This blog started with the arrival of the cicadas. I couldn't figure out how to use Typepad then, and a year later I still can't figure it out since they recently changed how we compose posts. Typical. I started this blog with the goal of learning something new and as a way to record the little things for my kids. What I didn't expect was the instant connections I made with so many of you. We have a need to be accepted and listened to, and blogging provides those needs. I know this sounds sappy, but this blog has helped me inch closer to the person I want to be because it forces me to pay attention to the positive moments in my life.
Your blogs are inspiring and beautiful; the photographs, crafts, ideas, and funny stories have opened my eyes to a whole new world. So to say thank you for reading and encouraging me, I have a put together a giveaway. The first prize is a picnic basket filled with goodies;
This picnic cookbook that I had to restrain myself from keeping:
...and a Japanese craft kit; everything included (except directions in English), to make a cute tote. Just think how mysterious you will appear sewing at a picnic reading Japanese;
I dusted off the sewing machine and made these picnic place mats. As a side note, my sewing skills are weak, so please understand that if you win;
The second prize was donated by The Wee Garden; a garden book full of ideas and one miniature watering can to get you started. Thank you so much Jill for providing such a lovely gift:
To enter, leave a comment by Sunday, June 8th, 5:00 p.m. central time. I will announce the winner Sunday night or Monday. If you are new to this blog or have never left a comment, please don't feel shy. Good luck and thank you for sharing this year with me.
Congrats on your blogoversary! I really enjoy the posts and photos you post. And this is such a generous giveaway. I'd definately like to be entered.
P.S. Those cicadas remind me of when I lived in Indiana during the 17 year Brood X invasion - they were everywhere!
Posted by: Dallas | June 03, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Happy one year, my dear. I feel like I've found a kindred spirit - I just wish I could sit with you on the porch and pass the day away. Have a good one!
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | June 03, 2008 at 07:43 AM
um, yes, enter me please.
incredible!
Posted by: kristin | June 03, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Oh so fun! Happy one year anniversary! You are definitely one of my favorite peeps I've "met" in the process of blogging and I always look forward to reading what you have to say. :)
I adore those placemats!
Have a wonderful day!! :) Janet
Posted by: Janet Rhoads | June 03, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Congratulations on your year, Anne! It's kind of amazing how this blogging thing fills space in our lives, isn't it, and how much it helps us connect. I'm glad to have found you!
Posted by: Tracy | June 03, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Hi,
I am pretty new to blogging and usually shy about commenting. I thought this is a great opportunity to speak up. I love your photos and congrats on a year. It is true what you say, I am finding so much inspiration from reading blogs and keeping my own. Have a great day.
Posted by: Amy | June 03, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Happy blogiversary!! I just wanted to pop by to say that - since I won your last lovely giveaway please don't add me in for this one I'd be too embarrassed if I won again ;O)
Posted by: Di | June 03, 2008 at 01:42 PM
I had to leave another comment, well in hopes of winning you see! I have found your blog from Visty awhile back and just love it. Thanks for having a blog that is interesting, funny, and inspiring!
Posted by: Carrie | June 03, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Congratulations! I happened upon your blog when a friend in Texas told me about the Mindless Book Club (which I love, by the way! Great idea!), and I have really enjoyed this blog. Your posts are funny and insightful and make me feel a little less lonely on those days when I feel like no one here gets me....
By the way, I love the place mats. They are adorable!
Posted by: Patty P. | June 03, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Congrats on your blogiversary! I just love your Lost posts, they crack me up ;o) Please enter me in your giveaway, thanks!
Posted by: Melissa N. | June 03, 2008 at 02:41 PM
When I saw those cicadas, I immediately thought of Paul Flieshman's poem for two voices, "Cicadas", found in his book JOYFUL NOISE. I'm a Montessori teacher, and for our spring performance the children chose partners and poems and read them to their parents. Beautiful and touching! "Cicadas" was a particularly challenging, and enjoyable, one for two of my 8-year-olds.
Please enter me in the contest - I never comment (comment shy!), but I do check your blog every day. I enjoy it!
Posted by: Jessica | June 03, 2008 at 08:33 PM
You Rock. Thank YOU for making me laugh, making me feel less like a dork for being addicted to Lost, for inspiring me, for making me laugh some more, for your photos and for helping me learn what kind of blogger I want to be.
Now PICK ME!!!!! :)
Posted by: [email protected] Dolls for Boys | June 03, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Congrats on one year, that is quite an accomplishment. Thank you for being so generous with your giveaway, please throw my name in the hat and I will keep my fingers crossed for either prize.
Posted by: Susan Cahill | June 03, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Can't believe you've only been doing this for one year. I so enjoy your writing here, and just assumed you were a long-time blogger.
Now I'm obessed with the wee garden idea...we're going to have to get crafty here to come up with our own this summer.
Thanks!
Oh--and I grew up in Elmhurst, IL, and can still remember the deafening sound of those cicadas. Oy!
Posted by: Deirdre | June 03, 2008 at 10:08 PM
hi! remember me, the absentee blogger? just happened to be catching up on google reader - congrats on one year! love the bug pictures :) and my kids said "enter the contest! enter the contest!", because yes, they are sitting on my lap and i am currently reading blogs out loud (hence the fact that I haven't read too many blogs lately).
Posted by: molly | June 03, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Congrats to you, Anne! What a generous giveaway...and I think of you often when I'm blogging. Thanks for making me feel less like I was out there writing and talking to myself like a crazy lady!
Posted by: Paige | June 04, 2008 at 12:37 AM
happy anniversary!
Posted by: silverdale flowers | June 04, 2008 at 12:56 AM
Anne (with an E),
You make me laugh and smile and want to give you a hug all at the same time! Congrats on one year. I have really enjoyed your blog over the last year.
Posted by: marjorie | June 04, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Happy anniversary! I love your blog and your writing. I look forward to many more years in your company.
Posted by: Elizabeth Engel | June 04, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Happy Anniversary! I have been reading your blog for awhile now, but havent introduced myself. :) Count me in on the beautiful goods, thank you for offering a giveaway. Most of all, thank you for giving me some good quality reading with my morning and/or afternoon coffee.
Posted by: Katherine | June 04, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Im one of the newbies too. Ive often felt I didnt know what I should post. Its been so much fun reading about your thoughts and seeing your beautiful pictures. It gives me ideas and keeps me inspired to keep trying! Thanks! Happy anniversary!!!
Posted by: Patty Thomas | June 04, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Happy birthday friend! You were one of my first friends in this bloggy world!! :)
Posted by: Jade | June 05, 2008 at 07:52 AM
wait do I have to leave a comment here? or anywhere...well here for now
Posted by: brit | June 05, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Oh, pick me random number generator or small child or husband! :-)
(Typepad, it would be nice if you would still remember me. You used to. Remember those days?)
Posted by: Sarah | June 05, 2008 at 02:59 PM
this is an amazingly great gift basket. and people will think I made the lovely place mats. so I had to enter. and I see something about lemonade there.
I see somebody mentioned your Lost posts. I don't watch Lost. but I am addicted to your posts. I have little to no idea of what you're writing about, but I can't help myself.
Posted by: j | June 05, 2008 at 10:34 PM