Happy February 17th to you all. One year ago today I shoved all my trepidation aside and started this blog. Like many who start blogs, I spent a lot of time lurking on other blogs before I finally felt I had to start my own. I wondered what I would possibly have to talk about that would be remotely interesting to anyone out there in blogland. My husband, gem that he is, strongly encouraged me to go ahead and do it. I’m so glad I did.

Blogging has opened a door to a new world for me. I am continually impressed by all those I meet in blogland ~ by your warmth, generosity, kindness, humor and creative spirit. I am amazed at the creativity I see out there! I have been allowed to peek through the windows of your ‘homes’ and am delighted by what I see. Thank you for sharing your lives with me, the joys and the sorrows. Thank you for all of your wonderful, supportive comments ~ they make my day!

I am still shy about my blog. Yes, I know I am in theater, but the fact remains that I am basically a shy person. It took me several months to tell anyone but my husband about the blog. Gradually I told my sister, my parents and a few of my friends. I know I don’t have a huge following, like many blogs I read, but I do seem to have some loyal followers. For that I am grateful.

I’ve found a few things in my trips to my favorite shops that I have assembled for a giveaway!
I find them charming, and I hope you do, too.

This pretty magnet is by PaPaYa designs: Victorian Bird by Anahata Joy Katkin.

I found this lovely hand crocheted pot holder in one of my favorite shops. The color is actually closer to the rose in the first photo.

This soap smells so wonderful! It is a shea butter soap, made in France, and smells like, you guessed it ~ the ocean. Heavenly.

A lovely vintage valentine I found at Vignettes.

A sweet little frame from another of my favorite shops.

And a lovely brown transferware plate – from Vignettes.

Just leave a comment anytime between now and Friday at midnight (California time) and I will put all your comments in a hat and pick one. If you don’t have a blog, be sure to leave your email address so that I may reach you if you are the winner.

More later.