Celebrating 15 Years! And a GIveaway!

On December 20, 2007, I published my first post here on The Marmelade Gypsy. I'd just learned how to blog in an afternoon workshop that my then-boss held for those who were interested in blogging. Having already followed a few art blogs, I thought I might like to join in. This image was my first header, my Marmelade Gypsy.

Who could have imagined that 15 years later I would have overshared so much of my world! That deserves a little celebration and yes, a little drawing for some sort of thank you gift. More on that below.

But first a bit of a look back.

I had no photos in that post. (I know. Hard to believe.) And I made this bold statement:

"So, what's this blog going to be about? In no particular order, a place to post my art and share with my online art buddies, a spot to talk cooking and entertaining -- which of course means sharing recipes and other yummy things -- and of course, a spot to share bits and piece of my life -- family, friends, work, and all that other cool stuff!"

By the time of my second post, which might have been later that day, I put in this photo of Rick and me. (We've aged since then!) I'd just learned how to add pictures! And boy, did I ever learn about adding pictures!

I knew nothing about blogging when I started -- and yet 15 years later, that first vision I had for The Marmelade Gypsy holds true. I talk about all those things regularly -- art, cooking, family, entertaining, friendship (and much more) -- and for some reason, you manage to come back and read new posts, leave wonderful comments and have become friends.

You have "traveled" with me to France, the Netherlands, England, Quebec, Martha's Vineyard, Arizona, Utah, Las Vegas, and of course, the lake.

 You say sweet things about our baby grands -- who aren't babies anymore! And you've followed my art journey from mixed media...

...to watercolor. 

And boy, do you give back when you share your world in your blogs. I love reading about your adventures, your travels and your family. I save your recipes, take note of your book and film reviews, and am continually discovering the beauty and places in the states and countries in which you live. I have stayed at some of your homes, welcomed others to mine. I've learned new things, new ideas, new techniques.

In this blog land I've found a warm and supporting community, in some cases, more so than neighbors who live down the street. In fact, I "know" most of my blog friends far better than most of my neighbors (and I actually DO know my neighbors!) You have bought my art, reached out beyond the blog during challenging times, and in so many ways, enriched my life.

So, to say thanks to those old and new, a little giveaway  -- don't ask me what it is; I've been too swamped with Christmas to figure that out yet! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post between now and midnight on December 31 (we are Eastern time U.S. and comments will be based on the time and date Blogger puts in the comment box. If you are a no-reply blogger or do not have a blog or email address associated with your blog, please include your name and a way to contact you in your comment -- email, preferably. International comments are welcome.

Rick will pick the winner(s) the old-fashioned way -- drawing names from a hat (or some equally useful vessel!) -- on New Year's Day, 2023.

Thank you, my friends. You are the ones who make blogging fun.