Happy Blogaversary to me! And a Giveaway! CLOSED

Readers of this blog will know that I like any excuse to celebrate and I think milestones in life should be recognised and noted! Last night while I was drifting off to sleep it suddenly occurred to me that the one year anniversary of my blog slid by me without even a blink! In fact, I am one and a half months late in noting this particular milestone but as they say, better late than never huh?

It was 10th April, 2011 that I sat down and wrote my first ever blog post, followed by my second where I attempted to state my purpose! It has been a long time coming as I had wanted to write a blog for so long but had never worked up the courage. It seems a little strange now, but I was SO nervous about what people would think of me. And even more nervous that no-one would ever read it and therefore they'd think nothing of me at all! I can't remember where I heard it but I relate to whoever it was that described themselves as an introverted extrovert - I've always been quiet and shy, yet most of my life felt there was a crazy, noisy and outrageous person bubbling away inside me waiting for the right opportunity to explode! The truth is I was scared. The biggest thing holding me back was the thought that 'what if people think i'm stupid?' Sound familiar?

I'm proud of what I've done with this blog over the last year. I've overcome some fears and gained a lot of confidence. Despite being a technophobe, I've learned how to do (very simple!) CSS, even dabbled in HTML (even though there's so much more to learn!). I've showcased the work of many artists around the world whose work I admire. I've written about myself, shared some things that were not easy to share but which I felt good about sharing. I've done my best to be authentic here and while I'm still a baby in the blogging world, I'm excited about the future for Red Parka Diaries. BUT..... most of all, I've met some wonderful, supportive, creative and all round awesome individuals through this blog. To every one of you who has read, commented on, shared or enjoyed my posts - THANK YOU!! You've made this journey what it is. Thank you for being part of my world and making it a better, brighter place!

A Giveaway!!

I'm going to celebrate my one year anniversary with a giveaway!!

One lucky reader will win an A4 size print of their choice from the Red Parka Store, one of my Mystery Card Bundles (containing 10 unique Red Parka cards), a pack of animal magnets AND a pack of 10 collective noun postcards!

All you have to do is visit my store here, then come back and leave a comment below telling me which is your favourite print. Don't forget to include a method of contacting you should you win!

You can get a bonus entry by following my blog with either Google Friend Connect or BlogLovin' in the side bar - just leave me a separate comment telling me you've done that for your extra entry (if you already follow, mention that too to get another entry)!

I'll draw the winner at random at the end of May and you'll get the print you liked best plus the other goodies in the post! Yay!

Goodluck!!

Jen xx