Friday 26 February 2010

A missed anniversary

I thought I would sit and plan my one year anniversary blog post. It's at the end of the month right? WRONG! It was last week! Oh well, never mind. I guess it doesn't really matter when we celebrate. I've been having similar thoughts about my 40th birthday party which I have still to organise. I can't say I really feel much like going out much in this weather. I'd rather wait until the summer and have friends round all day for a barbie. I can hear a steady dripping on the windowsill. Is it melting snow or rain?

Anyway... Yipee! One year of blogging, well done me. Time to reflect and share some deep thoughts on the matter. A matter indeed that ties in very well with today - Friday - when I share happy thoughts from the week for Jamie's Happy Book Group.

How many posts have I written then? 281! Wow! I can't even remember what prompted me to start in the first place aside from a desire to write, but how happy am I that I did. I can confidently say that this blog has changed my life. How's that for a bold statement? So, how?


1. I have made new friends across the world. This was an unexpected bonus, but one I treasure so dearly.

2. I have rediscovered my love and passion for art and grown in ways I never thought possible. I picked up a paintbrush again around the same time I started this blog, but at first it was the same old watercolour flowers and landscapes that I'd always painted. Then, I came across a blogging group who together 'Wrecked their Journals' (thank you so much for pulling this one together Jamie!) and that was it - something was released and I haven't looked back. Watercolour rarely gets a look-in these days when so much fun can be had with mixed media. I found all these wonderful creative challenge sites where the support from the wonderful artist has helped me grow and develop as, dare I say it, an artist. Without this support and encouragement (particularly from the ladies at Inspiration Avenue) I would never have dreamed of opening my own Etsy shop let alone actually selling anything I had made. Thank you one and all. If I could hug you now I would. I've taken online courses I found via my blog hopping and have seen my work grow and develop. I really feel like I've made some progress.

3. Writing is becoming second nature. Last year I promised myself to try and write every day and this blog has been the natural catalyst. And I love it! Words pour from me rich with creative juice. I've learnt from both the writing and the art that what is most important is that I do this for me, that I am happy with the outcomes. Receiving positive comments is naturally the icing on the cake and adding to the list of followers gives me a warm glow, but I am proud of myself too. I feel like I have really achieved something by sticking at it.

4. I fill my evenings with all the above, rather than watching mindless drivel on TV just because it's there. Most evenings will find me floating off somewhere around the world via my pc or if not that, delving into a fantasy art world land. When I'm creating - whether words or pictures, I feel like I'm doing what I'm meant to do. I am ME and that is someone who went missing for a while. I'm pleased to have her back and keep buying her nice treats like paintbrushes, clear gesso, pretty fibres, canvas boards....

Yes, it does have its downsides. Sometimes I spend far too much time travelling blogland and painting when I should be doing something else (notably cleaning the house), but hey that's not too high a price to pay is it?

Happy Blog Anniversary to me - and thank you to all those who helped it happen - you know who you are. You have done more for me than you can possibly imagine.

27 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary!!! It is so easy to spend more time here and less time doing housework isn't it? Seriously this is far more important!

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  2. Happy bloganniversary to you sweet friend of mine!!!!!

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  3. Happy Anniversary! Congratulations on 281 posts! I just started blogging and I hope that my first year is just as full of positive experiences.

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  4. ~Happy Anniversary to YOU...may you share many more delightful years blogging and enticing us with wonderful treats you share...i always love to see whats coming next...well writing and best wishes...brightest blessings~

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  5. Oh yes, one year of blogging is worth commemorating. Congratulations! I, too, watch little tv and I am much happier for it. Here's to another year!

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  6. Happy Anniversary. What an inspiring post for all of us that are following in your footsteps. I just hope my journey will be as exciting as yours. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished. I can't wait to read what happens this year.

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  7. Happy, happy day! :)

    Congrats!

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  8. What a beautiful and touching post! Happy Bloggaversary to you chicky!!!
    I eco all of your sentiments....each and everyone...even the part about letting a little housework go here and there!!! lol, but don't tell anyone about that!
    I've been blogging for about 2 months now, but I feel as though it's something I was meant to do!!! It really does give you a chance to write everyday...and create art!

    the only thinG I haven't done yet, is get to the Etsy part....I'm a bit intimidated. Do you have any advice for getting over this crutch?

    thanks so much for sharing this post with me today....it was heartwarming.

    have a great weekend
    carmelina!!! ciao bella!

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  9. Happy Bloggversary To You! and Happy birthday too, whenever it is. I really enjoy your blog, and your art.

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  10. Happy Bloggversary and a nice weekend to you and yours! :) xo

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  11. Yay for you!! Happy Blogiversary and many bloggie returns.

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  12. Hey back...me again! I just wanted to thank you for your advice to just finally take the plunge and do it already, as far as joining Etsy is concerned! I'm only afraid of working out the shipping cost part....it kinda' freaks me out! Any tips....like how do you know how much to add on? or do they work that out for you?. do you see how hopelessly lost I am in this department!!!!??? lol

    anyways...sorry to bother you....just ignore me here if I'm irksome. yikes....I hope I'm not irksome!

    ciao
    carmelina

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  13. Happy Blogiversary - isn't great that the internet is such an empowering tool, when you let it be that - a tool, to show off your skills and talents, rather than being a TV substitute - here's to another great year.

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  14. happy blog anniversary! beautiful happy moments! happy weekend to you! ciao!

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  15. Happy Anniversary, Lisa!! I love blogging, too. Last year at this time, I would have never dreamed of doing this--isn't it great how it helps you grow in every aspect?! I'm glad I met you too!!

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  16. Happy Blogiversry, I am sure glad you started blogging. Its been great getting to know you.

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  17. awww... happy blog anniversary to you :)) it was lovely to read your thoughts today. somehow i feel exactly the same about blogging and the goodness of it all ... which includes the house cleaning issue too (that has to be sorted ... soon :))... your work is inspiring and your writing absolutely entertaining :))

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  18. You are an inspiration, well done on your blog and stuff the housework!( let's face it when we are lying on our deathbeds we are hardly going to be remembering how clean and tidy our house was). Long live creativity!

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  19. Happy Blog-iversary! It's funny how quickly blogging becomes part of who you are....
    As a fellow artist who in the not too distant past re-joined the world of creating; welcome back and grats!

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  20. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary! Your writing is inspirational and so entertaining!

    I agree ~ it is a lovely way to spend the time, creating. Whether it is writing, painting, drawing.

    I have only been blogging for 6 months, but can't imagine doing without it. Housework just can't compare!

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  21. Yeah for you indeed! It is so true about how much more productive I feel instead of the old days sitting in front of the t.v. for hours! I get so caught up and don't clean for days but, you're right, it is totally worth it! Happy anniversary! : )

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  22. Happy anniversary, and bravo to the commitment you've honored within yourself! It is certainly cause to celebrate! Your blog is simply lovely!

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  23. hahaha You're cute!! :) And I totally see #2!! Happy Saturday! Hugs!

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  24. Happy Anniversary Lisa! I so agree with you about the rewards of blogging. I think it has changed my life too. I on the other hand am a terrible writer...but it has helped me compose my thoughts and express myself in words. I never thought I could do. Words don't come to me as freely as I wish but I'm a lot better then i used to be....(before blogging)
    Thanks for sharing and I'm glad to know you.
    How else would we have met if it weren't for blogland.

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  25. And I say we should all open a bottle of champagne in your honour!! I am going to have my 40th in Summer even though it's not till end September ( Haha I'm younger than you ;-) because I want the whole barbie deal and lots of dancing outside too!! Congratulations on achieving all those goals. YOu're certainly an inspiration to me!!

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  26. Congratulations! You're fantastic and glad to have you as a blogland friend! :)

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