Thursday, October 05, 2006

One whole year!

Dear You,

One whole year has gone by with blogging. I sincerely thank you all for reading and commenting.

Been enjoying your comments and seeing the count of the visitors grow.

I have behind of me a very difficult year. All this in my personal life. The blog has been a place to escape to and the place to sort of "count the good" and focus on them. When I named the blog Dances With Wool I hoped to be able to dance with joy when the year had gone by, I am able to dance, but not quite the way I pictured before. But a good dance is made of slow and melancholy walzes and passionate tangos and happy jives and what else? Dance can be ballet or ethnic or modern or old fashioned. This year has had them all.

Athough my mother talked to me in Finnish I chose as my blogging language English. I don't know this language well enough and have often times hoped that I blogged in Finnish since there would be so many more things I could express in my own language but I wanted to have this as a personal learning tool and to be able to connect with friends and knitters from far away places. In the early stages of blogging I checked quite frequently the dictionary but lately I have become a bit lazy and know that my spelling/word order etc. is lacking but I try to practise some forgiving towards myself. It is only human to be wrong and is good for the character.

I have been very bad in answering the comments and it is only because of the too short 24 hours one day has. I wish there would be one more hour ear-marked for correspondence only. Knitting information has been of poor quality as well but I wanted this site to be more inspirational than tutorial.

I am amazed that I'm still writing 12 months after the first post. I have not been sure of it always. But I'm glad I am here today writing this.

So

Dearest You,
would you like to come and Tango...
or maybe Waltz
or try a bit of River Dance
or Finnish Polka
or Country Western
or ---
with Wool with me for another year?

103 comments:

  1. You bet! And many more years to come, I hope. Congratulations on your one-year-anniversary! You are my favourite blogger.

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  2. I found your blog some months ago and I find inspiration here every time I visit. I wouldn't have know about or tried twined knitting at all if it weren't for your wonderful blog and amazing projects. I hope you keep blogging for a long time, and congrats on this first year! :)

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  3. Anonymous10:55

    Dear Lene
    a few weeks ago I have discovered your blog "by chance". It became one of my most favourite blogs for various reasons - one of them being the way you write and tell stories, another one all these most wonderful things you create - and then the lovely companions Miss B., Miss Piggy, Mrs Sheep and the Gardener - so very very charming and heartwinning. Finland up to now meant Aki Kaurismäki and Maria Kalaniemi to me - both masters in their fields and highly admired by me - and now its you as well. I am very sorry to hear that you had a difficult time and I do hope that blogging brings a ray of sunlight into your life. Thank you so much and all the best to you.

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  4. Anonymous11:14

    Happy blogiversary! *cues up some old time swing music and grins* Let's boogie!

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  5. Anonymous11:21

    I haven't commented often, but I've been enjoying your blog very much for several months. Part of it is the beautiful way you use English - grammar and word order aren't the most important thing. Your blog has also encouraged me to try new techniques, e.g. twined knitting (well, I've bought a book!!). All good wishes for a better year.

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  6. Anonymous11:36

    I love your knits and I am very happy you write in English as my Finnish is kind of... not existant.

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  7. Anonymous13:01

    I also hope to read you many years from now!

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  8. Your English as a kind of grace to it, and your personality shines through in your writing. I'm sure you will find your numbers continue to grow as you dance through another year.

    Happy anniversary!

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  9. Your English is beautiful. The language and photos on your blog are awe-inspiring. I always feel relaxed after reading your posts. Happy anniversary!

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  10. Anonymous14:34

    Lene, the meditative and sensitive spirit along the lake... Your blog is like no other, and I want to thank you for all the beautiful pictures, knittings and thoughts. AND the gorgeous stockings !!!
    I hope the forecoming year will be easier on you - for a hoppy, lightspirited dance.

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  11. Anonymous14:51

    Absolutely I'll be around for another year of reading you! I wouldn't miss it.

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  12. Anonymous14:53

    Happy Blogiversary! I have enjoyed reading your blog very much. It is unfortunate that you had a difficult year. One thing that I believe very strongly is that everything happens for a reason - and so whatever this year has been for you, through it you were able to connect with many readers all over the world. I lover your writing style and the stories you tell. I would be happy to continue to Dance with you, in my quiet way, for the time that you choose to continue to be here.
    Lise

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  13. Happy Anniversary! I think you do very well in English. I enjoy reading your blog.

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  14. Anonymous15:18

    Of course! And congartulations on the anniversary. You have created so many beautiful items and lovely stories during this year, I hope there is more to come in the following years. And that they might be happier too, the years.

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  15. Lene,

    English might not be your first language, but you use it so artfully. Your writing is so calming. It paints pictures for me that I can only dream of doing myself. I can only imagine what more you could convey were you writing in Finnish. (Perhaps another reason for me to restart my studies, no?)

    Your work is truly an inspiration and I feel privileged to have been allowed to glimpse a bit of your amazing creativity. Congratulations on a wonderful first year.

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  16. Anonymous15:35

    I, too, have read your blog since you started and send you my heartiest congratulations on your anniversary. I love the way you express your enthusiasm for your projects as well as your descriptions, word-pictures as well as photos, of your beloved Finland.

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  17. Of course, I have my dancing shoes on and my wool ready! Your blog is always inspirational and your command of English is superb - often better than my own command and English is my one and only language.
    Life has a way of throwing in a dance we did not want to do, but we do it and then move along to another dance. The main thing is to keep on dancing! I think it is the combination of dances that makes life so interesting and rewarding!

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  18. Anonymous16:39

    I've been lurking for months, but I wanted to say that I've loved reading your blog- thank you for writing in English! I hope you keep blogging for many many more years.

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  19. Anonymous16:41

    Any dance you choose, any time, Lene.
    I know I've written this before, the incredible sense of peace I experience reading your blog, and I hope there are many many years of reading to come.
    Your writing is beautiful, and endearing. I love your stories of life up north, way up north, the photos are stunning, and hey, not to mention the beautiful knitting, very inspiring.
    Thank *you* for everything you share with us, and I hope this coming year proves to be 'better' but I do realize that those difficult years tend to encourage growth on so many levels that prove to be good for us.
    I believe it's very safe to say,we all do love you dearly.

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  20. Your English may not be perfect, but I have never read anything here that I couldn't understand. That's more than I can say for the papers I've been grading lately- and those were written by American college students. Your writing is always interesting. And I've enjoyed having a window into a different culture.

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  21. Happy anniversary! I hope that you keep on blogging. I've really enjoyed it, so much so, that I miss it on days that you don't get a chance to write. Your photos are always inspirational, even when they don't contain any knitting.

    You have inspired me, to try my hand at Tvaandsstickning. One of my daughters has requested a pair of mittens from Marcia Lewandowski's book "Folk Mittens" that uses the technique. Hopefully, I can finish them before winter ends. Although, here in Minnesota, the winters are usually pretty long.

    Thanks again for the inspiration!

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  22. I have been visiting your blog for awhile now but this is my first comment. I really enjoy your blog and I'm so glad you decided to use English since I do not know Finnish.

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  23. Thank you so much for sharing with us. I found your blog a few months ago & it's become one of my favorites to read with my morning cup of tea. You paint with words, such lovely pictures of Finland & knitting. I'm looking forward to the next year. :)

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  24. Congrats on 1 year of blogging. I found you blog a few months ago and have enjoyed reading it. Your english is extremely good so don't worry about it. I love all of the pictures.

    Wishing you many happy years of blogging.

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  25. Happy Blogiversary, Lene.

    I started reading your blog several months ago and have kept current, but it wasn't until last week that I went back to the beginning and started reading your first few months of posts (so many with December that I am still working on catching up!). Last week was a very low time for me personally, and your writing, your knitting, and your photos...everything...were such good company. Very warm and earthy. Comforting. Like having a warm cup of tea with a friend almost.

    I am sure you could express more in Finnish. Here we often talk about how our language only has one word for love or for snow, but other languages will have several. But I am very thankful of your decision to use English so that I can read you. You have a much better command of the English language than many of us that grew up speaking it, actually.

    Cheers to you, and enjoy the dark months of knitting, blogging, and sitting by the fire with glogg. We'll all be here with you ;-)

    Love & Light~
    bonnie

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  26. Anonymous18:04

    Happy anniversary, Lene! I look forward to the next year of Dances with Wool. Your English is great, by the way, and your blog has been inspirational for me in many ways. I hope the next year will be easier on you.

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  27. Dear Lene, Happy Blogiversary!
    I found you through the Yarn Harlot some months ago. I've always enjoyed the writing and the inspiration from your awesome creations. Here's to another great year for you! And your english is far better than many folks I know who were born and raised here.

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  28. Anonymous18:06

    Happy one-year-anniversary! Your blog is one that I read in the mornings with my morning coffee! I've found it a great way to start the day! I am in awe of your ability to express yourself so well in English, many English-as-a-native-language speakers don't do as well!

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  29. It is a beautiful blog. Your calming photos of the beauty you find in your life and that you create with your hands make it a restful but always interesting and changing place to visit. Good luck for the upcoming blogging year.

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  30. Anonymous18:25

    Congrats on your blogiversary... I visit frequently, albeit quietly, but I've enjoyed a shadow dance or two along the way myself.

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  31. Anonymous18:35

    I must agree that with everyone else - your blog takes me away and inspries me like no other. If I blogged, I'd want to write just like you. Congratulations, I'lll dance with you every day if only you'll tell me which foot to move.

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  32. Yes, I will certainly have this dance!
    Thank you, Lene, for opening your home and life to all of us (cast in the glow of your beautiful knitting!) I always enjoy reading your blog, and admire your work. Happy blog-iversary, and many more to come!

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  33. Anonymous19:23

    Of course Dear Lene, for as many more years as you want to blog! I enjoy coming here every now and then, and reading about your life, your knitting, your dogs and daughters, the lake, the river, the birds... Thank you so much for sharing all this with us, and I hope all the troubles in your personal life are behind your back now.

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  34. Anonymous19:26

    Your English is just fine. If you need to do some blogging in Finnish, why don't you? I have a few non-English blogs that I 'read'. I don't understand the language, but I love all the pictures and some of them do short bits of the posts in English.

    Happy Blogiversary!

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  35. Anonymous19:36

    The emotions and soul that comes through your English writing is what shines. Truely,your personality is shared in the words and pictures you choose to blog. We are all pulled into your lovely world and glad for the time we spend with you here. May we all learn to dance with the grace and poise you possess. Many happy anniversaries to come. Thank you for the inspiration!

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  36. Happy Bloggerversary Lene!
    Yours has been one of my favorites from your first blog day thru to today.
    Wow! The year sure has gone by fast!
    Thank you for sharing thoughts, your inspiration and knowledge with us!


    P.S. how are Mrs. B and the others doing?
    Are they getting ready for hibernation?

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  37. Anonymous20:14

    Dear Lene,

    Thank you for sharing so much of yourself!
    I can't fully express to you the pleasure I feel when I read and view your posts. I think you are a knitter-poet.
    I love the glimpse into your life, home, culture and your art. Your knittiing is so inspiring and so lovely. I especially like the embroidered embellishments you add to your pieces.
    Wishing you many happy dances ~ and a happy anniversary!

    janeen >^..^<

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  38. Anonymous20:26

    Your English is delightful as is your knitting.Happy Blogging for another year.

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  39. Anonymous20:42

    Lene, I recently came across your blog and echo many of the comments above. Your character shines through your writing and you evoke such a strong sense of place by your beautiful lake in Finland. I find myself wishing too often that I lived there instead of in my crowded and noisy city (Oakland, California!) Thank you for sharing and I look forward to meeting more of your "friends."

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  40. Anonymous21:03

    May there be many mores dances to come :) Thank you for sharing your life and inspiring us with your knitting. Your writing is a joy to read - Happy Blogiversary!

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  41. Happy blogiversary! And I would love to join in for another year of dancing with wool. I hope the year brings you happines and health, and lots of satisfying knitting projects!

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  42. I hope you'll keep going for many more years to come. Few blogs give me as much wholehearted pleasure as yours does!

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  43. Yes please! I like a good waltz or a speedy polka, as well! My friend turned me on to your site, and I must tell you, when I see that you've posted, I read all the other blogs first so I can savor yours with all your luscious pictures of beautiful knits and landscapes.
    (I personally think your English is wonderful and am thrilled to be able to read what you write to go along with the pictures.)
    Blog on, lady!

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  44. Well, I guess I am echoing what everyone else has said. :-)

    Your writing style is just wonderful and is a joy to read. Each time I visit your blog, I feel like I am transported to a magical kingdom full of art, beautiful wild places and a sweet, loving household. Thank you so much for sharing of yourself. I'm looking forward to next year! Happy Blogiversary!

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  45. In a heartbeat. Let the dancing continue, whatever the tempo.

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  46. Lene,

    Happy Blogiversary!

    I've been reading your blog now for several months and look forward to every entry. You express yourself beautifully in English. I love your photographs and artwork and your skill in knitting is truely inspirational. Best wishes for the upcoming year!

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  47. Happy blogiversary!

    I always look forward to your blog -- sometimes its your photographs that grab me and sometimes its your lovely writing.

    Thank for opening a window to your beautiful Finland and inspiring knitwear.

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  48. Anonymous22:31

    Lene, your blog has been an important part of my day since I discovered it last fall. When I click on the link in my Favorites folder and there's a new entry, it makes me happy. When there is not a new entry, I read the one I've already read and it makes me happy. Thank you!

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  49. happy blog birthday from us in California. We are so glad you are blogging!

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  50. Anonymous23:01

    I've been lurking for a while now, and I'm sooo glad you decided to blog in English!

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  51. Anonymous23:08

    Dear Lene -
    In our ballroom dance classes my husband and I learn dance for every occassion, slow, fast, difficult, easy.It is good to know how to match the rythym of life to each type of dance, for like each particular dance, it is soon time for a new one.
    I love your blog, and cannot tell you how much I look forward to each installment, regardless of content, as each blog has a message for me and I grow because of your wisdom.
    I am thrilled to hear that you will send out your words for another year1 Happy blogiversary, and many more!

    Kate

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  52. Anonymous23:25

    I read your blog not only for the creative, wonderful knits you produce (how could you think inspiration in that area is lacking?), but also for the quiet reflective mood of your writing itself. I enjoy our walks through your woods, sharing your lake and your dogs and your changing seasons. You write beautifully and your command of English is excellent--imagine if I could read Finnish and go on walks with you in that language. Please keep writing and knitting and sharing--and keep dancing in your personal life, too.

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  53. Anonymous23:27

    I enjoy reading your blog/dancing with you whenever you have time to post. Hope your blog gives you as much joy as it does your readers!

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  54. Anonymous23:53

    Lene, Did I ever tell you that my Grandma was named Lena? She did not teach me to knit - that was my sister. Thank you for everything, and I hope it all - the knits, the yarns, the trees, the dancing - continues to be solace and balm in your life, as they are in mine. Best wishes always.

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  55. Anonymous00:12

    Gladly,my dear.
    Many more years of beautifully written blog posts and wonderful knitting I hope.

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  56. The mear fact that you have the patience to sit there with a dictionary and write you blog is amazing. I know very few people with that kind of patience. Happy Blogiversary and keep up the good work. I love reading your blog and enjoy my brief visits to a place I've never been to before!!

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  57. Anonymous00:16

    Lämpimät onnittelut yksivuotiaalle.
    Sinulla on paljon lukijoita maamme ulkopuolelta, mutta suomalalaisia kommentteja vähän. Kuitenkin kirjoitat niin mielenkiintoisesti, että toivon mahdollisimman monen löytäneen tämän blogin. Jos kielestä ei saa selvää kannattaa katsoa kuvat - ne on mahtavia.

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  58. I have been visiting here every day for about eight months, but I don't think I have ever commented. Thank you for the wonderful bit of peace you bring to my blogroll. My favourite things about your blog are: 1) the fact that you live in the north of Finland - it's so romantic to me; 2) the long stockings you knit; and 3) the "Learn some Finnish" lessons. My brother-in-law is Finnish-Canadian and I always try to get him to speak some for me: I love how it sounds. But, nevertheless, thank you for blogging in English. Happy anniversary. --Shannon

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  59. Anonymous00:33

    Lene,

    I always look forward to reading your blog; it gives me much pleasure and your range of language is beautiful to the ear. Thank-you for the inspiration that your knitting gives me. I'm looking forward to another year.

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  60. Anonymous01:30

    I have so enjoyed your entries and thank you for choosing English! Congrats on your one year Anniversary!

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  61. Anonymous01:50

    Happy Anniversary! I don't comment nearly as much as I should, but I check your blog frequently - I found it by chance a while back, and it has quickly become one of my favorites. I hope you continue to keep writing, as I am always eager to see what you are knitting and hear more about Finland!

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  62. Anonymous01:58

    I have been amazed and impressed that you choose to write in a language that is not your native tongue. Your occasional *alternative* word order and usage is more charming than wrong -- I love it. The photos of where you live look so much like where I live (northern Wisconsin) that I sometimes feel we must be neighbors.

    Happy blogversary!

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  63. I have very much enjoyed your blog this past year and happy that you continue to blog. Your knitting is so inspirational and I love hearing about life in Finland. Without you I never would have thought of twined mittens with embroidery, a project I will be starting very soon. And, never worry about your English, it is fine. Happy blogiversary!

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  64. Anonymous02:59

    Congratulations on one year of blogging! I hope that your blog has been helpful and comforting to you in whatever difficulties you've had this year. It has certainly been a blessing to those of us who read it. Thank you for taking the time to write it, and please keep it going if you are able. We appreciate it all the more, knowing that your time is precious. And we love your beautiful photos too.

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  65. Anonymous03:21

    Do you remember your first entry?

    I do. I felt it was a call to action, to new beginnings. And I also felt it was an admirable goal - one I myself could embrace.

    How did it go? Did you make things to wear? If you were to go out tonight, would you have something to put on?

    Thank you for sharing your knitting and your world. I hope this coming year is easier and less dark.

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  66. Oh yes please, let's keep dancing. I like what LaurieM said about your writing, and I agree with her. You may notice the missteps; all we see is the foxtrot.

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  67. Anonymous04:26

    Your blog is absolutely one of the best! Please keep on posting - I wish I had your knitting abilities - to say nothing of your creativity! I love the pictures you post of home/property.

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  68. Anonymous04:42

    I love your blog, your photographs, your way with words, your insights, your word order. I think I'll stick around! Melissa in El Cajon, California

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  69. Anonymous05:45

    I want to add my voice to all those others who have already said what I feel most eloquently. Happy blogiversary. Thank you for sticking with it for a whole year and I hope there will be many more.

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  70. I wanted to join in with all the other readers and posters to wish you a
    Happy Blogiversary.
    I only discovered your blog very recently and now that I have I'd be so sad if you didn't keep posting for at least until your 2nd Blogiversary!
    - Carson in Australia

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  71. Anonymous09:34

    Congrats! I have been reading your blog for a couple of months, and I am truly inspired your wonderful knitting. I hope the next year brings you much contentment, joy and plenty of time for knitting.

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  72. I love reading your blog, it brings back a little bit of the Scandinavia that I miss. I studied in Oslo during college and your blog reminds me of the kind of woods and nature that we don't have here.

    I look forward to reading your blog for another year.

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  73. Anonymous11:11

    Onnea 1-vuotiaalle blogille!
    Thank you for your writing, inspiration and beautiful pictures. Helsinki is still mostly green, so I rely on your pictures for some autumn colours.

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  74. Anonymous14:18

    Paljon onnea vuosipäivän johdosta! Having been lurking in the back ground for the past year I truly hope next 'personal' year will be kinder to you and your blog and knitting will remain as amazing and inspirational as they have been.

    Blogiton taustaileva Tuija.

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  75. Perhaps some Lindy Hop? ;)

    (Not that I know how to, but it looks like fun!)

    I'll stick around, you can count on that!

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  76. I read your blog every day. Your pictures of the lake are so beuatiful. I hope you have a better year, but the peaks and the valleys make us appreciate what we have. Your english is beautiful, and you have a lovely turn of a phrase. Thanks for giving me a good read in the morning.

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  77. Dere Lene,

    When I only have time to peek at one blog, it is yours.

    Thank you for inviting me into the blog world.

    Your words, your photos, your traditions, and folk lore (especially around holidays), and your love for your family, your wool and your surroundings combine to make a beautiful experience for me. I'm so glad to see so many others feel the same joy.

    My heart is full of sisterly love for you and yours. I'll keep dancing to the music we are given.

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  78. Anonymous17:07

    Jäin miettimään tuota suomalaisten kommenttien vähyyttä, josta joku kirjoitti. Itse tarkistan joka päivä blogisi, mutta tuntuu usein, että kaikki on jo sanottu ennen kuin kerkiän paikalle ja vaikka olenkin vuosien ja ulkomailla työskentelyn myötä 'ei-suomalaistunut' niin joukon mukana hehkutus tuntuu ainakin minusta yhä hiukan vieraalta. Se ei kuitenkaan tarkoita, ettenkö saisi mielihyvää blogistasi, päinvastoin, on vain turhan 'helppoa' unohtaa kommentointi kun joku muu on jo sen tehnyt.

    Just a short personal comment on the lack of Finnish comments in Finnish.

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  79. Anonymous17:31

    Dearest Lene -- Another year? I'm praying for another 10...I look forward to your blog every morning and would be very disappointed if you were to stop. One of the things I find so appealing about your blog IS your English and the way you describe things. Please don't apologize. Congratulations on your one year anniversary and my wishes for many more.

    Michele
    Hayden Lake, Idaho
    USA

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  80. Anonymous17:38

    Happy anniversary ! I enjoy very much your blog and will keep on reading it till you write it. I like your life philosophy, your creativity, and of course your lovely pictures. Thank you for sharing.

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  81. Anonymous17:41

    Dear Lene,

    The first two dances on my dance card for the whole upcoming year are marked for you: "reserved for the one who dances like a fool".

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  82. The grace of your words,
    The beauty of your pictures,
    And sweep of your skills,
    Gently beckon another dance.

    And with joy I follow,
    Eager for the blessing of calmness and peace
    In the rhythm of your thoughts.

    Though the road curves and crumbles
    Your steps do not falter,
    Steadily you move forward
    In harmony with that which is good.

    Thank you.

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  83. Anonymous19:28

    Many congratulations on your one year anniversary!
    I stumbled across your blog a few months ago and I must say after I read your blog the images and thoughts you share with us remain with me for quite awhile. I'm certain there are others that feel the same way. I'm from way over on the West coast of Canada and can't describe how interesting and peaceful I find your blog. I hope you will have many more anniversaries!

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  84. Congratulations on the year anniversary. I for one enjoy the way you turn a phrase, your english may not be perfect, but you are poetic and convey the nuances of your feelings like no other. You are unique and so very much appreciated for what you bring to my world. Thanks for being here.

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  85. Long will we waltz with you!

    Your English is beautiful. Don't worry! But we also enjoy learning some Finnish :-)

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  86. Anonymous22:10

    Perfect English with a different feeling would not be nearly as wonderful as the sense of peace that your blog gives off with its poetic style. Your English is better than my Finnish, which is nonexistent! So thank you for putting the effort into us being able to hear your words, which are beautiful.

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  87. Anonymous23:33

    Your blog is beautiful, both visually and verbally. I have enjoyed it so much. I hope you continue for a long while! Thanks so much for keeping this blog.

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  88. Lene, I've never commented before but I've been reading your blog for a long time. You have something very special here and I will be delighted to continue to dance with you for many years to come!

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  89. Lene, I thank you from the bottom of my Irish heart for sharing your life, your thoughts and your incredible skills with the rest of us. I would hope that we too might get the courage to share our lives with people who speak other languages - you put us to shame. You have made such a difference in our lives. Love you.
    Jo
    Celtic Memory Yarns.

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  90. Anonymous03:17

    Please keep blogging! I love the contemplative quality of your writing and the artistry of your knitting. And you provide a tie to a faraway and beautiful land for me and many, many others.
    Bonnie in California

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  91. Anonymous03:25

    Happy blogiversary, Lene.
    Your pictures are songs.
    Your words are poems.
    Your knitting is art.
    Thank you.
    Margie

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  92. Anonymous04:15

    Your blog is fabulous. I read Yarn Harlot for laughs and your blog for beauty and hope. Beauty for the gorgeous knits you work on and hope for our sad world which would be much better if all of us could stumble and speak well in each others' language. Your blog and our love of it are our pitiful attempts at world peace. If we only all could be such good friends. Of my two pennies, one is for the yarn as my nourishing bread, and my second penny I spend on your blog for my soul. Thank you for all the time you put into it.

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  93. Anonymous09:40

    I have been reading your blog for a couple of months and enjoy your knitting and pictures. Your knitting and photos have the same quality, you pay attention to details beautifully. Ok I do have a question - I read everything you have written and am very interested in your felted hearts, could you, would you, share the instructions with us. My Christmas tree in the family room covered in your hearts would be perfect. If this is inappropriate please let me know. Thanks Kathy

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  94. Anonymous21:56

    Thank you for the invitation :-) I'd love to come and dance, and I'd love to stay! Happy anniversary, you are doing beautifully.

    You've actually inspired me to blog in English myself, for the exact same reasons you list. I have not really found my style or my voice yet, but it's a fun and interesting challenge.

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  95. Anonymous04:07

    I have also been reading you for a while - your words often do become poetry and directly capture my feelings. Some have come so close that I return to them later to rediscover that feeling. It amazes me that I can read about your culture and find so much that is like mine and yet so much that is wonderful and different. I pray that the difficulties of the past year don't weigh you down. I would miss you very much.
    Kathy

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  96. Anonymous01:03

    Gladly will I dance with you, whether the dance is slow and solemn or light and joyful.

    I found you several month ago and have been reading you ever since. I, for one, am selfishly glad that you chose to write in English as it is the only language I am proficient in. Always you express yourself beautifully. Always I gain much when I visit.

    Happy blogiversary. May the years to come bring you blessing.

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  97. I've got my dancing shoes on, Lene, and I'm ready to tango. I'm glad you kept blogging...and, by the way, your English is wonderful. We won't even discuss my Finnish....

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  98. I think your blog is lovely and I read it when I eat my breakfast at my desk. I love your pictures of your side of the world, especially the water. Thank you.

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  99. Lene,

    I have a totally unrelated question for you. I'm making a pair of mittens for my daughter, using the Tvaansstickning technique (I believe that you're using the same technique for your sweater?). It's a lot easier than I was expecting it to be, my biggest problem is constantly untwisting the yarn. It's driving me nuts! I'm using two skeins of yarn. Can you give me any tips or tricks for keeping the yarn from twisting so much?

    Thank you.

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  100. Anonymous15:43

    Happy Blogiversary! I really enjoy reading your posts and am so happy you decided to blog in English. I love the slight 'accent' that comes through in your blog and the insight into a totally different world "up north". Your blog is charming, like the woman who writes it. Your beautiful shawls inspired me to buy the "Three-cornered and long shawls" book and I'm still trying to decide which one to do first and in which yarn.

    Thank you once again for sharing your life with the world. I will continue to lift you up in prayer.

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  101. Anonymous00:01

    Hi Lene--Congratulations on your Blogiversary. I've enjoyed your blog, and knitting, and photos, and especially your "Learn some Finnish" drawings. And your color sense is enviable, too! Thank you.

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  102. Happy blog birthday.

    I've really enjoyed following along since I discovered you last year.

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  103. Anonymous17:57

    Wow - one year already? I have not been reading for a whole year, but I have enjoyed your blog immensely since I found you. And you seem to be acting as a magnet for other wonderful knitting bloggers out there. In that extra hour of my day, I would definitely explore what people here in your comments section have going on their sites. One day perhaps...

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