Sunday 12 May 2013

I finally won something.


The multi-talented Heather from the blog Lost in Arles kindly bestowed the Liebster award to me last week.  For those who like to read, I would highly suggest a visit. She writes beautifully and those who think it is only to do with France and all things French - it's not.  France is purely incidental on her blog.

I was rather chuffed about it and more than happy to accept the baton from her.

It was quite good timing as well as today is the 6 month anniversary for this blog.

In some ways, I can't believe it has even lasted this long.  Time has just flown by and I can't believe how much I have learned since I started; not only technical things like RSS ( still don't know what that means but at least now I know it pertains blogging ) but also blogosphere anthropology.  Truth be told, there have been quite a few times when I was going to quit but I realized I wouldn't be proving a point to anyone or anything so I kept going even when my stats were 0.  But I have "met" and discovered so many wonderful and interesting writers out there that I am so happy I decided to start my own blog.


Some of you may know of Julia Cameron's, The Artist's Way, and for me this blog has become my three daily pages.  For those who may not be familiar with her book, I highly recommend getting it.  I consider this a staple and I have given this book many times as presents for those who might be wanting to be creative but also for those feeling stuck in general. She suggests that in the morning that we write three pages of whatever enters your stream of consciousness.  Perhaps this is why I write longish posts...

Anyway, Loree from Stories and Scribbles wrote out questions for Heather so I thought I would just answer the same ones as Heather did.

1. What is your earliest memory?
Dusk on a summer's day in Korea, at the bottom of the slide with my mother telling me to come inside.

2. What character from a book do you most identify with?
Lucy from Peanuts. ( This was the best I could do.)

3. What is your favourite flower?
Tie between tulips and roses.

4. If you could meet one person from the past, who would it be?
King Charles the Second, I have a huge crush on him. I wish the Stuarts were still reigning...

5. What would you talk about?
His family issues, and I would badmouth all his mistresses and then seduce him with an iPad.

6. Have you ever won anything? If you have, what was it?
Not much - a few swimming races and tennis matches.  Would have been spelling bee champion except my teacher hated me and did me over with the word, hall vs haul.  Never have trusted the establishment since.

7. Do you prefer modern or vintage clothes, furniture etc?
I just like what I like.

8. What one event will forever remain etched in your  memory?
Rather not say - nothing perverted but kinda sad and today is a happy day!

9. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one book, which one would it be?
Norton Anthology of English Literature ( not cheating, it is one book)

10. What is your favourite musical genre?
I don't have a favourite - very mood dependent.

I have two gifts as a thank you to my readers.  I must stress this is for readers and not "followers" necessarily.  

I stress that you do not have to follow me!  If you feel like it, then thank you very much but this is for those who read my blog.  I say this because I used to read blogs before I started my own but never knew about Google reader and would Google search the title of blogs each time. ( I know, I know..!) 

So as long as you are reading this then you are eligible to join in the prize giveaway! :) 

Please let me know if you would like to be in the raffle for either a  scarf or a bottle of perfume. Yes, you will have to choose between the two.  These items have not been used but I would rather people make better use of it than I ever would.

The scarf is the Astrologie Nouvelle by Hermes. It is from the Autumn Winter 2012 collection.  I love it but I still haven't worn it which means it will just stay unused and occasionally admired.

The tag is still on it - I think it would be nice with a white shirt and jeans and actually quite a bright neutral.  

If you don't like this scarf or scarves in general then I have a spare bottle of Eau de Merveilles.  The link explains the top, middle and base notes for those of you who have not smelled this.
This is one of the perfumes I regularly use and I tend to stockpile everything and buy multiples of things.  But it is silly of me so I am giving one away.  It is in the eau de toilette 100 ml.

If you are too shy to comment in the space below or don't have a blogger profile, then please email me and let me know which item you would like to be in the running for. My readership is still quite small so chances are good people!

couldashouldawoulda9@gmail.com

Please let me know by 8 am GMT on May 22nd.

It seems some don't like the chain mail aspect of the Liebster award and I don't want to put anyone on the spot so I will privately contact those who I am technically supposed to pass on.

Good Luck! x

62 comments:

  1. Goodness - what a giveaway!! Count me in on the Hermes Scarf... I'm a fan of all things blue so would gladly wear it for you!
    Think you're going to find all sorts of readers coming out of the woodwork and commenting on this post!
    Congrats on the 6 months of blogging, I always find your blog entertaining and thought provoking, and love reading all your up to. xx

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    1. Yay - I got my first punter! I will put your name on a list and use that random number generator or might get my neighbour's kids to help me pull out a ticket from a bowl.
      Thanks Heidi for your lovely comment - it really is much more appreciated than some might think! I don't think I would have ever found your blog if I didn't blog myself so like I said, I am so glad I started blogging. xx

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  2. Some time ago I noticed, that you had signed in as a follower of my blog, but then dropped off.
    Was it something I wrote / or not ?
    Just interested to know..

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    1. Hi Mette, actually I still follow you! I commented on your blog the other day actually :)

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    2. Ps can I put you either on the scarf or perfume giveaway?

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    3. I have noticed your comments, that´s why I became curious..
      Scarf or a perfume giveaway? You shouldn´t, I couldn´t ask for something like that!
      Both sound interesting; if you insist..the perfume - thank you : ).

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    4. You're not asking - I am! And Yes I insist. hehe
      I will put you down for the perfume then :)

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  3. Ooh!! Just off to bed after a very full-on evening. I'd love the Hermes scarf! Congrats on your 6 month blogaversary. I'm thrilled to have discovered the world of blogs and the lovely blogs that I read. I'm a bit time poor, so don't read as many as I'd like.

    Love that you have a crush on Charles II!

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  4. Does the scarf come with personal, white-glove delivery to NYC? xoxo Elly

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    1. I will make sure it goes unconspicuously if you win! But yes I will send anywhere on earth :) x

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  5. Happy six months dear!

    Ooooo, put our name in the hat for the fragrance please.

    Lovely answers.

    Off to ask the Local Library to Reserve their copy of Norton asap. Not sure we have ever read it properly.

    *wavingfromLA*

    tg xx

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    1. Norton Anthologies were our library in International schools way before amazon! Will put you down for EDM xx

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  6. We LOVE your blog!!! and congratulations on the win!! Will head over directly to read her blog and by the way... what the hell is RSS!!! My stats aren't that great so perhaps I should investigate!!xxx

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    1. Thank you Jenny - I really enjoy yours as well! RSS is something to do with blogs - that helped a lot didn't it? Yes putting you down for perfume xx

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  7. oh goodness... I forgot to say about the giveaway!!! mmmm the perfume??!! How generous!.
    xxx

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  8. Oh my God what a treat first thing in the morning and its Mothers Day too. My daughter is in the kitchen making me english muffins and I'm on the sofa all dizzy at the thought of Hermes. Put me down for Scarf please. Currently sampling Jour d'Hermes might love it.

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    1. Noted Robyn - Hope you having a great day today! Jour d'hermes is so feminine and lovely and I got that but funnily enough gave that to a mate as I am not suitably feminine at times :)

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  9. Whoohoo! I am going to nominate you for awards all the time now! ;) Thank you so much for the kind compliments and link back (impressive techie speak, non?) and for giving what is hands down the most impressive giveaway I have ever seen. I don't know if I even have the right to enter but if it really and truly is random...*whispering tinily, slightly embarrassed but could you enter me for the scarf please?* I am going to do my best to get the word out about this, because you deserve it! Hence the award!

    And I know all too clearly how scary/frustrating those first six months are and hope that you are psyched (as you should be) to already have 66 members--bravo! I love your unique voice and spot on perspective...Here is to continued success and happiness...
    xo,
    Heather

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    1. Heather - thanks again for the baton of the Liebster! The kindness of strangers is one thing that I have been reminded of while blogging...

      Don't be embarrassed! Not at all :) You gotta be in it to win it! xx

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  10. I have been reading Lost in Arles for a few months and concur with your sentiments. I would love to be entered in to the drawing for the Hermes scarf. They put me in mind of my grandmother who would dress us up and take us out to lunch at the "tea room " at our local department store!

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    1. Hello Anita, I will put you down. If you win, I might have to track you down somehow - if you pop in again - would you mind terribly emailing me your contact just in case? Many thanks for coming by and taking part! Best rgds, Naomi

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  11. RRS means "Really Simple Syndication." So happy Heather sent me over to read your wonderful blog. Happy 6 Months. I remember how difficult it was to commit the time in the beginning when readership is low, but keep on, please. I love your style already and I'm following because I do whatever Heather says to do as she's never wrong. That scarf ! Sign me up. Have a wonderful day and I look forward to getting to know you better.
    xx's from Texas

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    1. Howdy Marsha, Thanks for that! I really should do some more research...I will put you down for the scarf and I look forward to visiting your blog! xx

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  12. You say you've never won anything and then you mention swimming and tennis - that's huge! There's no victory like sports victory. At least in my fathers eyes; that's why I was a big disappointment (I'm not (very) athletic).:)

    You didn't say how old you were, when you speak about your earliest memory... I'm a very nosy person. Or is it curious? Or is it annoying?

    P.S.: I hope it didn't come across that I am not a fan of Joan Rivers, because I am. She's pretty much perfect just the way she is, but I do find it peculiar that more people don't talk shit about her...

    P.P.S.: "If people can't take a joke then people should truly live in north korea because no one jokes around there." Cheers to that! I hate when people can't laugh at themselves...

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    1. I did, didn't I... I talk too much, sorry. Perfume!

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    2. You got me there! It was when I was 2 in the summer. Kinda like the grilling hehe Being half Australian - you dont have to explain to me about sports victory LOL! But you are a fab writer and unless one goes to the Olympics I dont actually see the point.
      PS I hope I didn't come across harsh but you know I always gotta say my 2 cents - but honestly, you are way too young to remember but Joan Rivers got mauled and fired and really went through a hard decade which is why not many people lay into her as much bc us fogies remember what she went through. x PS scarf or perfume?

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    3. I like your 2 cents. I like everybody's 2 cents in general, that's what makes the world go round.:)

      If I'm that lucky, a perfume would be nice.;)

      I really can't imagine me being at the Olympics, unless sitting in front of a computer for 14 hours straight becomes a discipline.:D

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  13. aaaaw congratulations Naomi on your half year anniversary - I'm glad you didn't decide to give up, because I do really enjoy reading your blog. I don't read a lot of books, mainly science and nutrition books really, but your blog covers so many different aspects of life, it's refreshing to read and learn about or reflect on the topic you have posted, and you are very witty too, so I always have a chuckle regardless of how miserable I am feeling.

    I had never heard of The Artist's Way, but what a lovely concept to sort of base your blog on. I'm not creative anyway, so I can become stuck a lot of the time. I'll have to look out for this.

    What a beautiful earliest memory - I wish you many more hun. Isn't it sad (in the true sense of the word) that I can't recall my earliest memory aaah anyway.

    Well Naomi, enjoy your next 6 months of blogging in the run up to your 1 year anniversary and put me in for that Hermes scarf, for sure. You know where to find me hun xx

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    1. Thanks Colleen for your lovely sentiments.

      I really would recommend reading this book not just for creativity but it is almost a form of fun therapy. Plus I think it is great to constantly learn new things and fire up one's brain synapses.

      I will put you down for the scarf sweetie xx

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  14. I love your blog - your life is so different to mine and I love reading about it.

    I still don't get the techno aspects of blogging and have resorted to literally just googling the exact question and nine times out of ten some clever computer person somewhere has made a youtube vide showing me what to do. Thank you lovely computer gurus!

    I would love the scarf.

    Enjoy your day - I am trying to get the energy up to get the kids breakfast and on the school bus..... May need more coffee before I enter the fray.

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    1. And vice versa Farmer's Wife! You give me my dose of country Australia.

      Will put you in the bowl for the scarf - thanks for entering! x

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  15. Happy 6th monthsary!!! Yippeee!!! Well done!!!

    I'll pass up on the raffle as I have the old version of Astrologie and I thought another lucky woman should have something as beautiful :) I still have some soaps also.

    Just really wanted to drop by to say congratulations and to tell you that you did inspire to get back into writing again :)

    Hugs and kisses xxxx

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    1. Thank you Chinwags - though I feel I am still quipping rather than writing properly! I am sure that the other ladies are happy you just increased their chances :) I shall try and find another tempting prize for my next giveaway!xx

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  16. Congratulations...well done. I'm so glad you've found your creative path and making new friends...xx

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    1. Thank you Anon! But can I put your name down for either a scarf or the perfume? You can email me if you are a bit shy :)

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  17. Happy 6 months! I just googled Charles II, is it the hair?! I have tulips in my garden at the moment, though some are now dying :( Please count me in for the scarf, so amazingly generous of you! xx

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    1. Thanks Sian! Charles II was an all rounder - he was smart, strong, been through poverty and exile and was a gracious king ( for the most part ). He was inquisitive but I do blame him for passing on the throne to his brother which led to the demise of the house of Stuart. Oh well - noone is perfect eh? Will put you down for the scarf! x

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    2. I love him too - apparently he was very sarky and witty.

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  18. Congratulations on the award and 6 months!! I don't know what RSS is either but I have a button on my blog for it...now that's bad but it came with a set of buttons so I put it up because it makes me look like I'm in the know! Keep up the great work and put me down for the scarf - I've always wanted one x

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    1. Thank you! I need some buttons too :) will put you down for scarf xx

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  19. Fantastic! Should have known someone would beat me to it! Congratulations!! Keep the scarf & perfume, but really how sweet of you!....I am just glad blogging gave me you, your wonderful writing & wit.
    xo,
    Kelly

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    1. Are you sure I can't put you in either the scarf or perfume? Thanks Kelly for your sweet words! xx

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  20. Congratulations on 6 months! That is wonderful and you are such a good writer I thought you had been doing this a lot longer. I honestly look forward to each post you put out. I feel like we are chatting and that's what I love about your blog.

    I can't believe you are giving away such beautiful things..I love the Hermes scarf, but not sure I count as a fellow blogger...How nice of you to do that for your readers!

    xxKim

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    1. Thanks Kim for the compliment! Of course you count - your name is now in the bowl;) xx

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  21. Bravo for the Liebster award darling!
    Kisses!!!

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    1. Thanks Gloria! Did you not want to put your name down for something? xx

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  22. I really appreciate your blog and look in almost daily even if I don't always find the time to comment:) what a give away! I would be happy for both but would looove to win the scarf! xo Caroline

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  23. wooohoooo ! That's a pretty awesome kick-ass giveaway ! please count me in for the beautiful scarf ! So lovely !(my mail is melolimparfaite (at) gmail.com). It's a very generous giveaway.
    I'm really glad you made it until now and still continue to bring some sparkles of your personality to our community. I really enjoy your comments and articles, you care about what you write and read and that makes a difference !

    I loved reading more about you !

    Mélo

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  24. Leslie in Portland, Oregon16 May 2013 at 04:11

    Congratulations on the Liebster Award Heather has bestowed upon you--high praise indeed! I am delighted to have become one of your faithful readers (and I look forward to reading more about Charles the Second).

    Your giveaway is very generous. Normally, I leave giveaways to more eager readers, since I am learning to travel lightly, but this time, I cannot resist. The colors, design and size, as well as the fabric, of the Hermès scarf would beautifully complement the dress I am wearing to my daughter's wedding at the base of Mt. Rainier on June 15, so I would like to join in the raffle for it. It would be perfect to wear around my shoulders during this very special celebration and would be put to loving use frequently thereafter!

    Thank you, Leslie

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    1. Thank you Leslie! I shall put you down for the scarf - and if you win we might want to see you and the scarf against Mt Rainier :)

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  25. Many congratulations on your blogging anniversary! How very generous of you to give such beautiful things to your readers <3 Wishing everyone the best of luck, and raising my glass to you, dear CSW, and to your fab blog xx

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    1. Thanks so much MaiTai! You haven't put down your name for anything so by default I am putting you down for the scarf - somehow I think that might be a safe choice!! hehe xx

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  26. How exciting for you to win this award. I love your blog! Look how much you have done so quickly. Both of your giveaway items are lovely-it' hard to choose but I think I'd go with the gorgeous scarf.
    Congrats-it was wonderful to hear more about you in this post!
    xx, Heather @ stylemindchic

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  27. Woohoo! Congratulations on the Liebster Award! I'm a "reader" (as I don't know how to follow yet). Love the blog, keep up the great work! Please put me down for the gorgeous scarf.
    Felicitations!!

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  28. what a giveaway!! Count me in on the Hermes Scarf! Congrats on the award too! X kl

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  29. congrats on 6 months of blogging! I just passed a year and cannot believe it. Enter me for the scarf please!!!

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  30. I love that scarf. I would also love to own my first Hermes!!! Congratulations on your award and also on your lovely blog. I have popped over a few times from the blog roll at Adelaide Villa. I will now remember to subscribe1

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    1. Hello Jennifer! Thanks for coming by but just to let you know you are eligible to join the raffle without subscribing :) actually I am just popping out for a walk now so I won't do the random organizer until I get back so there is still another hour and a half until the raffle closes!

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Thank you for dropping by!