happy birthday blog

Today my blog is one. Time sure flies when you are having fun. I have learned so much from this experience. Namely, how to use a computer (a little bit.) How to navigate the blog world, which isn't easy. Not to publicy announce a personal shopping ban (bad idea.) But mostly I have been amazed by the kindness of strangers. The writing, photography, gardening and decorating skills out there is breathtaking. My favorite blogs make me laugh, think or go ahhh. Some manage to do all three at once. On my last post a few people noted that I must have beautiful rose bouquets in my house. Indeed I do. I picked this one today especially for all my favorite bloggers who have been with me from the start and a few new ones too.

For the Love of the House - Joan, you have been with me from the first days and I love your comments and kind suggestions but I love your beautiful home in New Hampshire more.

A Country Farmhouse - Trina, like Joan you've been with me from the start. I knew it was only a matter of time before people found you and went crazy for your style. And now we will be riveted to your blog with news of the twins.

Faux Fuchsia - Kirstin, I will never forget the night I found your blog and read every post! I was laughing so hard and then realized you wrote over 100 posts in just one month. And you keep making me laugh. Love you.

My Yellow House - Sarah, you and I are kindred spirits who have so much in common it's scary. Thank you for your love and support and always inspiring me with your beautiful posts and much needed emails.

Casa Dulce Hogar - Dear Maria Cecilia, I started following you from your start and gasp every time you post pictures of your roses and home. But your roses don't hold a candle to your beauty my friend.

Hostess of the Humble Bungalow - Leslie, from the first comment you left on my blog I knew you were probably one of the kindest people I would ever come to know. Thank you for reading each one of my posts and always making thoughtful comments.

Windlost - Teri, I'm always blown away by your attention to detail in the comments you leave me. I love your beautiful spirit, blog and home.

Small But Charming - Jane, what can I say about someone as generous as you? You helped transform my house with your comment about the throwaway charm of chinoiserie. Thank you so much for bringing life to my blog and house!

Comfort & Luxury - Tracy, my friend, I thank you for all your supportive comments and I am so excited for you and your new job. I've learned so much from all your well researched posts.

Slim Paley - Slimmy, as some of your devotees call you, your blog is a visual feast. I look forward to every single creative post you put up. Your style is enviable to say the least.

Boxwood Terrace - Deborah, you know I love your blog, I even created a boxwood terrace of my own as a tribute to you. Thank you for always leaving me sweet comments.

The Polished Pebble - Kelley, your homes and gardens and even boat are so gorgeous and you are so full of imaginative ways to beautifully decorate all these spaces. You are a great source of inspiration to me, particularly your use of color.

An Urban Cottage - Steve, I think you are only 1 of 2 men that read my blog (Kevin may be reading this!) and I love your input always. You are smart and funny and I adore your cottage. I know you are taking time off from blogging this summer and I hope you are having more fun than me!

There are a zillion more bloggers out there that I follow and read everyday. I could go on and on. Oh, Blighty, I love you too! See, I'll shut up now.

The point is that I think you are all fantastic and thanks for putting up with the endless boring slew of pictures of my home and garden.

~janet