August 9, 2012

One Year Today!

A year ago today I started my blog. I can still remember my stomach being in knots as I hit the 'publish' button. I really didn't know what it would mean for me. Would it be helpful? A source of artistic inspiration? A burden to write? Would anyone read it? Would anyone care?

In the end, yes, it has definitely been work but it has also been a source of wonderful encouragement, friendship and a way of connecting with people of like mind and creative spirit around the world.

Thank you so much for being with me this past year.

Thank you to those who have happened by and left kind words. Thank you to all of you who have kept returning and, along with providing me with ongoing motivation, have become dear friends. I have loved writing it. I have painted more, I am certain, because of you. I've tried new papers, subjects and methods thanks to your suggestions, example and inspiration. I have used my camera more than I would have on my own. You were there during my ups and downs with my computer and printer. You were there when I opened my Etsy shop. Thank you for watching my garden grow with me and sharing your own garden stories. Thank you for letting me share my world--my studio, my garden, my neighbourhood, my kitchen, my family--with you.

Please cut yourself a lovely piece of strawberry shortcake (made by ChloƩ), accept a warm hug from me and big kiss from Meeko!

*  *  *  *  *

We had an unexpected visitor in the kitchen today. I heard a little 'plunk' and looked beside me. A grasshopper was sitting in a cake pan on the counter. I have no idea exactly how or why it came to be sitting there.  I looked up the symbolism of grasshoppers and, in many cultures, they are harbingers of good news or good luck. I think it was probably excellent news to the grasshopper that it didn't get baked into a cake. :) Instead, I returned it outdoors.  Isn't he beautiful?

In closing, I wanted to share a beautiful, peaceful image taken by Emma the other evening. Thanks again for being with me this past year.




16 comments:

  1. Congratulations Kathleen! Thank you for sharing your stories, your garden, your paintings and all you have shared along this year. It's been a pleasure to be here, although I don't often leave a comment I'm always following you on your adventures. A big kiss to my beloved Meko!
    PD.Thanks for the cake, delicious!

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    1. Thanks Maria for your lovely words. Having artist friends in so many parts of the world is wonderful.

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  2. Oh Kathleen, congratulations on your first bloganniversary !! Here to many more posts !
    I don't know if I ever told you, but I've been blogging for a decade, on various platforms. (I used to have my own website, in HTML & all !)
    Except one awful experience with a so called online friend, blogging & being online has only been positive for me. In many ways.
    xoxo much love

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    1. Thank you Sonia. I appreciate your presence here so much. You are such a thoughtful, lovely person.

      Blogging for ten years? Wow.

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  3. Congrats and may many more come!

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    1. Thanks so much Tina! I hope you are starting to feel better.

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  4. Kathleen!
    Congratulations!
    I'm so thrilled that I "met" you this year.
    Your blog is beautiful and an inspiration, much like its creator. :)
    Lots of love,
    Jody
    P.S. I think your grasshopper is actually a Katydid! (same family..I think)
    Katydid:
    Katydid teaches attunement to new vibrations and will aid in heightening intuition, sensitivity and awareness. They teach transformation in five stages as part of the molting process. Is it time to shed old ideas to make way for the new? Expect changes and new developments that will bring growth through reflection and patience as the sensitivity to mental, emotional and physical challenges are coming your way. Katydids also teach the art of camouflage and the ability to evolve and use many survival techniques. Are you adapting to your surroundings? Are you blending in or standing out? Katydid will aid in strengthening senses and perceptions of the seen and unseen so whatever transformation stage you are in will be a time to be aware; mentally and spiritually sharp.

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    1. Oh Jody. You write the nicest things. So happy we found each other. xx

      Thank you for telling me about my 'katydid' and all of its interesting symbolism.

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  5. HAPPY HAPPY ONE YEAR!!! :D

    hope i can do that too. i'm becoming busier and busier with writing. :(

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    1. Thanks so much Perrine. I hope your writing and art leads you to beautiful places.

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  6. Happy Anniversary!
    I too catch and release! Katydid is beautiful.....
    Thank you for a year of inspiration.
    Sherry, who dances with butterflies

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    1. Thank you Sherry for your gentle, inspiring presence.

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  7. it has been so good to get to know you through your blog this year Kathleen. You are amazing!.

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    1. Thanks so much Margie. Your presence here is like a sweet, soft light.

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  8. happy anniversary kathleen!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my blog and to leave me a comment. I love reading them. -- Kathleen

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