Tuesday, December 9, 2008

My 100th Post - A Look Back

Well, here it is, my 100th post. It's been a wonderful journey, one that I hope will not soon end. These past few months, I've shared quite a bit of my life with the blog-world. Let's take a look back:

My blog started as a gardening blog, hence the name: niagara novice. I had never been a gardener when I lived in Texas; climate, heat, and time proved it a burden. But when I decided I wanted to start gardening, I found comfort in the knowledge that blogging garden experts provided to me, and created the garden in the pictures above. Best part is, it grew! Into a beautiful garden, worthy of a party, which is just what we did. I have this blog, and all of you, to thank for that.

We worked through the mess of Karen's massive home together on the blog, and damned the pea soup conessuier who mocked my paint choices. We turned that monstrosity into a home, and turned a bedroom into a peaceful retreat, with enough style to stand alone, but enough space to make it her own. I was proud of what we accomplished, and I have this blog, and all of you, to thank for that.

We discussed the idea of wallpapering my sunroom ceiling, and I began sharing photos of my humble home. We played with ideas, and toyed with thoughts, and I decided to love the room just as it is. I have this blog, and all of you, to thank for that.

I shared some of my more "interesting" designs with you, like the bedroom of a little girl in Texas. Your thoughts and comments boosted my self esteem. I have this blog, and all of you, to thank for that.

We shared a cyber dinner together, at the end of the season summer dinner party titled, "An Affair to Remember". It was, until the Christmas decoration post, the most discussed post of Color Outside the Lines history, and my confidence in my ability to present worthwhile and beautiful design rose to new heights. I have this blog, and all of you, to thank for that.

I got tired of looking at cheap, Sauder bookshelves stuffed with books, and decided to fix it - permanently. We built this from almost nothing, and it is the beauty of that room. I have this blog, and all of you, to thank for that.

I couldn't leave the room that the bookcases were in a mess, when such a beautiful piece lay opposite of the bed. So together, we re-decorated the guest room, and it received high praise from the first guest who slept there. I have this blog, and all of you, to thank for that!

Together, we copied a very expensive driftwood lamp - and it turned out beautifully. Though not finished, it will be my 100th blog give-away, because, you guessed it - I have this blog, and all of you, to thank for it.

We shopped together, for tables, picture frames, wooden candles sticks and napkin rings, apple cider presses and discount fabric. We shared our tag sale finds, and benefitted from each others creative processes. I have this blog, and all of you, to thank for that, too!

So as I sit here, thankful and cheered over the passion for decorating this blog has revived inside of me, I hope that the next 100 posts will help to revive or fuel that passion inside of all of you. Thank you to each and every one of you, who through your comments and your compliments, drove me to keep creating, keep writing, keep searching, and keep finding. This has been a success because of all of you, and I'm the person I am today, because I had a creative outlet that you all have made the most beautiful and special, of any I've ever had.

On this, my 100th post, I celebrate you all - my readers, my friends, my co-creators. Here's to you, and here's to 100 more!

61 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your 100th post, Artie.

    I've enjoyed each of them.

    I don't remember commenting on your Christmas decor. It's amazingly beautiful. I love that you've decorated in keeping with the style of your home. Lovely.

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  2. WHOOHOOOOO!~~~~~
    Congratulations Artie!!!!! Can you belive it!? I second that sentiment, here's to the next 100!!!
    I am still SO impressed with that lamp!! (gimme, gimme, gimme) :)

    Buffie

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  3. Congratulations Artie! Thanks for the inspiration! ☺ Diane

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  4. Congrats!

    I'm so happy you found me so I can enjoy your wonderful blog. ;0

    ~Beautiful, beautiful home.

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  5. Wow! I've missed 99 if them and am so glad to have found you on your anniversary! Beautiful, talented and refreshing (the site and you!)Well written, humorous, and informative...
    You asked me a few months back if you could use a photo of my new english garden in a blog of yours. I was so busy, I never got back online with RMS. I have since sold the farm in MO, moved to WA, and I'm finally finding time to play with my creative side once again. For more pixs of my gardens check out: sellingevergreenfarm.com Love your site...Mary at elephantrider2@msn.com

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  6. Congrads, I have loved them all. vickydarnell

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  7. Congrats on your 100th!! You know I am a Texas fan who loves your blog!

    Happy Holidays,
    Karen

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  8. Congratulations on your 100th post Artie!! Wow the time sure has flow hasn't it?! I still think your garden dinner is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen! There was greatness in that thar dinner party sir!*winks* I hope we see hundreds more posts from you...I need all the inspiration you can show me!! *winks* Vanna

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  9. Artie,

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving such nice comments. I love your Christmas decor...your mantle is beautiful and reminded me that I have a bunch of feathers in a box that would look great in mine! I will have to go back and read your first 100 posts and will definitely look forward to the next 100!

    ~Coco

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  10. Congratulations on your 100th post! Thank YOU for all your great inspiration! Looking forward to the next 100 posts! :)

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  11. Congratulations Artie! 100 posts! That's awesome! I think my all time fav will be the outdoor dinner party though. You just outdid yourself on that one! laurie

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  12. Artie, I'm thankful that I found your blog, I love everything you share with us. Congratulations on your 100th post, here's to the next hundred. Oooopppsss can't get the glass thru the computer screen, don't worry, I'll drink yours for you. ;)

    Hugs
    'D'

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  13. Congrats on your 100th post. I love your blog. Isn't it wonderful that a lot of us met at RMS. We have moved onto blogging. And have discovered wonderful friendships. I am like you, I wouldn't know what to do without my blog friends.
    Thanks for the inspiration you have been to so many of us.
    Terrie

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  14. I just saw your comment on my blog, :) I was happy to be able to post a decent picture of Sergei, he hates to have his picture taken.
    Can you tell that I visit your blog before I even go to my own. LOL

    More Hugs

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  15. Hi Artie...Congratulations on #100 and here's wishing you 100s more. Your garden dinner party looks like it was fabulous! ;-) Bo

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  16. Artie, Congratulatons! I discovered you around the bookcase make-over and the driftwood lamp and have since become a regular. Unlike some blogs that are written as if it's a corporation newsletter, I enjoy that yours has plenty of personality and you share what is on your mind. Besides I enjoy your music! The picture of the Christmas tree against the pub painting is my favorite. Keep it up and the thank you is all ours! Onward to the 200th!

    G in CT

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  17. woo hoo 100 posts!!! I loved this retrospective of your posts...it had me smiling all the way through thinking..yeah I remember that! Congrats on hitting this point..and wishing you hundreds more!!!

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  18. The blog journey is so wonderful - thanks for sharing yours.
    xo xo

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  19. Very, very impressive my young friend...looking forward to the next 100!

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  20. Congrats on your 100th post!! Where has the time gone? Is has certainly flown by.. you always leave us begging for more....
    Congrats again..hugs ~lynne~

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  21. Congrats from me too on your 100th post!

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  22. Congratualtions Artie! You should be so proud. Thanks for taking us along on your life journey. I'm looking forward to the next 100 posts!
    Carol

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  23. Congratualtions Artie on 100th how cool is that?? I am so looking forward to 200..your alway so kind..and your Garden party was the best...hugs and smiles Gloria

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  25. Congratulations Artie! Do so love your design and blogging style.
    Nancy

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  26. CONGRATULATIONS Artie on your 100th
    post. You already know how much I enjoy your blog so there is no need for me to go on and on.....which is very difficult for ME. :)

    As I have managed to selvage a bottle of beer from Bridget's tree and a glass of Tequila from Buffie's recent cookie recipe; I salute and toast you my friend.

    "To Artie, may your passion for decorating continue. You have been an inspiration to so many in thought, word and deed. Thank you".

    With many hugs and sincerity
    -Brenda-

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  27. Congrats on such a huge accomplishment!! I can't wait to read your next 100 and the next and the next!! Love your blog!!
    Lynette

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  28. Beautifully written. Love them all:) Happy 100th!!!

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  29. Well, well...I'm so glad I found your blog. Congrats on your 100th post--I will be back to visit again!

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  30. We appreciate you! Your kindness, your insight, your joy, your exuberance and your humility!...
    You are true diamond in this blogging community.
    Happy 100th!

    (oh I wish I could type! LOL )

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  31. Now I have yet ANOTHER reason to be a new reader/viewer as of late...I l-o-v-e your writing style as WELL as your personal style! Was so enjoying my "read" AND your pics just now, then I saw that lamp and said "I've gotta contact him- that lamp is soooooo me/my style I can't BELIEVE it!"... Now I read you are having a DRAWING for it? Chances of winning it are, of course, just toooo slim, my friend, soooooooo, would you care to share w/ me how you made it? (Or make another that I can purchase?). It has Linda & Jim's desert home" written ALLL OVER IT", kiddo!... Many thanks & warmest holiday wishes, Linda

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  32. Congrats!!!

    Your blog has become one of my favorites.

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  33. Artie! Congrats!!! I know it's a lot of work to get to this point...but isn't it a blast, too! :-) I loved looking back at some of the wonderful things you have accomplished during these past months. My fav still has to be splendid summer party outside! But I still need to go check out your Christmas decor, too. Maybe that will become my fav! :-) Susan

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  34. Congrats on your 100th post! I hope there are many more to come in the future!

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  35. Artie! CONGRATS on the 100th post, you are so talented and now I see just as talented a writer!!! I ahven't seen alot of your posts but have enjoyed ALL that I have seen....as for the drawing for the lamp, please count me in..and IF I should win it, I will send it to Linda/ Mom. It ISSSS her!!!! And she is the sweetest person so deserves it (INHO)!!!! Hugs, Pinky PS, will send you pictures tomorrow!

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  36. I loved this retrospective. I lift my virtual glass of champagne--here's to your blog, and to the journey.

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  37. It really has been quite a journey though, hasn't it? I think I've learned quite a bit from you, that I hope to put to the test when we finally leave this rental. Your writing style is beautiful, your home is gorgeous, and you yourself are just stunning... to look at, and to know!

    I hope in the next 100 posts you share more of your personal self with us!!!!

    Justine :o )

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  38. Congratulations your 100th blog entry and I want to thank you for creating such a fantastic blog for all of us to read.

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  39. Happy 100th post..how fun!! Wishing you many many more!!
    -sandy toes

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  40. Artie, Artie, Artie!

    Congratulations on 100 posts, and here's to hundreds more! Your blog is a huge inspiration in oh so many ways.

    I found you when I happened to stumble across Rate My Space online and subsequently ran across your outdoor dinner party photos there - I knew right there and then that you were something special. I found your blog and read it from start to finish -- each and every word == and loved and was inspired by not only what you showed us, but by the way you saw the world. You are a true breath of fresh air. The world, and certainly my life, is much richer because you are in it.

    You are why I started my own blog. Thank you for being my biggest supporter, my ONLY supporter for so long, for your friendship, for the wonderful person you are, and for the beauty you bring to all of us.

    Isa/JP/Twin ;)

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  41. Artie, congrats on 100! You will be surprised how fast that 2nd 100 will go. I haven't been around the whole time, but I've really enjoyed my time here so far. Keep on beautifying!

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  42. Artie, I posted here before I saw your note at my blog! On those monogrammed shades...yes, I covered them myself with burlap. Cheap, cheap! I have a friend who does monograms, so I figured out the spacing & had her monogram the fabric first, then I placed them on the shades and added trim. I do love them! Easy to do & all you need is a monogram shop to do the letters. Thank you for your kind comments on my Christmas decorating.

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  43. Morning, Artie! Oh, congratulations on your 100th post! You're a fantastic decorator and gardener. I don't come and comment as often as I should, but when I do come I scroll down to see what I've missed. I love every visit.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  44. Artie- No need to publish this, but I found a blog called vtinteriors.blogspot.com, and the pics were on "Hall Tables" (dated yesterday, 9 Dec)... The first "table" is just killer-sharp (or at least "I" thought so!!!), as well as a few other totally wonderful ones... thought you'd be interested in case you have NOT seen this blog so far... Best, Linda

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  45. Well done - 100 fabulous memories to celebrate, xv.

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  46. That was sweet and touching...especially with the background music!

    Happy 100...and to another 100!!

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  47. Well done Artie, So eloquent as usual. I really enjoy reading your blog. I can't believe there have been 100 of them already! I enjoyed your Calico Corners contest and when you helped your friend with her house, and of course your summer party and don't forget about your escapades with Justine and Buffie and all - can't wait to read and follow the next 100. ~ Robyn

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  48. Congratulations! You started off with a bang but kept getting better! I look forward to your next 100!
    Hugs, B.

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  49. Congratulations Cutie! wow = I remember all those stories. My favorites were the guest room and the tent party! Congrats on the first 100 and onto the next 1,000!!!

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  50. Just a visit to say good morning..
    'D'

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  51. congratulations! you have done so well! here's to 100 more!

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  52. congratulations! you have done so well! here's to 100 more!

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  53. Hi Artie,
    CONGRATULATIONS! 100 Posts, Your work is Fabulous! I'm going to spend some time roaming around here.... Like What I See..... Go Ne Ne, LOL

    xoxo,
    Cathleen

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  54. I am so glad we are able to hold on to the classics, through Nick at Night and AMC as well as TMC and Fox Movie Channel..ah the greats...we have lost so many of them.
    I think my love of design comes a great deal from the old films...tres chic Hollywood, of the days gone by! :)

    I am so pleased to have brought back good memories for you Artie on A Divas Hammer :)

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  55. Has it been that long, Artie? Time sure does fly! Congrats!....Christine

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  56. Artie, thanks for stopping by & for the compliments! So appreciated. Mr. Linky is a site that sets up auto links for blogs when you want to have a lot of people posting links. They enter their own link, with name & then people can click & go visit them. It's very fun so come back on Monday & add your Christmas decor!

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  57. Tuesday I ordered 2 boxes of the starburst glass metallic gold ornaments from Gumps. They arrived today and it's only Friday! Also, they are so much more beautiful than I even expected. Thanks for writing about them on your blog.

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  58. Congrats on the 100th post! Love your designs! You asked about the camera.... Well, the first picture of the doorway was taken by my friend, and she has a really good camera. All of the others I have taken with a canon power shot A40 that we've had for several years. I will tell you though... it takes me a while to get a good shot, they come out blurry most of the time. I messed with the settings for a while and found that not using a flash gives the photos more of the warm glow that the rooms actually have. The flash makes everything look to bright and cold. Belive me though, I am no photographer! LOL. I am planning on taking more pics of my friends (giant) house soon, it is really something! I really appreciate your nice compliments on my work! I sure am enjoying yours! Kristen

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  59. Artie Congratulations on you 100th post! I have enjoyed everyone of them even though I don't always comment- -

    I think for the next 100 post you need to take some of your blog buddes homes and give suggestions as to what they could do- kindof like an HGTV via blog! I have a massively (sp?) long mantle that I am in a quandry over- Vanna is trying to find something similar in her findings but....

    blessings
    mary

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  60. Oh little playmate... come out and play with me... =)

    You've been off the Blog radar for longer than usual. I just came by to coax you out! The world needs an Artie post!

    xo Isa

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