8.28.2008

100th Post Celebration and Giveaway!

I have this sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at having posted 100 times. I never dreamed I would be a blogger, and yet it quickly has become an important and nourishing part of my life. It occurred to me that my life has changed a little since I started this blog 6 months ago...#1. It has made me slightly more computer savvy.
#2. I have made my first online friends ever. It feels to me like the adult version of a pen-pal. I look forward to reading about Daisie and Supria's daily life- and yet I have never met them. I had a German pen-pal when I was in junior high, and I have to say this is way better. There is no guilt because I didn't write back quick enough...I was never good about that... I can just hop over and see how it is going on their blog, and leave a comment or not... Thank you for being such great friends even though I have never met you!
#3. Before I started this blog I often "held my cards close until I was sure of the hand" so to say. With this blog I have found it liberating to openly share my parenting and art in it's ever evolving state. This is partly what my title "Sweet Mess" is about too...
#4. This blog has brought me into the blog-o-sphere. I am utterly a sucker for reading a good blog. I think this stems back to wanting to be a spy (like Harriet the spy) and in reading some people's blogs it is as if you are looking through a window into their lives. Hopefully it is not considered spying though! Unfortunately for my tired mom body, I have spent too many nights lost in a good blog until way too late...
Which leads me to #5. My two childhood friends Caren, and Erin, were the ones who inspired me to start this adventure in the first place. I LOVE being able to blog alongside them. It feels like an extended conversation complete with pictures and videos... I love being a part of their lives in this way. I LOVE IT!
#6. I also love that I have connected with other friends (like Jeff, and Kat, and Diana) in a bloggy sort of way- and friends of friends(like Katy!), and now I am feeling connected to all sorts of people that I never would have expected. And it is wonderful and surprising.
#7. This blog has thrust me out of my little shell, and I feel very inspired to make my dreams a reality. I think having this blog has given me that sense of accountability I was lacking before.
#8. Our parents and families are ga-ga for the baby- this has been a wonderful space to share the beautiful, funny, and cheerful Miss Lilikoi. Since starting this blog a little weight at living so far away from you all has lifted from my shoulders. I LOVE Y'ALL!
#9. Has anyone else noticed that the word blog is the goofiest word ever?

So... because I am SO appreciative of all that this experience has brought me I will be giving away a painting of mine. It will be a 7X7 inch mixed media painting. All you need to do if you want to be part of the fun is to go to the bottom of this post and in the comments add your name. Then one week from now I will first draw a name, then post a few pictures of some finished paintings and the lucky winner can choose one! Everyone who wants to can enter. PLEASE don't be shy!

26 comments:

Linda said...

I hope it is fair if GAGA grandmothers enter your contest! I love that you blog - not only to observe lovely little Lilikoi's "uneventful" and milestone moments but also to have a peek into your thoughts, life and art works/process. I am one proud mama!
And, as your circle of friends has expanded, so has mine - via your blog!
Love, mom, memere Linda

Swirlyarts said...

That's very kind of you! I enjoy reading your blog and seeing what you have been up to.
Lynsey x

babyjenks said...

oh how i would love an original kkl piece of art! (i have to admit, i was always a little jealous when i saw a new piece of yours on erin's walls) :) i love watching the art and baby on the blog, you're right, it does make me feel more connected to my friends to read their blogs. i'm hoping to get one of my own up and running this fall.

love you!
sabra-jenks

Anonymous said...

You are definitely a blogging machine, Kelcey. I've enjoyed having something to read from you nearly every day. I think you've got a great sense of what blogging should be, too. It's best when it's not just an online diary; I think you've done quite well.

If Erin posts, do we get two chances to win?

Anonymous said...

i like winning, ebay, and strong wedges of cheese. count me in.
(insert witty cheese picture)

Erin said...

I definitely think that Adam and I should count as two people :-)

Kelcey I LOVE reading your blog. Like you said it allows me to feel more connected to your every day life even though we are 3000 miles away. I miss you so much and wish that we could be raising our kids together. And now in some ways we are. I have no doubt in my mind that we will continue to be friends and spend time together every once in a while. And thank you for connecting me to Caren again! It has been so fun to see what she has been doing and see her life in Andover. We all have so much in common after all of these years! so thank you for blogging! I love you!

Anonymous said...

i literally got chills reading your reflections on blog land...as i SO resonate! (thank you dear caren:) as she inspired my starting as well!)i especially find myself in this part... "Before I started this blog I often held my cards close until I was sure of the hand" so to say. With this blog I have found it liberating to openly share my parenting and art in it's ever evolving state...."...
so glad to have found you and to share glimpses of your evolving journey...thankyou so much for inspiration to continue this exposing the "sweet mess":) (and i am tightly crossing my finger that my name may be drawn...as your work is beautiful)...

Anonymous said...

p.s. i am honored that you mentioned me:)thank you...does this count for teo entries?

Diana said...

I really enjoy reading your blog Kelcey. It's so real from your heart and so inspiring! it's a breath of fresh air for us mommies. thanx for the shout out! count me in for the art contest please. I would love to win!

Daisie said...

I am so glad that you enjoy my blog, it's the secret diary of the exhibitionist in me!! I love to see what you have been up to and how Lili is growing so beautifully too.
I would be honoured to own some of your beautiful art, count me in please!
XXX

PS: Thanks for the lovely kind words you left for me yesterday. x

Gypsy at Heart said...

Just the other gaga grandmother basking in your joy and hoping to snag one of your masterpieces!
Love,
goofy mother-in-law,Kathleen, Nene

Anonymous said...

Love to read blogs. Mine has only been going for a few months now, but it helps me keep my art focused and helps me to work on it.

Thanks for posting your blog. I enjoy your babies pictures.

Lucy

Anonymous said...

I would love to win one of your paintings. Thankyou
Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

Megan Coyle said...

I'm glad I stumbled upon your blog--your artwork is beautiful! And congratulations on the 100th post of your blog!

jennyflowerblue said...

I would love to win one of your works of art! I visit you through Daisy and I really enjoy peeping into your lives! x

peony paperie said...

Thanks for the contest! I'm going to check out your blogging friends now!

Anonymous said...

Kelc, I am so proud of the woman you have become.
Dad

Anonymous said...

Kelcey Kay, you are the best! How can you have already gotten to 100 posts when I'm not even close?! :) I'm so glad to have this window into your life because I just don't see you nearly enough. As Erin said, it's amazing how much we all have in common after all these years... And this is a fun way to stay connected! I love you, and would love to add to my kkl art collection! :)

Supria Karmakar said...

Kelcey: I am sorry I didn't read this sooner..It has been a crazy week for me..and as a result there has been lack of blogging on my part...But when I read this blog I was extremely touched that you took the time to talk about what our virtual friendship means to you...Because I have been thinking the same and feel similiarly.... the new virtual friends I have made, you being one of them, I regularly read your posts...... has brought about an awareness to my consciousness about what an awesome world blogging has opened up for me...your friendship is a blessing and I know it is strange though we haven't met we are still all very connected...thanks for all your sharing ...I particularly resonated with this blog post when you spoke of keeping your hand made cards close to heart...so to speak..I have felt the same way...which is also changing for me with the joy of meeting lovely people like you...
Supria

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 100th post! I need to start a blog of my own. I feel like I'm really missing out but it's scary to start. Oh well, I'm severely addicted to reading other people's blogs which is what ultimately brought me here. I wish I was as creative as you are! I would love to have one of your beautiful pieces of work!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

Five Carmonas said...

Well, I have hesitated and debated about whether or not I should enter. But I went back and read the fine print and I did not read that family and next-door-neighbors cannot enter....so, here I am! And if I win, then I will have a piece of you in my house even when you are not there. Although, if I do win, will it look like bribed you? Well, probably not any more than if any of these other fine folks win. Okay, I am convinced. I am entering! throw my name in that hat.

Kat said...

what a generous way to celebrate... count me in! I'll be on the porch, gazing at this new september sky, counting my lucky stars.

Jill said...

Hi! I'm a good friend of Adam & Erin's, so sometimes I take a look at what their blogfriends are doing. I enjoy learning about your homesteading adventures and admiring your art. We just entered the blogosphere ourselves not too long ago. It's pretty fun. Congrats on your 100th post!
-Jill

Unknown said...

hi kelcey. i have loved poking around your blog site. cant wait to see you and your little babes in a few weeks. it will also be a great time to pick up a new piece of art! ( if i win!~) sending you lots of love and beauty. love, erika

Anonymous said...

It's my birthday month same as yours so that gives me an edge doesn't it ? Thanks for the pleasure of your blog . Paul

Anonymous said...

Oooooooooooooooooh I hope I hope I hope I hope I hope I hope I hope
you pick my name!!!!

Love you all.

Nancy Tripp