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Friday 18 December 2015

BY INVITATION ..........


I have been honoured to have been part of the 'By Invitation' family from the very beginning. To start with, there were just a few of us but, over the five years, it grew to quite a large membership.

Unfortunately, it has now run it's course and like all good things is coming to it's natural end this month.





We are packing our bags and today, ' By Invitation ' is saying goodbye.


For our final post we are thinking about .....


Blogging !!



I started my blog on a whim ...... I was looking for something and was directed to someones blog ..... at the top of the page it said ' Start your own blog ' so, I did. 
I like my home so I thought that I would write about houses and interiors but, over the years it has changed somewhat and that's OK..... things evolve. 




Over the years, the blogging world has changed and many of my first followers have left blogging and post more on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and the like and blogging has been made to feel a little old fashioned.


I made many friends in those early days and after about a year I would sometimes get over 100 comments on my posts but, many left their blogs and things changed. I don't know if it's an age thing but it seems to me that many are lured to anything new and are very quick to move onto the newest social media tool. 

I have so enjoyed my blogging experience so far, have connected with some lovely people from around the world and have even met some of them. On the whole, blogging has been a very positive experience for me with many highs and very few low's. The only negative thing that I can say about blogging is that some things sometimes get lost in translation and we lose the odd follower now and again which I find a little sad but, I know that this is inevitable and, of course, we can't expect to connect with everyone can we ? .. after all, we don't connect with everyone in real life so why should blogging be any different? 

I really don't know what the future holds for blogging and bloggers but, for me, I shall continue for as long as I enjoy it and hope that all of you out there will stay along for the ride.

What are your thoughts on blogging and it's future ?



I am more than a little sad that our ' By Invitation ' journey has come to an end ..... I have enjoyed every minute and, it was so lovely that someone would tell me what to write about once a month !!!!!!!!! 
Many thanks to the lovely Marsha whose idea and inspiration ' By Invitation ' was ..... she worked so hard to think of ideas every month and to enrol new members .... it's never easy to deal with everything and to lead a project {that's why I don't do it !!!! }
If anyone would like to start another similar group, I'm game to be part of it !!



I'll leave it to Pete and Dud to say Goodbye-ee !!









image 2: via la bonne vie, image 3: via clutter and chaos, image 4: via google images, images 5 & 6: via kero i am, image 7: via margadirube, image 8: via vogue.it
video: via YouTube



Jackie

60 comments:

  1. And the lovely Cathy McGowan.

    I notice on your side bar that there are plenty of blogs that you follow, that haven't been updated for months if not years. Many fall by the wayside; only the stalwarts continue. I know you're one of the latter. x

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    1. Cathy was my role model as far as clothes were concerned !!
      I leave all of those blogs on my side bar, hoping that, oneway, they might post again !!
      I shall plod on blogging regardless Cro as I hope you will. XXXX

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    2. I went into the hairdressers last year and said I wanted my hair like Cathy McGowan. They looked at me blankly. I am glad you are carrying on with the blog Jackie (even with the snow).xxx

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    3. Haha ...... A sign of old age Rachel { plus all the moaning we do !! }
      I was never giving up my blog .... just the By Invitation stuff that has come to it's natural end.
      ..... in time, you will come to love the snow as much as I do !!!!! XXXX

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  2. I have started to play around more with social media but for someone who enjoys writing it really doesn't give me a lot of scope. We will both stick around together Jackie and fight over who turns the lights out!

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    1. I'm with you Jessica ....... we shall probably be the last ones standing !! XXXX

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  3. Ah ! what a shame, I so enjoyed the different ways all of you interpreted the subject given to you. But so glad that you will be continuing with your blog. I've only been blogging for a few years, and like you I started my own blog after looking for info on water colour painting which led me to a blog which I still follow. I think we must all drop blogs we started to follow and weed through the favourite ones we enjoy. Merry Christmas Jaqueline and look forward to seeing what you post as your own choice.

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    1. Oh yes Barbara ...... I shall still be here { unfortunately, I can hear some saying !! }
      Thank you so much for all of your support ..... I am so sorry that I'm having trouble commenting on yours. I shall have another go !!
      Merry Christmas to you and your family and I look forward to continued blogging friendship in 2016. XXXX

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks Vicki ..... I'm a bit sad about it actually !! XXXX

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  5. I love how blogging is, at its very essence, a place to share thoughts and ideas through nothing more than the written word - and in your case, the addition of some artful images as well. I have very much enjoyed the BIO series for reminding me that people ALL think so differently about a given topic. Ironically though, for this last post, I think we are all thinking it's a little sad. Have a beautiful Christmas Jackie. x

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  6. I,too, have loved the BIO series Virginia and am sad that it has come to an end. I liked being given a subject and giving my thoughts on it but, we have to move on.
    I wish you, your family and friends the most magical Christmas and look forward to continued blogging friendships. XXXX

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  7. By Invitation may come to an end . . .
    I hope not you . . .
    You, JACKIE, are what I enjoy about blog/blogging.
    Unique, personal, creative, style . . . like a visit from a faraway friend, a bestie . . .
    One who lights up the day with their "visit!"
    I see the format, recognize the name and I am taken into a world of "that person."
    Difficult to explain that passion I receive to someone who isn't familiar with BLOG . . .
    An art form of its own . . .
    I have loved meeting you, geting to know you, to call you friend . . .
    You have me with one word . . . HOME and grey, blue and white . . .

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    1. Oh Lynne .... thank you for such kind words.
      I'm afraid that it's just By Invitation that has finished, not me !!!!! I will carry on regardless with my drivel !! haha
      Thank you so much for all of your support and here's to much more blogging friendship in 2016. XXXX

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  8. Replies
    1. Haha ..... I love the snow .... I'm always reluctant to take it off and it's often still there in May !! XXXX

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  9. I love blogging...Much better than fb.......this is so relaxt like Reading a magazine.....i am glad you don't stop....always Nice to read your post.......love from me happy weekend Ria x❤️

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    1. Thank you Ria and thank you for always being there .... you're a true blogging friend.
      Happy weekend to you too. XXXX

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  10. For a moment I feared that you'd announce that you give up blogging - I'm glad, glad, glad that you don't.
    As to "old-fashioned": to hop after each whim of fashion is ridiculous - the contrary is: elegance. Follow one's own mind. As you do! With the result that your blog is beautiful, creative, perfect - in one word: elysian! Thank you!

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    1. No, no Britta ..... I'm not giving up my blog.... just the By Invitation posts that we did once a month !!
      I'm old-fashioned too ..... I like blogging and don't do Facebook much or the other social media ' things ' !!!!!
      Thank you for your lovely words and for your comments on my blog. You have been a true blogging friend. XXXX

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  11. Love those photos. Love your blog. Love the blogging world. I don't do any other social media so I don't know much about them. I really can't imagine how one finds the time to do them. It is sad when a favored blog stops posting. I think you are right. They move on to another spot. For myself, I don't want to have to learn how to do anything else.

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    1. Thank you so much Donna and, I love the blogging world too. I went on Facebook when it first started but never post on it ...... it's all a bit showy-offy to me !!!!! I had SO many ' friend's ' in the blogging world but so many of them moved on and I miss them.
      Still, we are all here and I look forward to more of your blogging friendship in 2016. XXXX

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  12. THE LADY with the falling SNOW!Thats your name ALWAYS with me!I just re`subscribed to your blog as I never receive them!It told me I was already SUBSCRIBED!SO MADDENING!SO I used my old AOL account lets hope we can stay in touch and I receive your POSTS!I feel we are of the same age............55?This BLOGGING STUFF works for ME!!!XX

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    1. Elizabeth ...... you are so lovely ..... thank you for your kind words. I'm not sure why the subscribing thing doesn't work but I hope it sorts itself out !!
      I am very sorry to say that I am MASSIVELY older than you ..... I'm 64 !!!!! Arghhhhhh !!
      This blogging stuff works for me too so I'll still be around and hope that we remain blogging friends for many years to come. XXXX

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    2. 64 young!
      Do you know ARI SETH COHEN and his book ADVANCED STYLE?Well, you are the age he LOOKS FOR I just heard him speak in SAN FRANCISCO!If you go back one post on my blog you can see.......he has documentary's too on YOU TUBE.Just plug in ADVANCED STYLE FILM....................XXX PS. WE WILL and I GOTTA GET TO LONDON!!!

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  13. Jackie I'm so glad you will continue your always friendly, beautiful blog - your words and pictures are truly inspiring and interesting. I have followed BIO too and Marsha is a lovely blogger whom I hope will stay with us, even without hosting BIO.
    I have blogged almost 8 years now - it is my only foray into the vast and somewhat confusing social media arena - I give my blog my all, I have no extra time in my busy life to even consider FB and other platforms. I like the stability of a blog. The space can be as busy or simple as one wants to make it. Although people come and go (and the faithful who have stayed the long course are fabulous and have become my lifelong friends in many cases), I can understand when they leave for personal reasons we may never be privy too. I will always miss them and continue to think of them around the world hoping they are well and happy.
    Looking forward to a new year of blogging and especially reading of your travels to lovely British places - you always tell as so much of interest and of course I always get a bit homesick - but that's OK! In all honesty, every now and then I think about quitting my blog too, thinking perhaps I should be doing more constructive things with all that time, however I think I must soldier on - I must have somewhere to post all those photos I love taking, and the actual writing/designing of each post is my much-loved creative outlet which I don't think I can give up!
    Jackie - sending love and very best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful, beautiful and peaceful holiday season - see you in the New Year!!!
    Hugs - Mary

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    1. Thank you so much for your lovely comment Mary ...... it is rather sad that the BIO series has ended but I guess things have their day and it's time to move on ..... it was fun while it lasted !!
      I miss many of the original bloggers that I connected with and I, too, hope that they are well and happy.
      I won't wish you a Merry Christmas just yet as I will probably post again before Christmas !!!!
      Have a lovely weekend. XXXX

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  14. Oh Jackie, I don´t understand everything, but I hope you´ll stay here? - hope it with all my heart!!!!!! May be blogging a little bit old fashioned, but I love to be old fashioned :-)! It is always so magical here..........and I´m sooooooooo happy to know you and your blog! Have a wonderful Christmas time,

    with love & hugs, Jade

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    1. Dear Jade,
      Don't worry .... I shall still be blogging. It is just the By Invitation posts that are finishing ...... you can't get rid of me that easily !!!!! .... haha
      Your's was one of the first blogs that I found so, I'm so pleased that you are still blogging ..... your blog is so inspirational.
      Have a lovely weekend Jade and here's to more blogging friendship in 2016. XXXX

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  15. I'm still hanging on myself but wonder for how much longer. I cannot stand FB and IG has become just another selling tool for folks business..I loved the conversations and discussions and sharing we all did those 9 years ago. Folks complain today that blogging takes too long. Well give me "takes too long" every time. Tea made with a tea ball not a bag. A long walk where I can study things rather than a run. A good book with the slow turning of pages rather than swiping left on a machine...and long slow kisses to get to know someone rather than a tweet of let's hook up... sigh..but I've become a fossil I suppose. I'll hang in awhile longer until no ever stops by.... merry merry from lala land

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    1. Oh Z ....... don't you give up on us ...... I'm relying on you to stay around !!!!!
      I do like to embrace modern technology to a certain extent but it seems to be getting ridiculous now. I have an iPhone, an iPad, a MacBook Pro and I onlyreally need one of them !!! I can pay for things with cash, card, Apple Pay and contactless .... how many ways do we need to pay for things ?!!!!
      Hang in there Z ..... we will miss you if you leave. XXXX

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  16. I still enjoy blogging and glad you will still continue.

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    1. Thank you Nina ...... I enjoy blogging too so, I'm not going anywhere !! XXXX

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  17. Jackie, I have always loved, loved, loved reading your take on things for BIO - often with a little surprise and often making me laugh! Thank you for that. Well, we may be old-fashioned (and you are totally right about that) but I think that our super modern world needs that too!
    Sending you a bisou and a hug from Provence,
    Heather

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    1. Oh Heather .... thank you and thank you for all of your wonderful and inspirational posts ..... I have always loved reading each and every one of them and have been inspired.
      I am rather sad that our BIO series is over .... I loved reading everyones take on our given subject and will really miss it.
      .... and, I think you are right ..... a bit of something old fashioned never hurt anyone !!!
      Sending love from the UK. XXXX

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  18. Hi Jackie, like you I am sad and hate change...what fun this was. Bravo to Marsha for her brilliant idea to bring all of us together on this incredible journey of blogging. All the best to you this holiday season and cheers to a fabulous 2016!!!!

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    1. It was fun, wasn't it ? I loved reading everyones BIO posts and enjoyed thinking of mine and I really will miss it. But, onwards and upwards and we must move on..... I'm just not that keen on change !!!
      Here's to more blogging friendship in 2016. XXXX

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  19. I've also wondered if it's "an age thing" as I've noted that so many of the 20-something and 30-something bloggers I once enjoyed have left the online world altogether or transitioned to Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. I think there may be many factors (of which age is one), among them what really appeals to those of us who "stay" with what I like to think of as "classic" rather than old-fashioned.

    Whatever the reasons, I'm grateful for the quality and inspiration of the voices that remain -- like yours!

    Sending best wishes for a wonderful end-of-year holiday and a very happy and healthy new year!

    xo
    D. A.

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    1. So many bloggers have left for other social media tools but, I'm sticking to blogging. I like the format and enjoy ' meeting ' people from around the world.
      .... and, althought ' By Invitation ' has finished, I hope for our blogging friendship to continue in 2016.Wishing you and yours a magical Christmas and a wonderful New Year. XXXX

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  20. I have noticed that a lot of people are abandoning blogging either for good or just moving on to pastures new. blogging does take up a lot of time I am the first to admit it but, like you, I will probably hang on to the bitter end because I enjoy it. Meeting like-minded and interesting people, all with different lifestyles in different countries - where else would we have the opportunity to do that. I feel that you all have become friends who I like to spend time with, even if it is only virtual. I shall miss the BIO posts they were always a joy visually.

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    1. It seems that, as soon as another social media tool arrives, people move on and discard their blogs. I'm not sure why as I think having a blog is far better than Facebook, Instragram or Pinterest { but then, that's just my opinion !! } I'm not very good with change so I would say that !!
      I shall miss the BIO posts too ..... they were fun to do and I liked seeng everyones different take on the same subject but it seems that it reached it's natural end and things move on unfortunately.
      It really is like making new friends isn't it Elaine and it's good fun. I shall still be here, blogging away !!!! XXXX

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  21. No. Wait. I just found you! You're not giving up this blog altogether, are you?
    As for blogging in general, I have 6 - 8 blogs I follow religiously. I start my day with Cro at Magnon's Meanderings. He's a delight and someone I would like as a gentle friendly neighbor and friend. Another blogger became such a fast friend, I send small birthday and Christmas gifts to his 14 year old daughter. Content in a Cottage is a lovely lady on the other side of the United States. Alone with her elderly dog, Webster, she posts interesting articles and pictures about design and architecture. I love her. I could go on and on. I will never meet these people but I feel this is one of the joys of the internet and I post a comment when they have really hit the mark. I was even sad when Monty died. If you go away entirely, please know that posting the name of the creator of your Christmas fairy was like a gift. THAT'S the kind of thing I love.

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    1. No Gail ..... I'm not giving up my blog. Just the By Invitation posts that we did for five years. I'm afraid you've still got to put up with me !!!! haha
      Cro is one of my favourites and it's lovely to read his day to day goings on isn't it ?
      It sounds as if you have met some lovely people through blogging ..... how good is that ?
      ..... and, I'm so pleased that you liked my fairy..... did you manage to get one ? I shall probably be posting some more photographs of my fairy and other Christmas decorations in my home before Christmas so, look out for them !!
      Thank you so much for your lovely comment and I wish you and your friends and family the most magical of Christmases. XXXX

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  22. Lovely ending! It's a shame to see the end of BIO, but things do seem to race on. I much prefer blogging to other social media too. Have a wonderful holiday!
    XX Jennifer

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    1. I'm really sad to see BIO go Jennifer ..... I've really loved doing the posts and reading everyone elses but it's time to move on. Hopefully, we will still all remain blogging friends and I look forward to reading more from you in 2016. Much love . XXXX

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  23. Ah, Peter and Dudley always managed to make anything funny. I think blogging is evolving, and the "flash in the pan" folks have moved on. I do think there will always be a place for well-written blogs. I too am so grateful for the relationships that have grown out of blogging, really the best part of it all.

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    1. Love Pete and Dud !!!! Unfortunately, YouTube only had that video of ' Goodbye-ee which isn't the best ! Never mind, I think that everyone will get the idea !!
      I hope that people will continue to blog .... I really enjoy it and agree with you that the friendships made are the best part. XXXX

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  24. Sorry for the misunderstanding. My fault entirely, jumped to the wrong conclusion.
    Too late for the Christmas fairy but your post prompted me to conduct a little research on my own of Jette Frolich. A similar design is readily available. Instead of a magic wand, she carries a heart and might be the perfect gift for my granddaughters for Valentine's Day. Wouldn't the fairies be lovely suspended in an open window of their room? Again, thank you Jacqueline.
    P.S. I agree with you wholeheartedly about Cro. He tries to come across as this grumbling curmudgeon when he's really a gentle, loving, artistic soul who has a soft spot for big dogs.;-)

    Look forward to seeing more photos of your fairy and other Christmas decorations. Without a doubt, they will be stunning. Thank you.

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    1. Oh, don't worry Gail ........ I think a lot of people got the wrong idea !!
      I'm so pleased that you will get your Jette Frolich fairy and they will look lovely in a window. XXXX

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  25. Oh gosh, I'm so late to the party... just when I find a group of like minded bloggers that I'd love to participate with, their group comes to an end. I'd been introduced to By Invitation Only through The Enchanted Home, and then started reading Marsha's blog. Now I see there's an entire group of bloggers behind it that so resonate with my aesthetic, both visually and in terms of lifestyle. I'm relatively new to blogging (1 1/2 years) and I'm so ready to find/start a group, so I would absolutely love to be included if your group decides to re-form. I'd also be happy organizing it if you need someone to do that. If nothing else, I'm bookmarking and following as many of you as I can... :-) But really, please by all means reach out to me if you're looking to coordinate a new group. Have a wonderful holiday!!

    Lory at Designthusiasm (http://designthusiasm.com)

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    1. Hi Lory,
      I am really sad the the BIO series is over ..... I've really enjoyed being part of it but maybe it's time to move on. I'm sure that there will be new things coming in the New Year !!
      Wishing you and yours a wonderful and magical Christmas. XXXX

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  26. Dear Jackie,
    Your "final" post for this unique BIO blog-event - simply brilliant.
    Clearly, thoughtfully expressed. Together with your interesting, wonderful, humoresque images - For me the best post on this theme.
    What else can I say, how can I top it up with words, with superlatives..!
    Although I'm since a while (mildly spoken) not all that often in the blog world, your posts always, always lift me up, brighten up daily life, giving me a smile!
    And what is better than "a laughter per day keeps the doctor away"!

    Yes, it is sad that this BIO series has ended. Maybe some of us can take over??? I know - I know - that kind of commitment will be even more time consuming than "normal" blogging. But....might be worth to give it a thought. I cannot do it, although I would have several ideas, my English is just too bad and - I'm not enough disciplined and time simply sleeps away...every day.
    However - we'll keep on blogging. I'm convinced that you do. It's not the quantity that counts, it is the quality. I'll try to do my best.

    So, we have to say a bittersweet goodbye for now - at the same time we have to look forward to another beginning.
    As Hermann Hesse wrote in its poem STEPS:
    "Jedem Ende liegt der Zauber eines neuen Angangs inne".
    Thank you very much for joining our group continuously, such a pleasure every month!
    And THANK YOU for your heartfelt sympathy.
    Wishing you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a good start to the NEW YEAR.
    xxxkarin

    p.s. your age? you're a "youngster" - I'm 9 years ahead of you....psst! secret!

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  27. Karin ..... thank you so much for your lovely comment ..... laughter is the best medicine, isn't it ?!!
    As much as I'd like the BIO series to continue, or something similar, I'm not the one to take over the job I'm afraid ..... I don't think that I'd be very good at it !!!!
    I hope that your Christmas will be as good as it can be and I hope that you will have your family and friends around you Karin. My thoughts are with you and I look forward to more blogging friendship in 2016. Much love. XXXX

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  28. You. You, the most amazingly talented & beautiful of the bunch. Never do you disappoint! I love your heart & your soul. LOOK at all these comments you have! From the beginning you have been a key member of BIO, like all the original members. Each one of you hold a special place in my heart, now and forever. Merry Merry Christmas, darling one...

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    1. Thank you Marsha and thank you for everything over the pat 5 years. I've loved every minute of it and always looked forward to seeing what our subject was going to be every month and compiling my posts. It's sad that it's come to an end but things move on, don't they Marsha ?
      I wish you and your family a wonderful and magical Christmas and to continued friendship in 2016. Much love. XXXX

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  29. I am from the states and I so love your blog and you. Ill miss by invitation but am so happy you will continue your blog. I have never commented but you have always been one of my favorites and I visit regularly. You have so many more fans than you know. You are a real treasure for all of us anglophiles out there. Hugs
    Sandra

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    1. Hello Sandra ...... how kind of you to comment and say such lovely things !! I never think that anyone would be interested in my ramblings so it's lovely to hear. I think that some people got the wrong idea about this post so maybe I'll have to do another one to put them straight. I like doing my blog and have no intentions of giving it up at the moment.
      It's so nice to know that there are people out there reading it ...... I hope that you will comment again as it's so nice to hear from you and to make new friends....... that's the part I like most about blogging.... meeting people from all over the world.
      Wishing you a magical Christmas and I hope that you will comment again !! XXXX

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  30. It's sad that BIO's come to an end, but I'm so glad that you're staying Jackie. Xx

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    1. Thanks Deb ..... I'm sad about BIO ending ..... I liked being told what to write about once a month too ...... sometimes I can't think of anything !! I so admire those who post everyday !! XXXX

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  31. "What are your thoughts on blogging and it's future ?"

    My wife and I have had a few discussions on this lately and have each run the gamut of personal blog posts that identified little about who we were as non one did that then to being very personal and realising that is probably not safe to being only art blogs to now trying to find a balance of showing the person behind the artistic expressions to some degree. figuring out that balance is a work in progress. The reality is though, for both of us at least, we miss the writing that blogging affords. Maybe we wind few other men even blog..and if they do it is usually on nothing I am remotely interested in (like, sports, cars, activism, hunting, etc.)

    At the beginning of this year, we took an inventory of all the blog we followed and went through each one. To my shock, of the 93 I followed, I am now only down to 22 due to the fact most of them have either closed their blogs or just haven't blogged in a year or more. So, that has led me (and Alex) on a hunt to find other blogs with wonderful writings, reflections, photos, etc. One thing, perhaps rather too optimitically or naive that we've noticed is it seems that recently blogging has taken an upswing where people like us have missed blogging and have started up again to one degree or another. Perhaps less frequent posts but thoughtful ones nonetheless.

    I don't do FB- don't even like the idea of it. I do have instagram but find it hard to use for writing as it is really just for pretty pics. If I'm going to do that, then I use my Pinterest for visual inspiration. Blogging though allows me a platform to writea bout any art piece I've done, a place to post my pieces to an online art co-op I now host and where I can connect with others who I might never meet where I am at.

    BTW, in answer to your "About" post. YES, by all means -- you can come over for dinner any time. We would love to meet you. In fact, I jsut generally love meeting people and hearing their stories. My only stipulation? They don't reek of smoke. hahah. Health issue there.

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