Friday, August 15, 2014

Grateful - and a giveaway.........................



And I am, indeed, really thankful

I knew when we sold the last place and bought this one that blogging participation was going to have to take a back seat................I knew I wouldn't have the time I'd like to have to visit you all - or even reply to the incredible comments I receive - what I didn't know - couldn't have possibly ever imagined - was that most of you would stick by my side - travel with me on this fixer upper journey I've embarked on -
( as George Jones famously sang " I must have been out of my mind " )  You've been an incredible source of inspiration throughout this process with words of wisdom and encouragement and undeserved praise constantly and there are many many days when you've lifted my spirits more than you can know.  Truly - more than you can ever know.

Now on to the fun part - I'm not sure if you know that Annie Sloan has developed a Reed Diffuser Scent line?
Caroline from PIORRA MAISON  brought me one as a house warming gift when she came by - and it's heavenly!  The nicest smelling diffuser I ever had - bar none.
So when she graciously offered one to help celebrate reaching a million views I was thrilled.
Although I don't ask anyone to follow me when hosting giveaways - if a product comes from someone other than me I DO ask that you follow them...................please leave Caroline a " like " on her Facebook page
HERE and of course leave me a comment !


And some of you may remember a couple of weeks ago I did a post on my Willow Tree Collection - at the end of the post I showed one I had just ordered - she was called Grateful and asked if you could guess what it was for.
Well - it was to include in this giveaway !
She's beautiful - 9 inches tall - and she was created as a way to express gratitude for friendship.


AND LASTLY:

PARIS IN COLOR

Take a journey through the world''s most romantic city, traveling from color to magnificent color with this beguiling book. An orange café chair, bright blue bicycles against a fence, a weathered white door-Nichole Robertson''s sumptuous photographs of the distinctive details of Paris, all arranged by color, evoke a sense of serendipitous discovery and celebrate the city as never before. At once a work of art and a window into the heart of the city, Paris in Color will surprise and delight those who love art, design, color, and, of course, Paris!


This beautiful  hard cover book will be one you'll find yourself looking at often I'm sure - I ordered one for myself too !!!

Here's a sample of some of the images




For Caroline - Piorra Maison's Annie Sloan Reed Diffuser - please remember to give her Facebook page a like HERE  - ( this is my request not her's )

You do not have to " like " me at all LOL - you just have to leave me a comment
Good luck everyone
And have the most wonderful weekend
Big Hugs and a grateful heart
( oops forgot to mention - open to EVERYONE - no matter where you are - to hell with postage costs I'll probably never see another million again LMHO )
With ( a million ) thanks  ♥


108 comments:

  1. Please pick me! hehe :) I love your blog all the way from Pakistan. I read it everyday more for the the crazy and bright writings that you do rather than the DIYs. Pakistan doesn't offer much in terms of supplies for DIY; one can always dream though. Have a great weekend and stay blessed. Greetings to John. :)

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words - I've told John he has a fan in Pakistan !!!
      Good luck - and have a wonderful weekend
      Hugs from Montreal
      Suzan

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    2. Thank youuuuuuuuuuuu! for the reply. Both of you have a fan in Pakistan :) Lots of love and best wishes

      Delete
  2. I always enjoy reading your blog, it always puts a smile on my face and an idea in my head on how I could change things up at my house. I am almost ready to burn my paint clothes, as I have just one more door to paint and then I am done! (for now that is) heehee It would be fun to win a present from my favorite blogger...<3

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    1. Do NOT burn those paint clothes - there'll always be something more to paint LOL
      Thanks so much for your kind words - and the best of luck !
      Big hugs,
      Suzan

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  3. A million is a reason to celebrate!
    Beth
    Goodvariety at yahoo.com

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    1. I thought so !!!
      Thanks so much - and good luck Beth !
      xox

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  4. What a sweet giveaway! I love everything you included...it's all spectacular, but that book looks amazing! If I'm not the blessed winner, I may just have to order it. You are such a blessing to me and many others I'm sure. I love to visit and see what incredible things you have created/painted, but most of all, I come visit for the laughs! You always leave me laughing or at the very least, smiling. Thank you and congrats on a million views!

    Blessings, Vicky

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  5. Congrats, Susan on reaching a million views! It's been so easy to follow you since you make everything you do and say so humorous and enjoyable. Love seeing how talented you are in transforming your passions!

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  6. I must admit that I don't leave comments on your blog but I do read you each and every day - LOVE your sense of humor - brightens each day! Congrats on a million!

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    1. Awww thanks so much Joyce !!!
      And the best of luck
      Have a great weekend
      Hugs,
      Suzan

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  7. That is a sweet gift. I have said hello to your friend and am following her page. Congrats on your views!

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  8. Congratulations Suzan! A great giveaway! I knew you would be famous someday ;-)

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  9. What a wonderful giveaway for you to share with all of us. That book looks fantastic. Thank you for the chance to win.

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  10. Omigosh - I want that book!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for the giveaway - happy Friday xoxoxoxox

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  11. Huge CONGRATS Suzan!!! That's the Paris that I know and love. If I don't win that book I'll be buying it for sure. Thanks for the awesome giveaway.

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  12. Oh how fun!! Thank you for the opportunity to win. :-)
    Have a great weekend.
    Carla

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  13. Suzan
    Congrats on the million views, so exciting. Thanks for sharing your world with us each day.
    Pam

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    1. Thanks for coming along for the crazy ride Pam !!!
      And good luck !
      Hugs,
      Suzan

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  14. A MILLION views? Wow, that's fantastic!! I love your blog...Congratulations!
    I have been wanting to buy that Paris in Color book for awhile now. It looks yummy :)

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    1. Thanks so much Julie !!!
      And the best of luck :)
      XOXOXO

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  15. I hope the fact that I do not 'like' Caroline on Facebook (I'm not on it) does not make Caroline think I do not like her. Au contraire!

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  16. That's an awesome giveaway, Suzan! Congratulations on your 1 million views too. I'm sure you will hit another million some day as your blog is so fun and we all enjoy your fabulous makeovers. Hugs, hugs. Pam

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  17. But I want to give you a Like too!!!! Because I do, so much!!!! Miss Sunshine Suzan!!!! Congrats on your Million!!!! You are one in a million!!!! It won't be long, we'll be seeing the next million being celebrated!!!! Have a blessed day!!!!!

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    1. You never fail to put a big old smile on my face Karen !!! Miss Sunshine Suzan is too funny for words LOL
      Thanks SO much - and good luck!
      Happy wknd
      Hugs,
      Suzan

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  18. I generally can only view all your posts cumulatively at the end of the week due to my schedule.... but it is one of the greatest indulgences that I can find. It reminds me of when I was young and waited eagerly for the weekend comic section. Not all of them were funny but they seemed to speak to all means of conditions in the world. Having finally been to Paris this year, I have a greater appreciation for your love of their culture - sitting in a sidewalk cafe being the penultimate of decadence. I think I speak for the million plus views when I say thanks for sharing your home, your heart and your creativity with us all.

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    1. OMG - you're comment has choked me up - thanks SO much - and of course the best of luck !!!
      Have a wonderful weekend
      Big hugs,
      Suzan

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  19. Miss Sunshine Suzan! I love it! Fabulous giveaway...and you give to us as much as we give to you. <3

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  20. Suzan,
    Great giveaway from your generous heart. I have a small collection of the Willow Tree Angels and all of them were given to me at special times in my life. They are so precious. I would love a chance to win this newest one. She is too sweet and I love her message of gratitude. Thank you for the chance to win.
    Kris

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  21. Awww Suzan! What an awesome giveaway! My heart is screaming, "pick me! pick me! pick me!" of course I followed Caroline. I thought I already was....

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  22. liked Caroline! I have never had much luck with diffusers --- great for a week or so, then nothing. would be so nice to have one that actually lasted for weeks!

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    1. This one is still going very strong after 3 weeks - Annie's products are pretty amazing I have to say !
      Good luck !
      Hugs,

      Delete
  23. What a great giveaway and I love that book. If I don't win I am buying that book. So pretty.'

    Cindy

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  24. Clicked on "cool" to describe your blog! Funny and insightful, artistic and warm hearted, you are both COOL and HOT at the same time. Your giveaway gifts are awesome, especially the gratitude angel for friends (in my case I am thankful for those physically present and ones on the web!) Thanks again for your blog.

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    1. I am cool - I keep telling my kids that - their version of cool and mine don't quite match though LOL That figurine is so beautiful in person I have to get one for myself now !
      Thanks so much for your beautiful comment - good luck Kate
      Hugs,
      Suzan

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  25. I love your blog, your giveaways and your outlook on life. And I especially love what my cursor does when looking at your blog!! I would love to win!!

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    1. Thanks so much - good luck to you !!!
      And happy weekend !
      xoxo

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  26. One million views. What a milestone. Congratulations!

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  27. What a great giveaway! Wowsers! But to be more serious, yours is the first blog that I read above all others. So incredibly enjoyable and always brings a smile, or random thought to my mind.

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    1. It's the random thoughts I'm aiming for LOL
      Thanks so much for your kind words - and the best of luck !
      Hugs,
      Suzan

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  28. Well after our Australian Terrior, no terror, snagged a loaf of whole wheat bread off the kitchen counter, running around in circles, growling, and ingesting most of the loaf, well he has left a very odiferous trail of toots behind! I just don't wish to be chosen, but I NEED to be picked! Dratted dog!

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    1. I'm sitting here laughing my head off Mary Anne - that sounds like a page right out of Simply Vintageous.................by Suzan LOL !!!
      Good luck -
      Now go pick up the trail of toots
      Big hugs,
      Suzan

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  29. Congratulations & what a lovely, generous thing to do! Would certainly love to be the winner, but I already am since I get to read your posts & see what you put out there. I so enjoy it! Here's to ANOTHER million - at least!

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    1. Oh my gosh Jodie what a beautiful comment !
      Thanks so much - and the best of luck - wish I could win a lottery and send this package to everyone!
      Hugs,
      Suzan

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  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  31. OK suzyq...following directions this time around:
    You bring a smile to my face with your writing, not to mention the amazing material John provides ;) ! (I would say I'm sucking up but it's oh so true...)

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    1. Thanks so much !!! Good luck !
      Have a great weekend
      Hugs
      Suzyq xoxo

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  32. A million and still counting! Thanks for taking the time to share little bits & pieces of your life and the lovely furniture you paint. I'm so glad I stumbled across your blog as I can almost always find something to smile about and occasionally completely crack up laughing over. The Perils of Suzan & John....truly awe inspiring at times. LOL Happy blogging!

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    1. Thanks SO much Nancy - the Perils of Suzan and John LMHO !!!
      The best of luck
      Big hugs,
      Suzan

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  33. I did more than LIKE Piorra Maison I also started following her on Pinterest and Instagram. I am such a good little stalker! Thanks for such a lovely giveaway. Wishing you a lovely weekend. Patty/NS

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  34. Oh don't cha just love eye candy!? Girl I am so glad that you have met your million...a million clicks....wow...I would not know you from Adam if I saw you on the street. however...I do recognize your blog..your words...and that funky mouse over you have...So glad that I clicked on to you and look forward to your next post,,,, Take care .Loves and HUggs from Sunny hot South Carolina USA....and The Red Tin Inn

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  35. Congratulations on a million views. That is wonderful! I've loved sticking with you through all of your transformations and conversations with John.

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  36. What a fun giveaway!

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  37. Wow, a million views! That's awesome. I like Caroline's fb page a long time ago. She's fabulous. I'd love to win even just one of the goodies you're giving away but all three! Oh my, how wonderful! Hugs to you, my friend!
    Cecilia

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  38. Congeatulations on hitting a million! What a lovely give

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  39. I love to read you stories. You really crack me up at times. I love that you are down to earth and everything isn't perfect all the time. The John says - Suzan says are just too funny!
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    Fran C

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    1. Thanks so much Fran !!! What kind words - good luck with the giveaway!
      xoxoxo

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    1. I do too Susan - but drowning in home reno's I sometimes forget !!!
      Good luck
      XOXO

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  41. Wow...Congrats on a million views!! What a great giveaway...I love Willow Tree and have several of the angels. You sure make me smile with your Suzan says...John says. Wishing you another million views!!
    ~Cindy

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  42. Congrats on your wonderful millstone...I like the facebook page as per your request, so glad I did; another great company to follow; again congrats! Been following for a while love reading all the little tugs you have with your funny hubby..keep up the great work! Congrats again
    anger_family @yahoo dot com

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    1. Thanks SO much Ginette !!!
      You'll love Piorra Maison's fb !
      Best of luck - happy weekend
      Hugs,
      Suzan

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  43. Suzan,
    Every time I make a comment it disappears when I sign in. Now I can't remember what I said. I hope I'm entered in the contest anyway. I liked Piorra Maison facebook too.
    Sandra

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  44. Here's how much I love your blog, Suzan -- it's almost 2am, and I am EXHAUSTED, but I had to stop by and say CONGRATULATIONS on your million! I'll be reading when you hit your next million... That Paris book looks amazing!!!

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  45. I have to admit, I want to smell one of those diffusers and I really want Tuula to win that Paris book!! Congrats girl! Couldn't happen to a better person!

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  46. Sincerely enjoy your blog Suzan.

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    1. And I'm sincerely grateful that you do Carla -
      Good luck !!!
      xoxo

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  47. I visited the Poira site, but don't have Facebook...and don't want it...so could not Like it. Although there didn't seem to be any Translate button, I did enjoy some of the photos.

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    1. If you're not on Facebook then it doesn't matter ! It's your comment here that gets you into the draw Teddee !!!
      Good luck !
      xoxoxo

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  48. I love love your blog I giggle my way through I think you are an amazing lady!
    Thank you for all your inspiring words and projects.
    Fantastic giveaway, congrats on an incredible milestone so deserving.

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    1. Thanks SO much - the best of luck in the draw ♥

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  49. I totally agree with all the comments above! 1 000 000 times congratulations!
    greetings from Croatia!

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  50. These are amazing gifts!! I liked Piorra Maison facebook - loved the pictures and wished there was a translation button:) You have a wonderful blog!!! Thanks for the chance to win:)

    Carol

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  51. Congratulations on reaching a million! Love your blog, it brightens my day!

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  52. FABULOUS GIVE-A-WAY! You're one in a million, girl! Blessings~~~Roxie

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  53. Congrats on a million hits! Love your blog & what a great giveaway. I collect Willow Tree as well. Michelle ourcraftymom

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    1. Thanks so much Michelle !
      Good luck !
      Hugs,
      Suzan

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  54. oh my gosh one million, I am not surprised,,,,,, I think you should be on TV, your show would be a hit, I just know it! Such a beautiful give away, its very generous of you,

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  55. Congratulations on your million! It's no wonder because you are the best and funniest and most talented blogger. I agree with Laurie M you should have a TV show! I look forward to your blog to see what wonderful thing you have done or funny thing you have said. And what John has said.:) And you don't sugarcoat it. You tell it like it is and make everything look easy. This is a generous and wonderful giveaway and I hope I'm the lucky winner. Tell John hello. :)

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    1. I don't know about that Linda LOL - but thanks SO much for your over the top kindness!
      I'm going to tell John you said Hello !
      And the best of luck girlfriend !
      Hugs,
      SUzan

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  56. So Suzan is a millionaire! Congrats. A great giveaway - thanks for reminding me. I already follow Piorra Maison. A million viewers can't be wrong - you are the bestest!

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  57. Congratulations on such a milestone! You know I love you and your blog and your sense of humor and your creativity and...and...your NAME!! I "liked" Piorra Maison and already follow you everywhere. I look forward to hearing when you hit 1,500,000!

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  58. What an awesome achievement, a million views! Your blog is so upbeat and fun! And what a generous giveaway!

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  59. Outstanding! I'm so happy for you and you are so deserving. Just think...I was there from the beginning. Lol This is a seriously generous giveaway my friend! I love the looks of the diffuser...I'm sure the scents are wonderful. Of course, the Willow Tree collection is a favorite of mine. The book looks amazing!! I'm sure one would feel like they're right there.

    Thanks so much for the opportunity to win!
    xoxo
    Pat

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  60. I've liked Piorra Maison on FB! Beautiful things ~

    xoxo
    Pat

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  61. Congrats Suzan!! I look forward to your hilarious posts every day, not to mention your stellar creativity :)

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  62. Congrats my friend!! So happy for you. Great giveaway! You are so much fun.

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  63. I so enjoy reading about your life and work. I totally identify with a husband that is clueless LOL. I will continue on- in your journey to the next million!

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  64. I just found you and I see what I have been missing. Won't miss anymore! Great blog!

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  65. Congrats on your "milestone"! I read your blog daily and it truly makes my day! You have an amazing sense of humour and a talent for sharing life's craziness....Love everything about your blog and am looking forward to reading many more future postings :)

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  66. Hi Suzan,
    I was wrong this is my third try at posting this ...am very new to blog land. Am am cutting a lot out each time. :-) I love your blog I think Aug 21st was my second installment. They are fabulous and funnt and make me want more! It am so very very happy to find a Canadian blogger. Krista at the Happy Housie is the other. You I think I can relate to...age wise may be similar also. Your hutch and Paris theme touched me today as my daughter who is 20 has always wanted to go there since she was five...if that is incorrect I am sure she will correct me. LOL She has left for Germany for a year doing her 3rd year University there.She will get to Paris. I have no doubt. your poem/story/beautiful menopausal words fit...crawl,walk,run,fly that is what she is doing this year.It is what we have taught and wanted her to do and s far she is doing wonderfully and we are so proud of her. Also the willow tree in the give away ,thaey quite beautiful.I do not collect but carriedthem at the gift shop I wor at...store closing due to retirement of owner. I could never decide which ones to buy ,a few very much reminded me of times with my son ,daughter and husband...who is also handsome and handy...destructs andreconstructs rooms in the house for us. got the only handy guy in the family...I' pretty smart...except I do have to loan him out to them and the neighbours. on to the next...very odd about the diffuser...that is my chosen craft for 20+ christmas gifts this year..no lie...last year was sewing aprons. Annie Sloan chalk paint heard off it of course .I subscribe to 3 british home magazines and buy others. Try to be handy and diy but does not work so much .Have been wanting to paint something small but no nerve .Am the gofer to my husband..so he could not do it without me! So that is my story for the third time. I love your blog and hope to read all your archives and info.
    So thank you very much for a wonderful piece of yourself. I look forward to more.
    Take care
    Kind Regards
    Lisa

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  67. You are, without a doubt, my favorite blogger! Because I know your sense of humor I'll share that for some odd reason...all your blogs go to my "junk" mail...go figure. The ode to your now grown girls made me relive raising mine. Beautiful pink piece of furniture and lovely ode. I wish I could give you a hug.

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  68. What great give-away items. Thank you for all that you do for our enjoyment.

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    1. No Sissy, I thank you for taking the time to read!
      The best of luck !
      xoxo

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  69. Suzy Q ~ wow, a million views! Way to go! This is a beautiful gift package and one I'd be thrilled to find in my mailbox. Thank you for sharing your humor and talented being with all of us. Now on to the next million! ;-)

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  70. Love your French, Fresh ideas...enjoy this blog very much!
    Susan

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  71. I'd love to win this book!! I must say that I don't usually post comments but I am always happy to see a post from you in my "Inbox"...I love your posts!

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  72. I gotta say I look forward to your emails everyday, I just love your conversations with John (they remind me so much of me and my hubby)
    Thank you for the great ideas and inspiration you've given me to give the art of painting a shot, I'm loving it!!! :-)

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  73. Thanks SO much Karla !
    I'm so happy to hear you're loving painting !
    The best of luck -hugs,
    Suzan

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  74. Beautiful post Suzan and I too feel so grateful! Love all of the wonderful friendships I have found through blogging! I love seeing your journey and you always keep me laughing. Thanks for this awesome give away!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  75. This is my favorite recreation of a china cabinet, Susan. It is elegant and not to feminine to be used in a real home. I can't wait to check out some of your other postings. This post will be marked as a favorite and I hope I can find the paper. Beautiful.

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  76. I may be too late to enter, but did like the FB page and commenting. My week has been hell for my firends, one lost a father and the other diagnosed with cancer. Hoping to win and share with them. Thanks for a wonderful blog that helps me forget about the crap.

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  77. Oh Suzan you are hilarious. Your conversations between your hubby and you sound so much like mine. But I guess you hear that all the time. We have been doing "stuff" to our homes one way or another for nearly 30 years. We are in our 4th house and never once was any of them ever near finished. Hopefully this is the last and we get it just right. In the meanwhile, I was spending so much time reading blogs that I wasn't getting anything done LOL but I am finally over that. One that I have bookmarked from the get go was yours. I think my favourite makeover is the kind of french provincial sideboard that you painted a blue/green/grey on the bottom and white top with antiquing stain. Oh my Oh my I swooned when I saw that one. Congrats on your 1 million views. I think I alone have contributed a few hundred. But I must ask one technical question: We have gathered quite a pile of old fenceboards that have greyed up quite nicely that we want to use on a wall in our laundry room. After doing your plank wall, would you think they would be too heavy? They are very thick. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks and keep up the good, I mean fantastic work. And I love that you are a sister Canadian too.

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Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo