About

Hi y'all! Thank you so much for stopping by! Caravan Sonnet is a cozy luxury haven living at home, work, nature, and travel blog. As an established blog of more than nine years (founded in 2013), Caravan Sonnet has created a thriving community where encouragement is found for the weary soul by finding grace in simple beauty and ordinary days as we document creating an intentional cozy cottage and spaces where brokenness is healed and everyone is loved.

My love for writing, travel, and authenticity grew as I have spent nearly a decade fighting Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease and Cancer among other health issues. Fighting for my life has given me a unique perspective on the beauty that is found in the ordinary and everyday moments and that is reflected vulnerably and humbly in each of her posts. As I have begun the healing process I have taken the lessons I have learned into this beautiful new life. 

At the heart of it all Caravan Sonnet tells the story of desiring to live a beautiful, creative, inspired, and intentional life. I delight in finding simple beauty in ordinary days

A little bit more about the girl behind the blog... I am an English girl at heart, My heart sings when I dance, I love the outdoors, I love thrifting & making something pretty out of nothing, I love History, I would like to be fluent in sign-language to become an interpreter, I am trying to learn French, I delight in fashion, I love tea & coffeehouses, I am amazed by color (and flowers), I will always choose flowers over chocolate, I feel completely home in nature- especially at a place called “camp”, I love learning and am currently working on my PhD, I am a writer, I adore music, I love cooking, I carry a book everywhere with me, I have a heart to support our military men and women, I am passionate about education, history, making our world a better place and children in the foster care system & I fully acknowledge that I once thought I was born a century too late because I love the Jane Austen era… Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions that I receive...

Where do you live and what do you do?  
I currently live with my family in upstate New York. I currently serve and work in an education organization in the government and legal affairs department, am an entrepreneur, teacher, and PhD student. After taking nearly a decade away to fight for my life and health it has been a joy to return to working with high school students. I am also a full time blogger and author and am the founder (along with my precious mom) of 1902 Cottage Press. Underneath this company we currently have three Etsy shops (December CaravanDecember Lane, and The Creators Barn) all of which give a portion of proceeds to various charities that help foster children, education, Make-a-Wish, and our soldiers.

When is your next book releasing and what is your next book about?
 I am so honored and humbled by these questions. I have several upcoming book projects for 2023 and 2024 that I am excited to share with y'all!!

2023 Book Releases
The Opportunity Cost of the Sun (Releasing December 1, 2023)

Lyme Disease Related Books:
Praying through Lyme Disease for College Students (Releasing May 1, 2023)
Praying through Lyme Disease for Teens (Releasing May 1, 2023)
When Lyme Invades: Encouragement and Practical Tips for Churches, Family and Friends To Love People Well Through Lyme Disease (Releasing May 15, 2023)

Coming July 2023: Praying through Lyme Disease Exciting Announcement! Stay tuned! *smiles*

2024 Lyme Disease Book Releases:
Praying through Lyme Disease: For Kids (Releasing May 1, 2024)
When Girl Met Lyme (Rebecca's Story) (Releasing May 15, 2024)

You can find all of my books on Amazon by clicking HERE
Can You Come and Speak at my Event? 
I am honored and humbled by your request. I have enjoyed speaking on a number of topics over the years, including my story of Lyme Disease and about singleness. You can find out more about my speaking availability and also put in a speaking request HERE
caravan sonnet
Are you Single? 
Yes, I am currently single although I do long to be married and to be a mama. I pray daily (many times hourly) for my future hubby and kiddos. I know that for those of you who are single and longing to be married this can be a tender subject. You can find posts written on singleness on the blog by clicking HERE

You have shared that you have Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease. What is it?
I was correctly and accurately diagnosed with Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease in 2013 after seeing over 273 doctors. You can read more about Lyme Disease and what it is in a post that I wrote HERE. I have shared on the blog before that I chose a long time ago to share the more positive side of my life as I look and search for beauty despite the pain. I know that it can be confusing sometimes but I appreciate your understanding of looking to find joy in the most difficult of circumstances. If you are a Lymie looking for encouragement you can find my blog series called, The Lyme Diaries by clicking HERE. You can find my Lyme Books below:

        // Praying through Lyme Disease // 
// When Truth Refreshes //

Additional Language Translations:


*Praying through Lyme Disease has also been translated into several other languages including Polish and in Arabic. If you would like more information on these resources until they become available for purchase on Amazon, please let me know by emailing me at: caravansonnet@gmail.com. If you are passionate about translating this book into another language please feel free to contact me! Thank you for your interest!*
You have mentioned on the blog that you also have had Cancer. How are you doing?
Thank you so much for asking! I was diagnosed with Skin Cancer within three months of my Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease diagnosis in 2013. Thankfully there have been no new Cancer spots and in April of 2018 I was officially able to say that I am Cancer free. We rejoice in this fact and are humbled by this as I know many who are walking the unthinkable and difficult road of Cancer. If this is you, my heart and prayers are with you. You are truly my hero. 

You can read my personal health updates on the blog under the section: Notes from the Porch

What kind of camera do you use? 
I take pictures with my Canon Rebel T7. I absolutely love it! 

I love your pictures! What editing softwear do you use/own?
Thank you so much! That is so sweet of you! I actually do not own any editing softwear programs simply due to cost. I love learning how to use my camera to acquire the shots that I take. It has been a learning experience and a fun journey. I also sometimes do some small editing and put the watermark on my photos with PicMonkey, which I have found to be extremely affordable.
I recently started a blog and would like to ask for advice... 
First, congratulations! Blogging is a wonderful creative outlet and was my full-time job for many years! I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have! Second, you can find blogging advice that I have given by clicking HERE. Third, you can find all sorts of helpful tips and thoughts on the RESOURCE page on the blog HERE

What are your degrees in?
hahaha. For some reason this question truly makes me laugh, since it seems random,but since I receive it quite often... *smiles* here we go: I have a bachelor of arts degree in religion, a masters degree in Public Administration (emphasis in government/public policy), a graduate certificate in Women & International Human Rights Law, and have done additional graduate coursework in a graduate Legal Studies program. I am currently in a new PhD program in Public Policy with a focus on education policy. 
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I am excited to get to know you more! My prayer is that your time here leaves you encouraged. My hope is that you find this little bloggy home a place of encouragement, refreshment, and joy as we explore the lovely simplicity of grace and hope in the promise of ordinary days. Thank you for stopping by today! May you be blessed abundantly! If there is anything that I can pray for you about or you would just like to say "hi"- please feel free to email me at: caravansonnet@gmail.com.

If you are interested in learning more about my writing, or to contact me regarding a speaking event, please contact me at: rebeccaannvandemark@gmail.com

All images, text, and content on this site are the sole property of Caravan Sonnet, (unless I have given credit where it is due) and may not be used, copied or transmitted without the consent of my permission. EVERYTHING on the blog, unless specified is my original content and is created by me. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE my words, photos, etc. without linking back here and giving proper credit. Thank you so much!

PLEASE NOTE THAT CARAVAN SONNET IS A “FOR PROFIT BLOG” WHICH MEANS THAT I DO ACCEPT SPONSORED CONTENT AND CONTRIBUTED CONTENT EARNING OPPORTUNITIES THAT INCLUDE AFFILIATE MARKETING WHERE I RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION BUT AT NO EXTRA CHARGE TO THE PURCHASER. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. “REBECCA VANDEMARK IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM”

23 comments

  1. thank you so much for stopping by my blog and introducing yourself! I, too, LOVE finding other Christian bloggers. I'm your newest follower and can't wait to get to know you more!

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  2. Hi friend! I found you through the North East Bloggers Network. Just wanting to stop by and say hello from a Southern North Easterner :)
    I just recently moved to upstate NY.
    Can't wait to dive more into your blog!

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  3. Hello Rebecca! Stopping over from the NE Blog Hop. Thank you for your feedback and welcome to my blog. :-) Caravan Sonnet is lovely and I can't wait to read more.

    Kelly
    http://beso519.blogspot.com/

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  4. I wish I was part of the Jane Austen era too! Except only if I was from a wealthy family, otherwise it seemed kind of rough. Lovely blog by the way :).
    Amanda

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  5. Thanks so much for stopping by and for leaving such sweet comments! It is delightful to have y'all here!
    :) Rebecca

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  6. Hey lady! I'm so glad you found my blog so I could find yours!! Blessings lady!

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  7. I found you on Mandi's blog and I'm so glad I did! I think you will be seeing a sponsorship from me sometime soon. ;)

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  8. Hey there! I can't wait to read more - your blog is adorable!!!! :-)

    Chelsea
    www.mypinkscribbles.blogspot.com

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  9. Hi Rebecca! You are the first person I have ever followed on blogger (hence I am just learning how everything works). I am also excited to learn more about you. I am also working on higher education to teach at the college level. I am in a masters program right now. I'd love to hear more about your PHD program sometime!

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  10. I am a new follower via bloglovin. I found you from the "Let's Be Friends" blog hop. Thanks for hosting! I can't wait to read more about you and be encouraged by you!
    mrsmaugeri.blogspot.com

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  11. Wow..we have a lot in common! ;) So glad you found my blog and twitter so that I can follow you now!! Your heart is beautiful.

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  12. Rebecca! I just discovered your sweet little blog and I LOVE it! I see we have a lot in common, I'm studying to be an ASL interpreter, as well! Look forward to reading your blog and getting to know you better! :)

    Kailey | living in the rain
    www.kaileyrogers.com

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  13. Hi rebecca, I am so happy I found your blog. Praying for you as I write this. I think i'll be visiting more often. There's just one thing i wanna ask about the font style of your blog header.. Can you please tell what style is it? It's crazy awesome! Thanks..

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    1. Hi Dawn! Thank you for stopping by! I couldn't reply to you through email because you are a "no reply blogger" but I did want to answer your question. My blog design came from "Carrie Loves Design". I definitely recommend her if you are looking for a WONDERFUL blog designer! Here is her info: https://www.etsy.com/shop/carrielovesdesign
      Thanks so much for your sweet comment! Looking forward to connecting with you!

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    2. Oh i see. Thank you for letting me know!! God bless you big time. Btw, my blog is dawntalks.wordpress.com..

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  14. Hi Rebecca, I linked to your blog from a post where you were mentioned in Chasing Happy. I just want to share that I can feel your energy through your blog and I love your posts. I'm so glad I found you.

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  15. Just found your blog! So excited to follow along. Cause God is so crazy amazing in the midst of the everyday.

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  16. I am so glad I found your blog through Peony Project. I love what I have read so far and look forward to reading more.

    God Bless
    Kimberley
    peculiartreasuresblog.com

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    1. Welcome Kimberley!! I am so glad that you have stopped by! Looking forward to connecting more with you!!
      :) Rebecca

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  17. Hi Rebecca. I enjoyed reading about you. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.

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  18. You are precious!!! Excited to follow along and learn your story!

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  19. I truly appreciate your work to spread awareness about chronic illness. Our mission is to improve health care by providing transparency, education, support and technology. Many do not know about their right to control and manage their own health records and health care. Please check out our Personal Health Records and Collaboration platform and help us get the word out.

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  20. Really nice blog! Thanks for sharing your story.

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