Wednesday, January 23, 2013

my little paris

Let me tell you a story.

 When I first began thinking about a career as a writer I envisioned working in Paris. I had no grasp of the French language, still don't, but I wasn't going to let such a tiny, insignificant detail get in the way. My vision really started to blossom when I watched Before Sunset and became completely enamoured with that Parisian apartment (and its resident cat named Che, funnily enough). 

 But then I fell in love, I fell pregnant, I became a mum. And as I walked the new path of motherhood I completely forgot about Paris; I left it behind without disappointment or regret. 

 Five years later Paris came to me.

 In October last year I woke one morning to the most beautiful email from Elsa of My Little Paris. She told me a little bit about the popular website and book; an insight into Paris' best kept secrets - like where to find a one-table restaurant, how to contact a fashion designer and the best private pool that you can rent by the hour. And then she told me about My Little Box - a "gift box" that is sent to over 50,000 subscribers in France and Belgium. Every month the team gather a gorgeous collection of limited edition items -  think luxury beauty products, fashion accessories, boutique stationery, art prints - and pack them in a decorated box ready to send off (from the heart of Paris).

 Come February My Little Box will also contain a magazine - My Little World. And in it will be my words, translated into French, sitting alongside my photographs. I've been chosen as one of ten international bloggers/writers to contribute to this monthly magazine and I can't quite believe it. Professionally it's an absolute highlight and personally it's a really lovely validation. 

 The first moral of the story? You get what you wish for (in an odd kind of way). And second? You never know who is reading your blog (it could be a magazine editor from Paris). 

posted by: Jodi

94 COMMENTS

  1. NellJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:35 AM

    Oh Jodi, how wonderful. And it looks so fab. You're an inspiration x

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  2. AudreyJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:35 AM

    Congratulations!

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  3. jennyJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:42 AM

    How wonderful! Congratulations!

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  4. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:43 AM

    Jodi! I am over the moon for you. Rightly deserved too. Well done hun. Living the dream xxxx

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  5. AntoniaJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Congratulations! xxx

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  6. CarolineJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    Fantastic news - Congratulations! Looks like you have the best of Berry covered. Will you be a regular contributor? xx

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  7. GJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    keep on dreaming of Paris! My parents had similar dreams, and after a lot of saving, took our whole family there for two months when I was eight; my brothers were six and three.... it can happen! x

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    1. GJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:32 AM

      and congratulations - how lovely that a little piece of Paris found its way to you.

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  8. Little NanJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    Oh, what a romantic little dream to see your words translated into a language that makes your heart melt!
    Oh Paris is lovely.....
    Well done! x

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  9. Ruby HoppenJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    How very exciting for you Jodi! I too had fallen in love with Paris at 15 on a family holiday and decided at 18 that Paris would be too expensive so Montreal was the only logical option. I love the French language, I learnt Parisian French the whole way through high school and then Quebecois for the 2 years I lived in Montreal. I'm looking forward to reading your words in one of the most beautiful languages

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  10. Steph @ this brown wrenJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Such beautiful news! To not only be chosen, but to have your words and your photographs in each issue is such a wonderful professional (and personal) achievement. It will be all kinds of gorgeous! Congrats a million times over lovely soul :) xx

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  11. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:57 AM

    This is actually the first time I read your blog. And that is such a wonderful thing to read. I will be reading a lot more. Congratulations

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  12. ElizabethMJaocbJanuary 23, 2013 at 8:00 AM

    congrats! this is wonderful!

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  13. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    So very cool.

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  14. KateJanuary 23, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    Congratulations, lovely! So well deserved. I bet there is nothing like seeing your work in print - especially in something that is your heart's passion. This is such great news! x

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  15. mel @ loved handmadeJanuary 23, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    How wonderful! Congratulations, Jodi x

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  16. katie.roseJanuary 23, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    Wow wow wow - & love the little drawing of you ;)

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  17. Katrina@capturingmomentsJanuary 23, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    How wonderful! What a lovely 'spin' on your dream. How proud you must feel and what a fabulous gift box that must be to receive!!!
    P.S. When you wrote 'tiny, insignificant detail' I couldn't help thinking of Love Actually...

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  18. Sea and SaltJanuary 23, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    Congratulations Jodi! What a lovely story to inspire the budding writers/ photographers who surely visit your blog often. It's such delight to visit your space.
    Bella @ sea and salt
    xx

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  19. EvieJanuary 23, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    congratulations! it looks adorable, love the little cameo illustration of you too. and a big yay for dreams coming true! x

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  20. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:01 AM

    Congratulations Jodi... It looks like a wonderful magazine to be involved in x

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  21. CatJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    Congratulations Jodi how exciting to be a part of this project and such a wonderful achievement. I bet you will venture to Paris one day very soon. xx

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  22. one claire dayJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    Magnifique! X

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  23. The Lat LongJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    7 years of school French and I am no better off than you Jodi, but it did mean that I am a complete and utter francophile- this is so so cool! Congratulations! I do hope you popped a bit of champagne to celebrate!

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  24. JulieJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    Amazing news, Jodi! Congratulations! It is a beautiful spread. I wish my high school french could help me read it..! Cheers to many more dreams coming true. xo

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  25. ErikaJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:35 AM

    Oh wow! What fantastic news:) Congrats on your new opportunity!

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  26. Lecinda Ward PhotographyJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:37 AM

    Wow congratulations Jodi!! that is awesome news!

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  27. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    This is lovely news to hear Jodi - good on YOU! Brilliant x

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  28. GabyJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    So cool! The translation is really great too - sounds like you. Congrats x

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    1. JodiJanuary 23, 2013 at 1:39 PM

      I'm relieved to hear that Gaby...I forgot you spoke French! x

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  29. remaliahJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    C'est super, Jodi! Félicitations :)

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  30. Clara BarbaraJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    Yes of course people from everywhere read your beautiful blog ! Im french and its very good news to have a little bit of you here in France ! Last night I had a dream where we met, coïncidence ? Lol !!! Anyway, congrats, I love your blog, your pictures, your vibes and your words !!!

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  31. AmyJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    Jodi, That's amazing! Congratulations to you! I'm a new reader of your blog and even in the few weeks I've been here, I can completely understand why they would choose both your photos and your words!
    http://amysreallife.wordpress.com

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  32. tinyparticlesoflightJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:27 AM

    That is so wonderful - congrats!!

    xo
    cortnie

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  33. adminJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    Tres bon!!! xx

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  34. Jacaranda January 23, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    Be mindful of what you wish for! Woot woot!!

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  35. Harri DavisonJanuary 23, 2013 at 11:01 AM

    Such an inspiring little story xx

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  36. natalieJanuary 23, 2013 at 11:42 AM

    that is so cool!

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  37. Jemima LongstockingJanuary 23, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    What wonderful news- congratulations. And how cool is the illustration of you!

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    1. JodiJanuary 23, 2013 at 12:04 PM

      It probably sounds silly but I was incredibly excited about the illustration! x

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  38. Natalie @ the little gnomes homeJanuary 23, 2013 at 12:04 PM

    Oh how lovely Jodi. X

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  39. Megan.K.January 23, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Jodi, I think this may just be my favourite blog post of yours.
    It takes courage to follow your dreams and this is such an affirmation that you are on track with yours... inspiring.
    xx

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  40. Jane SJanuary 23, 2013 at 12:31 PM

    Very cool Jodi, well done!

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  41. DeeJanuary 23, 2013 at 12:36 PM

    so darn proud of you!
    yes, i am :)

    xD

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  42. MANDYJanuary 23, 2013 at 1:34 PM

    Oh Jodi I'm so happy for you ... this is your time girl !!!

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  43. MANDYJanuary 23, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    Oh and how great is that little illustration of you !!!

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    1. JodiJanuary 23, 2013 at 1:44 PM

      Their resident illustrator, Kanako, creates beautiful, stylish French pictures to accompany all of their articles. I was rather happy that she gave me red lips (so French!) x

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    2. MaxabellaJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:01 PM

      Red lips could become your new thing!! x

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  44. sascedarJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:46 PM

    Well this is just a bit exciting, well done you! :)sarah

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  45. flissJanuary 23, 2013 at 2:52 PM

    Absolutely wonderful news!!!
    Your images look so beautiful here.... Congratulations, I'm so happy for you. X

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  46. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:14 PM

    Congratulations! It is a beautiful validation of your work.

    You are absolutely right. I have had three articles published in a counselling journal because my blog was noticed by an editor.

    We have similar boxes here. One is called the Native Box and has eco friendly products made in Australia each month.

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  47. CoryJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:28 PM

    Congrats Jodi! What a blessing : )

    And...I too love the movie Before Sunset.

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  48. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:42 PM

    oh wow! congratulations to you! i just recently heard of my little paris and my little box and wish i could join! oh, to live in paris. wouldn't that be fun?

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  49. Theodora OfosuhimaJanuary 23, 2013 at 4:09 PM

    this is sooooo cool. gosh, this is such a great dream come true. you are right to write that you get what you wish for :). always wish for the best!

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  50. UnknownJanuary 23, 2013 at 4:11 PM

    That is just the best. What a fantastic honor! Can't wait to hear more about it all!

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  51. Kristi January 23, 2013 at 4:16 PM

    that photo of che with the shells has always been my favourite along side the top knot. congratulations. x

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  52. joJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:28 PM

    This is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. That illustration they've done of you is so lovely and the whole thing seems so well deserved! You're a wonderful writer and your words have the power to inspire endless women to live meaningful, simple lives. I am one of those who has been guided by your example when I was figuring out who I am. I'm so proud to see one of your dreams come true. Savor it, dear Jodi. You are so deserving.

    My best,
    Jo Farmer

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    1. joJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:42 PM

      PS. My first great love showed me Before Sunset and Before Sunrise. I remember the rush of emotions that I felt and how fast my heart was beating to feel my own well-worded love story unfold so naturally, mirroring the one on the screen. The love came so effortlessly, yet the situation was wrought with complicated circumstance. For months, Julie's beautiful waltz was the tune on my own lips. That part of my life is in the past now, a chapter I've tried to tidily shut away in the book of my life. So many bits of the life I led then have become fuzzy shadows in the back of my mind, but I couldn't get rid of the movies. They're a fond reminder of a different version of me. The secret one that so many who know me now know nothing about. The films are dear to me, to put it simply.

      One of the last exchanges we had in that time was a mournful and somewhat nonsensical declaration from me, Baby, you are gonna miss that plane. An odd bit of symbolism in which I considered myself the plane. We say funny things when relationships we hold so dear and feel we can't survive outside of are coming to an end. He said, I know. And, in a way, that was the end.

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    2. jayJanuary 26, 2013 at 8:08 AM

      Jo, what a beautiful, haunting and delightful comment. I remember watching Before Sunset before going to Europe and having my own Before Sunset eurorail and European adventure, it has stayed in a very warm space in my heart. What an amazing last exchange between you and your partner, an extension of your 'life' in the movies. xxx

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  53. Maisy DeeJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    Congratulations... That's awesome. Hard work always pays off. Sam xx

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  54. LuciérnagaJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:43 PM

    It is wonderful to read you in french! I live one year in PAris, an unforgettable memory!

    If you ever go I have some obligatoire places to go

    x

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  55. Rhiannon Ward @ Love Wisdom MotherhoodJanuary 23, 2013 at 7:54 PM

    Jodi that is simply wonderful for you! Congratulations, so happy!
    Rhi x

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  56. dear oliveJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:00 PM

    Very very cool. Viva la Francais! Kellie xx

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  57. AmyJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    Congrats Jodi! You deserve all this and more. Your work looks beautiful as always, and I love what they've done with the illustration. X

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  58. Nikki FisherJanuary 23, 2013 at 9:55 PM

    Congratulations Jodi! So happy for you. I enjoyed reading this story so much a wonderful inspiring reminder to keep dreams alive in our heart and mind even when there seem to be more dishes to wash and clothes to fold than there is time to follow dreams. Enjoy! xx

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  59. Mother Down UnderJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:38 PM

    That is such a lovely story!
    Congratulations!

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  60. LucieJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:43 PM

    This is so great! I will be receiving your words in my mailbox since I suscribed to the My Little Box a few months ago. Congratulations!

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    1. JodiJanuary 23, 2013 at 10:46 PM

      Lucie, that's so lovely to know. There are some great stories in the magazine...beautiful photos and lovely illustrations too x

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  61. Col | Hello Olive DesignsJanuary 24, 2013 at 12:23 AM

    Congratulations, that's wonderful! x

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  62. RayRay1234January 24, 2013 at 1:07 AM

    Congratulations!! Also, "Before Sunrise" is becoming a trilogy. There has been another film made and I believe it comes out this year. YES!

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    1. JodiJanuary 24, 2013 at 12:25 PM

      Really?! You just made my day x

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    2. RayRay1234January 25, 2013 at 1:59 AM

      http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19504107

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  63. Selene Over the PondJanuary 24, 2013 at 5:54 AM

    your blog is simply adorable <3

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  64. rebeccalatelyJanuary 24, 2013 at 6:54 AM

    That is so wonderful!!! Congratulations!!

    Oy, I love Before Sunset.

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  65. RosemaryJanuary 24, 2013 at 8:31 AM

    Congratulations Jodi, I'm delighted for you. How wonderful that your beautiful words will now be shared with many many more people x

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  66. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2013 at 11:24 AM

    How exciting?! Congratulations!! :)

    xoxo,
    Noe

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  67. Elisa {With Grace and Eve}January 24, 2013 at 11:24 AM

    Amazing and marvellous! I love the moral of the story. I'll keep dreaming big :) Congrats Jodi xx

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  68. Tara Lucia ZaiczJanuary 24, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    Oh my goodness. Completely inspirational! Well done mama, keep it manifesting! x

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  69. RonnieJanuary 24, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    That is truly wonderful, Jodi. That must've been a wonderful morning! :)
    Congratulations, thoroughly deserved.
    Ronnie xo

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  70. cassoJanuary 24, 2013 at 10:51 PM

    Woot! How exciting, how wonderful, how perfect! I am so excited for you.

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  71. ::The Beetle Shack::January 25, 2013 at 6:09 AM

    hello hero, Well done!

    Truly wonderful news.

    xo em

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  72. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    Jodi that is so exciting!!! Well done, and beautiful photos.

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  73. MaxabellaJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:00 PM

    I can't think of a better match, Jodi. Congratulations. I adore Paris. x

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  74. Lane EdwardsJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:39 PM

    Amazing, as a writer too, that would be the best honor! How blissful.:)

    Love Lane xx

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  75. UnknownJanuary 25, 2013 at 5:24 PM

    Félicitations .... comment fabuleux! I think that is congratulations how fabulous in french!So very Carrie Bradshaw of you Jodi!

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  76. UnknownJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:59 PM

    I just got a subscription ans will receive my first "little box" in February :) Can't wait to read your words Jodi!
    xx

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  77. jayJanuary 26, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    oh that is so beautiful and wonderful, congratulations, wonderful you. Your words AND your photographs, you must be jumping around in delight. xxx

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  78. UnknownJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:46 AM

    I am new to your blog and I'm so glad I found it! I invite you to check mine out! I hope you have a great weekend! =)

    -Heidi Harlequin
    www.20stampslater.blogspot.com

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  79. Dani StevensJanuary 26, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    You've got the secret :-) congratulations that is the best news ever!!!!!! XxDani

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  80. Dani StevensJanuary 26, 2013 at 9:28 PM

    PS: you are incredibly talented, so very gifted and deserve every recognition you get. Have a ball with your monthly features!!! Can't wait to see them!!! xxDani

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  81. KatiJanuary 26, 2013 at 11:06 PM

    This is just amazing!

    Have a great weekend,
    -Kati

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  82. UnknownJanuary 27, 2013 at 6:56 PM

    Jodi, that is just beautiful and incredible and wonderful! Well done! xx

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  83. sarajuleJanuary 29, 2013 at 12:48 AM

    OH JODI!!!! What an incredible journey you're on!!! You must be absolutely elated! So, So, So, happy for you. CHEERS!!!

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