Saturday, October 31, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 31 - And That My Friends Is That


I have learned that there is a great deal of joy in this world
blogging has taught me that
from the connections and friends I've made
from the support, encouragement and inspiration that I've given and received
from the laughter and the tears

To have a place to share my story,
and to be invited to share in others
has been such a gift
In this mirror I have found
the writer and artist that I always knew was there

Thank you for joining me on this wonderful journey
I look forward to our paths continuing to cross
If I don't see you around for a while
I'm sure I'll see you on October 1st next year!

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My goodness, I forgot my manners.
Enormous thanks to the ever fabulous SuperPops,
awesome badskirt and superb Chunky Chooky
for their assistance with the festival.

Friday, October 30, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 30 - Squeezing The Life Out Of It

Sometimes I hold on so tightly to ideas, hopes, dreams that there's no space for them or me to breathe.

LET GO! LET GO! LET GO! the universe says to me. I'm trying I say in return.

It's Friday and I'm so happy it's the weekend. I'm ready for a giveaway too, the last Friday Giveaway for this year's BLOGTOBERFEST.

Cassette Rainbow by The Bottomless Paddling Pool

I've been listening to lots of music lately and thinking "hmnn, that would be good on a mix tape, so would that". So I'm going to whip up a mix tape (mix CD just doesn't sound as cool). Would you like a copy?



I'm also going to give away some Messages from the Universe.

Leave a comment anytime until Monday when I'll draw a winner. In fact, I'm going to draw 3 winners.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend, wherever you are, whatever you're doing.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 29 - Yes You Can


You can make your dreams come true. I know that you can do it.

If you feel afraid, or overwhelmed, or a little unsure, don't fret. There's lots of help out there. Read The Artist Way to unblock, enroll in Mondo Beyondo to let your spirit soar, get yourself some Messages from the Universe to affirm you, do something that has been calling to you. You know what you need to do.

Since I re-started my creative journey in August 2006 so many things have changed in my life. The single thread that winds through all the change is dreaming that it could be so. Slow and timid to start, and building to a fabulous crescendo more recently. The thing that I've really learned in the last couple of months is not to limit my dreams. Not to decide that my small dreams can manifest but my big dreams aren't really for me. It's taken a long time to get here but I am starting to know in a real way that it's true. The deepest, truest things that you wish for yourself are also meant to be.

I have one other big leap of faith that I need to take sometime in the next couple of months. Not the last I'll ever take, but a critical one for the near future. I'll tell you about that some time. Not just yet.

The next thing I'm going to do though is join my friend Handmaiden on her new adventure. Sharon is taking her Crafty Business E-book and extending it into an online workshop. It sounds absolutely fantastic. Sharon is such an amazing woman. I adore her warmth and vibrancy, and admire her fabulous and pragmatic 'can-do' attitude. It was only 2 weeks ago that we talked about her taking Crafty Business to the next level, and now she's ready and raring to go with an online workshop and forum. I think her course will give me the practical encouragement and guidance I need right now to further build my creative business. The timing is perfect.

My goodness, BLOGTOBERFEST is almost over. No reminiscing yet. I'll save that for Saturday.

You know what tomorrow is? Friday Giveaway.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 28 - BigCat (Genius) At Work


I'm sure he's working on a great masterpiece.
Sometimes you just have to sleep on it
.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 27 - Today's Headlines


Tinniegirl makes a new friend at lunch time with an offering of bread. Tinniegirl is seen having charming conversation and hand-feeding new friend.

In a complete act of faith Tinniegirl pays airfare to An Artful Journey using the rent money. Hmmn, interesting. We'll see how that one pans out.

The winner of the Tinnie giveaway is drawn and comment number 39 from Emi-Al is the lucky winner. Tinniegirl waits for Emi-Al to get in touch to organise delivery of the Tinnie.

Tinniegirl rejoices in her renewed passion for hanging out with Betsy, her beloved bicycle. Tinniegirl enjoys a happy moment riding home when she realises not only does she love to bike ride, she's actually pretty good at it.

BLOGTOBERFEST nears its end and is declared an overwhelming success for everyone involved.

The forecast is predicted to be sunny and warm in the coming days.

And that's the news on this 27th day of October 2009.

Monday, October 26, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 26 - How Can It Get Better Than Pancakes

What's could possible be better than a Sunday brunch of homemade buttermilk pancakes?


Spending Monday's lunch break at the travel agent making a dream come true. I've booked my February trip to the US for An Artful Journey.

One could think that I'm cruising through life at the moment.

You want the ugly truth? I battle self-doubt and fear on a daily basis. I watch in dazed and somewhat removed amazement as I take action that brings my dreams to life. When the big picture terrifies me in all its glory and seemingly unattainable beauty, I put my head down and I take step after tiny step in the direction of my dreams. It seems like a winning strategy!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 25 - Messages From The Universe


I've been working on some secret squirrel business that I'm so very excited about. Today I've reopened my Etsy shop with beautiful affirmation packs - Messages from the Universe.


Each pack contains 10 messages from the universe and comes in a pouch made from stenciled canvas, stitched together and tied with a ribbon.


This idea has been in my head for about 12 months. Sometimes our creations just have to be left to manifest themselves. Just like our dreams, our growth and lots of things I suppose.


I'm really happy about getting the shop going again and I hope to have some collages in there in the next week or so. I'm also doing lots of work on the April retreat and working on a new blog that will have all the details about my plans for next year. Stay tuned. I'll let you know as soon as its ready.

Alright I'm going back to the studio. The inspiration is firing on all cylinders and I'm going to run with it.

You could go and visit the shop, or put your name in the Tinnie giveaway, or read about the April Retreat. Or leave me a comment and tell me what nice things you're up to today.

There's still more news to come. I can't believe how much is happening around here. Mondo Beyondo indeed.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 24 - Clear Skies Ahead

I've finally come back down to earth after the ride that was last week. That means it's time to catch up on giveaways. Oh yes, there's a winner of the wallpaper giveaway and I've got a new giveaway for you too.

So, let's get this party started. The winner of the wallpaper giveaway is Kellie at 74 Lime Lane. Congrats Kellie. Get in touch so I can organise to send your parcel out to you.

Now for the new giveaway.


How would you like to get your mitts on a Tinnie? If you're new to these parts and you don't know what a Tinnie is, it's a tin filled with gorgeous fabrics, buttons and trims. Like a lucky dip for grown ups. I used to make them and sell them but now I just make them on very special occasions. Occasions just like this. So if you'd like to be the proud owner of a Tinnie you can leave a comment any time till midnight Monday, or until I get around to drawing it.

Oh, and be sure to pop back tomorrow. I've got a message for you.

Friday, October 23, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 23 - On Having A Life


Fancy that. I've been out and about in the world instead of hanging out in cyberspace. Dining with CurlyPops, viewing the most beautiful quilt around and enjoying the company of all my favourite bloggers, too many to even list.

Gosh it's nice to get out and mingle. I love the fact that blogging has actually brought me out of my shell and connected me with the world.

See you all tomorrow. Thanks so much for the lovely and encouraging comments on my last post. It's very exciting and I can't wait for April now that I've put it out there.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 22 - Where I've Been

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
Anais Nin


I've been in a strange and lonely place. Unable to go backwards and too afraid to move forward. Armed with my newly created Mondo Beyondo list full of my deepest dreams, I completely freaked out when faced with the reality that I could make them come true. Over the last 48 hours a wave of fear and self-doubt so enormous swelled around me that I was completely knocked me off my feet.

But the time has come. So much for so long has been leading to this moment. Deep breath and here we go...

I am very excited to share with you that in April next year I am running my first art retreat at Sewjourn. Join me from Friday 23 - Monday 26 April 2010 for a weekend of collage, creativity and connecting.

The program for the weekend goes something like this:
  • Friday night - we'll spend the night getting to know each other starting with dinner at a local cafe or pub as well as settling in at Sewjourn. Bring a hand held project to work on in the evening.
  • Saturday - the morning will consist of explorations in paint techniques and background effects for collage. I'll also work with each individual to design your main collage piece that you'll complete on Sunday. In the afternoon we'll be stitching and trying our hands at different textile techniques. The evening will be free and will be an opportunity to play around with new techniques and ideas learned throughout the day, or spend some time on a project of your own.
  • Sunday - we'll spend the whole day on Sunday working on a signature collage piece. This will be a woman/angel that we've designed the previous day (don't worry if you're a complete beginner, I'll help you design something that you'll be delighted with). Sunday night will again be a free night. We'll have a fabulous dinner party together and work on personal projects in front of the fire.
  • Monday - we'll spend Monday morning on any finishing touches for the signature pieces and then move on to making a mini-collage using different techniques. After a late lunch it will be time to head home feeling renewed and energised, armed with lots of creative works and new ideas.
There'll be plenty of extra surprises, lots of time to connect and get to know each other, sleep-ins and pampering. The cost is $400 which covers accommodation, meals and the collage and mixed-media workshops. Additionally you'll need to purchase some art materials (list to be supplied) and pay for your own dinner on the first night.

If you'd like to join me on this adventure email me at tinniegirl(at)optusnet(dot)com(dot)au with April Retreat in the subject line. I'll send you all the fine detail about registration, deposits, etc, and of course answer any questions you've got. There are 6 spots available.

If you can't make it for this weekend don't fret, this is just the beginning. When I think about being an artist this is the stuff that makes my heart sing. I'm planning some one-day workshops in the near future, and Megan K and I are planning a super special retreat for later in 2010. More to come on all those things.

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I'll announce the winner of the wallpaper giveaway tomorrow so if you haven't put your name in and still want to, then go right ahead. The post is over here.

I'll have a new giveaway starting tomorrow as well. It's going to be a beauty.

Gosh, there's still so much news and thoughts to share. That will do for now I think.

OK, here goes, pushing PUBLISH POST and bringing a dream to life...

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 21 - In Another Place, Far Far Away


I'm living in some other kind of reality at the moment. So much going on, so much to tell. Yet outwardly it may appear that nothing is different at all.

I promise a full spill very soon. Tomorrow if things go to plan. When do things ever go to plan right?

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 20 - Can't Get You Out Of My Head

Babushka brooches by Electric Luna

Felt Babushka Dolls by Beadinia

I've always had a thing for Babushkas. I think it's about time they made an appearance in some of my artwork. Stay tuned.

Monday, October 19, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 19 - Colour My World, And Yours


I'm not sure if it was the light in my studio or the dreary Melbourne weather last week but these colours just sang to me. That blank canvas might have just found itself a hot date, or in this case something on the softer pastel scale.

How about you? Are you looking for some colour in your world? At last I bring you the belated Friday Giveaway. A bumper pack of vintage wallpaper pieces for your creative pleasure. I'll pop some other lovely bits and pieces in there to add to your stash too. Just leave a comment by midnight on Wed and I'll announce the winner sometime on Thursday.

I wish I could get the words out of my head. There's so many of them. Tumbling all over each other in there, but refusing to budge when it comes time to type.
"Sometimes the words flow freely and smoothly, like a lovely treacle. Not today though. It's more like some kind of sticky spill that you feel like you have to clean up." (13/5/09)

Sunday, October 18, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 18 - Normal Programming Will Resume


Oh my goodness, we had such a fabulous weekend, Ms L and I. Chicago, The Press Club, Madame Brussels, being out and about in town. It was decadent, relaxed and oh so good.

We're all a little weary so I'm just popping in to say a quick hello. Normal programming will resume tomorrow, along with that promised Friday Giveaway.

Ms L says thanks very much for all the birthday wishes.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 17 - It's My Party!

Dear Blogtoberfesties,

Hi my name is Ms L. Some of you may know me from BLOGTOBERFEST 2008, and others may have met me in person (you lucky people!), but there will be others of you that have no idea who I am. I am Tinniegirl's partner, and I have a fantastic story to tell you all today.

Tomorrow is my birthday (thank you, thank you very much!), and I found out something very exciting this morning. Tinniegirl has organised a lovely weekend of celebration - and it is not even a 0 or 5 birthday!

In a little while we are heading off to the city to check into a lovely hotel. Now your first thought may be that this is to satisfy Tinniegirl's love of shopping and all things "city". On this occasion you would be wrong. We are off to dinner in Chinatown and then we have tickets to Chicago for tonight!



I am SO excited, I love musicals, and have been banging on about Chicago for months! So you can imagine how excited I am. If you thought, as I did, that this in itself is a brilliant enough surprise, well wait there's more ...


After the show and a night in a lovely hotel, tomorrow, we are having a special lunch at ... drum roll please ...



OMG! It is so exciting. We have been talking about going for ages, and so on top of dinner and a show and a lovely night sleeping away from home!, we are going to have a lovely lunch as well.

"How Tres, Tres Fancy" I hear you say.

Indeed! I am being so very spoiled, and we are going to have a lovely weekend together. It has been a while since we have taken time to do some lovely things together. I am anticipating a weekend of intelligent conversation (don't let me down Tinniegirl, you can do it!!! ha ha), laughter, luxury, shopping and who knows what else. There exists in all of this, the possibility for all sorts of fantastic things to happen!


So off we go, and thank you so much Tinniegirl. YAY! XXX
I hope you all have a fantastic weekend also. Ms L

Friday, October 16, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 16 - Say Cheese


Here we are at the half way mark festival goers. I'm afraid I've not much to say tonight. I'm lying on the couch in a cheese induced coma. It's been one of those days.

I'll be back tomorrow with a belated Friday Giveaway. I'll make it an extra, extra special one.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 15 - Progress

"Not for me the pale shades of anonymity, but the hot lush colours of imagination, creativity and accomplishment" (Isabel)

Gee I feel
inspired at the moment. I'd happily spend every waking minute creating and experimenting. Alas, life has other demands.

It was an a-ha moment the other day when I realised I hadn't made anything purely for fun in quite a while. It's so energising and such an important part of my creative process, and my life. I've mentioned before that I'm sometimes in such a rush to be living a creative life that I forget that I'm already living it. That the journey is the destination.

However, I'm making good progress. I'm letting go of struggle and the need for plans and answers. I'm starting to see that when I feel really stuck, if I truly let go, I generally move forward with ease. The Universe is on my side.

Reading The Artist's Way changed my life. Signing up for Mondo Beyondo has been like a gift to my soul. I can't recommend these two things highly enough to anyone who is looking for a signpost, or a spark, or who doesn't know what they're looking for but knows that something is missing.


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On a more lighthearted note, if you're looking for some fresh post ideas pop over to Chunky Chooky. She's got a great list.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 14 - I Totally Do


I'm a dreamer. Known to be taken by flight of fancy, grand ideas and heartfelt desire. And it suits me just fine.

When I was a child I knew instinctively that my life was meant to be filled with adventure and that my wildest dreams were meant to become reality. As I grew up and learned some of the hard lessons that life has to teach I slowly but surely lost my faith. At one point I couldn't even bear to hope. It was too painful.


The most wonderful thing about returning to my creative path is reconnecting with my dreams and finding my faith again. Some days it's fleeting, but other days I'm blown away with the power of it.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 13 - Just For Me


The beginnings of my SuperPops Joy Doll. I'm really excited about this creation. It's been a while since I've made something just for me and just for the fun of it.

Monday, October 12, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 12 - Taking Stock

Tell me my friends, are you enjoying BLOGTOBERFEST? I have to apologise and say that I feel like I've been an absent host. I think I've had a little bit of stage fright over the amazing response to BLOGTOBERFEST, as well as being a super busy chicky for a couple of weeks.

I predict smooth sailing from here on in and more time for me to pop about the place and say Hi. I'm hoping that's the way it goes.

There's some really exciting BLOGTOBERFEST events taking place that I want to make sure you know about. The Creative Beast is having a Follow Along Craft Project where you make your own Joy Doll. I love, love, love this idea and I've already started brewing ideas for mine. CurlyPops has announced the SuperPops Challenge this morning, which is going to be lots of fun. I'm thinking I might multi-task and make myself a SuperPops Joy Doll.



What else is going on out there in festival land? Oh, I know, make sure you visit Punky & Me if you want to nominate someone for the 'Best of the Fest' giveaway.

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And now, without further ado, I think it's time we announce the winner of the Friday Giveaway. The random number generator picked number 11 and the winner is What You Think On Grows. Get in touch Donna Lee to pick out a collage of your choice.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 11 - Where Tinniegirl Finds Herself With Nothing To Say



All photos courtesy of Melbourne Epicure

Luckily there's plenty of market wraps that you can read around the place.

Oh, and there's plenty of collages left over so make sure you put yourself in my giveaway before midnight tonight and one of them might be yours.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 10 -Breaking News


Cute cat saves festival organiser from missing a posting day. Thanks BigCat.

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MORE BREAKING NEWS

Punky & Me has a fantastic 'Best of the Fest' giveaway that you might want to check out.

Don't forget my Friday Giveaway too.

Back tomorrow!

Friday, October 9, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 9 - This Little Piggy...


... is off to market tomorrow. I'm very excited. Time for the three C's - Community, Creativity and Cupcakes. Food for the belly, food for the soul.

I can't believe it's Friday again already. I've had such a topsy-turvy, rollicky kind of week. It's been so busy and I've been so weary. I feel like I want to find a beautiful quiet place and lie down and take a great big nap. It's not to be this week but it hasn't stopped me from pinching little pockets of time for quiet reflection and soul soothing rest. 45 minutes listening to music on the bus, a 10 minute walk in a park on the way to work, a magazine to read on a plane trip. I am filling the spare moments with the things that renew and give me energy, and it makes a world of difference to staying grounded. I'm learning to be really good and kind to myself these days, and I like it a lot.

It's time for the Friday giveaway. This week I'm giving away one of my collages. Which one you say? Well, that's a good question. I think we'll see what's left after the market tomorrow and what tickles your fancy. Yep, that's right, once I've picked a winner we'll let them pick something they love from my collection. So if you'd like to be in the draw leave a comment by midnight-ish on Sunday and I'll draw a winner on Monday again.

Don't forget if you're having a giveaway to let Curlypops know about it and she'll add it to the BLOGTOBERFEST giveaway list. Have you checked out all the giveaways? It's a bonanza of giveaway goodness.

And if you're feeling low on ideas drop by the fabulous Badskirt and pick up an idea.

If you're feeling a little weary like me, go and do something nice for yourself. Go on, you deserve it. You really, really, really do.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 7 - Happiness

My wonderful nieces and nephews

is having a posse.

Have you got a posse?
Who are the people that sustain you, who make you feel happy
and who inspire you to be your best?

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 6 - The Shape Of Things To Come

Some more collages to make their debut at Northside Makers Market on Saturday. These two measure around 12 x 24 inches.


I go through phases with my canvas shapes and sizes. I've been into rectangles and small pieces for a while now, but just last Friday went and bought some square canvases for some new ideas. Sometimes I go big with my work and sometimes I go small. It's funny how it chops and changes and I love just rolling with it. I love how the size and shape of the work is part of the creative expression of it.


I got a phone call yesterday to say that an order of large canvases I've been waiting on have arrived in store. I'm very excited. I haven't done much large scale work. It's both liberating and intimidating all at once. I have special plans for some big works that I've been dreaming about for a long time.

You know despite having some days filled with self-doubt and overwhelm, overall I feel really good about what I've achieved and where I'm heading in my creative life.

Monday, October 5, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 5 - From Me To You

We have ourselves a winner for the Friday Giveaway. The random number generator chose comment number 34 which was made by dillpickle. I'm off to check out your blog to start thinking about your prize. In the meantime get in touch with your address details.
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What do you think of the new signature for my collages? It's taken me ages to find a mark that I really love and feel happy with. This one is the one. It's my initials. The funny looking flag is a 'P' for my middle initial.

The first person to guess what my middle name is will win a collage. GO!

EDIT: One name per guess, one guess per person friends. I'm not going to count anyone who makes multiple guesses. Gotta give everyone a fighting chance.

UPDATE: We have a winner. Bels wins with a correct guess of Priscilla. Bels, get in touch to claim your collage.

Thanks for playing along everyone. See you tomorrow.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 4 - Make A Little Birdhouse In Your Soul

To be honest I've been a little overwhelmed by the response to BLOGTOBERFEST. It's incredible to see so many people join in and I'm so delighted that people want to be a part of it. I've loved all the comments about how much people are enjoying themselves, connecting with new blogs and feeling really inspired. I never in a million years expected it to get this big.


I'm a little overcome too. Why is it that when the things you really want for your life start to happen you feel inclined to shy away? On only Day 4 I'm already feeling challenged with the idea of being enough that I wrote about here.


So today I put on some great soulful music and got busy in the studio. And then the tears came. Lots of them. Tears of joy and celebration, hope and fear, and grief, all thrown in together. All the newness and excitement and change of the past couple of months catching up with me. Gosh, when's the last time you let yourself have a really good cry? I think sometimes you just need to let it all out.


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The collages above are a collaboration with CurlyPops
They'll be making their debut at the inaugural

Northside Maker's Market
Saturday October 10th
Northcote Uniting Church
251 High St, Northcote
10.30am - 3.30pm

If you're a Melbourne gal, or inclined towards a holiday, come along and say Hi.

If you want to know more about me and my crafty ways read the interview I did over at Northside Makers.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 3 - Strange Bedfellows

These little treasures hang out in our bedroom

Reminders of fabulous holidays that we've taken



I can't help but wonder about what stories they might share

About vast deserts and oceans deep

Friday, October 2, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 2 - These Are A Few Of Your Favourite Things

Wow! Can you believe the number of people who are joining in with BLOGTOBERFEST. I'm absolutely gobsmacked.

If you haven't signed up and want to join in with BLOGTOBERFEST, do it here. You can join in anytime during the month. Even October 30th if you want. You know me, no pressure.

I've decided that I'm going to treat the sign up list like a candy bowl. You know, something you can dip into when you've got a spare bit of time and feel like a treat. Best not to try and eat all the candy at once - you'll make yourself ill!

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So it's Friday and that's good news. Good news because it's the weekend and great news because it's time for the Friday Giveaway.


I've decided to do something a little different. Pop yourself in the draw for the giveaway, and if you're the lucky winner I'll make you up a very special, personalised giveaway including supplies, inspiration and an original creation by me. Once the winner is chosen I'll visit your blog to get ideas and put your prize together. A little gift from me to your creative heart.

Just leave a comment on this post by midnight Sunday (or thereabouts) and I'll draw a winner on Monday sometime. I'll happily post to anywhere in the world.


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I feel like I have so much to say. The words won't quite come yet, and let's face it there's plenty of October left for the saying. I feel surrounded by community and bursting with joy about BLOGTOBERFEST. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

BLOGTOBERFEST - Day 1 - Tinniegirl's Guide To Surviving BLOGTOBERFEST

You girls are awesome. Thanks so much for coming and joining my little festival. I'm humbled and happy. Smiling from ear to ear in fact.

Now that you've signed on the dotted line you might find yourself breaking out in a cold sweat and wondering what on earth possessed you to sign up for daily posting.
So here's a few helpful tips and tricks to get you through the month:
  • Remember, BLOGTOBERFEST is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. It's OK to have lots to say some days and not much on others. It's OK to wait until later in the month to have a giveaway. It's OK to not have one at all. Play along in whatever way works for you.
  • Pictures are good. Pictures are lovely. Pictures often tell the story without words. Pictures make quick posts!
  • If desperate try a note from your Mum, or a post from your other half or just plain refuse. Check out Cath from Chunky Chooky today - she's got the right idea.
  • How about letting the kids do a guest post one day? That would sure add a different view of the world.
  • Wag/skip if you have to. We won't tell. Promise.
  • Accept the reality that you may not make it to visit every blog on the list. Certainly not in October anyway. You could make it a goal for the next couple of months, to stop in and see everyone. I know I'm going to have to spread it out over a few months to fit in with everything else I have going on in my life.
  • Get rid of guilt. It's a horrible, negative, useless emotion. Don't just remove it from your BLOGTOBERFEST experience, remove it from your life. I'm really working hard on this, this year.
  • If you're stuck for ideas go and visit Badskirt and the Blogtober Ideas Hub. What a brilliant idea.
If you haven't signed up yet you can do it here. If you need a little inspiration you might like to go and visit Taccolina for a wee poem.

Tomorrow I'll be having the first Friday Giveaway. You won't want to miss it.


Did I say I'm happy, and humbled, and smiling from ear to ear?