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.