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.
Happy anniversary! I love your cottage. I was wondering-would it be possible to take pics of your work and preparations that you do at work? I have often thought of blogging but as of now I am still just lurking! HA! Mary Ann
I really treasure the friends I’ve made through my journal. I envy your travel adventures. Oh well, one of these days……
Hi Claudia,
Happy Blogiversary! I totally know what you mean re: shyness, sharing your site a little bit at a time and what could one possibly blog about!! I enjoy visiting your cottage and am glad I found you via Merryville.
I hope we all continue to encourage one another.
Beth
Claudia,
Happy Blog Anniversary!!! Mine was just a week ago and I know I enjoy visiting you and your little cottage and hear about your adventures away from home.
What a generous and precious giveaway!
Have a wonderful evening,
Tam
Happy First Blog Anniversary. You have a lovely blog and I enjoy visiting. Although I have drafted a blog and done a few entries I have been hesitate to publish yet. I guess, like you, I am just scared to go public.
It’s very nice of you to do a give-a-way.
Teacup Lady (Sandy)
Congratulations on your blogiversary. I enjoy your blog very much. I have tried to transfer the award you gave me to my blog, I came back to try again. I don’t know what I was doing wrong. Have a wonderful day. xo rachel
Happy Anniversary, Claudia! I share your shyness; only my husband, children and a few close friends know about my blog. And even though I don’t know most of my readers, I still feel uncomfortable at times with the things I share online. I was amazed one day when my daughter came home from school and said that a classmate’s father reads my blog. Aaackkk! You never know just who is reading. LOL
xoxo,
Mary
Happy Anniversary! I enjoy your blog. I love seeing your lovely cottage and hearing all about your travels. I think I would like to start my own too, but like you, I still have to get over that ‘shy’ thing.
Teresa
tbarnardvolb@aol.com
Hi..I like your blog. I know what you mean about being shy about it..I am still in that stage..but its getting better…lol. I love the blog world. It brings me so much joy. Have a great day. Marilyn
Congratulations! I saw your blog mentioned on A Romantic Porch and decided to check it out. Lovely! I don’t have a blog, but I have been thinking about it. I don’t have any computer skills so it would be a big stretch for me. Francis fmoore11589@comcast.net
Dear Claudia,
Congratulations on the anniversary of your first year as a blogger! I always look forward to ‘catching up’ with you – your blog is sweet and inspiring!
I look forward to visiting upon your return to HiHo.
cj