A transformation and A GIVEAWAY!

Don't we all love transformations? Every week, some of my favorite parties feature transformations. Susan at Between Naps on the Porch hosts Metamorphosis Monday, and Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage hosts Transformation Thursday. I really enjoy reading all the wonderful before-and-after stories.

This week, I want to tell you about one of the biggest changes that has taken place in my house over the past several months. The object of change? Me.

You may have read here about some of the challenges my family has faced over the past 18 months. As 2009 winds down, I find myself hoping that 2010 will be a calmer year for our family. But one thing in particular has happened to me during that time, something for which I'm very thankful: I've become a blogger.

This time last year, I had a blog. One that I'd started in May 2007, then dropped after writing half a dozen posts. Then a friend introduced me to Nester's and Kimba's blogs. From there, I went on to meet Emily, and Darcy, and Amanda, and Rhoda, and Manuela, and Melissa. . . well, you get the picture. And a whole new world opened up to me--one that I sorely needed. The inspiration I drew from these and other wonderful bloggers helped to rescue me from the pit of inward-focusing in which I found myself. I needed inspiration and re-energizing--and I found it. I found it among bloggers.

So today I am celebrating the transformation of Richella from non-blogger into blogger. And I am marking the publication of my 100th post (!) with a giveaway.

I'll bet you're familiar with Vietri. . . you know, the Irresistibly Italian pottery? You've admired it in stores, haven't you? Perhaps you haven't bought any, because it's fairly pricey, but I know you've seen it. Well, you probably didn't know that Vietri is headquartered just down the road from me. The next town over from Durham is Hillsborough, North Carolina, home of Vietri. The Vietri goods are all made in Italy, then they're imported to the U.S.--right here to North Carolina! And the company headquarters includes a wonderful Vietri outlet, where beautiful pieces are sold at a discount. I made a trip to the Vietri Outlet and found a wonderful treasure that I'd like to give away to one of you:

The Rudolfo chip and dip. Isn't it darling?

It's actually two separate pieces, so you can take it apart and use the platter and bowl separately if you like.

Just leave a comment on this post to be entered in the giveaway. I'll keep the giveaway open until midnight Sunday, November 22, and announce a winner next Monday. You don't have to be a blogger to enter--you can always leave a comment as "Anonymous," but include your name and contact information in the body of the comment.

Thank you so much for visiting me here at Imparting Grace! I wouldn't be a blogger if no one were reading. I am so grateful for your friendship.

Lots of love,