Wednesday, March 2, 2011

A March Gift-Away, a Couple of Books and a Flicker


Gentle Readers and Dear Friends a few weeks back at an estate sale I found a great little piece of porcelain.  I didn't talk about it then as I knew I wanted to have a gift-away for March and it would be perfect.  What I found was this lovely......


....little bowl covered in shamrocks from the Belleek Porcelain factory in Ireland.  It is very well marked with the 3rd green Mark which dates it to 1965-1981.  I have it nestled in among my other bits and pieces.  If you would like to win this piece then comment on this POST only and I will draw a name on March 17th - celebrating St. Patrick's Day.  Anyone, anywhere can enter - so if you collect Belleek or just like the shamrocks throw your name in the mix.... you have to comment to win.
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I usually don't write about the books I 'm reading - I read lots - and usually have a few books going at one time and in a few different places.  Well, I just finished up two really wonderful "travel" type books.  Both by Marlene de Blasi - I read them out of sequence - the first was " Lady in the Palzzo: at Home in Umbria" - about her move to Orveito and the search and eventual restoration of a Ballroom/Apartment .  The Second book was "A Thousand Days in Tuscany:a Bittersweet Adventure" - a lovely book about her life in this lovely region of Italy.  I was totally taken with her writing style and adventures.  I would highly recommend them!!
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The flicker last night was another colonial extravaganza - but from the Golden Year - 1939 - called "Allegheny Uprising" - starring Claire Trevor, John Wayne and George Sanders.  With Trevor getting credit above Wayne - she was the bigger star at the time.  I enjoyed this film, but found Trevor a bit much.  Wayne and Trevor acted earlier in 1939  together in "Stagecoach" a much better film and one where she was more suited to the character she played than in "Uprising."  Overall a good film and at about an hour and half not too long.
__________

There you go sports fans.  Thanks for stopping by, do come again.

Take care,
edgar

111 comments:

  1. That is a really beautiful porcelain bowl! Wouldn't it look fabulous with a few St Patrick's Day pinkeeps/cushions??? I hope the Luck 'o the Irish is with me!!!

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  2. OMG!!! Pick me!!! I have a few pieces of Beleek...it is so delicate and lovely...

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  3. I was so excited I forgot to add my name in that last post!!! It's Wanda from Regina,SK Canada!!

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  4. Just beautiful Edgar! And what a nice thing to give it away.

    Peggy H.
    www.neverenoughstash.blogspot.com

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  5. I LOVE this bowl! I have no Beleek, so this would be a perfect start for me--if I don't win this, you could send me any piece I see in the photo and I would be very happy! ha ha
    What a lovely giveaway and I know someone will be thrilled that you are so generous! Thanks!
    fnelson1@comcast.net

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  6. Hi Edgar, I love your site! I love Beleek too! With a last name like Kelly, would couldn't. Anyway, enjoy your day and you always make me smile :)
    Kathy

    kathy_kelly@adp.com

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  7. Great gift-away Edgar! Please enter me.

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  8. I love Belleek china! it is so beautiful! And being Irish, it woul be lovely to win! Thank you, as always, for your wonderful giveaways.
    Pam

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  9. Hi Edgar
    I don't normally include my name in Giveaways but this one just calls to me for some reason. It's a lovely piece and whoever wins will be lucky to have it.

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  10. Edgar... would love to be in the drawing for the lovely bowl!

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  11. Hi Edgar!
    Wow! What a find! I love estate sale treasures!
    Please count me in your drawing.
    Thank you for your generosity!

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  12. I can hardly believe you are going to give away that gorgeous bowl, Edgar! What a great find! Thanks for your generosity

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  13. I would love to win the delicate porcelain bowl...seems most fitting, as St. Patrick is my name/saint!
    Busy Hands...Happy Heart
    Patricia

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  14. Edger, I would love to win the porcelain shamrock bowl. Each year I add to my serving pieces for our annual St. Patrick's Day party and this would be a wonderful addition!

    Thanks for all the inspiration your blog provides!

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  15. Oh I love Belleek Porcelain! Thanks for the giveaway! I have to go look up those books now. I'm the same way. I don't post about what I read, but I read a lot too.

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  16. I love the little porcelain bowl..and what a sweet giveaway perfect for march,,,also I have one of those books on my shelf I will have to get the first one..thanks for sharing,,,and please enter me into the drawing,,
    Devon
    hanna_563@msn.com

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  17. That is really pretty. i would love to enter. :)

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  18. I would love to win that small bowl it is so delicate looking. thanks for the opportunity to win this!

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  19. Belleek...I have a two wee pieces that I bought when visiting the factory shop...one is "O'Briens pub" (how great is that) and it is a Christmas ornament but it is out all year around. Throw my name in. What a great idea to draw on the
    17th O'Edgar. What a great find too. I read Frances Mayes books about Tuscany before I visited the area I will certainly look for the ones you read. I feel a trip coming on!! I

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  20. Dear Edgar -
    Please, please, please pick my name to win the Beleek gift give-away! My dear friend, who recently passed away, gave me a Beleek vase as a gift when she traveled to Ireland. If I win this matching bowl, I'd set it beside her vase to complement it. You are truly generous to give away such a wonderful piece of art. Addie

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  21. Such a pretty little bowl Edgar and I have the ideal spot for it! So ... please enter me into the BOD for the draw.

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  22. You are so resourceful. I would love that piece.

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  23. I love the Beleek bowl with the shamrocks! We love our St. Patty's day here, too. Would be great to win it!

    jill

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  24. I love Belleek and have several pieces but not that one.

    Count me in!

    Mary in TN

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  25. I love that bowl! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks!

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  26. Oh my gosh that bowl is beautiful! I have always admired that brand/design! Thanks for offering and thanks for the book recommendations.

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  27. Edgar, that is so beautiful! Please include me - what a wonderful opportunity.

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  28. Love your display. I've been looking for charts with shamrocks. Please add me to your drawing.

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  29. Oh, Edgar I would love to win that piece of Belleek! Please, please enter me in. I have a little glass case that contains 3 shelves of Belleek. My great-grandmother collected Belleek and when she passed away, I received her whole collection. Since then, for every special birthday (like when I turned 25, 30, 35, 40, etc) my mother and grandmother continue to add to the collection. I have some really old pieces in the cabinet as well as some new ones...and ones that were signed by a member of the Belleek family.
    The reason my great-grandmother started to collect these porcelain pieces w/shamrocks is because of the small amount of Irish blood that ran through her veins. As she would tell the story...her mother, Katherine O'Connell who was irish married the milk man who was German. The romance of the story alway intreged the family...however, Katherine was not from Ireland, but from Iowa :) Oh, well - you gotta love family stories.

    Take care...I hope that I have the luck of the Irish in order to win the bowl :)

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  30. What a lovely estate sale find! I have two small pieces pf Beleek that my late MIL gave me. I have them on my dresser and keep earrings in them. I'd love a chance! Thanks, Nancy D. hedghogmom@aol.com

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  31. What a nice gift-away! I enjoy reading your blog everyday and would love to be included in your drawing! I am happy to say that we have similar intrests in stitching, old movies & travel. Thanks for the daily read!

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  32. Oh I would love to win the Beleek bowl. I have a number of Beleek pieces but not this one. Please include me in the drawing.

    I too love to read but usually mysteries. But recently I read one I would highly recommend to any dog lover, A Dog's Purpose. Do look out for it. I'm sure that you would love it. :)

    (And a copy of it will be part of a giveaway that I am having. )

    Kathy
    and Rory too

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  33. I would like to recommend two movies that I saw recently,if I may.
    One was L'ecole Bussonierre from 1949,a French film and the other is The Jar an Iranian film from 1994.Both deal with schools and teachers I loved them.
    Please include me in the little bowl giveaway.AriadnefromGreece!

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  34. Edgar, My Mom and I are always huting garage sales Belleek pieces & have never found any. You always find such neat things and I look forward to Mondays to see what you found over the weekend. Your blog is the first I read everyday. Several of my stitching friends and fellow readers even talk about your postings when we are together. All good things :-)

    Christie, Batavia, Ohio

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  35. Beautiful - I'm 100% Irish and do have a small collection of Beleek - both items that were gifted to me and some from my Mother's collection - but I don't have that particular piece!
    I have a cousin who had 12 place settings of Beleek as her formal china - can you imagine?!
    I would love to celebrate St. Patrick's day with your prteey piece and generosity.

    Thank you,

    Mary in MN

    m_kaeding@hotmail.com

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  36. What a gorgeous bowl! I would love an opportunity to win this piece. You do find the best stuff at those sales, lol! ;D

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  37. I hope that my lucky Irishness kicks in :) I love this proceline piece. Please include me in the fun drawing
    THank you
    Natasha

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  38. I MUST read your blog everyday - I love it! You write so well, and it is all very interesting to me! Thank you!

    Oh, I'd love to enter your contest too, but just reading your blog makes me a winner already! Thanks!

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  39. love, love, love your blog! It brightens up my day! Thanks!

    Please enter me in the contest.....but, since I love reading your blogs, that makes me a winner already! YAY!

    (((((((((hugs))))))))))))
    "Jozzie"

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  40. Really?? Giving away Belleek??? I must enter!! With a maiden name of Dougherty (from O'Dochartaigh), I would be remiss not to!! How fun! I wish I could get out and about to sales. The season has not really started out here yet. But I have been patiently waiting to discover 'finds'. Thanks for the chance to win Edgar! Hugs.

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  41. What a cute find. I would love to have this special item.
    I love to read each day to see what you are cooking, stitching or finding.

    Barbara Stewart

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  42. All four of my grandparents came over from the old sod to begin life anew in the USA.... That would be a lovely reminder, Edgar. As always, I stand in awe of your generous sharing of yourself, your stitching, and your recipes.
    Kathleen

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  43. Hi there, I love the bowl, shamrocks are so beautiful! Hope my name is the one you pick???
    Kerry

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  44. Thank you for writing such an interesting blog. I truly enjoy it. Please enter me in your drawing the for the Beleek bowl. Thanks.

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  45. Edgar, what a wonderful find. I have afew pieces of Belleck, but nothing that old. I would love to be entered in your drawing. Deborah

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  46. Edgar you find the prettiest things! Consider me entered please.

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  47. Edgar....how wonderfully generous of you! Love your blog and read (stalk) it daily. I would give that bowl a good home!!
    Eileen

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  48. That is a lovely bowl. I love shamrocks even though I'm not Irish! You are very sweet and generous to offer it as a giveaway.
    Enjoy your weekend and estate sales!

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  49. Edgar, I would love to be in the drawing for that beautiful Irish bowl. However, France is just a little too far away to ship and have not one extra section of space. I wanted to comment anyway because I've been getting traffic from your site, and I didn't even know you! And there I see my blog on your blogroll. What a wonderful surprise. So, it's nice to meet you, Edgar. You now have a new follower as well. I look forward to digging into your site. Delana

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  50. What a wonderful and generous gift. I have a tiny Belleck vase that I purchased while in Ireland. LOVE IT. Your bowl would look stunning next to it. Fingers crossed that the shamrocks dance my way. Thanks for being there for us!

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  51. The bowl is beautiful! I LOVE St Patty's Day, and love to decorate my house for it. Keep writing, snapping, baking & of course keep stitching, (and collecting too) you inspire me... =) Hugs for the fur-children.

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  52. I am a Baleek fan by way of QVC. I have a sweet little vase that has similar looking shamrocks scattered on it. Please throw my name in the BOD! Thanks Edgar!

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  53. What fond memories this brought back for me. I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland when I was in college!

    Please enter my name in the drawing for the Beleek bowl!

    Happy Stitching Edgar!

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  54. Edgar, how generous of you to offer your beautiful beelek piece for a giveaway!! I'd love to be included.

    I do so enjoy your blog, and know what you mean about wishing the days away for the weekend...

    I recently started a blog, and would love it if you would stop by...
    bookwomanstitches.com

    Thanks!!

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  55. Oh Edgar! Gorgeous bowl. I do collect Belleek but don't have anything like it. Throw my name in.

    Hugs,

    Marnie

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  56. Really wonderful bowl Edgar. I'm surprised you are parting with it! I would love to enter to win. Hope all is well.

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  57. Wow that is a nice giveaway. I have three small pieces of Belleek. Each was given to me by someone and I feel like their spirit still lives on. I use them at parties and everyone who is Irish always asks about the pieces. I love telling the stories of the people who gave them to me because it's like they are at the party as well

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  58. I would love to be included in your drawing, Edgar. I recently held a contest on my blog (for Random Acts of Kindness week), and the girl who won apparently loves everything Irish. If I win, I would send the piece to her, because I know she would love it. You can read more about Katie here: http://englishelegance.blogspot.com/2011/02/random-acts-of-kindness-week-follow-up.html

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  59. I would love to win the bowl! Thank you! Amy amyfrazier@hotmail.com

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  60. Edgar, you always find the best things! I'll keep my fingers crossed that I may be the lucky one. Hope you have a good week!

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  61. Oh I hope I win. Any of the pieces would look just wonderful next to my Longaberger St Patricks day baskets. Jan

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  62. Hi Edgar, I love reading your blog but don't often make a comment. I would love to be entered into your drawing for the Belleek. I have collected Belleek since I was in grade school and love it! I especially use it on St. Patty's Day. Thank you for the chance.
    stitchingcat(at)comcast(dot)net

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  63. Oh Edgar, I love Belleck! Please enter me in your giveaway! I'm having a give away too...check out my I'm Sick of Winter" Giveaway on my blog!

    Whoever wins your giveaway certainly will be "lucky"!

    www.joaniesworld.blogspot.com

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  64. Please enter my name in your great give away. What a special gift.

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  65. I'd love a chance to enter your wonderful giveaway!!
    Thanks :)
    kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com

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  66. I'd love a chance at your giveaway. Thank you for hosting it!

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  67. I love your blog! My sister just started collecting Beleek (thanks to me!) and I would love to give her another piece. You make my day, I so look forward to checking out the haps every Monday thru Friday! thanks, Sonya from Campbell CA

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  68. What a beautiful giveaway. Being Irish myself I would love to add these to my china cabinet. Thank you for the opportunity.

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  69. I'd love to win a piece of Beleek. I'm of Irish descent and have nothing passed down from the old country.

    I need a bit of luck these days. . . with my health.

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  70. Oh, that Belleek is so pretty! I've been to the factory and it's amazing! If you ever have the chance to go, do. I was able to afford to bring home one piece and it is bisqueware - a little candle globe decorated with snowflakes; the light of a candle flickers through it and makes the snowflakes twinkle.

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  71. Edgar, what a WONDERFUL giveaway! I can't believe you are giving away the Beleek, if it were mine, I would never part with it. I am part Irish, my great grandmother Sally came from County cork.
    I also wanted to tell you how much I LOVE your blog, I recently discovered it. Your photo collage is absolutely amazing! I would love to know how you did that!

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  72. What a super giveaway and so apt to,would love to be given a chance to win such beaurtiful pieces
    tinacallaghan123 at hotmail dot com

    Thanks

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  73. Hi Edgar,
    I love Beleek, please add me to the draw.
    Kerry, Ontario, Canada

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  74. Oh my what a find! And HOW incredibly generous of you to offer it up!! I just love Beleek!!

    Happy St. Patty's day!!!


    bizeefingerskaren@gmail.com

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  75. Beautiful porcelain !! How generous of you to give it away...

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  76. Hi Edgar, I really enjoy your blog! Please enter me in your Beleek giveaway. I saw the same pattern in Teatime magazine;lovely for Spring!
    Thanks.
    Shirley from Prince George, BC Canada.

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  77. I would love a chance to wint that beautiful bowl or pitcher.Carol L

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  78. Oh I would love to own that bowl Edgar. Seriously, I don't know how you can part with it. I am hoping one of the who-hounds will draw my name. :o)

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  79. Edgar: You are so generous to give away such beautiful treasures, I love following your blog thank-you for much enjoyment.
    Please include me in your givaway
    Catherine
    diamondc@lakedalelink.net

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  80. What a fun dish it win. Great give-away.
    Teresa's Heartfelt Stitches

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  81. Oh my how beautiful, thank you for the amazing generosity in giving it away!

    thepricklypinecone(at)gmail.com

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  82. I don't know how I missed this Edgar, but please enter me in your wonderful giveaway!

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  83. Add me, add me!! What wonderful finds, and how generous of you to share....

    Erin
    ftnfk.blogspot.com

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  84. Oh, this is so pretty. I am loving those shamrocks. I hope I win.

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  85. Edgar -- I always enjoy reading about your stitching and antiquing adventures. I would love to be included in your drawing.

    Many thanks and happy stitching!

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  86. Hi Edgar,
    I am a lurker and have been reading and enjoying your blog for a while. Just love stitching and movies! And Beleek! I have one small piece, so would love to be entered in your drawing to win another!! I will pray to the who hound gods that they draw my name from the BOD! thanks for all you share, Lori
    house1795@tds.net

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  87. Hi Edgar - I am a lurker and have been reading your blog for a few years, so I'm glad for a chance to say how much I love reading about your life. I'm also 100% Irish and have a few pieces of Beleek. I love the translucence of it. Good luck to everyone. Mary

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  88. Thankyou for a lovely give away. Please include me.
    delphine_payne@hotmail.com

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  89. Thank you Edgar for the opportunity to win your beautiful giveaway. I've been lurking on your blog for a long time. After seeing this beautiful bowl, I am now posting for the first time.

    I would love to be entered for your Marck GIFT-away. Thank you for such a lovely and inspiring blog.
    Bobbie :)
    bobbiejess@comcast.net

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  90. Please put my name in the drawing, Edgar. My mother collects Beleek and it would make a wonderful surprise for her for Mother's Day! Thank you for the opportunity!

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  91. I'd love another piece of Beleek to go with my little vase. I'm half Irish so I just smile whenever I see the delicate little shamrocks on these. My aunt's Irish horse is named Beleek too :)

    thank you for your generosity!

    mdunajski@gmail.com

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  92. What a lovely little bowl. I can picture it by my elbow, catching orts and little chocolate wrappers. I would love a chance in the draw.

    Kay
    kaysrandomworld@gmail.com

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  93. Edgar! Edgar! Edgar! I HAVE to win the giveaway!!!!

    bogfairy@yahoo.com

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  94. Oh.My.Goodness. What a most beautiful piece of china! It would so go in my cabinet with all my teacups, teapots and other pretties. Besides, I'm part Irish, so I should win. LOL

    Seriously, I love it and would love to enter your generous giveaway. Hugs from Texas!

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  95. what a lovely piece to give away Edgar!

    Count me in on our generous giveaway :)

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  96. what a beautiful bowl! Iwould love a chance to win , thanks.

    Vicki B
    Prince George BC
    Canada

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  97. Okay, thowing in my chance to win the Belleek - what a perfect thing for a St Paddy's Day giveaway. Thanks Edgar for all our enthusiasm - always enjoy reading your posts.

    Jeanne in AZ

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  98. i would love to win this bowl please enter me in your giveaway. I enjoy your blog.

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  99. What a lovely little bowl! I love all things Irish-please enter me! Thanks for sharing the books you are reading as well.. I love to read and will definitely look into those!

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  100. Thank you Edgar for offering your "gift-away". Keep up the awesome work on your enjoyable blog!

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  101. Thanks for a great blog - my first one to read on a daily basis.

    Please enter me in your contest.

    Happy St. Patricks Day!!

    cheree93@aol.com

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  102. Throw my name into the Bowl of Destiny. I would be honored to win any of the Beleek pieces. It would be a nice reminder of reading about your Estate Sale weekend adventures on your blog.
    Carolyn

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  103. That is such a wonderful piece. Thank you the chance.
    Joy
    www.jollyrogermom.blogspot.com

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  104. Would love to own one of those pieces of Beleek, I have one tiny vase and it needs company.
    Thanks for the chance

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  105. Okay, Edgar! You got me. Add my name to the drawing, please!

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  106. Please oh please, include me in your St. Patrick's drawing. What a very generous giveaway!

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  107. Edgar, You are so wonderful. I read the post when you found the bowl and was happy for you that you had found a beautiful treasure. I never thought of you giving it away. I just found your giveaway post on St. Pat's day, so I must say I had to post a comment. I haven't forgotten about you and the stocking patterns are safe. I have been wanting to get them back to you and need to get "the parrells of life" off my calendar so I can getto the post office.
    Have a wonder St. Pat's day and enjoy the movie tonight. :)

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  108. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you! I'd like to be entered into your contest too - thank you!

    Laura

    snowslippers @ aol.com

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  109. Please include me in your drawing - I love the beautiful Beleek bowl, it would be perfect with a pretty spring flowering plant in it! Enjoy watching the Quiet Man tonight - it's one of my favorite movies of all time!
    lmansmann@comcast.net

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  110. I'd love to be entered into your giveaway Edgar. I'm a Heinz 57 type of person, but there is some Irish in my blood. Hope your St. P's day is grand.

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  111. Oh my gosh....I'd so love to win a piece of your wonderful finds!! Happy St. Patrick's Day!! Thanks for sharing.

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Picking Up the Needle

Gentle Friends, it's been a couple of weeks of really not wanting to stitch so I didn't...however, over the weekend I once again ste...