Remembering Dear Friends With A Giveaway

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I'm very excited about something I just ordered online.  And I'm delighted to share it with you, my dear friends!

In less than two weeks the mailman will be delivering a parcel that contains not just one, but two copies of a book I never knew existed until I did a very modern 'Google' search looking for info about its author.

Now, if you have been, or still are a faithful fan of the original Victoria magazine with founding editor Nancy Lindemeyer, you must remember the wonderful artist, Aude Kamlet, whose lovely mini watercolours often adorned the 'Dear Friends' pages.

Ms. Kamlet made comment that of the many illustrations signed by herself, those done for the "Dear Friends" column of Victoria Magazine from 1992 to 1998 were among her favorites.  I have to admit I loved those little touches of beauty too.

Which is why I. AM. SO. EXCITED.  Because 'Remembering Dear Friends' is a little book that Ms. Kamlet created commemorating that very season of her life, and--joy, joy--it's still available to purchase!

I'm looking forward, therefore, not only to enjoying this book for myself, but I have the greatest delight in offering the second copy as a Giveaway gift.  (This is where I wish I could give a copy to each of you.)

 

The Giveaway is very simple:

1. Leave a comment here and your name goes in the draw twice.

2. Share the giveaway on your own blog and your name is added again.

3. Tell me something about your own 'friendship' with Victoria and there's another entry.

The draw will be held on the first morning of summer

June 21st.

Tell your friends

and here's wishing you the best!

(yes, it's open to bloggers anywhere)

Brenda

 

Photo source:  Blurb.com

Can You Live A Beautiful Life When...

..the dust bunnies have not only mated under the antique Duncan Phyfe sofa in our bedroom, but they have now taken liberties to hop out and show off their dusty powder puff tails with their children so that I can see them!  Not even in the crystalline rays of sunshine (where all hidden things are revealed) but when the room is shadowy because it was overcast outside. A couple of days ago we started to get suspicious... that those grey shadows along the ornate feet of my couch were not shadows.

'Tis not a good sign. Especially since we, my dear Beloved and I, are the cleaners/polishers at our local performing arts center. Methinks it's a clear example of that old tale that shoemakers' children go without shoes... and cleaners of other people's events will find dust bunny conferences in many corners of their own abodes.

Ah... but the amazing thing is that in the midst of the disorderly furniture moved to the center of the room and the vacuum hose unfurled across the carpet, I've had to stop everything. Because in the middle of my burst of energy, I'm suddenly inspired...as well...to write about something very special that I've wanted to share with you for a while.

It's a Giveaway. And it's all connected to an artist whose lovely illustrations any loyal fan of the old Victoria magazines will recognize and appreciate.

Whet your appetite? If you've got your magazines handy, go and get your copy of the April 1995 issue and turn to page 98.  And if you don't have a copy, not to worry, all shall be revealed tomorrow.  (If you ever want to purchase old copies, they are available on e-bay and for decent prices.)

I'll be posting the Giveaway Friday!

So I guess it is possible to imagine nice things and live in a state of beauty even when it's dusty in here. Ca-choo!

Hugs and blisses....

Brenda

The Transformation Begins

Watch it unfold as Spring around us has been unfurling.  Leaf by leaf.  Bud by bud.  Bird nest by bird nest.

So begins the slow unveiling of the new season of my blog.  Oh my, when I started pondering the new direction, message and, of course, deciding on a new look to signify something old has passed away, something new is about to be given, little did I realize how much mulling, pondering, dreaming and yes, agonizing,  it would actually take.

Friends have been gracious to share encouragement when I asked for it, and I'm ever grateful for their loving thoughts and nudges.  But as we all realize in the end, it was me that had to become still... to tune out monkey chattering and take time in the midst of the usual business of living so I could hear the little nightingale whisperings of my own heart.

So, just as I did nearly five years ago when I wrote my very first post, today my heart said 'just jump in', and before my mind could fathom yet another reason to delay, here we are. Trusting. That the way will unfold. The journey cannot begin if the first step is not taken.

No more pencil chewing ... we begin and we start by dismantling and redecorating. And what fun, in truth, it has been.


Joyfully, 
Brenda

PS.  The new header is from a photo I took this morning from my study window. A glimpse of heaven right in my own backyard.

Wouldn't It Be Lovely If You...

...caught a glimpse of the author of this blog once again?

She knows it's been a while and promises soon.... soon....soon.

While we've been away busy with needful things, we've also taken this time to ponder the next chapter of this blog. I've been dreaming a new look and some new ideas.  I'm eager to share.

In the meanwhile... I'm hoping the old saying has some truth to it... that absence makes the heart grow fonder.  I've been missing you....and I look forward to being back here with you all again.

Hugs,