Just a bunch of random items for this post:
- First and foremost, a mention of the fires in Australia. It’s so hard to imagine, here in the rainy midwest, what it must be like in the midst of the unbelievable destruction. I found myself agreeing with Suse a bit, when she posted that it seemed bizarre, if not wrong, to read shiny, happy posts, while so many are suffering. But really, I’ve often felt that way about blogging. You never know when a reader might be one who has just lost a child, or a job, or just been diagnosed with cancer, or whatever. How frivolous a silly post about pennie pockets, or bunny salads, or crafting in general must seem. I really have no answers except to say that I view blogs as a happy place to escape. Our imaginary world where all is well. A place where one might retreat when the real world is less than fair. There’s nothing I can say that so many other bloggers haven’t already very eloquently said. Suse’s post had a bunch of great informative links. And, if you’d like to help, One Pretty Thing posted a great Australian Charity Roundup a few hours ago.
- A few weeks ago, I was a VERY VERY lucky girl and I won a giveaway from Marsha at Cute Stuff Inside.
Oh. My. Gosh. I wish you could see this adorable little purse and hold it in your hands. It’s all handknit and it’s amazing. The pictures in no way do justice to this purse (click on them for a closer view). I’ve been showing it to my knitting friends and there have been lots of oohs and aahs. And look, when I opened it up, there was a dime tucked inside.
I’m hoping Marsha will tell us the secret behind this dime. I’ve heard several theories, and now I’m really intrigued. Anyway, THANK YOU SO MUCH Marsha — I HEART my little purse! (And btw, you should check out Marsha’s blog to see these cute little purses in lots of other colors.)
- Thank you for all of your fabulous comments about my rendition of Monica’s Pennie Pockets. You guys are the BEST imaginary friends ever. I try really hard to answer all of my comments, but unfortunately, right in the middle of all that commenting, my mailbox filled up and comments started bouncing. I did some quick mailbox clean-up, but there are about 15 of you who got caught in no-man’s land, which made it extremely difficult for me to reply to you. If you didn’t hear from me, you were one of those people and I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated your comments — as I do all comments!
- And finally, TheEmptyNestChild would just like you to know, if you need a place to get away from it all, hiding under rugs is really fun.
Besides, it will make the other people in your house really laugh when they walk into the room and see a big hump in the carpet. If you don’t believe him, give it a shot!
Have a good week — and I hope all of you in Australia are staying safe!
XOXO,
Anna
i love being able to slip away to blogland.
sometimes it jsut makes my day.
but i know what you mean…about blogging happy things when it just doesn’t feel right.
yayyy to your winnings.
i was told by my great grandmother that you should NEVER give someone a purse or bag without money in it, or it was bad lucky to both of you.
and your kitty under the rug…how cute!!!
{my 3 year old does this too!!!}
Sometimes it’s the happy mundane things that keep us sane. We need some beauty to look at too. Thank you for expressing it.
I always include money in purses or wallets, a superstition that says may your purse never be empty. Also if I give knives so the relationship won’t be cut.
Hi Anna,
Thank you for a wonderful post. I’ve been trying to e-mail you (and I’ve tried just replying to the one you sent me), but it keeps coming back. Your address didn’t change, did it? If not, I’ll try sending it again tomorrow.
S.W.A.K.
You are so right, blogging is a way to “escape”! But that doesn’t negate all the other tragedies going on around us. Our hearts go out to all in Australia.
I just love your beaded purse. I popped over to her blog and just love her little pink purse. Great! I hope you are having a wonderful day!
Thanks for thinking of us – it is very sad. But, it is also lovely to read your happy blog. We always put coins in purses as it is bad luck not to. And if you give someone a knife or scissors they need to give you a coin or there will be bad feelings between you. xx
My grandmother always told me the same thing about putting money in a coin purse or wallet…but she always said a penny…guess the dime is for inflation…LOL!!!!!!!
Empty Nest Child is too funny…OMG I’m glad the boys don’t get under the rug…we would have tipping furniture.
Blogging is the perfect antidote to the horrible things that happen in this world. It’s also the best place for rallying round and helping those who really need it.
That knitted purse is quite quite incredible! I’m amazed that anyone can knit anything so gorgeous – you lucky winner you!!
Off now to hide under the rug ;-)
xxx
Well put, Anna.
I always was told that you put money in a wallet or purse never told a specic amount. I don’t know why. But a dime is always to be given when I knife is given as a gift. Again I have no clue why.
That picture of your cat is beautiful! ooxx`jod
I’m so glad you shared your feelings about blogging. I often feel that exact same concern about writing posts that often seem incongruous to what’s happening with others elsewhere in the world. The tragedy in Australia is one I shall endeavor to do something to help and am considering ideas being shared on various blogs like One Pretty Thing and Devliegendekie.
What a wonderful little purse that is you’ve won. It’s stunningly gorgeous and I’m so tickled for you that it’s now yours.
1) I’m gonna number too. :o) I couldn’t agree with you more. I too look at “happy blogging” as an escape. Well… not so much as an escape, but I think with all that’s going on the world… the economy, the AU fires… happy blogs are a nice uplifting respite.
2) That purse is beautiful! I think the dime is for emergencies… to make a phone call (ha, do phones even take coins any more?). My mom always made sure I had a dime in my pocket when ever I left the house. It’s the charged cell phone of the past.
3) You never ever have to worry about replying a comment I left, k. I loved reading your comments too… and dang…. you’ve made the cutest pennies EVER!
4) ADORABLE!
5) Got nuttin’ for #5… just wanted to up you on the numbers. :-p
the little coin purse is fabulous! and imaginary blog friends are the best…???
Well said. I have struggled with some of the same, how can I babble about quilting and life when I know others are suffering. But…you are so right, I read blogs to relax, laugh, cry a little and not worry about the big stuff. At least for a short while. It is nice to escape to another place.
Love the antics of the EmptyNestChild. I have a kiddo that would love to follow that lead.
Very well said Anna…and ending on a happy note with your beautiful kitty cat…and the purse is lovely.
Well said about blogging – after all it is perfect escapism. Love that purse – it looks amazing!
Your cat is beautiful Anna, thanks for sharing the pix. I love reading your blog and most others I’ve come across thru links on blogs such as yours. Helping others in distress in any form, a simple heartfelt prayer perhaps, or monetarily, or just sending a good thought into the cosmos for those in need of some positive energy – it all helps no matter how small. Best, Ani
Number 1 very well expressed Anna. xxxxx
Lovely new purse too.
And the idea of YOU hiding underneath your rugs to startle visitors just has me in kinks of laughter!!!!
Lucy xxx
I, too, love to slip into blogland. Sometimes I spend far too much time there, however. It’s such a happy place.
That purse is incredible! And you are so lucky to have won it.
I’ve been thinking about those suffering Victorian Australians and found the link to the Aussie Red Cross and did my bit. I pray, but sometimes I want to do something tangible too.
What a sassy little purse. I want to reach out and fondle it — it demands touching! Beautiful. Lucky you!
Jody
My blog tends to be my happy place, too. Every now and then I come across a blogger who’s struggling with a serious illness or family tragedy and it does make me feel a bit shallow — but I guess we all make our blogs what we need them to be.
Cats crack me up!! Some of the things they do!! Although I could almost see Max pulling something like that, if he thought it would be warm in there.
The little purse is amazing!!
What a steal on the purse! It’s divine.
And love the kitty.
A lovely bundle of randomness thank you! I’m off to crawl under a rug and wait …. (another 4 hours to wait before they get home and notice me!) Have a great weekend
Kimx
Hi Anna,
I love reading happy blogs like yours! Your little purse is adorable and I’m trying for some randomness in my life, I’m such a -one on this side one on that side- kind of person : )
I have to comment about escaping into blogland. As you know, my brother passed away last week and I was just so hurt that this happened. It was surreal and I wondered if all would ever be the same. It did my heart good to read the blogs and know that life goes on, that people are happy, that time did not stop. I simply could not blog myself, and did not leave comments, but it was reassuring to read the blogs. Blogging is a connection with people that you may never meet, but who touch your life in many ways that they might never know. Thanks for being a bright and cheerful blog in my life!
Hi Anna, these are some really pertinent thoughts about blogging. The escapism of this whole world has really helped me in recent months. I was lurking and not commenting for a good while – just looking at pretty pretty things to take my mind away from the horrors going on, just for a few minutes. All our thoughts are with Australia right now – such a terrible tragedy and on a scale that few of us can comprehend. Who knows – the sight of your delightful pennie pockets may have helped someone out there – lovely pictures like that can be therapy as well as frivolity.
That’s a charismatic pussy cat you have there
Emma
x
Lovely, random post and that little purse makes my heart soar. I too, see blogland as an escape and take the happy with the sad. I have read some very emotional and moving posts this week but have equally enjoyed the more frivolous ones too.
“BEST imaginary friends ever” This cracks me up! Thanks so much for the kitty picture. That is just what my day needs. I try to balance out the happy with the sad and kitties always fit the bill.
OMGosh!!! You lucky, lucky lady, you! That purse is gorgeous!
Give that adorable Empty Nest Child a scratch under his chin, or behind his ears…wherever he likes it best. That’s just for being such durn cute kitty cat!
Oh too funny! Our Tiger also likes to hide under rugs like that! She also likes to hide under towels and grab the kids legs when they get out of the bath! :) She is really quite evil!!!
Noodle played yesterday morning seeing how fast he could dive under the kitchen rug and come out the other side and “surprise” us. All you see is a lump and a big brown butt sticking out…he’s hidden according to him!