Sunday, August 10, 2008

A Happy Blog Anniversary To Me! And Thanks to Some Great Swappers, Bloggers and Readers!






It seems like whenever I am a little behind in posting, my latest post invariably becomes a hodge podge as is this one. I don't know how anyone could miss their own one-year Blog Anniversary, but I did! August 2nd was the date, and 288 posts later, here I am. So, leave a comment on this post, and I'll draw some names out of a hat (let's say 3) for some very special art and goody gifts. Deadline is 6 pm EST Sunday, August 17, 2008.

Before I explain the photos above, I just have to say blogging, more than anything else art-related, has really turned my world around in the past year. Or, I guess since my world was already spinning on its axis, blogging was like the little kid saying, "faster, faster!"

So many exciting things have happened since starting this blog: I have met some truly wonderful, wonderful human beings, both on-line and in person. I've exchanged a lot of art, and emails and Moo cards and more. I've joined some terrific on-line communities. I've actually taken over responsibilities for a couple of them. I've started writing for three other Web sites. I've been encouraged to submit art and writing for publication. My photography might have gotten a wee bit better. I've met famous and published art peeps! I've learned a lot more computer lingo. I filled a void in my life. I even started a second blog http://bly-me.blogspot.com/ for Blythe collecting in December 2007 and have 74 posts there. I'm just so thankful for this supportive, creative, communicative community. Thank you all.

Even more thanks go out to Mary Ann of mainer_at_heart on Flickr.com and http://firstborn.wordpress.com/. Not only did I receive the fabulous Marie Antoinette doll above from her in a 1:1 swap, but we have become art/blog/phone and more friends, and I have contributed to her upcoming zine. I also have the privilege of knowing her talented sister http://labouroflovex3.blogspot.com/, too. Together, they feed my interest in all things Marie as well as in fat books. In fact, I forgot to photograph the "itty bitty" fat book I received Saturday from Mary Ann's group, so more to come on that. And sister Jo is hosting a Marie itty bitty-so tres fab!

The pin cushion in a tea cup is from Jillian Haupt http://www.jillianhaupt.com/ in a 1:1 swap in Vivian's pinkeep swap. See more pinkeeps at http://vivs-whimsy.blogspot.com/. I sent Jillian a pink velvet baby shoe in exchange. You can see its 'partner' in my etsy shop at http://www.hpsgsmith.etsy.com/ or in the shop preview at right.

The dolly box in red, white and blue bandana style is one I recently made after another 1:1 swap with Mica of http://garboodles.blogspot.com/ and etsy and ZNE. I went nuts over one of her 'frozen Charlotte' doll figures and dolly boxes. She agreed to a swap, so I sent her one I posted earlier. The good news is I still have one coming from her-can't wait! Not sure where this little gal is headed, maybe etsy, maybe a gift, who knows? maybe a blog anniversary prize! She has such a sweet face and is only about one inch big. I'm not the happiest with the paper clay body I made and painted, but I guess she's so cute otherwise, it will do.

Finally, on a completely unrelated note, hence the 'hodge podge,' this book: A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, came free inside my copy of Marie Claire, British edition. (I also highly recommend the Marie Claire Ideas, French edition). Anyway, while trying to pass some time and practice the very foreign-to-me concept of "patience," I decided to try this book. It was a bit of a slow start, because I couldn't figure out where we were headed. But the pace suddenly started careening around corners without braking. It is a genius book in my opinion. The language and age barriers of the subjects are hysterical, and the underlying subject matters-while poignant, are treated equally hysterically. But, it just seems so right. I highly recommend this book, even if you can't get it for free. Hmmm, maybe a blog prize....

Thanks for a wonderful first year!

12 comments:

Joanne Huffman said...

Happy Blogiversary! I'm looking forward to the next year iof your postings.

Joanne

Rebecca Ramsey said...

And thank you! I love your blog and am so happy I found you!

And Marie Claire Idees is one of my favorites!
Becky

artisticdiva said...

Happy blog anniversary! I hope there are many more to come.

CEDAR JUNCTION said...

Happy Blogiversary, Gina! I so enjoy visiting your blog. It occured to me that my 1 year anniversary came and went without any fanfare - way back in February. I am glad that you are on the ball so that we can help you celebrate this wonderful milestone. Keep up the good work! Cheers!!

Teresa

Mrs.Kwitty said...

Congrats on your blog anniversary!! (I missed mine too, so don't feel bad! lol) I love the pics--the MA doll is gorgeous! The pincushion is beautiful (I am a huge fan of jillian). Who would've thought the Ukranian tractor book would be hilarious?? lol
Smiles, Karen

Maija said...

I just love all my blog girlfriends! Happy blog anniversary!
oxox

tina said...

Oh drat but I'm late in wishing you a happy blogoversary!!!!!!

Please accept my wishes anyway!

May you have many more years of inspiration and joy!

Sherry said...

Congratulations on one year of blogging Gina!! I've been at this one year myself on a different blog -- it seems incredible that a year can go by so quickly, especially when we are doing something enjoyable that gives us the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. I'm glad that your first year experience has been so enjoyable!

jennalee said...

Happy Aniversary. I love all the goodies you have received lately. Blogging is so fun, and I love all the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Sorry it's taken me so long to comment here. I've been meaning to! Honest! Congratulations on your first year, Gina. :) You do so many amazing things. :)

Debbie said...

Thanks Gina for the wonderful tutioral on the Sweet and Sinister Swap. CONGRATS!!!! on your Blogiversary...looking forward to another wonderful year.

Love,

Deb

Labour of Love said...

Happy Belated Blogiversary, Sweet Gina!!! You're one amazing artist/designer and your blog and creations truly reflect your passions...thank you for sharing pieces of you and thank you for always thinking of me and my sis, Mary Ann...you're quite an inspiration and I'm so fortunate to have met such a creative force (and also a French admirer to boot too!) through this wonderful world of blogging! Looking forward to more sweet adventures!!! xoxo jo ;)