365! That Was Fast!!

So, here it is...my 365th day of Your Mother Knows...one year of being part of the blogging world. Wow.

And, while I didn't write something each day for your consideration and to free some of my brain space, I don't think I did too bad. Yep, 290 posts. Fun, I actually found a Pennsylvania sign for the 290! The Internet, oh thank you Al Gore for inventing it!

I've been blessed with 153 followers and countless more who pop by for an occasional visit. I have no way to know how many people actually lurk about the place. But, I'd like to believe it's lots.

Through it all, I've shared some pretty sparky thoughts that have got some of us riled up. You've listen to me spew when I was sparky, snarky and droll. I've made you blush or yelp, "Oh Holly!," when I talk about S.E.X. and other things unmentionable.

I hope you've also been given things to ponder, and moments of support and hope when you needed them most. I worked to make you smile with moments of my friends. With my family who is so very dear to me. With my love of Maryland and Baltimore. With memories of my past and the struggles and triumphs of my life now.

Today, I want to tell you how incredibly much it's meant to have you there. I had no way of knowing how important your being there would be; how incredibly real and close some of you have become.

Like Toni...who was one of the very first seasoned bloggers who helped me, a complete stranger at that time. She answered questions and opened her arms all the way from Arizona to embrace me. Toni, that 153 sign is to honor you.

But now, let's celebrate!

On to the drawing!!!! I so love Sarah Sullivan for making this adorable art for me. I feel so special having actually commissioned an artist! And, she so came through with a great idea to capture the essence of life in my world. Sarah, thanks again. I'm keeping this image on my blog page because I adore it completely.

I needed the help of my trusty assistant, who is not Vanna White with her hands on Wheel of Fortune, but he is the one who brings all good fortune to my life. And, a very good sport too, I might add. I love you, My Lion!

As to the Price-Waterhouse science of the whole drawing, here's how it worked- I put every person who wished to be part of the drawing on a page. I asked Michael to shut his eyes tight and point!

In his usual style of fair play and honesty, he did one better; he spun the paper around and round a couple of times as I captured the truth of the moment.

And, and, and....oh, the tension builds, the Winner is.....

...Beverly Baird! Beverly writes a sweet blog called Bunny's Girl and she's become my pal through Wishcasting Wednesdays. Congratulations Beverly! A print of Sarah's work along with a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com is on its way to you shortly! Horrray!

Thank you my family, for your support and willingness to have parts of your lives shared out in the open. Really, I know that's not what you expected when I came into your lives a few short years ago! So from all of us Frock's who have shared our stories of Evan becoming an Airman, and Melissa racing through her life with her horse Jeanie. To Dad Frock battling and hopefully winning against cancer, and remembering my dad, Jimmy...

From my side of the tribe who I've shared with you; about how much we love, laugh, and like each other...

And of course, from one of our favorite Post Stars, Livy. Also....

...from my loves, Rory & Fiona who say Arrrooo to All of You and thanks!

On this first anniversary, if you'd like to go back to the inaugural posting and read how it all got started, here's the link...

My gratitude for your comments and input and for joining me this past year. You've made it such a life changing time. Blog Love & Hugs to all.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Blogs