I think so often about this whole blogging thing and what it 'means' both in my life and in the bigger view of the world. But some life events and conversations with friends have me thinking about it lots at the moment. I know I've attempted rather bumbley to talk about it before - but it's really so hard to express the significance. The inspiration. The motivation. The support. The amazing opportunities that I never would have dreamed possible before this began. And the amazing personal connections and friendships near and far--both new ones formed, and old ones strengthened--it's been a powerful, powerful thing. It still amazes me that each and every day you come back here to read and share, and sometimes say hello. I'm *so* very grateful for those moments out of your day that you spend here. I think about you often- who you are, where you are, if you're reading with your morning cup of tea and children playing around you, or whether you're in an office across the globe. It takes enormous restraint on my part to not reply to each comment that comes through. I always have something I want to say to continue the conversation, or just to say 'thank you'. Which is what I really wanted to say today. Thank you so very much for choosing to be here in this moment, and for coming back to do so again and again.
I'd really like to share a cup of tea with you all, but since that's not quite possible, I do have this tiny token of these simple tote bags I want to share with you as a 'thank you for reading' treat. (Yes, the laundry disaster-turned pretty bag. thank YOU for the suggestions!). I wish there were hundreds, but alas, there are just FIVE. So...the first five people to email me with your address to soulemamaATgmailDOTcom, I'll be honored to pop these in the mail to you later in the week. All gone. If you were one of the five, I've emailed you. ;)
And to everyone else: THANK YOU!