August 24, 2015

Happy Places


Do you have a cup of coffee or tea? If not, you should probably go get one before you settle in with this post of 27,000 photos and an equal number of words, no doubt, by the time I'm done. After reading this, I'm fairly certain you might think I'm lying when I tell you that I've worked as an editor.


This is the view from the door of the studio. In our last house my studio was upstairs away from civilization. It turns out that I really love having it right off of the family room so that even when we are all home and I slip away to get an idea out of my head and into my hands, or even for a marathon cleaning and organizing session, I still feel like I'm part of the family. It removes the guilt from the equation. You mommas know what I'm talking about.


This green work table is where it all started. I was reminiscing about it the other day with my Sweet Man. This table changed me. It's where I first gave myself permission to play and try new things, to dare to be a creative, artistic person. It's where I started to change deep in my heart and soul to the person I was meant to be all along- the creative person that was hiding under years of responsibility, fear and a lack of confidence. I'm pretty sure if I met that old me on the street today, I wouldn't even recognize her.


It is said in this house, that there are no seasons in the studio. This is proof. They are pretty much celebrated simultaneously and every day of the year.


I tend to do different activities at the three different tables and I love being able to leave a project in progress and move to a different table if I need to switch gears. I make sure there is no shortage of happy inspiration at any given seat.


This is technically my sewing table. It's hiding on the shelf behind that tablecloth, although I often keep it out too. The problem is that the cats and the sewing machine compete for the prime location in front of the window and I guarantee you, if the window is open, there is a cool breeze and the birdbath is seeing some activity, the sewing machine is going to lose.


Aside from sewing, this is where I tend to sit and work on my planner. I'm obsessed with this particular planner and it has really helped me shape my days without making me crazy, living and dying by "the list". Although, don't get me wrong, I L-O-V-E lists. Listers gotta list. Trust me. I gave it up last autumn. It was ugly.


A little peek at my stationary stash there. I'm just saying, my life would be a little sadder if there were no Rifle Paper Co. in the world.


This is my view from the sewing table. It's really my default creating spot which probably has a little something to do with the fact that it has the comfiest chair. I love this view. That wall is hands down my favorite in the house.


There is just so much stuff in here but not a single thing that I don't love, use or need. Need being a relative term of course and one that I get to define for myself, thank goodness, because I'm not sure anyone else in this house would agree with me.


The big things that got organized this weekend were this hutch and the closet shelves. I had moved a lot of my books to the top shelf here but that piece of decorative trim there kept me from easily being able to access them and they wouldn't all fit in that spot.


As I may have mentioned, I have a lot of stuff in this room and it's fairly important that I'm able to find what I'm looking for when I need it. Otherwise the muse disappears, right? I have no idea what that means. I was just trying to sound arty. ;)


So now these shelves hold my containers, supplies and fun bits of things I hang onto for unknown reasons, as well as weird plastic dolls with odd anatomical makeup.




There is something very happy making about seeing all of this stuff on these shelves and I feel like I get to go shopping for supplies in my own studio.


Also, the mint+polka dots. I seem to have a problem. One I would rather not solve.


Also, this dough bowl of yarn. Have you EVER? Even if I never used the first lovely skein (but of course I will!) this would earn it's keep just by sitting in the corner looking gorgeous. The same could be said about my man most weekends. ;)


Can you tell I'm feeling kind of sassy today? I'm pretty certain it blew in with the cold front last night. It's gonna be a long autumn for my people I think.


This is where the books relocated. I love that all of my reading material fits here. To the left are books sorted by category: knitting, sewing, paper crafting, general crafting etc.


To the right are books that I have marked projects I want to do. I'm what you might call an optimist! What kind of friend would I be if I didn't give you a close up so that you can hurry to Amazon and order a bunch more books to fill your own collection?


Journals I've made and some waiting to be made.


This is the table where I like to draw, journal, paint and color. This closet is one of the nicest things my guy has ever done for me. You can go back and see where this space started here


Truly, the best thing about having all of these spaces for creating, is that I can have people in the studio playing with me. That is one of my very favorite things.


I feel like I should offer a prize to those of you that stayed until the end so this totally was not planned out in any way, but I would like to do a giveaway of some favorite things from my studio to one of you for putting up with me and my rambling, photo heavy essay. Just a nice old school giveaway. You get no extra credit for following, blogging, tweeting, instagraming, facebooking, vining, youtubing or using any other annoying current social media phenomenon to drive traffic or numbers or whatever else is on trend today! As a matter of fact, if you use the words on trend, your entry will be nullified! Let's be low tech! Leave your name and email address and I will chose a winner Friday morning at 8am Eastern. If I could I'd have you send me a postcard to enter! ;)


Man. Are you kind of feeling bad for my people today? I hope I get some of this out of my system before they get home! I hope you are all enjoying a happy day in your happy place, wherever that might be!

88 comments:

  1. My craft room is now in the heart f things and I love it there too! Even though it means having no closet. :) My email should be attached to my profile.

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  2. So beautiful and inspiring! Love your blog! Kim Voxland- kimberlyvoxland@yahoo.com

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  3. Love it. So relaxing and my fingers are just itching to create there.

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  4. What a wonderful work/play space! I love love love that kitty cat paper clip holder! I think my email address will show up for you after I publish...I'm the weirdo that doesn't like to leave it in the comments :)

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  5. Even if there wasn't a give-away, I would comment because your studio is just so delicious. I want to spend at least an entire day there, just exploring & going through things. And, at least another few days playing with all of the goodies. You are a lucky girl.

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  6. oh, Jen. I have loved this tour today. It has made me want to get into my own creative spot and really focus on making areas that work for me! And to make it lovely. And also? Can I come over and we can just page through all your fun books together and make a happy list of things to make? Someday. :)

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  7. We are in the process of creating a workspace for me. so I perused yours with delight, noticing the details. I hope mine will be an equally happy space to spend time in when it's done. Thanks for sharing it.

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  8. So dreamy, JJ. I still remember the feeling of glittery awe I had standing in your rental house studio, but this.....this is just the cat's meow. Love you and your pretty, pretty life.

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  9. This place is lovely! Especially the yarn display. Very inspiring!!

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  10. Love your space - the colors are so peaceful and happy at the same time. Becky beckymonki@gmail.com

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  11. Oh am so jealous. What a fabulous room. When we move, I hope to create some space to make all girlie and pretty just for me. I am already finding things to decorate and we aren't even on the market yet!!!

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  12. love your room, the colors just make you happy.....Cataldokelly11@gmail.com

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  13. WOW....I am feeling your words though. How nice to have your studio all clean and every thing where it belongs........Hear the envey there lol..In our house things change a lot at one of those is I don't have a studio any more(ok I may have turned it into a little on farm shop ;) Love that space and might go and look at 17yr olds room, I mean does he really need a room!!!! Thanks for sharing and I do love your blog.....mstorey65@gmail.com

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  14. Hi Jen, Thanks for the lovely tour of your studio. I looked at each picture and tried to choose a favorite but I just couldn't! I did notice that you probably live at Anthropologie in your spare time :) (me too!) I would love to send you a postcard if you want to email over an address! Enjoy these last days of summer...Autumn is right around the corner (yay!) Hugs, Christy

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  15. Never too many pictures. I loved every single one! Can't wait to see what your favorites are.

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  16. Your blog is one of my happy places. Thank you for sharing!

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  17. Your happy place is absolutely amazing! I would love to have a tour in person so I could personally peek at all your little bobs and bits. ;-) I think you should make a sign for the door to your studio that says, "Jennifer's Happy Place". I'm excited that you're doing a giveaway, especially a low-tech one. Whew. No Rafflecopter? No following, Tweeting, liking on FB, pinning? This is my kind of giveaway, lol. melriley62@gmail.com

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  18. I am always so happy to see a new post from you! jchillman7@gmail.com

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  19. Love your studio but what's not to love?? following you in Fishers :) cindy01421@hotmail.com

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  20. What a wonderful place to create!!

    lintoncottage435@gmail.com

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  21. What a wonderful place to create!!

    lintoncottage435@gmail.com

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  22. If I ever had such a big space to create in, I would be overjoyed! I love the different areas to work in and the idea of leaving your work in progress out. I also love all of the natural light your studio has. Thank you for having a straight-forward contest.
    debprice60@gmail.com

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  23. Gorgeous! And thank you for keeping it low-tech. I miss the good old days of blogging!

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  24. I love every inch of your space! It thrills me to look at these photos, I can only imagine how amazing it feels in person. Thank you for sharing! :)

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  25. Love your blog! Susan Burger, gbrogueiii@aol.com

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  26. Your blog makes me feel peaceful :) ronyakj@yahoo.com

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  27. Lovin' this Fall view today! Always inspiring me to shop my stash.
    Sass on sweet artist!!!

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  28. I loved every bit of your post. What a lovely place to play, dream and create. I immediately knew what you meant by the muse disappears! She is the heart of all you create and if she wants to play you've got to have all the toys handy for her to see or she feels stifled and leaves you to laundry and cleaning. The truest you creates when the muse has the freedom she needs to soar!

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  29. I love your studio, Jen. I have a parlor/sewing room that I'm always working on. Sewing and quilting sometimes happen there, but mostly fluffy shelves full of books and fabric! Hedy

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  30. I'm a new reader to your blog and have recently stayed up way too late on several occasions to go back and read all your posts. Loveliness is the only way to describe everything!
    Kristie
    gkrigo@aol.com

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  31. A very organized, pretty space. So nice to have all those different desks/tables to spread out on. I really need to get my act together and get organized. I know about all about that muse that gets lost in the mess. :) Best wishes, Tammy

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  32. It looks so lovely and so organized! You are inspiring me to clear off my messy desk and make room for creativity! I also love mint and polka dots!!
    littlebundle123 (at) gmail (dot) com Thanks for the chance to win a little something from your studio!

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  33. I love your blog, it is so inspiring and the photos are always gorgeous! Your crafting space looks very relaxing and makes me wish for a crafting space of my own. It's a lovely idea to have a giveaway and good luck to everyone commenting.

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  34. I love the peace and serenity of your room. I will be copying some of your ideas. Thanks for sharing. My email is daysez at tampabay dot rr dot com.

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  35. I love your happy place - it makes me happy just looking at it all!
    Heidi hfeury@gmail.com

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  36. Good Morning
    Well that was just so much fun* I loved every single second of that wonderful blog post on your Happy Place. That would certainly be my Happy Place also. Your Art room is just so fabulous, thanks for sharing
    deezie
    deeziesunshine@aol.com

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  37. I don't think my comment worked before so I'll try again !
    I have just taken over the spare room for a studio (although I still have to share it with eldest rowing machine, it mocks me from the corner) so this post has given me lots of inspiration Thank you for that. Enjoy your beautiful space.

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  38. I am torn about my creative space. My husband and I are preparing to welcome foster children into our home. My creative space may be sacrificed to a little boy who needs a loving mommy and daddy.

    So while I know I will miss my creative space, I also know that I will be in seventh heaven being a mommy to a little boy and his sisters.

    Lovindmutts@yahoo. com

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  39. I want to win this so bad. My husband just built a desk and shelves for me in our guest room closet. I have been playing in there for the past couple of weeks organizing all my crafty things! When I saw your post this morning I felt like we are sisters/friends. I don't have a blog but feel the need to share a picture of my hubby's handy work, I'll email you a couple. Thank you so much for sharing and for all the inspiration.

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  40. I forgot to leave my email address boltonmlc@yahoo.com

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  41. Always get excited when you have a new blog post - loved seeing all the pictures! Babs McKay - babsmckay@gmail.com

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  42. I must say... this is just the inspiration I needed to get busy cleaning up (and out) my sewing/craft room! Perhaps you'd like to visit the Pacific Northwest and give me some help? :) - ruthchristinebouchard@gmail.com
    ~Chris

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  43. i love all these pictures!! you have created such a happy place and i am inspired :)

    jennifer bomgardner
    bomgardnerj@yahoo.com

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  44. How wonderful to have such a room. Lexie at itsacatslife17@(yahoo) dot com

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  45. Thank you for the tour! I LOVE your room. I'm going back to look at the details!

    Charlene Burgin
    CharleneB@naxs.net

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  46. I love your space. It is so pretty. I now need to get mine back in shape. It has taken a back seat to summer.
    francaswell3@verizon.net

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  47. I love your studio! I'd love to win anything in it.
    Jean Elliott
    jeanbeans64@gmail.com

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  48. Debbi Faust

    faustx2@yahoo.com

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  49. I love your late summer sassy attitude! Also, really love your studio.

    Jen Erickson
    jennifer.mochamail@gmail.com

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  50. I always enjoy your posts....the pictures are like hearing a lullaby, so peaceful. Have a wonderful day.

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  51. I love the fresh peak into your space. It is lovely.
    Amy Wathen
    amywathen@msn.com

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  52. This post was so aesthetically pleasing! I love the little cat dish.
    lisa.buchanan@live.co.uk

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  53. In reorganizing my sewing room right now. Hard work, but so worth it in the end!

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  54. My home is mostly decorated in earthy tones, but when I see your beautiful pastels, something clicks with me! Your room is such fun and yet peaceful, too.
    Macintosh603@hotmail.com

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  55. Oh what a dreamy place to go and inspire creativity!! What I wouldn't give for an hour to peek around at all those beautiful things!!
    :)

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  56. I just sent my husband a link to your beautiful Ikea aqua cart and told him it is something I am highly unlikely to buy for myself but that would make me very very happy to receive, hint hint. :) You inspired me to paint my kitchen door aqua a couple months ago and it's truly my favorite thing in my entire house.

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  57. I love your style!! I'm fixing to look for more decorating inspiration on your blog!
    Dettweilerd@bellsouth.net

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  58. I thoroughly enjoyed this post and it wasn't too long!

    TwinnerB@aol.com

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  59. What a darling room! I wish I could send you a happy little postcard! Enjoy these cooler fall days in your cozy, sweet home! Becky J abcjones@comcast.net

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  60. Loved reading and seeing your studio. Also, had fun seeing the book titles that you have.

    Julie Heubusch
    bluecottagevintage@gmail.com

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  61. I love your creative space! I have been trying to do something similar to this in my home office, but since it also does duty as a partial closet for my husband and laundry station, it is overstuffed and a bit scattered. You have just enough organization for this to be a usable, creative space without it being clinical. You must feel inspired here. Thank you for sharing your lovely space and for doing a little hidden, old school giveaway :) teambraga@gmail.com

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  62. What a fun and lovely tour, Jen! Seeing all the details and nooks and crannies is such a treat. Though I don't blog any more, I still make sure to keep up with your beautiful online space because it's such a sanctuary of generosity, loveliness and inspiration. Take care and thank you for sharing your home and musings!

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  63. Spectacular! MissPam Skubala@att.net long.....time.......lurker

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  64. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  65. You have given me so many fun ideas! My sewing studio is getting a redo this weekend. Wait till I tell my husband OUR plans for the weekend! HA Where do you get the fun colored berry baskets? Too cute!

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  66. I actually wrote down the idea of using the old pop case for washi tape! I just found one that I had years ago and didn't know what to use it for. Perfect!

    Cheryl - cc6792@gmail.com

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  67. I just so happened to stop by your blog to play catch up and saw your lovely giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity! I read a lot of blogs here and there for different reasons but yours is a constant I can always come back to. Your blog provides such refreshment and inspiration to me. It's like taking a mini vacation looking at your photos and hearing about your life and how you handle it with grace and wisdom. I'm not suggesting your life is perfect, I know it's not. But you era real and genuine and look on the rosy side of things. What a sweet retreat that is to me. Thank-you!

    Oh, and my email is sunshinebysara@hotmail.com
    Fingers crossed I win! :)

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  68. hi jen... doing some catching up on my blog reading... yours is always my first stop... I love your creative space... it's so reflective of you and your style... i'm working on mine and seem to be hung up on the fact that I love a lot of what's in the space but the wall color is dark... it feels cozy but not really me... I need to really focus on it more so it truly feels like a place to escape... thanks for always inspiring, friend!

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  69. I love that room, it's so cute.

    Where did you get the green mailbox, and the cute lil cat? Looks like you have paperclips in it.

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  70. How very lovely it would be to have a little piece of your home in my home! julanctot@gmail.com

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  71. How very lovely it would be to have a little piece of your home in my home! julanctot@gmail.com

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  72. Thanks for the studio tour and inspiration, Jenn- seriously needed a boost of that as my own 'studio' has been in a painting, refinishing, running into issues stage for over a year. My crafty stuff has been sitting in boxes all that time and I'm pretty much insane at this point . . . not kidding. Seeing your beautiful space reminds me dreams come true . . . even if all you get done all week is manage to scrape paint off door hinges. hicksathome@gmail.com

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  73. You have created a very beautiful space in which to do so many things.
    Kathie. Kmaggierose at AOL dot com

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  74. Love your blog and your wonderful crafty place. Tmac1960@att.net

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  75. I can't imagine your space looking any other way, Jen. It's very you... sweet, comfy, happy, colorful and even a bit sassy ;)

    xo,
    rue

    PS What the heck is Vining? lol

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  76. Your space is so inspirational as all of your spaces are! stellagirl4962@bellsouth.net

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  77. love ... love ... love ... love ... love your creative space!

    Hope you are doing well!

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  78. oh wow love your space so inspirational
    hope you are well hugs Beth
    bdasecke@westnet.com.au

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  79. What a cozy room. I think I live there in my dreams! Hope you heal completely and quickly!
    Maryreadsit@gmail.com

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  80. Hi Jen!
    I love this giveaway...I don't have to follow Twitter (which I know nothing about)...or Instagram (which I don't use)...or the other 20 social media things I know nothing about...I could handle FaceBook, but that's about it! ;)
    I love coming here too because there are not 1000 ads that my virus scan doesn't like... just a good old fashioned blog that I love to visit! :)
    Sorry to hear about your appendix, that's not fun! I hope you heal quickly!! Take care of yourself!!
    Kimberley www.seasideave.com
    seasideave@hotmail.com

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  81. Thank you for a simple, "old school" giveaway!
    Your studio is just lovely....I could sit for hours in there just staring at all the goodies and gazing out the window.

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