Hello my dear blogging friends! Today I'm celebrating my SEVEN YEAR BLOGAVERSARY! Wowza! Every year when I do my end-of-the-year wrap up post I can't even believe that another year of fun and creativity has passed! I look forward to writing this post each December, and sharing with you my favorite projects from the past year. (Here's my wrap up from last year) This post helps me reflect on where I've been and think about where I'm going. I like to chronicle stats and numbers once a year too. Having a craft blog is a lot like having a diary and it is so fun to have all my projects in one place to keep track of my creative journey. Thank you so much for being a part of it all. I always go back and re-read my VERY FIRST BLOG POST at this time of year. And I think of how grateful I am to have this place to call my own. This blogging thing has been a true adventure! The very best kind of adventure - fun, exciting, crazy, and restorative. Thank you very much for coming along on this adventure with me. It wouldn't be nearly as much fun without all of you!
Happy New Year 2017! Be sure to check back on New Year's day because It's the Season's Givings Blog Hop day! All of the bloggers in the hop are giving away prizes! This is my third or fourth year??? It is always really fun!
2016 was a very busy and fun year! It was my first complete year as a full time creative professional. I am so proud of myself for making this work. Lots of hustle and hard work has paid off! I'm so grateful for all of the business opportunities that were presented to me this year. I can't wait to see what 2017 brings in that regard. I would say that I am a very lucky person, but I know that it is not luck, but blessings. I am truly blessed. This year brought a lot more personal growth which always comes with a bit of strife. I truly believe that every situation you find yourself in will teach you something. Sometimes it's difficult to learn lessons about yourself.... But, I do believe that trials and tribulations move us forward and bring joy through prayer and time with God. This year I was blessed by some incredible friendships and some cool experiences. My family is doing well and we are happy and healthy. What more can you ask for really?!
My word for 2016 was PEACE. By that I meant inner peace and calm. Being present in all things and with my relationships. Slowing down. Calming down. Surrendering more. I'm happy to report that I am definitely more at peace than I was a year ago! But, I still have far to go on this particular journey! I am, by nature, a worrier. I am also a spazz! Ha. I have definitely calmed down and focused on the things that really matter. I will keep working on this!
My word for 2017 is COFFEE! (Just kidding!) My word for 2017 is BRAVE. Brave enough to be myself without the fear of the judgement of others. How powerful is this concept? I am a work in progress... Free to be my authentic self, the real me. The ability to say how I feel, find my passion, stand up for the things that matter, don't settle, don't apologize.... That, to me, is bravery.
Do you choose focus words or resolutions for the new year? I'd love to hear! Leave me a comment about your hopes for the new year!
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 statistical progress. So, on that note, here are some fun stats from the year. At the end of 2015... I had written 989 total blog posts, received 17,165 comments, had 372,000 total visitors, 900 email subscribers...and...773,000 total blog hits! I wondered if I might hit one million visitors in 2016? But I just barely missed that goal! At the end of 2016... I have now written 1110 blog posts here (121 this year on my blog plus 80 more on the SSS Blog!), received 26,125 lovely comments, had 504,000 total blog visitors, 1100 email subscribers....and...955,000 total blog hits! I am going to hit that one million mark very soon! We WILL celebrate!
Four 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 2016... There are a lot! So grab a cuppa joe and settle in! I hope you enjoy the look back with me! To see more information about each project, please click on the photos!
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 2017!
It must be so satisfying to look back on so much beautiful creativity!
Posted by: Manda | 01/01/2017 at 07:40 PM
Haha! You made me laugh when you said this year's new word would be COFFEE! :D Brave is definitely a better choice and one that I need as well. Been struggling with fear and I know that is not the Lord's Plan for me. He would much rather me stand in His Strength and be BRAVE.
Thanks for the blessing!
Posted by: Denise Ward | 01/01/2017 at 04:52 PM
Congratulations on your blogversary, your hard work & dedication really shines through every post (& project)! Love seeing your recap of top projects too!!
Posted by: Rachel | 12/30/2016 at 07:13 PM
These are all so fabulous! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Holly Flores | 12/30/2016 at 11:03 AM
Wanda, THANK YOU for all year long inspirations you share with us on your blog! HAPPY NEW YEAR and may God bless you abundantly in 2017!
Posted by: Helen Gullett | 12/30/2016 at 05:37 AM
Congratulations on 7 years of blogging!
My focus word would be inner-peace. I am always working toward that, year after year...
Thank you for blogging and sharing, I for one enjoy all that you share from your cards to photos, adventures, etc.
Your year in review cards are all so beautiful.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Teresa Doyle | 12/30/2016 at 04:20 AM
Happy blogaversary! You have shared so many great projects! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Linda E | 12/29/2016 at 09:06 PM
Thank you for all of your hard work, stunning creations, blogging and photography...LOVE it all & especially YOU!!
Posted by: Peg Parsons | 12/29/2016 at 06:45 PM
Happy 7th blogoversary Wanda! I love the retrospective of this year's cards! Happy New Year to you!
Posted by: Celeste Goff | 12/29/2016 at 05:05 PM
Congratulations!! So glad I found your blog a couple of years ago! Your work is inspirational as are your posts. I so appreciate your positive outlook! God Bless you in the new year!!! Julie L
Posted by: Julie | 12/29/2016 at 04:41 PM
This blog post was exactly what I needed to read today. Your beautifully written year end recap had me think back on where I started at the beginning of 2016 and where I am now - what a difference! You and your blog have become such a source of inspiration to me. I learn so much just by admiring and studying your amazing projects. I love how diverse your work is. You are a master of different styles and I hope to one day approach your skill and talent. That's definitely a lofty goal, I know! I think that my word for 2017 will be strength. I am definitely stronger than what I think and I need to embody that more. Congratulations on 7 years of your wonderful blog! I look forward to helping you celebrate your 1 million blog hits very soon. Such an exciting milestone!
Posted by: LC | 12/29/2016 at 12:30 PM
Beautiful collection of amazing cards...love them all and those bright and vivid colors are fabulous. Happy Blogaversary and Happy New Year!
Posted by: Kim Heggins | 12/29/2016 at 11:42 AM
Hi, Wanda! What a wonderful year of art for you. I enjoy your cards and projects because they're always fun, bright and uplifting. You inspire so many of us.
I'm wondering if you can help me. I've been looking everywhere for the winners of the SSS Diecember Blog Hop. I took my time to think about it, commented on every blog with a suggestion for ways I'd love to see SSS celebrate December. I can't find that winners' list anywhere, and just wondered if I missed it, or if it got somehow forgotten. I'd love to know if I'm crazy....LOL (no wait, please don't answer that...LOL) Thanks for your help, and have a blessed New Year.
Karen L
www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com
Posted by: Karen Letchworth | 12/29/2016 at 10:23 AM
How does one even choose a favorite? So much incredible inspiration on this blog, wow!! You are AMAZING, Wanda! Here's to 7 more... :-)
Posted by: Libby | 12/29/2016 at 10:21 AM
Happy Blogaversary, Wanda! I LOVE your work and I love you! Continue to inspire us in 2017! Can't wait.....
Posted by: donna mikasa | 12/29/2016 at 10:11 AM
Happy Blogaversary! Thanks for the continued inspiration. I love your work.
Posted by: Tona | 12/29/2016 at 09:56 AM
So happy for your Blogaversary! I have loved your work this entire year and can't wait to start 2017. Wishing you and your family all the best in the New Year. Keep up the great work.
Posted by: Anne Sturgeon | 12/29/2016 at 09:49 AM
Happy Blogaversary! Your cards and projects are lovely and I enjoy reading your blogs :) Happy New Year!
Posted by: renee milner | 12/29/2016 at 09:36 AM
What a wonderful collection from 2016! Thank you again for sharing again!
Posted by: Fonda Jo | 12/29/2016 at 09:02 AM
Wow! You are amazing! My word for the year is you! Because everyday I know how blessed I am! Thanks to you! I love you! Mark ❤️
Posted by: Mark | 12/29/2016 at 08:58 AM
I love looking at your favorite cards because they inspired so many of my own cards this year. I know you'll reach the million mark soon--what an achievement! Wishing you many rich blessings in the new year.
Posted by: Julie | 12/29/2016 at 07:54 AM
What a well-written post! I so enjoyed reading it, just as I enjoy your projects, which are all gorgeous by the way! I feel as though I need to pick a focus word; I'm certainly terrible at keeping resolutions, which is why I gave up making them long ago. ;)
Posted by: Andrea Shell | 12/29/2016 at 07:27 AM
Congrats on your blog anniversary and all your growth! Your projects are amazing and I really enjoy following you. Your style is similar to mine and I love getting fresh ideas from you. Happy 2017!
Posted by: Amy Cooley | 12/29/2016 at 07:11 AM
Congratulations on a year of making beautiful art and sharing with your readers. Thanks you!
Posted by: Trish | 12/29/2016 at 03:55 AM
que de belles cartes /// BRAVO
Posted by: bernath | 12/29/2016 at 01:51 AM
Happy 7th year blog post Anniversary Wanda!
Stunning cards!
and super blog post Wanda..so happy you have a blog so I can follow your journey in Life...
Always love to read it all and see the super gorgeous photo's..all done with so much eye for detail!
just like your cards!
so good to hear you are more at Peace than a year ago...
Brave is a Good word for 2017!!
I need to work more on that too..I feel to often guilty about things and also I apologize to often.
Another word for me would be Acceptance..that I am not able to do everything I would like to do...and accept the way I am...my health issues.
Much love and all my very best wishes for 2017 to you Mark and Buddy!!
Holly.
Posted by: Holly Saveur | 12/29/2016 at 01:50 AM
Happy new year Wanda!! I hope 2017 is a great year! I don't have a word to help guide me, but I really like the idea and love the one you chose for the upcoming year. I'm going to steal that from you because I constantly need to remind myself to be brave, too. Thanks for the idea! :)
Loved looking at all of your projects again. :)
Posted by: Holly Havnaer | 12/29/2016 at 01:17 AM
Thanks for all of the inspiration this year! A blessed New Year to you!
Posted by: Irene | 12/29/2016 at 01:08 AM