Wednesday 24 February 2016

Errrrr.....Happy New Year?

Last night I was searching for a photograph and remembered it was on my blog somewhere.
I went rooting through my posts and it brought back so many memories for me. I can't believe I started it in 2008, almost eight years ago.
Amazing.
Blogging has changed a lot since then, not least in the number of blogs I read religiously and commented on in the old days. A lot of those are no longer in use.
I used to get lots of comments, one post had 60 another had 40 and when I read through them again I couldn't help wondering if they were still reading, and blogging.
I had an overwhelming feeling of affection and one of loss somehow.
I realised how precious my blog is to me.

"You' were with me when, a year to the day after I started blogging, my beloved Willow died and we were dogless for two years.
'You' helped me to win the Dorset Cereals blog award.
'You' supported me when I was suffering with deep depression, and with me again to cheer me on when I recovered.
'You' were with me when we fell in love with our little Hetty in 2011.
'You' were with me as my work was included in magazines, and on websites.
'You' watched me discover felt again and develop my current work.
'You've' read about Marrakech, Ballyvaughan, Skopelos, Symi, Tilos, Venice, and closer to home Heptonstall, Arnside, Grasmere, and many more.
And of course, 'you' have encouraged me in my work over and over again, even when I wrote utter rubbish.

So here's the latest bit in a very poor photograph for you.








Thank you.

Thank you for the gifts you've sent, for buying my work, for meeting me occasionally, in the flesh, and for all the reading.

For a snapshot of that time This is the post I read, along with the comments. Its got some nice memories but the comments are lovely.

Facebook is mini blogging and has taken us even further, but its not the same cosy little group I felt 'we' were.

So, even though I haven't done any blogging since 2015 I'm here again.
Belatedly then, Happy New Year.



30 comments:

Heather said...

Happy New Year to you too Jackie. I love the 'new' colour scheme - it's very fitting for this time of year. I don't post on my blog as often as I used to and many other bloggers seem to have stopped altogether. I supposed Facebook is quicker and less time consuming.

Gill said...

I'm so happy to see you blogging again! I've checked your blog most days this year in the hope that you'd come back to it at some point. I always get a thrill from looking at your work and these lovely pictures are no exception - really lovely colours and texture. Happy New Year Jackie!

Penny said...

I still love blogging, Facebook isn't the same. Sometimes I find a new blog and love going back through their old blog posts. I must admit I don't comment as much as I should. I love your work.

bobbi said...

Happy 2016 to you all year too, Jackie!
I´ve been following your blog for about a year now and I soooo adore your work...and looking forward to the day you´ll send internationally (or any web classes you may offer?). Until then, will continue to enjoy following your progress and always wish you happy stitching!
Hugs from Bobbi in Germany

Els said...

Ha good you're still there !!!!! ;-)
YES, blogging is nicer than the quick FB (I think)

Love the detail picture, so good to see all the stitches !!!

(keep going in 2016 !)

Rachel said...

And a belated happy new year to you too! If you've had the weather we've had it will have been poor light for colour photography, but it's still a piece full of interest and life.

Anonymous said...

Yup. Still here and still blogging. When I read all the events in your post, I remembered each one as if they happened not so very long ago. Time really does fly doesn't it?

Your embroidery, as always, is delightful.
Happy New Year!

Robin Mac said...

Oh my goodness, I did not realise how long ago some of those events happened! Belated New Year greetings to you too.
I do love reading your blog and seeing your lovely felted embroideries, wishing I could still do some myself - but I have a few pieces to remind me of the class you gave online.
I know Facebook is faster, but it is not as personal as a blog, but I am guilty of not blogging much these days either. I don't seem to have much to show which might be interesting to other people. Cheers

Magpie's Mumblings said...

I still love blogging although I am not as faithful with posting on a daily basis. Facebook is something I use to keep in contact with my immediate family but I don't find it as personal as a blog (if that makes any sense!). Instagram has no appeal at all. For me blogging not only is a form of contact with like-minded people but is also a type of diary regarding my own work .

Living to work - working to live said...

I love my blog too. It's like a letter to myself, but one I'm happy for other people to read. It seems FB has taken over from blogging. There are people there who used to blog regularly.

Now don't get me wrong - I'm a fan of FB and you'll find me there most days, but it's not the same as blogging. It's too noisy, it's not considered enough, it's just a crowd of people waving and chatting and shouting hey, I'm over here.

The blog is more crafted, more permanent and just, well, more civilised.

So I, for one will keep blogging and you're all very welcome to pop over to my little corner of the blogosphere anytime to share my little ramblings.

Meanwhile thank you very much for yours.

Bossymamma said...

Lovely piece.

Bev Longford said...

A nice surprise to see you pop in this morning, I always loved seeing what you where up to. I should of commented more, I guess I often thought I should do a blog but always just want to get up to play in my room. Facebook seems to fleeting for me although I can loose some time there, good for keeping up with my children though.
Bev Longford

Joy said...

I enjoyed reading the old letters and your current work here is exquisite!

jinxxxygirl said...

I hope you are back to blogging .. at least occassionally.. I like to hear whats going on with you and seeing your beautiful work. You inspire and encourage me and you are missed when you are not around... The blogging community is still around.. It may be smaller and quieter but still here. I post when i can.. Lately its been about every two weeks... How is Hetty by the way??? :) Hugs! deb

jennyflowerblue said...

Watcha! Nice to see you and your latest piece- it is making me think 1950s, o idea why- in a nice way, of course!

Maggie said...

Welcome back! I've missed you and was beginning to get concerned about your well being.

maggie

Jackie said...

Thank you everyone, especially those who I can't reply to directly.

Gina said...

Still here Jackie!

Erica said...

You are such a trooper Jackie - and I still love to see and hear what you are up to, via your blog, especially as I have decided not to 'do' Facebook and no longer belong to it.

Jackie said...

Hi Erica, thanks. There are a lot of non-facebookers out there so the blog is a good communication tool.

JennyPennyPoppy said...

So nice to hear from you again on your blog and your latest piece is beautifully done as always. I love your felting style and creativity, designs and colours. Have a most wonderful day.

Maggi said...

Glad to have you back Jackie. I so enjoyed reading that early post and being reminded of the SIMS connection. Somehow FB lacks the ability to create bonds, possibly because I always feel that no one ever posts anything meaningful, always has to be short and instant chit chat and I have never been good at small talk. I hope you keep it up and you've also made me determined to get a recent post finished and published

Sarah said...

Im not a fan of FB but I love blogging and I love reading other people's blogs! Nice to have you back on line, keep up the great work and keep inspiring us with your beautiful work!

Miriam Weaver said...

Hi Jackie,, Happy New Year to you! Thought I should catch up on blog land and there you are, glad to see you here. I have to admit I go for weeks without looking at blogs must get into the habit again and leave FB alone!

Unknown said...

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. See the link below for more info.


#felt
www.ufgop.org

Acornmoon said...

I agree, blogging does feel like having a small group of friends and each post is like writing to a pen pal. Your work is lovely, it would lend itself to bookbinding I think. Your latest piece would make a wonderful book cover.

Unknown said...

You got a lot of comments and that is nice. I blog a few years too but lately only like 1 blog per month. I hardly get any comments and don't know if anyone read my blog at all. So I keep doing it just for myself. Keep going and blogging it is nice.

Emma said...

So, some of us are still here & it IS like a little family, chatting to people who will listen or, well, just chatting! We can only do what we can manage, as long as we still enjoy it. FB isn't like a diary, tho, you can't go back & re read, see where you were when you were. I love your piece - I admit I 'liked' it on fb too ;)

Unknown said...

Just found your blog and I love it. I can hardly wait to see what you are going to make next. I am hoping your beautiful work will get me motivated to start my own projects. Please keep the excellent work up.

Heather said...

It's always nice to see and hear what you have been up to. Love this latest piece and it's 'new' colour scheme - in close-up I can see all the beautiful stitching.



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