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.
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
Paris
but it's rural France I love the most.
Photography
has become one of my favouritepastimes 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, cardsand 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
forGrow 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
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~
ReplyDeleteShane, 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!
ReplyDeleteHi Shane
ReplyDeleteLovely 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
Hi Shane, this is a wonderful post and I learned more about you. The photos are delightful, especially of your dear grandies!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeleteDear Shane,
ReplyDeleteI 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
What a wonderful post, and so many beautiful photographs
ReplyDeleteHI 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.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful 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:)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post, dear Shane... and why wouldn't it be - your posts are always full of beauty!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with us so many lovely things of your (French) world!
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!
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice post Shane, thanks for sharing your life with us. The photos are wonderful and I just love your crafting...Great new ideas..
ReplyDeleteHugs
Erna x
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
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to meet you - New Zealand is a country I would love to visit one day!!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteToday 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.
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.
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say, Thanks, for helping with the Grow Your Blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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
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.
ReplyDeleteJulie
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
ReplyDeleteFollowing from Grow Your Blog
ReplyDeleteAh, 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.
ReplyDeletehttp://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2015/01/grow-your-blog-blog-hop-event.html
So very nice to meet you! what a lovely blog you have. I will be returning for sure!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. Now I want to go to France. Lots to see and read on your wonderful blog.
ReplyDeleteSandi
www.thevictoriangypsy.blogspot.com
Shane, I always love to visit your blog, love your photos of rural France, and all the lovely creations- always an inspiration!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win
Debi xx
Hi Shane,
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you! I'm part of the blog hop, and I'm delighted I happened upon your wonderful blog!
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
ReplyDeleteLove 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteLoved 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..
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
My dear Shane, you are beautiful, my friend :) Your post was a joy to read and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about you.
ReplyDeleteI am truly thankful the Lord allowed our paths to cross :) Hugs to you, dear one!
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
ReplyDeleteHi 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!
ReplyDeleteShane 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...
ReplyDeleteLove your collage. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada and I'm participating in this Grow Your Blog too. Thanks for sharing and the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHi Shane! My name is Kelly and it's so nice to meet you and browse through your gorgeous blog!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteCheri
fabricandmemories(at)yahoo(dot)com
Dearest Shane,
ReplyDeleteLoved visiting here today; if only for looking at your soft and beautiful face!
Sending you hugs and blessings,
Mariette
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!
ReplyDeleteMy dearest Shane, I thank you for this wonderful and lovely post!
ReplyDeleteIt is always a pleasure to visit you here!
Have a wonderful new week,
Love and hugs and blessings,
Claudia
Beautiful post. Always a delight to see your photos and creative work. Thank you for your generous giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHello Shane
ReplyDeleteSuch 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
Hello Shane
ReplyDeleteHow 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.
I enjoyed visiting your blog. You have created lovely projects!
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful post, Shane. I always enjoy seeing your lovely collages of your creations and images reflecting your love of France. Every blessing, Linda x
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your posts. I adore Paris and love your creations! Have fun at the party!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post, Shane, and I enjoyed learning more about you and seeing your pretty face. Hugs sent to you across the miles.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeletexo,
Deb
Hi Shane,
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your blog! Beautiful photos.
Another lovely visit Shane. It is always a pleasure to sit back and enjoy your blog and wonderful photographs!
ReplyDeleteSo 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
ReplyDeleteGreat 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
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful photographs! I enjoyed reading about you and your adventures in France.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely portrait of you Shane! I always enjoy seeing the face behind the blog!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy week!
Madelief x
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!!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see 'you' Shane! Want to know something? You look just like I thought you would! Enjoy the tour!!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to see 'you' Shane! Want to know something? You look just like I thought you would! Enjoy the tour!!
ReplyDeleteDearest Shane,
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary to both of you!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hi Shane,
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
So lovely to read your warm words and soak up your super photos.
ReplyDeleteI 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
Great to see a photo of the face behind the blog.
ReplyDeleteI would visit you even if there wasn't a give-away. I just love seeing what delights you, especially tea, gardens, and France.
ReplyDeleteShane 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
ReplyDeleteHello 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.
ReplyDeleteWow
ReplyDeleteYou 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
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.
ReplyDeleteYour grandchildren are beautiful.
Dear Shane, how lovely to 'meet' you. You look as lovely as your beautiful blog, which is the most gorgeous one in blogland, imo.
ReplyDeletePS Been trying to comment for days - the humidity is affecting our download. Isn't technology a bother?
xoxox
Bonjour Shane,
ReplyDeleteHow 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
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.
ReplyDeleteYour giveaway is adorable , and someone will be so thrilled to win this wonderful art piece !
Hugs from Dorthe
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.
ReplyDeleteHi, 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.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day,
Erin
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
ReplyDelete(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.
Hello from Paris, France! How nice to meet you through the GYB party! Your photos are amazing and I enjoyed reading you.
ReplyDeletei 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
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteSigned, another Francophile
Your photographs and crafts are just gorgeous! I look forward to following your lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteYou throw a great party. Thank you for inviting me!
ReplyDeleteSo 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
Lovely post Shane. I love your photos and hearing about France.Thank you for sharing. Have a great week end, Shirley
ReplyDeleteHello 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.
ReplyDeleteSylvia at A Grandma's Blessings
Hi Shane,
ReplyDeleteI 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
A stunning giveaway....such talent!
ReplyDeleteHi Shane! My name's Nataly and I'm from Russia :)) Nice to meet you :)
ReplyDeleteHello 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.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and a cup of tea!
~Heather Elizabeth
BlueJeansAndTeacups
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.
ReplyDeleteWill be following you via GFC and Bloglovin (because at my age I can't manage with a single feed LOL) :)
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.
ReplyDeletekellam.susan@yahoo.com
Dear Shane,
ReplyDeleteI 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
Hi Shane. It seems we keep brushing shoulders, and I don't mind that at all. You have such a lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteHello Shane,
ReplyDeleteIt 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.
Shane, you are so pretty! Lovely to catch a glimpse of you!
ReplyDeleteHello 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
ReplyDeleteDear Shane,
ReplyDeletegreetings from frozen Alsace.
You make lovely pictures!
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.
ReplyDeleteHi 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!
ReplyDeleteYour love of France shows in all the beautiful photos you take when you are visiting your family.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous collage, Shane, how sweet of you to offer it as a giveaway.
Hi Shane,
ReplyDeleteI'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
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
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteDear 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.
ReplyDeleteYou take beautiful pictures. :) I would LOVE to be entered in your giveaway. :) Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteWow, what lovelies to be found in your gorgeous blog which I am happily following now on GFC! God bless!
ReplyDeleteILuvTheEucharist @ aol.com
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.
ReplyDeleteStop by and say hello sometime!
www.sanderellascrochet.com
Sandy