Saturday, October 29, 2011

Elizabeth of 1,000 Days


The very first day I spent in my craft room (not yet beloved), my husband sat in my big white comfy rocking chair and watched as I made my very first craft seen on Alica Paulson's Posy Gets Cozy Blog. I had found very sturdy wire in the garage and wire cutters to make one of her fanciful Cagelets. When I finished making it, I remember distinctly saying to my husband, "Can you believe how cute this is!"


I have now said these very words to him more than 1,000 times as I have made more than 1,000 things that have definitely needed proclamation out loud as to just how cute they have been.


I wish to publicly thank the two artist who have most influenced my time here, Alicia Paulson who traverses her life by embracing every moment of every day with an open and adventurous heart, and Jenny Harris of Allsorts who truly set the standard I have tried so hard to achieve myself through her delightful illustrations and exacting attention she gives to the quality of everything she touches.


I have never been one to care about the counting of things; but in this my second to last post, I hope you don't mind my sharing them with you as I have loved my blog so very much.


I have written more than 1,000 words in just as many posts. More than 1,000 people visited my blog just yesterday. More than 30,000 people visited my blog last month, 400,000 people have visited my blog over each year it has existed. I have never before looked at the page that keeps track of these things, and am humbled more than I can say.


There are nearly 1,000 of you who have chosen to Follow my blog and spend a moment of your day with me. From these I have chosen INA as the GIVEAWAY WINNER of my Creative Breathing Circus. She is representative to me of the many women who have written the most heartfelt letters expressing what my blog has meant to them. They have all meant so much to me.


There are no more crafts for me to make or stories to tell. My craft room is now beloved by many. I can finally leave it behind for others to enjoy knowing I have shared all there is to share about myself. For more than 1,000 days of being in this special Place to Be, I have memories to last the rest of my life. Thank you Dear Friends. Love, Elizabeth





NEXT AND FINAL POST WILL BE DECEMBER'S CHRISTMAS TAG SWAP  Please mail tags to Elizabeth Andrus, 112 Gibraltar Ct, Delaware OH 43015

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congrats to Ina!

May you have 1,000 and more days ahead of love and joy in your life!

((BIG HUG))

Jane said...

Dear Elizabeth,
As one of the thousands of regular visitors, I just want to thank you so much for your wonderful stories, photos, crafts, tutorials, and more! I do hope you'll leave your blog up for those of us who never tire of visiting & revisiting!
Blessings and Best Wishes, with thanks! Jane-Jacksonville

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I am going to miss you, Elizabeth! I always read your posts twice. Once for the story and then again for the project. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! That means so much to me.

Denise said...

Blessings will continue to come your way,that I am sure of.Enjoy your life my Dear.

Jenni Swenson said...

I'm so sad... I just recently discovered you... you are soooooo talented. You show so much love and affection for every project. I'm sure we will be seeing your work somewhere else soon. xoxo Jenni

Debby said...

Sad but I understand. What about next Friday? Will that work.
Love love your sweet creations.

Eileen said...

So-this is like damming up a river. Where's all that creativity going to go?
Wherever it takes you, I wish you joy. You are the bee's knees!
Thank you so much for all your creativity, and your sense of fun. I am truly grateful.
I'm also feeling very sorry for myself and full of grief. Where am I going to get my daily shot of nirvana?
Thanks again. You will be missed, more than you know.

Joanne said...

AWWWWWW! I have so loved coming here to read your stories and admire your beautiful work! I will miss you. You should take all thses wonderful pictures and stories and compile them into a book. I think it would be a best seller! God Bless you!
Blessings, Joanne

kimber said...

I cannot believe that I have just "discovered" you only to find that there will only be one more post. I have back tracked to read everything you have posted. You are so loving and giving in your words and your talent! Thank you so much for sharing such a huge piece of your heart with all of us! Know that new adventures await you! Much joy and happiness, my dear!

Lynn said...

Sweet Ekizabeth,
Thank you so much for sharing those wonderful 1000s with us! I love your stories, your creations, your inspiration to soo many. I wish you nothing but blessings, the best that life has to offer, and nothing but JOY as you start in your next adventure in life.
Thanks for everything and inspiring me to try new things in craftings. I will never forget the times I spent reading your blog and I do hope you leave it up for us to go back to enjoy all the beauty of it.
Hugs,
Lynn

Nan said...

Thank you E for being you and giving us all so much.

Teresa said...

Congratulations Ina!
Elizabeth, I'm so sad to see your blog go into retirement. I visit it everyday to see if a new creation is peeking out of your craftroom, or if there is a new story being told. I'm truly going to miss you & your blog. I'm getting ready to craft a felt Santa & I'll think of you as I make it. Take care & thank you for sharing so much! Teresa

Ina said...

I'm crying right now. Not because you chose me to take good care of your circus cuties. I'm crying because I will miss you.

I will miss you SO much but I am thankful you will leave your blog up with all the beautiful words and pictures for me to revisit when I miss you all over again. :)

Thank you for every creation you have shared. Thank you for every story you have shared. Thank you.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Thanks, Elizabeth, for sharing a bit of you ... your life and your crafts ... in all of your posts. Wishing you much happiness and many blessings, Tammy

Janet's Creations said...

Dear Elisabeth,
You are leaving a big hole in my life and in my heart. I have so enjoyed your blog.
May you live long and happy, my dear friend.
Janet

Janet's Creations said...

P.S. I am sorry for mis-spelling your name! Please forgive

Angela said...

Dear, dear Elizabeth...it's not the end. Just take a breather and surprise us with something new when you get ready. We'll still be here.
Angela

laurie -magpie ethel said...

1000 is a big number...congrats and glad it has been a good journey. I love Alicia Paulson too. She is local and I loved to visit her absolutely adorable shop and see all the fun stuff and visit with her. Happy day!

TruthforAmerica said...

I will miss you

Cindy said...

You know me I will never say goodbye...just Hi!!

Love the use of the gingham and the darling jelly jar on the snowmen. It makes them pop!!! Red always makes me sile..as you do too..hugs and squeezes...me Cindy

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

I'm sad that you have decided to stop blogging and also hope that you leave your blog up so that I can still visit you...
I have so enjoyed and loved visiting you. I also am thankful that I have some of your creations to treasure..
love,
deb

vivian said...

oh no... I understand though E. I do. but I can not say goodbye to you! We will be in touch! I'll be emailing you soon.
xoxoxoxoxox
vivian

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your heart with us all. Your stories opened my heart to recollect my own memories and was a reason I started to blog. Your crafts inspired a anixety ridden woman to find solace in working in multi mediums which have given me much peace & joy. You are an inspiration in the way you view life and through your words I have learned alot about what I hope to be. I know that the next journey in your life will be filled with joy and love because you have given so much to those of us that view your place to be each day. Many blessing to you.

Shean

Diane Mars said...

Here I sit it's 12:00 I am up late thats a usual for me..today was filled. I started out visiting an Estate Sale picked up a few Treasures for re-sale and then a showing on my listing at 10:30 A.M. At 1:00 our adult children acme over and brought our little grand peeps over. Such a treasure those sweet little souls. Off to a Halloween Carnival and then back to our Home for Pizza dinner... wow I am so tired, but I just had to share just how nice it has been to be one of your blogging friends ... I will miss you and all your whimsical fun over here! Please do keep in touch... Big Hug sent to you in Ohio from me in California. ox, Diane

Suz said...

No, please no! Can I convince you? You are definitely right up there with Jelly and Alicia and I hope and pray that you will be back someday.
Big hugs,
Suz

Pieceful Bits said...

I have enjoyed every single word, blog post, and creation!
(~~)
Julie

Musings from Kim K. said...

I am going to miss you, Elizabeth! I will cherish all my special treasures from you. I pray that you will be leaving up your blog so that we can revisit your lovely tutorials and inspiring crafts over and over again. (((virtual hugs)))

Celestial Charms said...

Dearest Elizabeth,
I can't possibly express in words, how much you and your beautiful blog have influened me. Although your creations are second to none in their cuteness, it is your words and your spirit that have touched my heart. Your willingness to open and share chapters of your past with wit, wisdom, and adventure have influence me like no one else in blogland! Just know that you have touched hundreds of people, just being you!
Hugs,
Maureen

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

For the very reasons you listed about Alicia and Jenny...that, too, is why we love you! : )
Much love,

Mary Lou

Perfectly Printed said...

Elizabeth, I like the others who have posted comments before me, will miss your amazing creations and your stories.

The Best to You,
chris

Camille said...

I only found your blog about a year ago and am addicted to your stories as much as I am your imepcably perfect creations. You will be missed and I selfishy keep hoping you will be back very ,very soon. Thank you for sharing so much with us. : )

Pieceful Bits said...

Dear E,
Please keep in touch. We both have milestones to share. It is the love of crafting that connected us and I hope to keep it that way. Whether we are crafting or just admiring crafts and vintage treasures of others.

Blessings, Love, and a little PINK glitter,
(~~)
Julie

Jess said...

Dear One,

Your blog was one of the very first I ever read and have read and reread it continuously. I love your way with words and your delightful crafts. And am absolutely in love with your craft room. Please leave your blog for us to return to when we need comforting words to read and inspiration from your crafts.

Thank you for all you have done and all you mean to each of us. With blessings and thanks, Jessica

Sally Annie Magundy said...

Oh Elizabeth! ohhhhhhhh! I feel so sad reading your post. I want to say, "say it isn't so"!

I guess I've missed something, you aren't the only one that is CLUELESS, dear Miss E. ;) I'm sorry I missed why you're not going to blog anymore, because then I would know how best to launch an effort to coax you into hanging around with us longer teehee.

Please take good care of yourself. I know your days will be filled with love and family & friends and creativity, because that's who you are.

We have had such fun and sweet times here with you. Please know you will be missed so very much.

Sally xoxoxo

editor said...

Please change your mind! Your creativity needs to continue!

Blessings to you and your family,

Mary

annemarie said...

I wish the best of everything to you Elizabeth.

Annie said...

Elizabeth...Please take time to give as much care and tenderness to yourself as you have to all of us that have enjoyed you through your delightful characters and wonderful sharing of heartfelt stories. Blessings of Love and Peace to you and your family...we will be here when you are ready to return.. Annie

Kim with a K said...

Hi Elizabeth
I'm so saddened that you are leaving the Blog World.
Gone but never forgotten!
Your sharing has meant so much to me.
I'm just about to start my own "snornament" with your tutorial by my side...thank you, thank you, thank you!
I wish you all the best and may a little glitter always be in your hair!
Consider yourself hugged "friend".

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Alas...it seems that it is almost time to bid farewell to your wonderful blog that I have truly enjoyed visiting, getting inspired by and reading your fabulous tales.

I have so appreciated your friendship extended across the miles, Elizabeth. This has been such a fun place to pop by to get a lift and a smile. Thanks for everything and most especially many heartfelt wishes in the days to come!
~Much Love~

Carrie (Cottage Cozy)

Cathy said...

LOVELY!!! Thank you for the tour.

Anonymous said...

I know you have to follow your own gut, but it feels so sad to hear you will not be blogging anymore. Will you stop crafting altogether? I know for me creating is something I NEED TO DO to keep my sanity (I have the challenge of an autistic daughter, non-verbal & low-functioning and it is in the "world" of crafting/sewing and visiting the wonderful blogs that I get a lift that helps me cope with the endless care & frustration of her needs.
Last week for Halloween I made some of the clay people you shared...mine were "goblins", but I thank you for teaching how to make them because they just took on their own personalities and make me smile. (Btw, I also couldn't find the paper clay, so I bought something called DAS hoping it was the same thing..worked great.)
Funny, how it was Alicia's blog that was the very first blog I ever visited...I remember seeing a feature in Romantic Homes on her home and when it said "her blog" - I said to myself, "what is that?"
I wish you all the best, Elizabeth...I wish you could do a craft book yourself...so many different doors seemed to open for the blogs I visited..many became quilt fabric designers, or wrote craft books or contributors to magazines. You know never.

Anonymous said...

Dear Elizabeth: My heart sank after reading this is your next to the last post. I'm going to miss your stories, inspiration and wonderful creations more than words can express. I feel as though we are friends who chat over coffee or tea at the kitchen table. Many blessings and best wishes to you and thank you for the past 1,000 days!!! Linda Hardesty

Gingerbread Gal♥ said...

Thank you so much for sharing your talents and time with us all. I loved visiting your blog and you have inspired me so much with your creations. You will be missed. I wish you all the best.

Hugs,
Rachel

paige said...

Hi Elizabeth. This is Paige from Where Women Create. Can you please email me at Paige(at)wherewomencreate(dot)com. I have a funny story to tell you and I can't find an email addy for you. THANKS:)

Ninni said...

My first reaction was NO she can't quit! Then I got all tearyeyed, I absolutely LOVE your blog!
PLease, dont leave us!!

I adore everything that you do, and you are one of the blogs that I read every day, I usually start my day reading it.

What can I do to make your continue to write?

Lots and lots of Swedish Hugs!
Carina

Unknown said...

WOW! I must be the last person to discover your blog! SO sad to see you are a post away from ending it! You have the same style love that I do. On the bright side I have a lot to catch up on! Good luck in whatever new vwnture you try. Your newest friend....Pam!

jenny allsorts said...

aw shucks... thanks elizabeth!

Suz said...

E,
Everything you touch turns to adorable. How are we ever going to exist without you? I do hope some day you will return again. You are loved by so many of us, for what you do and who you are.
Big hugs,
Suz

Nan said...

When I saw the post in my blog roll come up to the top I said Oh goody E has posted something. I'm sure sorry you are leaving as one of your many fans I truly looked forward to each and every post. Well I guess all good things must come to an end and I'm just happy to have some of your special hand made crafts to keep. There is just not another person out there with the special talent you possess.
Love Nan

connieJ said...

I just discovered you today from Paige Hill's blog. Your art is wonderful and your stories are fascinating. I only meant to "check you out" and I've been sitting here reading back to August. However, I can't find where you tell us why you are resigning. With your talent, I MUST know why. I'm sure it's not boredom. :)

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

Dear Miss E,
I am really stunned. I didn't realize you were leaving blogland. I am so sad and near tears, I can't begin to express to you what you, your blog, projects, and stories mean to me.
I consider myself fortunate to have gotten to know you for even this short period of time, and I will treasure each and every memory of you and your blog. I just wish I had found you sooner. I am hoping you will leave the blog up for me to come visit for my dose of Miss E and to go back through on all I have missed.
I have the clock you made me where I see it numerous times daily. It always reminds me to make good use of my time, as the clock is always ticking.
I hope your journey takes you to some wonderful places, and you find nothing but joy and happiness along the way. Of course, should you decide to check back in from time to time, that will be alright with me! And 1000 others. Much love to you.
Sadly,
Julie

Cindy said...

Thank you so much for all the beauty you have brought to so many...

Tori and I will miss new creations, but we hope you will keep your 1,000 days of crafting and wonderful stories up a bit longer.

Much love and thank you for so many happy smiles you have given Tori and me as we looked at your crafty treasures together,
Cindy

obsessed scrapbooker said...

Don't go!!!!!!! I love coming to your blog when I need some eye candy to perk me up!!!! Your talent is incredible! Please stay awhile longer or come back from time to time....

Heidi said...

I just yesterday discovered your blog through Pinterest and I have fallen in love with it. Thank you for doing all of this and making me feel cozy and warm at work. :) Best of luck in whatever you do next!

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Anonymous said...

I don't know where you went or what happened to you, but I just found your blog, abd I can't tell you how much pleasure it has given me. Your crafts are beyond adorable; I'm amazed by your creativity. But your stories are so touching, so heartfelt. I love them. I wish you all the best. Thank you!!!
Mary