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 Chloé), accept a warm hug from me and big kiss from Meeko!

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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.