One Year Blogiversary :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Our celebration continues today!

Special greetings to Extraordinary YOU  
from an Extraordinary blogging friend
     and an Extraordinary giveaway!

 

I’m so honored to have been invited by the lovely Diane, to share a little bit here today for her blog anniversary week!  A little backstory, I first “met” Diane over three years ago when she reached out to me via email, before she even started her blog! And here we are today, celebrating her first year blogging anniversary! That is a milestone I’m thrilled to celebrate with her.

As a blogger myself at The Inspired Room (my blog is nearly six years old now), I am in contact with many many people each week. My inbox is always full and overflowing and my Facebook stream almost gives me a panic attack with so many updates I can’t keep up with. It is easy for names and faces and stories to become a blur!

While I really enjoy hearing from everyone in the amazing community we call blogland, I am especially touched when I receive a personal, heartfelt email or comment from someone who reaches out as a “real life friend”— someone that I can connect to on a personal level (in spite of the fact that we’ve never met in person!) And Diane’s first email to me was just that, the first step in forming a real friend connection.

We see so many names every day on the internet. So many tiny avatar pictures flying through Facebook or in blog comments. But when a blogger or reader makes this big internet world a little bit smaller by sharing something more vulnerable or personal, such as their hurt or joy in life, or reaches out to be an encouragement to us, we are reminded that these are women just like us. Just like me!

 

the inspired room blog

Extraordinary photo glimpses of Melissa’s The Inspired Room

 

We are all out here, living our lives, trying to make each day extraordinary among the ordinary hurts and struggles we all experience. We all need a real and personal connection. We need friends to encourage us and keep us going!

Blogging is so much more than showing off how we decorate our home or trying to get the most Pinterest repins or Facebook likes on our latest project — at its best, blogging is really about building relationships. Anyone who thinks otherwise is missing out on the true treasure of this community!

Through our blogs or FB posts, we share snippets of beauty to remind ourselves of what we love, to count the ways God has blessed us, and it is an honor to share encouragement with others who may need a little boost or nudge that day to live life to the full.

I love that we can use these blogs of ours, whether we write them or just read them, to connect with women all over the country and even throughout the world. Amazing, isn’t it? We can be a real friend to someone who needs us and connect with people we need in our own life to challenge us, inspire us and share encouragement to embrace our own extraordinary life!

I’m so excited for Diane to have her blog community surrounding her this week, cheering her on towards year two of blog friendship building! Congratulations, Diane! And I hope each of you lovely ladies are able to find the joy and greater purpose in connecting in relationship through blogland. You are all a blessing!

 

Thank you Melissa for your lovely and encouraging words for each of us. I am so blessed that you would take time from your busy life to celebrate with me today.   One day in September, I Googled fall decor and discovered The Inspired Room.  Her blog is a treasure trove of ideas, but it was the spirit with which she wrote that attracted me.  That also was when I first discovered this wonderful bloggy world.  As Christmas time  rolled around that year I contacted Melissa to inquire about advertising my Longaberger Lifestyle business on The Inspired Room.  She was amazing to work with and a wonderful encourager.   Melissa and her blog were the inspiration for me to begin this adventure with An Extraordinary Day.  That is why I wanted to introduce you to this extraordinary lady and her blog who were my inspiration.    You are Extraordinary Melissa!

 

 inspirational art print :: Studio JRU :: You Are Extraordinary :: 8x10 fine art print 2a95c746

You Are Extraordinary


This
beautiful inspirational art “You Are Extraordinary” was created especially to help celebrate the first anniversary of An Extraordinary Day by my friend Jennifer, of Studio JRU.   She’s a wonderfully gifted and talented artist.  Did you notice she even picked up colors from the blog? Isn’t it Extraordinary?!  Thanks Jennifer!

One blessed person…maybe you!…will receive a reproduction print of You Are Extraordinary in this giveaway! 

This inspirational art is an 8 x 10 high quality print on Ultra Premium Matte Paper. The artwork is centered on 8.5 x 11 paper, leaving a thin white border.  Print will arrive signed and titled on white border under print and securely packaged in an archival bag.  ©StudioJRU watermark will not appear on your piece.  If you can’t wait to win a print…order yours here.


It’s easy to enter this giveaway….

Leave a comment and let me know what makes YOU extraordinary!
Because you are!!

Want an extra chance or two to win?

“Like” An Extraordinary Day on Facebook and leave me a comment letting me know you do.  If you already are a follower, just leave a comment saying so.

Follow me on Pinterest!  Leave a comment saying so with your Pinterest name.

Contest ends Monday, May 6, at 9 PM EDT.  Winner must have a U.S. mailing address and will be chosen at random and notified by e-mail.  Thank you to Studio JRU for graciously providing the art print for the blogiversary.  I was not compensated for this giveaway.

The contest is closed!

Barbie of My Freshly Brewed Life is the WINNER! 
“I’m extraordinary because I work full time, home school, am involved in ministry,
know how to juggle with my eyes closed! Love your blog!”
Congratulations Barbie!!

 

NOTE: There will be a giveaway each day this week.  Be sure to come back!!

 

Thanks for stopping by and joining in today’s celebration.
Would you share the joy and inspiration here by using one or more of the sharing buttons on the left an invite your friends to have An Extraordinary Day?  Thanks!!

Please come by again tomorrow for more extraordinary fun!!

Diane

 To receive bits of inspiration like this in your inbox or reader, subscribe now.  It’s Free!

For more fun… “Like” An Extraordinary Day ~ A Place of Joy & Inspiration Facebook.

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Please stop by Longaberger Lifestyle and check out the new online catalog.

Stopping by these Extraordinary spots:  Savvy Southern Style + Clean and Scentsible + DIY by Design + Southern Lovely + SNAP! + Free Pretty Things + Ivy & Elephants + Polka Dots on Parade + Trendy Treehouse + Fine Craft Guild + Designed Decor + Rooted in Thyme + Artsy Fartsy Mama + Jennifer Rizzo + Create with Joy + Create. Craft. Love. + Craftberry Bush + My Repurposed Life + Tidy Mom + The Home Girl + The Answer is Chocolate + Reasons to Skip the Housework + 504 Main + Shabby Nest + Five Days 5 Ways + Twigg Studios + Too Much Time on My Hands + Natasha in Oz  + It’s Overflowing + Create with Joy

 

Comments

  1. Leisa says

    Happy Anniversary, Diane! All the best for many more inspirational years 🙂

    • Diane says

      What a sweet thing to say, Leisa! Thank you!
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  2. Carolyn says

    Diane,
    I’ve just been following you for a couple of months or less. You have already inspired me with many a creative idea & many a thoughtful praise for our shared Creator. I’ll be looking forward to your lovely photographs & words of wisdom. Your vulnerability & truthfulness helps us see the real Diane. May God give you the desires of your heart as you keep on faithfully blooming where He has planted you. Blessings!

    • Diane says

      I praise God for you, Carolyn and that He has used me to bless you and you to bless me. Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement and blessing today. You are Extraordinary!!

  3. Gwen says

    I am extraordinary because I have a traumatic brain injury and yet God still has used me. Today is a day I’m filled with sorrow. That part of my brain is just missing/ atrophied–so there are many very hard days. But today I do not want to go to a doctor nor praise Jesus nor talk to anyone at all. I want to be the old me. But God has plans and uses the new me lots more for sharing Jesus with others. So easily. But today? I’m just sad. But this too shall pass? I don’t know. But just yesterday as I spoke verses and prayed with a woman going out on the mission field she said I’m a woman of wisdom. All very confusing as it must not be me but Christ in me!

    • Diane says

      Gwen, my sweet friend….I hear your pain today and am so sorry.
      It sounds like God has supernaturally blessed you to serve Him well regardless of your TBI.
      Lord, I ask in Jesus’ Name that you would lift Gwen from her place of sorrow today. Bring her comfort, physical and emotional restoration, and help her to know the wonderful treasure she is to you and so many others. Thank you!
      [hugs] You are indeed Extraordinary Gwen!!

    • Mel says

      (((((( Gwen ))))))
      Bless your wisened soul. There are days, eh? But LOOK at how G-d continues to use you and the lives that you touch! What a blessing you are to others, Gwen. This post–this sharing of what’s true in your life–touched my life. And I will go into my day lighter, more focused and humbled that I GET to be of service.
      Thank you for that. And I send prayers of thanks to my Maker–for YOU.
      (((((((( Gwen ))))))))

  4. Dianne says

    I am extraordinary because we are all created in our own unique way. I am the oldest of 4 children. Our mother died the day after her 40th birthday leaving me with 3 little ones to take care of. My dad worked long hard hours. We lived in a coal mining town and attended a three teacher, 6 grade school. I was the first in the area to attend college. All four of us have degrees and ALL of our children have degrees, some masters, and some Ph.D and Medical Dr. Not only that but my Dad was one of 11 children and all but one of them graduated from high school and 4 of them were valedictorians of their class. Grandpa came from France when he was 12 years old and worked in the mines all of his life. He would tell the kids that nobody could take what you stored in your brain. I am extraordinary because somebody expected me to be extraordinary and gave me opportunities and shoves to achieve that. We are all extraordinary but some of us just don’t realize it yet.

    • Diane says

      Thank you for sharing your extraordinary story Dianne! What a wonderful heritage of hard work and education in your family.
      You ARE Extraordinary, Dianne!!

  5. Glenda Kremer says

    all you Blogger girls are so awesome and since it sometimes seems I have more web friends than live in person ones-tho thank the Lord I have many of those too—I so wish I could write like you all do! I’m full of stories tho not sure anyone would bother wanting to read them–like the time I had to break into my friend’s house–with her permission! Or the big lesson the Lord taught me at the beach one time about my hurt feelings and anger and what that caused me to miss! whew! I’m full of it! ha! I love all of you! and yes it has amazed me how I can love so many people I’ve never personally met! have a blessed day!
    hugs!
    Glenda Kremer

    • Diane says

      You have just teased me with some great stories, Glenda! I would love to hear more!!
      The craft of writing is perfected through writing. If you saw my old college papers you would wonder how I made it through! Haha! I love words and well-crafted sentences and with time I got better. However…for the record…I have much to learn and a long way to go. All that to say…if it’s in your heart. Start.
      You ARE Extraordinary, Glenda!

  6. 10 A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!
    11 Her husband depends on her,and she never lets him down.
    12 She is good to him every day of her life,
    13 and with her own hands she gladly makes clothes.
    14 She is like a sailing ship that brings food from across the sea.
    15 She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family…
    17 and she always works hard.
    18 She knows when to buy or sell,
    19 and she stays busy until late at night…
    20 and she helps the poor and the needy.
    21 Her family has warm clothing, and so she doesn’t worry when it snows.
    22 She does her own sewing, and everything she wears is beautiful….
    25 She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future.
    26 Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful.
    27 She takes good care of her family
    28 and is never lazy….her husband says,
    29 “There are many good women, but you are the best!”
    30 Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away,
    but a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be praised.
    31 Show her respect – praise her in public for what she has done.

  7. Cindy says

    I am extraordinary because my Father in heaven made me that way, and my grand kids agree!

    • Diane says

      I love it!! There’s nothing like a sweet agreement like that!!
      You are Extraordinary Cindy!

  8. Gail F says

    I have been gifted with a heart of gratitude and a spirit of encouragement. Makes everything all good.

    Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

    • Diane says

      Yay God! He makes good people!
      You ARE Extraordinary, Gail!

  9. I am extraordinary grateful that God has blessed me with so many extraordinary people and things in my life, way more than I could ever deserve. And, that’s what makes him the most extraordinary of all! In my comment yesterday, I rambled on and on and forgot to tell you about two of my extraordinary friends that I had to move away from six years ago. They were and remain my two most faithful prayer warriors and dearest friends. What would we ever do without our friends? Truly blessed!

    • Diane says

      I love it! You ARE Extraordinary Kim! You are so sweet to remember your dear friends and to give God the glory. I too know what that is like to leave my dearest behind…4 times I’ve done that. I’m so thankful for social media…it helps…but it’s not the same. [hugs]

  10. Cindy says

    I am extraordinary because I have reached a point in my life to realize how truly blessed I am.

  11. Mel says

    Happy Anniversary, ma’am!
    And wow…what artistic gifts she possesses. (both in word and canvas!) Yup–she’s a keeper! 😉

    And as for the extraordinary in me? It’s probably that passion in me..that gifted patience and love for others who’ve had trials and tribulations to wade through. They matter. And I desire to help them ALL know–they MATTER. Nothing hurts my heart more than a soul that doesn’t have a sense of that being true–and it’s my hearts desire to help folks ‘get’ that.
    Now, I don’t know that it makes me ‘extraordinary’….but I am told that I get that message across extraordinarily well.
    *laughing* Must be my gift of gab, eh? 😉
    ((((((((((( Diane )))))))))))
    Celebrate! Always celebrate. Always!!!
    We are such blessed human beings, eh?

    • Diane says

      We both ARE blessed, Mel! 😉
      I’d agree with whomever said that about you. They speak truth.
      Those are wonderful God-given gifts and because He placed them in you…You ARE Extraordinary!!
      [hugs]

  12. Cindy Chandler says

    Wonderful!!!

  13. Congrats on your most extraordinary year…

  14. Love a milestone, and your story of encouragement is encouraging in and of itself. Great design on the artwork. Love it!
    Liz

    • Diane says

      That is such a nice thing to say! Thank you Liz!
      Jennifer is an amazing artist…we are blessed to have her share her lovely work.
      Blessings!

  15. You ARE extraordinary! I love your blog…. Happy blogaversary!!!

  16. Congratulations Diane! You have done a wonderful job sharing your life with others. I have a little trouble with the whole extraordinary thing, but my God is extraordinary and that’s all that matters. I am not God, and am content to be my ordinary self, doing ordinary things, in ordinary ways. Your friendship has certainly been an extraordinary blessing in my life, though. Love you!

    • Diane says

      Thanks Jan! It means a lot to ‘hear’ you say that. 😉
      It’s true…God is extraordinary…and because you are created in His image…you too are extraordinary. 😉
      I love you and I am so grateful for your sweet friendship as well, my dear friend. [hugs]

  17. Sylvia Faye says

    congratulations on your first year as a blogger. What a lovely magazine and lovely lady. I still prefer print magazines and books but would be happy to win this giveaway as it is so very well put together. I receive your post by email and thank you for offering giveaways all week.

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much!! 😀
      You said it Sylvia…it is really well put together and the photography is stunning!!
      Blessings!

  18. Sylvia Faye says

    what a lovely print and if I should win I would give it to my eldest daughter who is celebrating her 60th anniversary in July. Thank you for being so generous in your giveaways. I receive your posts by email. Love the name of your blog.

    • Diane says

      What a wonderful thing to do!!
      Thank you for your kind words Sylvia Faye!! [hugs]

  19. I’m extraordinary because I work full time, home school, am involved in ministry, know how to juggle with my eyes closed! Love your blog!

    • Diane says

      You are Extraordinary, Barbie!!
      Seriously girl…I don’t know how you do it…but one thing for sure…God’s hand is on you. Thanks for being such a wonderful encourager….you are blessing!
      [hugs]

  20. I follow on Facebook!

  21. April Lopez says

    I struggle with extraordinary because I deal with depression. I struggle with worth. I am still learning that I am an extraordinary work of God. Love the picture.

    • Diane says

      You ARE extraordinary April!
      God has made you in His image…that is something to hold on to.
      I pray you grasp what a treasure you are in His eyes and wear it dear daughter of the King.

  22. April Lopez says

    I liked your page.

  23. April Lopez says

    I am following you on Pinterest. Noahsmama99

  24. kesha says

    I am extraordinary because I am Fearfully and Wonderfully made! I am a child of God! I am a Mommy! and I am a daughter!

  25. kesha says

    I like you on Facebook

  26. kesha says

    I follow you on Pinterest

  27. What makes me extraordinary?
    I am a new creation in Christ!

    Happy Blogaversary, dear friend.
    The artwork is gorgeous!

  28. I follow you on Pinterest!

  29. Willow says

    I shared this photo. Actually twice. It is such a great print. And it would be great winning this on my birthday today. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Trackbacks

  1. […] hope you were blessed yesterday by our special guest, Melissa from The Inspired Room.  What a […]

  2. […] ~ a fine art print by Jennifer of Studio JRU titled, “You Are Extraordinary.”  Click here and […]

  3. […] You Are Extraordinary :: Blogiversary Giveaway      On Tuesday, we were blessed to have Melissa Michaels from The Inspired Room come by to celebrate with us. […]

  4. […] All week we’ve been talking about friendship in some form or another. […]

  5. […] my first blog anniversary I had a huge celebration and Melissa kindly wrote a post to help me celebrate.  You can read that […]

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