Friday, January 24, 2014

Welcome to my "Grow Your Blog" Party

Welcome to my blog and my friend Vicki's wonderful annual "Grow Your Blog" party! My name is Silke. I live in beautiful (but at the moment unusually cold) Savannah, Georgia with my goofy husband Daniel. Ok, we are both goofy in the photo below - you can see that our dog Winslow looks quite embarrassed... We came to Savannah because Daniel started teaching illustration (there's a link to his blog and website on my right sidebar if you are interested) at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Our cat Ramses will be 17 this year and he basically runs the household. He and Winslow are are good buddies. Ramses adopted us in New Mexico and moved here to the deep South with us eight years ago. He loves it here - especially in the summer. It seems that it can't be too hot or humid for him...
During the last two years a couple of feral cats have adopted us and now live with us full-time. They remain outdoor cats but are definitely part of our little family never straying far from our yard. Meet happy and affectionate (ok, sometimes the claws come out, which Daniel doesn't mind, but I am not so fond of) Tucker...
and little Louie. Louie is afraid of most people who visit us, but he is super affectionate with Daniel and me. However, his favorite "person" is our dog Winslow. When Louie gets anxious, all Winslow has to do is walk over to him and lick his little head and Louie calms right down and snuggles in. It's so sweet!
Let's see. What else can I tell you about myself?

I grew up in Germany, but have lived in the US since the mid 80s, which is also when I met my husband Daniel. In fact, I met him on my very first day in the US. Must have been fate... :)

I love to do anything creative, which wasn't always the case and is a fairly new phenomenon in my life. Five years ago I suddenly started painting and started this blog at the same time. My blog banner was my very first painting. You can see all of my creative endeavors and their progression if you peruse my blog.
I also love to knit and crochet, to sew, to cook and to bake, to read and to travel, to take photos of everything and anything, all of which you can find on my blog. I post a hodgepodge of stuff that is interesting to me and hopefully to you. And I always include lots of photos.
Ok. Now, what would a blog party be without a giveaway?! Something would be missing, right?

I couldn't exactly decide what to give away, so it'll be a surprise. It'll be something handmade by me - maybe a little painting or a hand knit scarf or something I've sewn. Whatever it'll be I'm sure you'll love it!!

Just leave a comment on my this post (anyone and everyone can enter!) and I'll include you in the drawing on February 15!!
But for now grab a cup of coffee, linger a little while and continue to enjoy the blog party.

I hope that you will come back to visit. I'll make it a point to visit your blogs as well...

Wishing you a fantastic day!

❧ Silke
Posted by Silke Powers at 11:11 PM
Labels: , ,

69 comments:

  1. ShrooJanuary 25, 2014 at 12:42 AM

    Oh I love your blog! You write beautifully - AND you have cats...has to be awesome! YOu have such talent - I'll have such fun reading your blog.Happy to have found you via 'Grow Your Blog' - best wishes, Shroo:)x
    http://artandsand.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Brenda MaasJanuary 25, 2014 at 1:06 AM

    I also am a fan of your blog/artwork/recipes, etc.. I especially love orange cats and any animals :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Elisabeth PalzkillJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:42 AM

    Liebe Silke,

    REIZEND!

    Alles Liebe
    Elisabeth

    ReplyDelete
  4. weekend et coup de brosseJanuary 25, 2014 at 3:20 AM

    Very nice post!
    Have a lovely weekend!
    Cath-(Cath CH Photography)

    ReplyDelete
  5. LibrarianJanuary 25, 2014 at 3:36 AM

    Although I have been following your blog for quite a while (two years?), it was nice to read something so "condensed" about yourself and your blog, Silke.
    Happy partying :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:30 AM

    What a talented lady and pets lover you are. I am your new follower Silke. And don't forget to count me in the giveaway :-D

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tessa~ Here there be musingJanuary 25, 2014 at 9:41 AM

    I'm happy to have already met you, quite recently.

    Love the cute picture of you and your family. Your husband and Winslow are both handsome. And you are beautiful.
    With a perfect name, as well.

    Happy Jan. 25th,
    Tessa~

    ReplyDelete
  8. lilylovekinJanuary 25, 2014 at 10:37 AM

    Silke, just a hello and a forever thank-you for being the first person to leave a comment on my initial blog post so many years ago. I didn't know Ramses was 17, our little Penny (dog) is also. It is amazing they have been part of our families so long. Have a wonderful blog party. Lorrie

    ReplyDelete
  9. JeanneJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:11 AM

    Have enjoyed stopping by your blog and will sign up to follow. Of course, would also love to be included in your giveaway opportunity. I am hoping that you will also stop by my blog, if for no other reason than to see that we have UNCANNILY SIMILAR BLOG NAMES. I was fasscinated when I saw the name of your blog. My daughter has just adopted a feral cat, and a challenge to make friends with him. Will look forward to seeing more of your blog and getting to know you

    ReplyDelete
  10. PegJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:17 AM

    Silke, what a lovely name, thank you for visiting my blog. Wow your crafts are beautiful, I could actually sit all day looking at blogs enjoying the many talents people have. I love your cats we used to have 4 years ago but as they passed away and I became involved with dog rescue many of the dogs weren't cat lovers. My lot aren't and I feel it unfair to put a cat through having to run for cover from a chasing dog. I transported 3 Maine Coon cats a couple of years ago they were stunning.

    Enjoy your weekend.

    Peg x

    ReplyDelete
  11. ClaireJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:24 AM

    Darn, it didn't publish my comment :( I will be back on a less frantic day, Silke - so lovely to meet you today :) x
    I've become a follower :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirtsJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:30 AM

    Silke, it was lovely to learn all these things about someone I've been bumping into for a few years as we comment on other peoples blogs and on facebook. I love your fur babies and how you featured them. How sweet is that? Thanks for the sharing of yourself as we "grow our blogs". Hope you'll come and visit me as well, Oma Linda

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnithaJanuary 25, 2014 at 12:18 PM

    Hi silke thanks for your lovely comment on my blog.. Your works are so beautiful and I'm really glad to know you through this blog event. Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Donna HeberJanuary 25, 2014 at 12:29 PM

    Hi Silke,

    I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog party. It is so nice to meet you and your family (furry friends included). Ramses is so adorable! I plan to look around a bit more and then be on my way to visit the others. I do hope you will stop by for a visit and enter my giveaway. Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs – Donna

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresJanuary 25, 2014 at 1:01 PM

    Hi Silke, so nice to meet you. I was born and raised in the South and now live in Kuwait of all places. I was in Savannah around 1989; loved it. Have a signed cookbook from the owner of Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House, a family style restaurant. Is that still there? Feral cats are a big problem here and I have many that I feed each and every day. :) Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2014 at 1:37 PM

    nice to meet you Silke, you have a beautiful blog and pretty cats

    ReplyDelete
  17. The AtticJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:18 PM

    Hi Silke,

    Nice to meet you. Love your sweet dog and kitties. We also love animals. Have a sweet yellow lab and 2 orange tabby kitties. Thanks for visiting my blog today. Please enter me in your giveaway.

    Judy in Colorado
    Attic Raggedys
    judy@atticraggedys.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. AveryclaireJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:34 PM

    Hi Silke..nice to meet you. TY for your kind comments on my blog. Your blog is fantastic. Love your artwork (painting/charcoal). You are quite talented. Love the knitting as well. I know Savannah is cold as well..but now they are calling Chicago "Chiberia"!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Val's Quilting StudioJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:37 PM

    I've visited before and so love your energy! I added myself as a GFC follower and included your blog in my blogroll (I just love the title and want to check in more often!) Stop by: myplvl.blogspot.com SMiles! Val:)

    ReplyDelete
  20. quilty stitchesJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:46 PM

    Oh I love your blog! and thank you for visiting mine. It is exciting to read about you and finding your various art forms, I'm so happy for you!! I lived on Jekyll Island for awhile back in the 70's as a teenager, before it became such a tourist destination. I would very much like to be entered in your giveaway, I'm sure anything you make will be wonderful. xx's

    ReplyDelete
  21. BirgitJanuary 25, 2014 at 2:59 PM

    Hi Silke,

    What a perfect Grow Your Blog post you wrote. :) Well, I can't help you growing your blog, as I am already a follower -- hah! I still loved to get to know all your animals -- I had missed out on the cats before.

    Hugs,
    Birgit

    ReplyDelete
  22. SaraJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:27 PM

    Hi Silke,

    Thanks for your comment on my blog! It's nice to meet you too.

    I love cats and you have quite a nice family of them. Count me in for your giveaway. Here's an idea: you could knit one of those "starbuck's paper cups holders" (I really don't know what to call them...). Just something to put around the cup so you don't burn your hands. I saw a picture of a knitted one once, but I'm not very artistic ;)

    ReplyDelete
  23. HollyJanuary 25, 2014 at 4:53 PM

    I love the name and painting in your blog header. Will visit again soon.

    ReplyDelete
  24. KayJanuary 25, 2014 at 5:13 PM

    It is lovely to meet you on the blog party today, it is such fun visiting and seeing peoples' talents. Thanks for a fun giveaway too.

    ReplyDelete
  25. kathyinozarksJanuary 25, 2014 at 5:34 PM

    Hi Silke, I am visiting from the party-I really loved reading all about furry friends, I started creating when I retired in 2003-finally had some time-lol I love surprises so please count me in
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  26. SharonJanuary 25, 2014 at 7:44 PM

    Hi, Silke! It's nice to meet you from this fun party! Your animals all look so sweet. How wonderful that even feral cats stay still enough for you to photograph them. I have 2 cats, and it's so hard to get them to pose for a photo! I'm following you now and look forward to more posts abut your pets and your life.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Magaly GuerreroJanuary 25, 2014 at 8:52 PM

    You have a beautiful family, your smiles are so contagious (I'm sure Winslow is smiling under the shame). Oh, how I wish I could have many fury babies... one day, right?

    I'm following now, and will be back to delight in your creativity.

    ReplyDelete
  28. UnknownJanuary 25, 2014 at 11:56 PM

    wow! love your painting!

    found/followed you from the gyb party...

    hope you'll visit me as well!

    ReplyDelete
  29. JillJanuary 26, 2014 at 3:41 AM

    Hi, I found you through GYB, love your blog and will follow through Bloglovin. It's great to find a fellow foodie painter.
    Jill
    Kiln Fired Art

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hettienne GroblerJanuary 26, 2014 at 3:54 AM

    Hi Silke thank you for visiting my blog which led me to find yours in GYB. I love cats and it is so sweet that you have adopted feral cats - makes my heart happy :)) I am now following you and am looking forward to many visits, Hettienne

    ReplyDelete
  31. Elizabeth EdwardsJanuary 26, 2014 at 9:44 AM

    what gorgeous cats. love all the colors. running the household is a good thing. too cute.

    hi there. i'm Beth from E. Lizard Breath Speaks - so nice to meet you through the Grow Your Blog get together/party. ( :
    elizardbreathspeaks@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. ReneeJanuary 26, 2014 at 11:20 AM

    Your artwork is lovely! I look forward to revisiting your blog to see more. I smiled reading about Winslow calming Louie down. In my mind he instantly became "Winslow the Cat Whisperer." That is incredibly sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Bernadett January 26, 2014 at 11:27 AM

    Hello,

    Nice to meet you.:)
    I would like to participate in your giveaway.
    petitearmoire2@gmail.com

    Greetings.

    Bernadett

    ReplyDelete
  34. DebraKay NeimanJanuary 26, 2014 at 11:53 AM

    I am having fun finding new bloggers to follow...love sewing and quilting. Greetings from Oklahoma, USA. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. SuzanJanuary 26, 2014 at 12:46 PM

    Wonderful meetings you Silke!
    I lived in Heidelberg for three years in the 80s and love it. I've taken my daughters back several times to see where they took their first steps. I look forward to taking a class in oils in May! I look forward to following you!

    ReplyDelete
  36. GillJanuary 26, 2014 at 2:01 PM

    Hi Silke
    Good to meet you - I'm off to read some of your earlier posts!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Shane PollardJanuary 26, 2014 at 2:16 PM

    Hello Silke
    How lovely to meet you!
    This is a great post and I love all that you do!
    Your header is beautiful - you have a rare talent as an artist.

    Your knitting is beautiful - a basket weave pattern, is it as complicated as it looks?!!
    I'm a very basic knitter but when I see the yarns Vicki plays with it makes me want to make a nest and embellish it too!

    My blog is a bit of a hodge podge too so we have that in common!!LOL

    After the party I'll be back with my morning cup of coffee to say hello again.

    Now following you too.
    Hugs
    Shane

    ReplyDelete
  38. BeckyJanuary 26, 2014 at 6:17 PM

    I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog blog hop. Enjoyed meeting you and your family. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  39. BeckyJanuary 26, 2014 at 6:17 PM

    I'm visiting from the Grow Your Blog blog hop. Enjoyed meeting you and your family. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Shirlee FassellJanuary 26, 2014 at 10:21 PM

    lovely blog the GYBParty was a blast!! Great to see so many blogs. Shirlee

    ReplyDelete
  41. Andrea @ From The SolJanuary 27, 2014 at 5:41 PM

    Well, Silke, you must be a pretty smooth character. I read your "Looking Closely" and "The Things We Hang On To" before I came over here and enjoyed them both thoroughly. Judging from your picture I think I am a bit older than you and I can tell you, that you will soon rid yourself of those haunting memories ... one by one. The only one that sort of stays with you is that "Parent Tape". You will learn to argue with it, but it will continue to nag you in the back of your mind. The good thing is, that by now, you have learned that much of what is in that "Parent Tape" is true and you onl have to argue with the things that don't fit in your life anymore. You are already in the process of growing the new you, so I would say you are right on track. I plan to follow you and share with you and hope you will stop over to see me as well. Life is Good, Silke ... Enjoy:)

    Andrea @ From The Sol

    ReplyDelete
  42. WendyJanuary 28, 2014 at 5:44 AM

    Such a wonderful post...I admire anyone who knits...please enter me in your giveaway and thank you for having one...have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  43. SvanvitheJanuary 28, 2014 at 11:23 AM

    Einiges wusste ich ja schon von dir, liebe Silke. Aber nun habe ich dich noch ein wenig mehr kennengelernt. Dankeschön!

    Ich wünsche dir weiterhin viel Freude bei allem, was du gern tust.

    Allerbeste Grüße

    Anke

    ReplyDelete
  44. Roses, Lace and BrocanteJanuary 28, 2014 at 5:18 PM

    Hello Silke
    I'm back as Friend Connect wasn't working for me when I commented before.

    NOW following - it worked yea!!!

    Shane x

    ReplyDelete
  45. prince snow farmJanuary 28, 2014 at 6:29 PM

    You have a lovely blog! love those kitties! And of course your dog as well! Thanks for stopping by! What fun!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Art and SandJanuary 29, 2014 at 3:51 AM

    love your name . . . love that you blog about different things . . . looking forward to reading more after I have visited all the blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  47. creations.1January 29, 2014 at 6:27 AM

    A lovely blog Silke - I have enjoyed reading all about you and your 'family' and loved looking around your blog!! I am now a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  48. LorraineJanuary 29, 2014 at 1:50 PM

    Thanks for visiting me Silke. Love the family photos. I will be back to visit again.

    ReplyDelete
  49. BethJanuary 29, 2014 at 10:57 PM

    It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence, Silke. I wondered as I read a few of your posts if you are getting any of the nasty winter weather. Hope not! Your animals are adorable. So great of you to care for the ferals too. We have cared for ferals (several have come and gone); the longest we've had one coming is our "Tortie" who lives in the back yard and has for 6 years. Have a lovely day!
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  50. Sarah and DanJanuary 31, 2014 at 12:43 PM

    You have many talents!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Vicki BosterJanuary 31, 2014 at 5:48 PM

    Oh Silke-- I love this photo of you and Daniel-- it's just perfect for this post. Love the all your animal babies too-- you guys are blessed for sure:)

    I'm so happy to have you participate in this party-- and so very grateful for all of your help as well. I can already see that you've made lots of new friends!

    Sending love-
    Vicki

    ReplyDelete
  52. Deborah MontgomeryJanuary 31, 2014 at 9:01 PM

    I'm visiting from the GYB party. I love that basket weave knitting that you show, and the drawings of yourself are really good! Thanks for stopping by my blog too. It's been wonderful to meet so many talented and creative women!

    ReplyDelete
  53. QuinnFebruary 1, 2014 at 6:46 AM

    Hello and thank you for visiting Comptonia and leaving your nice comment! I love your pictures and descriptions of the cats, and the expression on your dog's face in the group portrait made me smile...it's not easy to embarrass my dog Piper, but sometimes I manage it ;)
    I will be back to explore more of your artwork...very impressive!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Fat DormouseFebruary 1, 2014 at 7:27 AM

    Hi Silke! I love your blog and all the different things that you do. Your cats are lovely - and the photo of you & your hubby is super. You look so happy together! (I met my husband on my first day in a new job - it was, in fact, his last day!We've been together over 30 years now. I think it was fate too!)

    I hope you will pop over and meet my cats - and me too, of course!)

    ReplyDelete
  55. knitalatteFebruary 2, 2014 at 9:52 AM

    Hi Silke,
    I'm visiting via the gyb party. I really enjoyed your blog this morning. The knitted dishcloths are so colorful. Thanks for the links to the patterns.
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  56. NancyFebruary 2, 2014 at 1:58 PM

    Silke, Thanks for dropping by Chickens & Fine China! It is so nice to drop by your blog as well and get to know you! I have to crack up at your long list of labels...seems both of our interests are quite long! Ha! And if I'm not mistaken, it looks like your hair is gray AND smashing, so I'm totally jealous. =) I look forward to gleaning some new art ideas from you. Best, Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thistle Cove FarmFebruary 2, 2014 at 8:07 PM

    Love the adorable furbabies and bet y'all are freezing in N. GA! We've had terribly cold weather but yesterday it warmed above freezing - an absolute gift and blessing! visiting via Vicki's GYB party and the salad looks so tasty. I really shouldn't have skipped supper tonight.

    ReplyDelete
  58. LaneyFebruary 3, 2014 at 3:29 AM

    I think its going to take a long time to read all the blogs for the party but I am getting there. I love your blog, I read it from this morning back to this post and you write beautifully with such gorgeous photos. I am a new follower and look forward to reading more about your creative spirit :) Lx

    ReplyDelete
  59. Tanya February 5, 2014 at 2:23 PM

    So happy you found your creative side...visiting from the Blog Party - happy to have found your beautiful blog. Happy Wednesday from Nevada - Tanya

    ReplyDelete
  60. Angie in SoCalFebruary 5, 2014 at 7:32 PM

    A very creative post, Silkie - so welcoming. I feel I know quite a bit about you. Glad to come by via GYB. ANd thanks for helping Vicki with this great endeavor.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Patty AntleFebruary 8, 2014 at 12:23 PM

    I love your projects and blog header. I will be back for more. Am following!

    ReplyDelete
  62. macmillanmarieFebruary 8, 2014 at 6:34 PM

    I have enjoyed my visit - it is so nice to meet you and learn a little about you and your family. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  63. macmillanmarieFebruary 8, 2014 at 6:34 PM

    I have enjoyed my visit - it is so nice to meet you and learn a little about you and your family. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Judy Cooper Textile ArtistFebruary 9, 2014 at 9:24 PM

    Greetings from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Very nice to meet you. Lovely projects!

    ReplyDelete
  65. TinaFebruary 10, 2014 at 6:07 AM

    Hallo Silke, I am visiting from Germany with the GYBparty. Love your place and your crafts! Am following you from now on ;-)
    Liebe Grüße
    Tina

    ReplyDelete
  66. CYNTHIA CRANEFebruary 13, 2014 at 6:11 PM

    Thank you for visiting and joining my blog for the GYB party Silke! I will certainly be following you back as I can see that you are very talented and have many lovely posts to explore. I've been to your gorgeous city as I have a brother in Effingham County. How wonderful that your husband works at SCAD! Cindy from TheCranesNest.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. OhioLoriFebruary 13, 2014 at 9:18 PM

    Ooooh your Blog..and Family...& kittie's & doggie...allll Awesome!! Definitely signing to follow!! (just did..thru Bloglovin!) Will be back to peruse at a slower pace, so can enjoy with cuppa tea! :)

    Happy Valentine's Day!!

    ReplyDelete
  68. MaggieFebruary 14, 2014 at 1:08 AM

    Hi Silke, nice to meet you on this blog hop! The close-up photo of your basket-weave knitting is scrumptious!! The son of a friend of mine just started attending your husband's college, and he loves it there!

    ReplyDelete
  69. KlikFebruary 14, 2014 at 12:28 PM

    Hello, Silke! Very nice to meet you :) I'm from Russia, and will follow your blog with pleasure - it's sooo nice :)))

    Nataly

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)