Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Celebrate the Sisterhood

Today is my 6 month Blogiversary! 6 months ago to the day I reluctantly wrote my first post. Yes, I was a hesitant blogger.
My original thought was maybe I could blog and that would draw people in to my etsy. (Let's be honest, a lot of us artsy types begin for that reason.) But something strange happened along the way. I had little interest in listing anything in my shop despite the fact I'm a frequent etsy visitor and purchaser. I think I've listed 6 things in the last 6 months, but I'm blogging my little heart out on a regular basis!
I've made connections with people all over the world who share common interests. I've been encouraged to think and create ouside my comfort zone. I've embraced the joy of swapping. I've been inspired, I mean deeply inspired by what you, my new blogging friends share. I've shared in your successes, your fears, your joys with sincere interest and concern. I've experienced that same sincere interest and concern in return. There is a camaraderie that I never anticipated but am so overjoyed to have found.
Each of you-the frequent visitor, the swap partner, the casual visitor, the one time commenter-has touched and enriched my life. Your blogs have made me laugh, cry, pray and rejoice.
So 6 months in (and 200 followers later!!!), please accept my gratitude. I am humbled by your kind and generous spirits.

Let's celebrate the sisterhood! I would like to do another giveaway. I'll put the deadline out a little longer because the winner for the Halloween Giveaway isn't selected until this Friday.
Simply leave a comment. If you would like to become a follower or grab my button that's great, but to be entered simply comment after this post. The prize? It will be something JUST FOR YOU. I would like to make up a little gift package based on what I know about you from your blog. Comment anytime through the month of October and the winner will be announced the first week of November.

Side note: I do my best to respond to comments and questions, but have a computer issue that often restricts my ability to respond. I can't click on an "email me" or "send a message" through google connect. A message pop up says "client default not properly installed", so when possible I respond on your blog. Some of you I haven't been able to locate though. A friend will be looking at the problem and hopefully be able to correct it soon. In the interim, if you'd like, drop me an email and we'll chat.

53 comments:

Unknown said...

I just love your blog, it's so mystical and dreamy! Thank you for sharing and hosting a giveaway.
<]8>)

Hearts Turned said...

Congratulations on your 6-month mark! I just crossed a year...can't believe it! And I so agree with everthing you said--what an adventure it's been!

What a sweet and generous giveaway! I've been a follower for a while now---love peeking in and seeing what you're up to!

Hope your day is wonderful!

Julie

Our Hopeful Home said...

Congrats! You are too talented and too kind!

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Happy 6th Month of blogging.
Your creative artwork is unique and how very sweet to have a giveaway!
I've been blogging for 2 years and I have LOVED IT!!!
I've learned A LOT!!!
Deb :)

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Oh, my, Joanne, 200 followers in six months, YEAH! Remember when I first "met" you and you had 16 or so followers and you were wondering if anyone would follow you?!?! I said, no worries, they'll find you and they are!!!

Whoo-hoo!!

And what a fabulous giveaway you have planned and but of course, dahling, I am a follower, one of your firsts!!

xxoo

Tina said...

Congrats on the 6 month blogiversary Joanne - isn´t blogging just the best. and 200 followers in 6 months - that´s awesome and no wonder.
What a generous giveaway - I would love to be entered in your drawing.
Wishing tiy a wonderful day
xo Tina

EileenMV said...

Love your blog - so glad you started one!!!

Wendy Aspinall said...

Okay you made me think for a second How long have i been blogging? and I am coming up to my 6 -month mark wow! where did the time go? I'm thankfull to call you one of my blogging friends I come and read over your post , look to see what you have made and enjoyed your spirit and then to top it off you're having another giveaway... you are the best!
Have a wonderful day hugs Wendy

Carole said...

Happy 6 months of blogging--congrats!

Jill Marcott-McCall ~Feathers & Flight~ said...

Good Morning Joanne;
Congratulations on Your 6 Month Anniversary! I Loved what you said and Feel the Same way! The Land of Blog is an Amazing Resource fro Inspiration, Encouragement and Friends! Who would of thought!
Have a Wonderful Day!
Hugs
Jill

Daniele said...

Its amazing how time flies, your blog is lovely, I've just done a year myself of blogging and I'm totally addicted to see all the wonderful creations that other talented bloggers do, I m already a follower and my blog is http://musingsofachocoholic.blogspot.com/.
hugs from Daniele

AmyB said...

Way to go on the 6 mo! You have been a most prolific blogger, and, though I'm blogless, truly appreciate the inspiration I recieve from those who take the time to share their artistic endeavors. The blogosphere is like the old Paris salons where minds can meet any everyone's art is enhanced by the exchange of ideas and enthusiasm. - Amy Bauer

Nelly said...

Well, congratulations and happy 6 months! Thanks for your generosity in doing a giveaway.

Buccaneers and Ball Gowns said...

That is so amazing, 200 followers in six months! It definitely makes sense though, your blog is awesome! Congrats.

Angela said...

Congratulations! I'm sure the past 6 months have flown by for you! My next post will be my
100th! It has definately been a journey for which I am grateful, too. Again, congrats!
Angela

Blessed Serendipity said...

Happy six months and to many many more to come!

-Danielle

Ivy said...

Congrats JoAnne! Your blog is always a nice place to visit and your art is divine! xoxo

Laura said...

congratulations on your 6 month blog-versary. i just love your blog and your giveaway is very sweet.
blessings
~*~

dawn13 said...

I don't have a blog, I just wanted to tell you how beautiful your is, and I Love following it.Your words are kind, and witty, and your site is just awesome.Thank you for sharing your lovely & creative spirit, and your generous giveaway.

Anonymous said...

The picture of the women in the water is just awesome... really glad to have discovered you! Congrats on 6 months!

kana said...

Congrats on 6 months and so many followers...great blog!

Wendy said...

JoAnne,
You have given me goosebumps. I absolutely love what you have said and the picture is wonderful. I completely understand what you mean. I thought the same thing when I first started to blog, and I have posted 1 item on etsy. I have gained so much more than "a customer". I have gained a group of sisters and friends that range in all types of personalities and creative abilities. It is a Wonderful Wonderful thing. Thank you for sharing this and congratulations on reaching 6 months.
I just love visiting you and all your creations,
Spells and Wishes
Wendy from wonderland

Ms. Robinson said...

I LOVE GIVEAWAYS!!!!

Rebecca said...

Congradulations on your six month anniversary-love visiting -keep more coming!

Carol Mae said...

Hi JoAnne, Great to hear from you again. Your welcome for the free images. Hopefully now I'll be back in full swing of things. Congrats on your 6 month's blogging. It's been a year for me now. Take care, Carol Mae

Myrna said...

Wow! Only 6 mos?? You've got a FABULOUS blog!! And you are so very clever and artistic!! Congrats on your blogaverary!
Blessings!
Myrna

Heathen said...

What a wonderful post! I just started my blog about a month ago, and while I don't have that many followers yet I know what you mean about finding like-minded and incredibly talented people from all over. This is a beautiful giveaway idea, congratulations on your 6-month mark!

MJ said...

Just found your blog through Charm Bracelet Diva. I love it! Halloween is my favourite time of year and I'm eagerly reading your blogposts :) I'm your newest follower! :) Also congrats on the 6 months of course, well done!

Sara said...

i love looking at your blog and this post resinated with me. I was the same. Planning on selling my art on etsy though my blog, but just like you I have hardly listed anything. Its not like I have a shortage of things to list either. What a generous giveaway, hope I am in with a chance of winning. Hugs Sara

Marie Lost Bird Studio said...

Hi JoAnne,
congratulations on your 6 month milestone and 200 followers!!!
Always fun to come and visit you.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Have a wonderful day.
Hugs,
Marie

Myrna said...

Hi again, Joanne! I just posted about our swap..it was so much fun exchanging the darling boxes with you and Kana! (Also, I announced your giveaway, so hopefully the 8 of my readers, LOL~wink, will pop over and enter!)
Blessings!
Myrn

Something Special said...

I am with you all the way blog sister. I am not able to email anyone either through their blogs. But I have no problem with google commenting. I love your blog. The blogging world brings us all a little closer together!

Something Special said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Yvonne said...

What fun, browsing your blog! I am now a follower :)

Wendy said...

Part of the main reason I love blog parties is that through one link after another, I find a new blog that I get excited about...Just your blog title alone sells me..I'm definitely subscribing. And thank you so much for having the giveaway :)

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi! I love this post--and it's so true! And congrats on your 6th anniversary...that is awesome...and so many nice people on here..it's amazing, isn't it?
Have a beautiful weekend!
Hugs,
Cindy

MoonRae said...

congratulations on your blogversary!! I love it here
~Sharon~

Andrea W said...

For newcomer to blogging, you have a lot of talent! I especially enjoy your tags.

Paris Hotel Boutique said...

Congrats on your 6 months and Happy Halloween in advance! What a generous giveaway...thinking of each person's style/taste via their blog! I'd love to know what would be in my goody bag :)

D. Jean Quarles said...

Congratulations on six months! I'm feeling the same way. Such an amazing group of women I now know.

she dreams big! said...

Wow! You have really accomplished alot in just 6 months! Congratulations! I love visiting!

2amscrapper said...

I love your blog and I love giveaways. Congrats.

Lynn Stevens said...

oh my goodness another giveaway! hopw generous of you, count me in. I'll leave my post up!

Jo said...

I just discovered your blog ... you are one talented lady ... i also adore blogging ... so much to learn and so many people to share with ...

cottonfieldfarm said...

Gracious would I ever love to be entered into your giveaway! I grabbed your button and am already a follower. Talk to you soon...I'm gonna go find one of those SWAPS to enter....

Regina

Carol Mae said...

Congrat's JoAnne for 6 months of great inspiration. Just love your blog and all your talents. Many Hugs, Carol Mae

Devonay said...

Six months and so many followers! That's great! I love the pic. I have neglected my blog of late, but have been inspired to get started again. Thanks for sharing your celebration!

igea said...

I follow your blog as "wolfsrain"
Your blog is full of a real magik feeling,I grab your button and put here:http://candy19candy.blogspot.com/

igea777@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I too am a hesitant blogger. I love to lurk, and I keep saying "one day!" I am an old soul, and have many plans for my life. Thank You for this opportunity.
Love,
Darla

Elderberry-Rob said...

Just stumbled across your blog, it's lovely - so inspirational - I am now this year to blogging too. Would love to be in the hat for your giveaway. xxx

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Hi JoAnne~ Congrats on your milestone! Blogging has been wonderful! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog...I am a new follower of yours, too! So nice to make a new blogging friend!

aMaZiNg GrAcE iS all ArOuNd said...

Your blog is awesome! I keep going back and fourth about making my own... Hope you have a lovely day!

Meesh said...

Fortuitously, I just came across your blog while looking at the amazing Halloween spreads many bloggers are doing...really looking forward to browsing through the rest of your posts! I know I'm a first-timer, but I'd still like to enter your giveaway. My blog is http://granniesguide.blogspot.com