Happy Blogaversary to Me!

My Blogaversary!

One year. Boy, that’s fast! (Please note the photos in this post have little to do with the content – they’re just seasonal!)

One year ago today, my colleague Susi gathered a bunch of us together (who were a little antsy in the pre-holiday season), took us to a computer lab in our university building, vacant as the kids were on break, and showed us how to set up a blog.

The concept wasn’t new – I’d been visiting several, including the highly motivating Shelley, Beth D. and Rosemary, along with tracking their links. And I was itching to do my own.

In the past few years, I have been privileged to visit so many of you and make friends who live in spots all over the world.

I’ve held (and won!) drawings. I’ve participated in groups like “Write on Wednesday” and “Pink Saturday.” I’ve learned new creative techniques, recipes and decorating tips and become inspired by so many creative, talented and thoughtful individuals I am dazzled myself.

When The Marmelade Gypsy began, I didn’t know what my “voice” would be or what the blog would become. An art spot? An online journal to share experiences and family? A networking tool? A writer’s workshop? A place to express my own feelings?

I’m still not sure! And perhaps that’s why I’m excited to post as many days as I can – because while I know not everything I write is everyone’s cup of tea, on any given day it appears to be somebody’s!

(That’s why I started Chopsticks and String – to put things I wasn’t sure belonged on the Gypsy!)

I’ve had great support from the blogging community (both in comments and directly) during challenging periods in this past year and I’ve felt your energy, support and prayers when I’ve needed them most.

And in visiting you I have laughed at delightful posts, been both awed and inspired by incredible photography, challenged to try a new project, and enlightened by your skills, knowledge and warmth.

I know many of you pop in daily and comment, and my analytics tell me some of you stop by, don’t say much, but you’re there. Either way, I value all of you and am so very grateful to be part of this community.

I want to post a photo of my blogaversary drawing item – which is a felted purse in earthy tones that I knit (maybe with a few extras inside). And I promise I will by the end of the week! But I haven’t had time to shoot it yet!

Let me say it’s just the size for a small knitting project or a good book and a snack! And I'll tuck a few extras inside.

Remember, any comments through December 31 will be entered. I’ll draw the winner on New Year’s Day (maybe at midnight; maybe I’ll be otherwise engaged!)

Thank you all for making the Marmelade Gypsy such a joy to create. And, thank you for letting me enter your worlds as well.