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.ย 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!
What a great idea! And, thank you so much for the kind words. Congratulations on making it a great year for all your regular readers.
We are headed to Tucson this morning.
Koty, along with myself, sends his love!
Whoa! you have put my two year blogging post to shame, I am a right grumpy sod. I didn’t even bother with a one year blogging post, because I forgot, whoops.
After looking at the other blogs you have picked, I am chuffed to bits that you have included mine in-between all these creative souls. I just had a look at the ones I didn’t already know and they are cool.
Hooray for reaching one year of blogging!
Michelle, Congrat’s on your consistent and persistent effort in producing your high quality, creative and artistic blog.
The written and the seen delivered in such an emotive way ,it is always pleasure to visit.
And of course thank you for the acknowledgement.This will be my second award this year.
My blog is a simple affair..
the photograph does the talking. I’m contemplating starting a written blog so I can ‘converse’ more with some of the folks like yourself that have joined with me in ashared artistic experience.
I can then post these awards,
and award my own award to deserving artists and writers such as yourself and others possibly from right here in your halls, whom i’ve yet to meet !
namaste
eddie
Michelle,
I am humbled to be included in your anniversary blog. Thank you. I never miss your blog, in fact, every morning I visit your site first to see if you have posted anything overnight. I do not always respond, but I am always there in the background, waiting, watching, thinking and supporting in my own quiet way.
CONGRATULATIONS on your first year. It takes a wealth of persistence and perseverance, traits that will serve you well through the highs and lows of life. Bravo!
Aw, shucks. *blush* You’re too kind! Happy blogiversary & many, MANY more! Your blog is a joy to behold. I love your paintings, of course, but the posts about your process are equally interesting; photos you’ve taken, places you’ve visited, thoughts you have. I sincerely hope that on one of my trips back to Canada we might meet in “real” life. Timmy’s on me. ๐
Kudos & keep up the great work!
Congratulations Michelle. Your work continues to inspire and your thoughts and your blog also continue to paint amazing, wonderful pictures for all of us to enjoy! As I have been “absent” for so long on my own blog, I truly am not worthy of mention, but thank you!
Michelle,
Congratulations on your year anniversary! I so look forward to your posts, to your wonderful paintings, and your great photos and narratives of your corner of the world. Your eye for beauty is apparent. I love seeing these wonderful places through your eyes.
I am so honored to be in your list, what a very nice surprise. I humbly thank you, and am delighted to be a part of your tribe!!
I had my anniversary this summer, here’s to many more for us!
Warmly,
Jean
Congrats on your One Year Anniversary! Your blog is a wonderful showcase of your work and life and always interesting. It’s great to get another window on Ontario, and parts I don’t often get to see.
Thanks for making an “obligation free” award. I’ve passed it on already.
I am, as usual, honoured by any and all of your attentions. You are a great artist.
happy anniversary! and a great idea and milestone. don’t forget the other milestones = the 1,000 post, whatever.
cheers!
ohhh thanks so much for this beautiful award Michelle…I’m nearly speechless!!
one year !!!
Big BIG CONGRATULATIONS!!!…
what an amazing achievement…
I’m due to have my 3rd anniversary this week…and I can’t believe how the time has flown….
thank you for your lovely words..I feel very honoured to be part of your ‘audience’…
I’ll be sure to pass on your greetings to Mum ๐
Gosh you have quite a list there and I feel honored to be included (with some really brilliant bloggers who have been an inspiration to me also), thank you ๐
Congratulations on your anniversary ๐
Congratulations Michelle on a year of wonderful photos, paintings and posts…I’ve truly enjoyed stopping by!!!
A heart felt thank you for thinking of me with your thoughtful award, your kind words made my day…my apologies for being remiss in my visiting lately…work often has a way of getting in the way of things we find the most enjoyable!!!
Cheers