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.

Ten Years of Living Out Loud

Ten years ago today I hit "publish" on my first blog post. And that deserves a celebration -- and a giveaway!

Who knew that ten years later and more than 1,400 publish posts, I would still be typing away on my keyboard, uploading photos and sharing with friends I've never met. (Well, most of you, anyway!)

As you know, when we change our templates, the whole blog changes. Way back when I truly can't remember what it looked like. I know it had a very plain banner (like, probably NO banner!) and no photos. Everything was single spaced and the template was narrow, the photos, when added, were small. As I look back on these older posts I realize how far I have come in the past ten years!

This was the photo on my original blog banner, or original once I figured out how to make one! If you look at the current one you can see it in the background, behind Lizzie, on my computer screen. It's my own, still loved, Marmelade Gypsy.

Some of those who commented in those early days still have blogs and I still follow them. Others have stopped blogging but we connect on Facebook. (Below, Becca and Anne; Joanne. I wish Anne and Joanne would start to blog again but check out Becca's link!)

                    

Still others have become "in person" friends. And over the years, many new friends have come to this space and I to theirs. I have stayed at your homes and welcomed you to mine, eaten at your tables and dined at restaurants together in a cheerful cacophony of non-stop catch-up. And it has all been good. (Below: Mae and I periodically connect in Ann Arbor; Rosemary commented on my very first post!; and Diana, Kerry and I enjoyed a meet-up in Chicago. I miss them!)

              

When I was growing up my dad was immersed in ham radio. It was a hobby he began as a teen (his high school yearbook has a photo of him with the "radio club"). It served him well during World War II when he was a communications specialist for the army in India. I remember sitting on his lap down in the ham room (our basement), typing "hi" to strangers across the world before I could even spell my name and would revel in the postcards he received from those with whom he made "contact." I still have many of them; I can't bear to let them go.

In later years when this very sociable, outgoing fellow could no longer easily get out and be among people as often as he liked, the ham radio became a lifeline for him. His buddies would help him rig up antennas out apartment room windows. (The antenna was always a big thing in our life. In these pre-cable days I continually lived with wires going in and out of windows and up the sides of houses to hook up an antenna!)

My dad died before the era of the blog came into being. Personal computers were just beginning to enter the marketplace and I'm the internet as we know it wasn't even up and going in the late 80s. There isn't a moment that I write a blog post or look up some odd fact on google that I don't think of my dad and imagine how he would have loved to check in on so many things that would interest him. And yes, he would make friends, real and virtual, as well.

To you, I say thank you. To the old timers, thanks for sticking with me through bad layouts, poorer photos, and so many stories. To the new friends, thank you for finding me in this overcrowded superhighway of blogs, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and all the other distractions.

Thank you for laughing at my foibles, giving me love and support during times of sadness, grief and concern; for inspiring me each and every day with your own blogs that run the gamut from humor to deeply thought out pieces worthy of a far larger audience, from recipes and home decorating ideas to art tips and art work that motivates me to work harder; for showing me parts of the world I'll probably never experience first hand and for reminding me again that our world is filled with wonderful and talented, kind people.

I didn't think I knew what my blog would be about when I first started, apart from a spot to share art with my ATC group. But in a feeble attempt to make a mission or intent statement, I came up with these words, which I haven't looked at since I did that first post:

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!

I may think The Marmelade Gypsy has evolved over time. But that might be giving myself too much credit. As I see it, I'm right where I said I would be ten years ago. And I am so grateful you have come along for the ride.

Now, to celebrate, I am doing a giveaway. And yes, it's December and we're all going a little daffy so the cut off date to enter (once) is December 25, Christmas Day and hopefully (if I can get dinner to come out at the same time, presents under control and have half a clue how many people are coming for dinner) I'll draw a name that day (or the next!) NOTE: Drawing extended to December 26 because I KNOW I won't be able to pull this off on Christmas, and besides, we're up to our eyeballs in Christmas and holiday stuff and probably not checking blogs much till after!)

I am aiming for three prizes but I haven't figured out what they are yet! Just leave a comment on THIS POST to enter. And yes, international friends too! Just make sure that if you are a no-reply blogger you include your email address on your comment so I can reach you directly if you win. If you are uncomfortable about putting it in the comment, email me to share it. And if you are an "anonymous" blogger, please leave your name and contact info.

Thank you and good luck! Onward to another year! (And on another note, my post about Surviving the Holidays during grief and loss is now at Modern Creative Life. Feel free to share it with others who might be having a challenging season this year.)

Seven Years -- and Counting

One December 20, 2007, I did my first blog post. Seven years and 1040 published posts later (plus a few in draft!) I am still at it and loving all the more this terrific community of creative and caring people who share their lives, their passions, their talents and their love with all of us, asking for nothing in return except, perhaps a comment. If you like!

So, I thought I'd hand out a few bouquets, a few virtual flowers to you all in these days before Christmas, with my thanks.

I couldn't resist going back to that first post, so embarrassingly short with no photos, an introduction of sorts. There were three comments. from Shelley (who doesn't currently blog but we stay connected on Facebook), Rosemary (whom I had the pleasure to meet last year) and Karla, who has become one of my "go-to" creatives for inspiration and whose swaps have introduced me to many other bloggers and enriched my own collection of art from others.

Within a couple of days, my comments increased! That was because several of my good art friends (including Beth, not currently blogging) shared the word! That's when I met Janet and Tara (whom I've also had the pleasure of meeting in person).

Of course, the more you blog, the more people you meet! When I traveled and I knew a blogger was in the area, we would try to get together. In the past seven years I have met at least a dozen bloggers I first encountered online. I have stayed in their homes, they have stayed in mine. We have shopped, eaten, played in paper and glue.

At times, my world has been opened, my heart broken or my soul lifted because of the words that you share when I visit your blogs. More than once I have audibly gasped to see the perfect photo or to read exactly the right words to help me sort out something I had been feeling or grappling with.

We have supported one another with our words and greetings. When I was very ill, surprise cards or gifts would come in the mail. They cheered me more than anyone could imagine. And to those of you who have supported my art with your purchases, well, you know who you are. And I thank you so much.

I've traveled vicariously around the world with you -- to France, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, England, Russia, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Canada, India, Japan, Denmark and places throughout the United States. Some of these spots I've visited, but most I will see only through your eyes.

You have come to my dinner table in the form of recipes you have shared. Your generosity in sharing your creative ideas has taken me in new creative directions, trying things I never really thought about doing before. And I have been honored to support you in yours.

I have experienced great joys and delight with my blog community. I have also experienced grief and loss. And yet, those friends remain shining lights in my heart.

So, thank you. To those of you who popped in during my earliest days (and during the busiest time of year), I thank you. You may not even remember you did -- but I do.To those of you who visit but don't comment, that's OK -- but sometimes, just say "hi!"

Keep spreading your joy and sharing your heart and your light. Believe me, it does matter.

Note: I'm still catching up after having the flu and then Rick's trade show trip to Vegas -- so behind on the holidays that my holiday posts will probably be after! But I'm looking forward to seeing all of your "Merry," no matter how long it takes!

Now We Are Six

Six years ago, on December 20, 2007, the first Marmelade Gypsy post went live and my life changed more than a little.

Before getting all long and sappy, I want to say "thank you" for being there. Some of you have been with me the whole ride, some are more recent. Some comment, some don't. You all matter to me and I consider you my friends. Real friends.

Blogging was like stepping into a new world where I could travel to exotic and romantic places and share the travels we have taken; learn new recipes, get ideas on home decorating, discover creative art techniques, learn about books and movies and make new friends.

I would meet these friends over lunch, on vacation and at art workshops.We would share stories of our families and when we met, it would be like connecting with old friends.

I have learned from you, traded with you and have been able to share the great joys, sadness, challenges and beauty of my life with you.

This blog was named for my dear Marmelade Gypsy, my sweet orange cat-boy whose photo you have seen for so many years at the top of these posts and in the sidebar. You walked with me through my grief when we said goodbye to Gypsy and the support and love you sent was overwhelming.

One of the things I realized when I started this post is that I haven't updated my blog sidebar for a very long time. So, my new year's plan is a new look -- beginning with the blog roll, so perhaps you will discover some of the wonderful bloggers I have.

Sometimes there are a thousand ideas running through my head to blog on; sometimes I feel at a loss. But then I just start writing or looking at my photos and the cloud lifts. I wish I could pull everything out of the hat so easily! Thanks for being along for the ride.

The Marmelade Gypsy is Two Today!

(Now at Chopsticks and String: Holiday Survival Guide, Part Four -- Tradition or Not: Thoughts on grieving and challenging circumstances at the holidays)

Today's holiday images reflect the fairy tale land of my family room tree, with its Giant Gingerman at the top.


In a way, the past two years have been magical for me -- but in a different way.


You see, today is my second blogaversary, and I just wanted to thank all of you who have popped in over the past two years and have stuck around for being wonderful blog friends!


I had no idea that when I started "The Gypsy" two years ago, I would not only find a personal outlet for sharing my world with others, but make amazing friends and experience great opportunities as well.

Friends. Isn't that a wonderful word? Most of us have never met, yet I feel as though we know one another well and I cherish that.

You have been there with words of support when things in my world seemed a little bleak.

Your kind words have made me smile, sometimes with joy and at times, with the gentle comfort of being wrapped in a warm, fleecy blanket, cared for and loved.

You have inspired me with your creative ideas, terrific recipes, amazing photography and wonderful art.

Your lives make me smile, as I hear of your children, your travels, your homes and your pets.

I'm always excited when you leave a comment and I look forward to my visits to your blogs!

So, thank you!

All comments entered on this particular post will be entered into a drawing for something I haven't had the time to determine! So, it's a surprise! But it's also a way to say thank you for being there and for sharing your lives with me.I will draw on New Year's Day and notify/post the winner!

(Don't forget to visit Chopsticks and String for my holiday survival guide!)

Grandma's Birthday -- and the Winner!

Today would be my Grandma's birthday -- and I'm not even sure which one. (Time to find the family bible or check the gravesite.)

I think lots of kids have special relationships with their grandparents. I know my dad's mom was a key force in my life.

She lived fairly close to us and that, as most local grandmas know, makes a handy and trusted childcare option! My mom was very big into volunteering, and when I couldn't go with her, I'd go to Grandpa and Grandma's.

Before my dad was born, they'd owned a bakery and that's something she never stopped doing. Shortly after dad was born, they left that life and moved to a farm on the outskirts of Lansing. Grandpa worked in the state motorpool and together they grew everything from peaches, tomatoes and berries to the best sweet corn I've ever had.

I'd watch Grandma can ("not too close -- that boiling water is hot!"), but mostly I remember helping her bake. Cookies, pies. I've never been a huge pie fan, but she was very good and every Friday when we went to their house for dinner and an evening of TV, we'd have pie for dessert, neatly cut into six slices.

I can't remember what they call those big cupboards that had flour sifters inside, cabinets and a shelf that moved out. Hoosier cabinets? But she had one (I loved that flour sifter!) And we'd make molasses, chocolate chip, and sugar cookies on a regular basis. Then she'd let me play with her jewelry, her Calgon powder in a tall tin, and with the crayon box.

In summers, we'd pick berries and vegetables, and then I'd get to help her cook. And sometimes she'd sit down to "watch her stories" and tat the beautiful pillowcases, handkerchiefs and doilies, some of which I still have.

Is there any doubt this smiling, laughing lady who never seemed to lose her temper and loved to cook had an influence on my life?

(An irony -- when I look at photos of Grandma, she looked like the one right above -- from the first photo of her holding me as a baby to her last. She died when I was 21 at 85, I think, which made her 64 or so when I was born. And she looked that way long before -- certainly during the '40s when photographed with my dad in his Army uniform. I just find it an interesting sign of our times that women who are 64 or younger don't look like Grandma did. They all look younger, act livelier... Is 75 the new 64? 80? Just wondering...)

My grandparents were humble people and its no doubt they survived the depression well because they knew how to work the land, use what they grew, and didn't waste money on terribly frivolous things. There is much I can learn from them in this new year, where recession is the word of the day and those of us who are lucky enough to have a job (and benefits) keep our fingers crossed that cutbacks won't affect us too terribly.

So, here's to Grandma on her birthday! She probably wouldn't understand blogs, but I think she'd be pleased to know I've connected with so many who love to cook, create, and carry family high in their heart -- all things she cared about a great deal.

And now, the winner of my blogaversary drawing -- a felted purse, modeled here by Mr. Gyps -- is:

Beth McW. of Doors are Everywhere! Beth, let me know where you are and I'll post your purse!

As I was cutting up the names of those who commented, there were so many, I decided to have a second prize -- a packet of notecards. I let Gypsy pick this one -- he's a paper eater (which is a liability in my kind of art) and when I dumped all the names onto the floor, he dove in and snatched one -- namely:

Joanne of Ad Libitum!

Congratulations to both of you -- and thanks to all who commented in the past month. By the way, I will be joining Lisa Oceandreamer's "One World, One Heart" blog drawing again this year. This is great fun and I encourage you all to get involved. I'll be posting about this later this week -- or link to Lisa's blog!

Christmas -- all this and more...

Posting things I love all month, Christmas things that make me happy, is tons of fun. But to me Christmas has lots of meanings.

Christmas is the celebration of new traditions with the men I love most -- here we are cookie decorating on Christmas Eve, an annual tradition.

Christmas is getting together with friends. Here are two pix of us at my house last week.

Christmas is snowpeople -- real...

And of the decorative variety!

Christmas is remembering special childhood moments -- looking at the creche...

Christmas with my best childhood pal, Major...

And those great Christmases with my mom -- the ultimate Christmas Queen!

Christmas is recalling carols by the piano with my uncle and cousins.

Christmas is entertaining...

...and setting a lovely table (with Christmas dishes, of course!)

Christmas is special ornaments. The gingerbread man atop the tree in the photo above was made by my dad for mom in an "original wrapping" contest we had. He sewed it by hand and stuffed a pair of earrings in the space he left in the seam!

Christmas is making things -- projects done (and many more, undone!)

Christmas is a cup of tea or hot chocolate with Christmas cookies from this teapot...

Or this one!

Or this right jolly ol' hand!

And little marshmallow snowmen!

Christmas is my next door neighbor's lawn decorations! (This is only a wee corner.)

Christmas is a chatty orange boy who loves sitting under the tree.

And of course, there is the spiritual component of Christmas, one I can never forget.

I wish those of you who celebrate Christmas a merry one, and those of you who celebrate other things -- Solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and of course the New Year, many happy moments this holiday season.