• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

April 28, 2014

Believe You Can…

…and you’re halfway there.

This past weekend we, along with over 500 of our closest friends , attended the SNAP conference in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah.

Heather and Vanessa at SNAP

And we wished there was some way to have packed you all up and brought you along with us. Imagine what the over-sized luggage fee would have been for that! 😉

Because, well, you see it was amazing.

Not only did we get to spend time with some of our most favorite people in the whole wide world…

…and rock out at an 80’s themed dance party…

But it was also an absolute honor and privilege to be apart of two incredible speaking teams.

And while it may have seemed that on the surface what we shared had mostly to do with blogging, the truth was that there was a common theme throughout the entire conference.

That theme was YOU.

You. The woman who is dreaming.

Dreaming of trying something new.

Dreaming of answering a call.

Dreaming of turning a hobby into a business.

Dreaming of wanting to remember how to dream.

We found ourselves surrounded by over 500 women who are all pursuing their dreams. And there is an energy, a truly palpable energy, when that many dreamers are gathered together in one place at one time.

There we were, 500 women from all around the world (literally the WORLD). We were all so very different and yet all so very much the same.

Because we are all dreamers.

And what we’ve come to realize over the course of these last few years as we pursue our own dreams is that often the biggest hurdle we have to get over is…well…ourselves.

Our doubts.

Our fears.

Our insecurities.

believe you can

 

‘Believing’ seems like such a simple thing to do, doesn’t it?

But getting out of our own way can truly be the hardest part of pursuing our dreams.

So, we suppose, what we really want you to know is that…well…we get it. Truly, we do.

But, let’s make a deal. Right here, right now.

We’re going to start believing that we can.

And we want you to start believing that YOU can too!

Want to start believing together?

Let’s claim this moment.

On this day, April 28, 2014 we’re going to believe that we can…which means we’re already halfway there!

dual-signature_thumb2

 

 

 

29 Comments Filed Under: Blogging 101

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Homemade Organic Coffee Scrub
Next Post: Tips for perfect potted flowers…and the Southern Living Plant Collection »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erica Goodman says

    April 28, 2014 at 4:36 AM

    Thank you for the motivation! I’m super pumped yup for the day ahead of me!

    Reply
  2. Thistle says

    April 28, 2014 at 5:03 AM

    You go girl!!!!!! I love this post. So true and that is exactly what I took away from the conference, too! You are amazing!

    Happy day!
    karianne

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 28, 2014 at 4:34 PM

      No, YOU are amazing sweet friend!! 😉

      Reply
  3. martina says

    April 28, 2014 at 5:10 AM

    Awesome post girls!! Have a great week!!

    Reply
  4. Doreen says

    April 28, 2014 at 5:27 AM

    You girls rock! Thanks for sharing a bit of SNAP with us! I so wish I could have been there! My dream is what keeps me going (and inspiring posts like this one are like a boost of energy)! This was just what I needed this Monday morning!

    xoxo
    Doreen

    Reply
  5. Judy K says

    April 28, 2014 at 6:41 AM

    Found this so inspirational and motivating.

    Reply
  6. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    April 28, 2014 at 7:49 AM

    Great post and it looks like such a great time to connect and enjoy and learn.

    Reply
  7. aimee coker says

    April 28, 2014 at 9:37 AM

    Happy the conference went well! Very inspiring!

    Reply
  8. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    April 28, 2014 at 9:47 AM

    Love this. Love you both. It was so amazing to meet you both in person!! xoxo

    Reply
  9. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    April 28, 2014 at 9:52 AM

    See so many familiar faces…Glad you all had a magnificent time!!!

    Reply
  10. debbiedoos says

    April 28, 2014 at 12:22 PM

    I really needed this today Vanessa! Thank you:)

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      April 28, 2014 at 8:34 PM

      Well it makes my day hearing that Debbie!

      Reply
  11. Cori @ Let's Eat Grandpa says

    April 28, 2014 at 4:23 PM

    It was so great to meet you at your storytelling class! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be the most inspirational and helpful class (and HILARIOUS) of the whole conference. Thanks for everything! <3

    Reply
  12. Vivienne at The V Spot says

    April 28, 2014 at 5:27 PM

    I double puffy heart love both of you. That is all.

    Reply
  13. Sharon Rexroad says

    April 28, 2014 at 6:14 PM

    Being able to connect with new friends and reconnect with friends like you was part of what made SNAP so awesome. And yes, I believe…

    Reply
  14. Jillene@inkhappi says

    April 28, 2014 at 7:51 PM

    You two are darling! I love this and your take on “Believe in YOU”. You may have motivated me to start writing my SNAP post right now! I enjoyed your class so much and it really inspired me and I know it will help me to be a better blogger. I was able to talk to KariAnne and Vivienne before the class but missed you. I hope you got my little swag from inkhappi that was “mint” for you hah. Thanks for the inspiration! ~ Jillene

    Reply
  15. Tauni says

    April 28, 2014 at 8:50 PM

    Remember that one time you came all of the way to Utah to support your friend and attend a conference you didn’t know all THAT much about? I do and I won’t ever forget it. Thank you for sharing this beautiful message! xoxo

    Reply
  16. chelsea says

    April 29, 2014 at 5:43 AM

    This looks like it was so amazing!

    Reply
  17. Judy says

    April 29, 2014 at 6:23 AM

    You two are amazing. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  18. Kimberly ~ SerendipityRefined says

    April 29, 2014 at 9:15 AM

    Thanks for the inspiration, ladies! Just when I needed it most! xo

    Reply
  19. Kerry Purcell says

    April 29, 2014 at 12:23 PM

    Thank you both SO MUCH for this perfect post. I needed to read it and I definitely need to get out my own way. I have a new blog and a dream of a small business. However, I often say, “I can’t do this”, “I’m not talented”, “I already have a full time job” . . . instead of saying and believing that with God all things are possible. I’m recharged and ready to go!

    Reply
  20. Maria Gonzalez says

    April 29, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    Thank you for sharing and I accept the challenge of believing that I can!

    Reply
  21. Kelly says

    April 29, 2014 at 5:17 PM

    Ladies! Meeting you and your ever so kind spirited souls was a highlight for me. You empower(ed) me in so many ways. Thank you for your kindness, encouragement and hugs. Hoping to see you at Haven! Hugs and Kisses. #thatsall

    Reply
  22. Genny says

    April 30, 2014 at 2:11 PM

    Love this post! And, you two look amazing!

    Reply
  23. Barbara Ann says

    April 30, 2014 at 4:58 PM

    I am a California girl. Where would there be one of these close to me? I really would like to start a blog but am looking for beginners tips..
    Thank you. 🙂
    http://Www.etsy.com / shop / barbaraannscreations

    Reply
  24. Sue {munchkin munchies} says

    May 1, 2014 at 7:06 PM

    Thanks so much for the inspiration! <3

    Reply
  25. Jordan@the2seasons says

    May 7, 2014 at 1:42 PM

    Ok first of all you ladies look great and I love the scrunchy on the wrist for the 80’s party. Our plan is to make it to snap next year, as this year I was out of the country. Looked like a great time had by all. Now this is getting me excited for Haven.

    Reply
  26. crown garage doors houston says

    August 1, 2014 at 6:25 AM

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied
    on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos
    to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Will You Help? - At The Picket Fence says:
    July 15, 2014 at 3:01 AM

    […] traveled the around country, spoken at conferences, been given an all-expenses paid trip to NYC, toured the HGTV Smart Home, been featured in […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Marty@A Stroll Thru Life Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”.
.
When I was a little girl we took a trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO. One of the attractions there is the Marvel Cave. The whole theme park was actually built right around the cave! I will never forget the feeling of descending into the darkness. We had to walk down a steep, narrow path and I could feel the rocky walls beginning to close in on me. From time to time, our guide would even have to call out for us to duck our heads so as not to whack them on rocks that were jutting out. And just when it felt like we had been walking forever; just when it felt the most narrow and the most dark; just when we were starting to get really weary from navigating this path, we turned the corner and found ourselves awestruck as we gazed at this enormous room. Everywhere we looked there were stalactites and stalagmites. Lights had been installed and they reflected off of these formations creating the most beautiful colors on the walls. There were pools of water in a shade of aquamarine I had never seen before and waterfalls flowing from upper levels. That long, winding, damp trek had been so very worth it. The descent into darkness had revealed light…and life!

My prayer for you friends, is that you will look at that narrow path with the small gate as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that our souls are longing for. The wide and broad path of the world promises us a freedom that is fleeting and temporary. But at the end of the narrow path, there is hope and peace and life everlasting.

I’m choosing the narrow path. And in spite of the hardships, in spite of the challenges and the fears and the times that can feel as dark as the journey down into a cave, I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.
Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally bloom Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally blooming and I try really hard to not play favorites among the flowers in my garden but these beauties have my heart and bring me so much joy.

What’s bringing you joy today dear friends?
I can’t properly express how much joy it gives m I can’t properly express how much joy it gives me to know that my family loves being home. After a weeklong vacation, we all feel so happy to be back in our haven. As a homemaker in the truest sense of the word (the maker of a home), knowing my husband and children consider this the place where they feel the most relaxed and at peace means all of my intentions and efforts in this area are worthwhile. It’s not perfect and WE are not perfect by a long stretch. But, it’s where we feel the most free to be imperfect. And that makes it pretty wonderful! 🌱
Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made the Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made these last night and they were a big hit! I’ve seen variations of these online but this is my version. So yummy and ready in no time! 
#summerdinner #summerrecipes #grillingseason #grilling #easydinner #easydinnerideas
It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the Willamette Valley! Extreme rain and cooler temperatures followed by extreme heat then back to cloudy and rainy. But the silver lining is that when the sun finally does reappear we definitely don’t take it for granted. My mood is lifting along with the clouds and I’m here for it! ☀️
Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 M Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

May we never take for granted the freedom given to us not by earthly authorities but by the ONE true authority. And may we live in such a way as to honor those who fought for and protect freedom and liberty. 

“Independence Day, freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to sha Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to share all of the details of our family room shelving makeover but I’m super impatient and just had to give you all a sneak peek!! We are SO happy with how they turned out and it finally looks like I’ve always envisioned. Our quick fix years ago (scroll to see the before photo) never felt quite right but now? Soooo much better!! 🙌🏻 Big shoutout to our amazingly talented friend Matt @redemptive_woodworx for bringing our vision to life and doing such impeccable work.

I hope you all have a great start to the 4th of July weekend and make sure to check my stories later for Friday Funnies!
“Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing thro “Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing through the jasmine in my mind.” Nothing captures the aroma of summer for me quite like jasmine. With my windows open, the whole house is naturally scented and it’s one of my favorite parts of the season.
The month of June is coming to a close and it has The month of June is coming to a close and it has been JAM packed! The highlight by far though was my son's graduation from high school. When I started blogging, he was only 6 years old and some of you have been apart of my community here for that entire time. Now, he's 19 and there is a reason parents are told not to blink because the years truly do go faster than I ever could have imagined. He has become such an incredible young man we are so excited to see how God is going to unfold the next chapter of his life. We celebrated with parties galore (SO many open houses to attend!) and made memories we'll forever cherish. My mama heart was filled to bursting with the joy of it all! Now we're taking some time to just enjoy these warm, summer days making even more memories because, when you’re at this stage of parenting, you know all too well how much you need to grasp every opportunity to spend time together.

I hope your summer is off to a great start too dear friends! 🪴
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts o “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Happy first day of summer dear friends!! I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted something new here but life has been crazy. I’ll have some new photos of house projects and life events to share with you soon but, got now, I’m just going to enjoy this gorgeous first day of summer after our ridiculously long, wet spring. ☀️
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence