Saying Good-bye to 2022, and Exciting News to Share for 2023

 



Well, Friends, here we are again. It's New Year's Eve, and another year has passed. My co-workers jokingly asked me what bar I would be going to tonight and I replied, "A salad bar." They like to tease me about my straight and narrow lifestyle, and that's just fine with me. It's all in fun, and I know they respect me and my faith. 


I can't close out the year without a big thank you to all of you for your visits and kind comments to all my posts. I appreciate you so much. You are my friends.


My plans for 2023 include some (for me) exciting news. For quite some time I've considered starting a Youtube channel for A Joyful Cottage. Last week I posted here on my blog a video Christmas tour of my home. It was uploaded through Youtube and I chose to make it public with the title "Christmas Tour of My Single Wide Mobile Home." I wasn't expecting the kind of response I got to that video. It's had over 15,000 views, and almost 300 people have subscribed to my channel. Eight-four watchers have left comments -- all of them have been complimentary -- and many of them have asked if I will be posting more content.  All this has given me the confidence to just go for it.


It's not clear what this will mean for A Joyful Cottage blog. It really depends on what happens with Youtube. For now I will continue to post Monday Morning Encouragement and see how things go. 


The goals for A Joyful Cottage have never changed. As I wrote in my "About Me" page:

My passion is God first, and then living the life He has given me in such a way that it blesses others and glorifies Him. 

I've learned so much about how to create a beautiful home on a budget, and I want to continue to pass that on to others. Additionally, I want to show people that living in a mobile home can be a joyful experience. For many people like me it's an affordable alternative to a stick built home.  I feel I can do all this more effectively through Youtube. Making craft and DIY videos. Inspiring others in their own journey.


For me, that's what it's all about.


May the New Year bring you many blessings.


Hugs,
























21 comments

  1. Happy New Year to you Nancy and wonderful news about your video. It really doesn't surprise me. We watch you-tube almost exclusively, not TV. Your video was very professionally don't and beautiful. Congratultions!
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Thank you for this encouragement, Betsy. I don't watch TV either, Youtube has replaced it entirely. Happy New Year!

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  2. Nancy, Happy New Year and happy new endeavor! If the YouTube takes the place of blogging, just post so we can find you there. It sounds like fun and new excitement in your life. In the meantime, stay warm and safe and don't over work. Lynn and Precious XX

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    1. Thank you, Lynn. I surely don't want to lose contact with my blogging friends. Now that the Christmas retail season is over, my workload has decreased considerably. Happy New Year!

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  3. So much to love about your home, Nancy! I just watched your video and I know I will forget some of the things I loved but here goes…..your living room furniture is beautiful. Sighing over sofa and chaise. The lighting in ther is so lovely and the feeling so comfy and welcoming. I remember your kitchen makeover and it looks great. The counters….your sink and faucet - love them! So nice to have an eat-in kitchen and your table fits in so perfectly. The lit candles throughout, your restful bedroom with gorgeous linens….thanks for the tour and Happy New Year!!!!

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    1. Wow! You recalled a lot. Thanks so much. Happy New Year! ♥

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  4. God bless your new endeavor with you-tube.

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    1. Thank you, my friend. So nice to receive a visit from you! Hugs.

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  5. Oh Nancy this is great news! I've always thought you would be wonderful at doing YouTube videos! You have so much to share. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do in 2023! Wishing you many blessings! Hugs....Marilyn

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    1. You are so sweet, Marilyn. I truly appreciate all the encouragement you give me God bless you! Hugs.

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  6. Go for it Nancy! I always look forward to and enjoy your posts. While I live in a different type of home I like what you have done with your home and your ideas and work-arounds for problems. Now I have to find you on utube. You deserve this attention and all good things that come your way this year. Goodl luck! Dee

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    1. Thanks so much, Dee. Here's the link to my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPwO7Xq9vpvbD92l90a8eyQ

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  7. How exciting. I think people are going more towards U Tube an IG instead of blogs. They like to see the real people behind the blogs and like the videos. I know you will do well with it. Happy New Year. xoxo Kris

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  8. Happy New Year, dear friend. I am over-the-moon excited about your news! I'm headed to YouTube to see your video and I will definitely be a follower and can't wait to see more. Sending hugs and wishes for a year ahead that's filled with more blessings than you can imagine.
    ~Adrienne~

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  9. Hi Nancy...I trying it out...fingers crossed.
    Yes!!! go for the YouTube channel. As soon as I get done here I will sign up!!! I saw the home tour here on the blog and it was lovely. I will give it a thumbs up over there!!!
    I am hoping you have Blessed, Healthy New Year!!!!
    Addie

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  10. Oh, how wonderful! I am SO excited to hear this!!! I LOVE your videos, and the one you did the other day was just so lovely and so well-done! I am super thrilled that it brought in so many subscribers, and I know this is only the beginning of the great things God has in store for you. You have been such a blessing to me and others for so long, and it is high time your work and labors for the Lord are recognized and seen by a wider audience. I feel so good about this and am so thankful you minded God and stepped out in faith. He is going to reward you, my friend. I am so looking forward to watching His plan for your life unfold! Sending much love and hugs your way!

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  11. Look at you, going viral!! That's amazing!! Although, not surprising, your warm and cozy style is just lovely. It's not at all hard to see why people are drawn to your video and inspired to follow. I must go over and subscribe so I don't miss a thing. Happy New Year to you my friend, all the best in 2023 and I hope you enjoyed that salad!! 😉 xo

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  12. So excited to see your Christmas video, and your craft room video! I am thrilled to see your videos! Like others have said, we don't watch tv at all, mostly just Youtube. I think your style is so fabulous, and genuine. You have so much knowledge about DIY projects, I remember from your previous posts on Joyful Cottage, all the beautiful DIY projects you did there, they were so amazing. I also loved your eye for detail on the homes around the world that you would virtually take us to visit. I am so excited for you, and look forward to more of your amazing content! Many blessings to you dear friend!

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    1. Marilyn, you are too kind. I'm humbled by your comment. God has always been my Teacher. In everything in my life, everything good that I have learned and any skills I have are completely gifts from Him. God bless you. ♥

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  13. Happy New Year Nancy. Congratulations on your Youtube channel, it was a joy to see your beautiful warm home :-)

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  14. Going over to check the channel, so excited for you!
    Amalia
    xo

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Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.