Two years - can you believe it.
I was going to sit down this morning and whitter on about all sorts of random things when I noticed on Typepad that I've been blogging for two years now. Yes, two years. I started on March 5th 2006 and I can't believe that I'm still going.
In that time I've turned into a hoarder magnifique, tried lots of new crafts, improved my knitting, discovered Japanese craft books and started and loved plant dyeing. It's been an amazing two years in which I've gained masses of self confidence in my crafting so much so that I started selling on Etsy and Ebay. The blog also gave me something that I did for myself where I wasn't Amber's Mum or Tom's wife I was ME. But more than that it's given me lots of new friends all over the world and the most amazing holiday ever to America last year (where we stayed with complete strangers, now friends that I knew through my blog).
I love being a stay-at-home Mum but I do find it very lonely. Maybe it's my upbringing but for me the nuclear family sucks. I was brought up in an extended family environment and there were always other adults and children around. I'm at my best when surrounded by family, when my house is full and I prefer going on holiday with my sister and her children. The more the merrier. So blogging has in some ways filled that hole in my life. It's given me a community that I grew up in but don't have anymore.
I have 'met' some amazing women online who've become dear friends. I've also loved the interaction, the sharing, the advice giving, the support and friendship that goes on in blogs. It's made me realise that even though we've all had such different upbringings we're essentially the same underneath. We all want to be good mums/wives/daughters/citizens whilst struggling for some sort of creative life for ourselves.
So I want to thank all of you who have ever left me a comment. Thank you for reading my ramblings and admiring the stuff I make. Thank you for encouraging and supporting me. Thank you for all the advice you've ever given. Thank you for sympathising when I've needed it. But most of all Thank You for just being there and dropping by. In my turn I hope I've given something back to you - maybe a bit of encouragement to try something new, a laugh or just another view point ......................
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I've noticed in these two years that people change their banners with alarming frequency. I've had the William Morris picture at the top of my blog for the whole duration. I wonder if it's time to have a change myself - a makeover as it were. Trouble is, the picture seems to go so well with the name Echoes of A Dream. Maybe it's new home, new life, new banner time.
I meant to comment on your last post, but ... anyway! I am glad the move went well and huge congrats on 2 years of blogging. I 'found' you a year ago now and you already know how that influenced me to join in too. I'm glad you're here to share a slice of real life, and hope you can manage to keep it going for even longer!
Posted by: dottycookie | March 10, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Congratulations on your milestome Simmy!
Posted by: Ali | March 10, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Almost 2 years ago I stumbled on your blog and ever since have been reading it. I love the way you write, your creative stuff and the way you live(d).Reading your blog also makes me think of my sister ( who lives in England). Hope to be reading a lot more!!
Posted by: monique | March 10, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Congratulations on two years of blogging. Your blog is one of the first ones I ever started reading and I've enjoyed it so much. You've always got something interesting to share and I love the banner you have.
Posted by: Dawn | March 10, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Congrats... I'd say that 2 years is quite an accomplishment and thank you for inspiring me! I LOVE to read what you have to say.
Posted by: melody | March 10, 2008 at 01:57 PM
happy blogiversary.. Hmm.. that means mine is around now too.....
Posted by: bethany | March 10, 2008 at 02:52 PM
New move, new banner.I say go for it! But Bronwyn says: "Nooooo, I like it!" But, I think you can come up with something; something new and lovely, you creative girl!
Love,
Jodi & Bronwyn
Posted by: jodi lenz | March 10, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Happy blog birthday - I like the banner, but maybe it is time for a new one to go with all your recent changes.
Posted by: carol | March 10, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Simmy! I love your banner! But if you change it, I am sure it will be equally appealing! Love your blog and bloggers are the best group....communicators all the way! Here's to blogging!
Posted by: Nancy | March 10, 2008 at 04:07 PM
and THANK YOU for all of the above too!! happy anniversary :)
Posted by: kristin | March 10, 2008 at 04:33 PM
Ahh...thank you too and congratulations on two great crafty years you've helped me in many ways with my crafting, thanks again.
You know change is the only constant.lol.
Posted by: wendy | March 10, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Congratulations on 2 years blogging Simmy. I have been blogging for just a week so I wonder if I will still be blogging in 2 years time? I return to your blog with regularity as it is always so informative and interesting. I like your banner but I am sure you would come up with something just as fitting if you were to change it.
Posted by: Simone | March 10, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Congrats on 2 years of blogging! Just a thought if you do change your banner head (which is lovely and doesn't need it but I understand the urge to refresh a look) anyways if you do change it you could use the same image but just alter it in some way, so it's the same at the core but maybe has a new look.
Posted by: TACE | March 10, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Happy blogiversary, blog birthday or whatever, and thank YOU for being there, for sharing so much about what you make and where you come from. I love your banner, and it was one of the first things that pulled me into your world - but it is your words that make me stay! So by all means change it if you feel like it, I'll keep visiting!
Posted by: mathea | March 10, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Happy 2 years. I love that blogging has helped you push your craft boundaries. Congratulations.
Posted by: lina | March 10, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Happy blogiversary to you. As they say a change is as good as a holiday so maybe you need a blog change too. I have loved reading your blog and am so glad to have read about your wonderful journey through life too.
Posted by: sue | March 10, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Congratulations Simmy! I'm attached to your banner, but look forward to seeing what you come up with next!
Posted by: sarah | March 10, 2008 at 11:27 PM
You know what they say..."a change is as good as a holiday"...and while you are at it, why not change your banner-you'll have a lot more control over that. Congratulations on blogging for 2 years, I agree with all your reasons for doing it. I'm so glad that I read your blog and that I got to meet you and your lovely family!!!
Posted by: Georgia | March 10, 2008 at 11:50 PM
That's so cool - 2 years! I got into blogging for much the same reasons as you - I'm enjoying it a lot. Interesting banner, but if you want to change it - maybe it's time to!
Posted by: Em | March 11, 2008 at 12:38 AM
I am grateful for finding your blog. I am glad you are still at it. I have always adored your banner. I guess you could dream up another one, eh? Some say Spring is a time for new beginnings. Others say don't fix it if it aint broke. No really. Some do say that.
Posted by: | March 11, 2008 at 01:46 AM
Happy Blogiversary! I grew up in a really crafty family and now find myself being a bit of an oddity as in my friends at work I am the only crafter. Blogging has allowed me to 'meet' other people who are interested in the same sort of things. Some I've gotten to know in real life and some only through their written words. And both groups are ever so precious. I was in the kitchen making cocoa before tackling a bit of a challenge in my knitting and thought "I'll just see if Simmy is back yet" and there you were!
Posted by: Susan | March 11, 2008 at 02:01 AM
my dear dear simmy. if it wasn't for you and your gorgeous sister i wouldn't have discovered this wonderful community. you are and always will be top of my blog list. thank you for opening your door and sharing your life and family with us. it has been a pleasure and an honour! xxx
ps i don't even have a banner to change!!!
Posted by: louise | March 11, 2008 at 04:12 AM
I've been a lurker for a long time. Oh, how I enjoy your blog! I'm always checking to see what you are up to next! In the winter, when it is cold and dreary here, I like to see how you've baked or crafted. Your words reflect the healing effect and how you create special moments with your children. It lights a fire under me...and I too, will get out the butter, eggs, flour and sugar...! You are kind to share your joys and your struggles. The pictures and the personal stories are simply lovely. Peace to you and your family from a mom with a 7 yo sweet girl and 3 yo twin sons in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
PS I'd have left that place kicking and screaming! You've made the move with such grace! I wish you ease in the transition but you are totally entitled to have a mental meltdown if you wish! (smile)
Posted by: AnnaMarie | March 11, 2008 at 06:49 AM
Happy two years, Simmy...looking forward to many years more! :o) I, for one, love your banner...Off to the USA in two days. I hope to post while there. See you soon! ((HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | March 11, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Congratulations on two years of blogging! Hooray! (I love your banner, by the way, so if you decide not to change it I wouldn't mind at all!)
Posted by: Marsha | March 11, 2008 at 06:23 PM