Sunday, March 17, 2019

My blogging year that was.....and a Giveaway

Good morning all you lovely lovelies; a beautiful welcome to you♥

I am sitting here enjoying my morning cup of tea reflecting upon the fact that earlier this month, six years ago, I rather tentatively clicked the publish key on my very first blog post and today, 2,207 days  later (give or take a day or two) I am still skipping along the flower-lined bloggy path, still clicking the publish key, still writing my drivel of a blog, still imagining stories to write and still capturing happy snaps of pretties that make my day, my life; beautiful. Indeed it was a happy day (well it was for me) when I decided to prattle on (perhaps...not so for you, though) about all things pretty...all things creative! It was a happy day indeed when I discovered all you lovely lovelies...gorgeous ladies who always make my heart sing♥ Oh Happy Day♥

As I stroll along the memory lane  of my previous posts, I see........me. I am conscious there is a prevailing thread to each post. Through my blog I have discovered my own voice, my own style. I have a friend in Sydney who when she shows her husband something I have written, particularly those posts filled with waggishness, where words sometimes drip with facetiousness; without being told whom the author is, he immediately says..."oh, Kim wrote that". I love that. I love it when I write a piece it is a reflection of me, in my own unique and distinctive style. I love the fact that my own idiosyncratic voice shines clearly through. Through the writing of my blog I have discovered that I actually love to write. I love the nuance of words, the rhythm and flow of language. This is something that has not always been apparent to me, especially as a small schoolgirl donned in my school tunic and shiny, black patent leather, school shoes....nor indeed, to my teachers.

In a classroom setting when I was asked to write a narrative, or a composition as it was called back in the day......or some other piece of writing, the results were always rather underwhelming. When asked to pen a piece, I can remember more often than not, sitting there for what seemed forever tapping my pencil on my desk with grand imaginings and vivid thoughts swirling around and around in my brain. You see, it was just that darn imagination of mine. It would skip along a merry path but along the way some other fantasy was lurking around the bend and I always had to follow it, grabbing it with both hands. The problem was that when I had corralled all my crackerjack ideas in readiness to ink the explosion of thoughts from my rather fanciful imagination onto the virgin white page, the teacher thundered "pens down" with nary a word scribbled. 'Twas such a shame all my fanciful imaginations were never made public to those  who walked along the hallowed halls of  learned places. Hence I always seemed to not quite make the grade. Yes indeed, I always seem to get a big fat "F" on my paper.

Aah yes.....the "F" word. No, not that "F" word, though I suppose my teachers could have quite possibly thought of  'that' provocative and controversial word from time to time when their imperious eyes viewed yet another empty page of mine. No, the "F" word I am intimating is "FAIL"!! Time after time I would look at the teacher (think Mrs Trunchball of Matilda fame) who was swinging what seemed to be an overlarge stopwatch ticking ever so loudly with a look on her face which said it all. She was always seriously displeased. So.......I went through life not really entertaining a skerrick of a thought that perhaps I could write with my own unique voice. All my 'wonderful' thoughts and ideas always seemed to explode in my brain when it was too late. The lesson was done and dusted. When time was up for the Literacy lesson, it was time for Maths. Mmm.....now, about the subject of Maths......well, we just won't go there, because....well.....it's just not pretty!!

Me and school never were the funnest of companions. Back in the day, when children read by the dim light of a flickering candle and wrote with quill and ink,  one could never really have an opinion that might differ from the teacher. Pity help any child who suggested they had perhaps a brilliant idea. An idea that perhaps was better than the teacher. NO.......how could that be!!!! I remember children (I never was one, as I was a child who did not like to be in trouble) who were administered with the rod of punishment for any minor misdemeanor. No, school never was my thing.

But.....there was one subject that really lit my world. The subject that flicked the lights on, causing  all those dark and dreary thoughts of school to disappear into the brightness was Art and Art History.  Now, that was the subject where those ho hummish kinda school days evaporated as I skipped down many a path discovering all things pertaining to the art world and those great masters of old. Of course I had a brilliant, way out there art teacher, who rather looked like he had just stepped out of an ornately framed, dutch portrait painted by Johannes Vermeer. Mr Wilde (and wild he was) was his name and he was the Pied Piper of art. He flamboyantly led his students along many beautifully patterned, mosaic paths, knocking on century old, gnarled doors of all the famous (and infamous) artists. Upon knocking on those doors, each door slowly creaked open, and one peeked into a whole new world of creative genius. Yes indeed, art lessons were always magical.

Through the writing of my blog I have discovered I LOVE capturing happy snaps and that I LOVE styling photo shoots. Looking back throughout my life styling has always been me. The writing of narratives, reports, recounts, persuasive writing etc etc and Maths etc etc may not have figured highly in my appreciation of school, but when it came to book presentation, title pages and projects and anything to do with thinking creatively outside that four straight lines of even length, square...... well need I say, the creative juices flowed freely from my lunchtime drink flask. Me and my pack of 12 Derwent Studio coloured pencils were the best of friends. Back in the day, my Derwent pencils were my favourite possession. Together 'we' had the most fabulous creative fun! Anything to do with an artistic bent was my happy place.

But enough of my deep and meaningful ruminations, of the chapter titled "The Trials and Tribulations of Kim Sharman's School Days".....what have I  waxed lyrically about this past year??

There were a few finishes.......not a lot, but enough. =)

Believe it or not there were a few knitted woollies. Amazing really as I am the world's slowest knitter!



There were a few needlepoint lovelies. A tarted up wool jacket and a little old, once loved chair.....both with a slathering of gorgeous needlepoints. Oh....I forgot there was a bag oozing needlepoints, too.






There was a li'l fixing uppering of some family room curtains. Actually it was a complete redo if I am to be honest. I have been in love with my vintage pretties for ten years and no doubt, I will be in love with them for another ten.



There was another chair that I tarted up. A little slipper chair which I recovered in pretty fabric, then appliqued Irises to it, just because I could. =) Actually, the Irises on my pretty slipper chair were a practice run for the applique that would begin later,  on my flower garden quilt.


A knitting bag overspilling with scrappy deliciousness was designed and stitched. I thoroughly enjoyed fashioning this pretty as I was able to play with machine sketching.......my very favourite kinda stitching. LOVE.....doodling with my sewing machine.....it really is the best fun.


There was another scrappy quilt finished; something that doesn't happen very often. If I finish one quilt  a year......then I am a happy gal.



Aah.....yes the boudoir! Yet again, you visited my sun-filled, bright and happy boudoir. It seems to me you are regular visitors to my boudoir where each quilt I fashion seems to finds its way resting on my comfy bed. You know, I am very particular whom I invite to cross the threshold of my boudoir. =)



Then.......in September I began to really play. I began to design and stitch the quilt that has been dancing and twirling around and around in my imagination for a very long time. It is a quilt that resonates deep within me, showcasing different season's blossoms flourishing all over...sashaying together in one quilt. It is a reflection of the garden that my husband has so lovingly created and tended for some time now. It will be a very long time till it is finished but that's okay. I am not one who has to have a pretty finished yesterday. I am that gal whom rather loves the process, the playing. I have nobody's timetable to keep, but my own.


One of the joys of  a couple of days through my week is teaching children the art of stitching. These days I only have a few who visit my little home after school, but those afternoons are always fun. This sweet little castle with its royal inhabitants was finished last year by one of my girls. I don't think I have shared this before. I drafted the patterns and my clever student stitched all the regal characters and the castle, which is a bag, as a gift for her little sister. What child doesn't love escaping to the land of make believe where there is a king and his queen, a beautiful princess and her knight in shining armour; all who hang out with a friendly green dragon and a magical unicorn. This is the stuff of fun and imaginative play. Why, I want to escape with these characters to the land of make believe.....such fun!


As I wind-up, it strikes me what a wonderful place this blogging caper is. Some of you whom, though I have never met in person, I feel as if I have known all my life. I feel as if I could just pop over to your place for a cup of tea served in a fine bone china tea cup and luxuriate in a chat about all things pertaining to this thing that is called life. Indeed I feel that you and I are kindred spirits. I have visited your lovely blogs and am continually inspired by your uniqueness,  your beautiful imaginations and your amazing creativity. This blogging community is one of encouragement and friendship. It is a community filled with beauty, inspiration, affection and love. In these days of late, where I can only shake my head in sadness and wonder what on earth is going on in the world, all you lovelies keep me hopeful. There have been many times when your kind thoughts have wrapped around me in the warmest of hugs.....thank you. Thank you, to you lovelies who have taken precious time out of your day to pay me a visit, all the way down here, and have been so kind as to bless me with your beautiful words. They always bring a smile to my heart.

So here's to more posts,  as I skip along the bloggy path where blossoms dance as I pass by. Here's to more skipping along the bendy path penning my thoughts, stringing a sentence or two together each time. More posts waxing lyrical about the next pretty I have fashioned; a few more posts oohing and aahing over some gorgeous blossom I have picked from the garden, or perhaps a post or two sharing the glorious sunrises that my Heavenly Father gifts me each morning. Oh......and there most probably will be a  funny story to bore you make you giggle. To me, this blogging caper is akin to keeping a visual journal, musings of my daily life.  After all, I  like to think each post that I pen is a chapter in my book;  that book which will never see the shelves of a bookshelf in a book shop. =) 

NOW.....before you go, just for this occasion, I would like to say thank you for your visit each time, by gifting one of you lovelies with a little pretty I have fashioned. After all what is an anniversary of sorts if there is not a little present. I would like to gift  a little basket of floralicious delight. This little pretty is different to those floral cushions I normally fashion, but I hope it gives you a little joy. I wanted to mix it up a little and try something a little different. I would much rather knock on your door with a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers and say thank you, but, alas I cannot. This little pretty will just have to do. If you would like this pretty to perhaps arrive at your home then please say so in your comment.....that is of course if you desire to leave a word or two.  I will announce the recipient in my next blog post in a couple of weeks.






May I again say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for popping into my little place to see what stories I have written. Thank you for visiting me throughout this year to see what pretties I have imagined and all the happy snaps I have captured of the glories of my daily walks.....and the pretty flowers....oh, the flowers. Each one of your visits truly make my life, my day; beautiful. In my own very small way I hope through the writing of my little blog, the stories I imagine and the photos that illustrate those stories,  I bring a smile to your day, sprinkling a little beauty along the way♥

Until the next time........






69 comments:

  1. Hi Kim what a beautiful wonderful post i so enjoyed reading this and also love seeing all your beautiful work,you are very talented my friend,thankyou for sharing with us xx

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  2. So enjoyed seeing your creations from over the years. I love fresh flowers, but the great thing about yours is not only are they beautiful, but they won't die! kellam.susan@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you, Susan. I also feel there is nothing quite like fresh flowers, but sometimes it is just as beautiful to have pretty baskets overspilling with sweet ribbon flowers. Kim Xx

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  3. Huzzah for your bloggiversary! I enjoy your posts. I'm amazed by your tarted items - so complex and a fun use of materials. Those castle figures are adorable! She did great work on them. I would love your creation (although I think shipping to the US is expensive).

    Keep on creating!

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  4. Dear Kim!Thanks for this colorful and gorgeous post...You are really a great artist,I admire your embroideries and quilts so much,you always make me smile!Your blog is a sweet gift for me...Thank you for sharing such beauty and kindness. Congratulations!

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    1. Thank you, lovely Maristella♥ Your sweet visits to my little place are a gift to me. Kim Xx

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  5. Here is to the happiest anniversary yet. I would still love to have your chair. You have taken some beautiful photographs of your lovely work. I always enjoy reading your blog.
    Blessings to a sweet friend.

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  6. Oops, I forgot I would certainly use your basket of beauties should I be lock enougn to win.
    Enjoy your Sunday.

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  7. Hello dear Kim ... gosh 6 years! Thats wonderful & quite the achievement these days when so many bloggers leave for the lure of instagram. I can well recall many of the lovely pieces you have featured here & fashioned. My neck is often in a crink as I peer so closely at my screen at a new pretty you have created. I just love visiting your blog & your posts. Thank you for the opportunity to enter your beautiful Giveaway. I think that basket of flowers would last quite a bit longer than a real one anyway. Happy Sunday to you dear Kim Xxx

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  8. How creative and beautiful your woven basket of flowers is!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win it! Susan (susleebarry@gmail.com)

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    1. Thank you, Susan, for your sweet comments. As for my little basket of flowers....you are very welcome. Kim Xx

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  9. Thanks so much for sharing your stories, beautiful creations and photos!

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  10. Happy blogiversary! Long may you continue to delight us with your fantastic posts full (and I mean FULL) of colour and beauty.

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  11. Дорогая Ким, поздравляю Вас с 6-летим вашего блога. У меня нет своего блога, но я люблю ходить в гости по блогдомикам, примерно год назад я попала к вам... и все мое сердце поселилось у вас, я перечитала все посты, пересмотрела все фотографии, а сколько вдохновения начерпала из ваших шедевров. я с нетерпением жду вашего следующего поста, заглядываю каждый день к вам. Дай Бог вам здоровья, процветание вашим сладким творения.

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    1. Thank you so very much for your beautiful visit and gifting me with your kind words. I am delighted that you visit my little place each time I have a story to tell and a happy snap to show. Thank you too, for your kind wishes. May you have a beautiful week. Kim Xx

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  12. Kim, after reaching the end of your warm, heartfelt post, as a teacher, I was deeply touched by your honest retrospect of your school days and I wish there were /are more Mr.Wilds who instill love of knowledge and learning, sprout inspiration and encourage critical thinking and opinion giving. It is your writing along with your majestic creations (for they cannot be separated at all!)that have me transfixed and enchanted every time I visit your blog.

    Congratulations on your bloggoversary!You are a gem in the blogging community and I wish you shine for many years to come.

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  13. Hi KIm, always look forward to reading your wonderful blog and seeing all the wonderful things that you do. Would love to receive one of your beautiful creations but I live in the uk. Keep up the good work. Look forward to your next blog
    Best wishes Kay c

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    1. Hello lovely Kay, It matters not that you live in the UK; if your name is pulled out of the 'hat' then I will send it to you. What's a little postage between friends. A visit from you is always a joyous occasion...thank you. Kim Xx

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  14. Congratulations on the 6th anniversary! It is a pleasure to visit your floral blog. Your home and all your photos are so thoughtful and beautiful. Love your beautiful flower embroidery, applications, quilts, pictures, baskets and not least your beautiful chairs that you have made.Thanks for your kindness! and for the opportunity to win! I would be very happy and grateful to be the lucky winner. :-)

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  15. I so enjoy your writing. I’ve thought about printing a blog book of YOUR BLOG just for the beauty of it. And one day, it would become a treasure for my grandkids to enjoy. I’m in the US so shipping would make your basket of flowers a rather expensive gift. I’ll say I’d love to have them, but I’ll just enjoy your pictures of them. Now, as for the wallpaper in your bedroom, that would be another matter, lol. I’m a rather new follower, so have you posted in the past about that lovely wall behind your bed? It so speaks to my heart. Congratulations on your blogaversary and I’ll continue to share it with my friends and family. If you ever write a book, I’d preorder it for certain.

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    1. Now, we don't want to bore those grandkids of yours, Luann. =) But, if ever I do have publishers banging down my door....your name will be on the top of my list of pre-orders! You are very sweet, thank you dear lady. About the wall in my boudoir. It isn't wallpaper but rather pages of a most beautiful photography book of flowers that I pasted to the wall, page by page. I wrote about it here at
      https://sarahlizzies.blogspot.com/2017/01/seeing-flowers.html
      if you would like to take a look. As for shipping to the US, yes it is a little expensive but sometimes spreading a little beauty is more important than dollars. I don't think I will have to mortgage my house by doing so. Thank you for visiting my little place, it is a delight to have you do so. Kim Xx

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  16. I am so happy that you started your blog and cannot believe it has been 6 years. I have always loved to sew, but you have done it on a totally different level. I have never seen so many creative ways to use fabric. I adore the basket of flowers and keep blogging and creating.

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  17. What a lovely post! I enjoyed seeing the blog in review and your jacket still makes my heart beat with joy! So many lovelies! Happy Anniversary and I look forward to seeing more of your work! You're so inspiring!!!

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  18. Dear Kim,
    Not sure how long I’ve been following your blog, but you always make me smile with such pleasure on every visit here!
    I remember all these makes you mention and it has been lovely to see them all again!
    I’d love to win your basket of flowers but we are very far apart I know.
    I really enjoyed reading your post today and hope you carry on writing for a long while yet ..... I love all your carefully staged photos too, they’re beautiful!
    Happy 6th Anniversary, and I look forward to seeing many more!
    Hugs,
    Barbara xx

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  19. I so love seeing your blog title in my inbox and quickly click to read your latest wonderful post. I have to tell you that I have been so discouraged with blogging recently that I have not posted anything myself since December 2018. I visit other blogs here and there but yours is one that I make sure to visit and take in all the beautiful pictures and wonderfully written narrative. And I have secretly been longing for a hand made lovely of yours....I don't care what it is, as long as you made it!! This basket of flowers is so pretty, so YES, I want a chance at having it in my home. You know it will match my pinkish parlor perfectly. I am so happy to have found your blog and connected with you. A trip to your lovely country is highest on my To Do list. Happy Blogiversary!!

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  20. Congratulations Kim on your blog anniversary. I love visiting your blog so full of beauty and colour, love seeing what creations you are working on and enjoy the wonderful photos of your garden and the gorgeous flowers and scenery that inspire you so. May you continue to blog for many years and share with us all your very special talent. Gorgeous giveaway - hope I win :-))

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  21. Congratulations on 6 years of blogging! I enjoy reading about your creative journey, you are really a talented lady! Here’s to many more years of sharing your creative spirit with all of us!!! Zenda

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  22. Thank you, Kim, for enlightening our everyday lives with such fine writings and photos! Happy birthday to your blog and a warm thank you for the pretty flower basket your offer us all. A visit on your beautiful blog is always like a stop by your place, as if we paid you a short visit and were rewarded with incomparable welcome. This year had been a pretty busy and fruitful one and I am already looking forward to the next visit to discover what marvels you have in store for us. Congratulations for your commitment in awakening the artistic feeling in the younger generation. I wish you a happy creative week and may your exceptional blog celebrate many other anniversaries!

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  23. Your flowers both indoors and out have brightened our days so much. I think I first found you while "googling" upholstered chairs. I was smitten with yours.

    It sounds like you and I were the same kind of students. Our teachers just didn't "get" us, did they?

    Happy blogaversary. Please keep writing and sharing for all of us.

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  24. we do all have our own style, our own reason for being here. i think we all start out a little tentative, and the friendships bring us back. we don't all have the same interest but we "create" something, even if it's a story, and that's what draws us to one another!!

    it was nice to take a walk down memory lane, to see your collection of creations, all so very beautiful. i call you my "flower lady" as i have several kims that visit me!!

    congrats on your blog-anniversary...here's to many more!!!

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  25. Happy bloganniversary !!!! So many gorgeous creations and beautiful pictures !
    Hope you will continue to delight us !!!!
    Have a lovely day !
    Hug
    Anna

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  26. Dear Kim,
    Happy 6th Blogoversary!!
    I always enjoy reading your blog! And it was lovely to have the chance to see some of your previous projects again. Oh, and I love your tea tray cloth too, it’s so pretty!
    I’d love the chance to win your beautiful giveaway but I am in England and you are so very far away, I hate to think what the postage would be.
    Your castle toy bag is gorgeous! Love seeing all your ideas, thank you so much for sharing!
    Well done blogging for six years.
    Hugs,
    Barbara xx (hope this works, it’s my second comment! My own fault, I moved away too soon! Tee Hee!)

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  27. What a lovely post. Happy Blogiversary. The giveaway is beautiful. I would be proud to have this come into my home. God Bless and many more years of blogging.
    MarilynDKC[at]aol[dot]com

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  28. Gee, I could have written that section about school! I remember once I did write a poem, and when the teacher was returning the poems back to the students, stopping to read a few, mine was saved to the end. I thought that time it was because my poem was so much better than the others, but when she got to it, she said it was too good and I must have copied it from somewhere and tore it to pieces and tossed it in the trash.

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  29. Congratulations on your blog anniversary.

    I found your blog just before you started your blossom quilt, seeing so many of your other projects has been a real treat. My husband and I drool over your garden when you post pictures of it. Beautiful flowers outside and in! :)

    Thank you for sharing the beauty and for an opportunity to win your basket of posies.

    Sheila

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    1. Hello Sheila, I passed on your lovely comments re your husband and yourself drooling over the garden and he says "thank you". The garden is his dream and he tends it with much love. As for me I get to enjoy it and pick all the pretty flowers. My husband from time to time suggests that perhaps I could leave a flower or two in the garden to be enjoyed by the bees an butterflies, and not cut them all and bring them inside. =)Thank you for your sweet visit and beautiful comments. Kim Xx

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  30. Your works are like little masterpieces, Kim! I found your beautiful blog through Jann Olson, and am so happy to be here. Thank you for the opportunity to share in the chance of your giveaway. It's gorgeous!

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  31. Congratulations on your 6th blog year, dear Kim.
    Fantastic photos of your creations that you have made in those years, they are amazing. Your words and language are so funny, they are not always very clear, but I usually understand them.
    And your world is full of flowers, that really belongs to you.
    I enjoy reading your blog.

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    1. Thank you, lovely Loes♥ That is the problem with writing a blog isn't it. Language around the world is diverse in its perceptions and translations. I sometimes think if what I am saying is being interpreted in an entirely different way in another country...eg idioms vary from country to country. Not to worry, if nothing else, my happy snaps speak the same language. =) Thank you, lovely lady, for popping by. It is always a delight to have you visit. Kim Xx

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  32. Firstly - happy anniversary! Blogging was indeed brightened the day you decided to join in. It's always a joy to see a post pop up from you and to peek inside your life. Your words always inspire - as do your photos of your world. I know what you mean about teachers not being on the same page. I was a reader and would hurry through my work so I could escape into a book, a fact that was often misinterpreted by teachers who were convinced I was simply slacking off and didn't bestir themselves to notice that I had, in fact, completed the assignments. One even went so far as to write a very long letter to my parents explaining in great detail how I was not paying attention , was not doing my work and therefore would amount to absolutely nothing in life. She stopped short of saying I was stupid but it was close! Funny thing - when it came time for exams I always aced them, so SOMETHING must have been sinking in!! Only goes to show that we all learn in different ways. Once again, happy blog-versary my friend. Happy the day that I discovered you!! (or was it the other way around?)

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  33. So many bloggers have quit and went to FB or IG and I'm glad you are still around. I just found your blog last year but have enjoyed it and sometimes I visit some of your older posts. Today I finished binding the quilt I made for my Mom. She loves it and yes, it's so far from perfect but it's very lovely as it reflects what she loves. I started this quilt in 2017, she had a mini stroke that fall so I put it down for quite sometime. I picked it up and then they found a new more aggressive tumor in my precious dog and also a leaky heart valve. I spent much time hand embroidering blocks for Mom's quilt with her by my side until she died in July last summer. I lost all my desire to craft until late fall. I made a memorial ornament I seen in her honor and that helped me get back into crafting. I hoped to get it done by Christmas but nope, by her birthday in February, but nope by Mothers Day perhaps? Well I finally finished and couldn't wait until May. She's 86 and I want her to enjoy it as much as possible. Now I'm going to cross stitch a cocker spaniel design and work on fabric strawberry pincushions that I have become obsessed with lately. I woke up to snow today and had to shovel first. It keeps trying to warm up in the States but then we get a set back. I have bought packets of zinnias, marigolds, sunflowers but we don't plant until the last week of May unless it's raining. I'll buy tomato plants and can hardly wait for them to ripen. I love seeing all your flowers and reading your postings. Take care xoxooxo

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  34. Hi Kim, as always I enjoyed your blog. It's always full of fun and inspiration as evidenced by my quilt made from embroidered linens.Thank you. I would enjoy receiving your bouquet lovely. Margie/NY

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    1. Hello Margie, Wouldn't it be neat if my little pretty lived with you in NY. Fingers crossed that I draw your name out of the 'hat'. As always, it is wonderful to hear from you; thank you for your sweet visit. Kim Xx

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  35. Hi Kim,
    You have a beautiful way with words...they paint a picture as wonderfully as your art does! I'm so happy that you found your way to writing because what a loss for everyone if you hadn't...hope you continue to write and create exquisite art until forever! Say hi to Boo from Boo! Diana Who wouldn't want a piece of your art in their home!

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    1. Hello lovely, Diana....thank you for your beautiful visit and generous words. Boo says hi back to your Boo. =) He is tickled pink there is another furry friend who shares his name. Kim Xx

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  36. You really are quite a writer. Your words are almost as beautiful as your colorful flowers. I am in love with your chairs! Wow! But, there are so many other things to love here. I have looked again and again, shaking my head in disbelief. How about sleeping in that bed, surrounded by so much loveliness!

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  37. Oh Kim it just amazes me that you had a problem with your writing when at school, you do such an amazing job with your posts, I wish I had a way with words to make my posts more enjoyable to all that visit. I was never good in school myself, and I wish now I would have taken art classes, but I had no training whatsoever, just lucky that I can watch videos on the internet to learn what I can now about art.
    It is nice to have a blog to look back at all you have created over the past year and what wonderful creations they have been, not to mention you have a wonderful eye for taking your pictures, they always bring me so much joy to see them, brightening my day! I am so happy to have met you over blog land, so wonderful to be able to visit all over the world right from home and meet so many wonderful people.
    I would be so honored if you would like to send your lovely bouquet over the many miles, what a wonderful treat that would be :) Here is to another wonderful year of your creations and sharing of your lovely pictures and beautiful writing!

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  38. What a wonderful re-cap of the year, Kim. Wow! Did you ever accomplish a lot. You are a wonder.
    Thank you for the delight you create in words, blossoms, textures, colours and stitches. Such a pleasure to linger here.
    Congratulations on your blog anniversary!

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    1. Dixie, you know when people ask me what have I been up to....what creative pretty have I had my head buried in lately, I can never remember what I have accomplished as it always seems the pretties I fashion take forever to complete. To me, my blog is a journal where I can revisit the pretties that are done and dusted and remind me of my thoughts at that time. Thank you for your sweet visit, lovely lady. I trust you are well and creating your own beauty with your pencils and paint. I would imagine Spring is singing it's sweet song in your lovely place. Kim Xx

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  39. Oh my dear, Kim, I so loved traipsing along your creative paths with you through your writing, your stitchery, embroidery, and applique'! It is always a joy to visit you and to see what magic you've produced for us to admire and enjoy. I love seeing your progress as much as you love doing it. I would love to have my name put in the hat for your most lovely giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity! Love and hugs are sent to you across the miles....

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  40. Congratulations on your blog anniversary, Kim! It is always a pleasure to visit you and see what your creative mind is concocting at the moment. I loved reading about your school days and about Mr. Wild. I hope there is a Mr. Wild in every child's life.

    -Soma

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  41. What a lovely post Kim. So sad to have your imagination stifled as it could often be back in the day. I love that our granddaughter (9 who sadly cannot sew) is always writing a new book when I see her. That is when she is not reading one. She has a fantastic imagination and it is good that she has encouraging parents. Such a prolific year Kim. I especially loved the chairs and the set that your young student made is stunning. Your fabulous applique project is going to be stunning and I look forward to following your adventures over the coming year. xx

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  42. You have completed some wonderful projects and your posts are always full of sunshine and happiness and always lovely to read!

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  43. Oh my goodness Kim, where shall I start? Your blog is a fairly delightful spot to sit, savor and swoon over the beauty of both the Lord's creation, and the beauty He has gifted you to share with us! Has it been six years since you've been blogging, my! Time does have a way of passing swiftly! I have enjoyed each and every beautifully lovely post that you have shared, and your creative artistry with fabric and flowers alike always is like music to my soul! I am always amazed at the beautiful creativity that flows from your soul to the fabric or medium at hand, and the glorious flower blooms that you are able to grow and enjoy in your garden. Such beauty abounds on every hand! Congratulations on the six years of blogging, and I do believe that someday your handiwork should be shared in the form of a book for readers around the world to see the loveliness in your world! Your handmade flower basket is beyond stunning, truly a work of art! Each flower so beautifully crafted! Such a generous giveaway! And I had to laugh as you shared your grade school experiences with writing... so thankful that you have found your gift and calling now, even though your teachers didn't recognize it then! Perhaps, like a blooming flower, your gift needed some time to unfold beautifully and be shared with the world as it is today :) Blessings and hugs to you sweet friend!

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  44. I just recently found your blog and am so glad that I did! Your creations are just wonderful! I don't know which beauty is my favorite, but the chairs would be near the top of the list. And your jacket... love it! I'm glad you found your voice in your art and blog writing and I am very glad that I found you in the blog world.

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  45. :) :) :) and YOU make my heart sing, too. It is really hard for me to visualize you not able to write - you make it seem such a simple, sweet thing. Can you imagine how pleased your teachers would be if they, too, were now reading this amazing blog?? Thank you for all the wonderful posts, the marvelous ideas you share, and the fabulous words that add to my joy in the reading. May this short six years be just the beginning and may you have many more such milestones.

    P.S. My heart is rendered so sad by the news of the shooting in New Zealand. I know they are many miles away over the ocean but I'm sure that it has impacted all of you in Tasmania. My prayers go out to all who are affected.

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  46. Hello dear Kim...Happy Bloggeversary! Am I too late for the party? Of course I would never visit one of your posts without leaving a comment but since I finally made it here to do just that, I will of course mention the fact that I would love to throw my hat in the ring...is there anyone who wouldn't desire one of your lovelies?? I think not! Oh, how fun to hear little bit of where you came from as a school girl receiving "Fs" (you gotta be kidding!)...what was wrong with those teachers?? Couldn't they see your special gifts? Girl...you DO have such a special gift...our Lord above is the one who doles out gifts like yours...not only in what He has inspired you to create with your hands but the elegant utterances that seem to just roll off of your tongue, down into your fingers and on to the keyboard. I am blessed to have been allowed to cross paths with you! You are truly a bright spot in this world although I only wish our worlds were little closer. :) May you pen many more of these beautiful posts, my friend! Congratulations on your 6 years...mine's coming up in June! Sending BUG HUGS across the miles!♥♥♥

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  47. Happy Blogaversary, Kim!!!!!!!!!! You know I always lllllllllllove the beauties you make. And now I am in love with your curtains!!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!!! What a gorgeous idea!!!!!!!!!!! I have not thought I could make patchwork curtains! Thank you so much for the great inspiration.
    As for your giveaway, thank you soooooooooooo much for the chance to win such a FABULOUS creation!!!!!!!! I will pray to be the winner!!!!!!!!! Hugs and kisses, my dear friend.

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  48. Hi Kim, I stopped by to catch up and got caught up in this wonderful post. I saw the chair that I love and those curtains you redid. It's funny you say that gentleman recognizes your writing style....I believe I would recognize it too....just as I know that I could recognize your beautiful, artsy creations!! You really do have a style of your own...its an eclectic, vintage, joyful, artsy style that I not only love, but expect to find when I come to visit! You do amazing work! I would love a chance at winning your sweet basket of flowers cushion!! Have a lovely week!! Hugs! Linda

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    1. Hello lovely Linda, It is lovely to have you visit my little world. A visit from you is always delightful. I will put your lovely name in the "hat", shall I. I will reach deep down and pull out a name this weekend....fingers crossed it may be yours. Kim Xx

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  49. Dearest Kim, I am back again like a bad penny! I am blogging at My Gathering Basket and opening comments to one and all. I needed some quiet time away to deal with family and such. I too am having a giveaway and would be honored to have you comment. I too remember feeling confined in my writing while in school. It was not until the past ten years or so that I have found my voice in my writing. What a blessing to find the freedom in ourselves! A gift of aging that we open each day. xo. Gina

    PS I too would like to enter your giveaway and give a home to one of your lovelies. ♥

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  50. Your rooms have such personality! I love seeing your collections (tea cups!) and handwork.

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  51. Congratulations, 6 years old is a great age! I love your flowers, as usual ;-)

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  52. elizabeth streeterMarch 28, 2019 at 7:31 PM

    Kim as i struggle with an unusable arm and hand to say I love your blog as does my husband, and when you want to get pas your chairs on please let me know I really love them, I have been keeping my eye out for a chair we would be able to cover but so far no luck, May be if I win your basket it will come with good luck and help me find a chair, thankyou so much for sharing your life house and garden with us.

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    1. Thank you so much, lovely Elizabeth, for your sweet comments. I hope you happen upon a chair so that you can 'tart' it up, very soon. =) I bet one jumps out at you when you least expect it. I will put your name in the 'hat'. I will post the 'winner' on Sunday....Aussie time. I hope your arm and hand gets better very soon. Thank you for your beautiful visit, lovely lady. Kim Xx

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    2. elizabeth streeterMarch 31, 2019 at 7:17 PM

      thankyou for your good wishes still another two weeks till i can use my hand cant wait.
      Looking forward to your work on your chaise it will be interesting to see it finished.

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  53. Beautiful photos! Beautiful chairs and stitchery, you have a lovely home. Your memories of your school days called to a few of mine and of watching my daughter struggle with a few of her teachers. I hope everyone has a Mr. Wild in their school days that opened their mind and heart to a wonderful passion. Congratulations on 6 years of blogging.

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  54. Que blog iluminado e cheio de paz! Suas flores alegraram meu dia. Seus projetos sao lindos! Parabéns! Um grande e carinhoso abraço da sua amiga Brasileira!

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  55. HA HA ..Here I am working my way backwards throughout your blogdom... and what a delightful trip I've had meandering through your adventures and creations ... I'd just love to cosy down onto that sweet Iris chair with a cup of tea and chat away about all your beautiful talents... The problem with the world is that creativity is not so much acknowledged as it is stifled by the school systems... I remember my children sitting in class , drawing pictures and the teachers complaining... Yes I was the parent who challenged the teacher and asked them not to stop my children's creativity and independence. Wasn't I popular...but then again creative people are never teacher's pet( ha Ha). Through the years I have promoted creative thinking and even taught it in the school settings... which they paid me for ( hee Hee)... but really .. children are born creative, some more than others ... and they work hard at retaining their identity...like you and myself included ... How lucky to see you reap the benefits and what a blessing to share it with others here in blogland. I smiled, imagining stories when I saw the castle bag and sweet characters created from your pattern. Didn't she did a enchanting job. What alot of ' happy' time and effort you put into your artwork and pictures ... and it truly shows.Your postings really " Brighten my Day ". Congratulations on brilliant 6 year blogging anniversary....I'm a hooked follower.....Big Hugs

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