COTE DE TEXAS: Blog Awards and Other Musings

Blog Awards and Other Musings


The Miles Redd skirted table that started the debate: skirts vs. no skirts.


This week I was pleasantly surprised to receive news that Cote de Texas had been awarded the "Best Blog of the Day Award" by the Blog of the Day Awards group. Lana, who writes the newly launched Topsy Turvy blog, nominated me for my "Skirted Tables" entry. Who ever knew that a story about a piece of fabric atop particle board would be worthy of any mention, much less an award? Thankfully the judges behind the Blog of the Day Awards did. The spirited and sometimes raucous debate between my readers and Decorno's readers caught the judges' eyes. Regardless of the merits of such a materialistic discussion, I'm thrilled to have won! Thank you!





And while I'm patting myself on the back, I just learned that Claudia from the Ferret and Hound blog has named Cote de Texas' entry on - what else - skirted tables, to her Top 5 Posts - January. She also cites my "Meeting of the blogs" about my trip to Dallas with blogger Patricia Gray, as a favorite too. Thanks Claudia - I feel so honored to be named twice!!! And just when I could start to get a bit of a big head from all this adulation, I only have to go check my stats at Technorati who rank my blog at a measly and embarrassingly low #73,982!!! Not exactly numbers to gloat about. Ah, well, you can't win them all.


Picture of my family room, shot for Houston House and Home magazine.



All this exciting news has made me stop and think about how much Cote de Texas has affected my life. When I started this blog around nine months ago, it was purely on a lark, something to do to amuse myself and maybe a few friends. I barely even knew what a blog was. Those very first comments I received remain the most thrilling ones of all. I certainly had no clue that Cote de Texas would directly change my life - and for the better. Its effects have been phenomenal, and all the more so because I had no expectation of change, and certainly, no motivation drove me to create the blog. Cote de Texas was borne out of a desire to share my love of design, pure and simple. My family and friends have been very supportive, yet skeptically surprised that I am able to write in an informative and somewhat entertaining manner - something I am not so sure of myself! But, it has been the support from the nameless and faceless readers that has been the most surprising and fulfilling. At this point, I realize I no longer write this blog for just myself, I continue it for the reader and I hadn't anticipated having this feeling of loyalty.

And there are more tangible ways my life has been enriched from the blog: I've heard from editors of favorite magazines who state they actually enjoy reading me. Imagine. My home was published in a local magazine after its editor read my blog. And recently, two national magazines have expressed interest in publishing my home, and, more importantly, my clients' homes. I've reconnected with friends I had lost touch with, and was even reacquainted with a former sister-in-law. I've received gifts from readers, unsolicited and unexpected. I've had art work commissioned for me from friendly bloggers. I've gotten new clients both in Houston and from the far reaches of the globe who seek my advice for their home via emails. I've made so many new friends through the blog - my inbox overflows. It's been rewarding to talk with people who share my love of design. And the most fun has been taking these cyberspace relationships further, meeting other bloggers in person and making lifelong friends in the process. So now, as I look back over the past nine months, what I do know is that through the power of the written word and the magic of the digital camera, what I've gotten back from you, the reader, has been so much more than what I have given. And for that, I am most grateful and thankful.


Cote de Texas meets up with Patricia Gray, Inc. at the Dallas World Market this January.


29 comments :

  1. Congratulations, Joni, you deserve it! Your posts are always informative and interesting, and the rest of us appreciate your support and encouragement.

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  2. And you deserve every one of them. Yours was one of the first 5 blogs I discovered, when I was looking for information on the Round Rock sales.... I've been reading you daily since then. I've got your pdf of the article on your home on my desktop and look at it often. I really don't think you realize how good you really are! Bravo for your props, Joni.

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  3. Congratulations! I don't comment often on your blog, but I really enjoy it.

    Also, your family room looks fabulous and inviting.

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  4. Congratulations, Joni, your hard work deserves such recognition. I am always eager, delighted to see the new, always interesting, design subjects you bring to your readers.

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  5. Congratulations Joni. My life has become richer, since you began Cote de Texas! I continue to learn from you. So happy you're here!

    Pat

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  6. Joni, all of the accolades you've recieved are very well deserved. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog.

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  7. Quite an impressive week for you! I feel it's just the beginning. Have you and Patricia started your co-authored design book?

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  8. Goes to show you: If you truly love what you do, your are bound to achieve success!!! Who would have EVER thought that by me stumbling upon your blog, and asking an innocent question about a vendor, that I would have found such a WONDERFUL mentor and incredibly gracious friend who puts up with all of my antics and fledgling design biz war stories?

    I am ecstatic for the new chapter in your life, and appreciate you as a friend and counsel more than you'll ever know!!!

    Andrea

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  9. We all love you and what you write. It's always so interesting, funny and informative. Your good heart shines through!

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  10. Joni - you have beautifully expressed what I feel every day. Thanks for taking the time; I love dropping in.

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  11. Well deserved! I can imagine that a detailed blog like this is quite a bit of work and it's very well done and a joy to read!

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  12. Big week for you! Congratulations. I share your enthusiasm for the power of blogs, especially the joy that comes when we begin something with no expectation or even comprehension of what might be ahead. Everything is a happy surprise.

    Good work!
    Melissa

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  13. I've only recently started reading your blog and love it. I hope you don't mind, but I borrowed two images from your post on 'Something's Gotta Give' for my own post on kitchens. I credited you, of course :) Congratulations on your awards.

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  14. Cograts, and great interview at Bright and Beautiful!

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  15. Yay! That's wonderful! Thanks for the sweet comments and I just want to say that I am so glad you started blogging! Cote de Texas has it's own distinct charm and I always look forward to your well-written, informative, beautifully illustrated and witty posts! You are a natural writer, Joni. Wishing you continued success!

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  16. Congratulations, how wonderful and so well deserved....I love your blog!!!!

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  17. Congratulations, Joni - it is very deserved!!

    And thank you so much for the mention! :-)

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  18. Joni
    Congratulations on your Blog of the Day Award. Your post on Skirted Tables is one of my favs of yours. You really got some lively debate going. Your interview on Blogging on ATB&B was very insightful...and I am so glad that you started Blogging, because now I can call you my "Blogging Buddy".

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  19. Ok, I've already stated I like the table skirts... but I wasn't too keen on the BLANKET on Miles Redd's desk. (Although I love the placement at the foot of the bed) But JUST NOW....I was taking another look and thought, "well, if it was a cashmere blanket...."
    You put a spell on me.

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  20. Beautifully said Joni. Keep up the good work!

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  21. Congrats Joni!! You certainly deserve it ;)

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  22. Joni, You are a wonderful blogger because your posts come from the heart as well as from the head. You are a truly gifted writer and your accolades are so well deserved. I love reading the comments when you start a design controversy. Congrats!!!!
    Julie

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  23. I love how you add a dash of humor to the world of design.
    I so enjoy your posts, and always learn something new each time I visit.
    Dena

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  24. Thought I posted this earlier but, congrats on the acolades. You deserve them.

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  25. Congrats Joni! I think you are more than deserving! Your blog is so entertaining and thought provoking. I love it!

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  26. Congratulations on your awards. Your blog is a great eye candy for me.

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  27. You rock Joni!!!! Keep it up girl, you know I'm your biggest fan :)

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