Thursday, December 31, 2009

5 ways to a successful 2010 and a 100th post give-away game!


Ooh la la it's finally the 31st of December. A magic day that tips us over into the start of a new year full of possibility and and promise. Of course you've all got your 'tout doux' lists ready for 2010: me too!
But rather than bore you with my goals for the coming year and the other 1000 50  things I would like to accomplish in my lifetime (as I cross things off one end - the list grows at the other), I thought it would be more 'ME' to share with you 5 quotes that most inspire me and have done so for a number of years - all with a distinctly 'Ange does it in 2010' twist!

When you've finished reading my version ... you'll have a wee task to accomplish at the end. Are you ready? Let's LEAP!

1) Find your Passion and Do What YOU LOVE!

The trick to success is making your vocation your vacation
Mark Twain 
(photo from here)

2) TAKE CHANCES!

Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. 
You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps. 
David Lloyd George
(photo from here)

3) Be POSITIVE

No pessimists ever discovered the secret of the stars, 
or sailed to an uncharted land, 
or opened a new heaven to the human spirit.
Helen Keller 
(photo from here)


4) SPLURGE at least once OUTRAGEOUSLY!

"Anyone who lives within his means suffers from a lack of imagination" 
Lionel Stander ( photo from here)

Was that a bit too much for one year? I suggest we all...

5) TAKE REST! 

A field that has rested gives a beautiful crop 
Ovid


Now it's YOUR turn!
It's GIVE AWAY time... 
(or a 'fun' way to Give Back, as Laura says)

To take part all you have to do is leave a comment on this post giving an inspiring quote that moves you, tickles your fancy, makes you giggle, reassures you... and you will go in the prize draw.
What will you win? One of my 'positive planks,' which, as you know, are recycled from French wine crates, with your favourite words of wisdom, in your choice of colours (or as close as I can get to them) to suit YOUR home!

I will have One plank to give away - and two other smaller objects which I am still deciding on, and will share later on today when I am more awake: but all three will be hand calligraphed with each winner's respective favourite words.

The game is open to every one, in all countries with or without a blog and you don't have to sign up as a follower to be in either. I'd rather people hitched along for the ride with me because they like my work and my writing. But I'm big on including every one when it comes to games ... don't like people to feel left out!

For those of you who are nice enough or a wee bit crazy enough to have accompanied me this far, I'd be really thrilled if you'd grab my 'Signed by Ange' button below (a big thanks to Julie @ Being Ruby for the design she made from a few scribbles I had put down on paper - she's amazing!), put it on your side bar and link it to this post...



Hope you'll join me in the adventure!
May 2010 be an inspiring and giggle-full year for you all and your families...
Oh dear - it's 4.27am and I'm still here...
Bonne nuit
Ange xx

OOPS! I nearly forgot. I'll be drawing the winners on Saturday Jan 9th at dinner time with the kids. It's much more fun, albeit more work, to have the wee messmonsters gleefully drawing names out of a hat than doing the old 'random' machine... Although I know how to do it now n'est ce pas Julie ;-) And I will announce them in my Secret Sunday post... on Sunday Jan 10th.

... Bed? Bed? Where are you Bed? Oh I give up - I may as well make myself a cuppa and wait for the sun to come up!


49 comments:

  1. Well, for me Ange...at this point in my path...I would have to use Thoreau's words which you reminded me of here...
    "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams"
    Congratulations on your 100th post! It's a wonderful Give-Back!...It's a Wonderful Life! May all good things come your way in 2010! I look forward to sharing lots more blogging fun and love with you in the year ahead!
    :) Laura

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  2. Dear Ange
    I love your choice of quotes to inspire us into 2010. I've been trying to find 'my passion' for years and I think blogging has been a great way to help me in that direction.

    i would say one of my favourites quotes is "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi. [useful for changing one's own little world too]

    Thanks for joining me on this blogging adventure. I hope 2010 brings you much joy and happiness. Bring it on!! xxx Julie

    Oh.. and thanks for the mention!!.. I nearly fell over when I saw that button over at Laura's

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  3. Snagging your button Ange!

    You are so sweet to do a giveaway of your beautiful work!

    Here is my quote:

    "Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss

    Happy New Year to you!

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  4. Perfect 100th post. Love the quotes you chose. How do I choose just one??? "As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same" M.Williamson. Oooh, or Buddha, "The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart". I can't decide : o
    Happy New Year Ange, xo Lisa

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  5. Dear Ange,

    I love the idea of this give away, but allow me to offer one observation and one that the winner might wish to contemplate upon as well.

    Though the art work is in some ways a collaboration between the winner and you, I would hope that the winner would let you interpret the quote so that your artistry can also shine.

    What I mean is that the colours are your choice to best suit the words and the piece of wood you will be working on.

    Of course this is only an opinion. Now I will have to think about a quote in order to enter.

    Warmest regards,
    Egmont

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  6. Hi Ange,

    I can't wait to see how 2010 unfolds on your blog...I love it here. My favourite quote is easy...the name of my blog "Count it all joy" from James 1:2. Its meaning is essentially not to resent the difficulties that inevitably arise in life...they build your character and ultimately strengthen and mature you like a fine wine.

    I hope you have a wonderful NYE. Get some sleep! Meredy xo.

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  7. My words, the words that moves me and inspiring me to do something and trying to do my best... Desiderio
    Vitalità
    Trasformazione

    And their colour, obviously, is red ;-)

    Tutti i migliori auguri per l'anno nuovo, Ange! Thank you for your work

    :)

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  8. Oh this is so hard...I have a book full of favourites quotes I've collected. This is perhaps my favourite: "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic and power in it." Goeth (? or at least most often attributed to Goeth). Then perhaps "Now I will believe that there are unicorns" by William Shakespeare of course - it is hard for me to go past a theatrical quote, but I love this one for it's child like innocence and fantastic (ie fantasy) vision. But really I find the fervour of this quote from Albert Einstein inspiring: "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."

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  9. Hope you managed to get some sleep after all Ange :)
    What a fun thing to do to win a beautiful prize, all hand done by you! And I love the fact that all your planks are made from old wine barrels...
    There are two quotes I have stuck to for years- one is by Helen Keller "Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" ; the other is by Tony Benn "most things in life are moments of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment. Photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure"

    Happy new year my darling!

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  10. I love your goals and the way you presented thme!
    Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
    Albert Schweitzer
    Happy and Healthy 2010

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  11. Hi Ange,
    First of all, I apologise for not coming over but I haven't looked at my computer for over a week.
    Many thanks for such a wonderful and generous giveaway. ( and also, catching up, I saw your last post of the gorgeous heart. Love it)
    I have two quotes, depending on how long you wanted them to be. The short one is :
    THE BEST THING ABOUT MEMORIES IS CREATING THEM.
    .. and my long one is :
    ANYONE WHO THINKS THAT SUNSHINE IS PURE HAPPINESS HAS NEVER DANCED IN THE RAIN.
    Have a wonderful New Year's Eve and I wish you and your family many magical, happy times and everything that you wish for yourselves in 2010. With much love. XXXX

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  12. love your quotes (and you know mine)
    as i'm a winner already i just want to wish you (and all of your witty commenters)
    a wonderful shiny new decade.

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  13. My quote is simple but always makes me smile- Live Long,Laugh Often.

    Elaine R
    emrosser@shaw.ca

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  14. Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out and proclaiming "Wow! What a RIDE!" author unknown

    This was something I got from a blog friend but I just love it! Thanks for letting us post, Happy New Year!!!!
    Happiness from Poland,
    Rhonda

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  15. Dear Ange, I've just started my own blog and am really impressed(jealous) by yours! 100 posts! That's amazing, congratulations! One of my favorite quotes comes from Julia Child:"Finally I do think the way to a full and healthy life is to adopt the sensible system of "small helpings, no seconds, no snacking, and little bit of everything." Above all have fun!"

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  16. I tell you, the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people. Van Gogh.

    And I think Egmont is on money too. So, carte blanche if I am so lucky.
    You have been a prolific blogger in such a few short months - well done.

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  17. Love your quotes and inspiration. Thank you for sharing and inspiring. Happy New Year.
    Another quote I like - Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
    Henry David Thoreau

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  18. What a wonderful giveaway idea! I love it. I have so many favorite quotes, but the one I always come back to is from Oscar Wilde, with whom I share my birthday and whose writing I adore: "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

    Happy New Year to you!

    xo Gigi

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  19. I really love this one by Marianne Williamson: 'We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?'

    If I was the luckiest girl in the world and the messmonsters sticky fingers picked me out - I would have ANYTHING of your gorgeous work to treasure!

    Happy 2010!

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  20. Just found your wonderful blog and I love it. My quote is by William Wadsworth,"Though nothing can bring back the splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower; we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind". Also, another one is "If it's not PINK, I don't want it."
    Made you a favorite!!

    Happy New Year
    Ginger

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  21. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" I love this ancient Hebrew quote because it reminds me to extend kindness in all situations, cause you just never know!

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  22. What a creative and whimsical blog you write. You are very creative and insightful; and must be a very uplifting and fun friend. As a former baseball mom (he's now 28)one of our family's motto and favorite quotes: "You can't get to home plate without taking your foot of first base." author unknown.
    Happy New Year and may you always be inspired and inspiring.

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  23. "And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same" - Nelson Mandela. Happy 2010! I look forward to reading your blog again this year! Leslie

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  24. Just found your blog: I believe my favorite saying is EMBRACE THE JOURNEY. I have it painted on a huge sign that hangs about french doors in my kitchen. It inspires me everyday, whether good or bad.

    Blessings to you,

    Jo

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  25. Hi Ange - I love your blog and your work... I just came here via your comment on my blog. I'll have to spend some time looking around.

    My favourite quote is: "Imagination is more important than knowledge." Einstein.

    Lisa

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  26. Love all of the inspiring quotes. There are so many I love but is from Alan Alda--
    "The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself.

    My personal favorite -- "I never met a color I didn't like."

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  27. Okay, here goes Ange. Eleanor Roosevelt... Do the things you think you can not... there are a lot of things so I'll have my work cut out for me. I tackled a few this year but the one that stands out the most is to take an art class (or three) and actually give away my painting. While I didn't receive the "gift" right away, I finally found that just trying something is just as good and fulfilling as being good at something right away.

    Another thing I learned is to ask for what I want with no guilt. I'm still learning how to use this voice but it gets easier as time (and practice) goes on.

    All the best in 2010 Ange!

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  28. Dear Ange,
    I've always loved the inspiring quote from Helen Keller and thank you for reminding me of it once again, which I posted on my PhotoBlog for New Year's Day. I look forward to another great year of your WORDS in 2010!

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  29. There are so many to choose from but this really jumped out and smacked me round the chops when I first read it...

    "And above all watch, with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.~ Roald Dahl ~

    Believe...

    I'll pop your button on my blog in a bit.

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  30. Fabulous giveaway! My quote is one I came up with when I was a child, 2 years after my Mom died, "Memories are the stars that brighten our dreams". I've always loved this and feel it was inspired by the angel who was once my Mom.
    ♥Sharon

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  31. Glad to find your blog. Lots of inspiration! My favorite quote (tho' perhaps said by someone else) but from Yoda in Star Wars... 'do or do not. There is no 'try'...' my theme for 2010!!! Jamie V in MT
    amzanioli@yahoo.com
    http://rem-nants.blogspot.com

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  32. I like,,,, Expect More Than You Ever Thought Possible.
    Very enjoyable blog...just found you!
    *M*

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  33. Hi Ange. I read this when you first posted, then was distracted and forgot to leave a comment for your give away. So here is a quote I'm sharing: "The doors we open and close each day, decide the lives we live." Flora Whitmore.
    Thanks for including me....Sarah

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  34. What an inspiring post and such a generous giveaway. I have been thinking in quotes lately myself and here is one of my recent favorites that I just posted on my blog: Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.

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  35. What a beautiful blog.... I will be following you... THANKS for the giveaway... one of my fav quotes is

    Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.  ~Winston Churchill

    TFS i have linked your site on this post:
    http://dreamingofcastles.blogspot.com/2010/01/giveaways-you-dont-want-to-miss-this.html

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  36. Hi Ange, Nice giveaway. My quote is: Be true to yourself. I've always believed that and the rest will follow. smiles, Carol Mae

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  37. Congratulations on 100 posts!
    What a lovely giveaway.
    2 of my favourite quotes are:
    "Every day holds the possibility of a miracle." Elizabeth David

    "Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day."

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  38. Hi Ange,
    Here through 52 Flea. What a clever way to celebrate your 100th post!

    "To Everything There is a Season, and a Time to every purpose under the heaven:" Eccl. 3:1

    Not only does the earth in nature have her seasons, life has seasons also. A time to cry, a time to laugh, a time to create, a time to inspire, and so on and on.

    Linda
    Robin's Egg Blues

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  39. Hi Ange..
    Passion...live it, love it...everyday!
    That does it for me :)
    I popped your button onto my blog..great image!
    Jeanne

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  40. HAPPY NEW YEAR Ange. I just found your blog and will be back again and again.

    "Enjoy the ride".

    Jacque
    jleibfried@aol.com

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  41. I am so glad I found you, or rather you found me! You are a talent and I would be thrilled to win. I have so many quotes I love but here is the most recent that I snipped from somewhere:

    We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment sparkling like a star in our hand, melting like a snowflake

    getting ready to follow you and grabbing your button as I finish. Can't wait to read more!

    Michelle

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  42. Bonjour Ange !
    Je te souhaite une merveilleuse année 2010 ! Que tout le meilleur se réalise dans ta vie !

    Merci pour ta générosité et cette inspiration que tu nous livre tout au long de tes posts.
    Je participe volontiers à ton jeu. Voici ce qui m'inspire jour après jours : vivre intensément. Toujours.

    Bisous
    Lise

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  43. My quote is "Do small things with great love" by Mother Teresa

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  44. "Work hard, play by the rules - and, if necessary, change them". www.bellarustica.blogspot.com

    I have worked in federal law enforcement for 22 years and just made a cross-county (US) move from California to Georgia to teach at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. I transited with three Labrador Retrievers and my 76 year old mother who offered to make half the trip with me. Speak to your heart and then listen. Kim Kelly

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  45. Hello Ange...
    I guess being the Hungarian gypsy.. I will give a Hungarian quote by Janos Arany....

    In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities...

    Sorry.. I guess I am just a hopeless romantic!
    xo
    Cat

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  46. Well this is nice thing to do for your readers.

    I have two favourite quotes at the moment

    The only certainty in life is change.
    - Henry Wallace

    and

    If you go through life with your head in the sand all people will see is an arse - unknown

    I visualise a big bottom whenever I read that and it makes me smile.

    Hope you smile too.

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  47. What a neat thing to do! I Love reading all the quotes. Mine is:

    "Always Play With Passion, Whatever The Game"
    author unknown

    Love your talent! Linda

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  48. Yesterday is HISTORY, Tomorrow is a MYSTERY, Today is a GIFT...That's why it's called the 'PRESENT'- Unknown

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  49. Dear Ange,

    I hope that the quote qualifies for the drawing as it is one I wrote back in 2008 after reflecting upon a way to see and hear that which we fail to observe and take in.

    I thank you for the opportunity to take part in the drawing.

    My quote for consideration:

    In randomness there is order
    in the unseen there is beauty
    in silence there are voices . . .


    Warmest regards
    Egmont

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Can't think of a famous quote that says 'communication makes the world go round' so you 'll just have to get my clumsy way of putting it instead ;-) Your comments are precious. Thanks for dropping by!