Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Blogging Sisters Are Top Notch


I have been journaling in the evening
while watching TV with Steve.

This page is for all my blogging sisters
you are all so encouraging,
so full of creative ideas,
and
you are all out there spreading good cheer
and building up the confidence and self-esteem
of your fellow blogging sisters 
all over the world.
(this goes for you blogging brothers, too)

Here's to you a wonderful bunch of friends. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A few years ago I went back to Indiana
to visit with family.
I knew that there would very likely be a chance that we would go to the lake,
and I'm not that comfortable in a swimsuit.


So before my trip I had to decide whether I wanted to be  remembered as:
 "Aunt Connie sure has changed, she's didn't want to do anything"
or
"Aunt Connie has gained some extra weight, but she sure is fun to be around". 

I packed my swimsuit. We went to the lake, and I had a ball 
with my brother and all my nieces and nephews.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



This page was a lot of fun! 
I really threw the color to it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


We have so very much to be thankful for.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Never Stop Dreaming.
For a couple of years I had a dream to start a blog.
I  waited until January of this year.
Why, because I was so afraid, that I would make a total fool of myself, 
venturing out into this big unknown world of blogging.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 



Thank You
* for all your encouraging words.
* for all your sweet comments.
* for sharing your life and dreams with me.
* for sharing your talents.
AND
For being so dog-gone sweet!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Keep Blogging,
Connie 

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111 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Hello Deanne, and thank you so much. Connie :)

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  2. My goodness Connie, you have been busy .........love your journal pages, especially the picture for blogging sisters.
    It's great, so many different people make up Blogland, it's nice to acknowledge and appreciate their individuality.
    I have dragged my colour pencils out of the drawer and have been having some fun with them. I am going on a long trip shortly
    and if I am allowed to take them on the plane I plan to have a go at a few pages myself......you have inspired me.

    CLaire :}

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    1. Hi Claire, your comment has made me so happy . . . it is nice when you find that you have inspired another blogger. Colored pencils are great to carry as a media, because they don't melt, make a mess, or need other supplies like brushes, etc. That's why I like them when I'm working in the family room . . . no mess. I hope you have a pleasant trip. Connie :)

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  3. Love it! Especially the JK Rowling quote. You know I like creative!

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    1. Hello there, I am so happy to get a visit for you and also delighted that you like my journal pages. That is a GREAT quote, isn't it. Have a marvelous day, Connie :)

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  4. Thank YOU, sweet Connie, for all your encouraging words and pictures you keep on sharing.
    Bless!
    Maria

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    1. Hello Maria, thank you for the sweet comment, you're a sweetie, Connie :)

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  5. You are an inspiration to me with your crafts and your ideas! I love your journal pages - and I definitely agree with you about the world of blogging sisters! Keep on blogging - and journaling!

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    1. Thanks Linda, it is always great to hear for you. Blogging sisters are the best! Have a great day, Connie :)

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  6. Awesome pages in your journal...yes blogging has been great for meeting such lovely people all over the world. xx

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    1. Hi Bron, thanks for stopping by, my blogging sister. Have a great day! Connie :)

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  7. Your journal is beautiful with your artwork. You are very talented!

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  8. Beautiful.
    You are an inspiration!!
    How talented you are, and so kind too!!
    Your artwork is beautiful, and the quotes that you've added are lovely.
    Thanks for sharing!!

    Smiles :)
    Kerin

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    1. Hi Kerin, You are just the sweetest. I'm happy that you like my journal and the quotes that have meaning to me. Thanks for the visit and keeping smiling, Connie :)

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  9. Such beautiful artwork - so colourful, happy and thoughtful!

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  10. What a wonderful blog post and your pages are gorgeous and very uplifting. I got a bit worried when I saw the bathing beauty, I thought you had secretly drawn me! LOL! Seriously, you do the most amazing pages and I share your thoughts entirely, I thought I would make a fool of myself too, but a few months ago I dived in and now I am having the time of my life! Crafty hugs, Anne x

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    1. My dear Anne, I enjoyed reading your comment and I love that you are enjoying life and not letting any outward appearances stop you from having fun. Life is too short to sit on the side lines. Dive in and make the most of every opportunity. It was so nice getting this little visit from you, Connie :)

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  11. Beautiful pages, gorgeous art work and gorgeous colors.

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  12. Connie, you just started your blog a few months ago? I am amazed! Your work is beautiful and I think that you are the next Mary Engelbriet! I hope that you publish your art journals so that we can buy them to enjoy and to help make you rich. I am serious!!!

    Hugs to you, my new friend,

    Kathy M.

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    1. My dear sweet blogging sister, you sound like my husband . . . he loves my journal pages, but then he loves all things about me. It's great to be loved. I really think that my work is pretty simple and not that incredible, not I am so happy that you feel that way. It would be a dream to make a living doing the very thing that brings you relaxation and happiness. I know I said never stop dreaming . . . sometimes dreams are just dreams. Not every dream comes true. Thank you for being so supportive. You're a wonderful new friend, Connie :)

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  13. Oh Connie I so adore your journal - how clever you are. My husband is currently just about to start one himself and I'm so envious. Thank you so much for your lovely uplifting and encouraging comments before I had my eye surgery, it meant such a lot and to know that you and others were right there behind me was heartwarming. I agree blogging puts you in touch with so many like-minded people and it's lovely to share ideas and dreams with everyone. I really feel that I have made some very special friends here and not the least with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    Patricia x

    PS I shall be back blogging as from tomorrow. I took your advice and left it until I was completely ready x

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    1. Dear Patricia,
      It sounds like your eye surgery was very successful. I am so pleased. I think it is wonderful that your husband is starting a journal. Will it be script or will he be adding art as well? My grandmother and my mother both kept journals . . . in fact reading my grandmother's is where I learned that I was her 43 grandchild. She had eleven children and I heard that she insisted that the youngest sleep with her and grandpa until he was ten years old . . . that was grandma's way of birth control, LOL. I guess it worked. Journals are a great way to share with the people you love . . . something for them to enjoy long after you leave this world. I also write about my childhood and young married life, and stories about happy family events. These I don't share with my blogging friends . . . these are the little treasures for my husband, daughter and grandchildren. A journal can become a colorful bit of family history. Wow, I've gotten a little carried away with this reply . . . I wonder if you are still reading. Have a great day, I am so glad that you are feeling better and will soon be back blogging. :)

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  14. Such a beautiful work of art Connie, It is true you do have to be yourself in life and have fun doing just that! I think I can see Me in your lovely drawing Ha Ha!
    Thea x

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    1. Hi Thea, thank you so much for stopping by to visit and thank you for your sweet comments.
      Have a joy filled day, Connie :)

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  15. Hi Connie,
    I love your journal, particularly your blogging sisters page! It a great way to illustrate the way be inspiring and encourage each other and celebrate the good things in life. Our newspapers are always so full of bad news!
    Sarah x

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    1. Hi Sarah, I agree we get polluted with bad news, but not here in our blogging network. I know that there are blogs that discuss the world news and politics, but I prefer to to celebrate the good things in life. I believe that connecting with like minded people, people with positive attitudes, is a very healthy way of life. I receive much positive energy from my blogging sisters . . . Bravo, too strong kindhearted women all over the world. Good cheer, Connie :)

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  16. Connie- Your artwork is wonderful. I absolutely love it- I can sure relate to the swimsuit story-yeah...been there!!!! I am so glad you did decide to blog- you are great at it-xo Diana

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    1. Hi Diana, You're one of my bright and shining sisters . . . You are like a fairy spreading fairy dust . . . only you are spreading good cheer, everywhere you go. Thank you, I can always count on you to brighten my day. :)

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  17. Connie, your art journal shows who you are inside and out.....a beautiful person! LOVE seeing your ART and the story behind it. From one sweetie to another~~~Roxie

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    1. Hi there Roxie, Sweetie is right (at least when we are talking about you). You're one of those blogging sisters that I'm talking about on my journal page. You always have a positive, encouraging word. Thank you! You make this world a better place with very kind word and every smile on your lovely face. Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  18. Your art journal is wonderful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing and blogging!

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    1. Hi Brady, you are a sweetheart. Thank you for your sweet comments, you brighten my day. Connie :)

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  19. Love your journal. The colors are amazing. Your drawing too is awesome. Glad you took the plunge and began a blog.

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    1. Thank you Anita, I am very happy that I took the plunge and started my blog too. I have enjoyed meeting so very many positive, kindhearted, and talented women. This list includes you . . . you have know idea how much a kind word can brighten someones day. That is what I see from this wonderful network of blogging sisters . . . spreaders of good cheer. I feel honored to be among such good company. :)

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  20. Connie, Your journal is great. Glad you starting blogging..me too. Smiles, Susie

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    1. Thank you Susie, I'm glad I starting blogging, too. It feels very good to be in the company of so many kindhearted and talented women. Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  21. always love your enthusiasm, strength and joy for life. you inspire me. thanks for sharing with us.

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    1. Hi Lisa, what a lovely thing to say, thank you, Connie :)

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  22. Such wonderful pages, Connie. The blogging one is my favourite, but the second one is so true and so important to remember. Thank you!

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    1. Hi Jackie, thank you for your sweet comments. Yes, I think that most of us can relate to the second journal page, or we know someone that needs to know that they are perfect just the way they are. The outward appearance is not who we are, but the character and integrity that we live by is what and who we are. Have a fantastic day, Connie :)

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  23. OH how wonderful! Love your meaning words and gorgeous how you create them in every page. Somes are so vibrant in coloring und jolly and so beautiful painted others are thoughtful, you are very talented!
    After all that much rain, finally the summer is here for this week, therefore we enjoy the time, but I come back to visit your amazing blog.
    God bless you, my Dear,
    xox Anja

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    1. Dear Anja, thank you for the lovely comments about my journal pages. You are a sweetheart. I'm happy that you are getting some warm weather, enjoy our summer. Connie :)

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  24. Hello Connie. Thank you for your visit, it's so nice to meet new friends. I shall be following your posts.

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    1. Good morning Elizabeth, thanks for stopping by, Connie :)

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  25. Hello Connie, this is my first visit...I saw your comment on Elizabeth's blog Cornish Cream just now. You sounded like such a positive and encouraging person I wanted to come see what you are all about. I love your art journal and your sense of humor. And your marvelous use of color too! I am adding you to my blog list so I don't lose track of you and will come visit again. It's wonderful to meet you.

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    1. Good Morning Sara, I am so excited that you would like me enough to put me on your Blog List. You have made my day! Have a marvelous weekend and thank you for your very lovely comments, Connie :)

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  26. Oops, looks like my comment responded to Elizabeth's...sorry!

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  27. Hi Connie and thanks for dropping by my blog. Love your journal.. such bright and happy colours.

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    1. Hello Carolyn, I am so excited to see you here and thank you so much for deciding to follow. I'm looking very forward to becoming good blogging friends. Have a great weekend, Connie :)

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  28. What a great post, Connie! I love your colorful journal. I could totally relate to the first overweight one, except I took the other road and put off swimming.

    What an accomplishment! You went from being afraid to start a blog to becoming a huge blog success!!! Kudos.

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    1. Hello Denise, you are a total sweetheart . . . but you probably hear that all the time. Thank you for your very sweet comment. Have a wonderful weekend, Connie :)

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  29. Bonjour Connie!
    Comment est jolie votre message!! :O) J`adore votre journale il est vrement tres jolie!!! :O) Jolie dessin!!!! J`adore!!! :O)
    Have a nice day!!!
    xxx Maria xxx

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    1. Bonsoir Maira, Merci, bonne journee, Connie :)

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  30. Connie, you are such a sweet, lovely, and wonderfully inspirational lady!
    xKarenx

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    1. Thank you . . . what an awesome compliment. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by, Connie :)

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  31. OH wow, you are a very talented artist...And you are sooo right, is being over weight the worst think in the world...I don't think so. So glad you dipped your foot into the world of blogging!

    Carol

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    1. Hi Carol, thank you for your lovely visit. Yes, I think we put too much importance on weight. I'm not knocking trying to be at a healthy weight, but so many women give up on living a fulfilled and happy life because they don't look like the women in the magazines. It is just so sad. I hate how anyone being over weight is so discriminated against. It's like the old saying, "Don't judge a book by it's cover". There are so many sweet kindhearted women out there that need an encouraging word. Have a marvelous day, and eat a cookie . . . they are sooooooooooooooo good. Connie :)

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  32. Connie, what a wonderful, heart felt and encouraging post! Following you.
    JoAnn

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    1. Thank you so much for your email. I was replying to that . . . then came back and here you where following my blog. Thank Again . . . I'm looking forward to becoming good blogging friends,
      Connie :)

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  33. I love your journal pages especially the one with the J.K. Rowling quote and your swimsuit story. I'm forever not doing something because I don't think I look good enough, but I'll take a leaf out of your book from now on and jump in!

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    1. You have made my day. . . it takes a lot of courage to stop looking at ourselves an always having this drive to be perfect. We do not expect perfection from the ones we love and care about, yet we think that we will not be excepted until we are perfect. I do not believe that we should be selfish or in love with yourselves, but I do think that we should love yourselves enough that we let ourselves enjoy the same things that we freely give to those we love. Each day is a day to jump into and enjoy to the fullest. Each day is a new chance that is gone when the day is over. I wish you many marvelous courageous free spirited days. Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  34. Hello there, thank you so much for the lovely comment you left on my blog. I'm enjoying my visit to yours and I really like your journals. Just yesterday I didn't go swimming with the family as I feel podgy in my swimsuit. You're right, it doesn't matter, who really cares, it'd be better just to join in and have fun.

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    1. Hi there, thank you so much for visiting my blog . . . I do hope that the next time you have a chance to go swimming with your family, that you just take the plunge and dive right in. Enjoy every family moment that comes your way . . . you will never regret it.

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  35. Hi Connie!
    Low and behold, I pulled up my blog this morning, and your thumbnail was there! Not sure why that wasn't showing yesterday? A gliche in blogger?
    Anywho - thank you so much for following! I love this post! You've turned journaling into an art form. It's fascinating to me how you filled every space on the pages. My mother is an artist, and I will have to share this with her. Your drawings are so Vibrant! I have no doubt it is a perfect reflection of your personality. :)
    I hope you do not mind if I pin some of your images. I will make sure they link directly back here. :)
    ~Dori

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    1. Hi Dori, I am so glad that Google starting working again when I follow . . . I do not know what was going on. Your comments just might give me the big head . . . Thank you, Connie :)

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  36. I love your beautiful , very creative journal!

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  37. You are such a inspiration to me ,thank you for a wonderful blog.

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    1. Thank you Mary. I get excited every time I see that photo of you sitting on that huge turtle. I would have that blown up - framed and hanging in a special place in my home. That photograph is a treasure and when I see it pop up in my comments, I know I'm getting a lovely visit from a delightful friend. Have a great day, Connie :)

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  38. Connie, that journal is absolutely beautiful, I wish I had half your talent xxx

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    1. Thank you Fran, you are a sweetie. I just visited your blog and saw the wedding photos. What a beautiful couple and what a lovely site for a wedding . . . simply beguiling.

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  39. Hello ! thanks for your lovely comment ! your blog and your artwork is so wonderful and creative...have a nice week ! Gail x

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    1. Thank you Gail, you have a great week, too, and thanks for stopping by. Connie :)

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  40. Love all your beautiful pages in your journal. You're such an artist!

    Jody

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    1. Hi Jody, I'm very pleased that you like my drawings. It is just a very relaxing way to spend my evenings. Thanks for stopping by and do come again, Connie :)

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  41. Hello Connie! As soon as I saw your guitar and joyous smile I knew I was going to love you. Your drawings are just beautiful. xxx

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    1. Hello there Vix, may I call you that? I am excited to see you here, your blog is so much fun. It is refreshing to see someone that is so comfortable with themselves that they can pick an era that they love and live there. I love your style, it is exciting and oh, so, flower child, like. I imagine you as a very light-hearted and fun to be with person. A true blogging sister. Peace and goodwill, Connie :) P.S. thank you for following my blog, I am honored.

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  42. Hi Connie, thanks so much for finding me in this big enormous blogosphere! Your drawings are brilliant and must be so satisfying while watching t.v. with the hubs.
    Love your energy!

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    1. Hi Joni, I am delighted to receive this comment from you, and thank you for the kind words. Even more, thank you for following. It looks like you are getting a sunny weekend, get out and have some fun! Connie :)

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  43. Hi Connie! Thanks for the visits you have paid to my blog! Your drawings that you have shared here are just beautiful, and the messages as well. I'm looking forward to reading more of your blog. :)

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    1. Thank you Jamie . . .I have certainly been enjoying your blog as well. Connie :)

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  44. Your journal is fabulous!! I just looove it. I journal every day as well and it's such a great way to process my life and keep positive. Your colours and your lights shine here. I also love your other blog, Strumming and Singing. It is a bit freaky that I found you because I am in the midst of brushing up on my chording on strings and keyboards! Very mysterious. Very wonderful!

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    1. I was delighted when I opened my blog this morning and there you were. not only did you leave a lovely comment, but you're a follower as well. Be still my heart . . . every-time I get a new follower my poor old heart skips a beat (in a good way of course . . . no heart attacks here). Sounds like you're quite the musician . . . strings and keyboard. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better and in getting inspired to liven up my wardrobe a bit. Have a great day, Connie :)

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  45. Hello...thanks for your visit to my blog. Just wanted to pop in and say Hi. :)

    I like your journaling - so much colour, and I like your little philosophies and thoughts too. I've often wished I could make the time to do something similar but I think a few extra hours in the day would be needed.

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    1. Your talent amazes me, this bag is gorgeous, but then everything you touch is that way. I want to thank you for your sweet visit and for following my blog. Yes, I know what you mean about having more hours in a day. There are so many things that I would like to try my hand at . . . but I would need another six hours added to each day. Life is such a marvelous blessing and I'm just enjoying each day the good Lord sends me. I am delighted that I found you and I'm looking forward to following your fabulously creative journey.
      Connie :)

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  46. Hi Connie, thanks for following me - I love your journal and am happy to be one of your blogging sisters! x

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    1. Thank you for the sweet visit and thank you for following my blog. Your work is so out-standing and I am looking forward to following your artful journey. Connie :)

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  47. Hi Connie, I love your journal pages, they are so vibrant, they almost glow with your lovely energy. I like your quotes too, there is so much thought here and they have just made me count my blessings too. You have a really great sense of colour.I hope you both have a great weekend

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    1. Hello Anna, it is so good to see you . . . I have been enjoying your lovely tags and I think the fact that you got to see the torch go by is wonderful. It must have been a thrill . . . that torch represents so many hopeful people. The Olympics has always been such a common ground for joining people together from all over this magnificent world. In that sense, it is kind of like blogging. When people come together over common interests all the differences fade into the background where they belong. There are so many lovely people in this world. We are all after the same things, happiness, healthiness, a nice home, and friends and family to share our time with. Have a marvelous day . . . your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  48. Thanks for inviting me to your lovely blog. You are very inspiring!! I'm excited to be a follower!
    Rose @ http://www.arosiesweethome.com/

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    1. Dear Rose, I am delighted that you came to visit and decided to follow. Blogging has become a very exciting part of my daily life. I have met so many wonderful like minded creative women through this media and I am looking forward to following along your creative journey.
      Have a wonderful weekend, Connie :)

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  49. Fun to see some of your journal pages. I'm so happy to have found your blog. I'm now following along......Sarah

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    1. Thank you Sarah, I am delighted to have you as a new blogging friend.

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  50. You are amazing! Inspiring always...here's to blessed blog sisters! What lovely art!
    Your beautiful soul, dear Connie, shines so bright...
    Thank you!
    xoxo,
    - Irina

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    1. Irina, what a lovely encouragement. Thank you, Connie :)

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  51. What great drawings! I love them! My mother can draw and does mostly acrylic paintings, but I can't draw a stick figure.

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    1. Hi Amy, I was just looking at your country fair stormy sky photo, it's great!
      I love it!!!
      Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comment. Connie :)

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  52. I enjoyed looking at your Journal pages...You're reminding me to get mine out and start adding to it...thanks for the inspiration.

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    1. Hello JD, it is so nice to see you and I am delighted that I could be an inspiration.
      Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  53. What a wonderful post! I love the cheerful and colourful drawings, so heart warming! I'm so glad for you that you had the courage to wear your swim costume and had fun!
    Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such a lovely comment, and welcome to you as my latest follower!
    Gill xx

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    1. Hello Gill, Welcome to my blog and to my merry bunch of blogging sisters. I am delighted to see you and happy that you like my journal. Have a marvelous day, Connie :)

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  54. Connie, I love how colourful your artwork is and how positive and upbeat the sentiments are! Reminding ourselves of positive things is so important, isn't it? Thanks for sharing your artwork and contributing some sunshine to the blogging world!
    : ) Fern

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  55. Wow Connie what a wonderfully talented artist you are! Love your journal pages! Thanks so much for your sweet words on my blog and becoming a follower. Have a wonderful week :)

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