Happy Birthday!

…to this blog! Yep, mere-et-filles turns seven today.

I guess blog years are like dog years because it seems like this space is my contemporary, not a crazy kid or moody teenager, but a friend. It gives me freedom when I need it, then nudges me with just enough guilt when I neglect it for too long. Gathering and then documenting my thoughts to share here helps bring order to the chaos and often leaves me with a different perspective. I like to think it's honest, kind, patient, inspirational and (on very good days) pretty, too!

Much about me and my life has changed since that first post. I'm so very grateful that this blog has been a part of it … along with all of you. I remember how excited I was the first time someone left a comment here. It still thrills me that people I've never met in real life read what I write and take the time to let me know. I consider y'all friends for sure. (and I hope to meet at least a few of you in real life … someday!)

To help say "thank you", I have a lovely skein of yarn to give away. It's not quite as old as the blog, but close. I acquired it in the summer of 2009 when the first Sock Summit happened (do y'all remember all the craziness that event sparked?) I was much into sock knitting then and Sophie's Toes (of the very talented Emily Parsons) was my favorite Etsy shop. Emily won the Indie Dyer competition with her Just a Small Gathering of Friends (you can read the color story here; of course I love the Harry Potter reference!)  I didn't get to attend the event in person, but I stalked her shop and was happy to get a skein. Over the years I've imagined a few projects for it, but none seemed worthy enough… until now.

I can't think of any better way to celebrate all this blog has brought me than to share this special skein with one of you. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post (please be sure I know your contact information; blogger isn't good about helping me track you down!) I'll choose the winner at random on March 1st.

I look forward to sharing the next seven (and more?!) years here…with all of you. Thanks so much for being part of my journey!