Monday, November 16, 2015

Hardwood Floor Color And Blog Issues

Just when I had this post ready to publish about the hardwood floor color, my blog went dark.
It appears my domain name that I purchased from GoDaddy had lapsed because of an expired credit card on file.  They assured me when I renewed my domain name that my blog would be back in an hour or possibly 48 hours.

By Sunday, it was quite evident that my blog was gone.
I tried everything!  Blogger had me stuck in a continuous redirect loop.
I tried to call Blogger, but there is no number, ever for them.  You're on your own.
GoDaddy eventually fixed the problem for me but it meant hours on the phone.
I'm so grateful that one of their tech support spent the extra time to correct the problem.
Otherwise, Vignette Design was gone forever!

So back to the hardwood floor color....
I ended up mixing Minwax Jacobean and Classic Gray for a grayed down brown that captured the look of the floors I am going for.
Unfortunately, the stain appeared streaked on the herringbone portion of the floors because the installer used the wrong rag when applying the stain.  He sanded the herringbone and reapplied the color with a different rag.

However, he applied the color on the border too, giving the borders two coats of stain.  Now the borders looked darker, almost black.  It wasn't right.
At this point, we were just chasing the stain and my contractor and I made the decision to sand it all down and start over.  Even the installer said he wanted to do it as he was unhappy with the way the floors looked.
Today, the floors are all sanded and ready for stain, but instead we will cover them up because otherwise it will stall the painter, the tiler and the stair installer another week.  The stain will go on later.  

Back to the blog....
Facing the reality that Vignette Design was gone, I had to ask myself if it was a sign to stop blogging.
I'm not posting as much as I used to and maybe this was meant to be.  
What bothered me though were all those years I spent, over 1000 posts, almost 6 million visitors--all gone.  This November marked my 6th year of blogging!
So when Vignette Design went back online last night, I was quite relieved, to say the least!
Thank you to all who follow me and thanks to those who reached out in concern.


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28 comments:

gme said...

Delores, so many bloggers have come and gone that I've followed for so many years. Some I've missed, some I haven't. You are the exception though. You have been such an inspiration to me over the years, I love your style and confidence to be a little different and to stay true to your design esthetic. Your tablescapes are second to none and your whole decorating style is timeless and classic, not the trendy cookie cutter look so popular now where everyone's homes look exactly alike. Please don't leave us, especially now that you have a new home that we are so anxiously waiting to see what you do with. That would just be cruel!

Unknown said...

I'm so glad that you are still on! I would miss you!

Sarah said...

Delores, I'm relieved that the issue was resolved and that Vignette Design is back up for all to view. What a loss it would be to no longer have this beautiful source of classic, timeless inspiration. I know blogging takes tremendous time, effort, and commitment. I hope you will continue to post for us as your and inspiration time permit. As, gme said, we are all anxiously waiting to see the new abode. '-)
The wood floors are beautiful!

Marlis said...

Delores, I am so delighted that this was worked out. I love coming back here for inspiration and direction. Hugs.. marlis

Judy said...

I wholeheartedly agree with everyone above who said it would be a real loss to lose you...I know I for one would really miss your blog and seeing what you do to your new home. I hope you will continue blogging, don't worry if it's not as frequent as in the past, we'll all still be here for you!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

First...BEAUTIFUL floors. I just renewed my domain name for the year. They usually send several scary emails warning that you'd better have an updated credit card on file. But it's so confusing to find where the credit card file is...they call it a different name. Anyway...you POOR thing. That must have been awful to see a blank screen. Gland you are back!

Darcy said...

I so agree with gme's comments. I am so excited about your new home and watching it come together has been so entertaining and rewarding. I'm sorry about the stain problems on the floor, but you and your installer have made the right decision to start over. The third time will be the charm! I had a hard time picturing all the olive trees in your small space but, as usual, you had the vision and it turned out beautifully! Can't wait for you and your husband to enjoy a glass of wine in your beautiful courtyard. Thank you for letting us into your home and sharing your remodel, as well as the past several years of beauty, design and friendship.

Kathysue said...

Hi D! I had something similar happen to me, but not as extensive, and I too, thought maybe it was a sign to not blog, but then that made me sad. WE might blog less, but I still love my readers and the comments, even if they are fewer, so here is to more blogging for us both, CHEERS!! Sorry about the floors, I am sure that made your tummy flip, good thing they can do them over to your liking, hang in there! Once it is all done you are going to love it sooo much!! xoxo

Cynthia S. said...

Hi Delores,
I would be so sorry if you disappeared! Yours was one of the first blogs I ever followed and I have enjoyed all your posts, especially your decorating dilemmas and showcasing! Interesting what you said about Blogger and GoDaddy. Amazing you could just lose your blog for not remembering to update a credit card. I have found, though, that all things Google related are difficult to deal with. I tried to stop photos from automatically appearing on all my devices and instead it began a six-hour elimination of ALL my photos everywhere and no way to stop it! Thank goodness I keep all my photo memory chips in the safety deposit box or I would now have no photos.
Please keep posting, even less frequently is better than not at all!
Thank you,
Cynthia

Unknown said...

Delores, I always look forward to your posts and would miss seeing you and your home decorating. I am so glad you have it worked out. Have you decided if you are bringing color into your new home? I just adored the green in your previous home. I know you will have those floors looking oh so pretty very soon!

Heidi said...

Hi Delores,
I would be sad if I couldn't catch up with you and all your doings here on your blog! I always read your posts and admire your beautiful design and homes, although I may not comment as often as I used to. So glad your blog is still here, and that you didn't lose your content from the previous years.
I wonder if I face the same dilemma as I haven't posted to my blog in years. Hmmm, will have to check on that, thanks for getting me to think about it! And thanks for staying with the blogging. Infrequent posts are like fun unexpected little gifts in my email! I love to see the Vignette Design header on my list!
xo
Heidi
ps the floors will be gorgeous, of course!

Unknown said...

You inspire me. I sincerely thank you for that.

Patricia said...

I hope you know how much we all out here in cyber space enjoy and look forward to your blog posts. I realized, after reading your last post, how difficult it must be at times. I know you spend so much time, researching and writing and photographing for each post, and sometimes people like me read them, enjoy them and learn so much for them, and then never comment to tell you that ! Well - please know that I have enjoyed your blog for years - always look forward to your posts - and really do appreciate them ! Now I will always make a point of saying so, with comments on yours and the few other blogs that I also follow. Thank you !!

laney said...

..so very very glad things were worked out concerning the blog...we do not want you to disappear!...the floors will be perfect...and worth the wait...have a wonderful time of thanksgiving...blessings laney

Lori E said...

I lost my blog very early on in its life but I was lucky enough to live in the same city as the author of Blogging For Dummies. I contacted and hired the wonderful Shane Birley and he got it set up correctly for me and I have had no trouble since.
I can't imagine how you must have felt though as your blog is so established. Glad you are back.
One step forward with the new house and two steps back. Keep your chin up.

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Delores, I can only imagine how terrible you felt thinking that your beautiful blog was gone! It is such an excellent source of inspiration and pleasure for all of us who follow you and anxiously await the next step in your decorating process! I'm thankful that all is well now. Good luck with the floors! I always think they are the hardest part! Linda

Victoria said...

I agree with the other comments. I would be sad if you no longer wrote your blog. I think people read less because there are so many other options like Instagram and Twitter, etc, etc -- none of which I read BTW. Perhaps just writing less often would work for you, and I would understand that approach, but your blogs are always interesting and of the highest quality in terms of design ideas and advice. I would surely miss your "master class."
Best...Victoria

Cyndy said...

Delores, you are no doubt stretched pretty thin right now, no wonder you don't have the time or energy to blog very much. Just blog whenever you feel like it!

Unknown said...

Delores, I too would be so sad if you no longer blogged! Yours is one of the 1st blogs I began following, almost from its start. We have so much in common as we both love decorating, dogs & dishes! So glad your issues were resolved. We are enjoying your posts on your beautiful new home! Happy Thanksgiving!

Unknown said...

Don't stop blogging! I enjoy visiting your blog, and am especially enjoying seeing your home! Glad you were able to get it all back!!

sheilaa131 said...

I can imagine blogging takes time and effort. But at this point, I hope we can see the completion of your new home. Your blog is full of wonderful design ideas and unique shops to visit in our Bay Area, which I have been to. Thanks for sharing and hope ypu won't stop blogging.

Dianne said...

I hope you do not stop blogging but if that is your choice, please wait until the house is finished and share it with us. I am waiting for a big reveal. xo

Desert Diva said...

I agree with the others...please continue blogging!

Bonnie said...

Deloris, So sorry about the blog issues. I realized I had not backed my blog up in a while and after reading your post got to that right away.
I also would be sorry if you stopped blogging. I truly understand how life takes time as does blogging but life does come first. I've cut back drastically this year but don't want to quit entirely. I hope you will blog when you can but not stop.
I don't see as much posted about how to overcome blog issues as when we started blogging.
I think of you often when I use my Tamron 18-270 lens. You blogged about it and I decided to buy one which I have used often. I also remember your fabulous moon shots that I have not mastered yet.
Hope you will have a blessed Thanksgiving.

edbdesigns said...

So glad you are back. I was wondering what had happened to you!

Debbie said...

I'm sure I speak for many when I say that even though you post less frequently, your blog is still a trendsetter. I frequently return to older posts for inspiration and to refresh my memory about something that you said or did. You bring a little bit of sunny California into the Pacific Northwest. Please know that your efforts are truly appreciated!!!

Wingo said...

I love your blog. This was not a sign to stop! Maybe it's a sign to show how valued you are. Happy Thanksgiving!
Joey

Bohemian said...

My Blog went away only once and briefly, but long enough I realized I was totally Addicted to Blogging and had my first major Panic Attach ever thinking it was Gone Forever! *LOL* Glad you got it back, Loving the floors! Dawn... The Bohemian

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