Daily Dose of Sewing in 2012
“Hope Springs Eternal” egg that sits on the shelf in my studio
Thanks for all the kind words on my last post, y’all! Only good things happening here, and stuff that I’ve been wanting to do but unsure of–hearing all your kind words really meant a lot to me. I’m always surprised (even though really, I shouldn’t be) at how huge an impact it makes when someone shares your view of the world and has a thoughtful moment to hold your hand, even figuratively (although I am a long-standing fan of the real-life hand-holding). Today, the post that I published and then pulled yesterday, which seems silly now that I look back on it. Not sure why fear nibbles when you’re on the precipice of something exciting–glad you’re all here to remind me not to take myself too seriously! Happy New Year, friends.
UPDATED: Thanks to everyone who so enthusiastically responded and is even this minute getting daily emails! See below for a quick update–I’ve closed the list for now, but will for sure let you know when I open it up again. Woot!
Welcome to 2012, everyone! I love the smell of a new year, and the way I wake up on January 1 and feel invigorated and inspired and excited to check some projects off my list that I’ve been wanting to tackle. Now, I realize that part of that is the thrill of the newness of it all, and that as the months wear on, I’m going to need a pick-me-up now and again. There were some projects that I set for myself as goals last year that I didn’t get to complete, and part of that was just plain ol’ losing steam. Plus, I have such a bunch of stuff on my list this year that I really, really, really want to get sewn–I want to stay on track right from the get-go, for fear that if I sit down on the sofa early on, I won’t get back up. Like when you just start working out–taking a day off is a slippery slope of excuses.
So it occurred to me: what if I got a little note, a word of encouragement, in my email inbox every morning? Not a sales pitch, because I get lots of those. Not a nagging reminder of all the things I haven’t done yet, because that just makes me feel bad for what I haven’t done yet. More like a note from a friend, an encouraging word, an amazing photo that makes me itch to stitch, a link to some sewn object so amazing that I feel greedy when I look at it, a suggestion or idea for how to use color or fabric or texture or space in a way I hadn’t thought of before. Just a quick little blurb, not even as long as a blog post, but enough to give me the get-up-and-go to hit the machine and create something lovely–whether small or large.
See & Sew pattern decoupaged to art frame after hand embroidering; by local artist Yvonne Miller
There doesn’t seem to be anything out there like that. I looked, and didn’t find anything that fit the bill, anywhere I could go to find just the right nudge each morning to make the light bulb come on over my head. I don’t want to replace the blogs I love to read, or duplicate them, because I love connecting with each of those people each day–but at the same time, I sure would love to get a sweet little treat sent straight to me, in my inbox, each day. Which naturally led me to think: maybe I can be the one SENDING those little words of encouragement. I know it sounds right out of Little Women or something, but when I cheerlead for other stitchers, I think I am the one who benefits the most. I love seeing someone come to sewing for the first time (or the first time in a long time), and I love seeing them fall in love with it, because it makes me fall in love with it all over again. So finding little gems to share and having someone else be as excited as I am about it? Really awesome for me. For real–I’m not just saying that.
So, I guess what I’m asking is: would you like me to send you a sewing note every morning, straight to your inbox? Because I know I would want something like that, and here at the start of a new year, it seems like the perfect time to begin a new daily regimen. We’re talking weekdays, here, not seven days a week, but how fun would it be to have an inspirational message waiting for you when you check your inbox each day? Something that keeps the fires stoked? I really dig this idea.
Now, I’ll be upfront and say that this represents a certain degree of effort on my part, so if it’s successful in the long run, I’m expecting it to become a subscription-type service–something along the lines of $6 a month for a daily email. Before I get to that, though, I want to test the waters and see how it looks and feels, what you’re looking for and respond to best, how to format it and what to include (and exclude). It’s hard to imagine all those things at the outset without doing some research. Which means what I’m really asking is: would you like to be an early adopter of a daily sewing email sent straight to your inbox? Like a friendly beta-tester?
I’m opening up the mailing list today, and anyone who is interested in signing up now will begin receiving emails right away, and would remain on the list permanently–you’d never be charged and never pay a subscription fee, my way of thanking you for jumping in early and playing along. Plus, you’d have a very special place in my heart. Obviously.
Wow, what an awesome response! Thanks, y’all. To keep things a little more manageable, I’ve closed the list for now–I want to be sure I can really get feedback from a smaller group to start, and at nearly 100 names in under 24 hours, I think I’ll err on the side of caution. If you were hoping to join and haven’t had the chance, I’ll be sure to let you know when I open it up again! To join the mailing list for a daily dose of sewing inspiration in 2012, just leave a comment–be sure to include a valid email address, the one to which you want your daily inspirational sewing email sent each day. A little note to you from me, unique content that doesn’t appear on the blog, something to think about and chew on and occupy your daydreaming hours that will help you take your own sewing with you into the months ahead. I’m kinda feeling empowered just writing that–like, the idea that I would have something thoughtfully sewing related to look forward to each day, something I can rely on to get my motor running? Multiple mixed metaphors aside, that’s pretty yumtastic.
It’s an exciting time to be sewing, y’all. I am having the best time sharing that with you! I’d love to know you’re on the other end when I send out these emails each day. Here’s hoping you’re looking for the same thing I am–because that’s one of my favorite parts of the online craft community: you people are totally My People. Woot!
Happy New Year!
| Tags: sewing emails 89 comments »
January 2nd, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Well, I’m interested! Sign me up!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 1:40 pm
I’m interested. Looking forward to seing what you send!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
I love this idea!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 1:46 pm
This is a great idea! Sign me up please.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Awesome idea, I’m in!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 1:47 pm
I’m interested!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Wow! I’m interested.
(and burn those boats girl!)
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January 3rd, 2012 at 1:57 pm
I’ve only been sewing for about a year, so I would love to have a little daily sewing inspiration. Happy New Year!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Great idea! Count me in!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:04 pm
sounds like a neat idea and a tall order for you! i start each day with such optimism, i really do… (although it’s often gone by 4 pm….) i’m interested in seeing where this takes you and us! elizabethlehman@hotmail.com
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:09 pm
I’m in; love this idea!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:10 pm
I think this is such a great idea, I would love to be part of it! Please add me to the list.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Count me in. I believe that inspiration is like a wood fire, it warms the one who chops and then the ones who enjoys the fire! I love the idea of a subscription to a daily sewing inspiration and maybe along the way you could add a tip that has served you well or something new you’ve learned that would be valuable to all of us. Along with your love for sewing and teaching, your personality and witty view; the subscribers you attract will help in forming your ultimate offering.
Sounds exciting!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Very interested….love so many of your ideas MDraper80 (at) gmail (dot) com Thanks!!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:19 pm
I would love this! Count me in!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:24 pm
I really love this idea! I could use some encouragement and inspiration, as well as a little, light kick in the pants to get a project finished. I would be happy to be a tester.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:35 pm
What a LOVELY idea! And of course, as soon as you have offered to send us messages, all I want is to send you some to repay you! I wonder if there is some sort of questionaire/spreadsheet that could be set up on Google etc, so that people could submit ideas that you could occasionally use for the daily email? Would make life easier on you, and I’m sure everyone would really love participating!
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Deborah Reply:
January 3rd, 2012 at 2:41 pm
Spectacular idea–thanks so much for suggesting it! I’ll see if I can’t figure out the best format, and will append it to one of our daily emails. Hooray for the suggestion box!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Glad you reposted! So sign me up!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Sign me up!!
deshazer(dot)jennifer(at)gmail(dot)com
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:48 pm
What a great idea. I could use the inspiration!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:49 pm
I’m happy to be a guinea pig! When I read your post I was thinking it would be good to have us giving you suggestions like Gillian has already suggested. Maybe a flickr group to put inspirational pictures on?
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January 3rd, 2012 at 2:58 pm
I’d love that!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:01 pm
sounds good to me!
Sign me up! (I may be a little dense, but can you see the emails associated with these comments, or do I actually have to put it into the message?)
Thanks!
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Deborah Reply:
January 3rd, 2012 at 3:02 pm
I can totally see your email address on the backend–no need to type it separately. And thanks so much for playing with us!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Sounds interesting! I’m in!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:08 pm
What a great idea! I can always use more inspiration.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Sign me up, lovely lady!!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:15 pm
I LOVE this idea!!!! You’re always such an inspiration as it is; please sign me up!!!!!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:17 pm
I am totally game for some daily motivation.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:21 pm
love it! what a wonderful idea, and something I’d love to receive each day. very much looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:23 pm
I’d love a daily dose of sewing love!
Melissa@sochickhandbags.com
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:26 pm
I love this idea – please sign me up if you are still taking names!
alegria_a (at) yahoo (dot) com
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:44 pm
I get so excited and inspired every time you have a new blog post, I would be jump-up-and-down-excited to get a daily email!! Woot!!! Count me in!!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:48 pm
What a great idea – thanks for making it happen and including us in the fun
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:49 pm
I have not yet reached the point of positive messaging saturation.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Happy New Year! Sign me up, too.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:54 pm
SurveyMonkey has a free version that would allow to easily compile feedback.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 3:58 pm
I’m all for inspiration! I have a new machine that can all but sew by herself. I need to know what to do with her now.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:07 pm
Great idea! marcigirldesigns (at) gmail {dotcom}
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:19 pm
Sign me up! It sounds like a wonderful idea, Deborah, and I know that with your vast knowledge, warm encouragement, and friendly writing style, it’ll be great!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Sounds stinkin’ fantastic! Most times all we need is a little inspiration.
Jstiner17@yahoo.com
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:26 pm
This would be wonderful! I’ve decided to focus on improving my sewing skills this year- how serendipitous! Your post yesterday gave me so much food for thought, I think you are well on your way to providing inspriration. Thanks for all you do!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Well, DUH!
Love, Mom
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:31 pm
Sign me up. Thanks
Suzanne
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Great idea! I would love daily inspiration!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:48 pm
Put me on the list!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:52 pm
That sounds wonderful! Happy new year
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January 3rd, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Count me in! Thanks so much for all the effort that you put into Whipstitch, Deb!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Anything to get me more motivated is a bonus. Thanks so much for this great idea, I look forward to your daily inspiration.
dxx
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January 3rd, 2012 at 5:38 pm
ooh yes please … that would be fantastic! what a great idea …
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January 3rd, 2012 at 6:38 pm
i’m in!
ohjennymae(at)gmail.com
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January 3rd, 2012 at 6:46 pm
love, love, love this idea! count me in.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 6:50 pm
WOW what a concept! sign me up too!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 6:58 pm
What a wonderful idea! I’d love to take part!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 7:01 pm
I think this is an incredible idea and would love to be a part of it! The support of your blog and e-courses really inspired me in 2011, so to think I could get a daily sewing affirmation from you just really rocks my world! So fabulous and thank you!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 7:10 pm
Deborah I sure do love reading your blog! I LOVE your e-courses, and I love your book. I’d be thrilled to be a part of this! What a great idea. You are so inspiring!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 7:14 pm
Hi
Great idea and a wonderful way to balance all those other emails that fill the box. Happy to beta test and provide any feedback necessary
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January 3rd, 2012 at 7:39 pm
Count me in. Thanks!!!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 7:45 pm
I’d love to get some sewing-motivation-email-love!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 7:51 pm
I would love a little sewing inspiration each day!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 7:54 pm
I’m in! I took advantage of your fabulous class price for the New Year and will be taking two e-courses with you! Yay! 2012…the year of sewing!! Can’t wait!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 8:12 pm
I’d love to be included!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 8:52 pm
What a wonderful idea! I’m totally in
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January 3rd, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Daily inspiration? I’m in!
jlbgeorgia(at)yahoo(dot)com
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January 3rd, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Sounds like a lovely idea, just don’t over do yourself!! Count me in, and please, if ever you need a word of encouragement yourself, I am sure that you can count on me and oodles of others!
dnagrl83@gmail.com
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January 3rd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
A daily does of sewing sounds like a great idea. Sign me up please.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Inspiration leads to accomplishment! I can certianly use a healthy dose of that daily. Thanks.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 9:53 pm
That sounds wonderful-love it!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 10:02 pm
That sounds wonderful!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 10:38 pm
It does sound wonderful.
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January 3rd, 2012 at 10:42 pm
I would love this! What a great idea. Jayne
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January 3rd, 2012 at 11:19 pm
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea, and Love you even more for 1. coming up with it and 2. being so willing to make the commitment to do for others something that you would like done for you.
I second Gillian’s suggestion of a suggestion box of sorts. And I know I would also be inspired by seeing some of the creations your customers have made with the fabric they buy from Whipstitch.
Really looking forward to this, especially since my 2 year pregnancy and new momma sewing block seems to have finally been lifted!
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January 3rd, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Love it! I do enjoy checking in on your blog, and thanks to you, I have a great new friend- my sewing buddy!!
trishfeffer(at)gmail(dot)com
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January 3rd, 2012 at 11:28 pm
I would LOVE to be on your mailing list. Ever since taking your essential sewing class last year I have fallen in love with sewing, but I don’t do it as much as I’d like.
Heather
hnborn@gmail.com
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January 4th, 2012 at 12:08 am
I love this – sign me up! Thanks I look forward to reading your emails!
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January 4th, 2012 at 4:05 am
I’d love to be on your mailing list. I never succeeded with my sewing buddies so it would be great to have a daily dose of inspiration
sewingprincess(at)bombardone(dot)com
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January 4th, 2012 at 5:17 am
This is a great idea! I’m a new reader and I’m always looking for inspiration. Thanks!
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January 4th, 2012 at 6:06 am
Please include me. Happy New Year!
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January 4th, 2012 at 9:03 am
What a great idea! I could use a motivational pick me up for sure!
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January 4th, 2012 at 10:08 am
I would love a little daily inspiration! Love this idea!
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January 4th, 2012 at 10:15 am
I would like to receive the daily messages.
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January 4th, 2012 at 10:39 am
That sounds fantastic–count me in!
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January 4th, 2012 at 11:18 am
OMG you KNOW I am up for this! Sign me up!
Kim
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January 4th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Sounds like a great idea. Sign me up
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January 4th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
I so enjoy your blog posts! And your Sewing with Knits e-course finally killed my fear of knits (I made Christmas presents with KNITS!!), so I would love to be involved and support this idea! Count me in!
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January 4th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
I love this idea! I really enjoy reading your blog and all of your reflections, it would be so wonderful to start the day that way. I’d love to sign up for this!
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January 4th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
I would love this, thanks!
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January 8th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Ahck! I missed it. I have been thinking I needed to get back on and leave you a comment. Isn’t a new year inspiring. I am so impressed by all you do and cant wait to meet you!
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