Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my blog. I thought about all of the friends I have made and your stories as I wandered in and out of the nursing home. I have met so many wonderful people through this blog. I have friends all over the world now. Friends who seem to share a passion for antiques, gardens, collecting beautiful china and creating art. You have touched my heart with your generosity, your kind words, your courage and strength. I have sat here and cried with you, laughed with you and prayed for you. The last few weeks I would sit here to write something with a heart so heavy and your comments would leave my spirits lifted. I thank you for that, dear friends.
I walked around my house gathering treasures that I have received from my blog friends. I know there are many more tucked away. It always amazes me that we all live such different lives and come from so many different places. Yet we understand each other. Someone asked me where I put all my treasures. I have them tucked here and there. Little bits of pink frills and fun. I think that my blog has not only enriched my life but also taught me to see "who I am". I hope you'll continue to follow me on my journey of finding myself.
I put together a few things to give away. I'll add some more and send it off to one of you. Leave your name on this post. You know how it goes. I'll draw your name next Saturday.
My mom is standing by herself and transferring from bed to chair alone. She's walked down the hall and back. Soon, she'll be home and ringing the little bell I gave her last time she broke her hip. I'll be pulling out my hair. This time, I'll come and whine at you about my life. I hope you'll stick around. Really though, I love my mom. I have missed her here at home. She really is my biggest fan and she gets just as much enjoyment from the packages in the mail as I do.
So, dear, dear friends, thanks for being here for me for the last year. Thanks for the hand holding, the hands clapping and the pats on my shoulder. I really do love all of you!
Wow one Year Blogaversary - congratulations.
You certainly have some pretties in your photos.
Your Mom sounds like she is doing really well. No doubt you will feel like pulling your hair out after you have heard the tinkling of the bell for the millionth time. We know how much you love your Mom but it doesn't stop you getting to the hair pulling stage.
Take care
Alieson.
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | February 17, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I'm so glad that your mum is making progress!!That's really good news.
Well done on your blog anniversary! Sal;-)
Posted by: Sal | February 17, 2008 at 12:39 PM
happy blogaversary!!!
congrats! it's been a fun year!
here's to another year of fun, friends and crafting.
oxoxox,
jessi
Posted by: jessi nagy | February 17, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Best wishes to you and your mom. I so enjoy reading your blog and your daughters. Happy anniversary!!!
Posted by: Anne | February 17, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Oh Betty!! Happy Blog Birthday!!! You are truly a talented gal!!
I am glad I found your Blog as you have shared pretty things, shared about you and your mom and family.
PS Be glad she won't have an Air Horn to call you. That might make the bell a little better to handle!!
Posted by: miss paula | February 17, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Congrats on the one year! I love your blog and am glad to come and visit! I love all that you do!
Posted by: Alicia McElrath | February 17, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Happy happy blogaversary ! What a reason to celebrate. And a big THANK YOU to you Betty for all your passion and creativity and most of all thank you for sharing you ! Not all will take the risk to let people know them on the level you do. You, like the fellow bloggers you have thanked, are a rich treasure of the blogworld.
I am so glad to hear that you mother is making progress and, like you say, she will be home before you know it. Get that bell ready because you will need it soon. ! Janice
Posted by: Janice | February 17, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Betty, I began to read blogs seeking inspiration for art, but also I found, joy, sadness, families, "life" as all persons.Your blog have "that". Happy anniversary blog!
Posted by: María Elena | February 17, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Betty! Congrats on one year blogging! Wow, isn't blogging a whole new world? Nice to hear good news of your mother's progress. And when she's back with you, we'll be here then too!
Posted by: *Heidi* | February 17, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Oh Betty,my Mom had a little blue and white porcelain bell she would ring too. I loved her so very much yet some days (and nights after the second ring and it is 3:00 am) I wanted to throw the blessed bell against the wall and just crawl into her king size bed next to her to avoid hearing that bell!!!! Now I think of all the times I heard that bell and wish I could hear her ring it just one more time.
Keep your heart light and find a few minutes each day to take a deep breath--even if it has to be while you're in the bathroom to take a tinkle...one of the only places people will let you be alone with your thoughts!!!!! Teehee.
I do understand you Betty. Even though we have never met.
Amy
Posted by: Amy Wagner | February 17, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Betty, congratulations on your one year blog anniversay. I'm so glad your mom is getting stronger and walking more. It won't be long until she is home again.
Karen
Posted by: Karen Young | February 17, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Wow Betty a whole year. I hope I make it that long. Wonderful news about your Mom. Please enter me in your give away...Smiles
Posted by: Mary Issabella | February 17, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Happy Bloggiversary Betty! How wonderful your mom is getting better, I can't wait to hear how she is annoying you every five minutes, that will be a wonderful sign, lol!
Posted by: Natasha Burns | February 17, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Happy Anniversary Betty! I have really enjoyed sharing this past year with you and look forward to reading your posts and comments. I am so glad your mum is recovering well and am looking forward to sharing the next part of your journey. Here's to many more posts!
Kimx
It's a strange world isn't it, just this morning I was looking at the little sachet and angel you sent me last year and then I go and find a photo of them on your blog today!!!
Posted by: kim | February 18, 2008 at 02:56 AM
Happy Blog birthday!!!
So happy to have found you and know you :)
Happy your mom is coming home...just basically happy all around :)
Posted by: phyllis | February 18, 2008 at 06:18 AM
Betty, ou've been a good friend to all of us too! good luck with your momma.
Posted by: karla nathan | February 18, 2008 at 06:24 AM
Good for you that it has been a year! Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with (for me!)but always so enjoyable to post!
Love stopping here!
Posted by: Tara | February 18, 2008 at 06:39 AM
Hello Betty,
I missed you, been busy, as you are too. So glad to
hear good progress about your mom and what a beautiful post, so very true about blogging I feel the same....Congratulations on your blogging anniversary, and I would love to win your drawing... Pinkie Denise
Posted by: Pinkie Denise | February 18, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Hi Betty - 12 months! How quickly time flies. I think you deserve a 'give away' for being such a committed blogger. So glad your Mum is doing well.
Take care
Mary
Posted by: mary@andsewtosleep | February 18, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Congratulations on your anniversary! So good to hear that your Mum is doing so much better. Hope you have lots of hair! Take Care, Rachael:)
Posted by: Rachael | February 18, 2008 at 01:08 PM