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19 March 2009

A life in a nutshell and a 100th post TRIPLE GIVEAWAY!!!

Looking back on one hundred posts, it truly amazes me how wonderful it has been to share so much and to get so much more back…!!! It has been extremely rewarding and I am utterly touched by the proximity it has allowed me, and the chance to meet such incredibly talented and creative women (and men!), not to mention kind and supporting!! Thank you all, you are truly my extended cyber family!!


But I am also left to realize that there is a lot more about me that you don’t know…. So I am taking this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about where I come from, what my journey has been like to get where I am today!! I’ve been looking for older pictures (a pretext to get them organized) to share and what a trip down memory lane it has been!!























I was born in March of 63 in Lisbon, Portugal. I was the fourth out of six children (three girls, three boys), coming from the family of a German Jewish refugee.




























































I studied in a French school from the age of three until I graduated from high school, having done my studies in full immersion French language for 7 years, until I transferred to the Portuguese section of the school to start middle school. I still know by heart all the French nursery songs I learned…!!




























I went on to get a degree in Economics from the Universidade Catolica Portuguesa (I saw Pope John Paul II twice!!) and a MBA from the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, after which I started working as an investment banker. For two years, I worked in the origination, syndication and placement of Bond issues with the Banco Portugues de Investimento.





























In the spring of 91 I met my prince charming on a blind date!!! I had been divorced for a couple of years (a disastrous 3 year marriage I entered when I was only 22...), and was over the moon to meet Mark, a Marine Staff Sergeant in charge of the American Embassy’s Marine Security Guards. We got married September 11, 1992 and moved to Irvine, California, where Mark was stationed. It was a difficult transition, especially because Mark was on a 6-month deployment rotation to Japan every year…!!! It was very tough to be left behind and have no family to lean on…


























































But soon, our own family started growing…!!! Even though we were devastated to lose our first pregnancy, we went on to have, as you know, four beautiful children!! Our first child, Anna, was born in April of 95, just one month after Mark’s return from another deployment to Japan!











































When Anna and Clara were only 2 years and 10 months, Mark decided to apply for a repeat Embassy program and we were assigned to London, England, where we spent about a year and a half. We lived in a four level flat (yikes!) and I started teaching quilting classes from my home to fulfill a need to connect with other women!! How much fun was that! I still keep in contact with some of the friends (and quilters) I made!!




























































Our next post was Rabat, Morocco. It remains to the day as one of my all time favorite places we have ever lived in. Our third daughter, Rita, was born in Portugal in between post rotation, and so we joined Mark in Rabat when she was only a week old… We lived in a wonderful large house with a great back yard only a few blocks from the Embassy, the older girls attended a preschool just across the street, we had a wonderful maid called Laila who loved the girls, and we really soaked in the culture!! And we were only a two-hour flight away from Lisbon!!




















































In the summer of 2000, after almost two years in Morocco, we sadly left Rabat and Mark prepared for a civilian life after 22 years with the Marine Corps. We did not know where we would live or what job Mark would be able to get… So, for a month after his retirement, we traveled cross country from Quantico, Virginia to Fresno, California stopping at special places we had always wanted to visit, like Niagara Falls, Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park, among many other wonderful places. Eight thousand miles in one month!!!

We ended up choosing Oregon to call home and we love it!!! We bought our first home 7 years ago and added a son to the mix! From the need to decorate this home, and after discovering Rachel Ashwell, came the love for all things vintage!!! I opened my first mall space with Lisa 5 years ago, and , well…. The rest is history!!!























So, in celebration of my 100th post, I have gathered some great things for a giveaway… Not just one giveaway, but THREE!!! I really wanted to give you wonderful bloggers more chances to win something… So, I have gathered special items from 3 special countries that played a part in my life: Portugal (of course!), England and Morocco. Each giveaway includes picks from that country, and you get to pick which one you would like to enter!! If you post about my giveaway or put it on your sidebar, I will enter your name three times (you can enter each of the giveaways or put all your entries in your favorite to increase the odds of winning!! - just make sure you let me know what you prefer...)!!
(this giveaway is now closed... Thank you to all who participated!!)














Giveaway # 1 - Portugal : a typical portuguese embroidered apron, a generous piece of Alcobaca cloth fabric and some very old bone buttons!!































Giveaway # 2 - England : a wonderful english floral tea tin, a Royal Albert "American Beauty" little dessert plate and a yard of a wonderful Tana Lawn pink cotton fabric purchased at Liberty's!































Giveaway # 3 - Morocco: a great rusty metal sconce, a parketry wood box and a darling perfume bottle!!



















I will pick a winner the morning of my birthday, Saturday March 28th!! Good luck to all, and thank you again for all your support and love!!!


P.S. If you leave me a comment in order to participate in my triple giveaway please make sure to let me know which one, so I know to put the name in the right hat!!
(This giveaway is now closed... Thank you to all who participated!!)

79 comments:

  1. Wow Isabel! That's amazing! A HUGE thank you for sharing your life with us! I am so touched!
    I love the english g.a...
    Hugs,
    Monicax.

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  2. You have had a wonderful life.It seems stange to me a little seeing someone elses life in front of me,I
    was just thinking about mine before i flipped over and bam.haha
    I want to be in on this one.I'm going to put your button on my blog.I'll come back and tell you after i Have done it...Ann

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  3. You have had a wonderful life.It seems stange to me a little seeing someone elses life in front of me,I
    was just thinking about mine before i flipped over and bam.haha
    I want to be in on this one.I'm going to put your button on my blog.I'll come back and tell you after i Have done it...Ann

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  4. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us! Loved the whole post. I would love to be included in your English giveaway. Sally

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  5. I wrote about your giveaway on my blog, and would love to be in 3 times for the Morrocan giveaway. Thanks for sharing your story, it is lovely!

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  6. Thank you so much for sharing more about you. I learned more in this post than I did in the 5 years I lived right next door:( I especially loved the pics of your young family. Please enter me in the wonderful London giveaway, it was a hard choice but the Liberty fabric was the clincher!

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  7. Mercy,this is getting stranger.I didn't have any problems and it posted mine twice.I guess it's trying to send you a message,huh?ha.Your button is up,me lady...Ann

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  8. Oh Isabel - I SO enjoyed reading your bio. Thanks so much for sharing that with the rest of us. I have never gone far from where I was raised, in fact my childhood home is only 2 miles from where I live now! So, needless to say, I was fascinated to hear about all of your adventures with your family! I love all of the things you are giving away! And how sweet of you!!
    Please visit me some time - I'd love to hear from you!
    Kim

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  9. Thanks for sharing so much. It is such a wonderful story. You've been able to see sooo many places. I'll for sure be putting the giveaway on my blog TODAY! and have fallen in love with the plate and tin so please put my name in that hat for that please. Thanks again for the wonderful story. Robin

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  10. Happy 100th post! What a great opportunity to get to know you! Thank you for sharing such a great story:) you have had a blessed life! I was from Oregon originally and now live in a small mountain town north of Fresno. I haven't started posting yet... barely have my blog "up". But please enter my name into the drawing for your blogaversary. I would love to go to Portugal someday... so let's put my name in that mix. Thanks.

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  11. You are so lucky to have had such an exciting life! What wonderful memories for you and your family.
    You are so generous to share your precious treasures from around the world.
    Peggy

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  12. Isabel, your life is amazing...thanks for sharing it with us...i love all of your pictures...esp the one where you are pregnant, that is really lovely...and the picture of your three little cuties in their matching outfits, they are beautiful...your giveaway is so generous...i would love to enter to win the giveaway inspired by your time in England!!!

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  13. What an extraordinary life you have lived! Your pictures are lovely. I wish you the happiest of birthdays.
    I am keeping my fingers crossed for the Portugal giveaway.
    I have always wanted to visit.

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  14. I enjoyed learning more about you.
    Your giveaway is lovely; I especially like the English giveaway.
    :)
    ~Becca~

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  15. sooo fun to learn new things about you :-) I hope you have a fantastic day!! hugs!! Britt :-)

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  16. Isabel, what a beautiful life for a beautiful lady. Y'all are a gorgeous family. I loved all the memories you shared and feel honored to read them. You truly are blessed. You have a husband who's love shines even in photographs! I think I'm gushing and I apologize. I'm just amazed at all the reminders you have to chronicle your life! I will do a post on your giveaway. Will it be all right to do it in conjuction with Amy's at Whisperwood Cottage? If I have to pick one of your giveaways...it would just have to be the Morocco! Casablanca is one of my favorite movies. Thank you again for sharing.
    Debbie

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  17. What an interesting international life you've led, Isabel! I just love that older photo of your three little girls - they are adorable. Count me in for the English giveaway - it's just fab!

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  18. What a wonderful post! Oh to have seen so many places, met so many people, and loved so deeply! I am having a hard time with the decision, but because of the fabric, I believe I'll enter the England give-away, please. You are so kind to have this! Thank you for giving of yourself.

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  19. Oh my dear Isabel, I am smiling and tearing up at the same time reading your story. There is a parallel here with both our stories, our names, our brother's name, our growing up, our marriage, the move, the kids, our wants, what can I see...I relate soooo well. Being a Lisbon girl who grew up and moved overseas, I know fully well the blessings and the sacrifices, especially those involving being away from our family.You are a beautiful soul, my dear! This is, like you, a beautiful post!

    xox

    Isabel

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  20. Lovely, Isabel!
    Your story is so nice & what a handsome couple you guys are;- and those cute offsprings!
    Gosh, I wish i knew how it is to have a maid.... I'm gonna quiz you on that, when we meet....
    As an immigrant myself (do you ever use that term ???),I know how it is to leave your close family, your carrier, your life! But we'll admit, that we got the best of both countries :o)
    The Portuguese hat is where my name should go!
    Hugs,
    Sylvi

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  21. What a wonderful life you have had. I wish I was able to live in different countries like you did. Oh I wish you stilled in Irvine as I live right by there now. I would love to get together and chat for hours about everywhere you have been to.

    I would love to be entered into your England giveaway as that is where I would like to travel to some day.

    I'm going to post your giveaway on my blog. So please put all my entries in the England one! Thanks!

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  22. What an exciting story! Thanks so much for sharing that with your readers. I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous of all of your adventures!

    I love your finds from Portugal! I've always wanted to visit there.

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  23. what an amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing. Please put me in the pot for the England Treasures.
    Have a good night
    Julie

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  24. Isabel, thank you so much for sharing those wonderful memories and photos with us. Your life has been so full! Your family is so beautiful, and your husband is more than blessed to have a gal like you! I believe you could be happy living anywhere, and could make a good home for your children. Congrats on your 100th! I hope you keep sharing as I have so enjoyed your blog and getting to know you through it. I will mention your giveaway on my blog and love the London look! blessings, carrell

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  25. Hi Isabel, thank you for sharing your life with me. You are talented and sweet and your family and friends are blessed to have you!

    Hugs,
    Sheila

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  26. Isabel, Your life was certainly filled with excitement to say the least. You were a pretty little girl and talk about little girls your little ones are so precious, beautiful good looking family all together. It is always so nice to know about bloggers sharing a little more about themselves. Enjoyed it very much!

    Congratulations on your 100th post!

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  27. I loved reading your life in travels. I hope to be in Portland oregon for the july 11th & 12th Expo show. I changed my travel time just to make the show. I have family all around Portland & Vernonia Oregon. Hope to see you then at the Expo.

    Janice In Missouri

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  28. I relly enjoyed readying your traveled life.
    I hope to see you in July at the Portland Expo.
    I changed my travel plans to Portland till July just to see the wonderful expo I have read about. I went several years ago, and want to see all the changes.


    Janice In Missouri

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  29. For right now put me down for two entries in your Morocco drawing. 1 for commenting, 1 for following.

    Amy

    P.S. I'm celebrating 100 posts with some giveaways: 3 signed photos and a large chandelier decal from Wilson Graphics. I thought you might be interested!

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  30. Hi Isabel
    What an interesting life you had lead. Experiencing so many different countries and cultures. I love the photographs of you as a child, so sweet!
    I wish to have my name put down on the English & Morrocan giveaway please.
    Isabelle x

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  31. I so much enjoyed reading about you and your history! Thank you for sharing. As for the drawing, I would like to be entered in the Morocco drawing. Such lovely things! Congrats on 100 and Happy Birthday! ~Mindy

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  32. What a wonderfully adventurous life you have lived so far! Happy 100th post! I would love to enter any of your give aways! So generous. I will let you pick the one for me to enter, Pam

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  33. Thanks for sharing your life story with us. Beautiful! Congrats on
    #100! Trash Talk sent me over here!

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  34. congrats Isabel! seems like you have a wonderful life at so many beautiful places.. I for one love Morroco, their people, cultures, food and the souqs! so the very colourful country!

    thanks for sharing your stories and I would love to be entered into your English giveaway..

    have a good weekend & have fun!

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  35. Isabel, What a wonderful life and a beautiful family. God has truly blessed you. Thanks for sharing and the beautiful giveaways.

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  36. Happy Birthday!!!!! What a fascinating life of living travels. We spend a week in Portugal in the 90's and so far it has been of the best trips we ever took. Lisboa was beautiful but we loved our time in Nazare, Viana de Castelo and Bom Jesús do Monte, Braga. Morocco remains on my travel list and your post is just another reminder to keep it high on the list!

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  37. What a lot of work that was to put together that post!
    What a life's journey you have had already! Your girls look so happy in your photographs...and so do you!
    Blessings to you on your "anniversary"....
    did you have your morning coffee yet? If not...c'mon by and say hi!

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  38. Hi Isabel, thank you for sharing a bit of your life with all of us, what an adventure!! My daughter, Celia and I are followers of yours. We have enjoyed getting to know you through your blog. Your story has given my daughter hope that there is a "prince charming" waiting for her! As for me I have had a thirty-five year love affair with my prince charming...our anniversary will be, April 20th. We send our blessing to you and your family! We would love to be entered in your giveaway too!!
    Gladys&Celia, Junebug

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  39. I loved reading and seeing pictures of your life. How wonderful to have experienced living in different countries and learning different cultures and languages. What a treasure! I would choose the English #2 giveaway.

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  40. What a well travelled life you and your family have led.

    Victoria xx

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  41. Hi! Congrats on your 100th post! I just reached mine also and am having a giveaway! I will post about yours so please throw me in 3 times---I love the england giveaway! come visit mine! karen...
    recycledrita.blogspot.com

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  42. I just found your blog for the first time and loved your story! Congrats on 100 posts! How amazing to have lived so many different places! I had my three children in three different states (US) but not quite so exciting as your history! Your photos are wonderful too! I think I will chose the Portuguese Hat please!
    :)Heidi

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  43. I often think there must be so many stories untold among the amazing people on here. Australia is so far away from the rest of the world that travel is very expensive and a big deal. Its so nice to read your story. Thank you for sharing... I just love the english giveaway.... Marilyn xoxo

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  44. How nice from you to share this story, is wonderful.Thanks for the offer, I love all morocan, so I decorated my dinning room that style.Congratulation in your 100 post. And Happy Birthday!!!

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  45. Isabel,your life story is so interesting and very romantic!
    My 3rd child is half Portuguese,as his Father~my former husband and good friend, and their entire family are from Portugal. (Sao Miguel~Acores)We have many ties to Lisboa and Cascais also. But my son and I have never been yet!
    I would love to win the drawing to have these as heirlooms of his heritage.
    All the places you lived look lovely. We are originally from Bermuda and I was also in the UK for a few years as a teen.
    Lovely post!
    Tina

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  46. What a beautiful story and congratulations on your many accomplishments. Some people could never move from place to place and spread their wings and fly. You did it with such grace. Lovely family.

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  47. What a wonderful journey you are on. Thank you for the gift of
    sharing a part of your journey
    with us.
    I love,adore and I'm a little
    jealous of you flee market finds:)
    You have a great eye!
    My best to you and your family!
    ~xo~
    Wendy

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  48. You've lead an exciting life! All of your giveaways are wonderful, I'd be happy with any of the momentos.

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  49. Wow Isabel! You have certainly lived an exciting life so far! I'd love to enter your giveaway for the Portuguese gifts. My Portuguese mom would be so excited!

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  50. What an interesting life! Thank you for telling us about it. Happy birthday to you (mine is March 26--come visit me, I'm having a giveaway too!). Can't resist the English treats. Thank you so much!
    ~Michele

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  51. Hi Isabel...

    Girl, you have lived an amazing life...I sure did enjoy reading your story and seeing all of your family photos! I must say, that photo of you (pregnant) with the pretty dress and hat is just gorgeous!!! What a pretty lady you are!!!

    Well my friend, I would just love to be entered in your gift giveaway! How sweet of you to offer such beautiful gifts! I'd love to have any one of your gift packages but I lean toward the English gift simply because I have a pretty little Tea Rose bedroom that I could use that beautiful fabric in! By the way, Happy (early) Birthday, Sweetie! Sending you my very best wishes for the best birthday ever!!!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari

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  52. What a beautiful life story. I would love to enter the English giveaway.

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  53. Hi Isabel,

    I am so glad that I stopped by to visit you. What a lovely, lovely story and photos of YOUR life! I so enjoyed learning more about you and your family. Such amazing travels and stories and babies!! So glorious and sweet. You have been so very blessed! I am amazed at all of your accomplishments (well, not amazed because I know already that you are incredibly smart) but just so happy that you found the love of your life. Isn't it amazing that sometimes it is just perfect timing that someone so special can just step in at just the right time. I am so happy for you.

    Ok - for the drawing - Wow! I love them all, however I like the colorations of the Morroco pieces. Very intersting and textural. BTW, my husband's family is from Portugal.

    xoxo
    Becky

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  54. Thanks, Isabel - it was absolutely fascinating to be able to read about your life, and to see it so well illustrated. I've recommended this post, and your giveaway, on my blog today. It would be absolutely delightful to win any of your giveaways, so thanks for the chance to enter, and for such a great post!

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  55. i love seeing all your photos, great discriptions... actually made it out to the barn sale, it was amazing even as late as i arrived... and i think you should let your hair grow out more (!)

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  56. Congratulations on your 100th. Thank you for sharing such an interesting life story. Also, thanks for your giveaway and please put my name in the England hat.

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  57. What amazing travels and life you have led! What special blessings you have been given! Your post was so touching.

    I wish you all the best in your journeys ahead. I would be tickled to be entered in your Portugese give away.

    Congratulations on your milestone!
    Debbykay at Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm

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  58. I just stumbled upon your blog and enjoyed reading about your travels. I've never been out of the US, so it's great to hear about other people's adventures!
    Such a generous perk...please enter me in the London giveaway!
    :D
    Chandra

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  59. Hi Isabel , Throw my name in the hat, too! I'm doing a 50th post giveaway starting today so be sure to stop by. Sue

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  60. What a terrific story -- I loved it. Please enter my name in your English giveaway. Who wouldn't want to win one of these treasures? Thanks, Joanne ~~ glamourgirljoanne@yahoo.com

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  61. I would love to be part of your giveaway. The english #2 is for me. And by the way, your are a beautiful woman and have lived a full and varried life. Good job!!

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  62. You have had an amazing life. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I would love to be included in your Moroccan giveaway.

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  63. I just found your blog yesterday!
    What a treat to be able to enter your give away!
    Your story is amazing and so sweet and inspiring. I loved reading about you and your family. Such wonderful memories.
    Your girls are darling.
    I'd love to be encluded in the english giveaway. Very kind of you to give us a chance for some amazing treasures!
    Thanks again for sharing.
    Dix (Lavender House Gift Shoppe)

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  64. Hi Isabel,
    What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it. You and I have a lot in common, though I didn't get to live in so many beautiful and exotic places.
    I'd love to be entered in all three of your give aways. I've posted about you in my blog. (I hope I followed the rules!! Let me know if I did it wrong). Thank you for sharing your story, and congratulations on your 100th post!!
    Patricia ;O)

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  65. What a wonderful post and giveaway. Please put my name in the England draw. I adore that rose covered dish. ♥

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  66. Isabel
    It was nice to meet you at Auntie Joy's open house. I am looking forward to Farm Chicks and all the wonderful treasures. I would like put my three votes for #2 the English one. It is so lovely.
    Also, I enjoyed reading you story.
    Jessica Roth

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  67. Isabel, Your life story is so interesting! Great photos! And please thank your husband for me for his service to our country!

    I will post your button on my sidebar and please put my 3 chances on the #2 English group-so pretty!

    PS- The picture of you in the pink gown is just lovely!:)

    Linda C

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  68. Very interesting post. Congratulations on it being your 100th and thanks for sharing your life with us. You have a beautiful family.

    I would love to be entered in the English drawing.

    Blessings
    Elizabeth

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  69. How very wonderful. Since I had friends who lived in Portugal for over 15 years I would love the Portugal items.
    Your generosity is over the top.

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  70. I am so glad to "meet" you. This is the first time I have been on your blog. I love discovering new ones. Please enter me in Giveawy #2-England. Thank you.

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  71. wow...what a lovely life you have led so far!..so lucky. I would to be entered in giveaway #2 England. I've posted about your giveaway on my blog.

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  72. What a fascinating life! How would it be to have lived in all of those amazing places!?

    I would love the chance to win giveaway # 3 "Morocco"! That perfume bottle is gorgeous and I would probably put some tatting shuttles and tatting in the beautiful box and the sconce is very cool! :)

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  73. well i didn't know i was going to be signing up for a giveway! i just came by t say hello. but hey congrats! this life in a nut shell is a wonderful way to get to know a little more about you.

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  74. fascinating story, very romantic....
    It's great to celebrate your 100th post by bringing all us new readers up to speed.
    I love all the packages but I think the Morroco would be perfect for me!

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  75. oooooh, everyone is so cute.

    I am a button girl, can you throw my name in the button hat?

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  76. i would love to win---please enter my name in the pot. I love all three gifts.


    Sue

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  77. Wow Isabel, your story up to where you are now was so fun to read! You have lived in so many cool places!! I'd love to enter the drawing for the England items - you know me and roses. hehe
    -Karoline
    PS I'm having a giveaway too!

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  78. Hi, you did such a wonderful job of your biography! What fun to read! Thanks for sharing.

    Hugs, Lisa

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  79. Wish I had read this earlier so that I can participate too. Love your house design.

    Deirdre G

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