An Ode to 100...
100...a Weight I will NEVER see again.
100...the number of Legos I need to pick up to see the carpet in my son's room.
100...the number of times someone yells, "MOMMY!" every day.
100...the number of times we check "the score" as we watch TV every night.
100...the number of times I have asked my daughter if she wants to try and sit on the potty.
100...the number of times my daughter has said "NO!" when I have asked her if she wants to try to sit on the potty.
AND...
100+...the number of New Friends I have made here in Blogland!
(Boy, you guys are a good-lookin' bunch! This is actually about the right ratio of guys to gals that I have as Blog friends!)
I have to be honest here. I kind of didn't know what to say or do when the number 100 popped up. Does it really MEAN something? So, I didn't say anything for a couple of days. You see, when I started this little ol' blog I never had any other intention except to see if my brain was functioning and if I could still speak and write in complete sentences.
When you hear "The Wheels on the Bus" over and over and over I think that brain cells begin to die!
I really wrestled with the decision to start a Blog, though. I thought it sounded fun but I knew that it was also slightly self-indulgent. And self-indulgent can often lead to those other "self" words. Selfish...self-focused...does that make sense? It is a line I didn't and DON'T want to cross.
When you hear "The Wheels on the Bus" over and over and over I think that brain cells begin to die!
I really wrestled with the decision to start a Blog, though. I thought it sounded fun but I knew that it was also slightly self-indulgent. And self-indulgent can often lead to those other "self" words. Selfish...self-focused...does that make sense? It is a line I didn't and DON'T want to cross.
That being said, I never even dreamed that it would be quite so much fun and that I would get the honor of meeting all of you wonderful people. It is truly a privilege to have you part of my life in this way and to get to peek into your lives as well.
Only when I am invited, of course!
Only when I am invited, of course!
I told my husband when I started noticing the number of Friends (still can't say Followers without thinking of a cult!) growing that it is kind of like having someone other than your parents tell you that you look pretty! You know what I mean?
You all put a smile on my face with your comments and your encouragement and this blog has given me a creative outlet that I'm not sure I really knew that I needed!
You see, I love being a Homemaker in the truest sense of the word. I want my home to be a warm and welcoming place for all who enter. But most importantly, I want it to be a Haven for my family from the rest of the world!
And, all of you talented and creative folks have inspired me with many new ways to do just that!
You all put a smile on my face with your comments and your encouragement and this blog has given me a creative outlet that I'm not sure I really knew that I needed!
You see, I love being a Homemaker in the truest sense of the word. I want my home to be a warm and welcoming place for all who enter. But most importantly, I want it to be a Haven for my family from the rest of the world!
So THANK YOU! You guys Rock!
And, to really show you my appreciation, I am going to do my very first Giveaway!
No, it won't be from CSN, it will just be from my heart!
What could be inside this pretty little box??? Well, I don't know really because this is a Clip Art stock photo. But if you win, YOUR pretty little box will hold some treasures from my most favorite downtown French Boutique!
Here is how you can enter to win..
1. Leave me a comment stating that you are currently a "Friend" or a becoming a new "Friend" to this Southern Girl at Heart.
2. Link up to the Inspiration Friday Party and leave me a comment letting me know that you joined in the fun!
3. I don't do Facebook or the Twitter so those are the only 2 ways you can enter. I can hear you all screaming "WHAT?" at your screens. I know...I know...I'm kinda backwoods that way.
After the party is over I will figure out how to use that new-fangled Random Generator thingy and one of you will be getting something fun in your mail very soon!
Now, how about we have a Party??!!!
You all blow me away every week with the Inspiring and Creative ways you seek to add beauty to your lives and your homes! I'll admit, sometimes I feel like a dud when I see some of the things you do. Especially those crazy crafty things that we all know are not how I am...ahem..."Gifted"! So, please share some of your Inspiration and talent with the rest of us!
But, please, oh please, don't ever feel pressured to do so. There are A LOT of "Linky Parties" out there and I know we are all very busy! I so appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to join in and truly feel that even if it is just me and my crazy relatives (no offense to my lovely family members!) who link up, it is still so much fun and so Inspirational!
Here is how to link up...
1. Add your Permalink to your entry but not your General Blog Address. To get your Permalink, click on the title of the blog post you are wanting to submit and copy and paste the address into the URL box. You will also have to add your address but it will not be visible to anyone else.
2. Do not try and Link up until you have actually published that particular post on your blog.
3. Please link back to the host blog, Southern In My Heart, so that those who visit your blog will be able to find some wonderful Inspiration from everyone else!
Thank you from the bottom of my Southern Lovin' Heart,
Vanessa
41 comments:
What a nice post, and yes, I think we all look like that, lol.
I am a faithful follower. I'll come back and join the party later.
I've linked two posts, hope that's ok. I think I'm the adorable, young brunette (either one will be great) in the photo of your Friends. I'm yelling dibs before everyone else picks. Not a bad bikini shot for a 53 year old grandma, huh. :)
Dang...we do look good don't we???? I still look like that in my head it is just the mirror that doesn't see it that way!!!
I have linked up my small inspiration!
I have a few of those 100s myself (notably the 100 pounds, especially if I keep loving my own food!) Glad to have made you and your sister as some of my first BlogLand friends!
Congratulations on reaching such a wonderful milestone. Your blog is such fun and I always enjoy my visits. Your giveaway is so sweet, I would love to be entered. Yes of course I am a follower. I linked up today with a small post that I don't think qualifies as inspiration, but it is what the time allowed this week. Hope you have a super day. Hugs, Marty
Congrats on 100 Vanessa! You are a sweet person and will be at 200 in the blink of an eye as well. Your blog and inspiration party are wonderful. Thank you for hosting and offering such a generous giveaway. I'm a loyal friend and follower.
Blessings, ~Melissa :)
Vanessa that was so sweet every word and thought. I am your current friend, and I would love a lil surprise. Congrats on your blogging milestone. Now I am going to link up to your party, because I feel that connection to you and I liked it last week a lot. I hope my spooky Halloween post is OK...it sure is Halloween inspiration. Thanks for hosting. Debbie
Love the theme of this post! You have a great looking family. Many congrats on the blogging milestone as well. I am one of your newest followers!
Jane
Hey Vanessa, congrats on 100+ followers. I just added one more onto that number!! I found you through "A Stroll Thru Life". I've been sitting at 36 followers for weeks - I'm getting rather discouraged, but I keep plugging away. I've got to take more time to link up to parties... like the one you're having. I hope this will be the first of many visits to your site - I look forward to going through all your postings. Hope you'll find time to stop by and visit me as well. Now... let's see what "wonderful post" I should like up - and let's party!!!! BTW - hopefully that "new-fangled Random Generator thingy" will select me as the winner!!!! WAHOO!!
What a great post! Blogging has really showed me how kind people are, I seriously was beginning to wonder at times esp where I live. Don't get me wrong there are nice people here but I work with the public... Anyway, I love all my new friends and their inspirations and comments and I am so glad that I met you!! I am proud to say that I am your friend!
What a lovely post, Vanessa! I like Friend better than Follower too.
Congratulations on 100 new friends.
Congrats on the milestone! I love visiting your blog, its one of my faves.
Linking up with one of my latest little vintage finds.
Hey there! Happy "early" Friday. Thanks for hosting such a fun gathering and for letting me share my breakfast room update! I can't wait to look at everyone's inspirational projects! Thanks again ... Becca
Hi, Vanessa! I'm a follower!
I linked up tonight! Thanks for hosting and congratulations on the 100 milestone! I know how you feel!
Hey Vanessa- Great milestone for you~ You are just going to be one popular little thing, aren't ya? I'm of the train of thought that I want to follow someone because she or he does something that attracts me or that person thinks like I do. I saw your comment on Debbie's blog. It CAN be hard sometimes- putting ourselves out on the line. I wish you lots of luck with your blog and all your friendships. I know I really like coming for visits. Sign me up for your little give-away- who knows, maybe I will actually influence that little random. org thingee!! And ya know I follow. :-)
Big hugs, Sue
I am a Friend and I linked up! Not sure my 'Chicken Beak Stew' is appropriate for 'Inspiration Friday' but I like to create fun for my kids! OKAY, guess what? I am not on Facebook and don't even know what a Twitter is!! You go girl! Your Robb and children are adorable! What a precious, precious family and gift from above! That is so funny about the 'followers!' I never thought about it! Glad I am a friend! Love your blog and getting a peak into your beautiful home! Blessings!
Vanessa-uh...I guess I would be the blond in the back...the one hanging onto the guy-although I gave that up a few years ago when my boobs started to sag...oh...wait..no..I gave it up when I got married....yeah...that's it!
A very nice post today. I think you feel much like I do. I love following along when I know there are REAL people out here in BlogLand...and YOU IS REAL! That's why I keep coming back.
I have a little (very little) free magazine give away going on over at my blog if you're interested.
Hugs to you- You are a good blogger and a good Mon~ Hugs- Diana
Hi Vanessa, congratulations on 100 followers, I'm sure you'll get 100s more. I've been "out" this week so don't have anything to link up to your party. I plan on it soon, though. I hope you consider Twitter, I just got on it and I need more buddies :).
Congratulations on 100 + followers. I just noticed last night that I had reached the three digit mark too. Of course, you did yours a whole lot quicker than I! (I agree about the term. I wish they would just let us call it what we want on the side board too.)
Anyway, I'm one of the 100+ already and mighty glad that I am. I always love your posts and get inspired with them!
I am not very inspiring this week so I don't anything to yak up in a link, but I sure will be looking at the others when I have a pair of minutes to do so.
You are too funny girl! As you know I have been a friend for some time now!:) Off to see if I have a previous post I can link up with since I have been under the weather this week.
Okay, just linked up!:) Forgot to mention your family pic is wonderful and I also forgot to say thanx for posting such a great pic of me in my bikini! I have never so looked so good!;)
Wow Vanessa! Congrats on 100 followers...I am not the least bit surprised! You and your blog are wonderful! I am SO happy for you!
Enjoy!
Cathy
How sweet! I like to think that I might be your friend more then a follower too! LOL! No cults for me!
How fun, to have a giveaway with this link up. Honestly, I had no clue until AFTER I linked up and came back to read your post. I'm kinda lame that way,visiting the host after I've walked into the party. LOL! I never feel pressured by you, I linked up today because I really had something I felt was inspiring to share today! I think I've told you this before but its worth repeating. This is a really cool linky party! Thanks for hosting it and for the giveaway!
Hi Vanessa~
Linked up for this weeks party- great fun!
I am planning a link up party too - may I ask, how do you make the buttons like the darling ones you made?
Have a great weekend! :)
Ooooh, I'm a "friend"!!
I enjoy your blog,you ARE an inspiration!
Have a great weekend.
-Jo
-LazyonLoblolly
Thanks, Vanessa, for hosting us today. What a fun party, and I'm meeting all kinds of new friends - you included! Congrats on 100, that's a milestone and exciting, just wait til you hit 100 posts. You'll wonder how you did it so quickly! Keep up the fun posts, I'll be back to visit often.
xo
Heidi - Heart and Home
Thanks for visiting my blog! I can't wait to read the rest of your adoption story. I totally agree that those going through the process should be connected with those on the other side. I have a friend who adopted her daughter from China and she's been one of the best resources/confidante/friend to have.
Oh yeah- I love your bedroom! Red and green are two of my favorite colors!
Hi I found you via Melissa's Heart and home blog! Congratulations on 100 followers I am ll5!
I am linking up to your fun party today! Thanks!
bee blessed
mary
I gladly became your "friend" today and not because I wanted to win something! I just discovered your blog through the links on other blogs to your Friday meme. I'm so glad I did! You write like someone I would truly like to be friends with and I will enjoy following your blog. Congrats on reaching 100!
DD
Wheee!! I think 100 is aMAZing!!! Congratulations, Vanessa.
I keep trying to think of something inspiring to link up again (i've only done one), so for now, just one entry on your fun give away!!!
great family picture!
xo
lynn
p.s. I don't understand the twitter thing either.
I am a new friend/follower and just looooove your blog. I am much better in the kitchen than in the decorating department. But the recipe I linked to is sooo good. I hope you will try it.
Vanessa,
Just wanted you to know I'm already a friend, and linking up with you for the party.
Thanks for hosting.
Hope your weekend has been restful.
Karen
I missed the party this week, but will be back next week. Thank you for the generous comment on my blog.
Hi Vanessa...
My friend, I see that congratulations are in order! 100 friends (or followers) is a fantastic milestone...however, I am not a bit surprised! You are such a sweet lady and you have a delightful blog!!! I have so enjoyed meeting you!!! I'm sending my very best wishes for continued blogging success and much blogging bliss, sweet lady! Here's to the second set of "100" friends!!! Enjoy the journey!!!
I just wanted to come by after reading the sweet note that you left for me about my autumn living room and mantel! Thank you, my friend!!!
Again, congratulations!!! Ohhh...and how very nice...to host a giveaway in honor of your milestone! Yes...please add my name to the giveaway pot! Thank you!!!
Warmest autumn wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design
You are an inspiration to LOTS of people! Congratulations on 100! I"m sure you will go way beyond that!
Hi! I just found your web site!
Glad you are enjoying the northwest southern style! Do not feel bad about facebk/twitter, I only use facebk to talk to my grandson out of state. I like your web page. please enter me in your surprise. duenml@comcast.net
Wow, marvelous blog structure! How long have you been running a blog
for? you made blogging glance easy. The overall glance
of your site is magnificent, as smartly as the content!
Feel free to surf to my website: livingwithrheumatoidarthritis.org
Post a Comment