Thursday, December 31, 2009

10 1/2 months of 2009



2009 saw the birth of 52 FLEA and the beginning of my blogging life....
...just as Nana's red bucket, found on the farm so many years ago, started my collecting... a lifelong passion...



It has been a joy and so much fun...
getting to know my blogging friends, sharing my world and learning about yours...



sharing our love of nature...



our journeys....both personal and spiritual...



and sometimes our actual journeys throughout the world...
...to beautiful and exotic places...





...or sometimes just in our neighborhoods....
...our trips to the thrift store, church sale, flea market, craft sale or antique shop...
...or Anthropologie :)...



It has been fun to see your crafting and artistic creations...
...and fun to share my experiments and attempts at creating art...



...it has been a privilege to learn from you...



I have loved visiting your homes, going on trips with you and have enjoyed sharing my experiences....my friends, house tours, shopping excursions and flea marketing adventures...



Thanks for coming along and sharing our family joys...weddings...



and celebrations...



Thanks for letting me share things so close to my heart...



God's handiwork...



family and fun times at our beloved lake...



...thanks for listening...



...thanks for appreciating all my many funky collections...



my attempts at photography...



..even my love of calligraphy...letters and numbers!!
Thanks for accepting me just the way I am.



This was the only photograph in my very first post on February 15, 2009.
These were the words I wrote:

Good morning!
This is the beginning of my blogging....and sharing......hopefully it will be a fun journey....a means to share with my friends and family and reach out to other kindred spirits. This cold winter morning...the sun is shining...the sky is blue...and I am grateful that I have all that I need.


I feel exactly the same way this morning.



...and I had to throw this photograph in....

This is Evi's dining room where last February, my girlfriends gathered for a wonderful Valentine lunch and where they encouraged me to start my own blog.
I went home that night and did just that! And here I am today. Thanks girls.

Tomorrow, I will be back in this lovely dining room for a New Year's Day luncheon.
I can't wait. You never know what will come of it!

Happy New Year!
:) Laura

55 comments:

melanie said...

such a wonderful entry...thanks for having such a great blog! I always enjoy reading it...and sharing in your life~Happy New Year!

Theresa said...

Sweet year my Dear! I have enjoyed getting to know you and traveling on these journeys. God bless your 2010 my friend! Happy New Year to you too!

marilyn said...

Thank you for having a wonderful blog that I get to visit whenever I want. Happy New Year.

Rostrose said...

Dearest Laura, and I am so happy, that your girlfriends HAVE encouraged you - you make us rich and give us always a good feeling and lots of inspiration! Thank you for sharing parts of your life with us, thank youso much for it! Hugs & HAPPY NEW YEAR, Traude

Kay said...

No thank you for all the inspiration you give.xx happy new year!!!

Unknown said...

I found your blog one week ago and I love your Blog!

I wish you a Happy and Creative New Year!
Angelika

Sylvia said...

Laura, thank you for letting us into your beautiful world. Oh and BTW...your article in Somerset is awesome, lots of great pictures. I can't wait to see more in 2010!
Sylvia

Diva Kreszl said...

Happy New Year and thank you for sharing your life with us! It's been such a pleasure to meet so many wonderful people here in blogland!

Loui♥ said...

Laura..
Love the blog..
Love the YOU..
warms my heart each time I pop in ..
to see what you are up to..
thanks for caring, and sharing
and being one of the best bloggers I've thus met!!
hugs and smiles..
Loui♥

Angie @ thejunkranch said...

So, inspiring! I really hadn't looked back to see when you began. I hope to have as many followers in 10 1/2 months...LOL. I had better get busy! Hope you have a wonderful new year!

La Petite Gallery said...

I'm new,
but wish you a happy new year.
I'll be dropping in next year.
yvonne

The Elegant Thrifter said...

Have a wonderful New Year. Your images and stories are always so inspiring! STan

My Grama's Soul said...

Your blog is always so LOVELY and I always enjoy my stop here. Sometimes it is just a quick breeze through, sometimes I linger and admire your old posts as well as new; but each time it is always a joy!

Happy New Year to you,

Jo

Ottilias Veranda said...

Happy New Year to You from Sweden! It´s cold here but I prefer snow and cold before grey weather! Your posts are always lovely to read even if I don´t comment on them...I´m still reading!
Have a lovely New Years Eve!
Liisa

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh Laura,
That was such a lovely post that you had me in tears. I get very sad on New Years Eve. I don't know why. It gets me all jittery at what lies ahead. I'll have another glass of red wine and that will take me out of the doldrums !!.
Have a wonderful evening and a smashing New Years Day with your friends. I look forward to enriching our friendship in 2010. With much love. XXXX

Rumour has it said...

Dear Laura,
all my best wishes for a good, warm, happy and joyful new year and may it be filled with blessings for you and your family!
Hope to see more beautiful, pretty things here in 2010! :)
Warm greetings,
Marjolijn

Redneck Junkers said...

Lovely photos and the patriotic princesses are adorable!
smiles
the Redneck Junkers

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hello Laura,
I try very hard to be faithful to your blog, partially because of your expression of your feelings and for the creative inspiration that you emit. I love your style and it speaks to me.
Happy New Year my dear blogging friend.

~~hugs~~ Sissie

Inspired-Simplicity said...

Laura,
You really have a gift for blogging. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better in the days ahead. Sending you Happy New Yr wishes from the Hilliard house.
Carolyn xo

FILIGREE MOON said...

Beautiful inspiration, thank you for sharing! Have a merry new year ~ Angela

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Wonderful blog post...thank you for sharing your wonderful blog with all of us!!
Happy New Year!
xojanis

Linz said...

Your blog is such a joy to visit. The spirit, the feel, the collections, the photography, the foray into whimsy...all of it encompasses who I am as well! I can only hope that my blog develops into just as much of a wonderful travel diary into crafts, creativity, and heart! Happy New Year!

Just a bed of roses said...

I too am glad you have a wonderful inspiring blog to visit...thanks for sharing what is dear to you in such a lovely way. Happy New year...it will be fun to see what you do with this coming year.

north pal said...

it has been a great pleasure following your blog and heres to another year for all of us to follow in 2010. HAPPY NEW YEAR,EVERYONE! Bestest,Denise

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

We love you Laura!!! Wishing every happiness in 2010!

Florence said...

Laura I love your blog you are an inspiration. I too started my blog this last year, what a wonderful creative outlet. Happy New Year. Florence

Anne Lorys said...

It's been a joy getting to know you these past few months! I look forward to sharing the New Year with you, my friend!
All the best,
Anne

debi lynn mattingly said...

Happy New Year my loving friend! It has been wonderful getting to know you this year and seeing all your beautiful and "wacky" posts! I look forward to another beautiful and loving year of friendship with you! xo...deb

Journal Swag said...

I so enjoy your blog! Happy 2010!

Sheila

Jane said...

Happy New Year. I always love visiting your blog for inspiration. I look forward to seeing what's in store for 2010.
Jane

NicNacManiac said...

Such a lovely post....as they all are!
Such a joy to have "met" you and will continue to visit so that you can warm my heart and make me smile!
Big New Year Hugs xOxO Nerina

pam q said...

I've only been reading your blog for a short time---I have enjoyed it very much!

Great pictures, wonderful collections!

That tray of religious medals certainly has my heart beating faster.....

Thanks for sharing!

Happy New Year!

jade said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR for you and your family, my dearest Laura!!! Your Post is soooo lovely - thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful moments in your life...........and thank you, for all your inspiration and all the love you give!!!!!

Have a wonderful New Years Day, warm Hugs Jade

kleine-creative-Welt said...

Dear Laura,
a wonderful post - I always like to see your beautiful pictures and read your words - your blog is very charming - thanks -
for the new year I wish me many more posts from you - and I wish you only good days - and strength for challenges -
many greetings - Ruth

bonne said...

great to meet you in 2009, really enjoyed your inspiration!
wish you happy every day in 2010 *v*

Les Cotrions said...

Hello Laura! We all are grateful to your friend who encouraged you to start blogging!!!
Happy new year to Evi and to you!!!
Big hugs!
Vale

La Petite Gallery said...

Thanks for visiting my post.
Happy new year.



yvonne

Unknown said...

Laura,
I just had to thank YOU for the inspiration, beautiful photos and artful insight into your collections. I look forward to more in 2010!

Tami E.
Syracuse, NY

Lululiz said...

I have loved reading your blog and admiring your beautiful collections during 2009 and look forward to reading each and every one of your posts in 2010 as well. Have a very happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2010.

Lisa said...

Happy New Year! Hope it is your best yet!
Hugs, Lisa

manon 21 said...

Je te souhaite une trés bonne année Laura,pleine de petit et grand bonheur.
Je te remercie de me donner si souvent un plaisir quand je te lis.
J'espère Que 2010 sera l'année de notre rencontre.

amitiés

manon

Unknown said...

Laura ~

Based on these pictures, I can definitely say we have similar taste...I love each and every beautiful photo!!! I am so glad to have found your amazing blog! All of my best wishes for you in this new year...

Blessings and Happy New Year!

:) T

Prudence said...

Saw you in Somerset Life. Glad to have found you.
Prudence

Lori said...

Happy New Year to you Laura!! I am so glad I found you last year and all your beautiful images. Have a wonderful luncheon!

Ange said...

Et pleine de bonnes choses pour toi this coming year too dearest Laura. God bless you, your encouraging friends and the day you started blogging!!
Ange

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Dear Laura
A beautiful post to sum up 2009. Of all the treasures you have shared with us this year, the best has been your friendship. Thank you for your constant inspiration and support. May all your dreams come true!! xxx Julie

LiLi M. said...

Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy 2010!
2009 was fab (I got that Somerset Life from Santa :-) but I wish that 2010 is even better!

Emma said...

thank you for your lovely blog which always brings a smile to my face!
Here is to 2010, may it bring more smiles, love, happiness, and fun.
Happy New Year!!
Emmaxxx

Elaine said...

I often visit your blog but I don't always comment. I'm glad you decided to take up blogging and I always find your posts interesting and enjoyable.

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!

Reginas Cottage said...

dear laura,
what a wonderful post.thanks for sharing us.
i wish you and your family a wonderful year 2010!!
hugs,regina

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Blogging is a wonderful thing and has been such a great experience so far. Hard to believe you've not even been blogging a year yet. You certainly have a gift for it. Wishing you health and happiness in 2010. Blessings to you and yours, Tammy

BellaRosa said...

Laura, so beautifully said...THANK YOU, for sharing your beautiful blog with all of us, your beautiful pictures and posts and have always inspired me and I for one love your funky collections, beause many times, they have inspired new ones for me :) I hope you have a wonderful New Year filled with lots of love, laughter, good health and nothing but good things in 2010! Besos, Rose

Faded Charm said...

What an inspiring post and wishing you the best of luck in 2010.

Kathleen

alice said...

Laura, That was so beautifully said. Thank you.
smiles, alice

Anonymous said...

My dearest Laura,
well, I got around to reading the most lovely blog yet!!!! And after our wonderful get-together yesterday, we [all your friends] know, that there are many more wonderful blogs and surprises to come! You know you can count on all of us in whatever new endeavors are coming your way. Girl, you rock!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Vale and a happy and healthy new year!
XOXOX,your friend Evi