Nine years and 1800 posts. Yep, you read that right; this is a milestone post for me. It actually began a little over nine years ago, June of 2006 to be exact. My son talked me into starting a blog, I really wasn't interested at the time; I didn't know what I would blog about. Ahem; I guess I figured that out! Over the years this place has become a forum for miscellany from me: commentaries, quilty content, book reviews, product recommendations, grandchildren show and tell, opinion pieces, faith stories, sewing projects, prayers, photo gallery, travelogue, time management tips, quilt shop reviews, household hints, and a place to brag about Hannes the wonder dog. I have sought advice here and asked for your opinions. If you've been a reader from the beginning, are an occasional visitor or even if you're brand new to The Strawberry Patch, I thank you for taking the time to stop by. Through the years I have considered, at several times, giving this up; but I haven't, I've gone on hiatus and returned, something has always drawn me back. I have some friends and family members who keep up with me through this venue, that's been enough to keep me fueled and running even when it's been on barely more than fumes. If you read my previous post, you know that I attended a memorial service for a freind last week. When I was greeting her husband at the reception afterwards he mentioned to me how Marianna read my blog faithfully, I was deeply touched. One of the greatest side benefits of blogging has been meeting up with some blogger friends in real life... that has been both exciting and affirming, almost like spending time with a pen pal, there has been that instant recognition of previously shared time together (even though it was cyber in nature), omitting all of the awkward small talk and ice-breakers that normally accompany an initial get-together. In sincere appreciation for you being here and in celebration of this milestone I would like to host a little giveaway, it's a small, yet sincere, token of my thanks for your readership and your encouragement over the years. Just leave me a comment; I'd love to know why you've stopped by and for how long you've been coming back to this spot. I'll draw a winning name, at random, sometime next week. Thanks again, now... let's celebrate; 1800 and more to come!
Life is Good!
44 comments:
I don't actually know how long I've been coming here but I'm sure I've known you nearly half my life! :-) I'm here because you are my good friend & I love seeing what you're up to! Keep it up!! xx
I think I may have discovered your blog through a link on another blog; that was several years ago, and now I follow you with Bloglovin. Love reading about your quilts, your travels, and your adorable grandchildren.
years! Congrats -- I think I came here from Nancy and Karen Dianne at least 6 years ago, maybe more. I wish I'd known you were going to be in Spokane last year, I would have joined you at Bear Paw Quilting in a heart beat, my bqf lives in Spokane.
I started reading blogs early in 2011 and yours was one of the first I discovered--through Bonnie Hunter's blog list, I believe. Congrats on such a milestone!
Your thoughts and experiences inspire and uplift me, and your grandchildren make me smile. You create beautiful quilts and there is always wisdom woven into the sharing. You are not selling anything--just offering a subtle insight into your faith and family, and sharing the fun you have along the way.
Like LizA, I wish I had known when you went to Rupert, ID--only two hours away and I would have been there in a heartbeat!
Congratulations! I keep coming back because of YOU ! I appreciate what you share, happy or sad, frustrated or satisfied, and for the grandchildren, quilts, and travelogues. Thanks for returning after hiatus periods to brighten the morning read :).
Many years and loving your blog! I read to keep up with happenings with old friends! Thanks for letting us enjoy you family milestones, travels and quilting, nice work Deb!
I have followed you for at least 6 years. Your blog is one of my daily reads. I was disappointed when you took a break a year or two ago, but delighted when you returned. I especially love reading your inspirational postings.
Congratulations on this milestone! I haven't a clue how long I've been following you. If I had to guess 4 years? I've much newer to blogging, starting late 2010. It didn't take long before I realized that there are quilters who blog, and oh did that ever open up a whole new world of inspiration and friendships. I may not always comment, but I read every. single. post of yours.
Hi Debbie,
I have followed your blog for a long time now- I would guess at least 2009 but perhaps before as a lurker.. I still blog occasionally but keep in touch with many of my blogging friends through facebook. I always enjoy reading your blog whatever the topic and do even stop by to comment.. Wishing you continued happy blogging and quilting.. Warmest regards from Alberta Canada,
Anna
Congratulations!! Have loved reading each and every one of your posts -- sending lots of celebratory hugs!!
(And I just HAD to go look this up - I started blogging mid-year 2007 and am at just over 1,700 posts)
I've tried to remember how we "met." Something tells me you left a comment on Tanya's blog and I went looking for you because I liked what you had said. But I might just be making this up! I know we started blogging within a month of each other. I so enjoyed our lunch together in Asheville with Lisa; it really did feel like I was with people I'd known for ever but had just lost track of. Let's do it again! Closer to Philadelphia! Congratulations on your milestone, my friend.
Yours is one of blogs I read on a regular basis - I don't comment often but but I've picked up a few tips and always enjoy your posts.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone.
Congratulations on your blogging milestone! I don't remember exactly when I started reading your blog, but it's been quite some time. I started blogging in 2007 and would search through the comments to find new blogs to read.
Congratulations Mrs. Goodneedle! 9 years is an awesome milestone. I've been visiting your blog for about 5 of those years. I love visiting your blog because you are always so positive about life. Even when you are going through a rough time, you manage to find the silver lining and that is what you focus on. It's one of the things that I personally struggle with, and I am drawn to those that are able to do it. So, keep doing what you are doing, because you've found the right mix that makes it work!
Erin in MI
I found your blog through Bonnie Hunter's blog maybe 4 or 5 years ago. I own a longarm machine and only quilt my own and family quilts. I enjoy your posts about your longarm adventures and the antics of your grandchildren. I, too, am a Grammie to 4 beautiful granddaughters. Congratulations on your milestone and please keep it going.
I don't know exactly how long, but thank Nancy at Blogging, Near Philadelphia and her blog list, I found you, Taniwa and a few others that I follow pretty consistently. I like your voice...1800 is a lotta blog entries - Congrats - Sharon
CONGRATS! SO ENJOY READING YOUR BLOG!
msstitcher1214@gmail.com
I don't remember exactly how I found your blog but it may have been through Bonnie Hunter's blog. It's been several years ago. I have you in my Inoreader so every new post pops up. I started following because of your quilting content but soon became interested in all the subject matter. Very well done.
I don't recall how long I have been following you, but I do remember it was a recommendation from my cousin, Marlene at StitchinByTheLake. You have become my hero of blogging. Really enjoy your posts.
I have been stopping by for about 2 years now and enjoy your posts. They are stimulating and enjoyable. The quilting content keeps me motivated and I enjoy your stories about family and friends.
Thank you for keeping it up.
Marge
Congratulatios.. I have been visiting for a few months and check your blog daily. Krupp up the interesting work.
I can't answer how long I have been coming, because I read your blog from a blog roll from another blogger. I like her down to earth, less mercenary style and have found that many of those on her blog roll are the same. I know it has been over 2 years, but how long can't be answered. I appreciate your style and you spend more time sharing than selling. When I first started blogging years ago I did it because of health issues limiting my life. I started reading many quilter's blogs. I loved the camaraderie and easy warmth. You epitomize that Thank you.
I have been following for at least seven as you got me started with my own blog. I'll admit it's easier to make a quick post to Facebook sometimes but I hope to someday print my blog and have it as a scrapbook for Wade to read....he can track Mommy and Daddy getting married then starting the journey to bring home home. It's easier than scrapbooking ; ). Good job!
I have been following you for at least 3 years and I am not sure how I found your site-maybe through Quiltville? Love seeing your beautiful quilts and grandchildren.
I have been following for about 5 years. I appreciate your outlook and how you don't bash people.
We had Bonnie Hunter as a speaker/teacher for our quilt guild in 2007, her first year teaching(?). I'm pretty sure that I found your blog off of her favorite links list soon thereafter. Your thoughts on quilting, faith and family hit a chord with me, (I'm Lutheran too) and I have enjoyed reading your blog regularly since then. Congratulations on 1800 posts, and I hope that there are many more to come! Bless!
I have enjoyed reading your blog for a number of years, your gentle spirit and great attitude inspire me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, life and faith.
I started reading your blog about five years ago. I always enjoy your upbeat, positive attitude as well as your quilts and your grandchildren stories. You've seen me through the death of my husband as well as other serious life events. Congrats on your milestone!
I'm not really sure how long I've been reading your blog - four or five years, I think.i love hearing about your life and your family, and I envy you your faith.
Wow, 1800 posts in 9 years, well done! Not sure how long I have been following, maybe 3 years? I enjoy your posts and we have shared interests in patchwork, longarm quilting, faith and grandchildren. And I enjoy your travel blogs as well. It is a great way to see another part of the world without leaving home. Thankyou.
I can't remember how we 'met' but I think it was via KarenDianne. Congratulations!
I don't remember when I found your blog, I think 4-5 years ago. I enjoy your topics and photos. I admire that you blog about your faith. Hopefully we will meet some time when I am in the Clemmons area.
Wow! 1800 posts! I can't remember if I found you through Nancy, Near Philadelphia or if I found her through you!
Happy Monday and congrats on all your posts. I'm not sure how I found you-probably on someone's side bar. I love your blog! I haven't met any other quilt bloggers in person, but sure home to someday. I finished my quilt a couple of weeks ago and now beginning to gather fabrics for a Log Cabin. Someone asked me what pattern I would quilt and I have no idea whether it will be a fan or just outlining-due to all the seams. I love visiting other quilters blog because I learn so much and it keeps me inspired. Thanks for always sharing you hand work and your heart.
Hugs, Noreen
Happy blogaversary! I love your views on topics, and your beautiful faith-ful comments. I've been reading for a few years and look forward to every posting.
Jean
jlickun@aol.com
What a wonderful milestone. I have stopped by from time to time, and it is always fun to get inspiration from talented and diverse quilters.
Congratulations on 1800 posts!! I don't remember where I found you (someone's sidebar). I really enjoy reading all of your posts, and love updates on those beautiful grandchildren. I do not have any quilting friends where I live now, so your blog helps fulfill that gap for me. I am sure I have been reading faithfully for about 5 years. I look forward to 1800 more posts!!
Carol
IronLftr10@aol.com
Congratulations on your milestone. I've been reading your blog for a number of years and I enjoy your comments.
Wow, that's a lot of posts. Don't really know how long I've been stopping in, but it's been a few years. Good work.
Congratulations on reaching a milestone and we are so fortunate in being the recipients of your writing. Always uplifting and inspirational. I think I have been reading your blog for 5 years. Thank you for sharing with us.
Congrats on such a big milestone. You're about 3 1/2 years ahead of me. I've been following you for many years. I like the way you talk about quilts and life. Keep sharing. The
What an accomplishment! Congratulations! Don't truly recall exactly when I wandered over here, but it was before your first grandchild made their appearance. Believe I 'found' you from reading Nancy Near Philadelphia, what a community we quilters 'share'. Laura
I'm not sure how long I've been reading your blog but I'm sure I found you by way of another's. I appreciate your sweet spirit and kind heart. Thank you for sharing your faith and for being an inspiration and a blessing to your readers. Congratulations and many blessings back to you. Thank you. Tracy (duncanfamthree@gmail.com)
I am going to miss Marianna. Her and Natalia were my buddies when I first joined the guild. They made me feel so welcome. It was a while before I found your blog. I had another blogger friend encourage me to start a blog. Congrats on 9 years!
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