new website! I’ll have to say Love and Marriage. I know how much the girls and Jeremiah mean to you and I love reading your thoughts on paper. Not to mention, I love seeing new pictures of the girls! I totally smiled when I read your comment on the chocolate. It made me think back to when you were pregnant with Pace and would come in the control room with something salty along with some kind of chocolate :)…mostly pretzels and junior mints! Miss you!
Oh man…I am so in love with your new blog! I’ve been picking through it all morning, and it is just perfection! My favorite is the “home” page with the 10 pictures and quotes to go along. Simply gorgeous. I have to say that it’s hard to choose a favorite category…I love ALL of them. I think I’ll have to choose two to most relate to, and that would be the “Life and Laughter” and the “Love and Marriage.” My husband reminds me so much of yours from the way you describe him. It’s so fun to hear you talk about your marriage because there is so much I can relate to in that area, and the way you described laughter on that opening page was just perfect. I love it! I also LOVE the giveaway that you’re doing!! Such a fun idea! Can’t wait to keep reading more about you all!! Love from Columbia, SC 🙂
Abby, the site is just beautiful! It seems to fit your personality, style, story perfectly! (i guess it pays to be anal) Not sure how I found your blog a few years ago, but it is a blessing every time I read it! I’m getting married in a few months and the subject that speaks to me most is Love and Marriage. I love your honest and open take on everything. Thank you!! congratulations on the new look! I can’t wait to see what exciting things are in store for you!
Abby, I love the new blog- it’s so beautiful and such a reflection of how your writing feels to me! I am so excited to continue reading.
Beautiful blog. I happened upon you in one of those blog hops and enjoy reading about a fellow Southern family (we’re in KY).
Abby, this website is beautiful! I would have to say that I love your “Faith and my Mom” category… your posts about your mom are so beautiful and honest. I can’t wait to check back and read your new posts here!
Abby, I am a new reader, and I can honestly say you’ve sky-rocketed to the top of my “Blogs I Absolutely Love” list.
I can say that I most relate to the Love and Marriage category. I love to read stories about you and your husband and two precious girls. My husband and I have been married for about 3 years now, and although we long for children, we are trying to be patient and wait upon the Lord. We know His timing and His plans are best, and we praise God for that!
I love the new blog. May the Lord bless you and your family!
Abby- Storywood is beautiful! While it’s hard to choose just one category, I think Life and Laughter is my favorite. Laughter is such an important thing in life, and many of your posts make me laugh! Thank you for your honesty, transparency, faith, and humor. Your blog is a favorite!
Stunning! The intro with the quotes and pictures is super cool. I so enjoy reading your blog – every category. I don’t think I’ve ever commented but I knew your family from FBC in Dothan and I think you may have even gone to a middle school dance with my brother? I always enjoyed seeing your family at church – it was always so evident that you were all so close and you all just radiated with love, wholesomeness, goodness and faith. You are an excellent writer and I can’t wait to read more!
Abby,
I somehow found your blog and have enjoyed reading it for quite some time. The new site is great and I love all the categories – faith and mom, love and marriage and children might be my favorites. My husband and I are also both Auburn grads and from the South and love everything about it. We have been in TX for 9 years now (since graduating) and while it’s in the southern part of the US, it’s definitely not the same as the Deep South.
What a wonderful site – I love ALL your writing! God has given you a gift and I am so thrilled that I get to catch a glimpse of it periodically!!!! I especially love the “love and marriage – family” section b/c it is all so familiar to me and takes me back to “the old days”! All the categories are wonderful though! Your heart is as big as Texas and I can’t wait to see where God takes you next!!!
My favorite category is Life and Laughter. I enjoy the “realness” of your writing pouring your heart out about your everyday strife and celebration. Your blog reminds to cherish every second with the ones I love and how much I am blessed to be loved by God. This is the first time I have responded to your writing though I have been following for awhile now. I met your sister, Taylor, in Rome and first viewed your blog to see her wedding photos! I have looked up to you as a loving wife and mother. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I love the new blog look! My favorite category is “life and laughter.” I’ve been following you for several months and have been amazed and inspired by the way you handle life’s little (and big) hurdles. I know faith in Christ bring us through those times, but I seem to have forgotten how to laugh at myself and at this crazy world we find ourselves in. Thank you for the reminder Abby!
love and marriage! You are annointed girl keep blogging!
I’m a friend of your cousin, Sarah’s, and she’s shared your blog with me. I’ve really enjoyed perusing the entire site! Your girls are so cute, and their stories are hilarious. I guess that’s why I’d choose Love and Marriage as my favorite category. Thanks for sharing and encouraging through your blog!
Hey Abby! LOVE the new site. Brilliantly written and gorgeously designed. Can’t tell you enough how much your honesty, candor, and willingness to share all of the good, bad, heartbreaking, and joyful is appreciated. Gotta say my favorite category is “Faith and My Mom.” Your posts bring me to tears more often than not, but it is your endurance and attitude and willingness to share your doubts and fears that inspire me and so many others who can empathize or sympathize with you.
Followed narrowly by “Life and Laughter”… those girls are just too dang funny and adorable not to make me smile!
Hope all is well with you, friend. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this.
Hey Abby!
I hope you remember me, I was Millie Murray and were in the same pledge calss at Auburn in 2000. I absolutely love reading your blog- your experiences are awesome and uplifting! I have been keeping up with your blog for a while now, but was always too embarrased to write in! Your family is precious and I love reading about your girls. I have two boys, so I love to hear about the everyday girly stuff! The new blog looks great, I like all of it! So good to “see you.” Take care:)
Love and marriage!! I have been reading your blog since it was mentioned on Darby’s blog. Love your pictures and seeing your adventures out west.
I love “Life and Laughter.” Your sense of humor and the girls’ adventures always make me smile!
I second what Erica said, you ARE anointed and after reading all of these thoughtful comments it is so apparent how you have touched so many hearts, ones you do not even know! What a blessing you are in my life, thank you for your tender and genuine spirit!
I would say my favorite is Life and Laughter, when I read your perfectly written words I can hear your cute southern accent saying them and I cant help but laugh along with you and feel as if you’ve uplifted my day.
Im so sad we only have a couple weeks left here in Seattle but excited that you will be headin’ back to Dixie soon 🙂
Abby, I found you through friends of friends and have enjoyed reading your blog. I hope one day mine will be half as good! My favorite section is definitely the Life and Laughter section, though I love them all!
Your blog is so wonderful! I adore it all & think you have the gift of writing! I am choosing the Life and Laughter section. What is life without a little laughter, right? I was just telling my hubby the other day that I think our 2 kids are soooo funny. What in the world did we laugh at before they came along? 🙂
Hey Abby! I love the new website – my soul, it’s just beautiful! Makes me want to do the same thing… the background is so cool – seems to fit your personality just perfectly! I love all the categories, but I really like posts on traveling (or family outings) and also photography. I’m always wanting to learn more about taking pictures of my own family. Congratulations on the new blog, and I think it was worth returning those new boots 🙂
I have loved reading your blog now for almost two years. I love your recipes (aka INTAKE AND OUTAKE), but my favorite posts to read pertain to Faith and Your Mom. They are so touching and really connect with me.
I really love all of the categories, but if I had to pick just one, then I would pick Life and Laughter. I guess I like that one because it is fun to get a little glimpse into other people’s lives for inspiration and to feel connected.
Holy Moly! What a beautiful setting in which to read your beautiful writing and stories. I have to say my favorite category (right now) is Life and Laughter. Because I don’t think we can go through this life without laughter!
Wow, Abby! It looks great. Caitlin did such a great job. I’ve enjoyed reading every post you’ve written, but I think I’m most looking forward to reading the Books and Writing section in the future. I’m dying to get my hands on a copy of the book 🙂 Can I make another shameless plug to be your editor?
Hope you’re well…I’m eager to hear about your time in Dothan!! Love you.
I love “Faith and my Mom”. I’ve been reading your blog for awhile, and your faith and dedication to the Lord is sometimes just what I need to hear (er, read).
Abby, I am a faithful follower of your blog. Your new website is gorgeous. You are such a blessed and talented lady. Hands down my favorite category is “Faith and my Mom” I knew your sweet Mom at Auburn, we were KDs together. She brought faith and hope with every word she spoke but mostly with her actions. I also lost my best friend to cancer 2 years ago. It was so painful to see her go through it, but her faith was a testimony to all who, like your Mom, were blessed to have in their lives.
God bless
Abby– It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if I must, faith and my mom ranks at the top. Your words are captivating and real– just beautiful.
Faith & My Mom is BEAUTIFUL! I commented on another post, and I should have commented on this one.
I’ll say it again though, your writing deserves a beautiful blog like this one for posts! You are gifted!
Abby, YOU know what a BIG fan I am of yours. I love everything you write! Your new site is the gift— to all of us– to follow your life and your sweet family! Ater living in Dothan, and leaving there…I have found your PIC’s so fun to view. I LOVE seeing people I remember with great memories! I have to agree with Kathy Granger…You have changed my thoughts and, how I view a lot of life situations. You have taught me MUCH!!!! I am so thrilled to be able to follow this new site! It is really, really so neat!!!! I was happy to see that the terrible tsunami didn’t hit you in Seattle, or Ashley in Hawaii! God Bless all those in Japan. Did you know? The West family, including Amy are there NOW!!! Pray for their safe return to BAMA!!! God Bless and keep up the GREAT work…LOVE, G
Hi Abby,
I have been reading your blog for a while now and love the new design! I am from Ashford and went to Samford, so somehow through other blogs I found yours. My favorite category is “Faith and my Mom.” I actually lost my dad almost 5 years ago to a sudden heart attack, so I feel that I can relate to those and enjoy reading how you dealt and still deal with such a great loss.
I am stuck living in Louisiana, so I also love anytime you write about trips to Dothan 🙂
Hi!
We are strangers…I have wandered here by way of a friend of a friend, but I believe He had more to do with it than chance. I stopped by every now and then and I was wondering if I would ever get the chance to say THANK YOU! You see, two weeks ago, I lost my mom to breast cancer. One night, I clicked away and found myself reading your post An Undeserved Answer to a Hard Question. My mom loved Jesus…and to say a slew of prayers reached heaven on her behalf is quite the understatement. You always wonder why…and there was something in the answer to your question that calmed my heart. So, THANK YOU for sharing!
I love reading your blog and the new look is awesome! My favorite is Life and laughter!
I love “life and laughter”, but my favorite would have to me “faith and my mom”. Your mother was such a sweet soul and a kind heart.
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time now, but this is my first comment. You’re such an inspiration to young women and you live such an amazing, faith-driven life. It’s fun keeping up with the happenings of the Maddox family!
Your new site is beautiful! I love the “Life and Laughter” section! I am also a mama of two kiddos that keep me on my toes so laughter is always so important! Congrats on your fabulous new site! I found you a while ago from Darby’s site and love your stories and inspiration!
You don’t know me but I have enjoyed getting to know you! I discovered your website through my daughter who went to Samford and have loved the glimpses you share of your family and your life. You are a gifted writer and photographer but it’s your faith that most speaks out to me through your website. I would have a hard time picking between faith and my mom (I, too, lost my wonderful mom to cancer) and love and marriage because family is so very important to me. I hope it’s okay to have a tie. My sister lives in Seattle and I love to come (from Atlanta) to visit her and see familiar sights on your blog. I love the new website and I’m glad you’re back!
love the new site.
it’s a tie: intake & outtake and nature & embroidery
Love your blog! I found it somehow and stayed up all night to read all your posts! You have a natural gift and write so well. My favorite section is Faith and My Mom.
Abbs, love the new website!!! love, love, love it!!! Got a little misty eyed when I saw a chocolate giveaway. When ever I was on a little get away with your mom she ALWAYS wanted to get you some Godiva chocolate. It was just her thing, between the both of you I’m assuming. Now you’re carrying on her tradition. I still miss her everyday. I am so proud of you sweet Abbs!
xo
kendall
oh, btw. Zip boots don’t fit my calves either. It’s a good thing. Means you have strong muscular calves!
Abby,
I’ve been reading for a couple months now (saw something on Darby’s blog once)…and I have to say that Faith and Mom is my favorite. You pour your heart out sometimes about how you miss your mom and yearn for her physical, earthly presence and it just reminds me to cherish every moment with my mom (and dad). My sister and I are very close to our momma…and because of your story, I am trying to enjoy every lunch, phone conversation, being able to call her about a recipe in the middle of cooking, taking vacations with her, her squeezing my little 6 month old with her sweet kisses, etc, etc, etc! So…thanks for your transparency. Your love for the Lord and for your sweet little family is amazing. You probably have no idea how many people you are touching with your blog. Keep it up, girl!
Carmel
Cute new blog! I love all things family…so I guess “love and marriage” would be my favorite category. I found you through Darby’s blog a while back. I am from and live in South Alabama too… and have family in Dothan. I hope you and your family get everything worked out and get to relocate soon!!!!
Abby,
I have been reading your blog for the past couple of years and it is my favorite one to read! You have such a talent for writing, and as a fellow Dothan girl I feel like I know you even though we’ve never met!
Anyway, I am torn as to which category is my favorite. Part of me wants to say “Books and Writing” — I was an English major in college and even though I am going to dental school this fall, I have always loved to read and write and have casually worked on a story for the past few months. I have been very curious about your writing process and have wanted to hear more! You also love the same books I do so I’m always excited when you have a new book suggestion :).
Of course, I also love the category about Faith and your sweet mother – you are able to eloquently articulate your thoughts on religion and faith, which is a rare gift. And I tear up even just thinking about some of the posts about your mom – they are passionate, loving, and revealing — and some of your best writing. Thanks again for sharing your life and thoughts with us!
The new site is amazing! I am torn to pick my favorite.
I have read many of the blogs in the Faith and My Mom category. Having a mother who has battled cancer, I have cried reading your blogs many times. Thinking about how I can’t even begin to imagine what that would be like to experience, and praying that if that day ever comes for my family that I will have the strength and courage that you have!
Love and Marriage has got to be another of my favorites, since I will be getting married in May! Watching you and Jeremiah go out on dates, and come home so happy and in love with each other has inspired me. I love reading about the happy times and the times that have been a struggle, because that’s what love is!
Abby,
I have been a blog stalker for some time now… and I feel like I know you even though we have never met. I L.O.V.E. the new site ~ and I say that as a fellow “creative”. Wanting to take thoughts, images, feelings and inner working to an ever evolving creation. Just as God has done with us and His creation. The images and flow are perfect.
My favorite “section” is probably Faith and My Mom. I vaguely remember hearing her name in prayer circles and the candle light ceremony in the yard (I’m a fellow Dothanite). But it was not until I lost my dad last year to cancer that I could truly know that world. It is an ugly world… that I have battled for almost a year now. I find myself and current feelings often in your posts. I can’t even read some of them at this point because of the raw emotion and ugly crying it evokes. That is not to say it is your words that cause crying 😉 but just the continued hurt and healing that my soul is experiencing. You have helped in that process. I know I’m not crazy. And I’m not alone in all that I feel. Even if I have never met you. I look forward to reading them all. One day.
Ashley
LOVE the intakes and outtakes section! i have been reading the blog for a while, but have somehow missed all these fun recipes! …especially love the peanut butter pie! (might even have to try it today!)
happy spring forward!!!
I’ve definitely enjoyed all the categories of your blog. I love seeing Seattle through your eyes. But, I do enjoy “Faith and my Mom” because you put into words some of what I feel but can’t articulate. It is so true “The good lessons are never padded with satin and wrapped with a ribbon.”
Thanks!
Hey Abby, this is Ashley H. Gaskin. I absolutely love the new space and will continue to follow you guys here. I LOVE reading your words. I know I have told u this before but you really do inspire me to be a better person and have given me the strength to move to another state with my husbands work. After reading and following your journey it helped me open up a bit and take a chance. I thank you for that and I am soon to start a blog. One baby step at a time but i will let you know when I start. My favorite section is faith and mom. I cry everytime I read parts of it but I love to read and learn about yall. Thank you for all. Ash
I love your new site!! The title is beautiful!! My favorite category is Love and Marriage!! I randomly found your blog (not sure exactly how)….maybe from Darby’s?! Love your transparency, family stories, and photos!! Oh and I love shoes, but this site is way better than a pair of boots!!:)
i love your new little corner! my favorite section is life and laughter. i admire that you have found such joy amidst great loss and much change. i have been reading for a while now but never written–your heartfelt words and stories resonate with me and i look forward to hearing about your adventures out west. we live in the south but my husband’s family resides in seattle and in a small town just miles from the canadian border in northern washington, so to read of your time in a very different stretch of country is familiar!! your girls are precious and your life is rich!
Hi Abby –
I am a blog stalker and have been reading your blog for awhile. I really can’t decide which category I like the most since all of them touch a piece of me. I think the new blog is WONDERFUL and I am constantly checking to see when you have posted something new. Funny story – I was at work and was talking to a friend about your blog and she said “is that the blog that a girl named Abby writes” – i told her yes and we cracked up because we both follow your blog and love it and neither of us know you personally. Just thought you would be amused to know that even at work we are talking about your blog and how much we like it! Can’t wait to see what new things you have in store for this one!
I was so happy to click on and see you had moved! What a great Christmas present. I once bought some boots that wouldn’t go over my calves either…ugh. You are an outstanding writer. I love your life and laughter category. With three little ones, I enjoy a good belly laugh! You write in a way that I can imagine being right there with you all!
Abby, I found your blog a few months ago on Darby’s blog and have absolutely loved following it! You are so talented at painting pictures with words and sharing stories. I go to school in Birmingham so I loved finding out you’re an AL girl too:) I saw the new website for the first time last night and spent quite a while in the “faith and my mom” section…having walked with a friend through that and with losing an aunt recently I really related to it. I felt so encouraged reading your posts and seeing the way the Lord has carried you and your family through every step, so thank you for being so real, honest, and vulnerable! With that said…I l.o.v.e. the other sections too, so keep the posts coming:) thankful for such a sweet/beautiful blog that is being used to glorify the Lord.
Once upon a time…
I found your blog and started reading it – especially enjoying your posts about traveling, nature and embroidery. I think I like reading your blog because your positive, active and at the same time thoughtful personality shines through your writing.
The entire page is beautifuly done! (PS. love the italic script)
…and they all lived happily ever after.
I really like the life and laughter section! I feel like I can easily relate to it. I LOVE all of your pictures. Your family is beautiful and you are an amazing writer !
Love the new blog design! I love reading your blog especially your stories about your faith. Thanks for the give away. The chocolates sound heavenly. And I can’t believe the boots wouldn’t zip…must have been a defect in the boots. 😉
Hey Abbie!
I like the nature and embroidery category, in particular the road trip from last year. I also sew and smock so I like to see your handy work with a needle and thread.
I’ll definitely be following you here now!
I’ve always loved your posts about your mom, pictures with your girls & your family, and funny stories.
Life and Laughter capture everything including faith, family, friends and nature…love reading your posts.
-Rhonda
Your new blog is beautiful, and Faith and My Mom category is my absolute favorite. I lost my precious mom to cancer a year before you lost yours. I can relate to every single post in that category. Thank you for pouring out your heart to others, as i often turn to your blog on my dark days. I am an Alabama girl who lived in Seattle for 2.5 yrs when my husband’s work transferred him there. Love Seattle but happy to be closer to home. We didn’t quite get all the way back to Alabama, but we’re close.
Not sure I’ve ever commented, but I’ve been reading your blog since we left Birmingham and have enjoyed every moment of it! I love your Life and Laughter AND Love and Marriage. When you write about those topics I almost always see myself in your words. Sometimes that makes me laugh and others it convicts; thanks for taking the time to write out much of your life for us to share!
Faith and my Mom-my mom had breast cancer this past year, and your words were so encouraging, heart felt, and honest. I’m also a newlywed-so I love all the marriage posts too 😉
Lacey Howell (I was a KD w/ Taylor)
I love your new setup. I’ve always enjoyed your family posts – which I guess are Life and Laughter now. But I love your overall blog because your pictures are beautiful.
Abby! I’m so excited for your new website! It’s awesome and I think it completely describes you and your writing. My favorite category has to be the “faith and my mom” section, mostly because I loved your mom, and she made me smile every time I saw her. I’ve been so encouraged by your faith throughout the process of her passing and having to learn to live life in the new normal. It’s been humbling to see.
I’m also living somewhat vicariously through your little stint in Seattle….never been, but definitely want to visit one day after seeing all the pictures you’ve posted! As always…thanks for posting and I personally am looking forward to this book you’ve been writing, so go ahead and get if finished! haha.
I know I’m way behind on this-but just wanted you to know I love the new site! Its beautiful, as is everything written and pictured on it! LOVE IT!
No doubt, my favorite section is “Faith and My Mom”….my father went Home 3 years ago, and my father in law went to Home about 6 years ago. It is always so comforting to share your hearts deepest feelings and I appreciate you doing that so openly. LOVE the new website!!! (and I have that calf in boots issue, too. Thank goodness my Hunter boots fit over them…ha! 🙂