
Hello! .............. I can't believe it's been over a year since I started this blog! I actually started it on October 13 2007, with
this
post..............

It was Lucy, at
attic 24, who pointed out to me that I'd missed my first 'blogiversary'...............

I remember the precise moment I came up with the title for my blog, it was on a cliff top walk with the doggies.......... I had been agonising about starting a blog for about a year.......... (well, I had been doing some sort of pretend blog for a while before I started this actual blog, when I say pretend, I mean I had been taking lots of photos, as though they were for a blog.)............. Reading other people's blogs gave me a taste for starting my own............. I just wanted to be part of that world............. And it was a way of recording the progress of my knitting! How things change!!!!!! The knitting has taken a bit of a back seat hasn't it?!

Yes, how things change, and what a journey! As a direct result of all your support, feedback, and encouragement, I decided to take "that step", and open my
etsy shop. Yes, you all helped me on my way................ Thank you............. Thank you so much for all your lovely comments, and the many quiet visits to my blog, that have led me down this path.................. So as a gesture of my appreciation, I'm giving away this little painting, pictured above, called "First Birthday", it seemed like the right picture to give away!................. If you leave me a comment on this post, I'll know you're interested in being the owner of this painting, a gift from me! Even if you don't normally leave a comment, don't be shy, I know you've been visiting, because I look at my stats....................What I thought I'd do is leave it open for a week, to give everyone an opportunity to take part................. And do a drawing on Friday 12th December, I'll announce it about 5 p.m. British time............ That o.k?.................... :) ...........................
Hi Vanessa! You know I'm a silent fan.
What a wonderful blog and such lovely stuff you're doing.
Posted by: Ruth | December 05, 2008 at 08:18 AM
happy belated blogiversary Vanessa, just looked back at your first posts, love those little bunny egg cosys!
Posted by: tess | December 05, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Happy Blogiversary!!
Posted by: fibrespace | December 05, 2008 at 09:39 AM
ONE YEAR ...TIME FLYS !
CONGRATULATIONS ON A "BLOG"
WELL BLOGGED 10/10 AND A GOLD *
LOVE AND LAUGHTER
FOR THE NEXT YEAR {:>))X RI
Posted by: RI | December 05, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Congratulations on your first year in the blog world. Your spot is a place of sweet beauty and peace and fun. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted by: beth p | December 05, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Oh what a lovely painting. My girls would love that!
Congratulations on one year of blogging, I've only just found you so shall have to go back and have a read.
Have to say, though, that the title of your blog is one of my favourites!
Deb x
Posted by: Mrs Be | December 05, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Belated happy bloggy-birthday Vanessa!
I have loved your blog from the very start and contunue to find your view of the world so inspiring, colourful, friendly and joyful. Thanks so much for sharing, and here's to another great year.
Lx
ps can't call me a Silent Fan can you?? I think I pretty much fog-horn in your comments box each day lol.
xxx
pps mememememememmememeemeeeeeeeeeee to win the painting!
Posted by: Lucy @ Attic24 | December 05, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Pick me please! love and best wishes from an avid reader.
Posted by: moleman | December 05, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Hello! I just discovered you thanks to Yarnstorm. Wow - love your paintings, your photography and your Mermaid coat. My start yesterday on my own blog is just a pitiful waste of e-space in comparison. Good luck in year two!
Posted by: Amy in Loozyana | December 05, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I've been reading your blog from the get-go (heard about it through the vey wonderful yarnstorm), but I hadn't realised that you started your blog on my birthday! No wonder I like it so much. Put my name in the virtual hat, I love your paintings!
Posted by: anne | December 05, 2008 at 03:31 PM
You have inspired me. I recently had some life changing events and after several surgeries and therapies have come out the other side. I am finding my passion and voice through quilting and volunteering with children. Your painting is exquisite and I have enrolled in a watercolor class starting after the Holidays because I enjoy your work so much. Color is wonderful to explore and what better time to explore than in January with its gray and browns and subtle shades. Thank you for your blog and your work. Much luck to you.
Posted by: Caryl | December 05, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Give it a few hours and I think you'll be inundated with comments! I've been admiring your lovely paintings for a while - so maybe I should have said so before now!
Birthday congratulations (and I'd love to be the lucky winner!)
Posted by: m | December 05, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Hi Vanessa:
I am so happy to see it has been one year! I have been following your blog faithfully for about six months and have so enjoyed it. Your paintings are truly beautiful and I am so happy with your success.
Please continue your wonderful and inspiring work.
Lisa
Knitty, Vintage and Rosy
Posted by: Lisa | December 05, 2008 at 04:17 PM
I just found you through Jane Brocket's blog. Your paintings are beautiful! What talent! I am going to treat myself and spend some time today reading back through your blog and visiting the Etsy shop.
Posted by: Kim | December 05, 2008 at 04:31 PM
It's been a year, already! Whoosh, where does the time go?
Congratulations on your etsy success! I love this blog birthday painting, and the 'do you mind if i knit' sign with all the pretty stars.
Posted by: kat | December 05, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Hello Sweetie...happy bloggie birthday...thank you for your wonderful paintings and you lovely emails...love and hugs from another Northern Lass...
Posted by: Helen Lambert | December 05, 2008 at 05:33 PM
You know I love your paintings and illustrations and beading and knitting - how talented and creative can one person be?
Jane
Posted by: Jane | December 05, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Happy Blogiversary!!! Love the painting! Love the blog!
Posted by: Lindseyrose | December 05, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Happy 1st Birthday for your blog Vanessa. I just love your new, your photos, your knitting and now your painting also - which you know I adore in my busy busy life to get peace and calm with your lovely paintings. Keep painting and if I were the lucky winner I would be very happy! xx
Posted by: Hilary | December 05, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Happy Blogiversary! Isn't it amazing how these things evolve??
Posted by: Elise | December 05, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Thanks for your lovely email! I would love to hang that picture in my kitchen ; )
Posted by: Cat | December 05, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Saw your plea on Jane's blog.
Happy Birthday from upstate NY USA!
Posted by: susand | December 06, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Happy Blog birthday, thanks for the email, Yes I would love to be in the draw.
Take Care
With Smiles
Kathryn
Posted by: Kathryn | December 06, 2008 at 05:00 AM
i love how your blog has naturally evolved into something so diverse, and so beautifully in the process :) take care xx
Posted by: kat | December 06, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Hi- I also came to you via Jane Brocket's blog-love your wintery photographs and your paintings and that mermaid jacket is lovely- I might give that one a go.And what can I say abou the snow monster?
Posted by: maryanne | December 06, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Congratulations!
Hope I win...
Posted by: sherry | December 06, 2008 at 02:27 PM
I am one of the shy ones but I love your blog and that painting is simply beautiful. Congratulations on one year of blogging!
Posted by: Anne | December 07, 2008 at 02:47 AM
What a wonderful giveaway. I have only recently discovered your blog and I think your paintings are simply beautiful
Posted by: bakeandsewblog | December 07, 2008 at 06:03 AM
I'm actually looking for cookie-thingies like that in metal to put little candles in, but pink ones would be adorable. :-)
Posted by: vildkatten | December 07, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Congratulations on your first blog birthday - I hope you got yourself a real piece of cake too!
Posted by: Rachel | December 07, 2008 at 10:31 PM
what a beautiful painting - it would be perfect for my daughter's first birthday that is fast approaching.
I've only recently discovered your blog, and will eagerly start reading the archives!
Posted by: seedyem | December 08, 2008 at 01:40 AM
WOW! I just discovered your blog and your etsy shop! I LOVE your paintings!!!
Posted by: Martha | December 08, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Fantastic, I dont look everyday but when I do I just wish I did look more often. Such a new view on the world
Love
Tony
Posted by: Tony & Cherry | December 08, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Happy blogday! Your work is always stunning and I for one am ecstatic that you decided to start selling it to us!
Posted by: Gemma | December 09, 2008 at 04:45 PM
I'm so glad I found your blog. Thanks for sharing your gifts with the world. I'm in a very snowy Wisconsin, USA and your paintings remind me that the spring will come and there will once again be flowers outside.... I look forward to reading your blog regularly to help me through the winter.
Posted by: Marie Allen | December 09, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Ohh how did I miss this!! Happy Blogiversary!!!!! :D:D:D:D
Posted by: Jennie | December 09, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Happy, Happy 1st Birthday tooooo yooooooou!!
All love, Tam x
Posted by: Tam | December 10, 2008 at 06:10 PM
oh go on then add me in pretty please :-) I am already the lucky owner of one of your beautiful paintings as you know and to have another one would be fab :-)
Lesley x
Posted by: Lesley | December 11, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Happy Belated Blogaversary (or is it blogIversary or bloggerversary, blogversary? blogversery?....) AND how did I manag to miss this post?! Thanks for the prompt. That painting is just edibly beautiful! t.x
Posted by: kitschen pink | December 11, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Wow! Beautiful Painting! Congratulations on your first year. :o)
Posted by: Martha | December 11, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Your posts are fun and thoughful which makes them so interesting. It has been lovely to " meet you"
Posted by: Joanna | December 11, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Hello Vanessa - I've been discussing your gorgeous kitchen with my husband. We too have a woodburner but only enough room for two armchairs as we have quite a massive table! We moved into our beautiful Victorian home last year and are still making plans - I WANT your kitchen! I also love your paintings, and found your blog recently through Attic 24. Happy anniversary!
Posted by: Cath | December 11, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Happy blogiversary, Vanessa! I've enjoyed visiting over the months and look forward to your posts.
Love the lime green cardi, too!
Posted by: Paula | December 11, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I have been reading you for a while and I love your painting style. I'd love to be in the draw to celebrate your year of blogging ... I'm about to dip my toe in and start too ...
Posted by: Julie Nelson Rhodes | December 11, 2008 at 04:33 PM
am I too late for the draw? I'd love to take part in it. I always read your blog, can't believe that it's been going for a whole year!
Posted by: susan hughes | December 11, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Hi Vanessa, i nearly missed your first anniversary give sway - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And it's truely meant, i love your blog and your wonderful pictures, nice to have something so beautiful to look at. May go my son and i are off to a Panto tonight one of his friends, Ashley is starring in it.
Posted by: Marisa | December 11, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Happy Blogiversary and many, many more!
Posted by: Tracy | December 11, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Hello....I just came across your blog and it's wonderful....I love your paintings and have put your blog under my favorites.
Posted by: Linda | December 12, 2008 at 01:12 PM