Dreamland

Two new stamps in the shop.

I've updated two of the business stamps in the shop:

Business 1-line Stamp

Business 2-line Stamp

My turn: something I'm proud of.

Last Wednesday's comment question was "What are you proud of?" and today I'm going to take my turn to answer.  (And yes, I meant to do this on Wednesday this week.)

I'm proud of my daughter for accepting her celiac diagnosis with incredible grace and strength.

I'm proud of myself every time I say it out loud and don't burst into tears.

I'm proud to be married to a French cookin' fiend.

I'm proud that my kids are best friends, there for each other through thick and thin.

I'm proud of the days I manage to remember that it could be worse, that most of the things I worried about didn't come true in the end (like lactose intolerance...bring on the cheese!  And the ice cream!  And the buttered popcorn!).

I'm proud that I have a knowledgeable family to help us and caring in-laws to support us.

I'm proud of my grandma, who had to eat gluten free in the 1970's when there was literally nothing out there for her.  (And I'm sorry if I ever wrinkled my nose at those corn pancakes she used to love.)

My new baking cupboard -- I've been using Annalise Roberts' Classical Blend for my gf baking the last few years (and which I store in the fridge), but I wanted to try some other brands too.  The Jules worked great for flour tortillas!  And I'm really looking forward to trying Domata, made locally.

My turn: a few favorite books from the past year.

After reading all the answers to Anniversary Week Giveaway #2, I wanted to share some of my own favorite reads from the past year (and I'm going to allow myself more than one title here, unlike the question of the day).  You can also see more of my reads on my 2011 book page.

Fiction

The Book of Negroes (recommended in the comments of last year's Anniversary Week; thanks Gisele!)

Case Histories (I'm now reading my third book -- in a row -- by Kate Atkinson.)

Room  (One of the few books I actually read in just a few days, and I wasn't even on vacation.)  Several people from this year's Anniversary Week also mentioned this as a favorite.

Non-fiction

Second Skin, by the amazingly talented and thoughtful India Flint.  I had to buy this one from an Australian bookseller, but I see that Amazon will be carrying it soon.  Highly recommended!

Art Saves  Every now & then it's nice to read a book that reinforces what you're already doing and inspires you to be even better (instead of my fallback, feeling guilty that I'm not doing enough).

 

Anniversary Week Winners!

Thank you all so much for celebrating my anniversary week with me.  I had such a fun time reading all of your comments that I am going to answer the same five questions in my blog posts this week.  But first, the winners:

#1) any red rubber stamp in my shop

Chia: 

I am allergic to melons, cucumbers, bananas, and mangos!

#2) digital file of your name in my handwriting

Elizabeth:

My favorite is "In the Garden of Beasts" - nonfiction about the last American Ambassador to Berlin and his family on the eve of the rise to power of Hitler prior to the start of WWII - fascinating take on a heavy topic. This would be a great give-away to win!

#3) quotation pack

Bonnie:

I just took 2nd place in my first photography contest! It was totally unexpected and so exciting.

#4) one-line stamp

Mer:

Oregon Dachshund Rescue in Portland. I got my boy Archie there years ago; he was recovering from back surgery and his owners had to give him up as they were unable to take care of him during his recovery. I am always impressed by founder Jenell Rangan’s devotion to her furry waifs and dedication to educating humans. I know there are plenty of charitable organizations working to help PEOPLE, but I so rapidly succumb to compassion fatigue when barraged by their pleas. But send me a happy puppy picture or an older daxen with its tail waggin’ and I’m hooked.

#5) self-inking address stamp

Jennifer C.:

I would personalize this as a gift to my daughter!

Bonus Giveaway for tweeters, pinners & facebook posters--

Monnah:

I've shared this with all my Facebook friends! I'm really looking forward to this week.

If you're a winner, please email me at lettergirl66 {at} gmail {dot} com.  I will draw a new winner for any prizes not claimed by Memorial Day.  And honestly, I wish everyone could have won!

Now for my own answer to the question for Giveaway #1 (a random tidbit about myself):  I have six brothers and one sister, and we are spread out all over the country (though mostly in the midwest).

Anniversary Week Giveaway #5: a handwritten self-inking address stamp!

Today's giveaway: a self-inking address stamp, handwritten in your choice of designs:

Maybe the best selling Emerson?

Or the oh-so-sweet Ingrid?

Or maybe the whimsical Rachel?

To enter today's giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling me how you would use your stamp.  Would you give it to a friend?  Savor it for yourself?  Get something special for the holidays? The contest will close Sunday evening, May 20th, and I'll draw a winner on Monday, May 21st. Please be sure to leave your comment here on the blog, and not on facebook. Good luck!

Anniversary Giveaway #4: a one-line stamp in your choice of red rubber, polymer, or self-inking!

Today's giveaway: a one-line stamp in your choice of red rubber, polymer with a wood handle, or self-inking.  (Actual size of stamp is about 3/8" high x 2 to 3" wide, depending on name/s written.)  Use it for your business, save it for your holiday cards, or give it to a teacher....

To enter today's giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite charity. The contest will close Sunday evening, May 20th, and I'll draw a winner on Monday, May 21st. Please be sure to leave your comment here on the blog, and not on facebook. Good luck!

Anniversary Week Giveaway #3: five handwritten quotations!

Today's giveaway:  five of my favorite quotations, each one written by  hand or  printed from a handwritten original.   At 4" x 6", they're perfect for framing or adding to a handmade card.

To enter today's giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling me one thing about yourself that you're really proud of.  The contest will close Sunday evening, May 20th, and I'll draw a winner on Monday, May 21st. Please be sure to leave your comment here on the blog, and not on facebook. Good luck!

Anniversary Week Giveaway #2: your name + my lettering = digital art!

Today's giveaway:  your name (or your husband's or your child's or your family's) written by hand in any of my lettering styles and presented to you as a pdf -- use it as an email signature, print your own stationery, heck you could even get a tattoo.

(In my shop, you can buy just your name or your name and address.)

To enter today's giveaway: Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite book from the past year -- fiction or non-fiction.  (For the record, I loved all the random comments yesterday!) The contest will close Sunday evening, May 20th, and I'll draw a winner on Monday, May 21st. Please be sure to leave your comment here on the blog, and not on facebook. Good luck!

Anniversary Week Giveaway #1: any red rubber stamp in my shop!

Today's winner will receive their choice of any red rubber stamp in my shop.  Michele perhaps?

Or the spunky new Colette?

Or maybe the tried and true Ursula?  (She's one of the first three stamps I offered on etsy, and she's still going strong!)

To enter today's giveaway:  Leave a comment on this post with one random tidbit about yourself.  The contest will close Sunday evening, May 20th, and I'll draw a winner on Monday, May 21st.  Please be sure to leave your comment here on the blog, and not on facebook.  Good luck!

Quotation Friday: Max Ehrmann.

From Max Ehrmann's Desiderata; available for purchase here.