And the Winner Is…

My heart is so very full!  Thank you all for your incredible out pouring of thoughts and comments on my 3rd Blogiversary Giveaway Post.  I thought I’d have thirty people enter and had every intention of writing back to all of your lovely comments.

My calculations were slightly off because we had over 300 people enter!  Wow!

I feel so lucky that you all come and visit my little corner of blogland!  This blog has been such a blessing for me.  When I started it, I didn’t know that I would be painting, cooking and inspiring you to also be creative in your own lives.

Here are some nice things that people said:

“Finding Silver Pennies was like finding a bit of sunlight after a rainy day. I have loved your blog and am so inspired by the positivity and inspiration to move outside of the comfort zone and dive into new waters! Many congrats on the success of your blog!” – Meredith Madden

“I’m just…so happy for you. I’ve loved following along and seeing what your hard work has accomplished! You are a super inspiration and this is an extraordinary giveaway! xoxo” – Jennifer 163 Designs

“Happy Bogger Birthday to you and Finding Silver Pennies! Those of us on the south shore of Boston are so lucky to have you nearby and the World is lucky to have you via your blog. Your sun porch rocks!  Love chalk paint and am encouraged by Finding Silver Pennies to delve into milk paint next.
All the best to you. – Beverly, Paperscapes”

Your beautiful words and comments touched my heart.  Many times I feel like I’m alone down in the basement, bopping to the music, or running after my boys and dog.  So all these comment were a true present to me.  Thank you!

Before I announce the winner, I wanted to share a story with you!  I’ve had many questions about the name of my blog.  I mentioned it in my first post BUT thought I’d share it again.

Finding Silver Pennies came to be when I need a creative outlet.  I dreamed of writing and having people read my words.  One day I hope to write a book on my parents restaurant – Baldwin’s – I grew up in that restaurant and there are so many stories to tell!  When I was a young girl, I loved to read and write poetry.  My mom gave me a poetry book called Silver Pennies.  It was a book published in 1926,  a green cover with a silhouette on the front of a little girl and silver pennies stretching up to the sky.

I sometimes put the book in photos, like here:

This book inspired me so much, which is why I named my blog Finding Silver Pennies. BUT this name has also taken on a new meaning…

Many people don’t like pennies.  I always pick them up (as do my sons for luck), but I know they aren’t worth much.  The furniture – the broken, sad pieces I find at yard sales and thrift stores and even on the side of the road, are like these pennies.  Once these pieces have been fixed and painted, they shine as if they are made of silver and can be treasured again.  They shine like Silver Pennies.

Thank you so much, all of you, for welcoming me into your homes and giving me the opportunity to dream out loud and encouraging me along the way!

Thank you for letting me share 3 years of life by the sea!

The winner of the giveaway is: Sara from Thrifty Treasures!

Congratulations!  I’ll be in touch to ship your prize!