If It's Tuesday: Il Sogno [Dreaming of Venice] & Blogging Anniversary

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Dreaming of Venice
il sogno

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Happy Bloggie Birthday To Me
Being Ruby: Being One
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Last week.. very quietly and without fanfare 'Being Ruby' turned one!!!
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Being Easter Sunday and struggling with some aches and pains, I decided to let the celebration slide till I found my mojo again.. Inspiration was sorely lacking... I'd been trying all week to think of something to post for my one year anniversary. Well today Ethel paid a visit. Ethel the mermaid. My mermaid and I think the muse of Being Ruby. She brought with her inspiration and memories of my visits to Venice. So to celebrate my blogging birthday, I created these 'Postcards of Venice'. Little dreams of life in the dreamiest place on earth. As Venice and the sea are my favourites topics, I may have more for you later in the week ... OH!! and Ethel finally agreed to a portrait...
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Here she is .. in all her glory....


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The Gifts of Blogging

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Funnily, I started this blog just to show someone else it was easy to do.. but since then it has become a vehicle for me to find and share my passions .. Long ignored passions such as art, travel and photography. I've also found new interests and unexpectedly my voice in the written word.. But most importantly it has brought me friendships ... from all over the globe. Friends that have supported me through my long working hours, cheered me on with my attempts at photography and art. Friends who see my potential even when I'm not looking myself. Some have become close personal email buddies.. Buddies that email even if I'm not blogging.. and keep me me sane through unexpected worries.... You really couldn't ask for more in your friendships, except perhaps that they lived at the end of your street to share a meal, a cappuccino or walk by the sea.... other than the physical distance, these are friends in the truest sense of the word... Who knew this would all come from simply starting a blog..
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Ok.. some of you knew!!!
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Other goodwill has come my way in the way of followers, blog mentions, awards and giveaway wins and gifts from new friends for no other reason than to share good fortune and friendship. I've even received thank you gifts where thanks were certainly not needed or expected... but those are often the sweetest of all.. the unexpected surprises that blogging brings... all capable of lifting your spirits....
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So now I have rambled on in my usual fashion.. I think It's time for me to give a little back.... One Year of blogging and over 160 posts [although I seem to have slowed down in the 2nd half] has brought me much joy and a chance to express myself .... and you have all you graciously put up with all that Ruby expression!!! Sometimes full of angst during my long work hours.. sometimes.. joy .... quite often a bit of silliness, but no matter which mood was thrown your way ... it was always greeted with cheers, good humour, genuine care and moral support, provided by you all ... so to celebrate I'm going to have a little Giveaway.. to give back to all you lovelies... and say thank you to all my blogging friends new and old!! Come back soon and I will let you know the details... I'm pretty sure one of Cathy Penton's precious charms will be part of the fun... And If I can work myself up to it... one of my own creations professionally printed and ready to be framed...

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Once again so sorry I've been missing in action and sadly missing all your lovely posts that brighten my day. I hope to be back to full strength soon.. I want to say a big Thank You to everyone who has been on this journey with me... It's been such a joy to read your comments and share in all the fun at your own blogs too.... A small community of like minded people who's aim is to express their passions, old and new, inspire and be inspired. It's been one helluva ride!!
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... see you soon ...

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Julie b
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IMAGE SOURCE: photography, text and artwork - [being ruby©]
Exceptions of course are Ethel's Head!!!! a little help from my friend Botticelli!!!


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67 comments:

Stephanie said...

I just don't know which was lovelier - the words or the images, so I'll have to say "well done!" for both! The photos, the words and the processing are beyond beautiful. You better keep that Ethel near - she's one heck of a muse, and you're one heck of a talent. Simply gorgeous. Gorgeous!

Laura @ 52 FLEA said...

Happy One Year Anniversary Julie!
It is a celebration for all of us as your friendship, support and encouragement have been a gift and a joy. You provide inspiration and reveal your beautiful spirit in your photography, your art and your words. Here's to many years to come of friendship and sharing! (Imagine me toasting you with my glass of orange juice this morning!)
Love you bunches!
:) Laura

Blondie's Journal said...

The postcards are mesmerizing! You really outdid yourself creatively with this post. And your kind, generous and thought provoking words on blogging and the wonderful friendships made do mean the same (I think) to everyone.

Happy Bloggiversary with MUCH fanfare over here in my corner of the world!! :-)

xoxo
Jane

Les Cotrions said...

Happy blog-anniversary Julie!!! I thank you for the fantastic journeys you let me have visiting your blog and reading your beautiful words! And thanks for having always nice words for my country and celebrating it with stunning photos! And thank you to be such a beautiful person! I'm very proud to call you friend!
Your postcards from Venise are amazing!
Big hugs!
Vale

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

Buon Anniversario Julie! Le tue cartoline sono un SOGNO. Buonagiornata, Baci Rita mammabellarte

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Happy First Birthday Julie being Ruby!!! It's been a pleasure getting to know you...and I so agree with you on finding your talent for the written word!!! I love your Dreams and all your pics that you share with us...they just make my imagination go!!! Now you make me want to have a cappacino LOL...Dzintra♥x

ANETTESHUS.COM said...

Happy One Year Anniversary, Julie!

The photos are sooo beautiful - as always!

xo
Anette:)

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary, Julie! Yours is one of the most artistic, beautiful blogs that I visit - it is always a joy to pop by.

Muses tend to take off without telling us - off to gather more inspiration. Glad Ethel showed up.

Hugs,
Zuzu

Dash said...

Oh Julie happy first birthday to Being Ruby, so glad you have got your mojo back.

The postcards are beautiful, I am especially in love with the second one, the light....oh it's breathtaking.

It's been wonderful getting to know you over the last few months in this bloggie world of ours, here is to another year of fabulous creativity and lovely prose from Being Ruby.
XXX

Giulia said...

Cara Julie,

We will return but wanted to say buon compleanno di blog. And always Venezia. (Still recommend many books I think you'd love...but in email.)

Ethel is some dish...:)

buon giorno, bella

S & GG

La Petite Gallery said...

I was in awe of that city the first visit.
Very beautiful text Ruby,,,,I love it.

yvonne

desde my ventana said...

Julie,
Happy firts Anniversary, I would like to write for you an ingenious ,eloquent and original birthday comment, but ..... I cannot, you have remained me without words. That stunning post you have prepared for us today!!!!..
There's AN ART with photographies (something like neo-surrealism?) and Venezia more beautiful than ever.Luck for us who waits another year of enjoying your creations.

Hugs,

Cecilia

sharon santoni at my french country home said...

Happy Birthday Julie being Ruby! One of the most beautiful blogs I know. One year and 160 posts is a huge achievement, especially as I gather you have a busy job, and you don't (like most of us) just copy/paste your photos - you are out there taking them and then refining them to works of art.
You're also one of the most generous when it comes to leaving comments. It all counts.
I would love to be close enough to share a coffee with you and have the time to look at your probably amazing stock of pictures.

Here's to the next 160!
Sharon

Jeanne Henriques said...

Julie....wonderful photos and I have to say the pleasure has been all mine!
I know I would not do this day in day out if it were not for people like you...full of surprises and each one better than the last. Congratulations on your one year...isn't it lovely how we evolve thru this wonderful little thing call blogging :)

All the best...

Jeanne xo

Tallulah's Antique Closet said...

Happy 1st Birthday, Your photos are beautiful! Venice is a dreamy city. And all the old buildings and a great sunset. Thanks for the great pic's..Julian

Luiza said...

I´m so happy you once started blogging, happy to have met a person like you.
Comming here for me is relaxing and I often dream myself away...
I wish I lived at the end of your street, so that we could share a meal or a cappuccino!

Happy aniversary!!!!
And thank you for all the warming and loving words to us , who visits you!
I can only say: "Dito" to you!

Take care, my sweet friend!
Hugs/
Luiza

Brabourne Farm said...

Your postcards are simply divine - beautiful words and photos. Here's to another year of your wonderfully inspirational blog! I know it's greedy but it's impossible to get enough of your magic. Leigh

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Congratulations on YEAR ONE! What an incredible first year ~ so beautiful each and every post! You are a true talent with words and images, and I always enjoy the lovely getaway/escape you provide each time I visit.

Hope you are feeling better soon!
Bisous,
Melissa

the old boathouse said...

I am singing to you Julie/Ruby and the devine Miss Ethel too to thank-you for your lovely blog... "Getting to know you..getting to know all about you...getting to like you, getting to hope you like me....when I am with you suddenly I'm bright and breezy...because of all the beutiful and new things I'm learning about you...Day by Day Who dosn't love " The King and I!! Devine pics as always lovely Ruby/Julie...congrats on your bithday (etc etc etc!!) cheers Katherine

cathypentonatelier said...

Oh these images are so gorgeous!!!! Congratulations my friend for making it to a year...Many more to come of friendship, beautiful words and images....you are amazing :) Cxx

Jane said...

Dearest Julie - congratulations and well done you on your 1st Birthday. It seems like you have been doing it forever.

Very apt images - Burano was my favourite and also slightly creepy Torcello where you can dine at the Cipriani and there is nothing else there but a graveyard, did you go there?

xoxo

oldgreymare said...

Julie,

My friend, my confidant, my blog sister, my advisor. Happy blog birthday.

The giveaway has already been given with every loving word you write, with every photograph you ponder and worry about and lovingly share. The give away is You dear, your heart, your love out to all of us.

I am more myself and a better self for having met you. Thank you for the gift.

z

Lee said...

Happy anniversary Julie! I've enjoyed each and every one of your posts over the past year - you've taken me to the most gorgeous, far away places so, so many times and you've made me look at the moon much more lovingly. Big thanks! Lee :)

P.S. I love the images of the quieter spaces of Venice. Simply beautiful.

alice said...

Oh Julie! a big happy anniversary!! That is a milestone never to be done again...well at least on this precious blog. I too love Venice!! I want to go back before it sinks! I think my anniversary is coming up not sure when but soon. I see a big give away too. I wish I could write as beautifully as you........but Ethel is so far from me!
smiles, alice

Unknown said...

Happy first blogging year, Julie!! Thank you for being a caring friend. You are the *best*!

XOXO
Pam

Pooch Purple Reign said...

aw, you re awesome.
i LOVED venice... and looks like maybe a ringer on the canal via vaporetto? we did that a few times...
happy anniversary
~laura

Beatnheart said...

Oh Ruby I hope its me and not Jacquline again!! I love what you do, really and truly talented and someone I so admire in photo and writings...I agree with all that you said...so true about our little world that we have created...Julie, you have been a wonderful supportive person to me with the kind comments you have given me...Cheers and here's to another year!

PIGNOUF said...

Bon Anniversaire et bises de France...:)

Angie Muresan said...

Happy One Year! Congratulations and best wishes for a new career in Photography! Your words and your images linger with me long after I leave your site. So glad that we've connected in this crazy land of blogging. Love and hugs to you, Julie!

P.S. I, too, started blogging to show someone how easy it is to do it. Haha.

desde my ventana said...

Hi Julie,
Thank you for take part on the give-away and for your lovely coment,Good luck!!
Have a good day,
Cecilia

Berta F said...

...Dear Julie...... CONGRATULATIONS.....¡¡¡¡for your first year.....of your BLOG¡¡¡¡¡¡ your photos of Venezia....y Burano....today are a present for us..... Thank you....Thank you for being all this year with us, with your affectionate commentaries ... with your sharm ... and with the Moon Alice ..... that your you showus from Australia ..... I you have been charmed with knowing ¡¡¡ Un abrazo Berta

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Lovely post Julie. Happy Blogging Birthday! I love your Venice pictures. It's such a lovely city ....
Have a happy Wednesday. xo

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

So very sorry to hear you've been unwell!! Do feel better, okay? Lots of hot tea...hot baths... long naps.... and chocolate.

Hearty congratulations on your blog birthday!! I'm so tickled to have found you. Your blog is a wonderful place to visit.

XXOO!

Tish Jett said...

Dearest Julie,

You are a treasure, a gift with every beautifully ethereal post and your photographs. . . They take one's breath away.

Happy, happy blogging birthday. And thank you, thank you, thank you.

xoxo,
Tish

rjerdee said...

Happy ONE YEAR, Julie! No need for a giveaway...you give away (of yourself) on every single one of your posts...beautiful words and images...a treat every time we stop.
xxoo Becky

Maya @ Completely Coastal said...

Oh, happy Bloggiversary, Julie!! I let mine slip by completely. Venice is truly magical! To many more wonderful posts and beautiful photography!!

Porchlight Interiors said...

Happy bloggy-birthday Julie! These images are stunning as usual! Tracey xx

Carole said...

Oh Julie I am so late to your one yr blogging celebration but I come with ballons and a big bottle of champagne.haha! Don't feel slighted I always show up to parties late.
You have been my oasis so many times....you'll never know how much you mean to me.
I miss our emails so much but I know the time will come when we can resume them again.

Your photos are remarkable and your poetry just blew me away.
xxx
Carole

erin's art and gardens said...

beautifully expressed through your images and words...true poetry.....happy, happy time for you to celebrate!! i hope i will be back in time for all the give-away treasures!!! just know that when i return, i will look for your gorgeous and inspiring posts. here's to another year of blogotorium........congratulations, my dear!
erin

Renée Finberg said...

congratz on your 1 year!!

and in respect to everything you said in this post...
about what is given to you through your blogging...
YOU GIVE 10 FOLD BACK TO US!!!

xx:} hugs 2

Anonymous said...

Happy 1 year Julie! Here's to many many more~

Millie said...

Do you get the feeling that your beautiful blog is trying to tell you something dear Julie? Something about a teeny tiny dangle of one's toes into the exciting & creative world of etsy perhaps? I know I've gone on before about it, but each time you post more of your sublime work, that message is getting clearer. Happy one year 'versary to a very special Blogger.
Millie ^_^

red ticking said...

CONGRATULATIONS dear sweet julie... you bring so much joy to all of us and we adore you! xx

Unknown said...

A very happy one year to you - and for you!

Susie said...

Dear Julie - Happy anniversary! Here's to many more of your beautiful images with their very special Being Ruby touch & evocative words which add so much to the pleasure...you are a very clever and talented girl & I really hope you take Millie's advice! Very best wishes x

simon said...

its been a few weeks since i visited your blog Julie and its just as great as ever. I have been walking, bird watching, bird ringing, climbing mountains, drinking pints, having a laugh, a rest and a LOT of fun in the LAkes district.

Now i am stuck here.. Oh well, sadly a few more days off work. :o)

You really should jump on that plane to where ever your heart want to take you! I can recommend it....

Welll- I am off to the black dog again for dinner and a pint...

Roberta said...

Oh, I agree with Millie! Yes, Ruby meets Etsy! Your beautiful artwork available to one and all...go with the flow Julie.
Row, row, row...
downstream of course,
Roberta xo

Ange said...

Hey there gorgeous Julie. I have 3 things to say. My life would not be the same without you (even though I have been a bit absent this last month too). I couldn't say more about how wonderful and deserving and talented you are than what has already been said, but I'm thinking sooooo much more anyway.
And 3 ... Looking at that lovely home of yours up there in your photos, and seeing what we have in common CAN I BE YOUR FLATMATE????? Hahahahaha!

Have a wonderful bloggiversary and keep writing PLEASE. It's purely selfish on my behalf but a world without Julie ...Well, it's just no fun!
Much love
A

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary to you and Ethel! :)

Love how you wrote this post - so from the heart.
Thank you also for leaving such a lovey comment on my blog. So nice to have you there and I hope you will come back often.

Venice.. yes, a magical place. My husband is an amazing photographer and did a visual essay of this fantastic city a few months ago. Am posting his beautiful work very soon - I hope you see it.

xx Charlotta

Charlotta Ward said...

..and oh, how do I subscribe to your lovie?
Would like to receive your posts via email - do you have such gadget?
If not, could you add one?

xx Charlotta

the old boathouse said...

Hey Julie, i am most excited as i have heard on the wireless this very morning that we are going to have an amazing sunset tonight and wait for it... a purple moon. I do not know what a purple moon is but I am very excited and thought instantly of you my dear. Apparantly it has to do with the Volcano eruption in Europe at least I think they said Somewhere there. It is overcast here today and i hope it clears as I do not want to miss this event...get your camera out my dear, cheers Katherine

myletterstoemily said...

so sorry to hear you have been unwell. i pray for
a swift recovery.

another lovely post from one of my favorite
bloggers.

"Happy Bloggy Birthday to you"" from Coty Farquhar said...

OH GOOD GOD GIRL, I MISSED YOUR BIRTHDAY


*********HAPPY 1ST BLOGGY BIRTHDAY JULIE*********

I cant't believe you're only one year old, I feel like I have known you and your blog for ever.

and yes, I have been wondering where you have been these last weeks. I have just assumed that you had returned to work. Me too!!, blogging has been put to side a bit lately for me as well as I have had to deal with some ""work""" as well and the kids have been home for school holidays.

I hope you're feeling better and I wish you a wonderful and fun weekend.

Cheers to you my dear friend and your first year.
I'm sending "happy Birthday" love and kisses and gorgeous Southern Highlands energy from Bowral to you now.

Imagine what the next years will be like. I think we bloggers will all grown old together, doesn't that nice?

xxxxxxxxxxx Coty
and Julie, thanks for the lovely words that you left at Gypsy Purple today.

Kelly said...

The Postcard like images are beautiful - stunning. Blogging does tend to get in your blood. Happy 1st Birthday! I'll celebrate my blog's first birthday in July :D

ceecee said...

Julie - A very happy bloggy anniversary to you! Your postcards of Venice and the sentiment they carry are gorgeous. I so agree with you about blogging - so many wonderful friends. Wishing you all the best. I will visit when I get back from the beach.
Catherine

Sahildeki Ev said...

Happy anniversary to one of my favorite blogger. It was such a treat to know you and see your wonderful pictures/art...

Jen Beaudet said...

Hi Julie! Happy Anniversary! I think we're connected in blogland because we started our blogs right around the same time and whenever you're not here I seem to stay off too. Either that or you caught my cold!:) I'm so sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well but I'm glad you're back! I love your 'Postcards from Venice' You're quite the poet; they're beautiful. I can't wait for the chance to win a Ruby! Take care! Jennifer:)

B said...

Bon anniversaire Julie/Ruby! The postcards are beautiful and the words uplifting.
I love Venice, and your pictures have remindede me of why, it's a magical place.
x B

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Julie my dear..congratulations in every sense of the word. It's my deepest pleasure to follow you and I feel like the lucky one to have you as a friend. You have supported ME in all my darkest hours and made me laugh, and had me ohhhing..& awwwwing, over each & every amazing piece of your photography. We all are so fortunate to know not only a talented gal, but a warm and caring one as well. To own a piece of your work would be a real treasure to us all.

Now I hope you are enjoying your weekend, and playing hookie from all sorts of responsiblity?

Cheers my dear xoxo forever your blog-pal Deb

Don said...

Happy Blogversary! Love the cards. Onward!

Princesa Nadie said...

Your blog is really beautiful and very special...
Ihave been visiting you some months ago and Ilove what Ihave seen
Mine is new borned and I have lots of things to learn.I INVITE YOU TO A VISIT

count it all joy said...

Your postcards of Venice have brought tears to my eyes. I get a lump in my throat. I can't put into words why exactly. Sometimes beauty just does that to you. Sorry I've been M.I.A. this week and have only just commented on your one year anniversary. I can't believe you've only been blogging for a year! You are so incredibly accomplished.

Your images would be amazing on those plaques from The Rocks Market. They will put your own designs on plaques - they do it all the time apparently. They're very easy to find. In the maindrag of the market (you know where the pointy shadesails are?) they were about half way up on the left hand side. I'm not sure if that's where they are every week. I'll get some contact details.

Keep blogging Julie - keep dreaming and creating and keep imagining amazing things for yourself. You have so much talent - your cup runneth over. Plus you happen to be one of life's treasures. I am so privileged to call you friend. Meredy xo.

e said...

Happy First Blogiversary, my Photoshop Sister! I am so glad i met you. It's been an absolute joy sharing our passion and visiting your fabulous blog. A new year beckons now, on to bigger and better things, dear Julie! ;) And if the air ever clears over here, i hope you come over for a holiday. :) Hugs, Lizzy x

Julie B. [Holland] said...

HEY JULIE,
Happy 1 year! I've been busy working outside lately and havent posted much. Hope you are doing well, and have many many more special bloggy posts to share with us. the "other" Julie in HOlland :) XO

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Julie [in Holland]
thanks for popping by for my blog birthday.. wouldn't be the same without you.. hope you are well.... xx Julie [in Australia!!!!]

Neil Tasker said...

Sending Happy Blogiversary greetings through the haze of volcanic shit. Congratulations Julie and keep up the lovely work.

The Stylish House said...

Hi Julie,
I'm arriving fashionably late, but wanted to wish you a Happy 1st Blogiversary!
Cathy