III's three

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This gorgeous snakeshead fritillary was the first pic on my very first post, February 23, 2007. It was photographed on our kitchen windowsill in the evening light by Will, who is still my favourite photographer.

I remember writing that first post very well — and how self-conscious I felt blathering on into the ether.

I'd discovered blogs totally by accident. In our local Barnes & Noble (Highlands Shopping Centre, El Camino Real, Carmel Valley, California) I'd come upon a box of note-cards with pictures of refreshingly modern quilts in bold, bright colours and freeform patterns — not one dusky cottage print to be seen.

I made a note of the artist/quilter's name, Denyse Schmidt, and as soon as I got home, I googled her. I found her blog, and that led me, I think, to yarnstorm, which was Jane Brocket's original blog.

Since then, I've been intrigued and entertained and amused and educated and astonished by this entire parallel universe.

And found in it a noble companionship that has sustained me through all the fun and creative times I've enjoyed, as well as through tough times.

And still does.

You come across the odd bloke, but it's mainly the generous company of women all over the world that for me has been such a joy and a comfort, and a rich vein of inspiration.

My bloglines feed links me to 76 of you whom I read about, occasionally comment on, and always admire, and into whose lives I feel very, very lucky to be allowed to peek.

Thank you.

It's been a privilege.