Thursday, October 04, 2012

The Big One!

Today is The Day!!! WOOHOO!!!
Hels wants to know "What Makes You Happy" over at the Sunday Stamper. All of you make me happy!
18 months ago, it was only a dream to be able to create something everyday, much less talk about it to anyone who would listen. Then, after being fortunate enough (Thanks Hubby!) to attend Tim Holtz's last cruise (no brown nosing here people!) and hearing his words of inspiration and motivation (heard before but never stuck), and seeing (really seeing) the joy he gets from creating and teaching (Thank you Tim!), I was lit on creative fire and knew what I had to do...learn html language...well somewhat learn it. It took a week to get the blog up. I read everything I could and downloaded mounds of tutorials on how to blog (sort of a nerd), and still cried like a baby when I couldn't make my pictures line up (still can't). There was no cooking, cleaning, very little mothering and wifeing (;D) going on, and I had about 16 hours of sleep that week (yes, I counted). I stole as much space as I could from the family room, and started building my cave, instead of repeatedly ruining my kitchen table with inks, glues, scratches, that sort of thing.
It's been a year...A WHOLE YEAR! I still don't know squat about html language, but I've done my best, and with a lot of help from some of you. This creating/blogging thing really blows my mind, and I can't believe I am still waking up every morning ready to go again, even after this, my 200th Post.

If you will allow me a little more rambling time please, what I really have to say to you all is ...SO...
So many projects have been made...some I like and some I don't, yet you all keep coming back!
So many swaps have been done, and my collection runs a muck...yay! I love receiving your work!
So many opportunities opened up...being on DT's for fab people (Artistic Outpost, Our Creative Corner, Frilly & Funkie)...WOW! I still get nervous over every single project!
So many goals have been made. Me a Ranger Educator? Me teaching? WOW! I still pinch myself!
So many viewings have been logged in. I keep wondering, there's gotta be a mistake!
So many people are following me, and I am humbled! Why would you do it? I hope I don't go over a cliff!
So many comments have been written, and none have been unkind, not one single one. WOW!
So many of you have me listed in your sidebar! I am SO honored, truly!
So so so cool that people pin my work on Pinterest! Say what??? I'm blown away by that!
So much weight has been gained sitting down at this computer. I have to start exercising...yikes!
So many friends have been made, and I treasure each one, truly!
So many blogs have been discovered, and I learn from each one of them every single day!
So many countries have been visited. Art is the language we all share!
So many talented people have enriched my life and opened my eyes to the ways of Art!
So much inspiration, oodles of it, has been given to me and is felt in my creative soul!
So much love and kindness has been seen from these eyes, and I feel so fortunate to see it every day! 
So many blessings have been given, and I could never list or count them all!
So...thank you everyone (hubby and children included)...seriously, THANK YOU!!! To know a little bit of you is a treasure, and I want you all to know, I cherish every single one of you and the time you give and take for this wonderful thing we all call Art. You all make it SO worth while, and I SO love what I do!!!

You don't have to be a follower to win, but if you decide to, that is HUGELY appreciated...just leave a sugary comment! ;D And, I had so much to give to you, that I decided to break it down into 3 giveaways! SOOO, stop by on Saturday morning to see if you are one of the lucky three that are randomly drawn. Cyber hugs to you all!
Spring/Summer Pack
Halloween Pack
Christmas Pack
I hope your hands get creatively dirty soon!



69 comments:

  1. Congrats on your anniversary! Looking forward to many more of your inspiring posts.

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  2. Dearest Anita I'm happy for you but also for us that we can admire your works! Hugs and kisses your italian friend Barbarayaya

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  3. congratulations on all you've achieved in just a year! looking forward to seeing a lot more of your work. thank you for the inspiration!

    grace

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  4. Anita you rock!! Happy anniversary cannot wait to see what the next year brings for you look forward to tons more inspiration best wishes to you

    Kaz x

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  5. Hi Anita, What a lovely post! Congrats on your anniversary.. you have achieved so much... The reason is because your work is so full of inspiration.. your blog posts are full of wonderful tutorials.. I have learnt so much from you... Thank you Can't wait for the next year..
    Hugs May x x x

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  6. My very best wishes to you, Anita,

    on this lovely anniversary!!!! So many wonderful reasons for you to celebrate. And so many good reasons for us as well ;)

    Thank you for your lovely artwork and the inspiration!!!

    Greetings from Vienna,
    die amelie

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  7. OMGoodness - a year of blog entries for me to catch up on... I've just discovered your blog and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sweet giveaway. I'm feeling the need for ink on my fingers and the daily inspiration you provide. Good luck to you on your future endeavors.

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  8. Hi Anita! Happy anniversary! So funny that we both started around the same time with blogging! I'm very happy that I found your blog, I know exactly when that was. It was with the 12 tags of Christmas last year! About a month later I was experimenting with product lists on my blog and when you asked me about it and a whole new adventure named ThumbLinky was born. But that's way besides the point:). I love going over to your blog to see what you've created and show how you've made it! You're so very talented and happy for you that you are now a Ranger educator! Wow! So cool! And if you have any HTML questions, you know where to find me! Hugs, Sandra

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  9. What a sweet thing to say!!!! I want to thank You for Sharing your work/ projects/ ideas with us!!!!
    Thank You for the tutorials and "how to make" instructions!!

    Happy Blogiversary!!!!

    And thank you for the chance to win such lovely giveaways!!!!

    Hugss xoxo

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  10. ...congratulations Anita on your 1st Anniversary...since I first discovered your blog you've had me hooked, you are one inspiring lady! so many of your posts have taken my breath away, you have the gift of daring us to dream beyond our own limitations, so thank you for being you and for sharing...have a super day...Mel :)

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  11. I'm stunned that you have been doing this only 1 year!!! I love your blog and all your creations! Tell hubby and kids thanks so much for sharing their Wife/Mom with us! Summer Rose

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  12. What a greatful blogpost Anita...I do recognize all your "SO's" so well! I was afraid to start a blog too...but now, nearly 2 years later, I cherish it every day...so much inspiration to see in other's work, such nice contacts, sweet comments...the list is too long...for sure, it is positive! :-)

    Good luck in blogland and enjoy your creative gifts Anita!!

    greetings, Alie :-)

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  13. Well what can I say? Have you thought of running for President? Think you'd blow the competition away!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the encouragement and support you give us, for the advice and techniques you share on your blog and through your videos, for the inspiration you share freely, and for the enthusiam and love of craft you generate to everyone in Blogland.
    I truly hope you achieve the goals you have set for yourself because you deserve to reach every one of them.
    Have a very happy anniversary. Hugs, Buttons x

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  14. Hi Anita, got a big lump in my throat reading your lovely piece today. You have been one of the most inspiring people in my- even shorter than yours - bloglife. I love seeing everything you do and as a result try out new techniques and really stretch myself beyond what I think I am capable of. So thank you to YOU too, you have enriched my crafty life......Huge Crafty Hugs, Anne xx

    PS, looking forward to your next 12 months! x

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  15. Happy anniversary Anita.
    Thank you for sharing your wonderful works with us.You are so talented.
    Hugs
    Felicie

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  16. Hi Anita, happy Anniversary, so pleased you have enjoyed your journey. We all keep coming back because you inspire , your art inspires and you are inspiring and a lovely person too. I always love popping by to see what you have created and I get a real buzz from your thinking outside the box creations. Long may it continue. Here is to the next ten years of your creativity. I am with you on the HTML stuff, makes my head hurt and still don't get it either lol. Thanks for inspiring us Anita. Tracy x

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  17. Happy Anniversary, Anita! It's always a pleasure coming to your blog and seeing your beautiful creations. Wishing you many more wonderful things in the coming year... you sure rocked your first one! Happy celebrating, my friend!

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  18. Congratulations, Anita!You deserve all of these wonderful blessings in your life. You are such an inspiration to me both artistically and in life. You had a dream and you went for it with so much positive energy and grace. You are so generous in sharing your talents, your knowledge, and your support/encouragement. I love how you stretch yourself artistically...that makes me want to do the same. Thank you for all of your postings. I love your writing style and I love your art. Your blog is such a sweet way to start my day.

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  19. I'm glad I found you during Tim's 12 tags of 2011. You are an inspiration and I'm honored to call you Friend. Here's to many more years of crafty goodness and blogging!

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  20. Congrats on your first year! I love your blog and find so much inspiration from your art! Keep it coming girl!

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  21. Awesome post Anita! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us! Your art is a constant inspiration and I have enjoyed working with you so much both at OCC and F&F. It's wonderful that you have gotten so much satisfaction and enjoyment out of blogging and creating your fabulous artwork. All the best to you in your second year on the 'net!

    Hugs,
    Linda

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  22. Hi Anita, I've been stunned so far by your creations, but now you could knock me over with a feather to hear that you've only been doing this a year! Congratulations on your anniversary and very best wishes for many more. Nicola x

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  23. The thanks go in the other direction too... for your incredibly dedicated and supportive blog-visiting, for your amazing tutorials, for your ever-inspirational projects shared with us so generously. I'm proud to call you a crafty friend, and look forward to many, many more years of devoted following!!
    Alison xx

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  24. Congratulations Anita:) Best wishes to you. I love your blog, works and projects. Thank you for your lovely artwork and many inspirations!!! I will be looking forward to many other of your inspiring posts.
    Greetings,Asia
    xoxo

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  25. Dear Anita, Happy Anniversary! Thanks for sharing your talent on your beautiful blog. I always look forward to your next creation. Here's to many more!

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  26. congratulations! and thank you for sharing sooo much.

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  27. Congratulations, Anita! You've created a great blog - thanks for sharing so much!

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  28. Congrats! Your blog is great. Your work is super. Thanks for sharing.

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  29. I knew I would leave a comment long before I got to the part about the giveaway :)
    Congratulations on your achievements and success. It was inspiring to read your list of So's. You really exemplify the spirit of "just do it". Best wishes for many more artistic adventures!

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  30. Happy Anniversary!!!
    I love watching how your art has taken on a new life this past year. Miss seeing you. Hope we can get together soon.
    Love ya,
    Karen

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  31. Happy Anniversary. I must thank you however for your fabulous blog, and for sharing your enormous talent. I have learned so many things from you that I can't begin to count them all. Your work is so inspiring. It is indeed a joy to come to your blog everyday and see what fantastic wonders there are to behold. Thank you, Anita.

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  32. Happy, happy, joy, joy! Your inspiring blog and creative endeavors are cause for celebration!! Congrats.

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  33. As a totally obsessed Ranger/Tim Holtz crafter, I love your projects! Congratulations on your first anniversary. Happy creating for many years to come.

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  34. Congrats to your first year and I look forward to following you for many, many more! You've been such a source of inspiration for me!

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  35. What a lovely post. I really love following your blog so much inspiration . I just wanted to say thank you
    Pat

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  36. Congratulations Anita! I say thank YOU for giving so much inspiration to all of us! I love your creations and look forward to seeing more.

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  37. You are truly lucky to be able to follow a dream. Well done to you for taking the leap and going for it. So many people have dreams and don't realize them.

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  38. Congratulations Anita!! I want to thank YOU for providing such inspiring artwork! It's always such a pleasure to visit your blog. Here's to many more years :)

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  39. Congratulations on your anniversary. I find your postings and tutorials to be very inspiring. Thank you for being there.

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  40. Congratulations on your anniversary, thank you for posting such inspiring projects!

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  41. Congrats! Your work is so cool, I was so inspired by a recent blog project, I had to go try it out immediately :)

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  42. 200 posts... Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your blog is wonderful and I'm glad you are still having a good time!!!!!!!!!

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  43. ¡¡¡HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ANITA!! Your words are an inspiracy for me. Thank you so much for share your art, for your tutorials, i had been learned so much with your work: I like and love your style, and of course, your simpaty and kidness for share all your art!!
    Keep going on, and like Tim always says ENJOY THE JOURNEY!! Blogs like yours and others, make me Enjoy the Journey too!!

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  44. Happy Blogiversary Anita! Having only recently discovered your blog I went back through some of your earlier posts and I must say you definitely hit the ground running! I was astounded to learn that you'd only been at this for a short time. You are tremendously talented and I am so grateful for everything that you share with all of us! Looking forward to the inspiration you bring to Year #2!

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  45. Woot! Woot! Congratulations Anita! It's been so much fun watching your art and blog evolve into what it is today, really spectacular! I'm happy for you!

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  46. Congratulations on your blogoversary!! And thank YOU for all the inspiration you give us and for sharing your projects with us!! Your 3 giveaways are fabulously generous and I sure hope I'm one of the lucky winners... crossing all my fingers and toes! :o))

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  47. WTG, Anita!!!! You've posted some beautiful projects over the year and I thank you for doing so. Lots of inspiration in the "haven".

    Congrats on your 1st blogavirsary...is that how to spell it?!?!?!

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  48. Congrats on your blog anniversary! This post shows what a wonderful person you are. Thanks for all your inspiration . I wish you more and better blog years ahead.
    Naomi

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  49. You are so humble -- but, you are my hero. I've learned so much from you. Sometimes creativity needs a kick in the ______, and your tutorials do just that. Congrats on the big "01" and keep 'um coming!

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  50. I was lucky enough to find you just last week and I have been pouring over your blog entries every since...I love your ART!

    Grandma Shelley

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  51. Well GF, it has been a pleasure to get to know you and be on one of the DT's with you! Here is to another fabulous year and big congratulations! Hugs!

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  52. Congrats my dear and thnx for all your inspiration!! I am just happy as can be that I found your blog and get your posts in my emails! that makes me so happy and makes me smile!! keep arting dear! I am working at mine as well!! pics soon!! hugs to you!!

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  53. Congrats on you anniversary! I love your blog as well as your work and really appreciate all of your hard work. I still do not have a blog up but eventually....You deserve to be an educator/teacher as you passion shows in your creativity! Thanx so much for all of the inspiration and looking forward to your new year of blogging.

    KimMJ
    bast830@comcast.net

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  54. A year of keeping a blog is BIG anniversary. And your tag today is fantastic-I love it. Also, thanks for becoming a follower on my blog. I will follow you too and hope we can chat again soon.

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  55. Congratulations my dear and you are a born teacher and I do beleive you have found your calling. Sharing your talent and enjoying yourself is the greatest.

    xoxoxo

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  56. Dear Anita...your blog is one that I always read, no matter what. It is so inspiring, so beautifully written and so instructive! I deeply appreciate the way you freely share your art, your heart and your knowledge with all of us day after day. Happy Blogiversary, and many, many more to come!

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  57. congrats Anita! You are indeed an inspiration, I have enjoyed following you for quite a while now. Just received my first RRD order, and yes, it is because of you. Looking forward to another 200 posts :) Thanks for being you! Blessings.

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  58. First congrats on your milestone. Second, it hard to believe you are still nervous about any part of your artistic and teaching abilities. Look how far you have come. Be proud, be happy, but dont be nervous anymore. Your creations are great. (wish i could follow my own words of wisdom)

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  59. Congratulations on your first year....I have always thought you were awesome and this just confirms it to the world!!!

    Shannon

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  60. Sincere congratulations to you my dear friend. I am so glad to have met you in blogland and hope we will meet in person one day! You have been a huge inspiration to me this year. Best wishes for the year ahead! Yvonne

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  61. Happy first blogaversary!!! sorry to be late, I didn't get time yesterday. Every time I visit your blog, I'm happy that I found it. You are a constant inspiration & I'm always amazed by your creativity - today's tag is no exception, I love all its metally goodness.
    Congrats & thanks for such a wonderful giveaway.

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  62. And I am SO happy that you started up your blog, meant that I got to "meet" you! Love all your art, you have a very distinctive style which I loves. Thanks for joining in with the Sunday sTamper all the time, I truly appreciate your entries... and HAPPY BLOGGY BIRTHDAY!!!! GO YOU!!! xx

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  63. Congrats! Thanks for putting into words what so many of us feel about this amazing artful blogging community that exists in cyberspace.

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  64. I freakin' love the fringe! Incredible tag Anita.

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  65. Hahahahaha, I forgot to leave the "sugary" message here. Here goes, Molasses, syrup, Kayro, Creamer, Ohhh, right, not that kind....
    Anita, your post was a hoot and if my name isn't drawn, I'm already a winner just seeing your blog and having had the wonderful chance of DTing with you. I laughed my butt off about gaining weight..aint that the TRUTH!! I looked in the mirror the other day and thought.."OMG...where did THAT come from!" Ah well, at least masterpieces are made and you my friend make some amazing ones and inspire us all. :D
    There, sweet enough? LOL!
    Have a wonderful weekend and I really do love that fringe on the tag.
    Lisa xx

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  66. Congratulations, and thanks for the chance to win some goodies!

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  67. Congrats on your one year anniversary! Love following your blog and your many crafty projects...you are an inspiration and I wish I had the time to do what you do!

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  68. amazing, I love your blog and your great tutorials. I am fairly new to this whole blog thing, but love it. so much inspiration! bsrb

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