A Dozen Years Later And A Giveaway

" Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like

wrapping a present and not giving it. "

WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD 

Today is the twelve anniversary of It's A Beautiful Life. As I am wont to say, where as the time flown? Writing on this blog, I think, has been one of the longest ventures I've ever undertaken and stayed faithful to. And it's been one of the most joyful. Of course, it has had its ebb and flow over the past dozen years, times when I wrote more, times when I wrote less. But the longer I blog, the more I realize this is my place to write, whether regularly or irregularly. Here is where I am 'at home'. Although I may write a book one day (I have a couple on the go), writing posts and chatting with you right here every week is my sweet spot. It's so much like writing letters from home—something I loved doing long before e-mail and the internet—and watching for glimpses of heaven in unexpected places and then sharing those moments with you, well, that really makes my heart happy. It's like icing on the cake.

Two years ago, on the tenth anniversary, I had the dream to create an anniversary edition magazine, and I even had a giveaway for a copy of it. Susan, I'm sorry you're still waiting for that magazine. Going through an archive of over a thousand posts looking for my favourite or best posts became larger than I had heart for at the time. But who knows—optimist that I am—I might little by little still get an issue completed. I won't promise anything so ambitious for 'A Dozen Years' anniversary. But, since you're here, let me at least offer you a cup of tea and a slice of chocolate mousse layer cake with raspberry filling and chocolate Ganache over top. Sorry, you'll have to image that delectable wonder...

" Piglet noticed that even though he had a very small heart,

it could hold a rather large amount of gratitude. "

A. A. MILNE

It's been especially meaningful during these pandemic times to come here and find your 'footprints' in the comment box below. I have come to appreciate all over again, just what a beautiful online community we have in Blogland. Writing here has helped me to stay connected to people from around the world. It has made such a difference to feel a sense of community and not feel isolated 'within my four walls' these past months. So many of you have left kind and lovely comments just at a time—not only now but over the years—when I especially needed a boost to keep writing. So....thank you, thank you, thank you!

" If you really are thankful,

what do you do? You share. "

W. CLEMENT STONE

* * *

I think we should celebrate with a Giveaway. To make it easy and simple, let's do

Three $20-Amazon online gift cards.

Guidelines for Draw:

1. Leave a comment either on this post, or on the Facebook link to this post.

2. The draw for three winners will be this Friday, August 21st, at 9:00 am MDT.

3. I'll do the announcement right afterwards, right here.

3. If I don't hear from a chosen winner within 24 hours, I will do the draw again. 

--Draw is now closed--

* * *

If you are interested, HERE is the first post that started it all.

Wishing you a beautiful day.

Heart Hugs,

Brenda

xox

Photo credits:

Top: Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Bottom: Image by Oberholster Venita from Pixabay