Friday, January 18, 2013

Grow Your Blog


It's finally here - the Grow Your Blog event, hosted by the very generous Vicki of 2 Bags Full. This is her way of giving back to the blogging community that has given so very much to her (these are her very own words). I was very touched by her words and by the way she has set up this entire event that I knew I wanted to participate. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity, Vicki.


So - welcome to my blog! You either came here through Vicki's links or by pure chance or because you stop at my place on a regular basis - either way, thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you have a little time to look around.


My name is Carola. I'm a German native, photographer and mixed media artist who has moved to Northern California in 2001 together with my family. We have loved living here, and I feel blessed to live in such a wonderful spot of our beautiful planet.



I started blogging in the summer of 2010 as a result of an online course that I had taken. I had thought about starting a blog before that because I wanted to connect with other photographers and mixed media artists from all over the world. This was just the last and decisive kick in my butt I needed. Since then I haven't looked back. There are so many wonderful people in blogland I have met, who have become friends even though we have never met in person. It feels like coming home when you land in the place of a kindred spirit, no matter where they live.


Blogging has also given me the opportunity to show my art, something I was very shy about in the beginning because I thought my art wasn't "good" or "worthy" enough - whatever that means. The blogging community has been good to me, I have learned so much and even found the courage to open my own Etsy shop. This has been one of my big dreams that I don't think would have come to life without my blog. It still thrills me to no end when I find blogs with beautiful photos and art that speaks to me. There is still so much to discover.


The photos you see here are a few of my favorites. Photography has been my first big love that hasn't lost any of its thrill for me. This is why my give away is a 2013 calendar I made - putting fences on center stage. Fences is one of my favorite motifs, along with anything nature, animals, interesting architecture and my daughter, the biggest gift life has ever given to me. This give away is for anyone - it doesn't matter whether you have a blog or not, live in Australia or just around the corner - anyone can enter. Just leave a comment on this post including a way how to contact you in case you are the lucky winner! I will announce the winner on the first day of February here on my blog.




By the way - many people have asked me about my blog header. This beach is along famous Highway 1 in Northern California between Bodega Bay and Jenner, just an hour away from my home. It's also one of the most dangerous beaches along our beautiful and rugged coast because of its treacherous sleeper waves. As so often in life, danger and beauty go hand in hand.


I look forward to hearing from you and to visiting your blogs. Most of all, I look forward to meeting kindred spirits and making new friends.



52 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Your blog is always a visual delight - and today is no exception. Thank you.

JoZart Designs said...

Hi Carola
I really love browsing through your wonderful photographs and there are some gems on this post. I especially love the shack and the hare. Two stunning pictures. You do have such a good eye.
You are missing nothing with this snow and bitter temperatures here. We are staying in and doing what we want to do. Food stocked and a warm house and lots to craft! It all grinds to a halt here with schools, roads, airports and businesses closed, unlike Germany where life goes on as usual.
Jo x
BTW has Kaefer's little package arrived yet? Seems ages ago I posted.

Gill said...

Fabulous photos! I especially love the canoes and what I'd call a hare here in England but it probably isn't!!
Thank you.

Maria Ontiveros said...

You picked great photos to showcase. As you know, I'm a regular visitor but it's nice to learn more.
And I would love to win the calendar! If I don't, is it available in your ETSY shop? Let us know the availability when you post the winner.
Rinda

windrock studio said...

Carola, we have been blog friends since the very first, I believe, and I love keeping up with all the wonderful art you are sharing. Your favorites and also my favorites!

The Sage Butterfly said...

So nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog party. I really enjoy your photos and art...just beautiful. Happy weekend!

Lou Anne Hazel said...

Your blog is lovely. I'm your newest follower! I am visiting because of the Grow Your Blog event and I hope you'll check out my MisplacedMermaid blog too.

liniecat said...

Stunning photos......just stunning!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

curious - is that a jack rabbit? love those ears. i love your work. great shots. i love the outdoors & you get to see some amazing places. wow!! please check out my blog. have a great weekend. ( :

SueH said...

Carola - the pictures are stunning! I particularly like the fences and the close-ups of frosty vegetation. (and that rabbit - or is it a hare?)

Thank you so much for calling in at my blog earlier - I'm glad to have found you!

SueH The Knitting Assassin!
Twitter – @Librarymaid

Veronica Roth said...

Hi Carola, here I am from the GYB hop. Wowee, wow, love your photography and am so happy to meet another photographer. I do a lot of mixed media work as well. (You know us creative types, can never stop) Last summer I re-wove a dove's nest with the original twigs, copper wire and flints. Really looking forward to exploring your blog some more.

Anonymous said...

What a delightful overview of your blogging history and your beautiful art! Thank you!

Unknown said...

Hi Carola! Thank you for visiting my blog. Isn't this a wonderful idea!? Your pictures are beautiful! you have a real eye for it. As for table sets, I always try to have it set otherwise it comes a horizontal fie cabinet for my family members. lol! Following you!

Aracely said...

Hello Carola, I am loving your photos and blog. Pedro came home with a music program last night that had your ad in it and I had to check it out. I too am reconnecting with my creative spirit and find encouragement in what you've accomplished. Keep it up!

EvalinaMaria said...

You have a very lovely blog. I'm a new follower and a 'Grow Your Blog' participant. Have fun at the party!

Evalina, This and that...

Elderberry-Rob said...

Hello Carola, you have a wonderful talent - I love your photography and immediately felt the urge to get my paints out! that means your blog is inspirational and so I am going to follow. Nice to meet you and thankyou for visiting mine. Betty - p.s. your calendar is beautiful. Bettythewoodfairy@yahoo.co.uk

Marcie said...

What a wonderful project and way in which to 'grow your blog'. Love seeing all of your photos here together like this..and how it connects to your journey!

Anya said...

Hi Carola! I'm visiting from Vicki's Grow Your Blog, too. I love your different photos!!
Come and visit me http://bogomillahoppkids.blogspot.it
xoxo
Bogomilla

Diana Seal said...

Hi Carola, amazing wonderful photographs! Glad I found your amazing blog through the GYB party, I definitely will be back for many more visits!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Diana

Art and Sand said...

Your photographs are wonderful. My husband is an artist and when not doing plein air, he paints from the photographs he has taken. He could benefit from some time in your lovely area.

Long story, but sometimes he calls me Carola.

Robyn said...

Your pictures are wonderful to look at! You have the ability to capture so much of God's great beauty!

Dagmar said...

Hi Carola,Hello ,
What a wonderful way to meet like minded women. So glad that Vicki "Grow Your Blog"has gone to such an effort to showcase so many blogs. Creative and generous...Your blog is very creative and inspiring. Thanks for coming over to say hi on mine..I will send you an email and tell you we are only 20 minutes away from Summerland...
Happy hugs,
Dagmar

Becca said...

These are fabulous photos, you obviously have a brilliant eye for capturing colour and texture, wish I could do this

patty said...

Carola, it has been a joy watching you blossom creatively these last few years. I so appreciate the support you have given me as well along the way. So glad that we connected!! I loved reading this and seeing more samples of your lovely work!

Unknown said...

love your blog. found you through the gyb party. hope you'll stop and visit me as well. happy creating!

Val said...

Carola, thank you for your comment over at my blog. I'm happy to meet you and look forward to reading more and checking out your etsy shop when I have more time. :) Your photos are beautiful. And wow, 2001--What a time to start life in America! Welcome!! ♥

Darla said...

This post has such a wealth of beautiful photots (and art). I always enjoy a stop by your place.

Darla

Gabriela said...

Nice to meet you! Beautiful photos! I look forward to checking out your daily posts!

Retired Knitter said...

Amazing pictures. What a gift you have for seeing things and getting them on film. The best pictures are ones of simple thing that are captured by the eye of the photographer because of some simple element show without the distraction of the rest of life. Everyone was sees it but on the photographer can make you go - wow! Thank you for sharing your hobby.

Elaine
Retiredknitter@gmail.com
http://mynext20yearsofliving.blogspot.com

Magdalena said...

Liebe Carola, da kann ich ja einen Kommentar in Deutsch schreiben. Deine Photos sind phantastisch. Auf einmal spürt man wieder, wie klein die Welt ist. Ich freu mich auf den nächsten Post. Bis dann!
Magdalena

Donna Heber said...

Hi Carola,

It is so nice to meet you. Your blog is lovely as well as your photographs. I'm still making my way through visiting everyone from Vicki's Grow Your Blog party. I hope you will stop by to say hello.

Andria said...

Ah, your photos are so lovely! So nice to "meet" you through the GYB event!

Hindustanka said...

Hi, Carola! I'm so glad you stopped by my blog from GYP.
I loved your pictures! Beautiful and actually more than the pictures, every one of them is a little masterpiece. IF you want to know even more mixed media artists here is one I follow, Anna: http://frostedpetunias.blogspot.in
she creates wonderful magical collages and paintings!
well, I was always dreaming of living in Germany..and here you who shifted from this country.I guess we always search for something else in life.
Have a nice day and looking forward to see more of your beautiful works.
Anna

Diana said...

Such a nice post, Carola. I love all your work and it's so nice to be your blogger friend, too.

Ginnie Hart said...

I love that I have known you for awhile now, Carola, and am so glad we interface in more places than one. We're lucky to have you in our world!

Katherine McNeese said...

lovely blog!
thanks for the chance to win

Maureen said...

Oh what beautiful photos! So glad to have found you via Vicki's blog party! Your blog and art are both wonderful! I will be sure to Follow so I can read more.

Laurie said...

What lovely photographs! I am a native of CA and a former resident of Germany...I bet we would find lots to talk about! Nice to meet you!

Made.by.Fay said...

I love your blog. Such beautiful photographs and lovely artwork. It will be a great place to visit and enjoy.

Blessings,
Fay

faypaints.blogspot.com

Ella said...

I didn't know about your interests in fences, I love those photos very much!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

your photos are beautiful; visiting via Vicki's GYB Party.

Laurie said...

Great photos! New follower.

Anonymous said...

Hi Carola! I always enjoy your blog, but this post is really outstanding. And your "Fences" calendar is gorgeous!

Rosemary Aubut said...

Great post I visit you often and have joined quite some time ago! Good luck growing your blog I missed the opportunity to join! Maybe next year!

Shane Pollard said...

Hello Carola

How lovely to meet you via our dear friend Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party!

You have created a beautiful blog to visit - you are blessed with a wonderful artistic talent - WOW what photography!
Love the geese taking off at sunrise - I've tried all summer to take some good bird photos, but not one is yet good enough to show on my blog!!!
(I've saved one of your photos of a salmon poppy

LOve your giveaway calender - fences are a great study too!

I’m your newest follower!

I would love you to pop over and see me too and enter my GYB Giveaway!
Enjoy the party
Hugs
Shane ♥

knitalatte said...

Carola,
Lovely blog. Your photographs are gorgeous. I'm so happy to have met you via the gybp event.

Denise said...

Have thoroughly enjoyed visiting your blog. Quite delightful - love your work!

Thank you for the chance to win one of your wonderful Fence Calendars. Oh, I do hope I win.

I have become a follower of your blog and look forward to returning often.

blessings, denise :D
http://tomorrowstreasurestoday.blogspot.com/

Maggie said...

Hi Carola! Your photography is wonderful...i especially love how you captured the frost in the first photo. What a great concept for a calendar...I know lots of people love to feature doors, but all of the different fences is so intriguing! I'm slowly making my way through all of the blogs, and so glad I stopped by yours. Please visit mine and my giveaway if you get the chance.

Maggie
www.themagrag.com

mybearsnme said...

Gorgeous photos! I found you through the blog party :)

Unknown said...

I am late and still working through the blog party lists, but I am so glad I got here, I love your photos.
Carolyn
http://messmuddleandfun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/grow-your-blog-party.html

Neesie said...

Hi there Carola,
It's taken me some time but I'm here now...all the way from Melbourne, Australia but it was worth it! Thanks to Vicki's invitation ;D
Reading your post today I think we have a lot in common. I have had such a fantastic time since I started blogging and can't think what I did before I started. It gives me a great outlet for my art and photography plus I've met some wonderful friends along the way.
I'm an expat Brit who has been travelling the globe for the past 24 years so I have a lot to say at times!
Also guess what???? I have a calendar giveaway too!
Enjoy the party and I think I'm now your latest follower.
Have fun blog hopping :D
Neesie ♥

DianeSchuller.com said...

Carola, You have some lovely images and I must tell you I really admire that you've created a calendar out of your fence images. What an excellent idea for showcasing them. Bravo to you and how wonderful for the recipients of you lovely art.