Oh my goodness! FIVE YEARS! How can that be? How is it possible that I started this journey five years ago already? And who would have known how much fun this would be!? Here it is time to celebrate my FIVE YEAR blogaversary and do my end-of-the-year wrap up for 2014. I love doing this every year, and it helps me reflect on the past years, and also chronicle stats and numbers. SO fun! Just to see what I wrote, I clicked back to my VERY FIRST BLOG POST and read it yesterday! When I began blogging, I would never have known what would happen - the things that could happen! Wow. What an enormous blessing. I was really afraid to start, but like lots of things, I'm glad I took that first step. My blog has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever accomplished. I'm so happy to be here in this place right now. With you guys.
Happy New Year - a little early! I have a REALLY cool blog post coming up at midnight on New Year's Eve, with prizes, so be sure to check in then!
2014 was a very good year! Yay, right?! 2013 was a not-so-good year, so I am extra appreciative of all the great things that happened this year! 2014 was a time of thought and action both. I spent a great deal of time reflecting, mostly because of my 50th birthday. That milestone really made me introspective and thoughtful. I am a different woman and I will carry on new goals and new ways into 2015. For me, one of the best gifts about getting older is the ability to learn and grow faster - to make changes and to trust your gut. No more time to dilly dally - it's time to move! I'm looking forward to a fantastic 2015 with renewed energy and focus.
My three words for 2015 are: PLANS (God's plans are bigger than my dreams - proven fact), MINDFULNESS (this message keeps coming to me) and CREATE (Time to grow as an artist in my own style). Do you choose focus words or resolutions for the new year? I'd love to hear!
Something I love to do here on the blog at the end of the year, is to take a look back on my creative journey from the year before! This annual post is kind of like a cyber scrapbook! Thank you for joining along with me.
My blog is my journal and here I keep a record of my progress. So, on that note, here are some fun stats from the year. At the end of 2013 I had written 722 blog posts, received 7527 comments, had 185,000 total visitors, 521 email subscribers and 506,000 total blog hits. At the end of 2014... I have written 855 total blog posts (133 this year!), received 10,365 kind comments, had 259,000 total visitors, 665 email subscribers... and...618,000 total blog hits! YAY! How long will it take me to get to a million visitors? I can't wait for that milestone!
Two years ago, I started a tradition of recapping my favorite projects from the past year! I get so many nice comments about this! Here are my favorites from 2014!! These are in chronological order starting with January!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I appreciate all of you so much, all of your love and kindness and support! I wish you the very best year ever! Cheers to 2015! XOXO
Happy Blogaversary! What a great trip through the wonderful makes. I remember most of them except that fabulous colorful Autumn Greetings card. How did I miss that lovely?!!
Posted by: Princess Judy | 01/14/2015 at 01:08 PM
wonderful cards, thank you for sharing them with us
Posted by: Robin H | 01/04/2015 at 07:18 PM
Absolutely gorgeous cards!! I love all the wonderful textures, colors and dimension in these beautiful greetings. Count me as your new biggest fan and avid follower. Congrats on five years.
Posted by: Small Talk Mama | 01/03/2015 at 03:12 PM
I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished - Way to go!! 5 years blogging ~ that is absolutely awesome!! And as far as the look back on your year - just gave me the validation and evidence that I NEED to be following you - you inspire me and everything you make is swoon worthy!!! I appreciate the efforts you put in to this successful blog of yours and the tremendous talents you share with us!!! Thanks for being so awesome!!!
Posted by: Taunya Butler | 01/03/2015 at 01:21 PM
All of your cards and projects are stunning! Really love the leaves/autumn cards and the panda card! Congrats on 5 years!
Posted by: Jessie | 01/02/2015 at 06:51 PM
Congrats on 5 years of blogging! Your projects are just beautiful! I especially love the happy sunshine card and the panda card. My word for the year is "people". I get so wrapped up in projects and processes that I sometimes forget to stop and ask people how they're doing and LISTEN to the answer! I'm also reading "the life-changing magic of tidying up" by Marie Konda and am ready to declutter!
Posted by: Shari B | 01/02/2015 at 06:11 PM
Wonderful group of projects...too hard to pick a face. Congrats on the 5 years!
Posted by: Linda L | 01/02/2015 at 04:29 PM
Fantastic recap!! Congrats on your 5 years! I love your three words for 2015! I am adopting them for me too!! Thank you for your inspiration...looking forward to another great year!
Posted by: Brenda Lee | 01/01/2015 at 10:06 PM
congrats...always love seeing what you have made!
Posted by: Mary-Anne V. | 01/01/2015 at 07:44 PM
Lovely projects for 2014!
Posted by: Dixie | 01/01/2015 at 06:19 PM
Happy Anniversary!!! These are all so fabulous. The little apple note cards are my fav. Can't wait to see what you make this coming new year!
Posted by: Holly AKA KopyKat | 01/01/2015 at 06:14 PM
Hello and happy blogaversary! It's really a treat to see your creations. I just can't choose a favorite, but I love tags, and yours are stunning. Have a wonderful and crafty 2015!
Posted by: Sherry H | 01/01/2015 at 04:05 PM
Happy New Year and Happy Blogaversary, Wanda! Thanks for sharing so many wonderful projects, and have a wonderfully crafty 2015. :)
Posted by: Sybrina K | 01/01/2015 at 03:29 PM
Congrats on 5 years- and thanks for sharing your gorgeous creations! Love the Mama Elephant panda!
Posted by: DianeW | 01/01/2015 at 03:18 PM
congrats on such a great adventure and happy blogaversary! your cards are BEAUTIFUL! I'm pretty sure I already follow you on IG :D
Posted by: Rubeena | 01/01/2015 at 10:30 AM
I love your style oh so much! Each card is a work of art and heart and I could never choose a favourite. And there are other cards that you made this year that I remember and would have included on this list, that's how amazing you are!
Posted by: Diana K | 01/01/2015 at 08:45 AM
Happy Anniversary !!!!!! You have so much talent your Blog is a perfect place to share with so many .....you will hit a million for sure. I love your color schemes & your witty comments on your blog.....I feel like we are talking together...I value you for your artistic ability, your sense of fairness & the kindness you show to all. Wishing you a bigger brighter2015
Posted by: Geneva null | 12/31/2014 at 10:35 PM
GREAT journey for you, and so glad you started this, too! Wow . . . does 5 years ever SPEED BY!! Your "word" for 2015 are profound . . . my "phrase" for the year is "closer to Him"!! May our journeys be blessed! Hugs my friend!
Posted by: Janice Rosenthal Rock | 12/31/2014 at 09:29 AM
Happy, happy 5 year Blogaversary, my friend! What a huge accomplishment that is, and I for one am soooo grateful that you started this venture.... as that is what led me to you! I am so grateful for your friendship and for the constant inspiration and beauty you share with the world here on your blog! Absolutely love you, and love your projects.... every single one of them! Always! Here's to 2015! May it be our best year ever!
Posted by: Audrey Pettit | 12/31/2014 at 07:56 AM
Beautiful and truly inspiring cards and words Wanda! I have been enjoying your blog for quite a while now and am looking forward to more of the creative magic and beauty that you share here! Happy 5 years! May the new year 2015 bring many blessings your way! Hugs - Jill
Posted by: Jill Norwood | 12/30/2014 at 09:12 PM
So fun to look back on all your creative posts (I love that compass embossing folder, by the way). I look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2015. Hope I can enter on the 1st as I doubt I'll still be up at midnight!
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Julie | 12/30/2014 at 06:51 PM
What a wonderful achievement - 5 years of creativity, growth & camaraderie! A huge CONGRATS and I really enjoyed the collage of beautiful cards. A heartfelt wish to you & your family for a happy, healthy, safe 2015 filled with love and laughter. Happy New Year to all!
Posted by: Susi K | 12/30/2014 at 01:20 PM
You'll hit a million, easy! You have a wonderful sense of color, design, texture and style. All your cards are great to look at...and inspiring!
Posted by: Rosa M. Vasquez | 12/30/2014 at 11:48 AM
What a beautiful collection of cards! Congratulations on five years of sharing your journey and inspiration. Here's to more happy creating in 2015!
Posted by: Ann | 12/30/2014 at 09:00 AM
I am so glad to have been able to take this journey with you the past 5 years and looking forward to 5+ more years with you and Buddy of course....I have said it before and I will always say it, your work is Wandaful! I am looking forward to putting 2014 behind me and bring on the goodness of 2015! Your friend Kat
Posted by: Katrina | 12/30/2014 at 08:52 AM
Congratulations, Wanda! I just found your site this year and have looked forward to each new posting. Your favorites from 2014 are fantastic. Love your creativity and wish you the best for 2015.
Posted by: Sue | 12/30/2014 at 08:32 AM
What a bunch of fab cards. Love your color choices and also when you make vintage inspired cards. Congrats on the blog anniversary. Well done !!!!!
Happy New Year. Hugs from Monica... Spain
Posted by: Monica | 12/30/2014 at 08:21 AM
What a wonderful journey through "Wanda's" 2014... I see a wonderfully talented lady who shares her love of creativity with all who tune in. Thank you so much for sharing and I wish you the best for 2015.
Posted by: Fonda Jo | 12/30/2014 at 07:58 AM
You are a favorite that is for sure!!! I pray that 2015 will be a truly blessed year for you (and me too!!!) and that God will "enlarge your borders" in many ways. Looking forward in seeing your creativity and inspiration in the coming year. God bless!
Posted by: Natalie H | 12/30/2014 at 07:21 AM
Happy Blogaversary!!!!!
I am happy AND lucky to have been here right from the beginning. YES, YES, YES, I could not agree with you more: what God has planned for us is way bigger, better and crazy far away from what we can ever imagine. It's that funny little thing called faith...and listening to that little whisper. You took a leap and landed in amazing Creativeville!
I concur with 2013...bad, bad year. 2014 got better...2015...hmmm. I am predicting your BEST year yet!!! My New Year's resolution is kinda like yours a bit- stop procrastinating. No more dilly-dallying as you said.
Can't wait to see what 2015 brings for you, Wanda!!! I will be here just like always! Love U!!! 😻😻😻
Posted by: Theresa | 12/30/2014 at 07:10 AM
These projects are fantastic - love the vibrant colours and combination of both distressed and contemporary styles! You are super creative and I am a new blog follower to add to your impressive stats :)
Posted by: Sarah G | 12/30/2014 at 07:04 AM
Such a wonderful variety, Wanda! My favorite of these is the pocketful of love. Here's to an even more successful year for you!
Posted by: Lin | 12/30/2014 at 06:49 AM
You deserve the success!! Your blog makes my day and your love makes my world! You inspire me to be better!! Happy New Year honey! I can't wait to spend 2015 with you!
Posted by: Mark | 12/30/2014 at 06:41 AM
Happy five years Wanda!! Your cards, projects, and beautiful photography are so inspiring and such a feast for the eyes!! I loved looking at all of your favorites from the past year!
Posted by: Kay Miller | 12/30/2014 at 06:40 AM
Wanda, Hi thanks again for the peppermint cupcake recipe, my cousin and sister inlaw both went home with some cupcakes and the recipe too, lol! Congrats on all your success, you deserve it. I love your blog, I look forward to seeing what your up to next. So nice to see some of your past work, your super talented!!! I had a super loss last year, I lost my mom, grandma, and cousin all within 8 days. So I needed something to keep my mind busy, hence crafts and card making. Over the past year I've seen such talented ladies, you included of coarse, share their inspiration. I've been wanting to start a blog myself but have absolutely no idea where to start. Is there a websight that gives you insight on how to start your own blog? I'd love some advice from a pro like yourself. Thank you for sharing your inspiration. Wishing you healthy and happy New Year ahead!
Posted by: Lisa | 12/30/2014 at 06:02 AM
Love them all!
Posted by: Pam | 12/30/2014 at 05:42 AM
Such nice cards. That's why I follow your blog. :0)
Posted by: Jennifirst | 12/30/2014 at 05:31 AM
Beautiful! New follower myself thanks to our new IG Friendship! I find Instagram the most friendly site, congratulations on your blog successes! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Patti Willey | 12/30/2014 at 03:17 AM
So hope 2015 will be a super great year for everyone Wanda!
Great blog post....so great to see all your stunning creations so close to one another...
You asked if I choose focus words or resolutions for the new year..actually I find it so very hard to look ahead in time...I just take each day as it comes...
I hope for a better and kinder world....in 2015.
sending much love your way..
Hugs Holly
Posted by: Holly Saveur | 12/30/2014 at 02:22 AM