We're All Winners!

Because I have just been tagged for a Thinking Blogger Award (many thanks again Andrea of Southern Heart - and others who have written such kind comments), my anonymity is compromised! Someone wants to see a picture of the real me! So, here's one taken last Summer with my fabulous granddaughter Jasmin in front of the famous Opera National de Paris - yes, home of the Phantom! Hot, humid day, windblown, casual me. Let me tell you, once you hit sixty three, casual is the only way to go - and it's great!

My life has been blessed in so many ways through the years. Sometimes when trying to piece together all the fragments to see a picture of the whole, I fall short - forgetting bits of the history, the places, the happenings - but I definitely never forget my friends, all those wonderful people who have shaped my life to make it what it is. I still have close childhood friends whom I visit in England. I have local friends who stood by me, cared for me, and cried with me when I was fighting cancer. I have friends who enjoy a teatime cuppa with me in my garden gazebo, and friends who, although far away, still keep in touch even if it's only a Christmas card. But now, right now, I have another group of amazing friends - all of you who take the time to read my blog and write back to me. When I joined this new world I had no idea I would find so many creative and endearing women who were passionate about the same things I love. I'm honored to think you really enjoy my photos and writings about my passions - my little cottage style home, the way I decorate, the things I enjoy collecting, my art projects, my garden full of flowers, birds and other wildlife, and my travels to interesting places, especially across the pond to my home. In turn, I receive such joy visiting you and reading of your latest projects, your flea market bargains, your pets and farm animals new offspring, your fabulous handyman/chef husbands (I don't have one with those attributes however he's still fabulous!), your pride in your children, your overwhelming love for your grandchildren, your lively travels, and your personal life stories encompassing your hopes, dreams, fears and joys.

They say that in Egypt the very best thing you can say about another person is that they are generous. Your generosity sparkles in your blogs - each of you gives back from the heart and makes every day even more special for me.

I wish I could tag every one of you but I guess I'm limited to five wonderful blog friends. I suppose eventually everyone receives an award anyway - don't forget patience is a virtue! So today I'm tagging these five friends whom I've met just since February - lucky me!

Allison at My Cozy Home http://mycozyhome.typepad.com/
We started blogging at the same time and Allie's obvious passion for her lovely home and family, and the wonderful vintage accessories she collects, makes my heart sing. It's great knowing that there are still young women out there who care so much for the lovely things of the past, incorporate them into their personal style so beautifully, and all while raising a family and holding a job. When Allie comments she says the sweetest heartfelt things - thanks so much.

Dorothy at www.petit-pois.typepad.com/
Who can believe Dorothy lives just up a country road from me however we have yet to meet in person. She is an amazing fine art photographer (make sure you visit her web site and view her work) who relocated here from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. I love to hear about her historic home renovation, her love of gardening, how she and her artist husband work so well in tandem, and are thrilled to be starting a new life in North Carolina. Dorothy I'm so glad I found you!

Peg at http://peg-woolinmysoup.blogspot.com/
Dear friend on Vancouver Island - you are certainly a very special person and I just love hearing from you. Peg must hold the world record for the fastest knitter. Oh goodness, every time I read her blog there she is modelling another fantastic creation in wool, cotton or silk! Her home and garden are lovely and although she has lived in many Canadian provinces, she obviously has found her true home in a scenic island paradise. Peg 'o my heart - you are fabulous.

Crystal at http://fariebees.blogspot.com/
How marvelous to actually keep bees of one's own - and not to even cry when you get stung. Crystal - "a pink-bee"- has been so kind in sharing the secrets of bee keeping, a subject I embraced after reading a certain "Bee" book - most of you know and love the story too! Her flower paintings and photos are wonderful. Do you realize we are getting so much education on new subjects from friends like Crystal - thanks so much for your patience and teaching me more about life around the hives and the making of honey.

Dawn at http://acharmedlife22.blogspot.com/
Before Dawn gallops off into the sunset on her beautiful horse, you must visit with her in her new home. She and dh are working on many projects to get their lovely house just the way they want it. She's a gal after my own heart - romantic with a little Bohemian thrown in - I just know she must be fun. She's a new blogger too and seems to be good at it - interesting posts and generous with her comments. Dawn, thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts and dreams, glad you've become a member of our great sisterhood.

The best of weekends to all my great new friends - look forward to hearing from you soon.