I want to share something with you today that is both sad and happy~
let’s do the happy part first~ August 1 is my “Blogaversary.” I started the Painted Apron August 1, 2012. I started it because I wanted to push myself to be more creative, being creative makes me happy… it gives me energy and strength…
Now for the sad part…August 1 is also the anniversary of my youngest son’s death. He was 18 years old, 2 weeks from going away to the College of Charleston, with a full scholarship in the Honors program. He was smart, funny, loving and charming. He was a talented artist, a scholar and a musician.
I couldn’t breathe for a month. It was a massive struggle to go anywhere for a year. I cried everyday for three years.
I know, sorry, I do not want to make you cry, I promise this is going to get happy again…
August 1 was such a dreaded day that I would get physically sick weeks before it’s arrival.
After 5 years I decided I could not live like that anymore. I decided to stop crying, be thankful for his short life, and get on with my own.
After 8 years I decided to turn August 1 from a dreaded day to a celebratory day and I started blogging.
I had been writing recipes for a collection dedicated to my children that I called the Painted Apron. I decided this would be the perfect title for my blog and a way to keep a virtual log of recipes and ideas for them,
All of them.
I share this with you today because often in my writing, this significant part of my life feels like a stumbling block and something I am hiding.
It isn’t something I want to hide, we have all suffered great losses, and have to continue. I have been blessed with courage and strength, from my family and friends, to be able to celebrate today.
It has been 10 years now, and a long healing process……I will always remember August 1, but now I remember it with love and faith, gratitude and possibilities…
Blogging has become a way for me to give back, to play it forward if you will, and share things I discover that I think others might enjoy or benefit from…
To celebrate my Blogaversary today, I would like to do a giveaway from my handpainted glassware collection JMdesigns
I have painted everything from apples to zebras and lots of things in between…
So since the holidays are coming up so I want to giveaway a set of 4 glasses with your choice ofHalloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Wendi Witch is a happy witch, she has put her broom down and wears striped tights and silver stars~
Tom Turkey is very grateful, the back of the glass says, “Thanks!”
The white and gold Angel is so pretty during the holidays, but also appropriate on any day to make you feel watched over
Of course, Jolly Santa is always a pleasure to have around!
You can choose either glass style too, the all purpose goblet, which is great for any wine, water or beverage, or the tall beverage glass
This is not a complicated giveaway, you don’t have to sign up for anything, visit facebook or jump through hoops…
just leave me a comment telling me:
1. What you like the most about the Painted Apron
2. What you would like to see more of on the Painted Apron
3. Which style glass, goblet or tall beverage and design you would like to have~ Wendi Witch, Tom Turkey, Angel, Jolly Santa
That’s it! The winner will be chosen by a random number generator. This contest closes Thursday August 28 and the winner will be announced on Sunday August 31.
Thank you for visiting, and good luck!
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I am not linking this to any parties, I want to share this only with you, my favorite visitors, and keep the entries to a minimum so that you have a better chance to win!
