When I tentatively posted my first blogging words I never dreamed how important this blog would become to me. I'd recently been forced to give up work due to my ill health and was feeling a bit cut off from the world.
On my 4th post I enabled the comments function and was immediately made to feel so welcome.
The first people to leave me comments were Clare, Marina, Janice, Sheila, Fiona, Karen and Robyn and I'm so happy to say we still visit each others blogs and I regard each one as a dear blogging friend. As time went by I came to (virtually) meet so many more wonderful fellow bloggers and make so many new blogging friends. You are all very important to me.
I don't want this blog to be about my Multiple Sclerosis but it does impact hugely on my life and I'm often house-bound for weeks at a time. Although I have a wonderful supportive family and fabulous friends I still spend quite a bit of time alone and in pain. There are two things that make everything so much more bearable and they are my darling, loving little dogs and you my fabulous, wonderful blogging friends.
To celebrate and say thank you I'm having a give-a-way. You could win the following goodies
A handmade gift each month for a year. So that's 12 secret presents I will make just for you, with lots of love and attention to detail.
+ your first gift will be accompanied with a $25 Gift Voucher from lovely Jane's fabulous on-line shop Want It, Need It Quilt.
+ your first gift will be accompanied with a $25 Gift Voucher from lovely Jane's fabulous on-line shop Want It, Need It Quilt.
I'm doing the old three ways to win you see on many other blogs.
- One entry if you leave me a comment
- One entry if you are a follower, or become a follower, and leave me a message to tell me this
- One entry if you blog about this giveaway (or mention it on Facebook or Twitter or Google Buzz). You need to come back and tell me you did this.
Three ways to win and 13 days in which to do it, as I'll get the random number generator to pick a winner on my 13th month blogging anniversary - September 15th.
Holy cow - 400 posts in just over a year! You've made a huge impact on our blogging world. Keep on bloggin.......
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!!
ReplyDeletewell Mel i am the lucky one having you as my blogging friend,take care my friend.xoxo
ReplyDeleteI am pretty sure i am a follower Mel,but i can only see the word follower at the top and nothing happens when i click on it,i was going to double check that i was.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 400 posts, that is great. I agree with you about dogs, mine is my constant and ever faithful little companion!
ReplyDeleteI have been one of your followers for quite a while now. :)
ReplyDeleteBTW I love the Owl block on your previous post. :)
Hi Melody. Congratulations on the success of your blog and yes, I am a follower! I didn't know you had MS when I signed on, but I would like you to know that the local MS chapter here in Kamloops, B.C. Canada, is my charity of choice. I raise funds throughout the year through Info Sheets at the local quilt shop, and then donate the money to the local Chapter each year in September when I complete the local MS Bike Tour. I know that together we will find a cure. Happy Quilting!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's only been a year??? I feel like I've known you forever, dear girl! I'm pretty house-bound myself, so I well understand how important bloggy friends are. I'm so glad you started blogging, hon!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Melody,you know I love your Blog, visit at least once a day, usually more often. Thank you for being my friend. Love R.
ReplyDeleteYes Mel, I am a follower,cheers R
ReplyDeleteHi I have just started quilting, and have found your blog through a friend of mine. I will sign up to your post, Thanks Anne, Bathurst NSW
ReplyDeleteHappy blogaversary Melody! It's always a pleasure visiting your blog and seeing your crafty creations. Thankyou for being a lovely bloggy friend and visting me too.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that blogging can help break some of the isolation you feel at times.
You're never alone in blogland!
Congratulations Melody. I look at your blog everyday to see what beautiful things you have made. I especially love your hexies for your confetti quilt. Thank you for being such a wonderful person and part of the blogging world.
ReplyDeleteI am a humble follower.
ReplyDeleteI have tweeted about this great give-away @quiltjane
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Melody. I love your blog, I visit it on a daily basis and I consider you as a dear friend even though we never met. Blogging has become a part of my life too. Thank you for the lovely giveaway, your hand made gifts will be the best present one could received for they are made with love.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Teresa
I'm an old follower of your great blog.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Mel on your 1 year in BLOG land, I have so enjoyed reading your posts and also being a part of your Tuesday Treasures and Teddy Bears Picnic on Thursday's. Hugs Kaylee
ReplyDeletePlease give me a second entry I am definitely a follower :-) Cheers Kaylee
ReplyDeleteI've just posted about your giveaway on my blog.
ReplyDeleteHi Mel, I have just blogged about her give away, please give me a third entry into your fabulous give away. Hugs Kaylee
ReplyDeleteWow, 400 posts in just over a year?! That's dedication!! I so love hearing about what you've been up to, and am truly inspired by the amount of beautiful craft you make - especially now that I know you have MS! Keep up the good work hun - and don't forget how amazing you are!!
ReplyDeleteOh, and since you're offering such a wonderful giveaway ... I will add that that I am a very happy follower!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on very impressive stats... I feel like I have known you for much longer... and you are such a special friend... It's wonderful how blogs has brought together people from far and wide....
ReplyDeleteHugz
and I am a faithful stalker....
ReplyDeleteHugz
Well done Mel. I know how important this blog is to you and you just keep getting better at it.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower too
ReplyDeleteIt's Lovely to have YOU in Our Blogworld & Congratulations on your Blogeversary...
ReplyDeletecheers
I'm Pretty Sure I'm a Follower...
ReplyDeletecheers
Heck! That's a lot of posts in one year, I don't think I have reached 100 yet, I started in October last year. Thanks for the giveaway. Linda x
ReplyDeleteI am a happy follower. Linda
ReplyDeleteHello Melody, Best wishes on your lovely blog. A lot of posts ,,,,,but,,,, isn't that great. Bloging friends are wonderful. Blessings. Dianne.
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful following and your blog is a happy place to spend some time! Take care and thanks for the giveaway! ( I hope you were able to enjoy some beautiful Melbourne spring weather today!)
ReplyDeleteWow 400 posts in just over a year! I'm impressed. Great give-away.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower and it's great.
ReplyDeleteI'm back Melody and I've just blogged about your give-away. that makes me entered. hooray.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your anniversary in blogland- it feels good , doesn't it when you see a comment following a post entry from like minded followers and cyber friends. Our 4 legged friends can be such good company at home though...
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! Melody 400 posts. That's great.Congratulations
ReplyDeleteLike you I enjoy my blog and chatting to friends.I love to pop over and visit to see what you have made and check out you Flowers every week.
Yep I have been a follower for awhile.
ReplyDeleteWell done Mel, that is fantastic, I am a follower and I just love visiting your blog Mel, I will look forward to the next 400 posts...
ReplyDeleteHello found out about your blog from a fellow blogger , nice to meet you will follow so can visit often and see what your up to
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs Bec
Ps come visit any time ;D
Congratulations on your milestones Melody. I love coming to visit. We have so much in common :)
ReplyDeleteHugs - Fee XX
And I of course am a devoted follower XX
ReplyDeleteOne whole year I have had the priviledge to get to know you through the blogging world and for that I am thankful . You are such a sweet person with so much talent it is my pleasure to visit your blog .Congratulations on this milestone with many more to come . hugs Sheila
ReplyDeleteOf course I am a devoted follower !
ReplyDeleteHappy blogiversary! 400 in a year is very impressive!
ReplyDeletecontact AT blossomheartblog.com
And of course am following :) But I only just realised you're a fellow Aussie!
ReplyDeletecontact AT blossomheartblog.com
Oh wow Mel, it feels like I've known you for so much longer than a year!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogaversary!
Mwah!!
And am off to blog about it now at justsewblossom.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! It's a good one! And I love love love Jane... she has the best prices!!
contact AT blossomheartblog.com
oh, and I'm a follower!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great news!! Congrats on 400th posts!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
ReplyDeleteTweeted the great news here :- https://twitter.com/hueisei/status/109571571957514240
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Melody, and great big happy birthday hugs and wishes. That's a wonderful achievement to have so many posts and visits. You put in a lot of effort and these achievements are well deserved!
ReplyDeleteI love visiting and catching up on news. And I also enjoy the wonderful links you include. Thank you.
Here's to the next wonderful blogging year!
I am a very happy follower!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I will have to return when I have completed the third task.
I am a follower!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful giveaway! on a personal note... I have MS too and am a house hobbit also. Blogs help me feel connected to the world. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blogiversary! People like you are what make blogland so wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am a regular follower of your blog :D
ReplyDeleteHello Meldoy,
ReplyDeleteWow you have done a lot of posts in your first year of blogging. Congratulations.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
A wonderful post Melody and I for one am so glad to have found your blog when I did. I have enjoyed becoming your blog friend and think you are an amazing and inspiring person. A very generous giveaway I must say. Congratulations! {{hugs}} Lorraine
ReplyDeleteHAPPILY FOLLOWING YOU!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS FOR SHARING!
jldouglas@wispwest.net
CONGRATS ON YOUR BLOGVERSARY!
ReplyDeleteBIRTHDAY HUGS TOO!
THANKS SO FOR SHARING A SWEET GIVEAWAY!
jldouglas@wispwest.net
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/#!/birdie00000/status/109680607918960641
ReplyDeleteI was more than happy to blog about your giveaway Melody!
ReplyDeleteBlogger tells me:
ReplyDeleteYou are now following The House on the Side of the Hill
Thanks for the chance
Wow! This is an incredible giveaway... nothing like sharing the love all year! I would just love to get a surprise in the mail every month - that would be awesome!!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower! Yay!!
ReplyDeleteI tweeted your sweet giveaway @mimistarquilter
ReplyDeleteWow-400 posts in a year. I would only hope that I were that prolific. Very clever idea for a giveaway. I hope I win!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower
ReplyDeleteI tweeted your giveaway. @nalaxu
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to join in!
Congratulations on all your milestones. I've enjoyed getting to know you a bit over the last while.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 400 posts, I love to visit your blog, always interesting and inspiring. I also appreciate your encouraging comments too! Thanks for the opportunity to enter such a wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to say that I am a regular follower of your blog!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I found you in blogland! Thanks for being so encouraging to a newbie like me, and encouraging to others with the beautiful things on your blog. xo
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Thanks for the very generous giveaway!
ReplyDelete(I am also a follower of your blog)
ReplyDeletehttp://thatlookslikeitneedsstitches.blogspot.com/2011/09/friday-finish.html
ReplyDeleteBlogged about, Melody! Hope you are having a good day!
xo
Kelli
Have blogged about your giveaway Melody. I am a frequent flyer to your blog but I don't think I am an official follower.
ReplyDeletecheers
Congratulations! And thanks for the giveaway! :0)
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower too! Thanks again! :0)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 400 posts - that is amazing to me ! (Yet to achieve 100).What a wonderful giveaway, count me in thankyou.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
I am follower, thanks Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI blogged about your giveaway! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am a happy follower of your blog...congrats
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 400 posts. That's an amazing amount in just over a year!
ReplyDeleteI've been following you for a while but when I checked I hadn't officially signed up. So now I have!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Melody! 400 posts in just over a year - WOW! Fantastic achievement, especially as they are all so interesting!
ReplyDeleteI am also a follower.....who wouldn't be, when you are such a sharing person? :)
ReplyDelete400 posts amazing! Your blog was the second I joined after Sandy at Cookies & Cream. I joined your wonderful Tuesday Treasures and Teddy Bears Picnic...was made to feel so welcome and I knew I had found a kindred spirit. I love your blog, generosity and you are a constant inspiration. You are certainly as important to all of us as you feel we are to you.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Melody! I look forward to many more wonderful posts.
Blessings Michelle xx
Just posted on my blog. :) If I win, could I spread the gifts around, please Melody? 12 seems such a lot just for me, when I am already receiving 12 gifts from you at Christmas. :)))
ReplyDeleteWhat a really nice giveaway. I would like to donate some of the items to World of Charity Stitching for the Century Care Center. It would brighten the day of the residents.
ReplyDeleteDona
www.worldofcharitystitching.blogspot.com
I became a follower.
ReplyDeleteDona
www.worldofcharitystitching.blogspot.com
I have added your blog & giveaway to the World of Charity Stitching Blogs, Sites & Things We Like.
ReplyDeleteDona
www.worldofcharitystitching.blogspot.com
I also placed you on my Facebook page under Dona Ehlers Reynolds. Thanks for everything.
ReplyDeleteDona
www.worldofcharitystitching.blogspot.com
Congrats! Such a wonderful giveaway idea, it gives someone something to look forward to every month. Thanks for doing this for all of us
ReplyDeletenew follower. thanks for having the giveaway
ReplyDeleteI too have found the quilting and crafting blogging community very friendly and inviting. I love reading your blog and being friends with you. Your giveaway is very generous.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Val
Happy to say I have followed you for most of my blogging time.
ReplyDeleteHi, me again, I just posted a blog about your blog. And yes, I am a happy follower. Have been for most of the year.
ReplyDeleteI like surprises.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
ReplyDeleteI shared it in twitter.
ReplyDeletecongrats Mel i have blogged about your giveaway,sorry i didnt have time to yesterday
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! One Year on and 400 posts. Excellent achievement Melody. It is so nice to be able to follow you and read all of your amazing posts, so a BIG thank-you to you for letting all of us bloggers become a part of your life. Looking forward to reading many more. Hugs Tracee 8-)
ReplyDeleteYes... I am already a follower.
ReplyDeleteMelody Congrats, I am a follower & I love the photos of your "ideal bedroom" with your help I am in the process of restoring furniture and frames for our room. Happy Happy 1 year and I would love to be in your drawing.
ReplyDeleteI have blogged about your giveaway now, thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDelete400 posts in a year - WOW!! Congratulations to such milestones.
ReplyDeletethank you for your giveaway,I want also enter!!!
ReplyDelete400 Post, that is fantastic. Well Done
ReplyDeleteHi Melody, I am your newest follower! Looking forward to keeping up with your creations and reading your next 400 blog posts :o) Not to sure I will do that many posts in my first year though!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Anniversary! Who knew it could be so great! Hope it brightens your days...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your anniversary! Wonderful blog, no wonder you have so many friends here :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary Melody. Keep up the good work. I have just done my 100th post and have a little giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHi Melody!
ReplyDeleteI just happened upon you while visiting another bloggy friend~it really is a comforting world to be among blog friends..so glad I found you!
♥ Eileen
Happy Blogiversary.....it's lovely to meet you Melody. Hugs Naomi a fellow aussie!
ReplyDeleteI'm now a follower of your blog. Hugs Naomi
ReplyDeleteHi again Melody....I've shared a link to your giveaway on my FB wall....and will go tweet it too. In Twitter I go under uzed2beeya and my name in FB is Naomi Vela. Hugs Naomi
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win your giveaway-it's great.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Peggy
http://keepmeinstitches-peggy.blogspot.com
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net
I'm a new follower too.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Peggy
http://keepmeinstitches-peggy.blogspot.com
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net
I have just joined as a follower and LOVE surprises. :o)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first year of bloging, WOW your sure are prolific with your posts and your quilting. I've read your blog often, I'm now an official follower.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE surprises!!!! Thanks for this extremely generous giveaway. The thought of someone that you've never met, thinking of and making a handmade gift for you, is one of the most thoughtful gestures I can think of. But 12 times in a year, I think you must be one of sweetest people in the universe. Thanks again for making me smile today. ;>
ReplyDeleteHello Melody,
ReplyDeleteLetting you know I have posted about your giveaway on my blog. Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
Hi Melody. I finally have my act together and have posted your give away. You already have a huge number of responses. So Great to see!! Good luck! Have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteHi Melody - I thought I was a flollower, but have become one now. You are on my blog and here is my comment...I love your work and though I follow what you are up to, as I have you on my blog list...I havnt made it often enough with my comments ...
ReplyDeleteI barely have time to post at all. I'm too busy finding great blogs like yours!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower!
ReplyDeleteI tweeted your giveaway @Lealee33
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely blog! I definitely want to be entered into your contest.
ReplyDeleteI've also become a follower.
ReplyDeleteAnd ... http://inkythreads.blogspot.com/2011/09/champagne-sunday.html has a talk about concerning your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHappy 1st blogiversary!! 400 posts is really impressive, especially as you always have something wonderful to share. Thank you for having such a special giveaway! Your prize is the most thoughtful and wonderful I think I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteI just tried to find out how long I've been following you because it feels like it's about a year. The first post I read was about a big owl that was visiting you at night and you were worried that it had it's eye on your sweet little dogs.
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary and thank you for the giveaway, you're very generous.
ReplyDeleteap_lemos at yahoo dot com
I'm a new follower of your blog
ReplyDeleteap_lemos at yahoo dot com
What a lovely blog! I just found you via Joan at Leshcenault.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely opportunity to win!
I am now a follower. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteI posted about your giveaway on FaceBook. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a thoughtful gift.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blogiversary! I just started myself so I now how you feel. I hope your next year continues to be great too!
ReplyDeleteI am now a follower. Thanks for the awesome giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHappy blogday to you!
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog for some time now and have enjoyed it very much. Happy anniversary and keep on blogging. (kind of like keep on trucking) Cheers Shelley rnshamelatbigpond.com
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about the importance of the blogging community. I too have recently had to give up work, and have been enjoying the chance to be part of different community. Quilters and sewers are such welcoming people!
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Kathy
Congratulations Melody on your anniversary. I love your blog and it's a joy to read and be a part of it on many occasions. You are giving away a very amazing, wonderful gift.. so typical of you!! All the best and hope this next year is just as rewarding for you. xx
ReplyDeleteHi, I have just found your blog and have signed up as a follower. Amazing to follow whats happening on other side of the world (I'm in Scotland)!
ReplyDeleteJust got to enter your giveaway. Love your makes
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI'm following your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat a generous giveaway. I can relate to your post. I have lupus, and the loving support of my friends and family, along with the kindness of people in the larger world, make my life more beautiful and my troubles less overwhelming.
ReplyDeletewordygirl at earthlink dot net
I am a new follower.
ReplyDeletewordygirl at earthlink dot net
I just found your blog today via Peggy at Keep Me In Stitches
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower too!
ReplyDeleteI have posted about your giveaway on the sidebar of my blog!
ReplyDeleteI included your giveaway in my blog today:
ReplyDeletehttp://straystitches1.blogspot.com/2011/09/flowers-and-learning-process.html
Congratulations on your blogs longevity. I love your photos and the way you write.
ReplyDeleteI just found you today via Linda at Stray Stitches. Congratulations on such a wonderful blog, and don't ever apologize for talking about your MS. We're all here as a support group, and we'll support you every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower. And so glad I am!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 400 posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the fun giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower!
ReplyDeleteWow! Something handmade every month. That is probably the best idea for a crafty giveaway I've ever seen. I'd love to be able to win and enjoy your talents each month.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
I haven't figured out how to become a "follower" but I am adding you to my blog roll in my sidebar so that I can come back often to visit.
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower of your blog. Looking forward to perusing your previous posts and reading your new ones!
ReplyDeleteThanks for giveaway, and congrats on your 400th post. I have found quilty bloggers to be incredibly kind and friendly, a great circle of support!
ReplyDeleteWow! Sounds like some wonderful gifts all year long that you're giving away! I'd love to be included!
ReplyDeleteI just signed up to follow! Looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your blog anniversary! I'm so impressed that you have over 400 posts. Great job!
ReplyDelete12 secret presents AND a gift card! Awesome prize!!! Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteHi Melody,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your anniversary. Wow, 400 posts - that's amazing. Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway.
What an intriguing giveaway! Congrats on your anniversary!
ReplyDeleteWow!! That's alot of blog posts! Happy Blogoversary! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 400th posts!!!
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a wonderful giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletecongratulations Melody....wow...400, you are a busy chicky....cant wait for the next 400....and the next, and the next!!!!
ReplyDeletesugary hugs
Wendy :O)
I'm a follower too!
ReplyDeleteXX Wendy :O)
I'm a follower! Awesome giveaway. Congrads on your Blogoversary! This is an awesome way of keeping in touch with so many people. I started in June of this year and I I love it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Melody and JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE from France. Thanks for this wonderful giveway. XO
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower, a new partner in swap and hope to be a new friend too.
ReplyDeleteI blogged about it on my last post.
ReplyDeletehi melody - what a great way to celebrate ;-) Thanks for the reminder on your latest post to come back and comment - you know I'm a follower - You're such an active inspirer and motivator in the blogging world - I cant believe you've only been at it for a year! Congratulations on doing a fabulous job!!
ReplyDeleteWow, look at all your followers now! That's wonderful...Congratulations. Kind Regards
ReplyDeleteCharmaine
WOW, Mel, all these people.. that's so fantastic.. I want to thankyou for the way you made me feel welcome when I first started blogging.. your comments always brighten my day.. so glad that you have a blog and blog friends, especially when you are at home so much..
ReplyDeleteI am a very faithful follower......
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder!! I'm your follower You are an inspirer in the blogging world!!
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS!!!
Anna
Wow, glad I didn't miss this Melody. What a great prize to get something wonderful every month. Congratulation & I for one love your blog & yopur bloggy friendship! Tracee xx
ReplyDeleteI am definately a follower too!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower too. I enjoy reading about your treasures and others and your life in general. I will put something on twitter about this generous giveaway and wonderful blog.
ReplyDeleteI am an official follower now.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a generous giveaway you are having. Anyone would be happy to win.
ReplyDeleteCongrats and thanks for a chance.