Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Thursday 29 November 2012

Warmth and Wonder in the Blogosphere.

I hope you are comfortable with your beverage of choice beside you.  This post is going to be on the long side.  There will be a kazillion links which of course you can ignore.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.  I cannot tell you how much your comments on my last post and your supportive emails have meant- except to say that they have frequently moved me to tears very different from the ones of rage, pain and self pity I have been indulging in.  I am humbled by your support, and the fact that some of you have kept coming back to see how I was.  Did I say thank you yet?

When I started playing in the blogosphere in February of last year, I had don't think I had any idea what blogging meant, and what it would bring into my life.  I have been entertained and educated.  I have wept with you and laughed with you.  I have been shown creations of amazing beauty and creativity.  Some of you share one or more of my obsessions.

I have met two bloggers in the flesh - and loved them both.  One lives in my city and the other one did, and returns for child minding duties.  I have made friends with bloggers around the world.  Deep and meaningful friendships with people I may never meet, but cherish just the same. 

And, as if those blogging benefits were not enough, I have received cards from around the world, I have won prizes, I have been given so many things by so many people and I have bought items of beauty made by very talented artists.

From Gemma, who also often sends me emails of support I received this card.


This card came from Becky - an author who has been very, very busy getting her book ready for publication.



And this is one of several cards I have received from Kim - a woman who, when faced with an appalling family tragedy, is finding ways to ensure that others are not forced to grieve as she does.  You rock Kim.


I mentioned that I have won things...

I received this wonderful cookbook from Delores, a gesture made even more wonderful since although her diet is restricted she is not a vegetarian - much less a vegan.  This was a prize I won for essentially cheating.  She wanted us to guess what she and her husband would eat, beginning with the letter X.  I had no idea and said it would be eXtreme and eXtraordinary. 


This gem was also a little deserved prize for reading and commenting at a blog whose posts I always greet with glee.


And on Monday the post person delighted me yet again.  I have always admired the works of this ceramic artist and have offered to buy several pieces.  Instead - for the cost of a donation to the Starlight Foundation this beautiful, beautiful bowl arrived at my door.  A very small price to pay.  Done and done.



Another artist who showers me with gifts can be found here.  The cards below are hand made, as is the book which makes me smile each time (often) that I pick it up.




Copperwitch, knowing of my love of penguins sent me this wonderful brooch.  It arrived at a low point in my life in the middle of the skinny portion's surgery earlier this year.  She tells me that the blogging penguin is the one facing in the opposite direction - which makes sense to me.


Ginnie and Marcie gave me the gift of trust and, showing much more confidence in me than I have, invited me to blog with them every three weeks.  Some very, very talented women blog at Vision and Verb.  

There are also objects which caught my magpie's eye so that I immediately fell in love/lust and had to have them.  These are some of the things I have bought from very, very talented people.

Sadly, Two Tigers has suspended her participation in the blogosphere for a little while.  I hope that she returns - but even more I hope that she is enjoying life.  I have now bought prints of several of her photographs - and love them all.



All Consuming faces significant health issues of her own.  Despite this she is a talented jewellery maker and, among other things, posts photographs of her most recent work on her blog.  She listened to my less than subtle hints and started making earrings (one of my obsessions).  I have now bought two pairs - and have been given another two.


A couple of months ago yet another talented artist posted a painting which she called Mouselini.  It reminded me strongly of a cat who loved and was loved by the skinny portion.  So naturally I bought it as a gift for him.  He saw the striking resemblance (WhiteCat was a bit of a thug and not a pretty cat) and also fell in love with the painting.



And finally a painting I fell in love with when it was put up as a work in progress .  I loved it then, and I love it now that it is hanging in our lounge room.  I smile as I go past, and I have prevented Jazz from rubbing his snotty nose on its corners.




Yes, I am still in pain.  Yes, bits of me don't work as they should (or at all really) and my mind has gone out to lunch without inviting me.  I still weep, but it is past time that I made my wobbly way forward again.

And you, the miracles of the blogosphere, have a great deal to do with this decision.  You uplift my spirits, you touch my heart, you enrich our home.

Thank you.







101 comments:

  1. Just reading me the title of your post made me smile. I'm so glad you are back - I have worried about you and missed you. Yes - the blogosphere brings so much to our lives. It's wonderful, really. (((HUGS)))

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    1. Lynn: So much joy than I could ever have imagined... Thank you.

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  2. I've sort of left you in peace for a while...but I see you're back. So bugger the peace!Welcome back to our chaotic world.Expect a slug of emails...
    xx

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    1. dinahmow: I will be happy to see them - they are something I should have included in my list of warmth and wonder.

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  3. Beautiful post! The world did indeed become much flatter for me when i stepped out there and said "Hello, World!" Very glad you did, too. The shelf of treasures makes me smile. Here's to better days ahead, lovely Sue!

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    1. daisyfae: The ambience of our home is cluttered and dusty - but all the objects it contains are loved. As we lurch into summer I will have more bad days - but know it, nnd will (mostly) cope. Thank you to you as well.

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  4. So much gratitude here--thank you. Yes, cyberfolks sometimes become real, and even those we never meet often feel more real.

    So happy to see you have come through from that darker side. Peace...

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    1. Linda: Darkness looms - but there is light as well. Thank you.

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  5. And in turn, you have enriched lives and touched hearts in every pocket of the world with your blog.

    It was so good to see a new post up - I have you on my blogroll and checked regularly for news.

    Take care as you gather strength and go gently through these days. You have the support of many, many invisible hands to catch you.

    Welcome back :)

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    1. Vicki: What a lovely thing to say - I am touched (again). Welcome - I will be over later to say hello at your place.

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  6. EC, what a happy post! Wow, it's great to see how loved and appreciated you are and I am so glad you are starting to feel better! YAY to all the wonderful people who have supported you along your way!!!

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    1. Cathy Oliffe-Webster: I am humbled by the support I have received and so, so grateful.

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  7. I second your praise of friends made in the blogosphere who have also helped me immensely during a trying time. It's wonderful. I wish I could meet some of them, as you did. Best wishes.

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    1. Judy At Peace Be With You: I was anxious about meeting both of my fellow bloggers. Completely misplaced anxiety. Both of them (and so many people I will never meet, you included) have a place in my heart.

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  8. I have not been on blogger as much this month and missed your last post. Dear Sue, I am so sorry life is treating you badly right now. It does that every now and then, doesn't it? Regardless, we seem to muddle through and find the strength to carry on and we usually do it with the help and caring of friends and acquaintances. Blogger has opened up another avenue to reach out to people and share our thoughts and life and I can see from your blog that you have touched many. You seem to feel better about things right now and I hope life will seem brighter every day.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: You say that you can see that I have touched many - it is the many who have reached out and touched me that I see. Different perspectives. Muddling through is a perfect description...

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  9. So glad you are ready to rejoin us.

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  10. You have brought such joy into my life through your comments, and I am so very glad to see you are back, even if it's with a little bit of wobbliness. I am hoping that things will continue to be more pain free with every passing moment. You are cherished by a great deal of your blogging friends. Sending you soft little kisses... :-)

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    1. DJan: How lovely of you to say that I bring you joy. Right back at you. I am always in awe of your feats of endurance, and so, so grateful that you share them.

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    1. Ron Dudley: Megathanks. Yours has been one of the many blogs I have missed. Beauty and education with every post.

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  12. I am glad to read that you are feeling better...and I had no idea about blogging when I started mine. You have received some really nice gifts

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    1. Kim @ Stuff could...: The hot weather does me in, and I don't think I went into it with any reserves this time, but I can see light at the end of the tunnel again (albeit it the distance). I have received some WONDERFUL gifts.

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  13. So glad to hear you are doing better, it's he gifts and thoughts of others that often keep us going, so glad you have a wealth of the in your life, well deserved I am thinking.

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    1. Linda Starr: I don't feel deserving but do feel beyond appreciative.

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  14. What wonderful gestures of love and concern you have received. Welcome back!

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  15. I'm so sorry to hear you've been under the weather, Sue, and I hope our hot days aren't too hard on you. Blogging friends are wonderful and from what you've said here you have made many who really care about you. Take summer gently, rest and enjoy those beautiful cats. Even the Bad One. xxx

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    1. Carol: I will suffer in the heat. Essentially I do my best to turn into a troll and only come out at night. However, my books, my cats and the wonderful blogosphere will be inside with me.

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  16. Oooh it brought a tear to my eye to read this hon. You are most loved and I too have been amazed at the new-found support that blogging has given me in the past few years. You gravitate to those who will shine brightest in your own little universe I find, and this has clearly been the case with you too. You're one my stars now. Lots of love and so glad you're on the way out again, albeit slowly. xxx

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    1. All Consuming: Now you are bringing more tears to my eyes. The support I have found is truly incredible. I am more grateful than I have the words to express.

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  17. I am so happy to read you back! And the photos/gifts/items you shared are wonderful! I will have to wander and wonder... So glad, really, that you are back. I've miss your posts.

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    1. Cindi Summerlin: Thank you. The gifts and the things I have purchased enrich my home and more importantly my heart.

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  18. Good to hear you're back up and running again and on the road to recovery. Will your Sunday Selections return?.

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  19. You well deserve all this appreciation.

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    1. Chally: Thank you. It doesn't feel at all deserved - but I love it.

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  20. I am not a regular blog reader and thanks to my friend Dinahmow for introducing me to your blog. You have a wonderful sense of the written word that is a pleasure to read.You add the right touch of humour and expression. Love the gifts you have received and Dinahmow's gift is a very good print as it is a favourite of mine.
    May your life be ever joyful and wishing all the best in the future. Now I'm off to have a roam and wander around your blog.

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    1. alison: Welcome. Dinshmow is a delight, and I am glad to 'know' her. Her print is over an archway and both of us look at it often. And comment to each other how much we like it.
      Thank you for your compliments and your good wishes - I hope you enjoy your wander.

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  21. It is wonderful to have you back amongst us, EC...you have been missed.

    Weep no more, but if you do...know you're not alone...but are in our thoughts and warm embraces. May we all help ease your pain, if only a little.

    Hugs :)

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    1. Lee: I have been so touched that so many of you have said I have been missed. Not, I suspect, as much as I missed you all.

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  22. You have the gift of being able to mine the riches in life. You have had more personal contact and physical exchanges (gifts) than I ever imagined would be possible through a blog. You don't just touch people, you reach out to them, support them, admire their talents, share in their special moments. It is no wonder people love you ... you are a gift.
    Perhaps it is your own personal pain that makes you so thoughtful and generous. You have an appreciation for life like few others I know ... and yes, it does get the best of you at times, that is to be expected, but you always come up for air, suck in as much as you can hold and then make the best of it. It does my heart good to see that you get so much in return for being who you are ... you certainly deserve it and more. Welcome back, my friend. I hope you will continue to teach me about the good things in life ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Andrea: More tears here. Thank you so much for this heart-warming comment. I was always told that everyone has a special talent. I have been waiting and waiting for mine to appear and then had an epiphany. I would have liked to be a creator - but I am an appreciator. And, not only are appreciators necessary too, there is so much in our world and in the blogosphere to be appreciated. In my element. And I am not going to say how many years it took me to realise that.

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  23. Aww! I am so glad you have found support...you certainly have some from the American Pacific NW.

    I never anticipated finding friends in the blog community, either. It's amazing.

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    1. Riot Kitty: So many friends, such valued friends. And yes, it is amazing.

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  24. ~~~~Dear S,
    you are a kind, beautiful, compassionate soul.
    I only wish I could have sent you warm chocolate chip cookies!

    Much Love & Affection from Minnesota, my sweet. Xxxxx

    My prayers and thoughts are w/ you.

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    1. My Inner Chick: How you have room in your heart for reaching out to anyone else blows me away. Thank you. And yes, warm chocolate chip cookies would have been nice.

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  25. So glad you are feeling any degree of "better." When I first read your title, I thought your post was going to be about Summer coming to Australia and how you are in the Southern Hemis-phere! :-)
    Also, as I quickly scrolled down and saw all of your wonderful gifts and prizes, I thought, "Oh gosh, I wish I would've sent you something!"...and then there was the little note card I sent! :)
    YOU definitely light up my blog and my life, because of the fabulous comments you leave! You're always so sweet and funny and complimentary, that I almost feel guilty...almost!

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    1. BECKY: No guilt. I love to read what you are up to, and meet the inspiring people you feature.
      And, if I was to put up a post about our Summer, it would be filled with very bad words. Rather a lot of them. All of the ones I know, and some I have invented.

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  26. I love the post!!! And love the blog... and the photos were super!! Welcome back. Take it easy (easier said that done, I know...) and enjoy. BIG HUGS!!!

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    1. Nicky HW: And just when do you get to take it easy? Hmmm? Thank you.

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  27. What a gem you are, Sue! I have missed you so much. Don't leave us any time soon, ok?

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    1. Susan Kane: What gems the people I interact with in the blogsophere are. And no, I may take breaks at intervals but I would be very, very silly indeed to leave.

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  28. Welcome back, and I wish for your days to improve.

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  29. I am so relieved you feel better, hoping it will only improve for now on. Hugs to you from Vancouver.

    Ps: Did I mention how glad I am Ginnie and Marcie found you?

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    1. farawayinthesunshine: What a wonderful thing to say. The family at V & V, welcoming as they are, do make me feel inadequate. Seriously talented women, yourself included. I am a mere dilettante.

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  30. Quite remarkable, isn't it? You have witnessed the sharing, caring ethos of the finer qualities of the blogging community. I know that everyone who has the privilege of interacting with you, wishes you ongoing strength and peace.

    Many warm hugs and hey also being from Vancouver,Canada and Leek, England, here's to better days ahead. I know you will
    continue to embrace the strength and the magic of this community. Indeed, those amazing folks in those links, are testimony to them and to you.

    With kindness and admiration, Gary

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    1. klahanie: Thank you so much. The blogosphere has been nothing but good to me, and I owe so much to so many.

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  31. Glad you're back! The blogosphere is an amazing place...

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  32. What an array! I adore your positivity, and you've embraced many fine things and people. You always seem to deserve any kindness shown to you.

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  33. So glad to hear that the warmth and support of the blogosphere has helped you. And nice to see you back with a huge array of delicious wonders!

    Keep well, my friend.

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    1. ladyfi: The support I received was incredible, heartwarming stuff.
      And I will do my very best to get well and stay well.

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    2. Oh my friend who delighted I was to discover your new post. I didn't see it yesterday as I was busy with other things so no blogging. You really deserve all the love that people give you because you in turn are always so supportive of each and every one of your blogging friends whether it is understanding their joy, their pain or their grief. Karen sent me a copy of your reply email to her earlier this week and I was relieved to know that things were a little on the improve. Keep as well as you can and don't give up the ship.....we need you to be there. Once again thanks for a great post. xxxx

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    3. I was so delighted my fingers got mixed up so please read 'how' in place of 'who'. lol

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  34. Stunning, delightful post. I am so pleased to hear of the support you have received. More than deserved. Wonderful.

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    1. Dave King: Stunning, wonderful people I have found in the blogosphere.

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  35. I'm pleased that we bloggers have made a difference in your life.
    You are a woman of exceptional courage, my friend.

    I wish you good health and much happiness on your journey through life.
    ~:)

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  36. Good things come to good people, the Universe if justly rewarding you my love for all the kindness and love you shower on others. I hope you are soon back to full strength and as always I will be sending you healing light and love from the other side of the vast continent of Oz. xxx

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    1. Kakka: I am always grateful for the healing light and love you send me.

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  37. You are loved, dear E-Child, and deserve it all.

    I LOVE the penguin brooch!

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    1. Kath Lockett: The penguin brooch is wonderful isn't it? And it arrived on the day the skinny portion was having the operation we all hoped was not necessary. A more than welcome boost to my spirits.

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  38. So glad to see you back in the cloud, and glad you are feeling at least a little better. Beautiful presents and cards. How are your birds? Mine are now only little brown birds since winter is upon us here.

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    1. Anne: The birds are a delight as always. As I type there are two galahs enjoying the feeder - and defending it so vigorously they are having barely enough time to eat.

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  39. So many lovely people in the world - including you me dear. Yes you are loved, by me too :)

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  40. Welcome back Elephant's Child! I've missed your witty posts.

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    1. Mia McPherson: Thank you so much. I hadn't realised that you read me so often, and am very chuffed about the compliment.

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  41. Hello, EC! I am another who is glad you're back. Just make sure not to overdo things if you can ...

    You have a beautiful assortment of talent and friendship displayed in your pictures above. Marvellous and sustaining!

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    1. jenny_0: Not overdoing things is difficult at this time of the year isn't it? And also difficult when the heat means going out to collect the mail is overdoing it. Sigh.
      I am beyond grateful for all of the friends, including you, I have found somewhere I never expected to.

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  42. I am so pleased to see you are back I seem to have fat finger syndrome so here is HELLO WITH BUCKETS OF LOVE from Claire :)

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    1. the cuby poet: Thank you. What you know as fat finger syndrome I describe as finger dyslexia - and suffer badly from it.

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  43. I am so pleased you liked the bowl. Your comments on my blog have often helped me through as well, so I understand exactly what you mean when you say the blogosphere can be a wonderful place. xxx Now I am off to follow some of the links you have posted.

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    1. Kim@frogpondsrock: Your bowl is beautiful. From every and any angle. It is amazing how sustaining on line friendships can be. Sometimes I think they are more honest than the others.

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  44. The blog world (or at least our little corner of it), is just amazing, isn't it? I can't believe you've only been blogging for such a short time! That you have gathered such a following in that time says a lot about you (in the best possible way!). And thanks for the mention. I'm delighted you enjoy your little board book. (Just don't get any ideas re: uses for matches or anything... ;-)

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    1. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): Lucky, lucky, lucky. I love my board book and yes, I have been tempted from time to time...

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  45. I am so happy you feel a bit better, lovely lovely lady. I've missed you. I do share your opinion regarding blogging friends, I have a few friends myself in the blogosphere that have been there for me and I shall never forget them. You are one of them :).

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    1. unikorna: I am thankful that Gary introduced us to each other. Amaxing that isn't it - introduced to someone by someone else who one has never met. Quite odd, very lovely.

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  46. I'm sorry I missed this post (and that you've been struggling so), but am so glad you have such generous (and talented!), supportive, loving friends in the Blogsophere! Such a lovely post of gratitude, it is no wonder you have so many ardent followers and loving friends.

    The internet has been such a wonderful way to meet and connect with people and form close friendships when we otherwise would never have had the opportunity. I love it! And I'm so pleased to have "met" you there - you've been such a loyal and steady follower of my blog and fun and supportive commenter, even when my life has not allowed me to reciprocate!

    Please take good care of yourself, sweet Ellie C! You are very special, and clearly very dear to many of us!

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    1. Laloofah: I almost feel that I need to do another gratitude post in response to the lovely comments I have received. I do feel very blessed indeed with the people I have connected with in this world.

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  47. I've been off-cloud for a while, trying to LIVE instead of writing about living for a bit. You know how I feel about you,but it feels so strange and wonderful to have someone love my art--especially when it is someone whom I like, respect AND love all at once. Thank you so much.

    And...

    Thank YOU for your support, your humor, your caring. You have more talent than you know, clearly! And perhaps when you see all the messages directed toward you and your spirit, it will help on the restless nights. And when you look at October Blizzard, remember that behind it is yet another of those caring voices, okay?

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    1. JeannetteL.S: I do indeed love your art, and also love the way it has settled so happily into our home. It belongs here, looks as if it has always been here, and makes me smile each time I stop to look at it (often).

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  48. Dear EC, this posting is so touching. So poignant. So filled with unexpected joy. You have experienced, it seems to me, the death of your spirit and now you experience its resurrection through the Oneness that you have found in the blogging world.

    That recurring arc in our life of death and resurrection, of the seed being buried in the dark loam and then breaking open and growing upward to light, is one that always sends a thrill through me for the great grace of it.

    I've been away from blogging for about two weeks now and have only returned today. So I missed this posting that reveals so much of your inner fortitude and the richness of the friendship you share with all of us. Thank you. And peace now and ever and always.

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  49. Dee: Thank you so much for going through all the posts I have made while you have been resting and being kind to your body. You exemplify the warmth and the wonder of which I wrote. And I am so very grateful to have found you. Thank you - you are a gem.

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