I am truly grateful for every single comment that was left after my “Let’s have a heart to heart” post Friday night. I sat in my bed Saturday morning with a heart full of gratitude and tears streaming down my face. I am blown away. I cannot believe how many of you took the time to leave me a note of encouragement. In fact, I’m holding back the tears as we speak. Thank you. I wish there was a better way to express my gratitude. At church today, I had a lesson on the power of kindness. I sat there for the entire hour and thought about all of your kind words. 
I had one particular comment that hit me so hard that I couldn’t help but cry.
Reyna said:
…Maybe just the words you are hearing from yourself are what has changed. It sounds like you are a fantastic mother, a VERY creative person, and a caring, sensitive woman who just needs to be reminded of that sometimes.
Never discount who you are!! Give yourself a chocolate hug or whatever it is that reminds you how special you are and have ALWAYS been!
Thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to write me. I appreciated it and give you the permission to never comment again if you don’t have time. One of you said that it took you over an hour to comment because of a teething baby. In the future, take care of that baby and no need to comment.
I am still going to enjoy every comment I get here at All Things Thrifty {as I have for over three years}, but I have a new understanding and expectation in that regard. I hope you all had a great weekend.
xoxo,
Brooke
I can’t wait to show you my next tutorial!
So I just caught up on these blog posts, I only get to check on Sundays for some reason. I rarely, almost never comment because I feel so stalkerish. I don't even know if you remember me, but we lived on the same street back in Sunset Ridge when you were the managers. Dan was our home teacher and loved having him come to our home monthly. (I can't remember who he came with, but Dan was definitely the more lively – and younger companion – that we could actually relate to. haha) I have followed this blog since you first created it! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the ideas and projects you put out there and in fact need to email you about my dining table project I need to get done in the spring. 🙂 And every time you've been on TV I have found a way to see it…especially since we don't live in Utah anymore. 🙂 So I'm a huge fan and even writing this feel a little stalkerish, but you have to know that you are amazing! The things you do, plus four kids plus everything else, I have decided you just never sleep! And the thing that kills me is how super energetic and upbeat you always are on your posts. Sometimes I read your posts just to be uplifted because your attitude about life is just so amazing and admirable. So thanks for that on top of all your awesome projects! And now that I've written a novel, I shall make my leave…. Keep up the greatness that is you! 🙂
I have one little boy a year and a half — it feels like
He takes up all my time !! Like you it does feel like I clean all
The time but doesn't feel like the house is clean. I don't get to do "me" time as much that's why it has taken me months to finish my dresser but I will get around to it. 🙂 you are an inspiration to a lot of my projects — like many I don't get to comment as frequently as I can but I do read your blog, and re-read them 🙂 thanks for all your work !! – Lannie Tucson , az
Well, I am going to comment more often.
I went out of town for the weekend and finally remembered that I was going to make sure I sent you a little note. You already know that I adore you! Your creativity surpasses so many others by a long shot. You have quality projects that you spend hours on that we are truly inspired by. I love that you and Dan work on them together, he's amazing too! Most of all I've always been so appreciative of how you make me feel. It's not your projects that have won readers over, it's you! You have the ability to make us feel like we are your best friends. To be able to portray that as you write is an amazing feat. I seriously love you!!! When we get a chance to talk for a bit I ALWAYS go away thinking "She is amazing". Love you girl!!!
God is so GOOD. Love how He finds our Heart spots just when when we need. So thankful for you and your blog and all the inspiration.
Brooke, you are amazing! Your blog email updates are the only one I open and read daily. I can relate to do much of what you post. Little kids constantly un-doing what we do every day! Trying to keep up with everything, for everyone, including ourselves. I search for your posts often…like the Disneyland tips, painting and glazing tuts, amazing room makeovers, your commitment to family, etc!!! Plus, I'm addicted to Diet Coke- *sigh*. Anyway, I never comment but I feel your friendship every day. I will be better at commenting and letting you know how much you inspire me! I just bought a rectangle window for a sign in my kitchen (confectionary shop)! Love you-love your blog! Keep it up:)
To reiterate Casie's comment…I too shy away from commenting on all of the various blogs I follow, as I don't want to be a blog stalker. I found you through Pinterest, and wasn't even really aware of how to "follow" blogs, until I came upon yours. You were my gateway drug. 🙂 The first time I came to your site, I spent an endless amount of time reading just about every post. I love your tutorials, I love your projects, I love everything you do. Your site is the reason my garage has turned into furniture misfit land and why I now get excited over a 40% sale on paint at Sherwin Williams. You taught me the importance of primer, the beauty of glazing, and have given me confidence to try my hand at reupholstering. Don't stop what you're doing…your fans are out here reading, some of us are just quiet…
Good morning…..I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know that I just adore your blog and study your tips and tutorials frequently. I have not commented before, but I just couldn't resist when your current post showed up on my FB newsfeed. This entire segment of social media is still rather new to me, as is the DIY scene. You see, I am in my mid-fifties with 2 daughters (19 and 28). It's been a long time since I have completed any DIY project – maybe since before my oldest was born. So, I am always amazed at your projects and very easy-to-follow tutorials. I also want to tell you that your "heart to heart" post brought back many feelings I had when my children were younger. Even now, when they're home, my weekends tend to be pretty much about them and my projects fall by the wayside. I don't remember feeling like I ever had the house "all cleaned"…(except when I sold it last spring). I just want you to know that at this point in my life, I am happy that I usually chose my kids over the housework, that I sometimes chose to read a good romance novel instead of the newspaper and that I now find some time to do all those things (DIY) I chose not to do when the kids were small. Your work with the blog is important to so many people. I do enjoy the pics and ideas on Pinterest, but I have found some of my favorite "experts" such as you and I read, explore, and use your tutorials often. Through your work, I have renewed my DIY spirit and have new interests and new skills that I use in my life. I will promise to comment more often and I wish you comfort in getting through the days as a working mom with small children. You are awesome and your readers love you! Thanks for inspiring me to "get my DIY back".
Hi Brooke,
I read your "Let's have a heart to heart" post yesterday. I know it can very disheartening when no one comments on your blog post. I started a blog about 2 months and no one has ever posted on mine.
But let me say this, if it wasn't for you and others who are committed to the DIY/crafting world I would not have made it through the most difficult six months of my life. My best friend was diagnosed with stage 4 Lung Cancer in Oct of 2010 (never smoked a day in her life) she was giving one to five years survival. Her disease took over her body in March 2012 and she became completely home bound.
We created "Tuesdays with Steph" it was our version of “Tuesdays with Morrie”. I had been “Pinteresting” for about six months but had never actually made anything I pinned. So I thought it would be fun to make it a Pinterest night. We picked a Pinterest project, and cooked a recipe we had found on Pinterest. The memories we created are priceless, it was our night to forget about cancer and place our focus on our time spent together. Our “Tuesdays with Steph” Pinterest evenings were by far some of our most amazing evenings.
This journey with Steph has been both heart wrenching and special at the same time. There is no manual “How to be a friend to your dying friend”. I knew Steph didn't want us to focus on the cancer she wanted us to focus on our time together. This is why I made sure we had something to do every Tuesday, rather it be a Pinterest craft, a game or going down memory lane. I look back on those evenings with great joy, happiness, and some sadness. I had a light bulb moment, this is what all women need, cancer or no cancer. We need an evening to escape our everyday lives, an evening to bond with women who are important to us, sharing laughter, a glass of wine and being creative. This experience inspired me to start a company called “Pintwist Parties”, bringing Pinterest to Life. Thankfully I received Steph’s stamp of approval and her encouragement to move forward and make this dream a reality; she wants other women to experience what she did. I know “Tuesdays with Steph” meant as much to her as it did to us. Sadly Steph died on Oct 8, 2012, now I'm more inspired and determined to make this company a success to honor my dear sweet friend.
So please know you do more than you will ever know. I want to personally Thank You for your creative spirit and your willingness to share it with others. I have some projects I'm doing in the spring that are inspired by you and I can't wait to share them with you.
Sorry I wrote a novel, I just wanted you to know how important you are and how you inspired me to tap into my creative side.
Thanks,
Cher
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I didn't want to be left out of the comments:) I am constantly amazed at you Brooke. I think how busy my life is, and then look at yours, which is much more crazy. You have an extra child and a part time job. I am always impressed with your KINDNESS, how willingly you share your talents. As far as posts go. I love to see your room makeovers, but all the little tips and personal posts are awesome too!
Long time reader, first time commenter. I check your blog everyday. It has really helped me tap in to my creative side…..and helped me to be a better "spray painter". Thanks for all of your hard work!! and awesome ideas!!