Welcome to my blog! A potpourri of thoughts and experiences.
Who am I? I came kicking into this world early one summer morning and was described as a daughter. Just over two years later, I became known as a sister when my squalling siblings joined me in the home. I grew up, as many do, living with my sisters and parents in middle class suburbia. High school came, and was lived though. I stepped on the university campus and became known for 5 years as a full-time ‘varsity student. The experience for me was liberating as I integrated into student life and I read and debated on topics of interest.
Eventually the freedom I experienced from being a student was curtailed by responsibility: I graduated holding my degree proudly; and then stepped into the classroom. My days in front of the classroom were balanced with the time I spent dancing in the evenings, reading voraciously, and sewing. Years later, my life changed again when I became known as a wife (on a day filled with celebration) and a mother (when holding my own infant in my arms). Changing my address from one country to another has earned me the name immigrant.
I am made up of all the adjectives used to describe me, the experiences that have formed me, and the thoughts that flow through me when I read and react to what is happening in my surroundings. My blog is an expression of who I am; a potpourri of my experiences, thoughts, and feelings. I look forward to getting to know who you are as I share what I am.
Hello, Colline! I just wanted to thank you for stopping by my place and for taking the time to comment. Now that I’m here and see how comfy your digs are, I’ll be back — but in a nice way, not like the Terminator. 🙂
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You will be most welcome 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by my blog Colline, it’s much appreciated! I really like what you’re doing here, keep it up!
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Thanks for the comment, Colline! I’ll be stopping by regularly . . .
Cheers,
S.
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Hey hope ur having a great weeekend, I just nominated you for The Kreativ Bloggers Award, Check out the nomination on http://tyakhan.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/the-kreativ-bloggers-award/:)))
Keep writing good stuff
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Thank you so much for the nomination! I will work on creating an acceptance post this week 🙂
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Hi Colline! I am pleased to present you with the the Kreativ Blogger Award. Please check it out at http://misformarriageandmotherhood.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/blogger-awards/ Enjoy!
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Thank you so much, I am honoured. Look out for my acceptance post 🙂
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Hi Colline! Thanks for the follow and congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts!
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Hello and congratulations! You’ve just been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award. I do enjoy reading your posts. There is no pressure to take part, but if you wish to know what it entails, click on: http://somethingville.com/2012/02/18/versatile-blogger-award/
Have a great weekend!
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Thank you for the honour Christine. I will work on an acceptance post 🙂
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Hi Colline! Thanks for visiting my blog and for following! I love your description “a potpourri of thoughts and experiences”. I am looking forward to reading your posts too. Have a great day! 🙂
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http://photographyofnia.com/2012/02/22/i-am-honored-by-your-awards-thank-you/
Dear Colline you are one of my nominated blogger for the ABC Award. Thank you, with my love, nia
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Thank you so much Nia. I will now work on my ABCs 🙂
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Hi Colline, thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment; I look forward to reading more of your potpourri of experiences on return visits. I am glad tomeet you!
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Work on your ABCsx2….I’ve just also nominated you for the ABC award. : )
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Thanks Alex! I think I need to work on them this weekend! 🙂
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It is nice to meet you Colleen…Great Blog and I am so glad I found you 🙂 Jackie Have a great weekend,
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Welcome Jackie. Have a great rest of the weekend too 🙂
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So glad you caught my unusual photo – now I have met you I will return to see what next arrives in your bowl. You sound like someone who enjoys their life, good wishes, Elspeth
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I try to Elspeth – or else life is not worth living 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by my blog! I will keep my eye on yours.
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Thank you Colline for stopping by my site and commenting on various posts. I have replied to all, I think. It is with new found blogger friendship and the enjoyment of reading and following your site that makes writing and posting all the more enjoyable. thanks ….;) be seeing ya. a Brit trying to be american don’t work does it? ‘Have a good day’
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Found the links on your posts interesting to read – that is what I like about this 7×7 link award. I have now been introduced to more of your work. Enjoy the rest of your day too – see ya 🙂
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I’ve nominated you for the Genuine Blogger Award you can find all the details here: http://takingsnaps.wordpress.com/2012/03/22/day-97-genuine-blogger-award/
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Thank you so much for this compliment. I have finally worked on my acceptance post! Look out for it this week 🙂
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Hi.. I have nominated you for ”Sunshine Award” and many more awards. Please visit to: http://googsy.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/858/ to check the details.
Congrats 🙂
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hey there,
i have nominated you for the versatile blogger award! CONGRATS!
http://javeriyasayeed.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/nominated-i-am/
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Thank you so much Javeriya. Look out for my post this week will will give you a mention 🙂
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Hello Colline!! I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated your wonderful blog for the Sunshine Award!! You can visit my blog for the details. Congrats!! 🙂
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Thank you so much. I have finally put together a post to let my readers know 🙂
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Colline, Thanks for stopping by so I could find you! Love your about page. What countries have you lived in? What a great experience! Looking forward to reading your blog!
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I was born and bread in South Africa. After university I spent some time in Europe with Paris as my home base (I was an au pair for a year). Currently I live in Toronto with my husband and children 🙂
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I know you already have a lot of awards but I am nominating you anyway for the Versatile Blog Award. It is my way of saying thank you for your time and effort in your writing. Much of your life reflects mine with moving, being a stay at home mom. I am originally from Ontario Canada and have a summer home not far from Toronto. Any way here is the link to the award, do with it as you wish. This is just my way of saying thanks.
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Looking forward to follow your amazing life journey. There’s always inspiring in another one’s story. Somehow, it connects all of us, hope and dreams. Best wishes…
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Thank you. And isn’t that how we make connections with others? By listening to their life stories?
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Yes, by listening, sharing and celebrating their life stories we become connected. It also make us feel that we are not alone in the joys and pains of life. That all of us go through a similar road. The only difference is whom we walk it with and how many people we try to reach out to. Thanks
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THanks for the follow – have reciporcated to watch you & your daughter’s journey 🙂 & I like your photos
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Thank you 🙂
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Wow, took a closer look at your blog. You are quite the net worker. There is versatility in your work that I appreciate. Will stop again. Thanks for the comment, it blesses deep.
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Thank you for the compliment. I did not want to be bound by a particular theme or topic. Instead I write/post whatever comes mind, or whatever I read that I wish to share with others that I have come to know through blogging.
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Great page you have here Colline , I update my about page too
We all know this Like box option is very late in appearance more power to your blog 🙂
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I agree – it shows you too that people have read your page even though they did not have a comment 🙂
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Colline, I passed on the One Lovely Blog award to you in my post today. You do have a lovely blog. And you are one lovely person too. George
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Thank you for the compliment George. Today I am working on my “acceptance speech” 🙂
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You are a sweetheart, Colline. 🙂
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I love your blog! Keep sharing! 🙂
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Thank you, and welcome 🙂
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Thank you for following my blog. Time seems to be compressed lately. I awake today feeling so grateful for my life and all its’ blessings so I decided to start thanking people. Blog-pals are important to me.
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I look forward to knowing you more 🙂
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Hey Colline,
I hear ya on the squabling siblings lol I have two younger brothers. Even though my bros and I are all in our 30’s now we still get into our occasional arguements!
What classes and grades do you teach? My wife is a high school teacher and I hated most of my high school teachers though my opinion of high school teachers changed when I met my wife! Congrats on getting married and your child! My wife and I have been married two years though no children yet, hopefully they will come soon.
Great too meet you and thanks for checking out my blog!
James
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I am currently teaching grade 1 French Immersion – though I have taught children of all grades and even adults. Enjoy the solo time you have with your wife because life does change when you add little personalities to your life (though I would not change that scenario for anything!).
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Wow, you have a wonderful way with words! Thanks for stopping by snappy~speak today. Nice to meet you!
~Christy
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I think I am going to enjoy looking at your photos 🙂
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Good! Visit whenever you like!
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Thank you for visiting and following my blog. I am very pleased to have found yours – lots of reading here that I need to catch up on 🙂
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Glad you like it. I look forward to getting to know you 🙂
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Hi Colline!! Thanks for visiting my blog…it looks like you are a traveler (or expat) and teacher…right up my alley! I look forward to connecting more 🙂
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Yes, I no longer live in the land of my birth (thus the references to snow from someone born in the southern hemisphere). I, too, look forward to getting to know you 🙂
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what a unique ‘about’ page! nice to meet you and your beautiful blog.
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Thank you. You are welcome to join us any time 🙂
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Hi Colline! Don’t you just love Internet connections? Thanks for stopping by on Born and Raised. I’m glad you found me…now I can follow along here!
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I really do love them – and the inspiration we can give one another 🙂
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Thanks for visiting my blog today and clicking the like button. Loved reading about your workday.
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Thank you Ruth. I look forward to reading more of your posts 🙂
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Hi there Colline, this is to let you know I’ve nominated you for the The Epically Awesome Award of Epic Awesomeness! I’m not sure if you’ve received this one, but you certainly deserve it!
http://alexautindotcom.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/the-epically-awesome-award-of-epic-awesomeness/
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No, I have not. Definitely an award to respond to 🙂
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Hello Colline, thank you for taking a look at belgradestreets today, I enjoyed reading your summary of your life….different perspectives and yet we all stay the same inside despite the adjectives others use to label us…. Andy
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So true. We change labels often in our lives; and yet we intrinsically stay the same throughout our life.
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Thanks for the follow, Colline. I’ve seen you coming in going over my time here on WP, and so glad we’ve made a connection now. Thanks!
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I look forward to reading your posts – they look interesting 🙂
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Hi Colline ,
Your ‘ a potpourri of ( my ) thoughts, experiences and feelings ” is great !
Keep going !
utham
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Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the reading 🙂
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I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a Super Sweet Blogger Award, you can find it here: http://haksphotos.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/super-sweet-blogger-award/
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Thank you. I have finally managed to respond in a post 🙂
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Congrats!
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Thank you 🙂
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I saw you were reading “Becoming Marie Antoinette.” Is it any good?
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Excellent. I am working on a book review – look out for it this week 🙂
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Excellent presentation!
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Thank you. I tried to share as much about me as I could without going on for too long.
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Hey Colline, thanks for stopping by my blog and taking the time to comment. I’ve been having fun browsing through yours. Cheers!
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Glad you enjoyed the visit 🙂
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I must say you have a highly interesting blog here, keep up the great work.
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Thank you for the lovely compliment 🙂
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I really like how you tell your story in this page. I especially love that you describe your blog as a potpourri of your experiences, feelings and thoughts. I believe your readers do enjoy breathing in its colorful scents. 😀
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Thank you Hari. I like that I am not limited in posting on a particular subject. I blog about whatever comes to mind 🙂
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You seem like a very interesting person! Got yourself a follower from here. 🙂
xoxo
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Thank you and welcome 🙂
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Hello Colline,
Just stopping by to say thank you for visiting my blog and your kind words. I really appreciate that.
Congratulations with your award!
Have a lovely day and week to come:)
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You too – happy crocheting 🙂
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I love the flag counter at the bottom of this page – really sweet, and so many flags!
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I find it so interesting that people from all over the world have read what I have written. I love that the internet has allowed us to make this connection.
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I remember reading your about page a while back, but I was sure I had commented. It is nice getting to know you .)
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I enjoy getting to know you as well Paula 🙂
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ciao! luvFAB blog.
thebestdressup
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Thank you so much 🙂
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I like the idea of potpourri!
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Thank you. I feel it gives me the liberty to post whatever comes to mind 🙂
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I know the name Colline from the character in Henri Murger’s Scènes de la vie de Bohème, which was the basis for the opera La Bohème. Any connection?
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I have never been told of this connection, and I am now unable to find out. My dad did choose my name: he grew up in a French-speaking family and he enjoyed the opera very much. La Boheme was one of his favourites.
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As you probably know, colline is the French word for a hill. In the story, though, Colline is the name of a supporting character, a young man who’s a student of philosophy.
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Interesting to learn, thank you.
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Congratulations!
I have nominated your blog for The Working to Change the World Award.
You can read more about this nomination at:
http://michelleclementsjames.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/511/
You’ve worked very hard on your blog and are very worthy of this accolade.
Have a wonderful day!
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Thank you for the wonderful compliment Michelle. Sorry it took so long to respond.
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Not a problem. They are very time consuming, so I always get around to them when I can.
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Thank you for understanding 🙂
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Congratulations Colline!
I have nominated your blog for The Field of Flowers Award.
You can read more about this nomination at:
http://michelleclementsjames.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/the-field-of-flowers-award/
You’ve worked very hard on your blog and you and your blog are very worthy of this accolade.
Have a wonderful day!
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I have finally managed to respond to this Michelle – Thank you 🙂
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Hi. What a wonderful, interesting woman you are. I am so glad you’re sharing with all of us around the world.
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Thank you. And welcome to my space 🙂
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Congratulations Colline!
I have nominated your blog for the Liebster Award.
You can read more about this nomination at:
http://michelleclementsjames.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/549/
You’ve worked very hard on your blog and you and your blog are very worthy of this accolade.
Have a wonderful day!
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Thank you. This was the first award I ever received for this blog. My acceptance of this award can be read in the post I created as a response: https://collinesblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/the-liebster-blog-award/
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Congratulations Colline!
I have nominated your blog for the The Versatile Blogger Award.
You can read more about this nomination at:
http://michelleclementsjames.com/2014/04/06/the-versatile-blogger-award/
You’ve worked very hard on your blog and you and your blog are very worthy of this accolade.
Have a wonderful day!
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Thank you for your nomination. I have received this award before and you can read my response to the questions when you read the following post: https://collinesblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/versatile-blogger-award/
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I believe you are a nice person so it will be a pleasure following you.
At least till I get off the hook and unstuck from the glue that binds.
Kind regards Jack.
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Welcome to my blog Jack. I look forward to getting to know you.
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A new cyberspace friend. To really get to know me visit my
best pal, I think you will like checking her blog archives and the posts in progress.
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You can leave the link to her blog here.
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http://pommepal.wordpress.com/ Our latest adventure.
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Hi Colline, thank you for waiting so patiently for me to make my way over to your blog to say many thanks for the follow on my wee blog. You are most welcome and please feel free to comment. Hope you are having a great week. Will now take a look around your blog, MM 🍀
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Your blog looks interesting and I look forward to seeing your posts.
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I love your description of yourself on this “About” page — we have a lot in common! I look forward to reading more.
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Your blog looks interesting too. I look forward to getting to know you a little more.
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Love the new header. Is it spring there yet? Your Sakura is looking very pretty.
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Thank you. Spring has finally arrived 🙂 I am loving the colours of the flowers and the warmer air.
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Nice.
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Hi Colline. Thank you so much for taking out time and visiting my blog. I hope you liked it. I would love to read more from you.
Cheers
Aanchal
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Welcome to my blog. I hope you enjoy the time you spend here.
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Just stopped by to return the favor and was nicely surprised by your writing style. Will read some more when I get a chance.
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Look forward to seeing your gravatar in the comments section 🙂
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You have a great site and you blog basically as I do inspired by prompts that inspire my other writings. I will follow to draw inspiration as I use WordPress’s daily prompts and now the inspiring prompt section you have provided. Great posting!
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Your blog looks interesting as well 🙂
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Many thanks for following my blog. I look forward to exploring your lovely blog as well.
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Thank you Mary. Well written poetry is always a pleasure to read 🙂
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I have nominated you for the Premio Dardos Award, which recognizes cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values in the form of creative and original writing. Thank you for showing excellence in your writing. I continue to learn from your excellent example. Colleen, from http://silverthreading.com ❤
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Thanks for coming to my blog and commenting Colline. Always nice to see someone from out in the world making the effort. 🙂 Where exactly are you anyway?
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I am currently living in Toronto, Canada 🙂
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Wow really great about page! I deffinetly will follow and keep a watch on your posts!
If you don’t mind I am new and trying to build followers, likes and comments. Mind visiting my blog and helping a new blogger? 🙂
https://brasscharmcompany.wordpress.com
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Welcome to my blog and I hope you enjoy my posts. I look forward to getting to know you better.
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I was going through the Day7challenge of blogging 201 about community and i found myself here. Great adjectives about you Colline. Lovely post. 🙂
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Thank you so much Oba 🙂
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You are most welcome.
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Hi Colline! I found your blog through the events listing in WP. I’m in love with the idea of your event and I am excited to participate in it. 🙂
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Welcome Kat. I look forward to reading your posts.
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A pleasure to meet you Colline. I enjoy reading your thoughtful posts. Thanks for visiting and following my blog. I look forward to reading more of your posts. Happy New Year from Canada!
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I look forward to reading your work – it certainly sounds interesting 🙂
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Hello, Colline. Thank you for following my blog. All the best in your writing.
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Thank you Diane. I look forward to learning from you.
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http://photographyofnia.com/2016/02/16/sunshine-blogger-award/
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I found your blog through the events…I am all about gratitude and gratefulness. I try to always keep the glass half full. I was almost killed in a car accident, except luckily I was just left with a traumatic brain injury (coma for 5 weeks, paralyzed on my left side and lost my vision for a bit). I became a better person for that experience and learned much about life at 21, a young just married. So did my husband. We have been married now for 37 years, together for 40. I was 16 when we got together and he is still the love of my life. We also lost our second son, Sean Patrick. That too made me a better mom to my 4 other children. I love anything that has to do with gratitude ❤ I'll be following and participating in your blogging event. Blessings ❤
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Sounds like you have plenty to be grateful for. It is wonderful that you have been together with the person you love for so long. You are truly a role model to others. I look forward to reading your gratitude posts.
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How sweet of you too say ❤ People just don't know what there comments mean. They were like words from the Angel's today. Thanks for stopping by, blessings ❤
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Very Nice blog!
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Thank you. Hope you visit again soon.
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Love your tagline, thanks for popping by my blog
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Thank you. I hope to see more of your recipes 🙂
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Colline, so nice to reconnect with you! I have been writing on so many different blogs that somehow I’ve lost track of people along the way. Nice to be back to following you again. Thanks for finding me. I’m writing only on this blog nowadays. 🙂
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I found you through a post that Jo had written 😊
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Thanks for finding me, Colline. I used to write a blog when I was in Oman, and I believe we followed each other at that time; it’s been a long time.
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I am glad we have managed to reconnect 😊
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Really nice to meet you, Colline! You have a lovely style. Glad you visited my blog.
Blessings, Debbie
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Thank you 🙂
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enjoying your posts on reading!
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Thank you for joining me. As you can see, reading is my favourite past time 🙂
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Thank you so much for following my blog!
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I look forward to seeing your photos.
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Thank you
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wonderful to “meet” you, we share some experiences and differ in others, but sounds like we are united in our love for words whether in books or blog posts!
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Words play a large part in my life – I certainly do love them 😊
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