First Anniversary & Award

Today marks the one year anniversary of the Artscapes Blog!

I struggled over the last few weeks to decide what I wanted to do for the first anniversary of the Blog. I have had a lot of fun participating in their celebrations of others recently. I am working on a project that will not be ready for a few months and I want to do a giveaway in March, so instead for now, I thought I would do a post about what the best part about blogging this year has been for me. It has been the people I have met along the way… and so I want to say THANK YOU to my friends in the blogosphere…

Below is a list of the people who have touched my life and the Blog this year.  The AWARD below is for YOU. Feel free to pass it on, if you choose, to those who have touched you; but, for this purpose, there are no rules, no instructions, nor link backs required.

This first group are my most loyal of visitors and comment almost very post – if not every post and have contributed greatly to the blog both here and through their own Brilliant Blogs:

• Linda Blondheim – Yours was one of the first blogs that I encountered when I decided to get started. Linda, you are a mentor, fantastic painter and now a friend. I have learned so much from you and I aspire to a professional career that will be greatly affected by your journey. Thank you for you are truly a generous spirit.
• Lana at the Dreaming Tree – Lana, I said a lot already on your anniversary post a few days ago, but I just want to share here what a talented a sweet person you are and that I am certain we are kindred spirits. Sharing the journey has been a pleasure.
• Kim at Laketrees – Laketrees is another of the blogs I found very early on and has had a huge influence on me. Kim is incredibly generous with her time and goes to a great extent to use her hard won influence in the blogosphere to promote the work of other artists and to help them improve their reach on the web. Her massive support of Artscapes has meant so much, especially when we are half a world away. Thank you so much, Kim, and say hi to your Mom!
• Kinsey Bernard and Koty Bear – Kinsey is the embodiment of the adventurer and her blog is a constant reminder of how incredibly beautiful a place our planet is. From the very beginning her comments were an encouragement to me and her blog a breathtaking inspiration. Thank you, Kinsey – you too are a kindred spirit!

The other Brilliant Bloggers who have shared this year with me – THANK YOU – For your creativity, and your support.

Special thanks to Ed and Laura for taking the time to put a real face on the blogosphere and coming to my opening in August:

• Ed Boutilier from the Cottage Blog – Ed’s photos are a wonderful tour of the beauty of Muskoka, year round.
• Laura – That Grrl – Laura has a bright sense of humour (see her cartoons) and has the best nose for abandoned farms I have ever seen. Laura was an invaluable resource for some of my paintings this year!
• Corrine the Jafagirl at JafaBrit – The most creatively fertile mind on the web!
• Katherine Tyrell – Making A Mark -The best info for artists in the blogosphere…
• Eddie – The Cliff Walk – Eddie’s blog and his visits here are a reminder that life is poetry – Thanks for staying connected, Eddie! Check out his amazing PhotoBlog…
• Jean Levert Hood Jean is a recent discovery and one of the most optimistic and cheerful people out there. Her art is colourful and reflects her sparkle. I am thrilled that she is a part of, as Linda would say, my ‘tribe’.
• Claire – A Little Piece of Me – Claire’s killer sense of humour, deep honesty and passion for beautiful things has had a significant influence on my year in the blogosphere. One of the first blogs I encountered in my early weeks, Claire has been a wonderful light….
• Heather – Azure Islands Designs – Heather is a stunning jewelry designer and her blog has taught me more about stones than I ever imagined. A fellow Ontarian, and another creative and charming personality, I am hoping to meet her at next year’s Rosseau Farmer’s Market. I missed this year! Every Friday all summer people – if you find yourselves in Muskoka….
• Doudy from Doudy Sketche My Egyptian connection and extremely kind and generous. Doudy’s appreciation of my work has completely gone to my head. Doudy’s own work is in watercolour and is brave and bold and full of spirit.
• Kris Cahill – Kris is a fantastic non-objective artist that paints from her soul and is always full of wise words. Her blog is a peek into her journey, her art and her generous spirit. It has been a pleasure to follow her this year!
• Phil at Stopping By the Woods – To one of my very first friends on the web and probably one of the first people to comment – Thank you – And I am glad to see you back… The ride through the countryside is beautiful!
• KaslKaos – A blog that is essentially sketchbook for the thoughts and experiences of a someone who sets an example of how to see the environment around us. It has been a pleasure and an education to share with you…
• Michael Chesley Johnson – Michael is an inspiring teacher and has given me new insights on the experience of painting plein air. His book is available now. Check it out…

Two more people I must thank for being a big part of this year’s journey and cannot under ANY circumstances be forgotten – but do not blog:

• Teresa – Auburn Gallery – Thank you to the person who took a chance on me and my work! Your support and friendship this last year has been incredible!
• Martin – Whose comments have always got me to thinking… Thanks for sticking with me!

There are many more of you that I have not listed here that have had an influence. Every visitor that has taken the time to comment – THANK YOU. You are all the reason that this experience has been so much fun!