21 November 2008

join the party.


hello and hip hip. you made it! and you look fabulous. thanks for coming. please come in, help yourself to a mug of apple cinnamon cider and mingle by the fire before the games begin. (yes sir, i like to play games at parties. call me old fashion.) i thought i might as well host a big bash celebrating the launch of the little project i've been working on.

we renovated my website and it's finally up and rolling! introducing martacards.com. i'm elated. i sketched some ideas, designed the pages, and happily handed it over to pete who jazzed it up and programmed all the behind-the-curtain bits. i am delighted, not only because it features arts + crafts that i often showcase on my blog, but i've also included some graphic design pieces pulled from my portfolio. i hope you'll take a look around. (yes, you can take your slice of pie with you.)

now, if you're up to it, onto the games. please comment and introduce yourself to the guests.

tell us
01. something you are known for.
02. two great blogs you read daily.
03. what the best part of thanksgiving is.

after you've met all of my nearest and dearest, exhausted the sweets buffet, and danced your heart out, i'll get you your wool peacoat (or did you have the down puffy jacket?). i'll wash up the big bowl you brought the chex mix in and remind you not to forget your party favor...



with every mini mart order placed today (and tomorrow, for you fashionably latecomers) i'll send along this Tag, You're It... Christmas Kit. the kit includes 6 holiday tags, silk ribbon & 3 yards of peppermint baker's twine. enjoy your gift favors. thanks again for ordering and have a wonderful weekend.

and while you're dusting the snowflakes off your car, i'll yell out, be sure to head over to kelly's happy li'l blog for the after party. xo.

63 comments:

  1. Congratulations! The site looks great. What does identy mean? I was looking at your identy & business section and was just curious.

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  2. Anonymous5:37 AM

    Congratulations on the launch of your new site! It's so simply laid out and easy to use, and really lets your work shine. (And I think the commenter above means to say that there is a typo in your portfolio navigation: identy --> identity.) :)

    What I'm known for: unrepentant curmudgeonism!
    Two great blogs: http://secretnotebookswildpages.blogspot.com and http://dearada.typepad.com/
    Best part about Thanksgiving: Besides the opportunity to sip wine with my family? The delicious veggie side dishes. Mmm...

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  3. marta. congratulations. this is fabulous. just fabulous!

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  4. oops. forgot to answer the questions...

    1. i am known for fantastic peppermint cookies and i would love to say letterpress.
    2. i love to read http://www.unruly-things.com/ and http://inchmark.squarespace.com/inchmark/ daily...plus a million others.
    3. i am so excited just to go home and see my family this thanksgiving...i was not able to last year.

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  5. marta, your website is captivating-you can't leave without exploring every last bit of it. it's truly lovely!

    1. i am known for taking a long time in the shower
    2. each day i read (m.writes, of course) my life as a sugar lander & smitten kitchen
    3. the best parts of thanksgiving are the leftovers

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  6. oh miss marta, this is wonderful! you are a delightful host as well :D

    1. one thing i am known for... within my family + friends, i am starting to be known for my photography (portraits more specifically).

    2. two blogs i MUST read every day... cjanerun.com & naomi davis's blog: http://taza-and-husband.blogspot.com/

    3. whats best about thanksgiving... being with family. feeling the warmth family brings in my life. we go bowling, which is always a hoot + hollar. and turkey + cranberries are my fav. what could be better than food, bowling, & family?!

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  7. Absolutely wonderful! Can't wait to order a kit! Congrats!
    I'm known for...making delicious pies.
    2 must read blogs: http://taza-and-husband.blogspot.com and http://mommyholly.blogspot.com
    Thanksgiving is fabulous because I get to be with my family...watch the parade with my kids...and cook!

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  8. wow. you're always such an inspiration! i wish i could get myself as together as you are! cheers to you (lifts glass of cider)!

    my three things:
    1) known for always taking the stairs at work
    2) two other daily reads are http://jordanferney.blogspot.com/ and my sister's blog http://fakecrab.blogspot.com/
    3) my favorite part of thanksgiving is getting time to spend with family that i don't get to see often enough

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  9. leave it to the eyes of my bloggy friends to catch a typo.. thanks for the heads up! i was too busy celebrating to even notice. enjoy the party!

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  10. Anonymous6:56 AM

    01. my cute kids
    02. http://simplesong.typepad.com/home/

    http://lovelife.typepad.com/my_weblog/

    03. the best part of thanksgiving is just having a relaxed day to cook all day + spend time with family.

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  11. Anonymous6:56 AM

    01. my cute kids
    02. http://simplesong.typepad.com/home/

    http://lovelife.typepad.com/my_weblog/

    03. the best part of thanksgiving is just having a relaxed day to cook all day + spend time with family.

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  12. Anonymous6:56 AM

    1. I am known for my party planning...I love it!

    2. two great blogs you read daily: Besides yours of course I check www.theblogisfound.com and http://thepioneerwoman.com/

    3. The best part of Thanksgiving is waking up early to put the turkey in the oven then running to the store to pick up the newspaper to drool over all of the Black Friday sales!

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  13. Anonymous6:56 AM

    1. I am known for my party planning...I love it!

    2. two great blogs you read daily: Besides yours of course I check www.theblogisfound.com and http://thepioneerwoman.com/

    3. The best part of Thanksgiving is waking up early to put the turkey in the oven then running to the store to pick up the newspaper to drool over all of the Black Friday sales!

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  14. Anonymous6:56 AM

    1. I am known for my party planning...I love it!

    2. two great blogs you read daily: Besides yours of course I check www.theblogisfound.com and http://thepioneerwoman.com/

    3. The best part of Thanksgiving is waking up early to put the turkey in the oven then running to the store to pick up the newspaper to drool over all of the Black Friday sales!

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  15. Anonymous7:10 AM

    01. my cute kids
    02. http://simplesong.typepad.com/home/

    http://lovelife.typepad.com/my_weblog/

    03. the best part of thanksgiving is just having a relaxed day to cook all day + spend time with family.

    the new site is awesome!!! just ordered another mini diary. :)

    xx
    jill

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  16. Anonymous7:10 AM

    1. I am known for my party planning...I love it!

    2. two great blogs you read daily: Besides yours of course I check www.theblogisfound.com and http://thepioneerwoman.com/

    3. The best part of Thanksgiving is waking up early to put the turkey in the oven then running to the store to pick up the newspaper to drool over all of the Black Friday sales!

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  17. congratulations, Marta! how in the world do you have TIME for it all?!

    1. i'm known for my baking
    2. http://bread-and-honey.blogspot.com/
    http://www.hostessblog.com/
    3. the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade!!!

    xo
    Kelly

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  18. Anonymous7:50 AM

    So sweet! Thanks for inviting me to your swank launch party. The new site is lovely and very user friendly.

    And for your ice-breaker:

    01. My ability to stick my foot in my mouth at just the right moment. That, and I'm always on time.

    02. soulemama - http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/ and and little red caboose - http://littleredcaboose.ca/

    03. The best bits of Thanksgiving are the old standby comfort foods. I've tried 'gourmet' Thanksgivings in years past, but nothing beats candied yams with mini marshmallows, green bean casserole, and stuffing from a box.

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  19. Marta this is inspirational and oh so awesome! I love your site. I love that quote in spanish on the front.
    Hopefully people will fall in love with your site and reason will go out the window.

    1 I am known for my homemade pizza

    2 2 blogs i visit daily
    http://nicolehill.blogspot.com
    http://lifewithoutnovacaine.blogspot.com

    3 the best part of thanksgiving is no expectations
    just good food and family and reasons to be thankful.

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  20. congrats on your new site :)

    01 I am known to be creative but procrastinate too much that the creative part takes a step back.

    02 my 2 fav blogs that i read daily
    www.aliedwards.typepad.com
    www.lovelife.typepad.com

    03 the next day is Black Friday! :D

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  21. Your creativity always amazes me - imagine putting this huge project together just a few mere months after welcoming a beautiful baby boy! I love the blog party. Here are my answers:

    1 - I am known for being a city girl. One year in New York City changed my life!
    2 - NieNie & www.citruslist.blogspot.com
    3 - FAMILY! My parents are coming to our house this year - I couldn't be happier.

    xo.
    Lizzie (I don't know you but I read your blog & love it)

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  22. You are the perfect hostess!

    I'm known for: my homemade rolls and listening ear.
    I read: http://littlebrownpen.blogspot.com/
    and
    http://partyperfectblog.blogspot.com/
    I love the chance to embrace gratitude in a different way that comes at Thanksgiving.

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  23. Hey Mart,

    Will you send me your address so that we can add you to the Christmas card list?

    erin.shaha@gmail.com

    I love the new look of your site!

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  24. Hi Marta,

    Congratulations, the site looks great.

    I am known for wrapping beautiful packages.
    3 sites I read daily are
    http://martawrites.blogspot.com/
    http://www.jordanferney.blogspot.com/
    http://decor8blog.com/
    The best part of Thanksgiving is relaxing and not having to worry about all the hubbub that goes along with other holidays.

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  25. Anonymous8:44 AM

    01. i am known for great party photos.

    02. i read joy the baker and **abbytryagain**.

    03. the best part about thanksgiving is being married. i feel so smugly grown up and cozy having a husband while sitting at the table!

    I love the portfolio. One problem: you call it "Marta Designs", but your URL is "Marta Cards". You should make that consistent.

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  26. Well, well.. thank you for hosting the party, the place looks beeautiful as usual, really Marta, you have out done yourself. Always the best host. I wish I would have brought you some sparkling cider tied with a polka dot bow..

    -I am known for my parties I throw, especially my Christmas festivities.

    -Well of course I read your blog daily, as well as Rock Star Diaries and Mormon in Manhattan

    -The best part of Thanksgiving for me is gathering with family and friends.. eating, and of course playing games.. let's not forget the ever addicting Mexican Train Dominoes.

    Well thanks for inviting me to your splendid party! I'm off to work.

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  27. congrats marta, the site looks beautiful!

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  28. So happy for you. What a fun new adventure!

    I am known for being a shopaholic.

    Two great blogs I read daily (aside from yours) are My Happy Little Life (Kelly McCaleb) and Oh Happy Day (Jordan Ferney).

    The best part of Thanksgiving is being with family, pumpkin pie and perusing Black Friday ads!!

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  29. Perfect Mart!!!
    I am known for my unique handwriting

    2 great blogs I read are yours and my mom's

    Best part of Thanksgiving is of course being with family and that tasty stuffing that I can't get enough of.

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  32. Yea Marta!I'm so happy for you! It's just beautiful, couldn't wait to see what the next link held. So creative and sweet, just like your blog. And you had time to drea it up as a new mom! You're amazing and give me hope. No family for us yet but many of my friends do and they are busy ladies!

    1) I'm known for the paperdolls I make
    2)I read your blog and Black Eiffel
    3)Love seeing my out of town family all smushed into my grandfather's home!

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  33. congrats
    i am known for my wee wood toys www.littlealouette.etsy.com
    I love reading mackink and designmom

    love mashed potatoes1!!

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  34. Great website! Congrats.
    1) I'm known for my cooking - especially my cucumbers in vinegar and hummus.
    2) I read The Pioneer Woman and your blog daily
    3) The best part of Thanksgiving is watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning to get fired up for the day, eating well, and sharing the day with loved ones.

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  35. Congrats!

    01. I am known for my killer dance moves : )
    02. I like to start my day with http://lovelife.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and http://www.thisyounghouse.com/

    03. The best part of Thanksgiving is that I know I will see my family twice that week, as it falls the same week as my b-day in Canada!

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  36. Anonymous10:17 AM

    Oh Marta!! The site looks great!!!

    01. I would like to say that I am known for my oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, carrot cake, or cowboy steak,

    02. I check a lot of sites daily including yours but I guess I should put two others...

    http://www.nicolehill.blogspot.com/

    http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/

    03. The best part of thanksgiving is definitely the PIE and dad's stuffing :) I love spending time with family and now that I live farther away, any day spent with them is a very happy day.

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  37. Congratulations, Marta! So excited for your endeavors.

    1. Lately--I'm known as the pregnant girl. :)

    2. Two of my very favorite hip and inspiring bloggers:
    http://caseybaudoin.blogspot.com
    http://leslieautumn.blogspot.com

    3. pie. cherry pie. i'm very non-trad! ;)

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  38. My name is Ellen and I live in Boston. I'm known for baking at midnight. I read a lot of blogs but two of my favorites are yours (seriously!) and CJane. I'm going to Grafton, Vermont with 4 friends for Thanksgiving and I can't wait to read, relax, play games, eat food, watch movies, work on projects and maybe tour the cheese factory in the town!

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  39. Beautiful site! Congrats.

    01 | Constantly rearranging the furniture
    02 | Visiting lately:
    http://www.soulemama.com/
    http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/
    03 | Eating Thanksgiving dinner outdoors surrounded by family, cozy lap blankets and a blazing fire. Because our house is too small to hold everyone inside.

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  40. Hello Ladies, I'm Carolyn Geddes (obviously)
    -I am known for saying what everyone is thinking but not necessarily those words. And for my sewing skills

    -My two fave blogs are
    jakeandcandis.blogspot
    (a good friend)
    100percentcottam-austin.blogspot
    (a good stranger)

    -My favorite part of Thanksgiving is an entire day devoted to eating with my family.

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  41. Anonymous11:05 AM

    Wow, Min! You're the Mom! You're new website is awesome.
    1. I'm known as the non-blogger of the fam
    2. secretofnim@blogspot.com
    travelin'oma@blogspot.com
    thegabblog@blogspot.com
    (I think those are the links... like I said I'm not a great blogger)
    3. Thanksgiving is all about a new recipe - like chocolate cream pie from Cooks.com

    Good luck, Min! You're RAD.
    Heed

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  42. I am . . .

    1. known for: my chocolate chip cookies that people mistakenly believe have cinnamon in them. I'll never tell!

    2. reads: oh happy day and a private family blog for updates on my brother and sister-in-law, christian and stephanie (written by the famous cjane).

    3. best part of thanksgiving: decorating the tables (I always do some kind of handmade placecard or napkin ring) and when we all first sit down to pray together and thank God for our blessings.

    lizzy

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  43. Anonymous11:59 AM

    This is so adorable, I just love your blog and your new website! The only thing I would suggest is maybe being able to fit the entire website on a page where you don't have to scroll from side to side. Also, if I ordered a mini diary, when would I expect that to arrive? Thanks Marta, love your work, and your blog brings a smile to my day! :)

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  44. Congratulations Marta!

    1)I'm known for my comprehensive knowledge of TV theme songs. I even have proof.
    2)I love reading Oh Happy Day (who doesn't?) and Small Notebook
    3)My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting to see all of my family without needing to have all those Christmas gifts wrapped yet, ha.

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  45. Anonymous12:26 PM

    Your website is so cute!
    1. I'm known for being the creative one in my family.
    2. besides your blog, I read several. Two of my favorites: melissajill.net and weddingbee.com
    3. The best part about Thanksgiving is whipping and then eating the mashed potatoes.

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  46. The website is fabulous. I am known for my yummy carrot cake. Two blogs I love and read every day are itsgoodtobeashleycarter.blogspot.com and stiesthoughts.blogspot.com. My favorite part of Thanksgiving is putting up my Christmas tree after everyone is done eating.

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  47. the new site is wonderful! congratulations!

    01. known for party planning
    02. besides yours, i'm currently loving http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/ and my sister's blog http://fuzzylizards.blogspot.com/
    03. the best part of thanksgiving is time with the family and taking time to think of all the things i'm thankful for (which i need to do more often)

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  48. Congrats, how exciting for you! And hooray! A party and I don't need a babysitter!
    1. I'm known for...speaking my mind, too often.
    2. coveiter and petitelefant
    3. the best part of Thanksgiving is remembering. And maybe a dinner roll with tender turkey and a dollop of cranberry sauce around 10pm.

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  49. Marta I am so excited for you. What a great way to showcase your love for design!

    01. I am known for my dance moves.
    02. I love reading "Stephmodo.blogspot.com" and "www.redotter580.blogspot.com", both are great daily reads.
    03.To me, the best part of Thanksgiving is family. Spending time with the people you love and are thankful for.

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  50. Anonymous8:13 PM

    I always love your parties! you are the best hostess. I am best known for being your Aunt Polly..favorite blogs yours, Whits and my sisters...

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  51. What a perfect Hostess you are, Marta, Darling!
    I love your new site and need your mini journal, complete with promts (spellcheck, please?).
    1) known for: being "Trevor's Mom" when I help out in the class
    2) blogs: Hero Arts & Tim Holtz
    3) Thanksgiving: It's the best thing to gather together with family, eat yummy stuff and reflect on our immense wealth as Americans, (considering we are barely above poverty level). So blessed!

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  52. Hi Marta! It is great to find your beautiful blog! My sister Brooke has raved about it before. And ironically I just read about your giveaway on Kelly McCaleb's blog this morning before I got your comment today. I am so impressed by your store and your style. Congrats on your little guy, too!

    Oh, oh, the party game. . .

    I am known for having two redheaded boys really close together.

    I love denaeharlow.blogspot.com and kelly mccaleb, among so many others that will now inlcude you.

    The best part of Thanksgiving is relaxing with family.

    Now pass me the chex mix!

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  53. I love the new site! I love the unique side-to-side layout and all the links to explore!

    I am famous for being your mom.
    I read my daughters (already mentioned) sisters, (already mentioned). Here are a couple of favorite folks with blogs new to this list:
    stiesthoughts.blogspot.com/
    sher-ingtime.blogspot.com/

    The best part of Thanksgiving is eating it all again later that night, in a more relaxed setting, sometimes right out of the serving bowl. And teasing the folks who were uptight from keeping their kids in check at the table.

    This was my favorite party all week, and I am also known for being a party animal.

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  54. Oooh I LOVE parties. Congratulations on the BIG Launch!

    1. I am known for taking great pictures and being a great lacrosse player (random I know).

    2. Some bogs that I read daily are:
    My good friend Caitlin @ http://www.danandcaitlin.blogspot.com/
    and
    The Pioneer Woman @
    http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/

    3. The best part of Thanksgiving is...
    Family.

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  55. congrats, marta!
    the new site looks amazing.
    so happy for you.
    wishing tons of success!
    no one deserves it more!
    :)

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  56. congrats, marta!
    the new site looks amazing.
    so happy for you.
    wishing tons of success!
    no one deserves it more!
    :)

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  57. I am going to check it out right now!

    I am famous for writing about polygamists.

    Two blogs I love are a private one featuring an adorable baby B. And martawrites, of course!!

    Best part of thanksgiving...leftover stuffing the next day.

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  59. My oh my...what a lovely little party...and such exciting news...so happy for you and your blooming little biz. Everything looks fabulous Marta.

    1:: known as the a girl who loves polka dots, so much that she went so far as to have them all over her wedding dress.

    2:: http://www.andimae.typepad.com/
    http://sarahjanestudios.com/blog/

    3:: both the smells and laughter that escape from a busy, crowded the kitchen on Thanksgiving day...

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  60. Awesome makeover to the site!! Perfect timing for the holidays.

    1: Known for my sweet tooth. Candy, chocolate, pastries, ice cream, you name it. I indulge every day. So people think it's funny that I don't like sugary beverages and always my coffee black.

    2: cjanerun + family/friend blogs I check daily.

    3: Thanksgiving? Pie. Pie. Pie. Pie. My mom's homemade fruit pies and my cold cream pies. Eating pie at the table and laughing with family. Laughing so hard someone cries or pees. And then playing "Catch Phrase."

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  61. I love your website! I found you through The Coterie blog.

    1. I'm known for my enthusiasm. I never am quite sure whether to be embarrassed about that or not!

    2. Blogs I visit every day:
    www.thecoterieblog.com
    www.natalienortonphoto.com

    3. The amazing aroma coming from the kitchen. Favorite foods on Thanksgiving - stuffing and warm pecan pie a la mode!

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  62. Anonymous6:33 AM

    Much gratitude for your creativity and inspiration! Happy Thanksgiving and congratulations on your great new venture!

    1. known for writing and collaging

    2. two great daily blogs besides yours:
    http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/
    http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/

    3. best part of this holiday: the moment the cranberries go 'pop' on the stove and a peaceful half hour spent watching A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING. xo :)

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  63. What a fabulous site!!! Enjoy it!

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thank you for your comments. a blog isn't a blog without readers, i appreciate you (and all that you have to say about what i say)! xo.