Bragging rights

Can you hear that?  

It's the sound of bloggers everywhere tooting their own horns.  Amy's rocking blog hop "All Together Now" starts today.  There will be many proclamations of awesomeness.  And giveaways.  Did I mention giveaways?  Not just from me, but from everyone who is bragging about themselves today.  So when you're done listening to me prattle on and on, you should go back over to Amy's site and see who else is playing along.

It's an amazing and talented group.

Now, before we get to the prizes, pour yourself a beverage, put your feet up, and allow me to introduce myself:

I'm:

 Also known as:

And my double-secret-don't-tell-anyone-code-name is:

I'm:

(years old)

and:

Okay, that part might not be true anymore, but only a year ago it was totally true.

I used to think I wasn't creative.

(those of you who read this regularly or know me in real life can stop rolling your eyes now)

I used to think art was for other people.

I used to think "creative" was a title bestowed upon you by those in the know.

I'm not really sure what happened to change my mind, but one day I decided to:

and even MORE amazing than that, I told myself:

And so I started making stuff like a madwoman.  

Paintings, collage, postcards, journals, ATCs .

and I started this blog.

and I started joining challenges and taking on-line classes and leaving comments on other people's art blogs.  even the ones that intimidated me with their awesomeness.

and my life is transformed.

You see:

and it wasn't a puppy.

It was this.

It doesn't matter what other people think.

It only matters what I think.

I create because:

 and also because:

and because I think I might just wither up if I didn't.

But all that isn't really proclaiming my awesomeness.  That's just telling you stuff.

So here comes the bragging part.

I'm smart.

I have an awesome smile.

I'm funny.

(talking chickens are funny!)

and I make wicked good pie.

and you know what else?

I like the things I make.

they make me happy.

Now I know you all just came for the prizes and if you've been drinking your beverage you probably have to pee by now and you would really just like me to cut to the chase and tell you what you need to do to win.

But I have a few more pearls of wisdom.

Here's what I think:

My story isn't all that unique.

I've met a lot of other bloggers who also took a long damn time to stop stuffing all their creative passion under the rug.  People like me and you who didn't think they had it in them, but then went and did it anyway.  The blogosphere is full of us - emerging with tender, vulnerable, glittery wings.

so I'm pretty sure you've heard the story before.

But I'm telling this story anyway.

For you.

Yes you.

The one who has been lurking.

the one who maybe feels a teeny bit:

 

I hope beyond hope that you find some inspiration in my endless stream of blathering.

because you are worthy.

I am worthy.

we are all worthy of doing what brings us joy 

and sharing it without fear.

If you do it, you won't regret it.

I speak from experience.

So thank you all for your support and camaraderie.

Whether it's your first time here, or you've been cheering me on all year.

Your presence here means a lot.

and now FINALLY, since you've hung in here so long, we'll talk about prizes.

I'm giving away a variety of little books - made by me, for you.

There will be at least four winners.

Maybe more, because I keep making books.

All you have to do is leave a comment.

but here's the catch.

you have to tell me ONE LITTLE THING you like about yourself.

Just one.

But you have to do it or you can't win.

(you don't even have to brag about this):

 

I will draw random winners from all the horn-tooters.

You have until next Friday, May 25th to leave your comment.

I'll draw the winner on the 26th.

Make sure your comment links to your email so I can let you know you've won.

(and then go see what everyone else is up to.)