1.24.2011

Gifts come in many packages

Sometimes in life...........

we receive the greatest of gifts. My gift was the gift of self-confidence and it can come in the simplest of gestures or requests.

First..I am excited to announce the launch of  the e-zine (and not just any e-zine)


House of Fifty is the brain child of Portland, Oregon based designer Janell Beals. Janelle authors the successful blog Isabella & Max and is a regular contributor for HGTV.com, Houzz.com and appeared on the Nate Berkus Show. I think I can safely say that Janell has fueled the DYI flame in hoards of devoted readers with her clever and do'able  home design projects. 


Janell patiently waiting in the Nate Berkus Show's green room
photos from Nate Berkus Show -  Home to Three Duncan Boys
House of Fifty will cover a range of topics from interior design to fashion, organization tips to favorite finds and tasty dishes.
This is where my gift comes in ~
I am over joyed to have been asked to be a contributing writer for the May issue of House of Fifty; thank you seems insignificant but Janell, thank you.
You my friends may subscribe to your free subscription of House of Fifty here now. I'd say May cannot come quick enough.

Janell Beals design / photos
Janell's DYI for dressing up plain roller blinds


Another one of the biggest gifts we can receive is the gift of praise from our peers. 
I wish to thank with sincerity Jessica of  'Twenty Four Corners'. A woman of great artistic talent, warmth, and grace and she hails from my hometown of Seattle.


As well as a thank you to Renee Scott Moore of  Moore Designs.


who passed on to me the 'Super Comments Award'.

Renae is a stylish, talented designer and a woman  that you feel as though you've known since you shared Chapstick at the Jr. High School dance. I know when we do meet, face to face, both women will be everything and more than what I knew they would be.

So here goes; the rules for the Stylish Blogger Award is to share 7 things about yourself and then pass on the award to 10 other stylish bloggers,
Here goes..are you a sleep yet?

1. As a child I had the fear of growing-up to be ordinary.
2. Like Renae, I talked too much in school. In the 4th grade my desk was in the corner more than it was with the other kids in the classroom.
3. I want to write a book about my father's life. He's the 'Mr. Holland Opus' of Snohomish, Washington.
4. I don't have many women friends, I relate better to men. Call it growing up with brothers, I'm not sure?
5. When I divorced after 22 years of marriage, I dated an Australian, a Irishman and married the Scotsman. I was working on my own version of the United Nations.
6. I have 4 children. I still have people ask me, "what were you thinking?" I am thinking they are pretty darn terrific.
7. I will forever regret not holding my mothers hand the day she died and just being there. I was selfishly too scared.

The rules for the Super Comments Award  are  - answer the following 10 questions and and pass on to 10 bloggers who leave great comments.

Why do you blog?
Seriously I am not 100% sure. I can remember wanting a voice and a venue to write what I dream about, design and architecture.

Name your 3 best memories;
1. My wedding day to Mr. Milne; kilts, highland dancing, a bagpiper and a disco ball. 
2. Water skiing. I was not an athlete, but I was good at cutting the waves.
3. Climbing to the top of the Holenkollen ski jump in Oslo, Norway  and to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Italy.

Name 4 of the best fiction books you have read;
I'm a non-fiction junkie, so cannot even tell you the last time I read a fiction book.

Name 5 best movies ever made;
1. Mary Poppins
2. The Music Man
3. The Sound of Music
4. Sleepless in Seattle
5. An Affair to Remember

Name 5 things you cannot live without.
1. Iced Tazo Chi with soy milk
2. music
3. laughter
4. children (husband  + family)
5. my dog

If you could change your name what would it be?
Piper

Tell us 7 interesting facts about yourself;
See above!

What do you love best about yourself?
My blue eyes

If you had a freak Friday experience, who would you change places with?
Grace Kelly

What is the best thing about being a woman?
Giving birth.

This concludes the story of Dumbwit Tellher...


I would love to pass on the Super Comments Award to the following super bloggers;
 
North of 25A





and to the following Stylish Bloggers I pass on the award to;






I realize I cheated a bit & should of passed out 20 total, but I saving some great talent for a later date. Please visit these great blogs written by some very special people.

Thank you for sticking in there, I know this post was packed. Please live a good life this week and laugh lots.

{go forth and live responsibly}


50 comments:

A Gift Wrapped Life said...

Congratulations Deb and it couldn't ahve happened t a more wonderful blogger. All the good comment karma that you spread around the world. Loved your list, always so nice to know more and more about our favorite bloggers. Will look forward to reading the new online Mag.....sounds wonderful. XO

James said...

The nicest thing about your awards is leaning more about you.

La Petite Gallery said...

Congratulations on all of it. Wow, that is such a wonderful thing. I also sent Marsh the same award, we all love her ..
yvonne

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Thanks for the wonderful shout out Deb, I'm blushing...but thanks!

I completely enjoyed learning more about you from this post, and seriously, if I could change my name Piper would be very near if not at the top of the list!

So excited and honored to have you working on the e-zine with me, I've enjoyed your blog and 'voice' since discovering it!

Janell

I Dream Of said...

Congratulations! Can't wait to for the new read!!!
XX
Jeanne

Renée Finberg said...

mary poppins huh???
i loved it too.

but the best part about being a woman is GIVING BIRTH?
omg
that hurt!!!
the best?
nah.
that's why i only did it only one time.

but you did it four times!!!
i just can not imagine.

what a woman you are!!!!
xxx

Splenderosa said...

Well, I was just reading along, subscribed to the new e-zine (sounds & looks wonderful btw), loved that you will be contributing...& you should be syndicated your writing is wonderful & witty! Then I learned a few more good things about you, my friend, and that you received not ONE but TWO awards...this is just super! And, WOW, then you passed one of them to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Deb. I will do my best to actually answer these questions & I promise to tell the truth. Sending love...

quintessence said...

Wow - so much here!! I had already subscribed to House of Fifty and now have double reason to be happy I did - can't wait to read your musings there as well. So congratulations on that and your lovely well deserved awards! Absolutely loved your 7 things - can relate to so many - mother of 4 here as well! And just loved your United Nations dating! Well don't mean to hog all the space here - just sending best wishes for it all!

Barbara said...

Congratulations Deb! I already signed up and will anxiously await May!
Love your lists...there is no way you could ever have grown up ordinary!

My Dog-Eared Pages said...

Piper-Deb!! House of Fifty was so brilliant to ask you to be a contributing writer. Brava! I will subscribe immediately. The Sound of Music, indeed... we just watched An Affair to Remember this past weekend... wonderful. And, Buffy!
Heading back up to the House of Fifty link! You deserve ALL good things! oxo

Notes From ABroad said...

I signed up .. looking forward to immersing myself in it each month :)
How fantastic that you will be there , writing !!

Christy said...

What fun to read all your answers Deb! I learned so much about you that I had no idea about. :) Congrats on the awards - well deserved, my friend!

Beadboard UpCountry said...

Hey Deb!
Congratulations on beine asked to contribute to the new magazine!!!!They couldn''t have picked anyone better!!!! You deserve this opportunity and I know you will impact it well!!! xo Maryanne

Splendid Sass said...

Love your candid answers!
I subscribed to the magazine and I can't wait to read it.
Congratulations on everything!
teresa
xoxo

SpryOnTheWall said...

First of all - yay! I so can't wait to read the magazine - that is such fabulous news for such a fabulous lady!!! You are one amazing gal that I'm proud to call my friend! Next, thank you so much for the Stylish Blogger award! And lastly, thank you so much for your lovely comments, I always enjoy them, they make my day! xoxo

Brillante Interiors said...

It was a long post but worth it. I discovered House of Fifty (congratulations) and many more things about you. Interesting post.

North of 25A said...

Congratulations - on everything! I was enjoying reading more about you when lo and behold you were thoughtful enough to think of me - thank you - you just made my day!
Best,
Colleen

Mise said...

Roll on May! As a fellow marrier of Scotsmen, I'll be waiting with anticipation for your gig.

Renae Moore said...

Awwww Deb! You are one heck of a gal....I am so VERY excited for you and cannot wait to read your story! What a fabulous honor, you deserve it!
I for sure would have shared my Chapstick with you and one day will come for a face to face no doubt. I had to chuckle when you said your desk was in the corner in 4th grade, mine was in the corner in the 3rd! lol
You are a gem....
Blessings!
xoxo

The Devoted Classicist said...

How great! I am really looking forward to the new e-zine!

Averill said...

Congrats Deb on being asked to be a part of such a wonderful new venture! Can't wait to see the new mag (and your article)!!

PS - Loved your 7 things and answers....you honestly feel like giving birth is that wonderful?!? As someone facing her first birthing experience in just a few short weeks, that's very reassuring!

PurestGreen said...

I love all the facts! I think you could turn the dating experience into the start of a great joke, along the lines of "they all walked into a bar."

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Hi Deb! First of all, what is up with the comment before me...I guess that's considered "spam"...never seen that before. Anyway, I just love you to pieces. Blogger awards is one of my favorite things to read because of the insight that is shared into what makes us all unique. You are so special and I just love everything about you and anything you ever have to say. That list of 7 had me misty eyed. You have lived a full life and you are well rounded in every area. Kudos to you! I raise me glass high XOXO Kel

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Oh and congratulations on the writing bit for the e-zine! That is so cool :)

red ticking said...

whew... i am exhausted just reading it... you rock deb... we all love you... xoxo

Chicago Chic said...

Wow, congrats...this is so amazing. You are an inspiration!

Also I totally had the exact same fear as you. I completely feared growing up to be ordinary..that is so funny.

Have a great weekend!!
xoxo
Rachel

Mona thompson said...

Congratulations on your awards. It was fun learning more about you. another big congrats on your new project. I just signed up for a subscription. Looking forward to it.

24 Corners said...

Your the best Deb...both of your lists AND your fabulous new writing job prove it!Again...congratulations, May will be filled with spring flowers and your brilliance...so much to look forward to!

Funny that Mary Poppins was first on your list...I've been seriously craving watching that and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - two all time favorites. Why don't you come over and we'll watch em together...you can bring a guy pal if you must, but he'll have to know the songs and sing along! ;)

Off to subscribe...have a 'practically perfect in every way' weekend!
xoxo J~

Unknown said...

Looking forward to reading your article in the e-zine! I just subscribed. It looks wonderful! Sound of Music is one of my faves too. I watch it at least once a year and have memorized every word and song....much to my family's dismay!

Another nice day in coastal Texas!

DolceDreams said...

Wow! Congratulations on all of your great accolades! I subscribed and can't wait to read your contribution...And oh big wow thanks for passing on such a lovely award to me, SO appreciated :).
I hope your weekend is coming along famously,
Nathalie

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
La Petite Gallery said...

Aren't these awards FUN? , congratulations. It looks like everyone gave Marsha the award. Are ya cold in Houston?

yvonne

Maureen Stevens said...

kudos to you and so happy for your gifts! gifts of confidence & appreciation is what all of us women so dearly long for! can't wait for ur contribution in the House of Fifty!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

If you're involved, I will most definitely subscribe!!! It looks like a gorgeous pub!

Renée Finberg said...

congratulations.
you are really something.

xx me

Cashon&Co said...

i loved learning all these great things about you! What a colorful life you lead, and your kids & husband are very lucky. you deserve these awards. Always loved your humor.

Red Boots said...

How exciting - that is fabulous news!! So so pleased for you!! x

designchic said...

What a wonderful post...loved reading every word!! Thrilled for all of your accomplishments and can't wait for the new e-zine - I've already subscribed!!

Julia Christie said...

So glad I stopped by to be able to say congrats on your awards and being a guest contributor for this wonderful new magazine. Somehow I missed that you originate in Seattle, so we are neighbors as I hail from a couple hours north.

Will look forward to seeing your article in May, and visiting a few other recent posts of your that I have missed.

Smiles

Privet and Holly said...

Congrats on the
e-zine, dear friend!
So exciting and I
love the title. Since
I only have about 14
months left in the
40's club, I need to
look to the future and
it has a 5 and a 0 all
over it : )!! Fun
learning all of your
amazing facts. I'm glad
that you went with the
Scot!
xx Suzanne

Haute World said...

Congrats on landing the writing assignment for the e-zine! I'll definitely have to check that out. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the facts and trivia about you. I can relate to the Scottish wedding, though we decided against the bagpiper in favor of a harpist ;-)

Kelley said...

I loved this post! Thank you! Many bloggers don't seem to like the little awards but they are fun to do. It gives people a chance to share things about themselves and for the writer to think about their life as well.

I will be sure to check out all of the blogs you have on your list. There are so many talented people out there! You included

xo kelley

annechovie said...

Ah, Deb, you are just so darn loveable! Congrats on the upcoming feature...that's awesome and Janell has great taste in selecting you. Also, fun to read all these tid-bits about you. Your honesty and lack of pretense is so refreshing! xo

La Dolfina said...

Deb,

Just say the word and you and Grant can be our guests in Lake Tahoe... winter or summer!!!!!
That would be the best!!
Also, I wish you would sell that house so you can take me up on some fun getaways. We are not going to Palm Springs this Easter but we are going to the Newport Coast and have an extra room if you want it :) We,
"the Emptynesters" are camping out close to UCLA to get some time with our boy :)
Would love to have you!!!!!!!
Don't worry, Palm Springs is always there!
Love you,

Terri

Lisa Porter said...

The cream always rises to the top!
xoxo
Lisa

goodniteirene.wordpress.com said...

i'm blushing wildly....it's actually a nice shade (wish it wasn't 6am...i actually look presentable for once)..
WHY are your posts just showing up to me NOW?!?!?
i'm a faithful subscriber (took me 3 rounds to spell subscriber) and i'm just getting this post a week later?!?! hmmm.
thank you deb....yikes!! let me find my spiral notebooks and start cracking....

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

Congratulations Deb - I am SO excited for you! What a wonderful opportunity. I can't wait to check out House of Fifty.

"I was working on my own version of the United Nations." Too funny! It's so nice to learn more about the kindest woman on the web. You are a dear, wonderful person Deb.

Decor To Adore said...

It was fun to learn more! :)

Sofas | Julian said...

It is difficult to choose one of many ideas, I'm sure for my next decorating the apartment look great with your suggestions, light colors, white, all we like. help us much happiness. regards