Saturday Spotlight: Life Behind the Blogger


Susan from Must Love Junk, and myself wanted to do a regular feature on our blogs, something unique that hasn't been done before.   So we came up with an idea to 'spotlight the real life behind the blogger' in a more personal way.
There is so much talent and inspiration in blogland, and we thought it would be fun to bring you a closer look at the person behind the blog.

Every week on Saturday we will spotlight a blogger and have them tell us a little bit about themselves and their blogs.  You will be able to see and read about each of the bloggers on both Susan's and my blog. 
Cindy from Consider It All Joy
June 28th



Good Saturday Morning everyone.  I am so pleased to introduce you to a really sweet blogger.  I have recently gotten to know Cindy and just love her blog.  Cindy gets my crazy and always leaves me a sweet comment on my blog posts.  Sit and enjoy getting to know Cindy and then hop over and check out her blog.



When I first received the email from Kris at Junk Chic Cottage asking me if I would be interested in being featured on her Saturday Spotlight, Life Behind The Blogger, I thought she had gotten the wrong email address. I fly my blog way under the radar so I was, quite frankly, shocked that she would ask. Thank you Kris for extending this honor to me and my little blog, I appreciate you so much!

My name is Cindy and I have been blogging at Consider It All Joy for 6 years. 


Born and raised in Southern California you might say I lived a fairy tale kind of life, spending all of our free time at either, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm or the beach (Huntington, Newport or Balboa).  If I was afforded the opportunity now, I would definitely make my home on a beach somewhere in California.  But for now, I’ll just be happy to hang out in my own little piece of Paradise.  This fall I will be painting a full mural on the back wall behind the pool (now that I've announced it, I HAVE to complete it).


At 21 my family purchased a restaurant in a small town near Lake Tahoe, CA where I eventually met and married the love of my life. Because his family came from and owned a large portion of Bodie, CA he wanted to get married there, (it is now a State Historic Park), so on May 16, 1981 that is exactly what we did.

   
Just 6 months into our marriage I found out I would not be able to have children. After numerous tests, sleepless night and months of tears, we decided that adoption would be our option. Our oldest son came into our lives when he was 21 months old; we were his 4th home and gratefully, his final home. Our youngest son was 4 months old when he came to us; we were told he was deaf, blind and paralyzed on his right side. We were told he would never walk, talk or live beyond a year or two. We were asked if we would just take him until they found an institution who would take him. Please, don’t get too attached they said, my heart was hooked, he is now 29, and even with all of his ‘deficits, I wouldn’t change anything for the world. 


Eventually life led us to Phoenix, AZ where we purchased our 1st and only house together. It’s a tiny 1100 sq ft (vintage~lol) 1979 tract house. It’s nothing special, except for the fact that we purchased it together and made it home.


I first began blogging as an outlet for a tough season I was walking through never thinking anybody would ever read what I wrote, however I began participating in on-line Bible studies and met some amazing women whom I can honestly say have become great friends, even in real life friends.

On Christmas Eve 2010, I awoke to find my husband of nearly 30 years, had passed away early that morning and my life changed forever. My world, as I had known it, fell apart and everything I had grown to love was turned upside down, including my blog.

During that season of grief it was my son’s and My 3 K’s (my granddaughters) who kept me semi-sane and able to put one foot in front of the other.

   
It has only been in the past 6 months or so that I have begun to actively pursue new hobbies which include, writing, photography, junkin’ and reviving my blog.  Those are just the types of things you will find on my blog. Family, photography, junk finds, decorating attempts and the like. I love the #3, C’s and K’s and pick them up when I find them.  



So, that's a small segment of my story, the real blogger behind the blog.  Thank you for allowing me to share with you.
In the months ahead I do plan on updating my blog and re-naming it, it's a work in progress, as am I.  I do hope you will stop by and allow me to get to know you.  

  
Kris, thank you again for this amazing opportunity! You are a Gem... 


Thank you Cindy for sharing with all of us.  Thank you for opening up about the loss of your husband and how your family helps to bring you through the loss.  So touching.

Please hop over to Susan's blog and learn about another great blogger LeeLee from Paper Bag Styling.

Have a wonderful week end. 
Kris
:)

25 comments

  1. Cindy, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Your grandchildren are cuties. xoox

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  2. So sorry about you loosing your husband. Your grandchildren are so very pretty and I know that they are a great comfort to you.

    Thanks Kris for introducing us to Cindy.
    Mary

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  3. Cindy, you are a special blogging friend, and I'm so glad that you shared with us! You're an incredible person (wish we lived closer so we could hit 'Sweet Salvage' together! :) Love that last pic of your wonderful family!
    Susan

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  4. So moved by Cindy's story! She's a strong woman. Heading over to visit and follow.
    Great feature Kris!

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  5. What a touching Spotlight, Kris. Cindy sounds like a special woman, mother, grandmother and blogger.

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  6. Thanks for letting us into your life, Cindy. We rarely know all the ups and downs and struggles behind the blogger. Very inspiring!
    Mary Alice

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  7. Thank you sweet friend for sharing your inspiring story with all of us. You are a special woman, mom and grandmother and now a great blogging friend to all of us. You have shared how even though you endure great loss life still can go on. It is amazing how the love of being a mom, grandmother and wonderful friend can give you the strength to find joy and continue on in life after such loss. Thank you Cindy for sharing and opening up with all of us.
    Kris

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  8. Tears in my eyes at I read Cindy's powerful story. We chat a lot because of our southern California connections, but I did not know her story. Thanks for spotlighting Cindy.

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  9. Kris, Thank you for introducing Cindy in Spotlight. Cindy, I am sitting here crying ... For I too understand great loss. Your story touches my heart and I think you are an amazing kind spirit. Thank you for sharing.
    Vera

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  10. I so enjoyed getting to know Cindy a mite better. What a wonderful Christian woman and family. Her choices certainly weren't easy ones. I wish her the very best life has to offer. Thanks, Kris, neat series. Hugs.

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  11. Thank God Cindy has that loving family. She has always been a brave lady it seems. Blessings to her and her family, xoxo,Susie

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  12. Thanks so much for sharing your story, Cindy. You sound like a truly amazing woman. xo Laura

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  13. As an adopted mother as well, my heart was touched by her story. I will stop on over to her blog to say hello.

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  14. Hi Kris, what an amazing feature of Cindy who has so much courage and a true inspiration. Her story is touching. I will visit her blog and say hello. Thank you and Susan for hosting this Spotlight series.
    Hugs

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  15. You have a beautiful family Cindy....I'm sure your husband is smiling down proud on all of you from Heaven ox

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  16. Cindy, You are truly an inspiration! What a wonderful, kind woman with such an uplifting spirit. I enjoyed getting to know you on today.

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  17. I understand what you have been through. I lost my soul mate, my hubby on Nov 10 2012 after 36 years of marriage. I hold tightly to the wonderful memories we shared in all those years. I also blog and it helps me. My photography is so wonderful for me as I concentrate on all lovely things in Gods world. I also write poetry. Both have helped me through the loss.

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  18. Amazing testimony, Cindy...and I sort of love your blog name! If this is a new season, I look forward to seeing your changes in your blog. Blessings. Thanks Kris for another closer peek at a blog friend. :)

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  19. I have not met Cindy before or read her blog. I will have to go give her a visit. What a touching story about her past! She obviously has a wonderful family and a lot of faith. Those are so important when going through difficult times. Thanks for sharing her story with us!

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  20. I love the blogger spotlights & finding new blogs this way.

    I'd like to suggest that you clearly link to the blog you are sharing.
    I read your blog faithfully & usually have a hard time finding the link as it's never in the same place - at the end would be great. After we read the spotlight I'd love to go straight to the blog. The introduction is where I usually find it but I couldn't find a link at all in this post. Maybe it was just an oversight this time as it's usually somewhere in the post?

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  21. your family is lovely, cindy! so sorry for your loss. thanks for sharing your story with us:)

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  22. Thank you for sharing this story. I will definitely visit Cindy. Oh so heart-felt.

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  23. So great to meet Cindy and read about her life and story behind her blogging...I am so sorry Cindy for your incredible loss....and am happy that your family gives you the strength to move on through very difficult times...

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  24. Thank you so much to each person who took the time to read and/or comment on this feature, or stop by my blog. I have been SO encouraged over the past few days. My heart is full and I am humbled with gratitude for your kindness! I did attempt to personally thank each of you, but if you don't have an email attached to your blog/link I was unable to connect but I am thankful none the less. Thank you again, Kris! You have blessed my week.

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  25. Cindy, I enjoyed getting to know about you and your family. I'm so very sorry for your devastating loss, but encouraged to know you are beginning to feel able to pursue some things that bring you joy. Thank you for sharing your story!

    Jeanette

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