Monday, November 29, 2010

ArtsyMama turns five....and a giveaway!



Today is quite auspicious, it's been 5 years since I began this blog and this is my 1000 post!

Here's a look back...

Year One


Year Two


Year Three


Year Four


This year I've been quietly blogging away my daily adventures with the kids and have stuck to my New Year's resolution of a scrapbook page-a-day throughout the entire year. I am already enjoying those 11 albums all lined up, showcasing what we did with each and every day of 2010.


Since this year was all about documenting the everyday, my five senses Friday posts pretty much encapsulate my year. They begin in the frigid months, here, here, here, here, and with glowing hearts.

Then having some wanderlust, taking a trip, indulging and being aware of all the changes of an early spring.

Soon enough, school was out and summer took hold with it's rainbow of colors. Then suddenly, the kids were back to school and it was fall! I documented September alphabetically. Then before long, Halloween arrived, then Thanksgiving. Yikes!
Where has the year gone?!


A hightlight of the year was Chloe's 5th birthday party with a Strawberry Shortcake theme. Also our girls trip out to California to celebrate my niece's golden birthday with an Enchanted Woodland party. Along with Hope's visit in the fall. Of course I documented each season in detail, as I always do. So wonderful to look back at all the color as the cold, grey winter has taken hold already.

I arrive at this occasion with a lot of nostalgia for where this blog has been and a big question mark about where it's going. It seems that I am closing a chapter and hope to open a new one with a fresh focus. I plan to work on compiling all that my blog has been into another self-published book. I also plan to index this blog so that all of the 1000 entries I have done, can be categorized and accessed. I am not sure where this will take me. Hopefully it will offer a new perspective.

One thing I'm very excited about is the Winter Stories class that Hope and I are hosting together that begins TODAY! Find out all the details here. In celebration of all that this blog has been and where it is headed, we are giving away a spot in the class! If you don't want to miss out on any of the fun and sign up before I announce the winner, you will be refunded the price of the class, if you win. Please leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway!

27 comments:

Ruby said...

I would love to be entered in the giveaway. I enjoy your blog as well as Hope's. I was able to take one of Hopes
classes and loved it. This time of year the money is a little tighter and would love to win this class. Thank you for the opportunity!

JaneT said...

I would definitely love to be entered into this giveaway. Sounds like it will be a wonderful journey all the way up to Christmas. Happy Holidays.

Kris and Evie said...

Happy 5th anniversary! I have been a reader for several years and always like to follow your journeys.

Molly said...

Happy blog birthday! I have enjoyed reading your blog for the last 2 years! Happy day friend! ~ Molly

snowbear said...

Kari have a great time with your classes!! Congrats on 1000 posts!!!!! Wow, 5 years!!! how awesome is that.. just think of all the great things we have seen on here in that time!!! Thanks for being here!!! Here's to another 5 years!!!

Hope Wallace said...

happy blog-irthday!!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy blog-birthday! Congratulations.... keep up the good work!

Carol from sunny Georgia!

Jeanne said...

Hi Kari,
I would love to win entry to Hope and your e-course. And congratulations on 5 years of blogging. Gee, time sure flies by quickly doesn't it? I still remember joining in on your Book of Dreams during the first year you had your blog. I treasure that book I made. Here's to another 5 years!!!
xo
jeanne

Shannon said...

Happy Anniversary!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Congratulations on 5 years! I'm so happy that you are here.

Yvonne said...

Happy 5th birthday to one of my favorite bloggers! I always look for new posts!

Samantha said...

Happy Blog-iversary/Blog-birthday! I love checking in here to see what adventures you you have posted...your beautiful photos really make them come alive! Congrats on 5 years!!!

Jane said...

Congratulations on 5 years and 1000 posts, dear Kari/ArtsyMama!
I remember you said you started the blog during the sleepness nights when Chloe was a tiny baby. It's been fun to see your kids grow up! I do hope you'll continue the blog in some way - your photos are gorgeous, & you always find such interesting places to visit. Your "A Year of Color" was such fun - oh, all the memories! Will look forward to your new book, and would love to "win" the class!
Jane-Jacksonville

Heather - Speckled Egg said...

Hi Kari! Happy 5th Birthday! You know that I'm a huge fan, and look forward to your new endeavors!!!

Suzie Button said...

Oh your class sounds wonderful! Please enter me! Congrats on five years too! Susan purrpage3[at]verizon[dot]net

Britt- Sparkled Vintage Charm said...

Happy 5th anniversary!! I have been blogging for almost 4 years,but I just deleted all of my old posts and started new. Not sure why. lol. I hope you have a fabulous day Kari!! hugs!! Britt

Nicole Austin said...

wow! 5 years and 1000 posts! congratulations! :) i would love to win a spot in your class. i am inspired by your creativity and your blog. thank you!

Catherine said...

Congrats on turning five! I discovered your blog about a year ago and love to drop in and see what you are up to.
Have enrolled in Winter Stories and am so excited to learn from you and Hope.
Hugs,
Catherine

mlmdesign said...

I love your creativity and wonderful ideas- I wish you could do another Year in Color blog - what fun! I'm looking forward to 5 more years (or more)!!

Recycled Rita said...

Congratulations on 5 years and 1000 post! What a coincidence! Welcome little Bodhi! He is gorgeous!
karen.....

Anonymous said...

Hi Kari,
Will you be doing a Valentine's swap in 2011. I was in yours a few years ago and it was so much fun/ Thanks,
Elizabeth

Sara said...

I'm not sure I've read your blog for the entire 5 years but I've read and enjoyed it for quite a while. Congratulations on 5 years. What great memories you have saved and shared here. Your blog is always an inpiration to read and see. Thanks so much for sharing a bit of your art and your family for all this time.

Anonymous said...

I have been a follower for two years, participated in two Sinister Swaps and the Year of Color blog. You should be so proud! Many Thanks, Valerie Myers

Anonymous said...

Congratulations.
So much to look at in this post! I have been glamcing as I had time during the day and will return.
I am most impressed by your scrap page a day!

Ella said...

I enjoy your blog and would love to win this amazing class! I have been involved in a few of your swaps and the Year of Color! Happy Blogday~
I mentioned you on my blog today; I want to say Thank you! Because of your blog I started one and it has been an amazing journey~

Anonymous said...

I have signed up for the journal tutorial and it is worth every penny.

Am so busy doing things to fill my journal that have not had time to join the flickr group or even blog about this.

Have always wanted to get more into the journaling of things.

This class is it.

Went to a winter carnival last night with 'how does this fit into my journaling process'.

A visit to a craft store is in order.

A purchase of toys was already done.

These ladies are very talented and will get you far more involved in the holiday season. So busy doing still have not started journaling - but am collecting material daily.

If you have not joined you still can and I recommend it.

No, am not in drawing - as worth every penny to me. Let someone else enjoy the gift of this.

Valerie

Cris Marsh said...

Congratulations on your five year anniversary! I would love to win entry into your e-class.
Thanks for the chance to win.