Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Has It Been 2 Years??

It has been 2 years today that I posted my first time and Pieces From Me was born. In that 2 years, I have shared so much....more than I ever knew I would. Pieces of my life are on every page and I pray my grandchildren will someday look back at them and see the lives of the parents, grandparents, and great grand parents. It has been a fun and special 2 years. I have gotten to "know" so many wonderful people. I have to say my experience in blog land has been 100% positive. Some of my life shared has been happy....some difficult...some have been huge growing experiences.

I have shared my grandchildren.... My children....Holidays....
...and Holy Days.Home school....
And Homemaking....(you know since Pieces From Me was spotlighted on the Home Management Binder.Com website, over a year ago, I have had more traffic daily because of that...at least 1/3 of the hits everyday still come from that site. People want to get organized!)
New friendships have been the most wonderful part of blogging...you all know who you are.
You are all so generous and giving...blessing me and my family regularly....I have shared cooking disasters!!!
And cooking successes!! I love those!You watched me try my hand at gardening....and I am still trying!!Let's not forget all those Tackle It Tuesdays!!
Before:After:You shared our Anniversaries with us.And celebrated birthdays....
and a very special birth.....
I have even mourned the loss of several family members here. You mourned for me and I knew that.
You have waded through my Spiritual thoughts with me...some good, some needing to mature. Past memories have been told and retold.Along with new memories being made....And through this blog, I have been inspired by many of you in so many areas. One the biggest areas has been quilting. I started Pieces From Me as a quilting blog. It did not take long for it to become more than that, as I am a hand quilter, and you know how slow we are. Plus, I have LOTS to say! Still you have shared in the joy of finished projects, and encourage me in those that are still "in process".
To celebrate 2 years here, I want to have a giveaway. Please leave a comment on this post...yes, this post ONLY will be counted in the drawing...and I will announce the winner on June 19th. What? It is that easy? No, of course not....please, in your comment, tell me how you found Pieces From Me..if you remember..and what is your favorite topic here. That will get your name in twice. Also, if you are a follower, or become a follower (on my sidebar), I will give you a third chance. To get put in once, just leave a comment. Remember to leave your e-mail if you do not have a blog so I can contact you. I prefer you do not advertise this giveaway on your own blogs, as I like to honor my readers, (not your readers) with this giveaway.The prize...I think I will give you a choice. A $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com, or a hand quilted table runner in your choice of colors...you pick. I will not be AT ALL offended if you pick the gift card...some people can make a table runner themselves, and others just do not have a need for one. Just leave it in your comment which you would like.
Be Blessed,
Bren

50 comments:

copperswife said...

Congratulations on your two year blogiversary!

I'd love to be entered in your drawing, and I'd definitely want one of your table runners. But you knew that!

Bren, how did I find your blog? Did you find me and comment there first, and I followed back to your blog? I think that was it!

Here's to many more happy blogging years!

lesthook said...

Congrats on 2 years! I am not sure how I found you. Probably by following links of favorites. I just discovered blogs,or should have said started following blogs,this year. I would comment on peoples blogs and started feeling like a lurker of sorts cause I didn't have one myself. So I recently started my own!I am a follower and also have you in google reader. I am also a quilter.

Dani said...

Congratulations on your two year anniversary, that is really fantastic!

I think I found you through my mom :-) Either that or I followed a comment you left on her blog over here, not sure.

My favorite topic? When you just share what you have been doing during the day. It's always fun to see what cooking, gardening, quilting and playing have been going on across the country from me :-)

Donetta said...

Wow two years...
Well I think you found me, hard to remember now. Three chances for me...defiantly wrought by your hand for those are the treasures that are priceless.

Your a wonderful soul. I think that is what attracted me to you. Your heart.

~JoAnn~ said...

Bren~ Wow 2 years, Happy Anniversary...If I leave more than one comment do I get entered more!!!! I don't remember how I found your blog, I think I was brought here by God. I love all of your posts and read your blog all the time. Do I get an extra chance if I text you???? I am out my door right now to buy the Titus 2 book, if they have it in stock I will start reading it this afternoon. If they don't have it I will have to order online...I will let you know what happens.
Blessings to you dear friend, you have made such a differenc in my life and that difference is for the good.
Joann

Winona said...

Hi Bren, I think I typed in 'quilting blogs' and yours came up. Once I visited I just kept coming back. I started commenting and the rest is history! LOL I love it when you share the grandbabies with us. Nothing like watching those precious angels grow up right in front of our eyes. (grin) I also love seeing what you are working on, cause as you know, I am a hand quilter too. Congratulations on 2 years. Winona

Karen said...

Congratulations on 2 years of inspiring blogs. I think I found you through Linda's blog "All Stitched Up." Thank you for generously sharing your joys and sorrows. Your faith shines through both. One of the things I love on your blog is your hand quilting. You can understand why I would love to win your hand quilted table runner. May you be blessed as you bless others. Karen

blushing rose said...

I found your blog through another that you wrote to ... I find your blog informative, love the way you share & the inspirations.

I just started 2 months ago & love it.

Congrats on your new year beginnings. TTFN ~Marydon

Anonymous said...

Congrsts on the 2 years blogversary!
I think I have been reading your blog for about a year (and have you already on my blogs sidebar) I think initially I liked your blog for it's organizing content and Christian attitude towards hardship and how you openly shared your struggles. But I now look forward to the quilty goodness (love your handquilting and would love a tablerunner) and seeing pics of your clean house (aspire to have) and the cute grandkids!

Kathryn said...

Your blog is one of my very favorites. I found you through your comments on Copperswife's blog. I love all of your posts, but I have to say the topic that is dear to my heart is the "Face of Trauma" posts you have written. They caused us to rethink how we "celebrate" a certain pagan holiday, and have caused us to fall in love with your dear Charlotte, and to include her in our daily prayers. God is so good, and we are praying for great things in Charlotte's life. I don't know how to make a table runner, but I'd sure take on if you made it!

Love ya, Kathryn

Nancy said...

Happy Blog-a-2-versary!! I remember that I found you through Linda "All-Stitched-Up" and have been read you through my google reader every day since. I love all the parts, the quilting, the kids, the grandkids...
I would love a new tablerunner...and would happily wait for you to hand quilt it!! LOL

Jocelyn said...

Happy blogiversary! You have a very sweet blog. I have only been blogging for a few months, but have found many new friends here.

Susan said...

It's already been a year since I found your blog??!!! I can't believe it!

I can't remember how I found you. I must have been looking at another quilting blog and found a link to yours either from a comment you made or a link someone posted. Either way, I'm so glad I found you! You have been a blessing and encouragement to me this year.

If I win your drawing, I would so love to have one of your hand-quilted table runners!

Unknown said...

Well my gosh Bren, that means that you and I have been friends for two years, so I think that calls for a double celebration. If I remember correctly you commented on my blog and I returned to yours, and after a phone call the rest is history. I love that you include all the pieces of your life here. Happy Blog Birthday!!!

Sweet P said...

Happy Blogiversary! I find everything about your life inspiring to me. You are truly a gift from God and the world is blessed because you are in it. I have your blog in my Bloglines subscriptions. I don't remember how I found you, but I know I've been a reader for a long time. You signed up for the stitchery swap I hosted in July 07. That was shortly after you started blogging.

Rita said...

Bren,
I'm not sure how I found you it could have been through Copper's Wife. I'd love the table runner that is for sure. I've enjoyed getting to view your life from your blog. Sharing the good times and bad and learning from you. Thanks!

Niki said...

Oh Bren....I guess I found you very shortly after you started blogging...and I think it was through Copper'swife....WHAT A BLESSING YOU HAVE BEEN TO SO MANY!CONGRATULATIONS MY FRIEND.

Do I want a table runner from you???? OF COURSE I DO!

Hugs and blessings
Niki

Melzie said...

awwwww :) Happy blogiversary Bren!! I love ya girl and love reading your day to day stuff, my favorite blogs are LIFE blogs not just quilt blogs :) I think I'd rather win the gift cert. because I don't use any table covers/runners, AND I'd like a new quilt BOOK hehe :) xoxo melzie

Alesha said...

happy second anniversary to you, girlie!!!

i found you when Cheryl blogged about your family, during the month of October, i believe.

my favorite thing on your blog is when you share what the Lord has been teaching you. it's always something that resonates with me too. i think our personalities must be very similar! lol!!!

i'd definitely like the table runner if i win. i don't have a dining room table, but i can be very creative with it, i'm sure.
: D

Alesha

DeNiece Barnes said...

Hello dear friend, yes I would love to participate in your giveaway. You have been a great inspiration to me and my family, you have left wonderful and up lifting comments on my blog. You and your blog has made such an em packed on everyone that's visited your blog. Thank you so much for been the woman that you are for the Lord. If I win I would love to have a table runner, why ? because anyone can get a Amazon gift card for birthdays, holidays, etc, but who can get a present from a true friend , one that was made from the heart.

Kimberly said...

Oh dear - I can't remember how I found you! Maybe thru Cheryl(Copperswife)? I just love to read about your daily life. Kids, grandkids, homeschooling, cleaning, organizing, quilting - I love it all!

Kimberly
kimmmtt at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Hi Bren! I love your blog - happy blogiversary!! I found your blog through Copper's Wife. I really enjoy all of your blog - and I love that you've shared your honest, growing relationship with Charlotte. I really enjoy your quilting, too. I'm not a quilter, but appreciate that craft greatly. Here's to another two years!! With best regards, Michelle

Tamara said...

Bren, Wow cannot remember how I stumbled onto your blog, but can say that your posts have been a blessing to me and even an encouragement at points in my life. Of course anything hand quilted is by far better than a gift card anyday especially if it comes from you.

Judi said...

Bren,

Congratulations on your anniversary and thanks for offering your giveaway.

If I were to win, I'd like to receive the table runner. My grandmother used to quilt with a group of ladies from her church and always enjoyed it. It would be sweet to receive something that would remind me of her and remind me of this blog.

I found your blog while reading Cooperswife's blog.

Judi

NeeCee said...

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

You found me on another blog when I commented about having a RAD child and a friendship developed from there! I am so glad you reached out to me that time long ago!

I would LOVE your table runner. I keep trying for one of your quilted wonders. One day, I may just get one. :0)

Andrea Cherie said...

Congrats, Bren!! Two years at this is awesome!

I found you via Amy (train a child...the one who no longer blogs)

And my favorite topic on here- it's not really a topic, but I love that you post photos with almost every post!

Laurence said...

Dear Bren,
Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary. I am so glad that you started this journey because you have blessed me (and countless others) more than I can say. I discovered your blog after looking for some information on quilting (after spending 5 wonderful years in your country, I felt the itch to start learning...) Little did I know that what I would find on your blog would surpass my expectations. You have really blessed me by the story of your christian walk. I am still a baby christian and France is a place that feels more like a spiritual desert. I have learned very important truths (I cried learning about Charlotte's story and what is behind Halloween) that I have been able to pass to my children. You have also inspired me with your way of looking at marriage and being "unequally yoked". Anyway, I considered writing to you a number of times for the past months, and I did not dare but since you wanted to know about us, this is a great opportunity to tell you how much of a blessing you are. A table runner would be great, I have been "zooming" on the pictures of yours with the blue border to try to make one like that, except I have just started to learn, so...
Sorry for the long post.
May your harvest in the Lord be as abundant as what you have sown into our lives.
Laurence

Robin said...

I found your blog through Coppers Wife's comments and I have been a fan ever since - even though I don't comment a lot or consistently! I love following you through your spiritual growth - and of course I love to read about your homemaking and quilting also.

You are an inspiration - God is using your blog!

(joyfulprayz at gmail.com)

Debi said...

Congrats Bren on two years. I need to go see when I started blogging as I do not remember. I found your blog on a list of blogs that were in a ring, don't remember which one. I love the topics on your family and how you handle family issues. I am so glad we are friends.

michb said...

congratulations on 2-years of a great inspiring blog,believe i went onto to it originally from morning ramble or homestead mama..i love the clean sink and homemaking parts and quilting the best, read it nearly every day, it is a pleasure to hear of a good home life(how every home should be),every though i am a working gram, i share a lot of your values
& always come away from reading it with a good feeling. thanks , michelle mitzee1949@yahoo.com

cynthia said...

Congratulations, Bren! I'm thrilled to see your blog on your second anniversary.

And I'm glad our link is sending you some traffic. Keep up the good work!

Cynthia Ewer, Editor
OrganizedHome.com
http://organizedhome.com

Love Bears All Things said...

Wow, 2 years already. I think I found you through some other quilting blog, but I really don't remember. I still have some of the quilting blogs in my favorites but you're one of the few who I follow regular.
I think I like your homekeeping posts best although the family ones have been meaningful. I've loved sharing being a grandmother with you and watching your family grow.
I still like the sewing posts, too.
So, do I qualify for 3.
Congratulations, and keep on posting. I feel like we're friends,now. I remember last year about this time when we had to answer questions about posts. Was that last year?
Love,
Mama Bear

Jeanne said...

Congratulations for reaching the two years of blogging milestone! I can't remember how I found your blog, but you were one of the first ones I started reading on a regular basis. If you were on a ring, I may have found you there. I also followed many a new commenter from the blogs I read. Wow! the time sure flies. I am the lucky owner of a beautiful, little tote bag that you stitched and made. Hope you'll have many more posts in the future.

meggie said...

Two years! In some ways Bren, it seems I have known you longer. I can't remember exactly how we met, but I think you may have visited me first. Or perhaps we met through Joni?
Congratulations on having a wonderful blog. Also on having the courage to write so honestly about all your difficulties & soul searching. I am sure your posts have helped many many people out there who have similar problems.
You truly are a beautiful person.

If my name comes out of the hat, please re-draw, as I feel I have plenty, & am blessed to have you as a friend.
Hugsxx

Selima said...

I found your blog through google looking for home management. So that would be my favorite subject. I also add myself to your friends. Happy Anniversary! Looking forward to reading more of your blog! I don't know if I am too late for the drawing. But at least you know who else is reading your blog.

Marilyn Robertson said...

Hi Bren! I really don't remember how I found your blog. It was one of the first ones that I followed after I started to read blogs. I am sure your quilts were what drew me to your blog to begin with, but I sure enjoy your posts about every day life with your family. You helped me so much when I started my own blog and patiently answered all of my newbie questions. I am a "follower" so even if I don't get to read your posts on the actual day you write them I don't miss any of them either! May God bless you and your family!

Marilyn Robertson said...

Oh yeah, I forgot...I would love to receive a table runner made by you!

Rose Marie said...

2 yrs. .... where does time fly? Congrats and many more.

I think I found you through Linda's blog, but it has been so long now and I can't remember what drew me in but whatever, I'm still here and checking in to see what you are up to.

You have a piece from me and I would love something from you and the table runner sounds perfect.

Unknown said...

My two years blog anniversary is today :) I don´t remember how I found your blog!!! I love to read about your family and of course your quilting.

mommaplus said...

I found your beautiful blog first through a link from copper's wife, but I refound it when looking at home management binders.

I would love to win the table runner as well.
Blessings to you,
Amanda

Carol said...

I believe I found your blog through Finnleah or it might have been Sweet P. Have been checking it periodically for a long time. I like the diversity you post about many things, from your family, cooking, quilting and spiritual life. I would choose the gift card as I have made many table runners.
Carol in Texas

GrammaGrits said...

Bren,I can't remember how I found you - I'm sure it was from another blog. While I love to see your lovely quilts, my favorite topic is your love for your home and family. So many blogs are given to over-the-top, unrealistic homes, but yours enourages and inspires. God bless you on this blog anniversary!

Needle, Thimble and Thread said...

Congratulations on your two years! What a treasure to be able to look back and see the memories that you and your family are creating. Sorry...I can't remember how I found your blog, but I'm glad that I did. Your hand quilting is beautiful and I love to peak in and see what your working on.

No Longer 25 said...

Hi Bren, congratulations on the two year mark. I found your blog through the home management link. That's actually how I learned about blogging!

I had another blog on my favourites and when I found you through the link I realised they both looked the same. I thought, wait a minute, what's this all about. Since then I have found lots of assorted blogs I am interested in and even started one myself - so thank you for introducing me!

I love reading about your life in general, you do seem to do an amazing job and I'm very inspired by you.

I would love a table runner, your work is so beautiful. Although if I do win it may be easier for you to send the voucher to Scotland!

Here's to many more years of your blog!
Jade

Unknown said...

Bren,

Oh happy day! Congratulations! Your blog was one of the first I found when I discovered this wonderful world of blogging. I love reading about your family, devotion to God, hand quilting projects, well...just everything. We are the same age and have experienced many similarities in our lives. The only difference is you are like that ever ready bunny, you keep going and going and going! I admire you for having the courage to start another family when your own was finally grown. That act of love speaks volumes to me.;D You are such a precious gal!

I have a gazillion table runners and since I have an Amazon addiction to feed I think I'd rather have the card. Though it was very tempting.;D

Lisa said...

Dear Bren,

I found your blog from "The Fruit of her hands ~Proverbs 31:31" Blog. I really enjoy all of your topics but my favourite are the quilting, HMB, homekeeping and housekeeping topics.

LisaB72

Anonymous said...

Dearest Bren,
Has it been 2 years? Hard to believe?!
Happy, Happy Blogiversary to you!!

You have been a blessing and encouragement to so many, and especially me...

Hugs and sweet and simple joys to you!

moreofhim said...

Hi Bren! Honestly, I don't remember how I found you, but I'm so glad I did! You've become one of my favorite people and a good friend. Of course, I all ready follow you!!

I would love to have the table runner if I were to win. Something made by you would be just a treasure to cherish forever. You do such beautiful work and everything is gorgeous!

Happy Blogging Anniversary, dear friend, and I am looking forward to many more years of reading and being blessed by you and your blog.

God bless you - Julie

Marsha said...

Bren...I love your blog, and it truly does inspire me!


Marsha

Andrea said...

Hi Bren - I think you found me first and that was how it all started. You are so good at sharing your life I feel I know you personally. Definitely one of my favourite blogs. I also love Charlottes occasional posts :-)