Sunday 25 January 2015

Grow Your Blog Party & My Giveaway 2015









Welcome to the third
Grow your Blog Party
hosted by Vicki of 2 Bags Full.

Thank you dear Vicki for hosting
this amazing annual event
to bring together bloggers
from around the world!





For first time visitors to my blog
let me introduce myself!
My name is Shane and I live in
Auckland, New Zealand.



Yes I live in Auckland but....
my heart is in a little village in France
where my family and grandchildren live!
If you love France too
then we will have much in common
as many of my blog posts have
a french flavour... a certain
Je
ne
sais
quoi




I have been travelling to France for years,
and I love everything about it


who doesn't dream of a weekend in
Paris



but it's rural France I love the most.



Photography
has become one of my favourite
pastimes since starting my blog.
French villages are known for 
their beautiful old houses and barns,
windows, doors, gates, fences
and little country lanes to photograph!

My family are now used to me lagging behind
when we're out and about!
I simply can't pass up a
photo opportunity!



I have a very basic 'point and shoot'
Panasonic lumix camera.
I have learnt so much through Donna
thank you my dear friend for
passing on your wealth of knowledge.



I join several weekly and monthly blog parties
including these ones
Mosaic Monday
Tea Time Tuesday

Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Friends Sharing Tea
Roses of Inspiration
Wednesday Good Fences
Sunlit Sunday

We would love you to join us!
People post about all sorts of things
recipes, crafts, books worth reading and so on.
If you are a new blogger
this is a great way of making new friends
and increasing your followers.






I’m a gardener

My time spent in my garden
is one of the things I love most of all,
whether it's weeding and nurturing plants
or simply doing my garden walk each morning
with a cup of tea in hand
to see what's new each day!
It grounds me and prepares me for 
my work day ahead.


Swaps
I also enjoy taking part in swaps!
I've been part of groups
that swapped lace and buttons
tea cups, magazines!~



...and then I love to
Create
I enjoy making little books, cards
and bags for my grandies
using fabric, lace and paper.

I work three days a week and when time permits
I also enjoy making collage pieces 
such as the one below which I created for my


Giveaway
for

Grow Your Blog 2015.



I will draw the winners name on
February 15th 2015 and post on my blog
Bonne chance everyone!

You don't need to be a follower
there are no restrictions
and I am happy to post world wide!

If you write a comment on this post
you will be included in the draw!

I hope you've enjoyed learning a little about me
I'm sorry it has become such a lengthy post
I do ramble on and love to chat!
have you noticed that already?!

Now I'm off to visit your blogs
Enjoy the party and have fun!

Dearest Vicki
thank you
for being the generous, giving and loving soul
that you are!
The world needs more people like you.


Thank you everyone for visiting my blog

Take care and

be kind to one another

Merci à bientôt




Shane







101 comments:

  1. Thank you Shane for all of your hard work and I am so thankful for the world of blogging. So many people have become caring friends like yourself. Sometimes I am late to the "party" but I do finally arrive and enjoy my visits. Have a wonderful Sunday and a wonderful week~

    ReplyDelete
  2. Shane, a lovely post and beautiful images.. Your grandchildren are beautiful and I love all the shots of France. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Shane
    Lovely to meet you through GYB 2015 I am looking forward to join you for your adventures this year. I will be in Paris this year so I certainly will appreciate your French flavour!
    Wren x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Shane, this is a wonderful post and I learned more about you. The photos are delightful, especially of your dear grandies!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautifuk post. I have never been to France or New Zealand but now with a new friendship I can see it then your eyes!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear Shane,
    I hope you have a lot of fun today and many visitors. I am taken by the beauty of your photographs and your creations are so lovely.
    Many hugs,
    Karen B. ~ Todolwen

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a wonderful post, and so many beautiful photographs

    ReplyDelete
  8. HI Shane, visiting from Grow Your Blog hop. Great post, c'est vrai!! I love all things French as well, loved Paris and Brussels when I visited there. Love your pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful post Shane! I too (as I think you already know)ADORE the villages of France and everything about them. Thank you for such a perfect giveaway-it would be an honor to display your gorgeous piece dans ma petite maison:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. A wonderful post, dear Shane... and why wouldn't it be - your posts are always full of beauty!
    Thank you for sharing with us so many lovely things of your (French) world!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lovely blog post, Shane. I always enjoy visiting you and seeing your beautiful photography. What a lucky woman to go to France so frequently! I've never been there. Thank you for the chance to win your fabulous giveaways!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a nice post Shane, thanks for sharing your life with us. The photos are wonderful and I just love your crafting...Great new ideas..
    Hugs
    Erna x

    ReplyDelete
  13. Shane this was a wonderful post. The photos are great I love seeing and hearing about France. Have a blessed day and keep up the wonderful post. Madeline

    ReplyDelete
  14. How lovely to meet you - New Zealand is a country I would love to visit one day!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have enjoyed participating in the GYB party before but didn't have time this year. It's a great way to learn more about bloggers you're already friends with and meet new ones.
    Today I'm happy to put a face to your name Shane, and you are as beautiful as your personality I've come to know.
    Not sure if you're linking to MM this week but will come back if you are.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Shane, lovely to meet another francophile, I've joined as a follower and I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures of France and New Zealand. I would love you to come and visit me at Colours in the Breizh.

    ReplyDelete
  17. First let me say, Thanks, for helping with the Grow Your Blog.
    What a wonderful way to meet new friends from all around the world.
    Your pictures are so great. What a wonderful time I had looking at all of them. Your grandkids are so darling. Your flowers are so pretty. It will be fun following your blog.
    http://joycesloveoflife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Shane, I'm visiting for this years GYB and I'm so glad that we met through blogging. I love your pretty blog and I love looking at all of your beautiful photos! Yay to blogging and meeting each other this way sweet friend. Here's to more years blogging together. I love your art work you made for the GYBgiveaway too.
    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  19. So lovely to read a little more about you and to see more of your incredibly beautiful photos!! I hope that you have fun blog visiting and being visited! xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Ah, who doesn't love Paris and France in general? Your photos are simply stunning. Seems we have a lot in common, with our tea drinking and our love of fabric and lace. Putting them together in books, along with paper is something we seem to have in common, too. It was great to meet you during this blog hop.

    http://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2015/01/grow-your-blog-blog-hop-event.html

    ReplyDelete
  21. So very nice to meet you! what a lovely blog you have. I will be returning for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  22. So beautiful. Now I want to go to France. Lots to see and read on your wonderful blog.
    Sandi
    www.thevictoriangypsy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Shane, I always love to visit your blog, love your photos of rural France, and all the lovely creations- always an inspiration!!!
    Thank you for the chance to win
    Debi xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Shane,
    Nice to meet you! I'm part of the blog hop, and I'm delighted I happened upon your wonderful blog!

    ReplyDelete
  25. A lovely post and photo of you! I don't think I've seen your photo much. :) I always enjoy my visits here and the French flavour you share with us. Have a good week ahead. Pam

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love your photos from France. It sounds like you have the same problem as I--always falling behind because there's so much to photograph. I love gardening as well.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am one of your followers and love your posts. Oh yes I would love a chance to win one of your creations. Di@cottage-wishes

    ReplyDelete
  28. Loved this post that shares more of you and your life.. No wonder you love France with your precious family living there in such a beautiful place.. Looking forward to getting to knowing you even more through your blog..
    Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  29. My dear Shane, you are beautiful, my friend :) Your post was a joy to read and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about you.

    I am truly thankful the Lord allowed our paths to cross :) Hugs to you, dear one!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hello Shane, I used to check in with you quite often thru the tea/Tuesday link, but life took me away. So glad to be able to connect again thru this years grow your blog hop. See you soon. :D

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Shane -- as you know, my visit isn't growing your blog because I've been here a long while -- and each and every visit is a treat! But this is the first time I think I've ever seen your lovely face! happy day!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Shane Dear I have been enjoying your blog for some time already and adore all that you share. Now I have even more admiration for your Creative Bliss. I adore France and love not only Paris but also Saint Remy de Provence. Funny I take the same type of photos when traveling...shutters, doors, gates, windows to another lifestyle. Thank you for sharing your journey...

    ReplyDelete
  33. Love your collage. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm visiting from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada and I'm participating in this Grow Your Blog too. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Shane! My name is Kelly and it's so nice to meet you and browse through your gorgeous blog!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I too enjoy "blog hopping" all the time! The inspiration I find and the talent I see...just helps keep me going in the most amazing way!
    Cheri
    fabricandmemories(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Dearest Shane,
    Loved visiting here today; if only for looking at your soft and beautiful face!
    Sending you hugs and blessings,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hello Shane, what a delightful blog; such a blessing to visit. I'm Sandra, one of Vicki's helpers...thanks for being a GYBP 2015 blogger; enjoy the party!

    ReplyDelete
  39. My dearest Shane, I thank you for this wonderful and lovely post!
    It is always a pleasure to visit you here!
    Have a wonderful new week,
    Love and hugs and blessings,
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  40. Beautiful post. Always a delight to see your photos and creative work. Thank you for your generous giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hello Shane
    Such a lovely post for the GYB party!
    I have so enjoyed your photography especially of the French village buildings, fences, windows, doors and doorways. I love all of that beautiful architectural photography. There is something so strong and solid about it all.
    Your Giveaway looks so sweet handing there with your French theme. I am glad you still get to create a little inbetween the working hours and tending to the roses!
    Enjoy your party visits and thanks for coming to see me dear friend.
    x Suzy

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hello Shane
    How quickly time passes. it was this time last year we met, and how much I've enjoyed visiting & getting to know you through the world of blogging. Your post are always a delight to see, full of such lovely photographs. Enjoy your GYB party.
    Yes I did receive your email I will reply later.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I enjoyed visiting your blog. You have created lovely projects!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Another beautiful post, Shane. I always enjoy seeing your lovely collages of your creations and images reflecting your love of France. Every blessing, Linda x

    ReplyDelete
  45. I always enjoy your posts. I adore Paris and love your creations! Have fun at the party!

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a lovely post, Shane, and I enjoyed learning more about you and seeing your pretty face. Hugs sent to you across the miles.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I always enjoy my visits here. Truly works from the heart and photographed so well. I still remember that small group of books with rose colored bindings one of the first photographs that drew me to your blog. Again, I always enjoy my visits here.
    xo,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi Shane,
    I always enjoy your blog! Beautiful photos.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Another lovely visit Shane. It is always a pleasure to sit back and enjoy your blog and wonderful photographs!

    ReplyDelete
  50. So nice to meet you Shane. I also love to garden and raise butterflies. Your collage piece is just gorgeous. I just recently took an online class for journal making, but haven't had a chance to actually make one yet, but looking forward to it. Beautiful blog...new follower here! xo Kim

    ReplyDelete
  51. Great to find your blog - you make some lovely things and I would love to try some of the ideas for collages. I look forward to visitng as a new follower and seeing your photos of France

    ReplyDelete
  52. Such beautiful photographs! I enjoyed reading about you and your adventures in France.

    ReplyDelete
  53. What a lovely portrait of you Shane! I always enjoy seeing the face behind the blog!

    Wishing you a Happy week!

    Madelief x

    ReplyDelete
  54. Beautiful post, Shane. I've been a follower for some time, and love your work. Your giveaway is scrumptious...toss my name in the hat, please!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. So nice to see 'you' Shane! Want to know something? You look just like I thought you would! Enjoy the tour!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. So nice to see 'you' Shane! Want to know something? You look just like I thought you would! Enjoy the tour!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Dearest Shane,
    Happy Anniversary to both of you!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi Shane,
    What a great post. Love your photo !
    You are beautiful !!
    You have a lovely blog with all the wonderful different photo's.
    Want to visit you more often too :)!
    Thank you so much for your visit to my blog.
    Hugs and Blessings,
    Wilma.

    ReplyDelete
  59. So lovely to read your warm words and soak up your super photos.
    I have just come back to the blog world, so would love you to visit me too..... although my photos need some work - you have Inspired me to try harder.
    Than you
    Xx

    ReplyDelete
  60. Great to see a photo of the face behind the blog.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I would visit you even if there wasn't a give-away. I just love seeing what delights you, especially tea, gardens, and France.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Shane you have a beautiful blog and it was so good to get to know you. I am a new blogger and I am learning so much and gaining friendships that are priceless. Thank you for being part of it. XX Jo

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hello Shane. Waving to you from snowy cold eastern Canada, where we're awaiting a big storm and a foot of new snow... Always enjoy your beautiful photos, and travels to France. Thanks for sharing your wonderful blog with us. Hope you'll drop by to visit me at Stitch Lines.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Wow
    You are a lucky gal to go to france ,I have been only tours to Paris never the villages. some day I hope to go. The flea Markets must be to die for. I have order things from ebay that came from France,
    Have fun GROW YOUR BLOG
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  65. Shane, so nice to see a picture of you! Beautiful! And regular trips to France, how lovely! Your collage work is gorgeous. Hope the GYB party is fun for you; I enjoyed it last year, but didn't have time this year.
    Your grandchildren are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Dear Shane, how lovely to 'meet' you. You look as lovely as your beautiful blog, which is the most gorgeous one in blogland, imo.
    PS Been trying to comment for days - the humidity is affecting our download. Isn't technology a bother?
    xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  67. Bonjour Shane,
    How lovely to learn a little more about you through the GYB party. Head over to Normandy Life and you'll find similar mosaics to yours, after all we both love photographing la vie quotidienne en France!
    Maggie xo

    ReplyDelete
  68. What a beautiful woman you are dear Shane,- And I loved seing your picture trail, showing your sweet beautiful grandkids and their beautiful French surroundings, your gorgeous photoes, and stunning roses...everything so beautiful.
    Your giveaway is adorable , and someone will be so thrilled to win this wonderful art piece !
    Hugs from Dorthe

    ReplyDelete
  69. Nice to meet you Shane and nice to see what you do. I live in Alberta Canada and I love the internet because it allows me to meet people from all over the world.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Hi, so nice to reconnect with you from Grow Your Blog Party and visit your beautiful blog. Your photographs are lovely and I am looking forward to following you.
    Have a wonderful day,
    Erin

    ReplyDelete
  71. Dear Shane: Hello from the frozen wastelands of Canada. We're just cleaning up from a 24 hour blizzard and they're predicting more snow and frigid temperatures. It's so nice to read your blog and enjoy your summer vicariously. I have a previous co-worker friend from New Zealand who has moved back home so I get regular updates from her on Facebook about the opposite seasons you have there. She lives in Nelson
    (that's also the name of my cat!)I'm ashamed to say that I have very little knowledge of the geography of New Zealand so I don't know how close you are to her.Your photography is wonderful so I will be following you for that and to hear about your trips to France. I too have a passion for another country. I'm an Anglophile and have been most of my life but even more so after I lived there for 4 years in 1997 to 2001.thanks for you comments on my jewelry.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Hello from Paris, France! How nice to meet you through the GYB party! Your photos are amazing and I enjoyed reading you.

    ReplyDelete
  73. i too love France and am definitly joining up to follow your blog. Yes, I agree there are unending photo ops in this wonderful place. bet you get to go and visit there often with your family there. How fascinating to live in New Zealand though. A place I have never visited, so will look forward to following you! Hugs to you from Texas

    ReplyDelete
  74. I live in the US near Philadelphia, PA. When I was in high school we had an exchange student from Paris. We still keep in touch, and thanks to technology I can see his first grandchild on Instagram!
    Signed, another Francophile

    ReplyDelete
  75. Your photographs and crafts are just gorgeous! I look forward to following your lovely blog.

    ReplyDelete
  76. You throw a great party. Thank you for inviting me!

    So that you know, I've become a Follower and when time permits, I'll be back to see what other beautiful things were made by your hands!

    What this party is all about is to GROW your blog and I'm hoping to do the same. When you get to Section One, check out A Country Chic Retreat and SuZeQ Creations, my personal blog, in Section Fifteen I'd love for you to follow and subscribe to.

    Happy crafting!
    SuZeQ

    ReplyDelete
  77. Lovely post Shane. I love your photos and hearing about France.Thank you for sharing. Have a great week end, Shirley

    ReplyDelete
  78. Hello Shane, thanks for your visit to my blog. Yes, we do have a lot in common, I love tea, taking photo's,grandchildren,Teacups and teapots,vintage roses, and so much more. I love the French Country design and have done my master bedroom in French Country, or at least my version of it. I am following you back and looking forward to more of your wonderful post.
    Sylvia at A Grandma's Blessings

    ReplyDelete
  79. Hi Shane,

    I love your blog! I am also a follower. I was going to do the party this year, but I took too long to decide- I will next year- I love your crafts!
    Hugs,
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  80. Hi Shane! My name's Nataly and I'm from Russia :)) Nice to meet you :)

    ReplyDelete
  81. Hello from sunny southern California! My name is Heather and I am brand new to blogging. Your photos and blog are lovely. I would be pleased to be entered in your contest.
    Blessings and a cup of tea!
    ~Heather Elizabeth
    BlueJeansAndTeacups

    ReplyDelete
  82. I love France, my first home, and hope to return someday, Shane. Like you I am drawn less to the big cities and rather more to the quiet places, timeless regions and unique peoples.

    Will be following you via GFC and Bloglovin (because at my age I can't manage with a single feed LOL) :)

    ReplyDelete
  83. I would so love to win your giveaway Shane. It's just beautiful. When I was 17, I went to live with a French family in Bordeaux and attend classes at the university there. It was one of the greatest experiences in my life and I will always have a soft spot in my heart for all things French.
    kellam.susan@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Dear Shane,

    I love Paris every moment of the year too. It´s a city with a very morbide charme. Thank god, my friend Annemarie lives in Paris. Your photos have a special charme too, I love them.

    Wish me luck. Luv Babs

    ReplyDelete
  85. Hi Shane. It seems we keep brushing shoulders, and I don't mind that at all. You have such a lovely blog.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Hello Shane,

    It was so nice meeting you. Your picture is lovely. I wanted to thank you so much for stopping by and giving me a "follow". Your pictures here are beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Shane, you are so pretty! Lovely to catch a glimpse of you!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Hello dear Shane, so nice to see you participating in GYB too. Your giveaway is so gorgeous!! I've put it on my blog sidebar. Thank you for giving us a chance to win one of your gorgeous creations. And oh how I love you rambling on about France villages and gardening. You couldn't bore me with it if you'd wanted to, because I love these subjects. Because I can't live without plants and gardens and flowers. And being a French girl living in the Netherlands, I love love seeing photos of my Father's home country. I wish I could spend more time there. Wishing you a beautiful day! Big hugs and happy smiles, Wendy of Apple and Apricot

    ReplyDelete
  89. Dear Shane,
    greetings from frozen Alsace.
    You make lovely pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  90. I enjoyed learning about you and what you do. Its a pleasure meeting you. I've became a new follower. Thanks for giving us a chance to win something from the giveaway. My email is per7867@yahoo.com.

    ReplyDelete
  91. Hi Shane! Greetings from Virginia. Today is the first day of "cooking" for maple syrup, which means spring is not so far away for us. :) I enjoyed your post. Your photography is beautiful! Thanks for sharing so much about yourself. Your other creations are lovely, too. I'd be proud to own something made by your hands. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Your love of France shows in all the beautiful photos you take when you are visiting your family.
    Gorgeous collage, Shane, how sweet of you to offer it as a giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  93. Hi Shane,

    I've always enjoyed your photography whether it be from your France adventures or your adventures in Aukland. And on this post, I got to see a photo of you. How lovely you are. Thank you for sharing your photos on this blog post and I hope you find new followers during the GYBP.

    Marrianna in Flagstaff AZ USA

    ReplyDelete
  94. Thanks Shane for the opportunity to enter you beautiful giveaway. I have been a long time follower of your gorgeous blog & always enjoy your posts. I meant to take part in the Grow Your Blog party this year but missed my moment. Perhaps next year. Sending hugs my friend, Julie x0x

    ReplyDelete
  95. I'm still making my way through the wonderful list of participants in the Grow your Blog event. I see we have many things in common. Paris is a city I would love to visit. Please enter my name in your give away. Right now we are in the midst of winter with lots of snow and ice.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Dear Shane, your photos are great. I so enjoy looking at pictures from France. You do super with a point-and-shoot camera. I am excited to be in your giveaway. Your blog is always interesting. Pat.

    ReplyDelete
  97. You take beautiful pictures. :) I would LOVE to be entered in your giveaway. :) Thank you for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  98. Wow, what lovelies to be found in your gorgeous blog which I am happily following now on GFC! God bless!

    ILuvTheEucharist @ aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. What a beautiful blog, and so nice to meet you! I am in California and unfortunately don't get the opportunity to travel, but I am content. I care for my elderly mother, I crochet and knit, love to garden and I dearly love my cats, Romeo, Rose and HoBo.

    Stop by and say hello sometime!
    www.sanderellascrochet.com

    Sandy

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...