A Special Gift ~

I want to share a special gift that I received from my good friend, Cindy Adkins, who has a fabulous blog called Whimsical Musings. This beautiful collage was created by Cindy on a vintage book cover and has a little charm that says "know" hanging from the ribbon.

This image reminds me of my dear mother. It exudes such peace and the "know" reminds me that she is one of my angels, watching over me as I go through life.

Cindy is a best-selling author and very talented artist. More importantly, though, she has such a generous spirit, as all those in blogland who know her would agree. To read her post about our special friendship "A Tale of 2 Cindys," click HERE.

Until next time, Merry Christmas Everyone! 

Cindy

 

Thank You and a Giveaway!

It's been six months since I posted my first blog entry! I've learned so much along the way and have met so many wonderful people, from all around the world, through blogging. When I first started, my goal was to have 50 followers by the end of the year ~ I now have 155! To say blogging has exceeded my expectations is an understatement. I'm amazed every day by the talented and creative people out there - your words and photographs and artwork inspire me and uplift me day after day. Thank you for every visit, every comment, every email.

I'd like to say a special "thank you" to two people. I thought about starting a blog for a long time before I actually took the plunge. My friend, Suzanne de Cornelia, encouraged me to "just do it!"  I knew absolutely nothing about blogging. Suzanne not only encouraged me, but sent tips and advice on how to begin, and she patiently answered all of my questions. Suzanne is a writer who lives in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Her lovely blog, French Heart, can be found by clicking HERE. Thank you, Suzanne!

Once I began blogging and was still "feeling my way around," I ran across a blog called "Cindy Adkins' Whimsical Musings."  Humm...my name is Cindy Adkins!  When I looked at Cindy's blog and saw her beautiful mixed-media art, and read that she's a writer like me ~ I immediately became a follower of her blog and wrote to tell her of our "same-name" connection. Cindy and I have since become friends and we have so many things in common, we're convinced we're long-lost twins! Cindy has been very generous with her time and advice, and her books, "Blogging - It's a Woman's Thing," and "Blog From the Heart - A Woman's Guide to Blogging," have been extremely helpful to me. For more information on all of Cindy's books and free seminars, click HERE. Thank you, Cindy!

To celebrate and say thank you, I'm having a give-away! You can win this sweet St. Nicholas Square "Holly Jolly" tea-for-one teapot!  

It's decorated with holly leaves and berries and says "Have a cup of cheer."  To enter, just leave a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, December 14th. Feel free to post my give-away button on your blog and thanks so much for visiting!

Until next time,

Cindy

Linking to:
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants

Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage
Tea Cup Thursday at Miss Spenser's Blog

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home
Potpourri Friday at 2805

Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound
Homemaking Weekend Link-up Party

                                                                            

Angels at My Door ~ Book Review

Today is a special day for my friend, Cindy Adkins (yes, she and I share the same first and last names ~ but more about that on a later post!) Today, I'm happy to annouce the publication of Cindy's new ebook on Amazon ~ Angels at My Door!

Cindy is a fabulous mixed media artist, writer, blogger who lives in New Orleans. Her new ebook is filled with inspirational, true stories and experiences that happened to Cindy and also features stories from several of her blogging friends (including one from me.)  When I started reading Angels at My Door, I could not stop until I'd finished the whole book! I must say in today's world with so many horrific stories on the news, Cindy's book is uplifting and filled with hope and miracles that will astound you! To find out more about Cindy's ebook or to order, click HERE.

Cindy has also created a free seminar to go along with her book that is available through her blog, Whimsical Musings. For more information about the seminar, click HERE.

Cindy is the author of four other ebooks, including "Blog From the Heart: A Woman's Guide to Blogging."  In addition, she creates beautiful, one-of-a-kind shabby chic inspired art pieces, designs custom blog headers and blog buttons, and runs her own Etsy shop! This is one busy woman whose talent, energy and generosity I greatly admire! To visit Cindy's blog, Whimsical Musings, click HERE:

Cindy's Etsy shop, click HERE

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Until next time,

Cindy