Happy Birthday to Me :)

It's my birthday today and as you can see, the festivities have already begun! I'm more of a savoury person than a sweet person, so although this is a lovely start, I have to admit that I'm more looking forward to a family lunch. As for that, I have no idea what we're having. My DD is in charge and I am blissfully unawares (except for the clattering coming from the kitchen). Birthdays are like our very own New Year's and my own birthday is always a time when I think about the year that was and the year to come. This year I'm thinking about how busy I've been - it's been an extraordinary year and I have spent every single day (apart from days off for the flu) working at 'something' full time. It never seems to end. As soon as I nearly finish one thing, another starts up. I always thought that getting older would somehow coincide with a a slowing down, but I don't feel this to be the case in my own life. As a matter of fact, I even get up earlier in the mornings than I used to - which defies explanation!

The reason I'm blogging today is because I wanted to take a moment, on one of the significant days in my year, to thank you for visiting my blog and being a blog reader. Blogging has really helped me stay accountable to my WIPs and inspired me to share my creativity and for that, I am truly thankful. I had no idea when I started blogging that it would become a worldwide friendship group that motivates my work and keeps me thinking always ahead to new projects. Thank you blog readers, you really inspire me and I mean it when I say, 'I'm glad you're here'

I also want to thank members of my Yahoo BOM Group. It looks so easy to leave a comment or upload a photo but anyone who blogs knows that these things take time - and I appreciate the time members take to be involved in the group. There's always photos and messages of support making the rounds as well as a kind word or helpful suggestion. Its such a nice place to be - and those things don't happen by accident. Thank you for being a part of it.

I'd also like to thank the Moderator's in the Group. They are all wonderful quilters with busy lives and projects on the go, but they volunteer their time to keep things running smoothly. It's a mostly thankless task and I think it's incredible that they are so generous with their time.

Anna Marieke, Glenda, Bunny, Pat and Jane - you have all been and are such a wonderful and supportive part of me being able to release my BOMs and I am deeply grateful for and to each of you for the time you have been and are being available in this role- you are the backbone of the Group. Without you and the hours you selflessly give to all of us, and have given to us for periods of time, I simply wouldn't be able to share and distribute my BOMs. Thank you so much for all that you do and have done.

Life is a precious and temporary gift. We have such a short time given to us that I always feel we should take every opportunity to share what we can, when we can, just because we can.

Just yesterday I was talking to my DDs about what it means to be blessed. I have always tried my best to teach my DDs that if you are blessed in something, you should do all you can to share that blessing. We all have skills which come somewhat naturally for us and I am lucky in that I have found a way in my own life to do something that I enjoy and can accomplish. There are plenty of things I'm not so good at - but which I still try and enjoy- and in those things I'm always grateful to the people who extend themselves enough to share their skills and what they know so that I can learn a little too.

This blog is a part of my life and the people who read it are a part of what I do too; so today I'd like to thank you all for being part of my birthday and for making this blog and my Yahoo BOM Group such friendly and supportive online places to be. It's wonderful.

Thank you!