Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Memory Lane - 10 Years of Blogging

September 16th marked the ten year anniversary of my little blog, "Tales from the Raspberry Rabbits." Time sure has flown by and there have been so many adventures and changes along the way.


















I spent some time over the weekend reminiscing about this journey and I thought you might enjoy reading a few of my favorite posts from days gone by.

Here is my very first post.

In the same spirit of my post from last week, I want to share a little "Happy." Even though I miss my Harrington bunny soooooo very much, these posts still crack me up and bring a smile to my face. I hope they do the same for you.

Here is the Bunnyville Olympics post.




Here is the Two Little Bunnies post.


This final post is still one of the most amazing moments in my life.

Here is my Quilting Arts TV post. 


In 2007 I wrote the following paragraph in my journal. It was written by Corey Amaro in the Jan/Feb 07 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors.

"Many of us have seeds buried within us that are longing to be watered, hoping to be unearthed, waiting to share their fragrant scent. Creativity is born from the smallest of seeds. If we can nurture our dreams with the belief that we have something to give, we can learn to trust that our roots will spread into tomorrow. When a seedling of passion awakens, it can bloom a never-ending bouquet of happiness for us to hold."

I have been quilting since 1989. The quilting seed was planted in me then. It's been my passion ever since. I taught quilting for 10 years until our local quilt shop closed in 2005. I loved every single minute of it and loved my students. Sharing quilting and giving in general has always been one of my greatest joys in life. We all have something to give, even a simple smile or a hug.


So now, here I am, ten years since I started writing this blog. I am the owner of my own company. A company that truly cares about customers. A place where those customers are my friends and those friends are my family.


I am now a National Quilt Teacher, which brings me so much joy by inspiring the creative spirit in others. I live in my favorite town, Wilmington, in a cute little cottage, in a charming neighborhood. I am also about to head to Houston to fulfill my dream of being a teacher at the Houston International Quilt festival.


Like all journeys, or rabbit holes in my case, there has been much sorrow and hardships and heartaches. Even now, my little cottage keeps having things break and fall apart and I have much sorrow in my heart regarding family issues that may never heal. But, there are always opportunities to learn and grow and to simply move on knowing I gave it my best, stayed true to myself and followed my heart.

I know blogging has given way to Facebook and Instagram, but for now, I will continue with my weekly posts and sharing bits and glimpses into my little place in this world. My world that exists down the rabbit hole.

Light, love and friends,
Michelle, Hannah Bunny and Sabrina Kitty too!

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

So happy to know you! You sound like an amazing person and artist! Thank you for reminiscing and sharing.

Louise Marie said...

I'll try again! I am delighted to find you. Your blog seems to be just what I've been looking for. Sewing and quilting are my heart. Your personal little tidbit was what really did it for me. It made you real and I like that. Not too much and not too little. Now I can continue reading your blogs to find out if you are as talented as I think. I think I will continue to be delighted.

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

oh the memories for us to as readers down through the years--
all your wonderful designs and photos and adventures--
do you have a Bunnyville room in your newest place??
and how is my Hannah bunny and her sister--the cat Sabrina???
best of wishes to you for a great future--
enjoy the moments, and love from a faithful reader-di

Janet said...

Happy Blogiversary.....I've loved every post....glad you're going to continue 😊

Beach Quilter said...

Dear Friend, I truly love you and your posts. You are such a giving, creative, joyful person! Please know you are thought of often. Thanks for being you! Wishing you Hoppier times and I'll see you in Houston.

Jeanette said...

Happy 10 years. It's been a joy to follow your blog & i am looking forward to many more years following you. Have a fabulous time in Houston. Hugs, xx

Petal49 said...

Congratulations on your anniversary. I actually found your blog quite by accident as I was ;looking for information on bunnies. A little black and white lop-ear had escaped into our yard. Since then I have loved reading all your posts, cried when you lost Harrington and made a number of your beautiful creations. I shall enjoy the future journey with you. You are my inspiration and I now have two gorgeous bunnies of my own.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Happy Blogiversary. All we can do is our best. Hugs to you!

Beth said...

I am so glad you are still a blogger! Sometimes we need words, beautiful, expressive words to tie us together. Thank you for inviting us in, allowing us to share the happy days and the hard ones. Sweet to see dear Harrington snuggled up there...We'll be here wherever the winding road leads. Thank you for sharing the journey.

Christine M said...

Happy anniversary, Shell. I can't remember how I first came across your blog but it would have been when I first started blogging about 9 years ago. I enjoy all your bunny posts. Thank you for your friendship over the years. It would be wonderful if, one day, we would actually get to meet in person. Who knows, it might happen one day! Hugs, Christine xx

Little Miss Titch said...

Happy Bloggerversary Shell,can't believe it's been 10 years,xx Rachel and Speedy

Sparklyjools said...

Happy Blogversary my dearest sweets. How far you have traveled, and how much you have accomplished. As you prepare for Houston, I know that the path is taking you onto even greater and more exciting things in the future!xxx

Susie said...

Congratulations on your ten year anniversary. I love reading my favourite blogs and am sad when the authors decide to just use Facebook or Instagram as I don't feel it has the same connection (and we don't do Facebook) so I am really happy you have decided to continue writing. I love hearing about your quilts and your home, especially as we had the same sort of issues when we moved into our present home sixteen years ago.

Hugs, Susie x

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I am so grateful I started blogging about 11 years ago, for so many reasons. But I always say that the best part about it is the people I've met along the way. Some have disappeared into life's shadows where they must continue their lives apart from blogging, then there are others with whom I've kept daily correspondence, then there are those whose blogs still inspire. All in all, it's been a great experience and I'll never ever forget how you've made me feel....

Miss Patty said...

Happy Anniversary! You are truly inspiring to me and many others! Thank you!

Sharon Decker said...

Didn't realize that I have been reading your blog almost from the beginning. Shortly after I retired, a friend told me about you and I signed up and that was 2007. Also had the privilege to meet you and get "my neck hugged" at the show in Rosemont near Chicago a few years ago. I hope you keep up the good work, both in your designs and with your blog. I look forward to it every week.

Natascha said...

Wow I thought you were around before 2007 because I remember you had post about the bunnies before they chewed up all the baseboards… Either way boy that's been a long time!

Sherry said...

I have been reading your blog for several years. Maybe not from the very beginning but I will say that I always enjoy my visits with you. It has been great watching you follow your dreams and become a fabulous designer and teacher.

Createology said...

Happy 10 year Blogiversary Dear. I am thankful you are continuing to blog and share your story and experiences with us. Life is never fair nor easy and we are stronger for plodding along. Sharing and Caring makes us all closer. Blessings Sweet Shell...xo

Tina said...

This is such a wonderful post! Happy, Happy Anniversary and I am SO glad that you will keep blogging! I simply love your blog and your creativity and your artistry - you are amazing!! I also love the wonderful, interesting stories that you've shared over the years as well as reading about your sweet, sweet bunnies and lovely Sabrina! Here's to another wonderful ten years!!!

RG said...

Well here is to 10 more!!

Lesley said...

Congrats on your anniversary! An amazing ten years. Thanks so much for sharing your little history! It has been a joy to get to know you a little better!!

almtsbb said...

I so love your blog. Here's to 10 more years.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Shell, knowing you has been, and still is, a great blessing. Your verve for living a worthy life inspires, and I have always loved that you wear your heart on your sleeve.
Bless you always my sweet friend.
Love
Jenny
x

Susan said...

I love your blog - thank you for sharing!

Jocelyn said...

What a beautiful journey Shell. I have followed along for most of that time, as I started blogging in 2009. Happy blogiversary, and wishing you many more years. And congrats on being an International teacher :-D

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Congratulations on your 10 year blogiversary! I have been following you forever. I remember your post with a link to a video of Lindsey Sterling playing her violin and I still enjoy her music.

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