Thursday, June 4, 2009

Blog-i-versary

I am so happy you stopped by today!(To win this necklace, see below)

It's The Book Blog’s two-year anniversary!
Please have a pastry.

Two years ago on June 3rd:
* Photographer Dan Mayers and I had just signed a book contract from Gibbs Smith for our Waterside Cottage book.

* I had just quit my job.

* My son Fred was entering his senior year at UCLA
One Year ago:
* The book was in production.

* Dan was the father of 5-day old twins.

* I had two other major projects in the works.

* My son Fred had gotten a great job at KAA Design Group in Los Angeles, and

* I was enjoying fresh eggs from my full-grown chickens.
Today:
* The book is about to go on sale.

* Dan’s twins have just celebrated their first birthday.

* I am a regular contributor to a variety of Log Home magazines.

* My son Fred was laid off and started his own Design Firm, Freelance Republic.

* I have a brand new web site (which Fred designed).

* A 1923 baby grand piano has taken up residence in a corner of my office.

* I am still enjoying fresh eggs from my chickens.

Enough about me, let’s talk about YOU.

ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY: As a little thank you, I will send one lucky reader Ruth Welter's beautiful hand-painted necklace. All you have to do, is leave a comment on this post between now and June 14th (Flag Day).It's my way of saying thank you for your encouragement, creativity and support.

TWO MORE THINGS
1- By special request: Several bloggers have sent me emails asking if they can enter the contest more than once. Sure!

Just link to this post and let me know... and you're entered again.

2- I've also gotten the word that some folks are unable to add their name to the newsletter list on my website (which enters you in my free book giveaway.) Sorry for the inconvenience. It's a technical glitch that is being worked on. It has to do with older servers or something like that.

49 comments:

Ruth Welter said...

Hi Barbara, nope, I cannot sign up for the giveaway...I know. : ) Your photography of my sand dollar is just beautiful..I so love the sand as the background. It makes me want to go to the beach.

Congrats on all the good things that are happening in your life. Sorry your son was laid off but congrats to him for opening his own design business, I wish him much luck.

Your new website is just beautiful!!!!

Ruth

Natasha Burns said...

A huge congratulations to you, Barbara! I love the new website, it's beautiful - Fred is very talented. Seems he can do just about anything, like his mother!

Gosh are Dan's twins a year old already? I remember them being months old when we met up in Soho!!

How sweet of you to give such a gorgeous creation by Ruth.

I'm sure your book will fly off the shelves :)

Natasha xo
(PS. Were you able to find out the international shipping for me? Hate to be a pain, hehehe!)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Happy Anniversary Barbara! I have been a reader of your blog for almost the whole time. I have enjoyed taking wonderful trips with you, trying your yummy recipes, meeting some of your family and looking forward to the book being published.

I have enjoyed every post!
Hugs,
Penny

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Congratulations on two years, Barbara. It's been wonderful getting to know you!

I remember when you made Back Porch Musings, Blog du Jour. How appreciative I was then and am now, for your recognition of my efforts.

The sand dollar is absolutely gorgeous!!

A Beach House Dreamer said...

From pastry to fresh eggs -yummi. You seem to be on a steady and wonderful path of increase. So congratulations and thank you for the opportunity to win this adorable necklace.

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous necklace and I can't wait to get your new book, how exciting for you!!

LeAnn:)

quitethecrow said...

Hi Barbara...I lurk and enjoy your blog as often as possible. Your new book sounds wonderful. I've always dreamed of having a cottage by the sea! Love your chickens; we have some as well and LOVE their eggs. Anyway, happy blogiversary!

Lana Manis said...

My how time flies! Congratulations on your blog anniversary!

Lana Manis said...

I almost forgot...
congratulations on the chickens and eggs, the twins, your son's new business, and your book!

Julie said...

I love this post! Please enter me in your drawing!

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Barbara, I just stopped by to congratulate you on the book and I can't wait to own a copy. I remember the first time I visited your blog...you were frustrated that the book had not yet been fulfilled (published) but oh the difference a year makes! I am genuinely thrilled for you...to see your dream come to reality! Yipeee for you (kind of corny but heartfelt)
blessings,
Debbie

Eleanor said...

It made such interesting and hopeful reading to see how your live has developed over two years. Achievements, difficulties turned into opportunties and some things have stayed the same! The chickens and eggs, for example. The interior on your header is just too beautiful!

Bonnie said...

Inspirational is the word I choose to describe your blog.

I am going to the beach with my grandchildren in July ! and, would love to wear the sand dollar ~and share the designer profile and information about sand dollars in general too.

I find nourishment to my soul whenever I look at the gorgeous photos you always include in your blog.

Thank you so much for sharing your creativity and love of life via your books and blog.

Enjoy the day, Bonnie

Anonymous said...

You know how much I love anything beachy and this is a beauty! Bask in the glory Barbara. Lucky you to have such a Brilliant Son. My daughter designed my new website too. Lucky me!
xo Roberta

Joanne said...

Love to hear good things happening to people. Hope some of those good things come my way! Thanks, Joanne ~~ glamourgirljoanne@yahoo.com

Jennifer said...

Just ound your blog via Chez Fifi.... I love your stuff!
BEAUTFUL
Blessings
Jennifer

snippetgirl said...

oh, wow, what a beautiful blog!! I am so glad you found me do that i could discover you :)!! It sounds like it has been quite a year for you!! The book looks amazingly wonderful....my dream is to have a waterside cottage!! Can't wait to see more.....
Have a lovely weekend!
Many purrs and woofs,
Carrie the SnipPet Girl
p.s. Thank you for having such a fabulous giveaway!!

NeereAnDear said...

WELL... being your number one (tee hee) fan....

I cant express enough how proud I am of you... how happy I am for all your success ....

You have worked long and hard.... it has been a wonderful time taking this and many other with you through your blog ....

What a fabulous find that GRAND PIANO IS!!

And Ruths necklace... a sight to behold... quite lovely!!

Congratulations to Fred for the work he did on your website and his new career ....

I cant wait to be one of the MANY from what I can tell... owners of your new book...
LOTS OF HUGS
JO

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Barbara, Happy Anniversary and Congrats on all the wonderful events over the last year or so. Best wishes also to your son on his new business. Your new site is fantastic.

What a great giveaway gift from Ruth. I own one of her gorgeous sand dollar pendants and I love it. Her work is wonderful. Anyone will be overjoyed to win.

Continued much success.
Blessings always, Celestina Marie

Kelee Katillac said...

Hi Barbara!

Thank-you so much for visiting Th Katillac Shack!
I am excited about having you for a new friend.

Your book looks beautiful--I know you must be excited. Are you doing a book tour? The website is very pretty. Coastal is so hot now.

It would be so neat to have fresh eggs! A dream of my husbands.....

love, Kelee

Alison Gibbs said...

Such an exciting time for you Barbara. Way to go Fred. Such a talented young man.
Love the new website
Alison

Georgia Peachez said...

Hi Barbara! Time sure does fly by doesn't it. So much has happened in the past two years. I always enjoy your blog so much! xo, suzy

Elyse said...

hi barbara,

happy blog-i-versary. what a fascinating timeline to read. very cool and filled with wonderful things! congrats all around!

i am having a giveaway, too, so come on over!

xo

Fifi Flowers said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
A lot happens and a lot stays the same in two years!
ENJOY!!!!!
Fifi
BTW... Your chickens are BEAUTIFUL!!!

Vintage Rose Collection said...

Hi Barbara,
What a great year indeed its been for you both; And well deserved!
Dan was just a newly wed when he shot my house. Congratulations to you both on your accomplishments!!!!

Ruth's necklace is darling. Please count me into the giveaway as well.
Im still looking for a copy of your book, Ive seen the cover and I must say it looks so warm and cozy...
Love to you sweet pea,
JO
xo

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary. I am new to blogging and have enjoyed reading yours. So kind of you to host a give away.

Willow

~ Junkyard Jennifer said...

Congratulations Barbara! I'm really liking the look of your new book and can't wait to get ahold of a copy.

I love your chickens, too.

~ Jennifer

Donna Rogers said...

Hi Barbara

You may remember me from your editing days. We worked together on Window & Wall Ideas, Country Kitchens, Cottage Style and a whole stable of Harris publications.

I just happened to see your new book that's being published on seaside cottages. Kudos to you!

Since Harris, I've been freelancing for Newsday, writing stories about architecture and real estate. I even wrote a story on cottage styles on Long Island last year.

Your soon-to-be-published book looks gorgeous!

It would be great to catch up a bit.

Donna Rogers said...

Hi Barbara,

Remember me from your editing days? We worked together on Window and Wall Ideas, Country Kitchens, and Cottage Style and the rest of the Harris Publications stable.

I just happened to see you're publishing a book on seaside cottages. Kudos to you!

I've been freelancing for Newsday writing stories about architecture and real estate. I even did a story on cottage living last year.

Again, congrats on the appealing book. Maybe we can catch up again sometime.

Donna Rogers

Unknown said...

Congratulations to my beautiful, talented friend Barbara! Every time I read your blog, I get such a good feeling. Can't wait to receive your book.
Jenny

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

Hi, thank you for stopping by my blog.

The Freddie snack is a chocolate bar by Cadburys but don't think I've seen them in the US.

If you wanted to send me your address I would be happy to put a package of them together for you.

My email address is victoriaeales@hotmail.com

Victoria x

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Barbara, congratulations on your second yeara anniversary! You're a very talented lady, and we're blessed that you share your talents with us.

Happy Blog Birthday!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Suzie Button said...

What a sweet giveaway! Thanks for a chance to win! congrats on your book! Suzie

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Barbara! Happy blogiversary! First, I have to say that I love your header! The thing that struck me the most was that your shoes...I assume they are yours...are off! I HATE shoes! Just that fact makes the whole room look so comfortable! It sounds like you've had big changes in the last few years and things are headed the right direction. And yes, please enter me in your drawing! I love the sand dollar! Have a great week!...Debbie

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Hi Barbara! I was just poppin' over to tell you about my paint color and see that your are celebrating a blogiversary! Congrats!!!! You and your family, and chickens, sure have done a lot these past few years. Time seems to fly right on by, doesn't it!? Well, please enter my name in the drawing for the beautiful necklace!!!

Oh, the paint color is actually "Creamy" by Sherwin Williams. I get the Cashmere brand of paint there as it has a buttery finish when applied, though it is a flat. The number for the paint is 7012. (My picures do make it look pink).

smiles for you,
Becky

Beansieleigh said...

Oh, I LOVE this necklace!! Please do enter me in this giveaway! Congratulations on your blog-anniversary, and on your book!

Kathleen Grace said...

Happy anniversary! So much can happen in two years. It sounds like many good things are happening for you:>) I hope you continue for many more years blogging and sharing your talent!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I look forward to getting to know you, so don't be a stranger!!

Jennifer Hayslip said...

Hello Sweet Barbara,

CONGRATS on your book & blogversay!!! Guess what??? I got a sneak peek at your book!!!! Fifi and Dan are here shooting Vivi's nursery and Dan had a copy. I took a quick lookie and it is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my heavens! Truly a beautiful page turning book! I MUST have TWO signed copies! tee! hee! My Mother LOVES the waterside and beach and this will be a wonderful gift to give her at Christmas. YOU did an outstanding job on this book and Dan's photography is stunning!!! I know you are proud!!
Sorry to hear about your son getting laid off, but wonderful news about starting his own firm. ;)
Love your giveaway!!! Congrats again!!! XOXO,Jenn

Susan said...

Can't wait to buy your new book! and please enter me in your giveaway. Susan Vanderhoek
pedolbailey@msn.com
seasonalwhimsies.blogspot.com

Teah said...

Hi Barbara, Congratulations on your blogaversary. Yours is a very beautiful and inspiring blog. Thank you for the give away. Please include me in the contest. Thank you! Teah

Teah said...

Hi Barbara, Congratulations on your blogaversary. Yours is a very beautiful and inspiring blog. Thank you for the give away. Please include me in the contest. Thank you! Teah

Teah said...

Hi Barbara, Congratulations on your blogaversary. Yours is a very beautiful and inspiring blog. Thank you for the give away. Please include me in the contest. Thank you! Teah

beauty comma said...

Hello Barbara,
I'm not entering this comment for the giveaway - I've just won another giveaway and feel that it's someone else's turn. I still wanted to say congratulations on your blog anniversary! Sounds like you've had a lot going on these two years - hope your son will do well.
I wish I had a baby grand, too - I've only got an upright and it's ok, but there's something extra about grand pianos. Do you play?
Good luck in the next blogging year, and hope they sell lots of copies of your book!
Trudi

Sunnysidesue said...

Barbara, Congratulations on all your accomplishments!! Can't wait to get your book...it looks so gorgeous.
~Sue~

stefanie said...

beautiful necklace, please enter me, I'm off to check out your website.
stefanie@rosepetalsandrust.com

shabbyfufu said...

Well, well, well.....I can't wait to see the BOOK Ms. Barbara! Now I am off to visit your new website. All my best and a big hug to you! ~xo~Janet
P.S. I can't believe that Dan's twins are already a year old! Pls send him my regards....

Carrie said...

Wonderful report...your life is going very well...May God bless you!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Hi Barbara!
I would LOVE to win this necklace! Please enter me in the giveaway. Also, how can I order an autographed copy of the book? Thanks!