Monday, March 29, 2010

1-year "blogiversary" and a giveaway

(How do you know it's time to start a blog?
You start taking pictures of things like bread dough rising in a bowl.)


One year ago today, I began blogging. I'd been reading so many amazing blogs--about the environment, about cooking, about motherhood, and teaching, and homeschooling, and unschooling, and homes and crafts and sewing and all the other incredible inspiration that's out there. And I couldn't help it; I started taking pictures of the things I was making and jokingly referring to them as my "blog photos" when I emailed them to a friend. After a while, my partner started to insist "you need a blog." And I kind of did. I wanted to show the things I was sewing to someone who'd be just as excited about it as I was. I wanted, when I joined a challenge, to be able to record my progress on my own blog. I wanted to participate in some of those tempting swaps! I wanted to add my voice to the bloggy conversation, though with so many inspiring bloggers out there, I wondered what I had to offer.

I'm still wondering. Why do I feel compelled to do this? Why does the feedback from strangers matter? What is my particular niche?

But it doesn't really matter to me right now. What matters is that I've loved doing this. I've loved coming here to record some of the bits that make up my life. And most especially, I've loved "meeting" you who come here. Thank you. Thank you for reading and caring and commenting.

In honor of my "blogiversary," I'd like to offer a little thank-you present. I hope you'll understand when I tell you it's thrifted and used (the way I like things, and a part of my commitment to the environment). I know you'll understand when I tell you it's a children's book (have you noticed I LOVE books?). I recently came across a near-perfect copy of the lovely book Spring by Gerda Muller (you can see my copy here), and I'd like to share it with one of you. Just leave a comment on this post to be entered in the drawing, and I'll pick a name on Friday. (Please include your email address if your comment doesn't link back to your blog.)

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

What synchronicity! I *just* reserved a copy from the library. It would be lovely to have our very own. Happy Blog Anniversary!

Valarie said...

Happy Blog anniversary. I just wanted to send happy greetings. I already have the book. Enjoy.

Luisa said...

Happy blogiversy! I can't believe it a year already. Where does the time go? Too fast. Love your spring books I'm excited I have 1 or 2 of the same. At least in all the rain we can read about spring. :)

urban craft said...

COngrats on one year and many more. Keep doing what you are doing! Blogging is a wonderful way to meet new people, and you are doing it for you and not for money, unlike some people! You are spreading craft and creativity and it is a beautiful gift for all who read.
Thank you for a great giveaway, we love book no matter what condition they are in!

Phyllis said...

WE appreciate you sharing bits of your life with us!
-Phyllis

Larissa said...

Happy One Year to you and Happy belated Birthday to your girlie! We already have the book - I just wanted to say keep blogging and keep recording your kiddos in this space. I wish i had started blogging when my kiddos were little - it's a great way to document the years!

Deb said...

Congratulations on your blogoversary! I love seeing your creative projects and the beautiful, round-cheeked Lucy who is just the age of my Silvie. I really must start blogging again myself. You reminded me that I blog because I like doing it, not because I'm trying to have some sort of impressive blog following.

Julie said...

Congratulations Lise! Lots of "firsts" for you this year! Lucy's First Birthday, Your First Year Blogging...need I mention your upcoming"Forty-First":)

P. J. Grath said...

The book should go to someone with at least one little child, but I do want to send congratulations for your first year of blogging. I know what you mean about photographing bread dough rising! It will be interesting to see what you share with us in your second year.

Ruby said...

Well congratulations and I ams o glad that you do blog because I really like your blog!

mary frances said...

congratulations!! I always love my stops through your space--thanks so much for sharing your ideas and photos. I am also new to regular blogging and really agree that it inspires even more creativity than it catalogs.