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Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I'M A WINNER!

Did you happen to see the fabulous giveaway at Rhondi's blog, Rose Colored Glasses? Well, yours truly won that fabulous give away!!! Of course, a bargain hunter knows you can't get a better bargain than "free", but not only was I getting somethin' for nothin', I was getting somethin' fabulous for nothin'!

When I opened the box, the first thing I saw was this beautiful book.






Just look at these beautiful pictures (not that I stopped and looked THEN -- Not until I dug every treasure out of that box, but I did enjoyed reading this lovely book after I finished getting everything out of this box.)


It is such a beautiful and inspirational book. I just want to share one of the quotes from the book:


"Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's greatest gifts." I have met so many people in Blogville who have that gift.







Wait, there's more!



Isn't this one of the prettiest mugs you've ever seen? Just look at the lovely ivy covered teapot and tea cups. Almost too pretty to use. I was thinking of just putting it in the china cabinet to look pretty.


I was thinking of doing that, until I found this in my box of treasures. Okay, I'll have to fill my mug with this wonderful tea, and sit down with my beautiful new book, and just enjoy my winnings!








But wait, there's MORE! More, you ask? Yes, more! I am one lucky lady, and Rhondi is one generous lady!










I LUV these napkin rings. I almost didn't want to show them to you, because I can't wait to do a tablescape and use these beauties and I wanted to impress you with what fabulous napkin rings I had!


And isn't that a cute card she enclosed? See that great retro teapot on the card?

Rhondi, what a generous and lovely give-away, and let me tell you, it couldn't have gone to a more appreciative person! I don't know where you got your Random Generator, but I love him! Thank you so much for my prize! If you don't already visit Rose Colored Glasses, be sure to go over there. You never know when Rhondi will have another fabulous give-away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Now I have to post something I'd really rather not post. I have a big apology to make. Sweet Lorna at Lace and Ivy Cottage tagged me to do the lists of 8's. I think it involved listing about 40 items about me. Lorna had posted some fabulous lists, and I was honored that she tagged me to participate. I had every intention of following through with the tag. Lorna, I apologize, but, as flattered as I am that you would ask me to give any more information about myself than I've already given on this blog, I'm declining to do it. I just can't think of that many interesting things to post about me. When I started making my lists, I wasn't even interested in what I was listing! Wow! I have a dull life! Everything I thought about putting on my list, I had already said in a previous post. Uh Oh! That may mean I have to give up blogging. I've already said everything I have to say! Lorna, please forgive me for not following through on this. Those of you who haven't been to Lace and Ivy Cotttage, please go by and see Lorna's beautiful blog. You will be glad you did. Thank you Lorna, and I do hope you'll understand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In a related matter, if I do come up with something else to say and therefore continue blogging, I am going to become an award free blog, because, as evidenced by the above note, I am not good at following the rules. You bloggers are just so wonderful about giving out awards and tags, and I am just not any good at that. I'm not comfortable receiving an award and then not passing it on, but I'm not comfortable selecting blogs to receive the awards either. I don't want a kind blogger who passed an award to me to feel badly because I didn't pass it on. You know that saying "the buck stops here"? Well, I'm afraid the awards, the memes, and the tags stop here on my blog, and I don't want to be the cause of that. Thank you so much to those who thought of me in the past when they were giving out awards. I really do appreciate it. Thank you for understanding that I will no longer be accepting awards.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPCOMING BLOGVILLE EVENTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT:





ON JUNE 19TH- MARTY AT A STROLL THRU LIFE IS HAVING A CLOCHE PARTY. GO READ ABOUT IT ON HER BLOG, AND GET YOUR CLOCHES READY!







ON JUNE 21ST, KATHLEEN AT CUSINE KATHLEEN IS HAVING A WHITE TABLESETTING EVENT, SO GO VISIT KATHLEEN TO GET THE SCOOP, AND START WASHING THOSE WHITE DISHES!



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Just one more thing - I promise! You know, I always have some 'splainin' to do. For those of you who visited my family room post Monday and wondered why or how I had accumulated so much "stuff", I should have explained that on that post. I have been married 40 years this August, and yes, I've always been a collector. When my mother died, I inherited half of her "stuff", and when my mother-in-law died, my husband inherited 1/4 of her "stuff". Believe me when I say that I know there are people who get rid of "stuff" when they end up with so much, but it is just not something that I can do. (I've admitted on this blog several times that I know I need psychiatric counseling, but I can't afford it. I have to save all of my money to go to estate sales, garage sales, and flea markets to buy more "stuff".) The answer to those who wondered who dusts all of that "stuff" is, unfortunately, NOBODY! That's why there were no closeups of my "stuff"! When somebody left a comment about enlarging my already huge pictures, I did wonder if they saw nothing but dust on the enlargement. (If that is what you saw, I need to advise you that you are having computer problems-that is not dust on my "stuff" that you saw on your computer-nope no dust at my house!!) Maybe all of you already know this, but my secret for dusting is to keep the air conditioner and heater filters changed frequently-I'm serious! When I start seeing a lot of dust at my house, I know I've waited longer than I should have to start hounding my husband about changing the filters.


WHERE AM I?

I'll blog tomorrow and today
Of course I blogged yesterday!
I'll snap a photo here and there
I'm snapping photos everywhere!

It was only a very short time ago
"Blog" was a word I didn't know.
And now, I'm there almost every day
in the Land of Blog - it's my get away!

Away from what, you might ask.
Away from any unpleasant task!
Away from vacuuming and mopping my floor
Away from cleaning toilets, tubs and more.

Away from the dusting so desperately needed,
Away from the garden that should be weeded,
Away from that large pile of dirty clothes,
Away from the drudgery and all of my woes!

Part of my house, I sometimes clean,
because pictures of it will soon be seen
by those who visit my blog each day,
and have such lovely things to say.

But I can't get my house all shiny and clean,
because I AM the blog-visiting queen!
Though my king would surely like to see
A sparkling clean house-it's not to be.

I start out to visit just a blog or two
and end up visiting more than a few.
If blogging folks weren't so darn creative,
I might not have become a Blogland native.

Those who don't blog cannot understand
when I'm at my laptop - it's another land!
There's not a logical explanation I can give,
cause even I'm not sure in which land I live

Thanks so much for coming to visit my blog. laurie

39 comments:

Kat said...

Laurie, what a great package of goodies! The book is lovely, but those napkins rings - wow! Can't wait to see them in a tablescape. And don't even talk about not blogging anymore, it would not be the same around here without your smiling face and sweet comments. As far as the awards/tags/memes go, I totally understand. I to am always afraid that I might inadvertently miss/offend/forget someone and I would feel awful. So you just keep blogging and keeping us entertained! Hugs, Kathy

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Ohh, what a lovely box of goodies you won. I totally understand about the awards--having to choose who to give them to makes me feel I'm back in grade school waiting to be picked for the kickball team.

Hope you're having a good week☺

Unknown said...

Hi Laurie,

Oh, you won Bev's giveaway. Congratulations. Your treasures are wonderful and that book is great. I love the quote that you shared. I love blogging and sometimes I feel over committed too. I used to say yes to so many things that I stopped posting what I wanted to post because each day was some blog party and I had a hard time selecting who to pass an award to.

Now, I only join the blog parties I really want to join, and I just say thank you when someone passes me an award. The joy you get out of blogging is having the freedom to post what you would like to post. Your blog is wondeful.

Karen

Dixie said...

Laurie... I'll start at the end first... I already knew why you had so much stuff... we had that conversation a couple weeks ago... ;)

Great blog wins! I always love winning beautiful books.. and all the rest... wow!

thanks for the links to the blog parties... I'll have to check them out!

being tag and award free... it's a good thing... I usually just say "thank you"... and I'm on my way...

blessings... have a wonderful day up there in Arkansas!

hugs. Dixie

Tomarie said...

Laurie, you're too funny! I think I need a filter change-out myself! LOL!
Congrats on the being the winner of such a fabulous give-away! I'm hyperventilating over the little teapots! :-) Love ya! L~

Decor To Adore said...

What yummy treasures you received! Enjoy them all.

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Laurie, what a lovely giveaway, you won!!

I love those teapot napkin rings!!

I posted a button on my sidebar, announcing the Back Porch an award/meme free, blog. My reasons are the same as yours.

I was looking for Kathleen's white dish button. Thanks so much for posting it. I'll put it on my sidebar and announce the event on my next post. Of course, I'm participating!!! Did you have any doubt??;-)

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, congratulations on winning all the wonderful gifts. The book looks so pretty and the teacup, napkin rings, mug and tea are such lovely gifts. I think you definitely deserve them all. Thanks also for the shoutout regarding the cloche party. I will also go checkout the white table party. You know I have a few white dishes and just have to play with them. Hope you have a super day. Hugs, Marty

Carol said...

You lucky girl, winning Rhondi's giveaway goodies! I know they'll be great additions to your beautiful house. Enjoy!

Domestic Designer said...

Congratulations on your lovely award!

xashee's corner said...

what a FANTASTIC giveaway you won!! big CONGRATS!! :) i got all caught up on your blog and LOVE your home!! :) i LOVE the way your humor shines through your posts!! thank you so much for sharing! Have a FUN day! :)

Miss Laura Lu/RMS4291960 said...

Well lah,tee,dah! Aren't you special!?!? Do I sound just a tad jealous? Laurie you are so funny! I love you girlfriend...I need a day trip to your little town for a little of that tea! And I wasn't going to say anything about all that dust but now that you mention it....I'm kidding! I started cleaning my bedroom yesterday and had to vacum the chest by my bed because it was too dusty to dust! Hah! Now you know my deep dark secret! God Bless! Lauralu :0

Bridget said...

Laurie, you are a winner and a lovely prize you won!
I like the award free zone, I've tired to adopt that more or less myself. I guess I should make it public knowledge. It gets so tricky and difficult with all that passing around business.
How many kids are going to split up your "stuff someday? I hope they like "stuff", lol.

Connie said...

Hi Laurie, I love coming over here to see and hear what you have to say. I agree, the awards are wonderful, but when you are a newbie, it can take an afternoon to put it on there and most of all, time to find eight people. I always feel I am overlooking someone and that is why I will stop. I can't stand to hurt people's feelings by not including them.
On to the poem ~ it's a riot. How true, too.
As far as dusting, I have a ton of allergies, and dust stirs them up......does that justify letting it go ?

The dinner parties ~~ I have almost forgotten how to cook and set a beautiful table. I adore looking at the gorgeous tables and
enjoy the color and appreciate the time it takes for everyone to show it to all of us. So now it's dust or Hobby Lobby for me right now ~~ guess what will win ???

puddin07 said...

Laurie, what a lovely prize! You cannot see the dust, just your lovely room and "stuff"! You are a poet, and I didn't know it! I love the poem, you are so witty, and talented! I just adore your blog! Love Ya! Connie

KBeau said...

Great "stuff" you got in that give-away. Speaking of "stuff," it's no wonder you and Susie are such good friends.

At least you apologized for not playing along with the tag. I'm afraid that I've been tagged twice recently, and not only did I not have time to play along, I failed to apologize to the blogger who tagged me. So if you tagged me, and you are reading this (big fat chance), I'm sorry.

Judi said...

Hi Laurie
Congratulations on your award and winning such a lovely gift. It was so generous of her to giveaway all those lovelies.

I am sure you are exaggerating Laurie...your home is lovely and you have lovely treasures.

Thats quite a poem too and I know exactly what you write too...so true.
hope you are having a lovely day
Judi

Ginger said...

How exciting for you to have won the giveaway. I love that book and all the goodies you got.
I have to say, I am with you on the awards. I wish they all would stop. Not that we don't appreciate them, but I get embarassed to post them and then hate passing them on, because someone might not want them, or I might leave someone out. I totally understand what you are saying. Now about not finding things to talk about, I don't agree with you there. I think you have one of the best blogs around as far as talking and describing you or your home. I really enjoy reading everything you write.
You are so interesting and I enjoy seeing all your treasures.

artis1111 said...

Congrats on winning!!! Those are wonderful items. I haven't been around much ,but I am back in the groove!Kathy

xinex said...

Laurie, congrats on everything you won! Everything was lovely but I especially love the napkin holders. If you ever get tired of them, send them my way cause I have place card holders that match them exactly. Love your cute poem!....Christine

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Girlfriend...

Just read your sweet note that you left for me on my thrifty Thursday post...I'm so glad that you came by!!! Thanks so much for your sweet comments!!!

Girl, what a blessing!!! Rhondi has great taste and she blessed you with so many wonderful gifts!!! I just love that book and you're right, the pictures are just beautiful! Ohhh...I love blueberries but must admit that I've never tried blueberry tea...it sounds scrumptious and I bet it will taste even better in that pretty ivy covered tea pot mug!!! Ahhh...I'm so happy for you Darlin'!!!

I'm a little late getting around...I haven't even been to the computer for a couple of days. That estate sale just did me in Girlfriend! Say a prayer for me...okay? Sure do appreciate it!!! Wanted to tell you that I went through your fabulous family room post! Ohhh...all of your mosaics are gorgeous!!! I'm just now learning how to do those...they're lots of fun, aren't they! Well you know that your lovely family room is one of my favorites!!! Especially that sitting area in front of your wall to wall shelves...I just love that area!!! I certainly could curl up with a good book and cup of coffee there!!! I remember the first time that I seen this pretty room on RMS...I sure had fun making some late night visits!!! Hehe!!! You have a beautiful home, Laurie!!!

Have a great week, Sweetie!
Love ya,
Chari

Bridget said...

I just realized that your prize was from Rhondi. She's such a sweetheart. I stole a pic (with permission) from her blog and painted it. I just love her house and her quilts.
Thanks for hanging in there through my Vegas post, you're a real trouper! lol
It was a very tough time having to decide whether or not to go shopping or lay by the pool. lol I was glad to come home though, maybe because I knew I was heading off for another trip this weekend. I'm going to Reno this time to have a little spa time with my SIL. Oh no, another long post! I'll try to make it interesting but Reno is not quite as exciting as Vegas.

Chandy said...

Laurie, all I know is you are a sweetheart of a blogger! Awards or not, you've earned them all for sure!

Congratulations on the win, well deserved!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Laurie. I think those napkin rings are so adorable :-)

What a fun post and there is a bit of humor in it that makes me smile.

Well with a lot of people thinking of you, the saying you shared about friendship definitely is true!

Li

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Laurie, first - thanks for your kind comments you left. Several other things....lovely award gifts - so thoughtful and beautiful! Also, I agree with you totally about an award-free zone, and I also never followed through with a tag I received (and then felt guilty). It's all I can do to even ATTEMPT to post 2 times a week. Keep on blogging, girl! Linda

Candy said...

What a lucky lady you are! FUN!!!
Enjoy all your goodies.
I hit the same wall one time when I had to make a list...asked hubby to describe me. Very interesting to see yourself through someone else's eyes.
OH, MY, GOODNESS!!! I love your home pictures. I love stuff too and could spend all day looking at every detail. So true about the dust thing.
With so much eye candy no one sees the other. And too funny to blame my computer for it. I may use that one some time;-)

Enjoy Today,
Candy

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

Congratulations on winning the award. I really love those cute tea cup napkin rings.

debbie said...

LAURIE MY FRIEND,
Did you write the poem....I really liked it.
I am soooooo very happy you won the give-away. I love beautiful books and I love the pretty quote you shared.
I loved...loved your entire post and your humor shined through. i really think you are probably a stand up comic but I do know you are a friend to every one.
Thank you for the priceless prayers for Amy and her bff Leila.
Don't ever forget how special you are
hugs
debbie

Robin said...

I LOVE all of your goodies! Isn't it great to get a surprise package in the mail? I love all of your "stuff" too....I grew up with all of that stuff around me, and it rubbed off on me too. Nothing wrong with it at all!!

{{HUGS}}

Robin :o)

Carrie said...

Your package contents are all wonderful...I loved the mug and the teapot napkin rings.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Laurie! I just love you! You're a hoot and a half! Congrats on your gift - that mug is beautiful! I've just bought some blueberry tea to try out,but I don't have a beautiful mug like that to drink from.
It's okay about not posting 40 things! Man, do these people need to know so much about us? :)
Now about your stuff! Woo Hooness, I say! I love all your stuff! Dust? Who's got dust? I don't see no dust! LOL
Be a sweetie,

Shelia :)

Kathy said...

Hello Laurie, WOW your gift from Rhondi is just beautiful, Congratulations. I really love to read your posts it feels just like we are having a natter in the kitchen and your stuff and poetry are wonderful and so spot on regarding blogging lol, happy weekend, Kathy.

Kathleen Ellis said...

Hi Laurie~
Wow...what a wonderful surprise package you received! How is that blueberry tea in that ivy cup??? She certainly gave you some great elements to set yourself a special place with...now...go ahead and add your lunch to it...you'll be glad you did!
;-D

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Oh Laurie, no apology needed! Just don't stop blogging! Congratulations on your win! And that is the prettiest mug I've ever seen! But the napkin rings, oh my! You know what a tea lover I am. I can't wait to see your tea themed tablescape!

Roeshel said...

What a great treasure! Congratulations!

I love reading your blog...always good for a smile and usually a snort of laughter. :)

Oh and I'm dust-free too ... didn't see a speck of it on your pictures so my computer screen has to be sparkling, right? :P

Unknown said...

laurie - You used every crayon in the box and I love the pictures you have colored. What a darling post you have written. Good job, lady. Thanks for all you share with all of us. Keep it up!

Charla

The Muse said...

what??
What???The End....???
ah, I hate it when posts are too short!
LOL
(i loved every moment! :) )

Carol said...

Wow, what a jam-packed post! I love you dishes and place settings. Lucky you to win the napkin rings!...and that ivy mug!!!

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Wonderful post, Laurie.