Happy New Year to everyone! Time for some reflection, and then, a look ahead. It was one year ago exactly that I started this blog. I had no idea what I was doing or where it was going. I only knew that I wanted to blog and share and be part of the online crafty community. I could not have imagined what has happened in the last year here. The experience has been so rewarding and fun, and most of all, positive!
In the past year, I have written 195 blog posts, received 889 comments from readers, and had 30,324 "hits" here at A Blog Called Wanda!
I have met the most wonderful, creative, and kind women in the past year. Perfect strangers who took the time to say something nice. Some of you have ended up being friends who are now part of my day to day life. We share so much in common even though we are all around the country and the world. That is the most meaningful experience of all. I feel really lucky to have met you.
I think that putting my creations out there for all to see has made me become a better stamper. A more intentional stamper...trying to get out of my comfort zone. It's a risk to put your creations out to be judged! But, nothing risked, nothing gained...and I have gained a lot by doing so! Some fantastic opportunities have come my way to be a guest designer or a Design Team Member...and I've won a few contests along the way too. More fun than I could have dreamt.
I could go on and on, but I will spare you! I feel very fortunate that you all take some time out of your day to visit me and see what I'm up to. It makes a huge difference in my life. Thank you! I love blog comments, so please say hi if you're here!
Three weeks ago was the DH's birthday and his wish was to get up early and go on a photo shoot up and around the pretty Gold Country of Northern California near our home. I have to tell ya, I didn't want to get up at 5am on my day off, but the payoff was well worth it! The light that day was spectacular. It had rained the day before and there was a thick layer of gloomy fog burning off. Made for the best pictures I feel I've taken in a long time.
I decided to save them for New Year's because as a group they gave me a "fresh start" sort of feeling. A feeling of quiet and peace and new beginnings. It's hard to explain, but maybe after you look at them you will feel that too. They just seemed right to start the new year. I hope that 2011 brings many blessings to you and your families this year!
CHEERS TO MAKING 2011 OUR BEST YEAR YET!
Hey there, Wanda!! I'm finally caught up on all your wonderful blog posts this morning! Sorry I've let so many slip by in these past days. I can't believe how fast the days are zooming by, and I'm still not back to my regular schedule from the holidays yet. My dad left on Wednesday, but mom is still here visiting with me, and that's keeping me hopping. I am absolutely in love with all your photographs!! You are amazing! You should be a professional. Your photos should be in a book, my friend! I wish my photos were just a fraction as good. Thank you so much for sharing these lovely views! :)
Posted by: Audrey Pettit | 01/08/2011 at 06:07 AM
And, of course, I start with the wrong blog address... it must be too early, yet.
Posted by: Rachelle | 01/05/2011 at 07:01 AM
Beautiful series. Definately a blessed place to behold. I especially love the mushroom cropped emphasis. WOW. Blessings and peace to you in 2011.
Posted by: Rachelle | 01/05/2011 at 07:00 AM
These are gorgeous!!!
Blessings,
Jill
Posted by: Jill | 01/04/2011 at 04:47 PM
Hey Wanda,
Man, I haven't been here in forever. Your photos are absolutely AMAZING! I wanted to stop by and let you know I left you an award on my blog today. Thanks for reaching out to me when I first started blogging.
http://designsbyjax.blogspot.com/2011/01/little-about-me-blog-award.html
Posted by: Jaclyn Miller | 01/03/2011 at 07:54 AM
Jaw.
On.
Floor.
WOW, girl! Your photography is amazing! I LOVE each and every photo! You need to frame these masterepieces. Seriously! I am once again blown away by your talent.
Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best in 2011, my friend! HUGS!
Posted by: Jill Foster | 01/02/2011 at 08:24 PM
Awesome photographs! I especially like the mushrooms...our son is studying mycology. In March he is going to Australia for field experience in gathering specimens for his research. We bought him 'leech socks' for Christmas since where he is going has lots of leeches...UGH! Happy New Year! Linda C
Posted by: Linda Cummings | 01/02/2011 at 07:56 PM
Great photography! I enjoyed peeking at them! Blessings in 2011
Posted by: Ruthie | 01/02/2011 at 01:01 PM
Happy New Year Sistah!!! I love all the pics you took on your outing...just fab.u.lous!
Posted by: TeaDub! | 01/02/2011 at 08:37 AM
Hi Wanda
I am so happy too you started your blog.
Other wise I would not have been able to meet
you and enjoy your friendship and beautiful creations.
Big Hugs Holly.
Posted by: Holly Saveur | 01/02/2011 at 08:30 AM
Beautiful pictures Wanda! Thanks for sharing them with us!
Posted by: Sue McRae | 01/02/2011 at 08:22 AM
Wow Wanda your pictures are incredible!!! Thank you for share these wonderful pictures with all of us!
Posted by: Lynn Put | 01/02/2011 at 06:54 AM
These pictures are glorious and remind me how lucky I am to have been born in this beautiful country. Thank you for this soft reminder. Best wish for a grand 2011.
Posted by: Dale Talley | 01/02/2011 at 06:24 AM
beautiful pictures, you have a real talent for capturing a feeling! can't wait to see what you have in store for 2011! :)
Posted by: Suzanne Schmidt | 01/02/2011 at 04:05 AM
Really incredible pictures, you do have a great eye for detail and color. We were in Carmel yesterday, and saw an awesome sunset. But I did not have my camera!
I love to read your blog!
Posted by: Christine Mitchell | 01/01/2011 at 10:15 PM
These are wonderful, Wanda! You captured so many different moods! You're a fantastic photographer! Happy New Year to you and looking forward to much more of your inspiration!
Posted by: Lin | 01/01/2011 at 03:48 PM
Thanks for sharing your blog with everyone this year! You are so talented! And thanks for going on the road trip on my Birthday....that was a blast! I still want to take you up on the offer and be a guest blogger! It seems fun! For the other followers...I am truly the lucky one...those food blogs are the best!! have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Posted by: Mark | 01/01/2011 at 01:13 PM