Friday, December 18, 2009

A 300th Post Give-Back Is Coming..................... and More...Much More!



Time for a Give-Back as a way to say thank you and to give back a small measure of the joy that I have received since beginning 52 FLEA in February...
...a give back to all of YOU, who take the time to stop by my little corner of bloglandia.

It is so hard to believe that on Monday...it will be my 300th post (in 310 days)!
I guess I just have a lot of stuff and have always loved Show and Tell!
(Just ask my family...I am sure they would love to tell you all about it!)
I am truly grateful for this creative outlet and for the people I have met and the friendships formed...
...you never know what life has in store next!

Tomorrow I will post the details of my 300th post Give Back!

....And now for my really exciting news!..............




Back in September, I received an email from Christen Olivarez, Senior Managing Editor of Artful Blogging, Stampington & Company, telling me that she would like to feature my blog in an upcoming issue and inviting me to consider writing an article about 52 FLEA!
At that point, it was just over 6 months since I had started blogging so I was shocked and surprised...so very thrilled and totally delighted!



I also had no idea what to write about or how to begin. Christen was very supportive and offered to let me bounce a few ideas off of her. She suggested that I write about "how blogging fits into my everyday life". After running a few thoughts by her...she liked one idea in particular...one that she identified with in her own life experience and one that she felt would resonate with other bloggers and readers...
...and so I wrote about my feelings of surprise at where I am at this point in my life as opposed to how I thought my life would go... back when I was a teenager and in my 20's..



I wrote about my life's little twists and turns, about my naive and youthful expectations and my actual life's path, which of course ultimately brought me to our world of creative blogging!

Being the good girl and diligent student that I am, I sent in my rough draft two weeks earlier than the deadline, thinking that I would receive some guidance in turning my words into magazine worthy material.



Imagine my surprise when next I heard from Jenny Doh, Editor-in-Chief and Director of Publishing of Stampington & Company, who sent me the proof and layout of my article as it would appear in Somerset Life! Apparently, the editors collaborate and after sorting through the submitted articles decided mine would fit in this other wonderful publication which features several blogs in the "Blogs With a View" section.
I love both magazines and am so thrilled and excited as I just received my copy of the brand new winter issue of Somerset Life in the mail...
...and 52 FLEA is in it!



Starla is head over heels with the joy of it all too!

So, once again, many thanks to all of you who have supported and encouraged me...I will probably need a bit more of that in 2010 as changes are ahead!
Life sure is interesting!
I am trusting that mine is moving along according to God's plan for me...
... and it's a good thing I like surprises!
:) Laura

75 comments:

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Laura, Congratulations! I can't wait to read the article! They know "good taste" and talent when they see it!
Have a wonderful "week before Christmas".
hugs,
Debra

The French Bear said...

Laura, this is so wonderful, 300 posts and to get published!!! Of course I think you deserve to be acknowledged, your blog is scrumptious and the photos are always so tastefully done!
I love your style and it is very enjoyable to sit and read each post and drool over the pictures. You always have the right amount of love and inspiration and often my spirits are lifted and I feel like I am right there with you! Which I may add, I often wish I were!!!!
Hugs to you and Congratulations!
Margaret B

Chemin des Muguets said...

Laura,

OMG. I knew you were a star in this blog firmament. This is really exciting news indeed.

Love from just one of your fans,

Marjorie

Obee Designs said...

Congratulations Laura!
How exciting you will be published in Somerset Life! I just love their publications. That's my idea of reading! I am so happy for you that they love your blog, but c'mon, who wouldn't????? I can wait to see the article. What a wonderful Christmas present!
Enjoy basking in your glory, you deserve it!!!
Have a wonderful weekend :)
XoXo,
Gail

Bonjade said...

Oh you must be so proud.......
Lucky you. But you are right it probably is something on the right time at the right momentspecially for you. Birth of something new in your life.
Up to hundreds of more posts.....
I love it.

Sheila said...

Laura what a delight... I had the pleasure of meeting Jenny at the Barn where I sell monthly at... she bought a Granny Cart with the shabby cover from my friend who was selling there too. I am so proud and excited for you, what a compliment and a sweet lil Christmas gift. You can now tell your family do you want my autograph ;)?? CONGRATS and have a smashing Friday.

xo,
Sheila

Christina said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful experience, cannot wait to read it!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful, happy news! Congratulations, Laura!!!
:)
Zuzu

Floss said...

That is such exciting news - I think the readers will love your article, and its subject does indeed sound really interesting. Congratulations on this and on your 300the post!

BonjourRomance said...

Congratulations Laura - this is so well deserved - and to the 300the posts, wow! How exciting for you to be published. Life IS very interesting! As long as you are trying to move along according to God's plans, you will!
Here's to 300 more fabulous posts! Wishing you and yours a wonderful weekend!

Rosemary said...

Awesome Laura!!
Congrats, you certainly deserve it! Your blog is on my top 10 list of the best blogs ever.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Rosemary

LiLi M. said...

Congrats for being in Somerset Life Laura! You just to deserve to be in there. You know it is better to be in Somerset Life than in Artfull blogging...to me (!) as I subscribe to the first one, and I will receive that number one of these days too, yoohooo! Looking forward to that already! Enjoy these moments (hours, days well one reads these magazines over and over again...weeks, and so on...) of fame!

Mel said...

Congrats Laura!What a wonderful to end the year of 2009! I wonder what next year will bring for you??:D

Looking forward to reading your wonderful editorial debut!!

Andy's Attic said...

Congratulations! What wonderful news! Your blog is so beautiful and well done that I am not surprised about you getting published...I was surprised at what a short time you have been blogging!!! You are an ispiration.
Annette

My Grama's Soul said...

Laura - Congrats! You are one talented lady. I can hardly wait to see your article in Somerset Life.

Happy holidays to you,

Jo

Unknown said...

OMG Laura that is HUGE news! So awesome!!! Congrats...I really am thrilled for you :) It's nice that all of your efforts at "producing" such a wonderful and inspiring blog are being noticed!!

:) T

Lululiz said...

I am not at all surprised that they wanted to show off your fabulous blog, your photographs are always outstanding and so inspiring, you write well, and everybody always looks forward to your post.
Oh, and 300 posts in such a short time, wow, thats going some, lol. Congrats and I promise I won't call you a motormouth!

north pal said...

oh i am so happy for you,congratulations! you certainly deserve it! we all know that. and it is coming back to you. Bestest,Denise

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Laura congrats on the article! I am so impressed but not surprised. Your Blog has been one of my fav's when I discovered this world of blogging and sharing. Oh and 300 posts! I am very impressed with that. I'll keep reading as long as you keep posting. One of your fans...

Linda @ A La Carte

north pal said...

p.s. and i am still in love with your starla!!!!! Bestest,Denise

Cynthia K. said...

Hi there! How absolutely wonderful for you!! And Starla!! Such a wonderful accomplishment - I'm delighted for you and anxious to get my copy. I'll be so interested in what you had to say on this subject - can hardly wait...

Cynthia K. (Beauty and Blessings)

Trouvais said...

Well, you so deserve everything good that comes your way, Laura. I am SO happy for you! Congratulations. XO Trish

Wildflowerhouse said...

But ofcourse! I just new they would find you and make you a star (which you alredy are, in my book!) Congrats to you. I can't wait to get my hands on the issue. Have a great weekend. Sharon

Sylvia said...

Congratulations Laura, you have an eye candy blog that I MUST visit daily...I too cant wait to read your article. Merry Christmas...

Pearl said...

CONGRADULATIONS!!! How wonderful for you and it must be very exciting. I'm off to buy a copy!

Ange said...

Félicitations Laura. It is all part of God's plan, if you know how to listen.
I'm not sure we can buy the magazine here but would love a copy of the article if you could email it one day!! Once again, heartfelt congratulations,

Affectueusement,
Ange

Michelle Hughes said...

Wow! That is so exciting! Congratulations! I need to get a copy!
Michelle

Rose Garden Romantic said...

How exiting!! Congratulations!!!

Julie Marie said...

Hello Laura... first off, I love that you started this post out with your vintage reflector... as you are reflecting on things that changed your life... or helped you get to where you are today... congratulations on being featured! I am running right out and getting my copy! Starla looks like she is totally in love with the whole thing! Kitty kisses Starla! Bisous... Julie Marie

Les Cotrions said...

Waw Laura! Congratulations!!! It's marvellous!!!
I'm so excited for you!!! But I'm not surprised...I know what a wonderful girl you are!!! I'd like to read your article...but I don't think to find the magazines in Lucca!!!
I'm very lucky....I met the famous Laura!
Enjoy your deserved success!
Big hugs! Baci!
Vale

cathy said...

Heartfelt Congratulations, Laura! I look forward to my visits here where everything is simply lovely!

erin's art and gardens said...

congratulations!! that is awesome news, and well deserved!! i will look forward to reading the article! AND...300 posts...how do you do it!? keep em comin, cuz it looks like you have many fans and i am one of them.
have a good weekend!
erin

Theresa said...

WOW a celebrity! Congratulations and well deserved, I must say! Have a blessed day and can't wait to see your name in lights!

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh Laura....what a wonderful Christmas present for you. You must be over the moon.
What is so special about you is that every post of yours is real and is about the things that you own and love.I'm sure that's what they loved about you when they asked you to do the article.
Please try and remember us when you become famous !!!!
With much love and congratulations. XXXX

Carole said...

You never know what life will bring us. I think all good things will be coming your way and so much more!
x
Carole

Unknown said...

WooHoo! and congrats! How exciting for you to be published...and I might say...its very smart of them to choose you. I really enjoy your blog and look forward to reading it every time!
Tami

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Wow, what an honor. I'm fairly new at the blogging thing myself, and I feel like it has changed my life in a good, positive way.
Congratulations to you and I'm looking forward to reading your article.

VintageCrafter said...

Congratulations!!!You deserve it!
**smiles**
Carol

Jill said...

WOW! A big congratulations to you!! I LOVE that publication. All of theirs actually. Way to go!!

Auntie Cake said...

Congrats on the article. Way cool! We all love Somerset!
Kate

Tarnished Rose said...

Congratulations! AWESOME.

Somerset Life is my FAVORITE of their magazines - in fact I just took out a two year subscription!!! I MUST make sure I get this one though since someone I know is in it!!! WOOO HOOO good for you.

Smiles and BIG HUG~
Marilyn

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Dear Laura
I am so happy for you to receive this recognition you truly deserve!!
It is always a pleasure to visit here and delight in your daily Show and Tell, for surely it is daily to have managed 300 posts!! woo hoo!!

How you manage that, work full time, care for your family and support other bloggers like myself truly amazes me...

You are a star of blogland and I suspect a star in your family's eyes also... Love to you!! xxx your bloggy friend Julie

Journal Swag said...

Hurray! Congratulations!

Sheila

mary pernula said...

That is just so cool. I am so excited for you, and because of things like this that is why I follow my feelings. I have always felt I have hidden talent, and like you said you never know with Gods will where life will take you. xo Mary (JMPPASTIMES)

marysworkshop said...

Your blog is so lovely and absolutely deserves to be recognized. Congratulations, Laura, on your wonderful news!- Mary

trash talk said...

What an honor and what a thrill for you. I think deep down, everyone who blogs has a little secret desire to see their words published. You are living the dream for all of us. Congratulations!
Debbie

jade said...

Oh, how wonderful my dear Laura............Congratulations to you!!!!! You can be soooo proud of you - your blog is abolutly great and you are such a lovely girl!!!!!! And starla too - many kisses to her, have a very fine weekend,

warm Hugs, Jade

Its So Very Cheri said...

Congrats on EVERYTHING--wow how wonderful.
I haven't been by for while because I have been having MAJOR GOOGLE issues-I hope things are going well for you.
After weeks and weeks of non-stop Google issues, and still having problems-I am throwing my hands up and making much needed visits. Google doesn't even have any suggestions on how to fix the on going problems-ARGH!!!
I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas and hope you can come by for a visit.
Cheri

BellaRosa said...

My stars Laura how wonderful for you! First 300 posts!!! WOW that is so great, I can't believe you have that many in such a short time :) Lordy I need to get it in gear if I ever plan on having at least a 100 post giveaway :) Now on the Sommerset Life news, I am soo happy for you, your blog is beautiful and has made not only me but sooo many others smile when they visit your blog! I can't wait to see your wonderful article, I love it when I see people that I "know" in them, because you all deserve it so :) Besos & many Congrats! Rose

Sea Angels said...

Just wait till you open that magazine up and see your pictures, it is like a dream and you just won't believe it, I am soooo pleased for you and can't wait to see this issue.
Well done on all of your posts, that was a LOT of work.
Hugs Lynn xxxxx

manon 21 said...

magnifique pour toi,je suis contente car tu le mérites bien,ton blog est fantastique.
Amitiés ma chère

manon

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh, how thrilling! Congratulations....I can't wait to see the magazine....I usually buy this one, so I'll be looking for you!

Warm Christmas blessings,
Spencer

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

Hello Laura

Congratulations on 300 posts and being in Somerset Life Magazine! So pleased for you.

It doesn't surprise me that you have come to their attention as you have such a beautiful blog.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

Warm wishes
Isabelle x

Rostrose said...

Oh Laura - THAT IS SOOOO GREAT! I am so happy with you, wonderful news! Big and warm and congratulating and vanilla-smelling hugs from Traude

patricia@ReFind Home&Garden said...

Congratulations Laura on your article and your 300th post. I am soooooo very happy for you. I have coffee with your beautiful blog every morning. Hugs, Patricia

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,

I am not surprised Jenny Doh picked and published your article. Ii met her at Squam Workshops this past September and she is bright and very smart-she surely spots good stuff when she sees it. Your material is Somerset material-most definitely.
I can't wait to read you on this issue!

Congratulations!

xox

Isabel

City Hen said...

Congratulations!
You do indeed have a special "voice". I wish you all the best!

Lisa said...

OH Congrats!!! But I think you should be featured! Your blog is amazing!! The mag looks great! I cannot wait for it to come out!!
Congratulations!!
Merry Christmas!
Hugs, Lisa

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Congratulations!
Your blog is deserving of the honor. I love your layout and the images that you choose to post along with your comments are pure bliss.
You've got me hooked, love the cat too!

The Feathered Nest said...

CONGRATULATIONS Laura!!!! I'm SO not surprised!!! I've loved your blog and inspiration from the very first day I laid eyes on it ~ I can't wait to see your article!!! hugs and love, Dawn

Sussi / Sussinghurst said...

Congratulations! You really deserve it.
Sussi

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you! Well come! XOX

lesliejanson said...

Congratulations! What a unique and true voice you have - we are all lucky to be able to share your creativity every week! I am so very excited for you! Merry, Merry Christmas to you!!! Leslie

Anonymous said...

Dear Laura,
again congrats from Ebbie and me. I always knew that you have this very special talent. How lucky we all are, that you are sharing it with us! I am glad that you let everyone know. Had you not done so, I would have outed you. What the blogworld does not knowis that you don't like to blow your own horn. this honor is so well desered!!!!!!!!!
Keep us inspired, my beloved friend,
xoxox,
Evi

Kerri said...

Congratulations! I just discovered your blog and your beautiful photos are an inspiration for my new online vintage shop! Thank you for your appreciation of all things vintage and for displaying such beautiful pics!

Kerri

Anonymous said...

Congratulations ... pat yourself on the back and be proud!
SuZeQ kosec@sbcglobal.net

KarenB said...

Yeah! I'm SO excited for you! I can't wait to get the issue. Congratulations and Merry Christmas!

Karen @ Elderberry Street

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Congrats on being published. One has only to peek at those that visit frequently to understand why.
Your blog is rich with photos and a sense of sharing that we all favor.

Susan

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your 300th post .. woowweeee... well done. Love the blog and plan on following too!

You must thank Susie for sending me my dear..

what a sweetie.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

~Olivia

Olivia and Me Blog

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I read your blog recently, but I really like looking at your photos and read the entries. Good luck in the new year:)

Zita - Mlle Magpie said...

Hi Laura, just got back from a weekend at the farmhouse - I am delighted with your wonderful news of being published in Somerset Life. My favourite magazine (but so much more than that, really!) Congratulations to you! SO looking forward to getting my copy. p.s. I won't leave a comment for your giveback, because I was lucky enough to win last time :)

Lolly said...

Congrats on the magazine article...can't wait to read it! And what a cute kitty!!
Lolly

June said...

Hi Laura, I was thrilled to read this news tonight. I'm a little late congratulating you on this wonderful turn of events (no excure other than I've been a rather lazy blogger lately)I can think of no one who deserves this honor more. Oh, Now I can't wait for these issues to come out!!!
hugs

street wear said...

You arranged each and every stuffs very unique way. Your post is very interesting and fully enjoyable. I hope you enjoyed your new day of new year.

football picks said...

I knew you were a star in this blog firmament. This is really exciting news indeed.