500th Post!

Here it is folks, ta dah! I made it to 500 posts! Who'd have thunk it?

When starting this blog in November 2005, I wasn't sure what I'd do with this newfangled thing. Initially it was a fun place to share knitting projects - and I was only newly back into knitting, after quite a few years away from the craft. I started to use my blog to 'treat' my rampant perfectionism, by taking the time to slow down and celebrate my small achievements (and I must say, I'm much better in this regard now).

Over the years (!) I've shared family bereavements, weddings, funerals, family joys, and sorrows. I've been quite silly now and then rather a lot. I've shared recipes, paintings, and even knitting patterns, once I'd figured out how to write them! I've shown you how I write my puzzles. This post even landed me a radio interview, which was only slightly petrifying! I'm now heading into "hip replacement" territory. There have been (and will continue to be!) puppehs (Lily and Petal, that's her below in mid-kill of a Pokemon toy).

And knitting, of course, continues to run through it all (Regia's Kaffe Fassett sock yarn, OMG! I'm so enamoured, I've knit a whole sock in a week, which is a record for me!).

But most of all? I've found friends, from all over the world. Generous, funny, intelligent, creative, and kind friends. Secret Pal partners who've become buddies. Pan pals who've become blog friends. Aussie friends who've moved overseas. Knitters from Australia and all over the globe who've become friends because we read each others' blogs. And the friends who I know in person, and meet up with at SnBs, or meet at Knitting Camp. You know who you are!

I've been inspired by the stories I've read, the fantastic knitting projects I've seen, your friendship - everything ... thank you!

So as my bloggiversary gift to you, I'll do a draw next weekend from everyone who comments on here, and send the winner a signed copy of my book Word Searches for Dummies ... on your marks, get set - GO! :)