Thursday 3 June 2010

That was the Wednesday that was..

This post will mean very little to you if this is your first stop at Stamping Ground, but read it anyway - it's mostly all about me, and how you're never too old to be grateful for any sort of inspiration!This beautiful card from Anne (Liverpool Lou)

So yesterday was the WOYWW first anniversary. Loads of participating bloggers asked if I'd ever dreamed that WOYWW would become such a big thing. No. Didn't consider it, didn't forecast anything for it at all. If I did give it any thought, it would have been along the lines of 'aha, a chance to show off', because that's who I am. But I'm also a middle aged hormonal woman with a memory problem and to be honest, I can't remember any motive other than typing a blog being slightly less crazy than talking aloud to yourself.

This beautiful card from Jane at Milliesmarvels
I did not anticipate or understand the swell of friendliness and serious participation that WOYWW would produce; indeed by January, I thought it would probably die it's own death because it might get boring. It was Angie (Shozzy) who told me about the anniversary, and she too suggested that I mark it with a challenge of some sort. So I thought about it for all of five minutes and came up with AC- Anniversary Challenge - the idea that, as we all celebrate our work spaces once a week, so we should make something to adorn it -practical or not, and to include the blessedly stupid, useless acronym. I thought that a handful of people would participate- after all, my mantra is 'it's meant to be fun' and the last thing that WOYWW should do is induce any sort of stress.

This beautiful card from Twiglet and Wipso
Sisters Crafty Creations

So yesterday was a total shocker for me. It was unspeakably lovely. Humbling. Over 90 Anniversary Challenge projects, all of which took precious time and supplies to conceive and make, and all to mark a habit born of a whim. You will never, ever understand how overwhelmed I was to find that you had bothered. I cried. Not big gulping snotters, but goodness, some very dignified and arty silvery tears sliding prettily and silently....you get it. I'm humbled by your generosity of spirit - whether you made an AC project or not, whether yesterday was your first or 52nd WOYWW; your part in the whole is incredible.

And all the lovely messages and plaudits have been very flattering, and indeed, my head is super ginormous today....but you need to remember - I may have started it, but the whole thing is sustained by all of you. Ahem. Speech: WOYWW belongs to the people of WOYWW! We all get a little bit of promotion out of it and the rest is time and good humour. And that comes across the internet waves loud and clear. Thanks for sharing. Do it again. And again!

46 comments:

Mummylade said...

now you brought tears to MY eyes...

Kay said...

Julia, it has been a pleasure sharing Wednesdays with you for the past few months, and I hope to carry on for the next year too. As I am on leave this week I managed to visit everyone and post comments on just about all of the 120 blogs yesterday (and the last few today), which was great fun. Thanks once again for starting this and for keeping it fresh and interesting with your posts x

Jane said...

Aw Julia I have a lump in my throat! I only joined in the last few months but have been made very welcome and love all the comments I have received...really boosts the creative mind!lol
I wonder how many there will be taking part in a years time...200...300......

I am still working my way through them all x

Linby said...

How lovely that you got actual cards sent too! You really are up there in the league of those thhat started big things, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, those guys who did yahoo..., you get the idea. Well done Julia for being a worthy leader and creating WOYWW
Linbyx

Unknown said...

Well all I can say is wednesday wouldnt be the same without you, even though I wake up all sore on Thursday especially my bum for sitting too long on it., big smile,
Christine x

Jamie said...

I loved taking part yesterday and going through the different blogs as each person posted. I loved the many and varied WOYWWAC's and always enjoy the nosey along the way, thanks so much for starting all of this! x

Angie said...

I second everything you say ...who would have thought it ...and as you said in an earlier post ...WOYWW is gaining more followers than many challenge blogs ...we are all part of this cos we are nosey and friendly and loving...and we have a great leader in you xx
I have had a bit of a rest from the links today as my back got a little stiff but I WILL visit everyone this week.

Ann said...

Julia, I was also moved by the response yesterday from all the WOYWWers. All of the projects were absolutely fantastic - things I would never ever have thought of - creativeness beyond anything I expected to see - so much effort, thought and love put into each post. Your followers united in a common cause are a sight to behold!
You deserve the plaudits and the cards and the attention for starting it all.

Twiglet said...

Aw that's lovely!! (Sniff, sniff, dab eye and blow nose!!) Enjoy this wonderful sunny evening!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You had me laughing when I started reading this post and crying by the time I got to the comments. I am part of this silly acronym-laden collaboration because of YOU. You made me feel welcome and all warm and fuzzy inside. You knew my art was different from yours and it didn't matter. In fact, you encouraged me to be myself and now I look forward to Wednesday with anticipation. You are the glue that holds this group together.

I, too, was surprised by how quickly this concept took hold after the first of this year. The fact that you kept it going is a tribute to your award-winning attitude. BTW, I think you SHOULD put the neat freak badge on your blog, just to see how many people comment (grin).

Since I sat on my posterior staring at work desks yesterday (and reading every word written by every artist), I have not had a chance to think about or post the award you bestowed on me. I have not forgotten it, I'm just not sure how many wordsmiths I know. It may take me a few days to get the award together, but I just wanted to let you know, I have NOT forgotten it, or the honor you bestowed upon me.

Milliesmarvels said...

Aw bless your cottons, if you were trying to make me cry...you did! I have tears in my eyes too...
Yesterday was lovely, can't believe how many people take part now and all the Projects were just lovely.
Jane
x

Kate said...

Have to say the thought of your dignified tears made me giggle. keep doing what you do, we love it.

** Kate **

Darcy Marshall said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Darcy Marshall said...

Awww Julia, yesterday was such a fun day.Thankyou. I had a great time visiting everybody, and I think I just about got around to everyone. OH wanted to go out yesterday, and I was a bit mortified that I might miss the celebrations but persuaded him to go out last night instead...phew!

I got some amazing,wonderful comments and saw and read some fabulous blogs. my head was buzzing with all the inspiration,photos of kitties and poochies and babies and storage and projects,witty comments and love....definately the love.

here's to WOYWW and all who sail in her.

Create With Joy said...

Oh Julia, what a touching post (and what beautiful cards!) Since I am on the tail end of the group timewise, I am still winding my way through the posts, but I have loved viewing the projects I have seen and have been touched by everyone's posts - it's a tribute to you that so many have participated and created so many amazing projects in your honor! I really love the camraderie here. I appreciate that every week you take the time to visit us all. There are people I look forward to hearing from each week as a result of this group, and every week, I try to make it a point to visit a few new people and thus broaden the WOYWW circle in my own life.

Thanks for being a unifying force among us.
"May the circle be unbroken".

Hugs
Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

Diana said...

It IS pretty amazing, this little movement you have started. You have every right to be proud. When I saw all the projects (well not all, I didn't get to everyone's blog) I was just, WOW. Some really beautiful creations (I am way out of my league here!)
I guess these things sometimes just happen, and this one not only "just happened" it happened in a fabulous way that has added a bit of sweetness to everyone's lives.
Brava!
PS you are absolutely right about why I was so keen to get the poem in DH's handwriting on the page...

Julie said...

You are a unifying force Julia!! You've had me welling up after reading your post and I've still got loads of desks to visit so they might be a bit soggy after!! Juliexx

Annie said...

I can only echo what everyone else has said and thank you for being you and doing what you do. It was very obvious from all the efforts to make the WOYWWACs what everyone thinks of you so keep doing what you do.
Hugs,
A x

Bettythebaglady said...

Dear Julia-I haven't managed to get to every desk but I would dearly love to -I've tried oh yes I have 'cos I was so inspired yesterday. By the time I saw Cardarian's picture I started to cry too. Why? I think it was because what she said resonated so strongly with what I too feel about crafting that she validated my own experience. It was such fun to see all the different things people had made and many hadn't done something they always do -oh no -you gave them the confidence (me included) to push themselves beyond their boundaries because they wanted to. I'm not surprised it was Shozzie's idea either. I do think if we met IRL we could have oodles of fun but meanwhile-see you Wednesday-although DH has to be at the hospital by 9 am to be fitted with a 24hr heart monitor sooo-see you Wednesday LOL BettyXXX

The Crafty Goat Girl said...

Hi Julia, be load and proud dear friend, its such a pleasure to take part each week, I look forward to messing up my desk so that I can photo it, lol! Thanks for this wonderful idea, long may it continue! hugs Heidi xx

Helen said...

I want to add my thanks to you for keeping this going - I haven't played from the start, my blog has only been going since September and I don't know how I lived without it - or all of you. Thanks to you, I have found blogs I never knew existed and feel as though I have made loads of friends. I have even met some of them! So, thanks again, and here's to the next year!! It has been a privilege to take part (since I got the digi camera sorted!)

Anonymous said...

awwww now I'm gonna cry!

Unknown said...

I am a tad disappointed there were no big gulping snotters ... note to self ... Must try harder :0)
But I too had a lovely warm and fuzzy feeling trawling through all those blogs and am amazed that so many lovely people say so many lovely things on so many lovely Wednesdays!

PaperArtsy said...

I have only been here 2 weeks and Im welling up!!!
Being the anniversary edition I really wanted to make an effort to get round all the desks! I am sooo glad I did. It nor only gave me a chance to be a proper nosey Parker, lol, but I didn't realise how inspiring it is to see what everyone is up to. Such a range of interests everyone has. People from far and wide. Many familiar faces and many new ones, and how happy and jolly you all are ( well that is until queen Ju made us all cry today). Thanks for having me along. I am so looking forward to the year ahead! Leandra the newbie

Carmen said...

I love WOYWW's and although I've missed a few lately I'm always with you all in spirit. I can't believe it's been a year already! Gorgeous post today Julia.

Thank you for your lovely comment today but you were wrong :P It was number 3 that was truth. I did indeed tell my careers adviser all that stuff and still dream of being a trucker today. (To many people have nicked and done the coffee shop in a book shop idea now! They stole it from me they did! And I think a cave may be a bit cold and not have such good broadband reception upon reflection!)Blame Sly Stallone and his film Over The Top and also there was a film actually called Convoy! I even had a walkie talkie on my bike and used to play Convoys with my sister. You'll never guess what my 'handle' was... Rubber duckie! *g* I even taped the convoy song off the film.. We got us a great big truckin' convoy rockin' through the night... convoooooooooooy! *ahem* Maybe I shouldn't have admitted all that :P

Ginny said...

happy anniversary, when I get unpacked I hope to be able to visit again :0)

Anne said...

Oh! I may have something in my eye.

Pam said...

I am so looking forward to getting home to my laptop tomorrow so I can spen a couple of days catching up on everyones desks I missed my Wednesday routine and not taking my coat off for the first couple of hours when ofer home as I'm so engrossed in checking everyones desks out . Hugs Pam xx

Jennie -The Artistic Stamper said...

Julia, as you know I am not the blubbing type, but you well deserve all the plaudits sent to you.. you have truly made the middle of the week very special for a lot of people... see I am crying now....() Long may it last..
xx

Unknown said...

Well this is a wonderful way to just say we are all just as nosey as the next woman ha ha

I have been taking part about a month maybe two who knows with time speeding by so quickly? Every week I wonder where the last went. Oh how I have enjoyed looking at every ones desk, floor chair draws etc and seeing all the wonderful creativity.

And you are so fun and such a sweetie I think this is why we come come back again & again. I love all the ideas all the girlies put forward from storage (I have even bought stuff after looking at peoples desks, floors etc) he he And all the wonderful projects I have seen not just this week (which were very special!)but every week.

I love that each week I get a load of nosy parkers come to my house and tell me I am creative, messy and fun!and most of all that I have inspired others to try something new! and I can tell you now, you have all done the same for me.

I would just like to throw an idea out there for next years anniversary (you know this is no way gonna stop don't you Julia) well my idea is that we all have a RL get together now, I know it's not possible for every one to fly all over the place but if this Wednesday madness has taught me anything, it's that we have all made so many new friends (I really like this part of the WOYWW) and I know that some of you have managed to get together but it would be super duper if we could arrange a RL meet up with some of the buddies we have made, we have a year to organise something! in each perspective country we live and we can all take picks Just imagine all the face to face fun, smiles and laughter we would have, and show them on the WOYWW anniversary, or is this just too much of a ligistical nightmare? Just thought I would throw it out there!

Well if anyone wants to meet up make sure I am involved I would really love to meet these WONDERFUL, 'ONEST, YOUNG, WICKEDLY funny, WOMEN (WOYWW) as well as very talented women in real life.

Great idea Jules and I am so happy that this took off in so many ways this is a big part of not just my week, but 100 plus or so other women who take part every week and its so much FUN!

Love Dawn xx

CoventryAnn said...

Well done Julia, you really are a crafting phenomenon!!!! As a bloggy friend pre WOYWW I always feel a bit guilty that I've only joined in once in the year :o ..... but I use the fact that I have to craft on the kitchen table which is always clear on a Wednesday in the middle of my working week as my excuse... nevertheless, I do enjoy looking at other peoples crafting spaces!

Foil Play said...

What a lovely post, and what beautiful cards you received :-)

Well done to you on starting this phenomenon, Julia!

Unknown said...

well - what can I add to all of these wonderful comments and testemonies of what WOYWW really means for a heck of a lot of people...

Without discovering blogland, and WOYWW - I could possibly have been having a hellish time right now - or in the past few months - but meeting all these wonderful folk - whether in this country or even another continent, hemesphere - has soooo got me through the tough times... You know how I feel about WOYWW - even two major surgeries couldn't keep me from taking part - you even got my hospital desk one week!!! LOL...

Guess what - that was all down to you... bringing these lovely people who, whether i've met IRL or not, are my friends, companions, confidents, support group etc etc... thank YOU from the bottom of my heart...

I believe in fate - and it was meant to be that I discovered your great blog -

I almost remember the first time I commented on one of your posts... you had me in stitches... I think it was something to do with not conforming and making loads of cards with those faceless characters... which made me think I'd found someone on my wavelenght!!! That, as they say my friend, is now history!!!

big hugs

Paula

Sandi said...

I wanted to let you know that I am "a faithful follower" who does not have a blog. I wouldn't consider missing a WOYWW! I am sure I am not alone & there are others like me out there.

Andrea - Wales, UK said...

Awe....I'm crying now!!
I've only been a part of WOYWW for 10 weeks and it is the reason I set up my Blog. I must say it took me a while to take the plunge but I'm so glad I did.
I'm applauding as loud as I can and shouting "encore" because you deserve it. You truly are the "Queen of snoop..... oops sorry I meant Wednesday's "
I'm proud to be part of this special family..Thank you!

See you next week!!!

xx

Lyn said...

Oooooooh, Little Happy Snotter from Sutton here ... You always make me laugh, from little sniggers, belly chuckles and all the way through to howling and hanging over the arms of my chair, helpless with laughter and for this I thank you.

You also make the odd one or several, happy, and in this case, very proud, tiny tears trickle down my cheeks onto my keyboard. Proud because of Dolly Endearings, past and present and for all of these things, I thank you.

Keep up the good work - this world is a much better place for this little corner of crafting camaraderie. After all, it really IS all about YOU, Jules old chum, and don't you ever let us forget it!

Rosie said...

Oh POO, I managed to miss it! I made my WOYWW anniversary thingy before I jetted off to the USA, so that I could put it on my blog as soon as I got back! Guess what? Jet-lagged brain forgot not to mention thinking it was Thursday, so I've managed to miss all the fun! Never mind, I'll be there again next week ...

mckinkle said...

Well Julia, you sure have started something fun and its great to feel part of it and to be honest, I have to say it is the only thing that Ive joined in with that has made me feel welcome.

What a great day it was, well done you for all of your encouraging comments, they make it all worthwhile!

Keryn x

Kathy said...

awww You big softie!
You had a fab idea - one that caught the attention and created a link between crafty souls all over the world. It's great fun to be part of and I'm so glad I found you - I have absolutely no idea how that happened, but what a result!
You make me laugh, you make me think and you make me nod in agreement a lot of the time. Oh, and your crafting is fab too!
, and Happy Anniversary

Nicks said...

Bless ya heart, you are lovely

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Ah, how lovely. I've got a little silvery tear too :o) It's great to be part of this Julia, thank you for starting it and enabling us to take part ;o)
Anne xxx

minnie_mac said...

Julia

I echo the sentiments of those who have commented before me. What a wonderful celebration of a year of nosiness. And here's to many more !

Marilyn
x

Nikki said...

Awe Julia you've created something that is just so fun to be apart of :) I love to snoop thru everyones desks or at least I try to get around there's alot of us now WOW indeed. I think next year you'll have to make it a week long to hop thru everyones blogs .. I'm still looking.
those are some beautiful cards you've got there too :)
hugs
Nikki

Joey said...

Julia!!! you have such a perfect way with words! I love wednesdays and thats all thanks to you and the girls :O) xxx

ikki said...

I think it's fair to say that from WOYWW has come friendship - and you dear Julia have made that possible with your brill, scatty, not tried before idea. Thank you, now dry your eyes, blow your nose, and think of something else we can do!?!!?!? ikki x

Sue from Oregon said...

I love your WOYWW and have become so addicted. It truly has become a lovely habit and something I look forward to. I have made some wonderful friends as well. I didn't get to play last week, but I still have my anniversary project in my mind and it may still get made! I get to play this week, but then cherry harvest hits and I work every day, so please don't give up on me! Congrats on such a great milestone!