When I started this blog over a year and 102 posts ago, I did it partly as a way to make connections with people beyond my existing circle. And I have done that, building cyber friendships with people I have never met.
What I never imagined was that this blog would bring me closer to the people I already know--friends and family that I love dearly but don't get to see very often anymore. Not closer in feeling, but a way to reach across the miles, so to speak, whether those miles number 2000 or 20. This phenomenon became apparent to me first when I asked in this space about going in a new direction with the blog: a lot of my friends said they liked A Charmed Life because it was a way to keep up with me and my family. Then, this past weekend it was my birthday, prompting several of those people to call me up with good wishes and a question: When are you gonna update the blog? (In fact, I think they mostly called to ask about the blog; my birthday was just an excuse.)
When I logged on to post I really couldn't believe it had been more than a month. But a lot has been happening in my real life (some of it not so charming). In fact, I received a birthday card today from a friend who wrote in her note (yes, people still write notes!) that she would take it as a sign that things were better when she saw a new post here.
So. Things are better. Want an update?
Yes, they are still together. And yes, Nate is wearing a Pi shirt.
Nick finished the back stairs and I was able to put up this Japanese Quilt Show poster that is a favorite of mine. I love how the colors in the poster match the colors of walls and the stairs.
The Spring issue of Studios came out, with the studio of the lovely and talented Melissa Averinos on the cover.
I opened a Facebook account. That took up a lot of time.
And a bunch of other stuff that I won't go into here. Suffice it to say that things are better, or at least under a modicum of control. For a while. It could change. You never know.
Oh yeah. And I quietly celebrated a birthday Sunday. One of my aforementioned best friends I've never met, Monica (whose fabulous studio is also in the Spring Studios), sent me the piece of cake you see at the top of the post. No calories and all fiber! Monica is amazingly talented at stitching up the most wonderful cute stuff, and so funny that if you would put me in a room and locked me up with Monica and my other absolutely hilarious best friend I've never met, Cheryl, I would die laughing. Literally. (Note: I am contractually obligated to mention Cheryl whenever I refer to extremely funny women, best friends I've never met, and anything Greek. Oh, and you should buy her book with Debbi Crane, Mixed Mania. Right after you buy Mixed-Media Self-Portraits, of course. And check out her Beezles. Is that enough, Cheryl?)
So, to celebrate and thank you for being so patient, how's about a little giveaway?
I'll give one of these fabric bundles to five people who leave a comment here. Just tell me how you found my blog. I'll declare the winners on Saturday.
Hi! I found your blog by searching your name! Love your stairs and the Japanese poster is wonderful!
Posted by: Janice Paine-Dawes | March 25, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Well, I tuned in to see if you took my suggestion and changed the theme of your blog to be all about ME. You can imagine my disappointment when I saw that, as always, it's about YOU. YOUR kids. YOUR house.
I guess that a couple of links, dropping the book title and adhering to the terms of our contractual agreement will have to do.
If you want me, I'll be in my trailer.
Posted by: cheryl | March 25, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Gosh, I have been reading and lurking for so long I don't remember how I found your blog. I am sure it was probably through a link on someone else's blog but I have no idea who sent me here. However I arrived I am glad I did. You show such pretty things and your photos are a delight. :o)
Posted by: Myra Stuart | March 25, 2009 at 09:20 PM
I suppose you expect me to draw your name for the fabric, too, Cheryl.
Posted by: Cate | March 25, 2009 at 09:28 PM
WOW!!! LOVELY pile of fabric.
And hope our BIRTHDAY was the BESTEST ever!!!
Posted by: Dale Anne | March 25, 2009 at 09:34 PM
Sorry forgot to say how I found your blog, from your facebook post.
Posted by: Dale Anne | March 25, 2009 at 09:36 PM
I found you through a link on someone else's blog but I don't remember which one. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Cathy W. | March 26, 2009 at 09:11 AM
"I suppose you expect me to draw your name for the fabric, too, Cheryl."
Duh.
Posted by: cher | March 26, 2009 at 10:26 AM
How did I find you... well, my accountant called me and asked me, "who is Cate, and why did your parents put her in their will?" So I told her, "Cate got me to brush my hair, put on lip-gloss and even put on a blouse - with buttons and everything." My parents were overjoyed! And I am too. I heart you my friend!
Blush not necessary... because of you it's been applied naturally!
Posted by: happy zombie | March 26, 2009 at 06:26 PM
I found this blog because you sent me an e-mail! I can't believe with all you do that you ALSO have time to blog! I love your house... I adore bungalows, and hope some day to live in one again (we had a 1928 Sears bungalow in Arlington, VA... I don't miss the utility bills, but I loved the drafty old-ish house!)....
And kid too..... you must be as exhausted as I am LOL!
And last and best... HAPPY Birthday, Hippo Birdies Two Ewes, and MANY Happy Tunas (hey... it works on this wacky list that I'm on) to you! Tunas in Tutus even!
PS-thanks for letting me know.. I'll be back!
Posted by: Sarah Ann Smith | March 26, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Hi Cate,,, I found your blog because you were nice enough to send me an email about your blog :) I am so glad that you did. I love your blog. I am a huge blogging fan. Its my favorite social media. Your "birthday cake" is adorable. Happy Birthday! I hope you have an awesome year ahead. And again thanks so much for the opportunity to be in STUDIOS!!! I am thrilled to death about it:)
Have a pretty week... hugs,gail
Posted by: gail friend | March 26, 2009 at 06:39 PM
happy late birthday :) The Happy Zombie passed your blog in my direction -- and I'm so glad she did! :) love the birthday cake at the top of the post :) i'm looking forward to the studios magazine myself -- it's winging its way to me through the mail right now. here's hoping some fabric will be on its way to me as well shortly! :)
Posted by: mary grace | March 26, 2009 at 07:15 PM
I found your blog thru Monica's Happy Zombie blog. Now I need to run out and buy that new magazine, I've been waiting for. It looks wonderful. Sounds like you've been busy and accomplished alot! Congratulations!
Posted by: Teah | March 26, 2009 at 07:27 PM
Monica sent me over too! (she's sneaky like that) - I will have to take a look @ that magazine :)
Posted by: Michelle | March 26, 2009 at 07:38 PM
Hi, I have the magazine and I am so glad I have it, I love all the wonderful fabrics in your giveaway and I found your blog thru Monica's Happy Zombie blog. Hope you had a nice Birthday and thank you for the chance, I am also having a giveaway if you would like to stop by!
Posted by: Jane | March 26, 2009 at 07:41 PM
The Zombies brought me...
I can't wait to get my hands on that Studio magazine. Is there anywhere to get it in person or do I have to order online?
I love the red on the walls in your staircase!
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Chris | March 26, 2009 at 07:41 PM
I found your blog thru Monica's Happy Zombie blog. Love the bundles!!
Posted by: Karen | March 26, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Hi, Oh I would love to be entered in your drawing! I came here from the Happy Zombie! Love her! Hey be sure to stop on over to my blog and enter my cool birthday give away, all sorts of quilting goodies!
Have a great day and Happy birthday to you!
Ginny
Posted by: Ginny | March 26, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Hi Cate, Happy birthday for the other day. Monica mentioned you on her blog which is how I found you. I love your blog, its great to read.
Posted by: Deb | March 26, 2009 at 07:49 PM
Hello, I found your blog through happy zombie, and am so glad I did! Going back to check everything out now!
Posted by: Lisa | March 26, 2009 at 07:54 PM
I found your blog through Happy Zombie---actually, I re-found your blog, because I've been here before several times. :)
Posted by: Ruth | March 26, 2009 at 08:00 PM
What a great giveaway! Thanks so much! I found your blog through Happy Zombie. :-)
Posted by: Elaina Sharp | March 26, 2009 at 08:04 PM
I found your giveaway through the Happy Zombie blog but I've looked at your blog in the past from...I'm not sure where? I have to say, I love, love, love the colorful stairs!
Posted by: jen | March 26, 2009 at 08:08 PM
I found your blog through Monica. Love the fabric...what a great giveaway!!
Posted by: Viv | March 26, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Happy birthday! I found your blog from the Happy Zombie link. Love your red walls and the quilt poster.
Posted by: Colleen B | March 26, 2009 at 08:14 PM