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Saturday, 2 August 2008

How did it Happen, and a Birthday Giveaway!



I'm not sure how exactly it happened!!! I mean . . . I still feel sixteen inside, and here I am staring fifty-three in the face! I know it's hard to believe, but . . . in just about 12 days or so I will be having my birthday!!! My how the years have flown! (I hope the next fifty three don't fly by so quickly!) Anyways, as it's a time of celebration for me (I believe in celebrating everything, even birthday's that smack you in the face!) I thought I'd do a little Happy Birthday Giveaway so one of you wonderful readers could celebrate it right along with me.



First of all I am giving away a delicious box of Ferrero Garden chocolates. Yes, a lovely little box containing 18 lucious chocolate truffles in the Ferrero tradition with such delicious flavours as Almond, Pistachio, Lemon, Filbert and Coconut (my personal favourite). Mmmm . . . I'd love to keep them myself, but then again, I also love to give people presents that I'd love to have myself. They are the best!



Now, what would a birthday celebration be without a delicious cake??? I am also including a lovely copy of one of my favourite cake books, Women's Weekly Cooking Class Cakes! A delicious cookbook put out by one of my favourite cookery book publishers and containing moreish recipes for such tasty delights as Hummingbird Cake and many more! It's also a personal favourite of mine, and something I just know the lucky winner will enjoy as much as I do!



Lastly, I am throwing in a print of one of my most popular paintings, "When in Doubt Eat Cake". I just love this painting. It was the very first one that I put up for sale in my Etsy Shop.

What more could one want for a Birthday Celebration??? Oh yes!!! Special FRIENDS to help you celebrate it with, friends just like all of you!! If you want to help me celebrate just leave a comment at the end of this post and let me know. Pass it along and tell all of your blogging friends too. The more the merrier!!! You have until the 13th of August to get in on this special celebration as I will have my Todd draw the lucky winner on that day!

Good luck everyone!
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96 comments:

  1. slush2 August 2008 at 13:10

    Happy Birthday Marie, I hope its a super sweet one! xo

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  2. MrsB2 August 2008 at 13:17

    Happy Birthday maria - you'll have to make your self a super special birthday cake! I love birthdays as it gives me an excuse to make more cakes! enjoy x

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  3. glamah162 August 2008 at 13:53

    Im using this opportunity to say hello and Happy Birthday! I love those candies. You cant find that version here, but I had them in Germany.

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  4. judi.00442 August 2008 at 14:12

    Many Happy Birthday wishes to you. Hope you will enjoy your day as much as we enjoy all your recipe posts.

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  5. StitchinByTheLake2 August 2008 at 14:20

    Fifty three - you're just a baby! I know it will be a wonderful birthday - they all are. :) Love the dog. Blessings, marlene

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  6. ~Amber~2 August 2008 at 14:20

    Happy Birthday, I hope you have the most magnificent birthday ever.

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  7. Donna2 August 2008 at 14:35

    Happy Birthday Marie. I hope your special day gives you as much pleasure as all your lovely blogs give me each day.

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  8. jancd2 August 2008 at 14:54

    Happy Birthday, Marie. I have enjoyed reading your blog so much, and I hope you continue to post daily. Jancd @ janwes@sbcglobal.net

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  9. bookworm2 August 2008 at 14:57

    Happy Birthday! Feels great, doesn't it? I'd love to win the chocolate and the cake book, I love cake!

    Thanks for offering the giveaway.

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  10. Tracy2 August 2008 at 15:03

    Happy Birthday early, my very dear friend! Hope you have fun celebrating all month long! Mmmm...cake and chocolate--perfect for birthdays! Your giveaway is so generous and sweet...Do count me in on the fun! Such treats to talk to you today. LOVE YOU HEAPS! ((Big Hugs))

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  11. hoLLy2 August 2008 at 15:22

    hope you have a wonderful birthday marie! what an awesome giveaway-i love ferrero, i love cookbooks, and your painting is just adorable!

    pick me pick me pick me! :)

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  12. Nora2 August 2008 at 15:25

    Have a very happy birthday.. hope its your best one EVER, and an awesome day for you. I will be 53 this year also.
    Keep up the great writing... when I miss home, I can come on here and feel better :)

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  13. ikkinlala2 August 2008 at 15:39

    I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

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  14. Jeannene2 August 2008 at 16:49

    "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARIE.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!" (and many more)....

    You are the biggest heart I know, and you are a bright and shining star in my life and those around you. You can never age but more and more wiser, lovelier.

    I hope you enjoy your day and weekend very much so. You do mean so much to me and glad I am your friend!!

    Love you,
    Jeannene

    PS. I hope you did not mind me singing to you in the beginning. and I hope I win your "giveaway too;-))" Love your picture!!!

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  15. Prudy2 August 2008 at 17:17

    Happy B-day! What a great give away-especially your adorable painting. Doesn't time fly? It just feels like summer then christmas, then summer, then chrismtas, etc. etc. etc.

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  16. Jenna Z2 August 2008 at 17:18

    I wish you a VERY happy birthday with lots of cake and ice cream!

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  17. Gloria2 August 2008 at 17:26

    Dear Marie, Happy, happy Birthday close to Todd,Im hope you really have alovely and happy birthday. God blessing you always!!!!!! Thsnks by your love, friendship and yummy recipes. A special thought today to my lovely friend Marie. A big hug!!!!

    Do you read in a pot below (about town) where I told you finally yor pictures arrive and are really lovely??????I sent a little mail to you too. Thanks by all!!!!!xxxxGloria

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  18. Meryl2 August 2008 at 17:43

    Happy Happy Birthday, Marie!

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  19. The Polka Dot Pixie2 August 2008 at 18:02

    Best wishes for a super Happy Birthday Marie!!! (((hugs)))- Jenny

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  20. PheMom2 August 2008 at 19:25

    Happy happy birthday Marie dear! Happy days will come to you all year! If I had one wish then it would be a happy happy birthday to you from me! ; )

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  21. melody is slurping life2 August 2008 at 20:26

    Happy Birthday, sweet friend! I love your attitude of celebration and wish you many more days of happiness and good health (at a slower pace per your request).

    Leave it to you to host such a fun birthday giveaway...three of my favorite things are chocolate, cake and art.

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  22. Susan2 August 2008 at 21:10

    Marie, I love the new look of your blog! Many Happy Birthday wishes are being sent your way too!

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  23. quitecontrary19772 August 2008 at 21:56

    this feels like my birthday! candy, cake and my fave print of yours.. i have my fingers, toes and eyes crossed!

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  24. Amanda2 August 2008 at 23:08

    Have a fabulous birthday! :)

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  25. The Blonde Duck2 August 2008 at 23:31

    I can't wait until you get your birthday present! I ordered it a few weeks ago. You'll adore it. I would have sent a pie with it, but I didn't think it'd last that long!

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  26. Anonymous3 August 2008 at 00:18

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MARIE
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
    lots of love and best wishes on your special day..!
    love
    fariah

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  27. Rain3 August 2008 at 00:27

    Happy Birthday to one of my favourite bloggers :-)

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  28. Aileen3 August 2008 at 00:49

    I'm sure you'll enjoy all the days of August,but have a great DAY when it arrives.
    Please include me :>)
    Aileen....X

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  29. Paige3 August 2008 at 00:52

    Well, Happy Birthday!!!! I hoe it's a wonderful one. I would love to enter your great chocolate contest, too.

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  30. slackermommy3 August 2008 at 01:51

    Melody sent me over to wish you a happy birthday!I hope it's great!

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  31. KKJD13 August 2008 at 03:14

    Hope you have a great birthday! What a great way to celebrate, by giving.
    Blessings, Karen

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  32. Bunny B3 August 2008 at 03:50

    Happy Birthday Marie!! :) Hope you have a fab one!! xx

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  33. Judi A.3 August 2008 at 04:31

    My mother always made every birthday in the family special, and thus I believe they are meant to be celebrated. So celebrate and enjoy that God gave you a year to enjoy and anticipate another one ahead. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :-)

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  34. Heather G3 August 2008 at 04:59

    Hi Marie
    Well I smiled all the time while reading your post on the upcoming birthday. Not because you are giving something away but because you wrote about your approaching birthday with such enthusiasm and joy. I wish you all the best for the next 53 years as well as a womderful birthday and look forward to reading some more about it
    Heather G

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  35. Megan3 August 2008 at 05:06

    Happy Birthday to you!
    I swear, the older I get, the faster the time goes. I'll be be 49 in about a month. WTH!

    Fun giveaway! Pick me. pick me! :)

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  36. Bobbi3 August 2008 at 05:22

    Happy Birtday! What a beautiful site! I just found your blog from over at Slurping Life. My blog is:
    http://mixedblessings4.blogspot.com/

    Check it out if you want. I'd love to enter your contest!

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  37. Mary Ann3 August 2008 at 05:38

    Happy Birthday! That cake book is looking really exciting to me!

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  38. Grammy Staffy3 August 2008 at 07:00

    Dear Marie,
    We have birthdays 11 years and one week apart. On the 6th I will be 64. It seems so old compaired to your youthful 53. I was excited to reach 63 because it meant that I could retire.... I'm not so anxious to be 64... no big accomplishments...just older and fatter I'm afraid.

    However, I do wish you a very very happy birthday. May it be wonderful in every way. Love, Lura

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  39. patrice3 August 2008 at 07:50

    Hello and Happy Birthday!!
    Best wishes!

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  40. Anonymous3 August 2008 at 08:11

    Happy Birthday, Marie! Though I don't have half the ingredients, that you mention for your recipes, here in India, I still log on every day just to read your thoughts and view the lovely pictures. Cheers! I hope you have a great and blessed day.God bless! -Dafne Zachariah

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  41. maryanne3 August 2008 at 08:33

    What a nice way to celebrate your birthday!Please enter me!

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  42. Lynda3 August 2008 at 08:59

    Marie, I really enjoy reading your blog daily and trying some of your lovely recipes. I especially enjoy the traditional British and Canadian ones. Here's wishing you a wonderful Birthday and a heartfelt wish for you to have many more lovely birthdays to come. My mother's birthday is also on August 13; she was born on a Friday the 13th. Lucky day for me.
    I hope that you do something very special on your birthday.

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  43. bunny3 August 2008 at 13:38

    Happy Birthday Marie! we are the same age!!i hope your birthday is wonderful!!

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  44. Anonymous3 August 2008 at 14:11

    Birthday wishes coming your way Marie!! Have a nice day with your loved ones especially Todd.

    My husband turns 50 next Monday (11th) and will be 'busy' preparing a small celebration with just the family to mark this milestone!

    Happy Birthday Marie! May the good Lord bless you with more happiness and many more happy healthy years!!

    Angela KL

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  45. Robin C3 August 2008 at 14:17

    Hi Marie.
    Happy Birthday. I too am 53 and still feel like an 18 year old, age is just a number. Love yor blog and wonderful recipes. Keep inspiring me to be better!

    Robin in Virginia

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  46. Raquel3 August 2008 at 14:21

    Happy Birthday, Marie! I have something for you, although it will probably be late! Hope this year is the best ever! Much love - Raquel XO

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  47. Kimberly L3 August 2008 at 15:13

    Happy Birthday ! Time is strange, I can relate to your words. Your mind and spirit feels the same, and yet time just fly's with a blink of an eye. Sometimes I look in the mirror or down at my hands and say to myself - it just cant be.

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  48. SiHaN3 August 2008 at 17:12

    oh i love that painting!!! its so uber cute. Oops. *slaps myself*. where's my manners. haha. Just kidding.. Happy Birthday Marie! Blessed be the heart that is so kind to share gifts on her own birthday. *smilez*

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  49. Suzan & Christopher Hallam3 August 2008 at 18:06

    Happy Birthday Marie. I hope you had a great one. Our birthdays are 8 months apart (me being older). Enjoy!!!!! xo

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  50. Jan3 August 2008 at 20:13

    Marie you will be 53 years YOUNG!

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  51. bea3 August 2008 at 21:21

    Yikes, I'm a day late, my friend... Happy Birthday to you. You know mine was just a couple of weeks ago, and I'm still celebrating. Sort of. Like you, I don't feel any older... a little heavier, maybe, a little wiser, certainly. But I am happy to say, the hot flashes have stopped. Haven't had one in over a month! That's worth celebrating!

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  52. Amy F.3 August 2008 at 21:56

    Have a fantastic birthday Marie and hope it's going to be great for your next birthday too!

    aimme21[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  53. blueviolet3 August 2008 at 22:49

    Have a wonderful birthday! I hope you indulge yourself with lots of sweet goodies just like all this stuff. Especially chocolate!
    doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
    Elizabeth

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  54. Maggie3 August 2008 at 23:16

    How fun! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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  55. Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)4 August 2008 at 01:26

    Don't enter me K?

    Just wanted to say Happy Birthday!!!!! :)

    (here from mel)

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  56. Erin4 August 2008 at 01:32

    Happy Birthday!! I hope you had a very happy day!!

    So many people love you!

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  57. Christina4 August 2008 at 03:03

    Happy birthday, Marie!!! I am here from Melody's, and for her to speak so hughly of you I know you must be a very special person! And obviously a very telented artist.

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  58. Cindy4 August 2008 at 05:05

    Happy, Happy Birthday Marie, I am staring at 50 in just 81 days. Yikees!!
    Enjoy every moment of the days leading up to the big event.
    Blessings, Cindy

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  59. 2 Much Farm Primitives4 August 2008 at 12:44

    Happy Birthday!! What a great way to celebrate. Please enter me!

    Vic

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  60. dolls1234 August 2008 at 15:35

    Happy Birthday !!!!

    luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

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  61. Maria4 August 2008 at 16:38

    Happy Birthday! you have a lovely blog and this is such a great giveaway!

    I posted a link on my giveaways blog.

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  62. Linda4 August 2008 at 16:46

    Ahhh Marie, you're an August baby. I couldn't figure out exactly what day your birthday falls on..but August is a big month for me. My dear cousin Sheila in Nevada has a birthday on the 11th, my son, son in law & Bob's daughter, Hope, in Pasadena, CA are all on the 12th and my dear maternal grandmother's birthday was on the 14th. I remember when I was carrying my son, my mom hoped & prayed he'd be born on the 14th but he had other plans. My daughter started a little tradition called "birthday week." She gets a little gift from her husband each day, the week before her actual birthday and then on her birthday comes the final gift. In looking at the calendar...it might not be too late for you to start that tradition. LOL Linda in WA

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  63. Charlotte4 August 2008 at 17:45

    Hope you have a fantastic birthday!

    charlotte(dot)evard(at)comcast(dot)net

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  64. stephanie4 August 2008 at 20:49

    Thank you for this opportunity! Happy Birthday Marie and stay 16 forever ;)

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  65. janetfaye5 August 2008 at 01:00

    I wish you a wonderful Happy Birthday!!!!

    LOL we are not getting older we are getting better!

    janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

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  66. SpottedonEtsy5 August 2008 at 02:34

    Happy Happy Birthday! You're too sweet to offer a giveaway for your birthday! Thanks for being so kind!

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  67. Lyn5 August 2008 at 03:02

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  68. Cool Crafty Mom5 August 2008 at 03:47

    Happy Birthday. That cake looks delicious.

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  69. Rachel5 August 2008 at 05:53

    What a joy to stumble upon your blog! Happiest of Birthdays!

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  70. BrineS5 August 2008 at 07:47

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Is there any better birthday than a CHOCOLATE birthday?

    dbstout{at}juno{dot}com

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  71. sarah5 August 2008 at 08:44

    wow, i love ferrero chocolates but i've never heard of the garden version. how did i miss this?

    hope you had a good birthday!


    fertawert AT yahoo DOT com

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  72. Trish5 August 2008 at 12:40

    Happy Birthday to You! Melody of Slurping Life sent me over to meet you, and I'm glad she did.

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  73. torinem5 August 2008 at 13:52

    Happy Birthday! What a wonderful giveaway!

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  74. Killlashandra5 August 2008 at 15:06

    That's awfully nice of you to give things away on your birthday. Thanks so much for offering such wonderful giveaways. Can't knock chocolate and cakes. ;)

    I read Melody's blog and slipped over here from there. Hope you have a good 53rd!

    killlashandra at hotmail dot com

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  75. Amy5 August 2008 at 19:46

    Have a Happy Birthday! We get so much better as we get older, don't we?

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  76. cecilia5 August 2008 at 21:52

    Happy Birthday! Oh, Ferrero chocolates are my favorites!

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  77. Omg Lia6 August 2008 at 04:01

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  78. cpullum6 August 2008 at 05:04

    Let's celebrate!!! Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!
    cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  79. hondaray66 August 2008 at 14:08

    Happy Birthday to you,
    (I'm in my 50's too)
    But who's counting....
    Joys keep mounting,
    Many more "joys" to you!

    Hope your birthday is a sweet one!
    hondaray6(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  80. Rhondi6 August 2008 at 20:02

    Hope you have a wonderful birthday, sweet Marie.
    Rhondi xo

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  81. Heidi7 August 2008 at 03:27

    Enjoy your big day!! =)
    kbk92f[AT]aol[DOT]com

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  82. cormaxem7 August 2008 at 16:56

    to me, having cake is like getting a hug.....so here's to lots of cake for you on your birthday- I hope it's a blessed and happy one :)

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  83. Quirky Celt7 August 2008 at 17:17

    Happy Birthday! Your blog is a joy to read and I am drawn to your words of wisdom when I am feeling that God has forgotten about me
    :-) You are definitely a kindred spirit!

    May your birthday be full of love, hugs and happiness!

    God Bless xxxxxxxxxxx

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  84. bishiesruleme8 August 2008 at 19:35

    Happy belated birthday1 I wish you great years ahead!

    Diana Dang

    faked_sugartone at hotmail.com

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  85. jenny fowler9 August 2008 at 02:54

    happy almost birthday! you are so sweet to have such a generous giveaway on your birthday! you rock! enjoy your next 16th year. ;)

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  86. Carolsue9 August 2008 at 10:10

    Happy Birthday and thanks for such a generous giveaway! Yum!

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  87. Chelsey9 August 2008 at 19:19

    Happy Birthday! "When in doubt eat cake" -- I totally agree! Especially on your bithday! Thanks for the giveaway!
    mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)ca

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  88. Elly9 August 2008 at 20:53

    It will be a very happy birthday and a great year ahead!! Best wishes to you Marie!!
    Hugs, Elly

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  89. forgetfulone10 August 2008 at 06:44

    Happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!!! I really want some cake now. Or some chocolate. Or just show me how to make a cake! I'm hungry.

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  90. AmandaSue10 August 2008 at 16:18

    Hope you have a very special birthday! And I think that its very nice of you to have a giveaway!

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  91. Kristine Michelle10 August 2008 at 22:05

    Happy Birthday! Please enter me for your nice giveaway also!

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  92. Loralynn12 August 2008 at 01:55

    Happy Birthday! How generous of you to give US a gift! I hope you have a wonderful day!

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  93. daphne12 August 2008 at 04:46

    Happy Happy Birthday....hope its a blessed one!

    Enter me please....choc sounds great!

    daphnejerkins @ gmail . com

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  94. Clumbsy Cookie12 August 2008 at 23:28

    Thanks for letting me know about this. I absolutely adore the painting! And happy birthday of course!

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  95. MERRIANNE14 August 2008 at 22:55

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  96. Elly10 August 2009 at 12:36

    What a generous heart and soul you have Marie!!! We wish you a special happy day and may all your dreams come true! I can only wish I was turning 54!! LOL!
    Love Elly....

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Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!