Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Ten Year Blog Anniversary and a Giveaway





In 2013, I published this post titled, "Have you ever picked cotton?" Recently, I remembered this post (because in the back of my mind I thought I had a quilt that worked for fall) and found it in the archives. I used it in my last post. 
Reading the comments not only warmed my heart but made me realize all the more how much I have enjoyed the relationships with other bloggers over the years. 
One of my friends from Ireland asked me in her comment, "Bonnie, did you really take everything out to a cotton field and photograph it? Yes, Linda@Flowersonmytable and on Instagram linda_okane_I did!!! I hope all of you will read the comments on this post and others I am going to mention and you may see your name or others you know
 Another outdoor tablescape done on location so to speak can be viewed here. Since I am reminiscing, I am going to mention the names of people that have influenced and encouraged me over the last ten years. Susan Herrin@BNOTP was one of my first encouragers.


Despite terrible humidity in July and temps in the 90's, I have fond memories of this post. I believe Chloe@ Celebrate and Decorate viewed this post on BNOTP and asked me to join her tablescape blog hop after that. I have enjoyed all I have learned from this group. Chloe Crabtree, you are an encourager!

Time to Nest

This post was easy and fun to do in my backyard on a beautiful spring day. I remember being flattered Marty@A Stroll Thru Life featured this post on her blog. Marty is another encourager!

Grateful Giveaway Recipient
Mary@Home is where the Boat is, started blogging around the same time as I did. In the above post, I won her lovely giveaway. Mary's encouragement began a lot earlier. I'm sure she doesn't remember but she suggested I link my July 4th table to a linky party her friend, Cuisine Kathleen sponsored. Many of you will remember Cuisine Kathleen's blog party was called Let's Dish Wednesday but sadly Kathleen has retired from blogging now.  Mary is still going strong blogging and still inspires and encourages me today. Mary is an encourager!


Butterflies in the Garden
Two of the most exciting and gratifying posts I have done were the two posts on the development of swallowtail butterflies. 
Finally, I'm a beautiful butterfly My excitement was hard to contain during this time and everyone that knows me knows I have a passion for butterflies. Even today, as I write this I thought I saw a monarch but it flew away quickly. It seemed smaller and I decided it might have been a Viceroy. I've been writing this on the porch hoping it would come back but no luck.
These two butterfly posts were linked to Pam @Everyday Living's linky party titled, Garden Party. Pam featured these posts and other gardening posts. Pam is a great encourager. 
Sunrises and Sunsets
Sunrises and sunsets are glorious to me and I am in awe of each one I view. I'm sharing a collection of sunrises and sunsets today that was a thrill to photograph from different places I've traveled. Shown here are sunset at Natchez, Mississippi, and sunrise in Montpazier, France. You can view the blog post to view others by clicking on the title above.
Montpazier, France sunrise.




Enchanted by the Moon post features several phases of the moon from some of our travels. Since I was a little girl I have always been enchanted by the moon. This picture,
Moon Rising over Paris is a favorite as is the moon rising over Sorrento, Italy.
Full Moon over Sorrento, Italy. 
Sunrises and Sunsets were featured by Foodie Friday and Coastal Charm.
Appetizers Galore
I was thrilled to be featured on Foodie Friday by Micheal Lee West for this post on appetizers and a number of other posts. I miss Rattlebridge Farm but enjoy Michael Lee's Instagram account now that she is not blogging.
Micheal Lee is an encourager.

This post, Gardens in France is one of my favorite travel posts. Thank you, Shelley@ Calypso in the Country for featuring a number of my travel posts. Shelley is an encourager.

Dessert in the Garden
This post was inspired by Rita@Panoply's purge where she gifted me with this lovely vintage tablecloth and the beautiful milk glass cake stand.
Rita is an encourager.


Spring and Summer Garden
I used the beautiful tablecloth again in this post. It was featured at Life and Linda, Pam @Everyday Living, and by Victoria Magazine on Instagram. Linda, Pam, and Victoria Magazine are encouragers.

This is my first blog post titled," Our Thanksgiving Table"( view here) published on November 26, 2009! There were five little pictures and no commentary. 
I had no idea what I was doing but I was very excited to begin this journey.  My first comments were from my daughter's friends.
The first blog I discovered was Susan Herrin's blog, "Between Naps on the Porch."  I was as excited as when I first discovered the new HGTV channel back in its beginning. At last, I had access to reading and viewing things I was interested in. 
It took me forever to learn how to link up to blog parties but thanks to Susan's tutorials about how to do this I finally got it. Then the fun began and I have made so many nice friends over the years.   

Over the years I have been encouraged by each comment I have received. I could not possibly list every person over the last ten years but I must name a few that have been so faithful in no certain order: Emily@The French Hutch, Jenna@The Painted Apron, Linda@Lulu's Musings, Kitty@ Kitty's Cozy Kitchen, Cindy@Creations by Cindy, Laura@Decor to Adore, Sandra@ Maison De Jarden, Dianne@Inspired by Joy, Sarah@Hyacinth for the Soul, Mona@Hidden Art of Homemaking, Denise @Forest Major, At Home with Amalia, Louca por porcelana, Heritage Hall, Art and Sand, Jeanie@Marmelade Gypsy, Ricki@ The Sketchy Reader, Jacqueline@Purple Chocolat Home, Shannon@ Belle Bleu Interiors, Laura@White Spray Paint, Shelley@ Calypso in the Country, Stephanie@The Enchanting Rose, Debbie@She Graces her Home in God's Beauty, Liz@Home and Gardening with Liz, Stacy@Poofing the Pillows, Jemma@At Home with Jemma, Judith@Botanic Bleu, Linda@More Fun Less Laundry, Shirley@Hospitality Designs, Kari@Me and My Captain, Lidy@ French Garden House, Ann@Corner of Plaid and Paisley, Debee@ Debbees Buzz, Carole@ From My Carolina Home, Tanna@Brick Street Bungalow, Patti@Pandora's Box, Cherry Kay @ Entertaining Women, Jann@Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson, Judy@Life in Kentucky, Karen@Back Road Journal, Sandra@Sweet Sensations, Carol@Blue Sky Home, Cecilia@My Thrift Store Addiction, Amber@Follow the Yellow Brick Road, Marsha@ The Little Yellow Country Store, Lea@ Cici's Corner, Maureen@Red Cottage Chronicles, Katherine@Katherine's Corner and Michelle@My Crafty Mom ,Kim@Savvy Southern Style along with the others that had linky parties I mentioned earlier. I must mention Alma@ The Tablescaper, Honey @2805 and Kelly@The Essence of Home although they are no longer blogging they were encouragers to me also.
 I would also like to thank those friends and family that do not blog but faithfully read my blog and support my efforts.  I especially thank my daughter for starting my blog so long ago. It has been an adventure. You are encouragers!


Now, for the giveaway, I am excited to share the new book by Ronda Carman," Entertaining At Home."
Entertaining at Home presents gatherings in the homes of leading tastemakers from the worlds of interior design, architecture, culinary arts, and society-including Lynn Wyatt, Suzanne Kasler, Julia Reed, Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, Carla McDonald, and Danielle Rollins, among others-who show readers how best to entertain with flair and finesse.

 To enter this giveaway leave a comment telling why you started blogging and when you started blogging for one entry. 
For the second entry follow me on Instagram and leave me an additional comment that you did.
For a third entry pin photos from this post. For a fourth entry become a follower through email and leave a comment that you did.
This giveaway is open to those living in the continental U.S. through midnight, November 20. I will notify the winner by email.

34 comments:

  1. I adore this post, Bonnie. What a wonderful way to celebrate ten years. And the word "encourager" -- so powerful. We all need them. We all have them. We all hope to be one. You are right about how every comment helps that along. Your photos -- each and every one -- are beautiful. Some of these are before I "met" you, so that's extra nice to see. (And by the way, the quilt in the cotton photos had me close to deep lust!) Happy Blogaversary, my friend. I look forward to more in the future!

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  2. Congratulations on your Blogaversary!Amazing posts and great giveaway. Blessings!

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  3. Bonnie, congratulations on ten years of blogging...that is amazing my friend! I absolutely love this post and will go back and read many of these that were before I met you. Thank you so much for the shout-out. I must tell you that you were one of my first encouragers five years ago when I started. You have been so supportive with comments, you are one of the best! I am more than thrilled that we met virtually through blogging, but have been able to share a couple of meals together as real-life friends. You are a special gift and blessing to me. We are also fellow Alabamians! The table in the cotton field immediately got my attention last night on Instagram. I have always wanted to do that. I love your Southern grace and charm dear friend. Thank you for the fabulous giveaway opportunity! Here’s to many more years of blogging and friendship. Much love to you and Mike!

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  4. Perhaps you didn't realize it, but you have also been an encourager throughout the years, Bonnie. Congratulations on your blogiversary. Many of your encouragers have also been mine, some gone from the blogging scene, some gone from this earth, many struggling with health and other issues, but ALL encouragers. Such a thoughtful post and wonderful giveaway opportunity.

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  5. Bonnie, this is the sweetest post! Each and every word rings true for me as a blogger. We started our blogs about the same time, as mine began with my first post on August 2, 2009. Like youu, it was Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch and Debbie @ Confessions of a Plate Addict who were my first encouragers. They held my hand and walked me through those first posts, helping and cheering me on. Others began to visit and leave encouraging comments, and you were among the first. Thank you for that, dear friend. Hyacinth For the Soul was begun on a whim, but has offered me ten years of joy. It is the the friendships spawned that I treasure the most, and like you, the list of these encouragers is lengthy. I was honored to see my name among your list, as I feel the same of you, Bonnie. And again, I could easily copy your list to name those who have faithfully visited my blog and encouraged me along the way. What an amazing community of women are in our circle.
    I smiled with the first post you shared here of the table set in the cotton fireld because I certainly remember it. I grew up in a rural community where cotton was a main crop. My first job was as a cotton buyer for my uncle who owned a cotton gin. I simply bought off the green cards. It was an interesting experience.
    Yes, I started my blog as a creative outlet during my years of retirement, and it has given me that and more. I've learned so much from you and the other woment who create and share with our community. Thank you, Bonnie!

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  6. Bonnie, the gift is a gorgeous offering, and of course it would be welcomed here. I most definitely follow you on IG. I find IG to be another source of inspiration in my daily life.

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  7. I have pinned several of your tables. Thanks for the inspiration!.

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  8. Follower by email, yes, I've long received your notifications of new posts. It is a perfect way to be alerted to your new posts. Have a great day, and congratulations on this special anniversary!

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  9. Bonnie, such a lovely post. And my sincere congratulations on your blog anniversary. I am rather new to the blog world (three years this January), and I greatly appreciate the many encouraging and kind words you have left on my blog. And, what a great giveaway as part of your anniversary celebration. Wishing you many more years of blogging.

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  10. Happy blog anniversary! Love all the pictures and I have always enjoyed eyeing your wonderful tabelscapes. And we all need encouragement from other's that is for sure. I hope that you have a great rest of the week sweet Bonnie. You are such a blessing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  11. Happy Blogging Anniversary, Bonnie! I loved seeing all your beautiful photos of tables, travels, food, butterflies and flowers. We do have many encouragers from blogging, I agree. I so loved meeting you in person, and for all your positive comments. Thank you for mentioning me in your list! My daughter encouraged me to start a blog, and I didn’t know what I was doing either. Michael Lee’s party was the first one that I linked up to, and I totally messed up, but with her help, I learned what to do. Thank you for being an encourager yourself! What a wonderful giveaway!

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  12. Bonnie, thanks so much for the sweet mention! Happy Blog Anniversary to you! It's amazing all the wonderful ladies and dearhearts you meet here in Blogland, I'm thankful for everyone of them! Here's to many more years of happy blogging! :)

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  13. Oh Bonnie, this is such an amazing post to celebrate your blogging anniversary! I loved each heartfelt word you wrote here. You have inspired me from the day we met on our blogs and then to actually meet and have lunch at a favorite French restaurant for lunch in Birmingham. I've enjoyed each of your posts along the way with your beautiful home and garden and famous tablescapes. I've learned so much from you along the way. Each of your photos here are lovely, I especial love the moon snaps. The quilt from your first tablescape reminds me of one I have that was stitched from my grandmother. I loved reading blogs before I decided to write my own. I never thought I had anything to offer until I stared commenting and was encouraged to just do it! The French Hutch was launched in January of 2011 and I've never looked back. I'm still inspired and hope a little of what I share helps to inspire others you can do it, just do it! Thanks Bonnie for sharing all of your inspiring creativity. Sending hugs..............

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  14. A most happy blogaversary, Bonnie. I follow your blog, especially vicariously through your travels, with much delight. Your creativity and accompanying photos are ispiring.

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  15. Bonnie,
    You are one of the sweetest and most creative, real bloggers I have the honor to follow! I have been formulating a plan to return to my blog and when I made a list of blogs that have inspired me and those I would like to emulate, yours was among them! I don't know whether I like your travel, family, or creative posts bests--actually I think it is the interesting and honest way you share your life with us that makes us all return to your posts, always anticipating a fulfilling read and never leaving disappointed. Thank you for sharing with us for ten years, and I hope you continue for many more.
    Linda

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  16. Bonnie, This was such a fun stroll through memory lane. Thank you for your kind words and mention. I so enjoy your tables, travels and garden photos and I share your butterfly love! You are an encourager too with your generous and sweet comments. All my favorite bloggers are on your list and Susan at BNOTP and Michael Lee were the first blog parties I joined back in 2010...my how times flies! Congratulations on your 10th Blogiversary. ♥

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  17. Bonnie, congrats of 1o years of glorious blogging. You have inspired all of us as well. Your tales are lovely. Your travels exciting. Your gardens are fabulous. You are such a kind woman. I started blogging in August of 2010.
    After leaving rate my space, I decided to start a blog. I love gardening and of course designing tables.
    I already follow you in Instagram. I hope things are better for you and your family now.

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  18. Oh Bonnie, what a beautiful post! I so enjoyed reminiscing with you and we have many mutual blog friends! Yes, I too was inspired to start blogging in 2012 by Mary and Susan and am grateful everyday to have found this creative outlet and made so many wonderful friends, most of them I've never even met! Linda {Lulu's Musings} told me you were getting together in Texas, that's wonderful!! Congrats on 10 years, and yes you are an encourager yourself with your sweet comments, and your hospitality that you share in your beautiful home and gardens! The book looks fabulous!
    Jenna

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  19. Happy anniversary!! You always inspire me. I believe I started blogging in 2009 but have not kept up with it. I love many of the blogs you have mentioned.
    I look forward to your posts!

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  20. Bonnie, what a wonderful post and I feel so honored to be mentioned! Thank you SO much and Happy Blog Anniversary to you! I am always inspired by your blog and I follow so many of these blogs as well. I have been blogging for 9 years and started because I loved sharing decorating and travel ideas. I actually started out on a little section of the HGTV website called Share My Space or Rate My Space or something like that. I remember how terrified I was to push enter on that first post...I guess it's still scary some days! Ha! Thanks again for your support and encouragement over the years!
    Shelley

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  21. Hi! This is my first time here. What beautiful pictures you have! I began blogging two years ago. I like to "show and tell" with the purpose of inspiring other people in their own creativity. And my, what a list of people at the end!! Sometimes it is overwhelming how many other bloggers there are out there, to get to know. How do you ever keep up with them all??

    Liberty @ B4andAfters.com

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  22. Bonnie, I loved your post. I always loved seeing your beautiful work at Foodie Friday, and I don't know if I ever told you how much warmth and kindness came through in your comments. I feel the same way when one of your photos show up in my IG feed, sometimes at the exact moment I need a bit of encouragement, and I feel very blessed indeed to know you and to think of you as a friend. Much love, Mlee

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  23. Bonnie,
    I started blogging March, 2010. I don't know when I found you but I have always loved your blog. We are such kindred spirits and you are an encourager for sure. I am very glad we ran into each other out here in blogland. Congratulations on a job well done..
    Love, Mona

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  24. Happy Blogversary!! I began blogging over 10 years ago and I feel the same about you and many you have mentioned. It also amazes me how many people we inspire without even knowing it! We have all improved and grown so much thanks to our encouragers and supporters!. Blogging has always been a creative outlet for me - learning so much from others and also sharing, and I began blogging for that very reason and surprisingly I have made so many friends from all over! - This is a beautiful book, so count me in

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  25. Kudos to you on this wonderful post for your blog anniversary! I began blogging over 10 years ago, and recognize most of the blogs you shared. I participating in a few of the weekly blog parties, and always looked forward to them. I still keep in touch with the wonderful ladies. I commented on your IG post when you asked how many bloggers we have met :-) If I wasn't still working I would blog more, and I do enjoy the special chats I have with blog friends. Congratulations on your commitment to blogging, and for the time you have committed to encourage. ♥ Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

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  26. Bonnie, this is such a beautiful post! Happy Ten Year Anniversary! I want to thank you for always being so encouraging on my blog. It means so much to me. Sorry, I haven’t been commenting. Something was wrong with my computer that kept me from commenting on certain accounts. However, a fellow blogger helped me solve the problem! I hope you have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

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  27. Congratulations on your anniversary, Bonnie. Your photos are so beautiful and your sweet nature always shines through.

    My blogging journey lasted 10 years and I enjoyed it all. :)

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  28. Congratulations on your anniversary, Bonnie. Your photos are so beautiful and your sweet nature always shines through.

    My blogging journey lasted 10 years and I enjoyed it all. :)

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  29. Ten years! Well done, Bonnie. You've created such a lovely, stylish space here.
    Amalia
    xo

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  30. Thank you everyone for the lovely comments on this post. I was very humbled and appreciative of your comments and support.
    We have a winner of my blog anniversary giveaway! My husband drew, Sarah @ Hyacinthforthesoul
    's name out of the hat. Sarah has been notified and her book has been shipped. Thank you for your participation. Have a beautiful day, Bonnie

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  31. Hi Bonnie,

    What a nice post! Congratulations on blogging for ten years!! You're got staying power, my friend. :D This coming year will mark my tenth year of blogging. Thank you so very much for mentioning me in this post. I don't feel like I've been much of an encourager to anyone lately; I seem to stay behind constantly on my blog visits. Please forgive me for not visiting you lately -- life has been so very busy here.

    You have done some beautiful tablescapes over the years; I truly love your taste in dishes, flowers, and home decor. It is fun to have this spot on social media where we can go to share and receive inspiration. You have shared some lovely images in this post, Bonnie; it's nice to see the beauty in everyday life and in our travels, too.

    I hope you're enjoying this Christmas season -- wishing you Merry and Bright!

    Love and hugs,

    Denise

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