I have a few things to talk about today - First, I just want to thank everyone who has taken the time to comment on this blog. My Inbox has gotten a little out of control lately and I am behind on correspondence, but I want you to know that I read each of your emails and comments and I deeply appreciate that you've taken the time to express yourselves and make a connection. I'm slowly getting to know some of you and I notice when you make return visits (and comment), I read your blogs when you leave your blog address, and I marvel at the array of interesting, kind women who populate the Internet. Blogging is a wonderful creative outlet, but connecting with readers is much more satisfying than simply keeping track of the number of page hits. For that, I thank you.
The second item on the agenda today is announcing the two winners of my inspiration box giveaway. The first winner is Jodi (#6), selected by a random drawing (I am not including the photo of the random number generator. You'll just have to trust me!). The second winner is Pauline, whose comment I selected not because she said such nice things (which I appreciate), but because I find the idea of anyone discovering their creativity incredibly inspiring - especially when they didn't think the word "creative" applied to them:
After living for 48 years and saying, "I'm just not very creative", too many times to count, I've discovered I was wrong. I can be creative. Your blog is such a breath of fresh air. You have such a wonderful sense of style. I love to see what you do and use your ideas to help me find my own. I love to make little things to brighten the days of others - with paper and fabric scraps and beautiful little things.
So Jodi and Pauline are the two primary winners in this giveaway, but because I had a manageable number of replies, I'm going to send a little something to each person who responded. It will take me some time to get through the list, so please be patient with me, but I will contact you in the order in which you commented (after putting together the boxes for the two winners, of course).
Which leads me to the main part of this post. One of the respondents to my giveaway was Teresa, also known as the Green Bag Lady. Teresa mentioned that she'd like fabric, and of course I'm sending fabric to her because, quite frankly, anyone looking to change the world one bag at a time deserves all the support I can offer. Teresa is a college professor, a mother of three, and a blogger - and yet she's found the time to sew and give away almost 12,000 fabric bags! She doesn't make money from her bags - she gives them as gifts and asks only that you promise to use her bag instead of paper or plastic ones.
She was kind enough to make a bag for each member of my family (mine is pictured above), and I love being part of what she's doing. I've had my reusable Whole Foods bags for awhile now, but I seem to consistently forget them (and then kick myself for doing so). Teresa's bag is so colorful and charming and just begs to be taken out. So far, I've managed not to forget to bring it along - and it feels really, really good!
To pass on that good feeling, Teresa has agreed to give away a free bag to EVERYONE who leaves a comment on her blog through midnight (C.S.T.), September 4th. 5 winners, from a random drawing, will receive a bag similar to mine, made from Amy Butler fabrics (love Amy!!). A 6th winner will receive bag number 12,000. Everyone else will get a bag of Teresa's choosing. Head on over to her site to enter. I think you'll be happy you did. (Thanks, Teresa. I think you're awesome!)
you are both very generous ladies
Posted by: Karen Keiper | 02 September 2010 at 08:04 PM
I have just discovered your blog and I am hooked!! you should add one of those Follower options for google reader users! I shall be adding you to my daily reading list :)
http://hearthandmadeuk.blogspot.com
Posted by: Claire D | 02 September 2010 at 10:03 AM
Thank you. I am grateful and thrilled!
Posted by: Pauline | 01 September 2010 at 02:01 PM
Teresa is the best! I LOVE my Green Bag Lady bag and keep it in my purse so I always have on hand.
Posted by: Whitney @ WhiskerGraphics.com | 01 September 2010 at 11:37 AM
I'm blushing with tears in my eyes, you are way too sweet for words Suzonne. Thank you so much, I am truly thrilled to give bags to your readers! :) Many hugs--Teresa
Posted by: teresa granath | 01 September 2010 at 07:22 AM