Take A Giant Leap

It was March 1, 2004 when I took a giant leap into Blogland.  I had been reading blogs, enjoying the community and comradery of bloggers, for about 2 months before I took the leap.  Four years have passed and it is startling to think of the way blogging has changed my life.  Many amazing friends both near and far have come into my life as a result.  I truly never expected the friendships to be so true, so strong and I never thought I'd meet so many bloggers face to face. Everything about this community amazes me…the generosity, warmth, caring, sharing can't be match anywhere by any other group.

With a Blogiversary comes a party and you're all invited! Parties mean party favors and, while I'm a little sad that I can only give out a few, we can still have a great time, don't you think?  I appreciate each and everyone on of you who stop to read and comment, whether it's daily, weekly, monthly, or just once in while. I appreciate those of you who read and never comment. You do count even if you don't weight in on a post. I know you're there and I'm pleased you stop to read.

To start the party, let's do the prizes first...

You'll love knitting Miriam's new Flutter Scarf pattern (your pick of a hard copy or PDF).  Miriam puts so much thought into her designs and she creates some of the best lace around.  You'll also receive a skein of Lark's alpaca/soy yarn. This yarn is so soft, so beautiful and it's also hand dyed by Anne of Wooly Wonka...a total Utah package!

A skein of Sherbet, a vibrant shade of STR light weight, which just screams summer and we're all in need of a little summer, eh?

This is a very big bump of Spinderella's thrums (easy to spin!) in a mauve-y shade…with a Barebones Spindle. (Must spread the spinning bug.) Another totally Utah package!

Other goodies will also be included in the gift packages....goodies like chocolate (and more!).

Now, here's what you must do to join the party.   

Last year you told me your secrets and it about blew me away…you were so open and generous and it touched me deeply.  This year I'd like to hear a story.  The story must be about the landscape, the place on this earth that brings you peace and joy.  Is it an exotic beach, a mountain top or is it your own backyard?  Maybe it's the city block you live on, or the park around the corner.  Tell me where it is (not necessarily the exact spot), describe it, what it means to you, and include how often you are able to go there. 

Three comments will be chosen at random for the above prizes, but I'm going to read every comment carefully and handpick the one that speaks to me, makes me want to pack my bags and head on out.  That person will receive a special prize (TBA).  So, get ready, get set and tell me where to go!

The contest is open until March 13th, the day before my birthday, and to celebrate that event there could be another contest and more prizes. On March 14th I'll announce the winner of this contest and we'll keep the party going.   

Let's party!!

Comments

[sandy]

4 years!!! WOW! Impressive! You are my idol, my knitting guru, my friend. And I love you!
xoxo

[Rachel]

Wow, I am first! probably the result of reading this post in Israel (I am here visiting my mother, hence the recent quietness). I think I must convince you to pack your things and come visit Jerusalem, there is no other place like it in the world! It is so beautiful and unique it is hard to describe it. Although in recent years they ruined the entrance to the city with ugly big buildings and bridges and highways, lucky for us it is hard to destroy this city. Jerusalem offers so many unique experiences: walking on the walls surrounding the old city, walking in the small alleys inside the old city or enjoying the view in numreous spots where you can sit and look towards the old city are only a few treats. Walking around the city and viewing the beautiful old houses is another favorite thing I like to do there. Recently I even managed to almost feel like a tourist there, an old wish of mine and it was great. OK, I talk too much.

Have a great bloggiversary party! We are very lucky you decided to start this blog, it is one of my favorite daily treats and meeting you and Smith in person just made it even better, Hugs!

[Manise]

Happy Blogiversary Margene! Looking forward to may more years of reading you! Mwah!

[Sherie]

One of my favorite places is Isla Mujeres, Mexico. This is a very small island (just 1/2 a mile wide and 7 miles long) off the coast of Cancun. Your charming adventure begins with a 70 peso ferry ride. The ferry is small and crowded with the island's inhabitants. Once on the island you walk to your hotel (there are several) and dicker for an acceptable rate. As soon as your bags are dropped off in the room it's time to go to the beach. Only a short walk from anywhere on the north end of the island awaits paradise! The beaches are clean and pristine. White sand goes on and on. And incidently, that sand never gets hot! The water is turquoise and crystal clear. Snorkling is perfect and there are many types of fish to spy on. The people are friendly and happy. After a day lounging on the beach there are a few restaurants to choose from and a small area of shops to find treasures. Forgot your book? There's a used book store too. Even a small grocery store for supplies, just be sure you can read the labels in Spanish! Bicycles and motorscooters are available for exploring the village and south side of the island. At night visit one of the beach bars to sip a pina colada, wiggle your toes in the sand and watch a magnificant sunset! Ahh, paradise.

[Carole]

4 years! Congratulations, my friend. I feel so lucky to know you. Now, I'm not trying to suck up or anything but the place that speaks to me is the mountains. I love the feeling of being in a valley and having the mountains all around me. It makes me feel safe, as if the world is contained within, and nothing bad can happen as long as I can see those mountains. On the other hand, the other place that speaks to me is the ocean. I love to watch the waves roll in and roll out. It makes me think how big the world is and I want to ride the waves to the other side.
Is it weird that my two favorite places evoke the exact opposite feelings in me? Probably.

[PumpkinMama]

My soul's home is the wind and the waves of an east coast beach, but not the summer beach. Give me the noisy, chill blasts from stormy fall waves with gulls reeling in the wind, and the no longer green beach grass rustling. You musn't forget to add the smell of the salt air, photos of landscapes can't give you the smell, but isn't that part of what evokes such strong feelings in us, regardless of our chosen landscape?

[DebbieB]

Happy 4, Margene! You have enriched my world, and I don't mean that lightly. I read your blog first thing in the morning, and the way you pull things back to center no matter how chaotic they get - that reminds me to center myself, too. I'll share about my favorite spot when I have more typing time. Thanks for putting yourself out there!

[Wendy]

A very happy blog-i-versary, dear Margene!

My favorite place in the world is Wales. I've spent several long idyllic vacations there, and the most perfect place in Wales (in my mind) is in the mountains in mid-Wales -- the Brecon Beacons. There is a waterfall, Sgwd yr Eira, where there is a path behind the falls so you can actually walk through the falls. It's so beautiful it hurts, and my heart still flutters whenever I think about walking there.

[Cindy/Snid]

Happy Blogiversary (you made me realize that I completely forgot about mine (#2) last week!).

I'm not going to join in and tell you about my favorite spot right now, because I am missing it and it would make me cry...

[Kim]

Happy Blogiversary!!! Ok, my serenity spot is not a fancy place or even very far. It's my own back yard.

On early summer evenings, I like to take my kitting or a book out into the back yard...the dogs are quietly grazing in their yard (yep, they graze like blessed cows) and the birds are out singing their evening songs and grazing for worms. The gentle quietness of it all is what I love best.

[Barbara-Kay]

Our home looks out on a 5-acre Louisiana lake. The back of the house is mostly windows, so any room makes for scenic views. Since we moved here 4 years ago, I have become a bird watcher. The egret has her favorite fishing territory along the far shore, but the "johnny come lately" blue heron wants her spot. He is bigger, and drives her off. Then she sneaks back in behind him!

Lately we have had 14 mallard ducks in residence. They fly the lake like a race track, at about 12 feet "off the deck". Just wait a moment, the duck flight will be back around.

I could think of many places in the world I'd like to visit, but my own back yard has become my peaceful spot. Knitting, anyone?

[kelly]

Happy Blogversary Margene! Now are you ready for your trip???
Pack up some knitting, and nice cable knit sweater,a pair of wellies and of course Smith and Moxie. There will be no big city adventures or high rises here, just the sweet smell of the great outdoors and a few sheep.
Your off to my home town in Ireland. Many days of your trip can be spent going from small town to small town, roaming the glens, Moxie will LOVE all the new smells and adventures. Don't forget to wear your wool sweater and wellies for the glens tend to be a might chilling and wet on occasion. You'll pass by sheep, some goats and many a hedgerow. You may take a lunch with you and decide to stop on one of the many stone walls for a bite to eat in the fresh air, or you many wander down to one of the many small villages for a bite to eat at the local pub. Fish and chips or steak pie and chips with a good ole slice of wheaten bread slathered with butter, now thats a lunch. Don't forget to wash it all down with a pint of Guiness and your off again. This time to visit some of the many ruins that were once forts and castles of days gone by. Many pictures will be taken and would be a perfect time for a photo shoot of that new FO. On the way back to your b&b in the near by village you'll stop by the local woolen mill and stock up on some fabulous tweedy arans and learn the history of the mill.
Before settling in for the night you'll stop back off at the local pub again for a night cap and a banter with the locals. You'll learn lots about the locals, their customs and maybe an irish song or two.
Thats just day one, meerly the tip of the iceburg. You are sure to come home with many a story, many a smile and dreams of when your next trip to the emerald isle will be.

[CindyCindy]

Wow. I just finished reading some of the comments. Can I come, too? As we have discussed before, my heart belongs to the Mississippi river. Ole Man River is not just a watery slash in the earth. This river has a heartbeat. He is not unlike us. He will take guff and abuse and finally, he'll take over part of the land and all that we build close to him in our arrogance. My favorite spot is at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi. The flow of both rivers parting company is awe-inspiring.

[Sarah HB]

I have two...one I see every day and one I haven't seen in many years.

The one I see every day:
It is the view out my bedroom & bathroom window. It is part of what drew me to this house after seeing it the first time. Every morning (at least in the spring, summer & fall) I can look out my window as I get ready and watch the sun rise over the McDowell Mountains. It is a very calming time for me because it makes me smile about where I have come in the past year and how life does renew and bring you peace!

Second place, the one I don't see except in my mind is on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Winter or summer, doesn't matter, but the crashing of the waves, the birds, the winds...a gorgeous place to watch the sun rise and just be. I will see it in October this year and I am looking forward to the "renewal" of my spirit.

[Carla]

Wow- 4 yrs. I wonder when I started reading you? I think it is close to 4 yrs!
I don't know that what I am sharing is my favorite landscape but it is what I miss most. I have lived in the midwest since 1986 and it is VERY flat. I went to high school and college in New England and I really miss the mountains. ( I am not a big climber or skier. )
However I do love the mountains and find a sort of peace when I know they are surrounding me. So I miss them and am happy to visit places that are not FLAT!

[Norma]

My brain is empty at this early-morning hour, and you know most of my stories anyway (told you a good one yesterday, but not about a PLACE, hahaha), so I'm just going to wish you a happy, happy BLOGIVERSARY, and I'm now off to think about prizes for my own next week. Eek, you've raised the bar pretty high. :)

[deb]

Happy Blogiversary Margene! You forgot to mention how you have enriched OUR lives - every day I read you!

My favorite place - easy! Home. No matter where I am - traveling, shuttling my daughter around, out with friends, enjoying a rare evening out with my beloved husband - I can still fell the suble pull of the place I love the most calling me back. Our home. We built our home together right after we were married. We suffered through a very sad miscarriage while building our place. We moved in to an unfinished house at Christmas and shared our first and best Christmas ever here. We were finally blessed with our daughter and she has been raised in this house. Four cats, a dog and a hamster have lived here. My stuff is here; my life is here; my love is here. I rest here.

[Karen]

Happy Blogiversary!!! Thanks for sharing yourself with us.
The place that brings me peace and joy could be most anywhere but the one I'm going to tell you about is not only a place but a time. In the evening when everyone is settled, my son sleeping in his room, my daughter in her room on the computer or talking on the phone and my husband watching tv, I climb into my bed with my knitting and enjoy the comforting thought that everyone is home where they belong. I don't get to enjoy that feeling as often as I used to now that my daughter is away at college so it is all the sweeter when I do.

[Michelle]

Margene, what a great question. I was not going to enter so that other people could have a better chance at winning, but I have to share a magical spot with you.
2 years ago my love and I went on a trip across Canada, we got in our van and just started driving, no plans, just a bunch of maps and a yearning for adventure. Everyday we chose a new path. I remember so clearly when we were in Alberta I think in the banff area we decided to take a hike up a mountain, our trip up was through the woods and when we reached the top there was snow and ice (it was summmer) we walked across the top of the mountain and came across the most stunning and peaceful meadows. As we decended the mountain we came across a stream...sat down and just enjoyed the stunning beauty of the meadow and the little rocky stream...it was the most peaceful place in the world. I have no idea how long we sat there but time just stoped. I doubt that I would ever find that place again, but it was simply incredible and I think of it anytime I need a break. Oh and I forgot to mention the hundreds of monarch butterflies...stunning

[Hillary]

Happy Blogiversary! Reading your blog has brightened my day or inspired me so often. I'm truly thankful for your presence in Blogland.

It's no secret that I love my adopted home here in Virginia and working in DC but there is one thing I miss about Long Island - the water. When I think of the most relaxing, soothing place it's Northport Harbor and the beaches in the north shore of Long Island. I love and miss the water! As a kid, I looked forward to long walks along the pier where I would listen to the sound of the water gently lapping at the pilings while peeking in all of the boats that were tied up. There was a playground and a bandstand there and as a young adult my friends and I would often go there and hang out. Sometimes we'd walk up the small main street and eat ice cream or gaze in the windows of the shops.

Just thinking about Northport Harbor makes me long to be there. I hope that this is the year I get to share it with my daughters because they've never been there.

[Angie]

Happy Blogiversary, Margene. My favorite place is home and one of my favorite times there is sitting in my little kitchen garden looking north while the sun warms my skin and a breeze plucks at my hair and clothes. Seeing the far ridge covered with trees, the field full of waving grasses,and the sensations from the sun and wind make me feel so healed and at peace with myself.

[Chris]

Happy blogiversary! I'm honored to have had the chance to meet you.

One of my very favorite places in the world is the Black Hills. I worked for the Forest Service in the Black Hills during the summer of 1991, spending 40 hours/week tromping around through the ponderosa pines.

On the weekends, I'd go hiking. My favorite hike was to and from Harney Peak (the tallest point in SD and tallest point between the Pyrenees and the Rockies). Most of the hike is through forest, but it does feature some great views of the Needles and other features.

Upon reaching Harney Peak, you can see into Wyoming and Nebraska from the old stone fire tower (built by the CCC). You can see the back of Mount Rushmore. You can see towns and roads, but the often times busy Blacks Hills seem very quiet and peaceful from this perch.

I've been back to do this hike a few times since 1991. Once with a now ex-boyfriend on the way back from Glacier National Park. Once during a week long solo vacation to the Black Hills in 2005. And once on the way back from Estes last summer. Each visit has been restorative, invigorating, and soothing.

[Kirsten]

Happy Blogiversary Margene!!!

[Cara]

Thank blogland for you my friend! Happy Blogiversary!

PS - My favorite place in the world, right now, is my new baby's room. Yesterday I sat in there for awhile and it just make me happy and peaceful.

[Jennifer]

Happy Blogiversary Margene. What would we do without you? Blogdom is a very good thing.

Hmmmm... My favorite landscape would probably have to be Where Knitting Iris lives. I've never been there in person, but it's so inspiring to see through her blog photos. She seriously makes me want to move to a place that looks so serene. I can almost smell the fresh air on her blog.

Maybe I can go take a whiff of some of that outdoor clean fabric softener and pretend I'm being transported...