Friday, September 09, 2011

My Cup Runneth Over

It still amazes me after all these years of Blogging and being on the computer the kinds of relationships you can develop. Here you are connecting with someone you have never met face to face or even talked to on the phone and an instant friendship blossoms :o) I've met a lot of wonderful people over these years and in this post, I want to thank two very special ones.

Carol and I have been reading each other's Blogs for a few years now and I've always admired her work and talent :o) Imagine my surprise when I went to the mailbox one day and discovered this waiting for me -

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Yes, that lovely little bunny made its way to my house! I am SO honored to have a piece of Carol's stitching and her over one work is phenomenal! I had asked her about borrowing The Prairie Schooler chart she had but she went well beyond her friendship duty and bought me my own copy :o) Thank you so much Carol!

The second person made an appearance on my Blog awhile back. Somehow I think it was fate that brought us together :o) When we put Duncan to sleep, I immediately knew what I wanted to get DH for his birthday; a watercolor portrait to go on the wall with the one she did of Brie. Jobi did not disappoint and went above and beyond my expectations -

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Not only was there the portrait of Duncan but one of Brie and Duncan together :o) DH and I were SO touched! Unfortunately I'm one frame short but expect to fix that next week when we go back to the Big City. We plan on putting them up behind the couch and that way we can all watch television together.

I highly recommend Jobi's work! She is a very talented artist and has done a fantastic job of bringing our critter kids back to life. Thank you again Jobi :o)

IMPORTANT NOTE: For those of you who follow my Blog, you'll know that my Blogaversary is coming up towards the end of the month :o) Five years! Wow! And as you know, I always give away a nice GC from an ONS... Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed with the turnout from my last giveaway. It seems that some people just come out of the shadows for the gifts and then retreat again :o(

Now don't get me wrong! I know that life is hectic and there is not always time to read everyone's Blogs. I'm guilty of that and as we speak, I'm behind myself. BUT...I do eventually read those Blogs and I do leave comments.

So...I've come up with a new rule. In order to be included in this year's giveaway, you must have commented on every post from now until I upload the post for my Blogaversary. Honestly, not that hard ;o) I hope you will understand and continue to enjoy the craziness that is The Pumpkin Patch.


55 comments:

MoonBeam said...

Nice stories about online friendships. Who would have thought ten or fifteen years ago about the possibilities awaiting us?

I've been following your blog for a few months now. I connect through another blog that has a nice list of blogs that she follows. I will definitely sign up as an official follower now, if I haven't already. Five years under your belt. Nice going.

Bobbi

Parsley said...

I'm so glad you got spoiled a little! It's so fun to get mail goodies!

I hope you know that I follow because of YOU and not your giveaways. Plus we both love pumpkins!!! I may not have commented on everything...or maybe I have and now you think I'm a stalker. LOL

Stitchinowl said...

How thoughtful of Jobi and Carol! The portraits Jobi did of Duncan and Brie are so touching.
Carolyn

Mouse said...

oooohhhh the pictures are adorable :) we keep saying about having one done of our two (who are now at the rainbow bridge ) .. well done on the surprises isn't it nice when that happens :) .... have chosen the chart to stitch for the fund raiser .. just need to get needle to thread soon :) love mouse xxxxx

CalamityJr said...

What a beautiful gift. I followed your link to Carol's blog, and she really is a gifted stitcher! And the pet portrait - that's something I'll be checking into as a gift for my hubby. Thanks for the heads up. Also an FYI: I always read, just don't comment often. Sorry I don't tell you what I'm thinking more often, just using the not enough time excuse.

Sally said...

Hi! I am new to your blog so thought I'd say hello:)

That is a beautiful gift from Carol. She stitches and finishes things so beautifully.

Those watercolour portraits of Duncan and Brie are wonderful.

Oh I hear you on the giveaway thing. I always notice when I have a giveaway that people comment then I never see them again until the next one! I like your idea so may have to try that next time I have one :)

Nancy said...

Lovely gift from Carol and Jodi did a great job with the portraits! Congrats on almost 5 years of blogging!

Annie said...

Blogging friends are really great! What a great surprise from Carol! And really gorgeous portraits from Jobi too. Good day in Pumpkin-ville!

Rachel S-H said...

Congratulations!

How nice that you have that memory piece of the furbabies!

Linda said...

Hi Pumpkin, I read your blog everyday. But, I'm sorry, I'm really bad about leaving comments. Me and half the time blogger. I promise, I will try harder, I really, really will.
Linda

Melanie said...

Lovely gift from Carol, I too have something she stitched and everything about it is perfect.
The portraits that Jobi has done of Duncan and Brie are beautiful, what a lovely lasting memory you'll have.
As for commenting I suspect I'm like a lot of people. I read all the blog posts and think of replies in my head and then move on to the next post without commenting, which kind of defeats the point. I know that even the smallest comment on what you have wrote can brighten your day, so I will try harder.

valerie said...

That Carol is a sweetheart! And those are lovely mementos of your pets that I'm sure you will both cherish for a long time.

I agree with you on the giveaway issue. I think that's why I skipped celebrating mine this year with one...plus it was busy and I never got around to finishing the items but still.

Happy weekend!

WendyCarole said...

What lovely gifts and the portrait is great.
I agree with you over the give away. I never comment on giveaways unless I am a regular commentator.

Carol said...

I'm so pleased that you like your little surprise, Cathey--I just loved that bunny and thought you would, too :) I know he's in good hands up there!!

Beautiful portraits of Brie and Duncan! How wonderful to be able to paint as well as Jobi (or paint at all!!).

Blogging friendships never cease to amaze me--I feel like I can really count on people I've never met for just about anything... Thanks for being such a special friend :)

Nancy said...

Hey Pumpkin,
Stitching and (I imagine as I don't have a blog yet) blogging friends are some of the best there is. I have been following your blog for a bit now. Probably since your last giveaway when I was sent in your direction. I do so enjoy reading the blogs although with my schedule I often don't have time to comment. But even if I don't get to be in on the giveaway, I just want you to know that this pumpkin stalker is still stalking. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Mary Ann Tate said...

I visit every time you post but I don't comment. Just lazy I guess:)

Do you watch Criminal Minds?....if so you'll get this.......my verification word is unsub...:)

Deborah said...

Love the portraits of the dogs. I will be considering doing one of Sammi. Lovely gifts from Carol. Take care. Deborah

Jane said...

Hi Cath
Your gifts are gorgeous and it's lovely that they all have such meaning to you. My dear little Buttons has been gone over a year now but I'm still not brave enough to have too many momentos around me, I guess it will get easier with time.
That's a shame you have been treated in that way when you have been so generous, if it makes you feel any better I have recently taken part in 2 stitching exchanges and put my heart and soul into my gifts only to barely receive a thankyou and no wish to follow me either ~ I think we all know who our genuine followers are as you know they are always there when times get bad not just for giveaways.
Have a good week, I don't think ours will be as we have a hurricane heading our way!!! xxx

Tina said...

Lucky you to get such nice surprises in the mail. I know, I know I'm a slacker when it comes to keeping up with all the blogs, hardly am on my own these days. lol! I have always good intentions but my follow through is off these
days! :(. Wow five years...how time flies when you are having fun!

Leslie said...

What a fantastic gift! Blogger friends are the greatest!

Hope that you have a great weekend.
.. and happy almost 5th year, great job.

Kathy A. said...

Wow - check out the comments now lol!
What a lovely gift from Carol. She really is a sweetie isn't she.
And nice tribute to the puppies.

Lisa V said...

What a gorgeous momento to keep of your lovely pets.

Daffycat said...

Oh, such a nice gift from Carol! She is a sweetie.

I love the photo paintings of your late pets. That's a nice gift for DH.

By the way...I'm only commenting so I'm included in the giveaway! *snigger* Just teasing, Cathey!

Karen said...

I do agree.... it is amazing how you can know blogging friends so well although you have never met! The little pillow is just so cute and I love the finishing too.


Kudos on 5 years.... agree about the giveaways too! so hard nowadays!

happy stitching....

Denise said...

Five years??? Wow - that's one old pumpkin patch! lol

Love the pics of Brie and Duncan.

Stitchabilities said...

Aww what lovely picture of your fur babies, That is the sort of thing I would love a painting of my cats. I may have to look into that.But then I really should have one of my kids first LOL


Great new rules for your giveaway!!

Marion said...

Howdy...and I'm not just commenting because of your post..LOL...I have revived my Blog after a few months of non-posting....we do still have to meet up ya know??!! LOL
Take care....LOVE the portraits....that's something I might look into actually!!
Take care
Marion

Patty C. said...

Lovely gifts -
ROFLOL - I don't think I have that many comments in my head ;)
Cute idea !!

Unknown said...

Cathey, Cathey, Cathey. You are so kind and such a good friend. My eyes had to water when I read your post. You might want to get a few extra frames "just in case." tee hee
P.S. - I am going to run a contest on my Water Color Your World site for a custom Holiday card in a few days, and I will let you know as soon as it is up! Love and hugs from all of us.

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

The portraits are lovely! I have portraits of three of my furkids who are all gone now. Means a lot!

Melanie said...

Hahaha! You rock it girl. I think that's a good rule to have for giveaways because you are totally right. You want them to go to the people who are really there for you all the time, you know? But it is what it is I guess. I don't join giveaways any more lately really because I just have sooooo much stuff and don't want to get in the way of someone who might really need a pick-me-up. I always feel bad when I don't join though because I don't want that to be construed as snubbing someone either. Like I'm too good for their giveaway or something. :( (Conceited much? I'm sure people don't even notice. lol)

Those dog portraits are just phenomenal. Sooooo nice!

Carol is such a sweetheart. I'm so glad you got a little package from her. I would be so thrilled, you have no idea.

Denise said...

I started blogging again in March of this year and have been really good about reading blogs and joining new ones but I (like so many others) am not very good about putting comments in after we read them. i will try to do better, even if its a short little pat on the back statement. I would love it if you would stop over and check my blog out also.
I love your pics of your dogs! My 2 dogs are my best conpanions here on the farm.
Happy Stitching
Denise

Myra said...

What a lovely gift from Carol - isn't she the best? I am proud to own some of her stitching and it is just divine. Lovely portraits of your babies too. Hope you are having a great weekend!

Veronica said...

I'm sorry to hear that people only leave a comment for giveaway posts.

Love the watercolor portraits! They're beautiful. The bunny pillow is so cute too.

Catherine said...

Love your gift from Carol! She is a fantastic stitcher and friend!
What a sweet way to remember your pets.
What a fun way to enter your give away - I just hope I don't miss any posts!

Lainey said...

Beautiful gifts from Carol, she is such a sweet lady. The portraits of your darling doggies are wonderful.
I have a give-away just now Cathey and I used this same rule. I have to say though it hasn;t made much difference in fact I think its the least amount of people I have had join in from the previous give-aways I've done.

Mary Ann said...

What a lovely gift from Carol!

I totally understand about your rule for your giveaway. I am probably the worst commenter in Blogdom. I always tell myself that I will do better--but... : )

I do always enjoy reading your blog!!

Hillery said...

You sneaky little devil. I am about to jump on your bandwagon, so hold on. Have a happy Day!!!!!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri Malinovich) said...

You got a couple of awesome things! Love the bunny; it's so pretty - what a wonderful gift! And how sweet of Jodi to include the portrait of both of your doggies. So sweet!

I, like you, try to leave comments as much as I can. I do understand that not everyone can leave a comment every time (I am guilty sometimes) but when they only ever leave a comment for a giveaway it does make you wonder...

mdgtjulie said...

I know how you feel about people commenting. I have had the same think happen. I comment on almost every post I read, lol. I occasionally miss one, but not often. Here's hoping you have a great giveaway turnout, and people continue to post to your blog. Grats on the great gift. Friends are so lovely to have!! And the bunny is darling. So are the watercolors. Very true to life. I may have to commission a portrait of Yes Dear. Thanks!!

♥ Nia said...

goodies! goodies! lucky girl :D
Carol is a sweetheart =)

Special pictures that you have there :) Beautiful work from Jodi!!

Nice rule ;) Yes, it's true.. I have more than 400 followers and always the same 20 people commenting! and I have people who email me about my posts instead of writing in the blog.. don't understand why =/

trillium said...

That was a nice gift from Carol.

I'm sure you are happy to have the photos of the dogs as a remembrance.

Anne said...

I thought I commented on this post, but I see that I haven't. I actually just became a follower just before this post, cause I saw your adorable little daschund picture and had to click on it and found you!! Hello from all the way across Canada!! I love Carol's stitching and I see you got her cute lil' bunny!!

Sorry to hear about your doggie Duncan. I just recently lost our beloved cat so I know how it hurts. But what a lovely way to remember him by and Jobi did a lovely job.

Cindy said...

It is amazing how we can be such good friends with people who we have never actually met :)

I have been a terrible blogger lately...both in posting and reading. You are always so good about commenting regularly! I totally know what you mean about people crawling out of the woodwork when there is a prize on the line :)

Aussie Stitcher said...

Stitchers are the nicest people. That is a lovely gesture by Carol and the portraits of Duncan and Brie are wonderful. I love that they will be watching telly with you and your DH.

paula said...

Your dogs are adorable. I have family pictures of my Paka and Tavish up on our family gallery . . . . they make me smile each time I see them . . . my fur-babies are so special to me too.

Sharon said...

Beautiful gift from Carol! Happy 5th Blog Anniversary to you!

Teresa said...

Five years of blogging, how wonderful. You have about 4 1/2 years on me.
Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

Gert said...

Oh how I love to follow your works! I'm always in awe at what lovely work you do!

Congratulating you on your 5th blogaversary!

Blessings,
xoxo Gert

Anonymous said...

Pumpkin,
What wonderful pics of your furbabies. That's a nice thing to do to remember them by.
And, I love Carol's little bunny! We are also computer friends, she is such a sweet lady :)
Donna in WV

Lesleyanne said...

That is a beautiful gift from Carol. The watercolour portraits of Duncan and Brie are wonderful.
I like your giveaway idea and may have to try that next time.

Tatkis said...

Such beautiful and touching gifts!
And the rabbit pincushion is my favourite (love the rose finishing fabric and the ribbon!)

Hugs,
Tatyana

And This Little Pig said...

What a lovely gift for DH's birthday, and a beautiful portrait. I always knew you were special Cathey, a Dachshund, and an Australian Red Cattle Dog!
LiBBiE in Oz

alliecat said...

What lovely gifts you received, very cute rabbit pincushion! Love it :)
Allie xo

Julie said...

A lovely gift from Carol, i always admire her stitching

Super portraits!