Thursday 16 October 2008

Celebrations!!




One of my favourite songs by the band "Dragon" is 'Celebrate' - in fact, when my beloved Geek Boy and I were married, this is the song we chose to walk back up the isle to after the ceremony!! Ours was NOT a traditional wedding in SO many ways - I bet that doesn't surprise most of you!! Tee! Hee! Hee! Now, I mention this, not because my mind has wandered off on a random tangent (though it does that a lot! Oops! There it went!) but because the words are: "Celebrate good times, COME ON! There's a party going on right here, a celebration to last us all the year! So bring your good times and your laughter too, we're gonna help to celebrate this party with you!" And that's the song that is circling in my head as I sit down to write this post, because I am CELEBRATING 100 posts! Well, 100 and ONE if you want to get REALLY technical, cos I had to finish telling you about my holiday on the 100th post!

I started blogging in February, a little bit by accident and mostly (like 99%!!) not knowing what I was doing. Someone had suggested that it might be a good way to let people know about my craft designs and patterns, encouraging them to visit the Tag Along Teddies web site. So that was why I started blogging. (oh and because GB said in passing one day, 'Oh, I set up a blog for you to play with.'!!) I wasn't sure how long I would keep it up, as I've never been any good at journaling or keeping a diary. So, I thought it might just be an interesting way of keeping track of the stitching projects I've done throughout the year - I give lots away as gifts that I usually forget to take photos of and at the end of the year always feel I haven't achieved much, this way I have photographic proof that I have! However, it's become so much more!!!

Not only have I found I enjoy blogging - it's just like having a chat with a friend - who takes a while to think before responding! Tee! Hee! Hee! I've enjoyed seeing what other crafters are up to and the sorts of projects people are working on/looking for. But beyond all of that - I've made some FANTASTIC blogging buddies!! There's Kerryanne from Shabby Art Boutique whose blog was actually the catalyst for this whole journey. Kerryanne has also been incredibly supportive of my designing and has even invited me to make a trip to Melbourne in the new year to teach a weekend workshop at her gorgeous studio! Plus, we've become good friends in the process. There's other designers like Lynette Anderson, Rosalie Quinlan, Natalie Ross, Melly, Leanne Beasley, Liz at Teddlywinks - all of whom have given encouraging feedback, but also inspired me to continue with my designing efforts and stretch my creativity. Thank you ladies! There's blogging buddies like Lilly Linda, Peg, Carin, Chookyblue, Granny Loz, Stina, Jo (Vintage Stitches), Jo (Home Sweet Home), Birdhouse Linda and Bek whose wonderful feedback and encouragement has nudged me out of procrastination and into stitching action on many occasions. (Especially Peg who hosted the Five Before The End Of July challenge!) Not to mention all of your wonderful bloggers who pop in for a visit and leave a comment - it's so wonderful to hear from you when you stop by. Not to mention the other wonderful blogs that I pop into for a visit quite frequently - and that list is ever-growing!! I could go on and on (and have been known to!!) but I'll cut myself short and summarise a little, with a HUGE, GINORMOUS, HEARTFELT ...

THANK YOU!!


Now, when you celebrate something, people usually give YOU the presents, but to celebrate this blogging milestone and to say "Thank You" in another way, I'M going to give some presents to YOU - well a couple of you, anyway!! I've been on the look out for lots of fun little giftie items, as well as some stitching supplies, so will draw TWO names from the list of all who comment on THIS post to receive a "Surprise Stitchers Pack" - a lucky-dip of loveliness!! All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your favourite way of celebrating a special event. Everyone who leaves a comment will go into the draw and I will announce TWO prize winners next Saturday, October 25, Eastern Standard Time. (Darn daylight saving just adds more confusion to the whole time zone issue!! Tee! Hee! Hee!) Tell your friends - the more the merrier is the celebration rule!! And if you mention my blogging century on your blog and link back, then let me know, I'll pop your name into the draw twice. Can't wait to see how all of you, my blogging buddies, like to celebrate!

The other thing I'm celebrating today is a FINISH! YAY! I've finally put the finishing touches on my Stitchers' Angel gifts. Now I just have to wrap them up to send them off, but thought I'd give you a sneaky peek first, cos I'm pretty sure my secret angel swap partner hasn't discovered my blog. Here we go ...


The three stitching accessories are, from left to right: a scissors pouch, an embroidered pin cushion and a needle keep. The scissors pouch (which also makes a great mobile phone pouch!) and the needle keep are from one of my patterns called "A Month Of Sundays", which I designed after friends who work full time complained that after housework takes up Saturday, they only have Sunday to sew, so were looking for quick, achievable projects. the MOS pattern includes four projects that can each be completed in a day, which means it will keep you busy for ... A Month Of Sundays! Tee! Hee! Hee! The other bits and bobs are some of my little knick knacks that I've been collecting for a while ready for gifties - a cute teashop shaped tin, which I've filled with Bag Lady teabags like the one resting in front in the photo. The tag to each teabag has a funny saying or quote. Then there's the magnetic note pad that lets you send notes from a "Cool Chick", the smarties-decorated tape measure (got myself one of these, too, and it works a treat!) and another gorgeous, handy little tin that I've popped an emergency sewing kit into, complete with needles, pins, thread, clips, buttons and the teeniest pair of scissors I've ever seen that really work!! Hope my swap buddy will like them - can't say where this parcel is going once it's wrapped - gotta keep some surprises!

Well, I think I've sufficiently carried out my threat of a sentimental monologue, so I shall sign off for now and wait to read your comments on how you like to celebrate. In the meantime, it's cold and wet here in Toowoomba, so I'm off for a mug of the YUMMIEST hot chocolate I've ever tasted. It's Candy Cane Cocoa that Carin sent me just before I went on holidays and it is THE BEST EVER!! I think the cold weather warrants another cup - it's as good an excuse as any!! Tee! Hee! Hee! Til next time - Bear Hugs!

CHEERS!
KRIS

54 comments:

Amanda said...

Am I first? It looks as if I've discovered your blog just in time Kris! I'm a quiet soul and hate parties, so my favourite way to celebrate is at home with my husband and two sons. We have a meal and then play a game of some sort, cards or a board game. What could be better? And now I'm just going over to my blog to plug yours.

May Britt said...

Happy blogiversary. The best way to celebrate things is to spend time together with family and friends.
And like you having a giveaway among blogfriends.
I love to make surprises for my friends and give it away.

Love your blog.
And I will tell about your giveaway on my blog later today :)

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Kris Happy Blogiversary to you....how easy was it to do those 100 posts, you have a great blog I love to come vist and have a read, you write so well....and all those nice words thank you so much for that, like I have said before you are a treasure, and I look forward to reading the next 100 posts...

Narelle said...

Congrats on your 100+ posts! I often pop in for a visit and enjoy your posts.
Big or small, celebrations mean family get togethers, happy times and always a yummy cake or two.

Chookyblue...... said...

have only got to the big THANKYOU and I will have to come back after the weekend and read the rest.......and yes you do go on but I still keep coming back so it must be good..........congrats on 101 posts and very pleased to meet you in blogland......have fun with your celebrations.......

Daisy Jayne said...

Congrats on reaching 100 (posts that is lol)Celebrations means family ....laughs..........food and memories

julia said...

Kris - HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY! Yay, I follow your journey in blogland for at least half the time you're doing it now and I'm still so glad that I found you&your blog...you're telling in such a funny way and there was more than one time I had to laugh out loud in front of my computer...;o)
So, go ahead and tell us more Kris-stories!
Congrats, too, for finishing all the goodies for your stitchers angel partner...she's very lucky to get it!
So...how do I celebrate? Well, of course with friends, without friends there isn't a party, is it? And then I love to have something special...maybe a surprise to my guests, maybe a theme for a costume party with all its decoration {last year we had a nurse&doctor party and we made yellow wobble pudding with vodka in those cups you normally have to...well, it was a huge success, lol}.
Hugs, Julia

crafty diane said...

Congratulations on reaching 100! I'm not much of a celebrator. If there is a special event around here we usually just have a quiet evening at home with family, maybe have a cake or go something special for supper. I'm posting a link to your giveaway on my blog!
Have a Blessed Day,
Diane

Candace said...

Congratulations! I am not too much of a partier, but I like to have family dinners, and that can be up to about 26 people, so is sort of a party.

cpullum said...

I love to celebrate by taking my girls out to Apple Bee's then the movies!!!!

Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

Linda said...

My favourite way of celebrating a special event is being with my children! Whether birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, gpa's, etc... as long as we are together it doesn't matter where the location is!
your stitching swap is beautiful! The phone/scissors, pin cushion, and needle keep are gorgeous! Love the bright colors, the cute teddies, and beautiful stitchings! Your swap partner is going to be one lucky person!
Great job!
Linda

Anonymous said...

Hi Kris
Congratulations on reaching the milestone of 100+ posts. I now seem to have a problem with getting a certain song out of my head. Oh No!
Well to celebrate a special occasion in this house we of course invite all the family and sundry to have a good old traditional Aussie BBQ. It is not often that we can get the whole family together due to nieces and nephews working part time jobs but it is really good when we all make and effort and are able to come together to celebrate.
Love what you have made for your stitching angel.
Ann-Maree

Anonymous said...

my favorite way to celebrate is with good food and good friends. A dinner table full of friends and family is my idea of heaven. Then move to the living room and sit over relaxing conversation.....
oleqwilterataoldotcom

Dawn said...

Congrats on your 100 post blogiversary! I just found you through May Britt...I will come back. You have a cute blog!

tess said...

Your stitching is way cute! Congratulations on your 100th post.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that you started writing your blog.....it is a joy to read. I like to celebrate with my family....and my precious little grandchildren. Food, family, fun!!!! Keep writing!!!!

Mary Grace McNamara said...

Who doesn't love teddy bears? What a great site! Congratulations on your 100th post. Now on to the next 100! I added a link to this giveaway on my sidebar. Thanks for throwing my name into the hat!

MGM

Mary Grace McNamara said...

I forgot to say I love to gather with friends or family to celebrate...a good meal, a nice dessert, good company and some good laughs...that's what makes good memories for me!

MGM

Jo in TAS said...

Happy Blogoversary +1, 100 posts certainly comes around quickly. I've found I've been very happy since I started blogging, ffel like I've got a huge bunch of friends supporting me everyday and I love it!!
Keep up the good work Kris!!

Lynn said...

My best celebrations are husband, kids at home -- with chocolate cake!

Gunn Torild said...

I found a link to your blog at May Britts blog. Nice blog you has! I often look at other blogs, to get inspiration!

From Gunn Torild in Norway

jeanette said...

Happy 100th post! Just wanted to tell you that I´m using my bag A lot!!!! Could I be so lucky to get more made by you... :)))
Have a wonderful weekend!

Kari Anne said...

congratulations on your 100th post!

Anonymous said...

I think the best way to celebrate is with people you love to bits, good food...and a Pinata! Not only do you get the goodies when It breaks, you get to get rid of all your agro over life's little difficulties by legally belting the stuffings out of something!

Stina Blomgren said...

Oh what a party you are having... :o) And of course I want to be here with you and celebrate... CONGRATULATIONS! You are the most happy and sweet person I have met and always make me happy with your comments...So I want to give you a big hug for that!!! :o)
And I am no much for big parties either...I love the little unexpected things in life...taking a friend out to a cafe and enjoy a dinner at a restaurant...and catch up on all the things and just have a good time!!! And I like to celebrate small happenings in our everyday life...for instance this weekend we are going out to a cafe just to celebrate that we bought our house in october for 7 years ago... ;o)

Anonymous said...

Hello Kris, congratulations on your 101 post.My favourite way to celebrate,depends on the celebration. Whether it is birthday, anniversary etc. Oops missed our anniversary this year as DD had major surgery and I stayed at the hospital with her and DH worked night shift.Looks like we will have to celebrate that one next year.It depends on our mood.There is this lovely Italian restaurant that serves the best Prawn Pizza or maybe The Mexicant Restaurant in town their specialty is Chili Con Queso Dip or maybe The Balinese Restaurant that serves the best skewered prawns and nasi goreng or.........Get my drift.Good Food, Family and friends it really does not matter where you spend as long as you are together.Regards Lyn

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Hi Sweetie,

Gosh 101 already and you beat me to it...I had better pull my finger out and keep posting. I'm so glad you decided to start blogging. Your posts are always exciting to read and I enjoy your take on life. We have a real connection as well as friendship...I think we may be cyber soul mates. Looking forward to having you down here in Melbourne in 2009.

My favourite way to celebrate is at home with a gathering or dinner party rather than hitting the town.
Hugs and jugs,
Kerryanne

Mistea said...

Celebrate for any reason. Dinner with family or friends and a glass or two of the bubbly kind!!
Kris the blog is fab and the stitching is amazing...Keep up the good work on both fronts and I'll be back again soon for a look.
Well done on all those words.

Anonymous said...

My favorite way of celebrating special events is spending time with my family and lots of good food. Thank you for the generous giveaway.

Unknown said...

Congatulations on reaching 100 posts Kris.Celebrare, family and food.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 100th post! It's the first time I visit you and enjoyed your "house"...
About your question... I'm a quiet person, so I like to celebrate special moments staying home with my husband or traveling away...

Lissa Jane said...

Congrats!!! celebrations here always mean family and mars bar slice! ( I dunno why, but its always requested!!!)

I dont like parties as such, but I like catching up with friends and family around the BBQ!


Lissa

MOMENTS Designs said...

Happy 100th Kris !!
and many more to come ( I'm looking forward to your 1000th ;-)
How do I celebrate...usually with the family BBQing ...lots of food and wine and laughter. Is here any other way ?? :-)
Liz

Jeanne said...

Being with family and friends is the best way to celebrate an occasion IMHO. Congrats on your 100th post and I love your goodies.

libertythreads said...

Congrats on your 100th post. We usually celebrate an event with lots of good food and a special dessert. Chocolate is always good!!!
libertythreads@charter.net

Lorraine said...

Congratulations on 100+ posts Kris...I am almost there - just need to find a few more hours in the day for all the things I want to fit into it!! I am not a party fan for celebrations....I prefer to have some family and friends around and as long as there is good food and a few drinks (softies for me - I live in the Barossa and don't drink wine!!) it usually means a good time....I am celebrating my birthday soon and it will be a BBQ .....like to keep things simple!

Kim said...

Congratulations on your 100th post. I like to celebrate with family and something special to eat. Maybe a movie as well.

Jeanette said...

congratulations on your 100th post Well worth celebrating. When we celebrate at my place it's with lots of yummy food. Especially desserts & cake.

Jo said...

Hi Kris,Congratulations on your 101th post.Thankyou for sharing all that you do with us, I enjoy reading your blog very much and thankyou so much for the lovely comments you leave when you visit me, they are much appreciated.
I love to celebrate with friends and family, at home, with a few glasses of wine and good food,music and lots of laughs.

Deb said...

Kris,
Happy 100th blog. Time goes quickly when blogging doesn't it.
My favourtie way to celebrate is to spend the special time with family and friends and make the time last as long as possible.

Ruthie said...

Congratulations Kris! A celebration around here usually means someone is getting a quilt from me.

Anonymous said...

Happy blogiversary. I like to celebrate with family and friends. especially Christmas. The house smells so good from all the cooking.

Janie

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your 100th post in blogland. My craft group celebrate our birthdays with a movie and coffe and cake after. If it's a big '0' birthday we usually all contribute to making a handmade gift for that person. Keep posting. xx Sue

Scottish Nanna said...

Hi for someone who dident have much to say when you first started you have done allright I enjoyed reading your blog. Happy Blogiversary.
Hugs Mary.

cherio1 said...

Congrats, Kris! I just found your site. I will definitely be visiting again. I have a unique way of celebrating my children's birthdays. It started when they were young adults. All 4 of my children were born in the wee morning hours. Sooooo....one night I decided to stay up and call my oldest son at the very time he was born (2:53 am) to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and to ask him to go out to breakfast with me at an all night restaurant. We went and had so much fun that I repeated this with all the rest of my kids. They seem to look forward to this now as a tradition. However, lately I've been thinking that it would have been a lot easier if they had been born in the late afternoon hours. LOL

Bek said...

Wow 101 posts:) Just poped in as I have been mia for a few weeks glad to you had a fun holiday.
The pack looks great, now I love to celebrate with friends and family nothing better than that. We are about to celebrate my youngests bday. We will have to catch up again soon.

Bek

Anonymous said...

Congrats on 100!!!
I love to celebrate special days with my family, hubby, kids and grandkids and slobbery dog. I love to cook and bake and find it very satisfying to share a special meal.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Sue Cahill (sbonetsue at yahoo dot com)

Michelle said...

Congratulations on your milestone of 100 (+1) blog posts! My favorite way to celebrate a special is with family. Doesn't matter what we do or where we go, it's always better with my family close. :)

Kerry said...

Congratulations on reaching your 101st posting! I would be celebrating with a glass of wine, a lovely dinner and chocolate for afters. Sharing it, of course, with family and friends and (hopefully) someone else to do the dishes. Your stitchers angel gifts are lovely, I would be thrilled if I were the lucky recipient, we'll all have to wait patiently in anticipation.

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Hi Kris, I just found your blog and I've been reading some of your post. Love all the bears.
Congratulations on your 100th post plus and I have to say celebrating for me is just with family. So wish my parents were still here, they made it so special.
Your stitchen angel is a lucky girl. I still need to send mine.
Keep Stitchen,
Bonnie

swooze said...

Congrats on the 100th post.

Helz said...

Happiest Blogoversary +1 Kris... Luv your Ramble-On's they make me Smile... Lots !

*** Much Merriment shared with Family & Friends... Laden Tables & Drink could be the start of something Big! lol...

Judy S. said...

Happy Blogaversary, Kris, and thanks for visiting my blog!

Deborah in Atlanta said...

Happy 100th, and thank you so very, very much for sharing them with us. Isn't the blog world simply wonderful? We make so many friends. And even though I've never met you in person, I feel like you are a friend of mine. Congratulations again! If I win, you can contact me at dmj53@hotmail.com

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