It's amazing. One day, about a year and a half ago, in total misery and pain - I stared at my blank laptop screen and began typing.
I had only read one blog, ever, in my entire life. I knew nothing about blogging. I knew nothing about the world of Internet writing.
I wasn't looking for readers, I wasn't looking for a career, or power or fame. (Good thing for that, don't ya think?!)
I just knew I needed to write.
I needed a distraction from my car accident recovery. I needed a distraction from breathtaking pain.
Today is the 500th post I've written for Twenty Four At Heart. This blog has brought me so much happiness, so much joy, and so much peace. Most of all, this blog has brought thousands upon thousands of wonderful people into my life. (And one or two assholes also, but shhhhh - they've taken up enough of my time already!)
It's amazing to me how many readers I've now met "in real life." Others of you, I may never meet, but I've come to know you anyway - thanks to the comments and emails you send.
As a small thank you to my wonderful readers (the very best in the entire Internet world!), I'm hosting a giveaway today.
I have twelve Twenty Four At Heart 2010 Calendars to give away.
Here are the monthly photos, in the order they appear in the calendar:
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
All of the photos have appeared on 24 in the last year. They were taken in Orange County, Saint Lucia, Hawaii and Santa Barbara.
Here's the deal:
The contest is open until this Thursday, January 14th, at 8 p.m., Pacific Time.
You will receive one entry for every comment you leave.
You may enter as many times as you'd like, but you're only eligible to win one calendar.
Twelve winners will be selected using the Random Integer Generator.
Contest winners will be announced on Friday, January 15th.
All you need to do to enter is leave a comment. Don't know what to say? Tell me which photo is your favorite. Or why. Or really anything you want.
Good luck!
© Twenty Four At Heart
500? Congratulations girl! Love the October shot especially.
Posted by: Mo | January 12, 2010 at 01:15 AM
Only 12 pics? You probably spent ages choosing them, and I think you chose well. I don't think I'd be able to get your pics down to 24, let alone 12!
Congrats on the 500 posts.
Posted by: Michelle | January 12, 2010 at 01:22 AM
Congratulations on hitting 500, 24¡ Wow...so many numbers.
Beautiful pictures, thank you for so generously sharing them. You've touched a lot of lives with your writing; we are all very grateful.
Be well.
Posted by: mama llama | January 12, 2010 at 01:39 AM
And I've read every single one! You know what, you give good blog!
Posted by: Joan | January 12, 2010 at 01:41 AM
Congratulations. I love all the photos, can't possibly pick a favorite. Thank you so much for sharing. Here's to the next 500!
Posted by: Margaret | January 12, 2010 at 02:35 AM
My favourite is the first one because I love how the tree branches stand out against the background, but I also like the Santa Barbara one (or the one I recognise as Santa Barbara - there might be others) because I've been there and seeing the photo brings back happy memories.
Posted by: Judy | January 12, 2010 at 04:45 AM
Sometimes I wish I lived in California
Posted by: SSG | January 12, 2010 at 05:07 AM
i have enjoyed reading your blog...always good for a chuckle or two and of course...being a california blog helps too:)
have a wonderful day.
Posted by: Erin | January 12, 2010 at 05:17 AM
Oh I simply MUST try. Those are beautiful pictures!!!
Posted by: Donna in VA | January 12, 2010 at 05:39 AM
Wow - all those beach photos. One would think you like the beach or something...
Beautiful, beautiful shots, girl. And here I am, taking pictures of waffles.
Posted by: Jan | January 12, 2010 at 05:52 AM
Congratulations 24! I can't wait for your next 500. My favorite picture is September. I can see myself napping in that green grass!
Posted by: Pam | January 12, 2010 at 05:52 AM
I want to live in those photos! They are all so beautiful.
I really hope your pain decreases and your mobility increases. It would be so wonderful if at your 1000th post you can say - hmmm... I don't feel the pain I had when I was at #500. Warm wishes and healing vibes coming your way! Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us. Take care!
Posted by: Jenny in MN | January 12, 2010 at 06:12 AM
Honestly I couldn't pick a favorite. They are all so beautiful. I love reading your blog everyday. Thank you.
Posted by: Chris | January 12, 2010 at 06:15 AM
You are such an amazing photographer! I especially love the hummingbird picture, but also love any beach pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Pam | January 12, 2010 at 06:19 AM
Congratulations on your 500th posting! Here's to the next 500 fabulous posts! Great pictures!
Posted by: Debrabby | January 12, 2010 at 06:33 AM
Great pictures! I wish I lived in California!
Posted by: Shannon | January 12, 2010 at 06:34 AM
There's a reason October is my favorite month of the year, and your photo for that month is my personal favorite! I want a calendar Suz!!! GIMME!!!! :-)
Posted by: Alan | January 12, 2010 at 06:51 AM
Congratulations on your 500th post! That is a milestone that you can be proud of!
Posted by: Alan | January 12, 2010 at 06:51 AM
Wow, congratulations! Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous and your blog makes me smile (and LOL many times!). With my newish job I haven't been back as much, but I'm so glad I follow you on Twitter so I have a daily dose of 24!
I love the hummingbird, but really, they're all beautiful. You have a great eye!
Posted by: Michele P | January 12, 2010 at 06:57 AM
You sure have been busy! Congratulations on 500 posts.
Posted by: witchypoo | January 12, 2010 at 06:58 AM
Gorgeous pictures Suzanne! Congrats on your bloggy success...you deserve it!
Posted by: Peggy | January 12, 2010 at 07:10 AM
I want one! I want one!
Posted by: Kelly | January 12, 2010 at 07:16 AM
Also, congratulations on 500 posts!
Posted by: Kelly | January 12, 2010 at 07:16 AM
Plus I want you to know I really love your photos!
Posted by: Kelly | January 12, 2010 at 07:17 AM
I have THREE faves: Jan, Sept and december!
Posted by: Kelly | January 12, 2010 at 07:18 AM
Hiya, it's Dan (swindonbig) from Twiiter, great pics and a surfing dog is the coolest thing I have seen for a long time! Thank you for brightening my day x
Posted by: Swindonbig | January 12, 2010 at 07:28 AM
Congrats! 500 is a huge accomplishment. May you continue to be inspired and bring laughter to us your daily readers.
Posted by: Christy | January 12, 2010 at 07:32 AM
Oh, wouldn't that be something to have a wonderful calendar with your pictures!
Congrats on the 500th post!
Posted by: san | January 12, 2010 at 07:45 AM
well, this is perfect because i still haven't bought a calendar for my office :0)
thanks!
mck.
Posted by: mckay | January 12, 2010 at 08:36 AM
LOVE the October photo.
Posted by: MommaSunshine | January 12, 2010 at 08:39 AM
And congrats on your 500th post! That's a great accomplishment.
Posted by: MommaSunshine | January 12, 2010 at 08:40 AM
The pictures are beautiful, however it's your writing that inspires me. Though mommybloggers are cool and fun to read, it's great to have a blogger like you who offers something for those of us who don't really fit the mommyblogger mold. Thanks for entertaining me and making me laugh hard. And please keep writing!
Posted by: NeCole Scott | January 12, 2010 at 08:49 AM
I love all the pictures! I love 24 tooo!!
Posted by: Laura | January 12, 2010 at 08:59 AM
Wait I guess the Hummingbird is my favorite!
Posted by: Laura | January 12, 2010 at 09:00 AM
Beautiful Shots!
Posted by: Momma Pixie | January 12, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Congrats on the 500 posts!
Posted by: Momma Pixie | January 12, 2010 at 10:07 AM
I hope I win one!
Posted by: Momma Pixie | January 12, 2010 at 10:07 AM
I love the picture for September. It looks like the bench is inviting you for a picnic and offering us the view.
Posted by: Asmita | January 12, 2010 at 10:07 AM
That calendar would look fantastic hanging in my house!!
Posted by: Momma Pixie | January 12, 2010 at 10:08 AM
I have read all your posts. It's a treat to come here everyday to read what you've written.
Thanks.
Posted by: Asmita | January 12, 2010 at 10:08 AM
They are all beautiful Suzanne....I think I like the last one the best though. The contrast of the XMas tree and the blue of the water is striking.
Happy 500th!
Posted by: Yvette (Lor's Mom) | January 12, 2010 at 10:30 AM
How exciting! I really want one!
Posted by: Southern Web Girl Kristen | January 12, 2010 at 10:43 AM
P.S. The August surfing dog photo is the CUTEST!
Posted by: Southern Web Girl Kristen | January 12, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Love the dog surfing!!! OMG too funny.
Posted by: Sandra | January 12, 2010 at 10:46 AM
I've been reading your blog this fall (although I haven't commented before, I HAD to today) and I really enjoy it. Not the pain you have to go through, but the spirit you show even though you are in pain. And the pictures you took are incredible! (My sister lives in San Diego, and I'm jealous of the scenery all of you out there have! And the weather. And the beach...) And your stories? Good thing I read them sitting down, or I'd pee myself laughing. Thank you for sharing your stories and humor!!
Posted by: Linda | January 12, 2010 at 11:17 AM
I am so glad you started blogging. Who would I be having lunch with on Friday if I hadn't been reading you? CONGRATS on the 500th post. YOU ROCK!
Posted by: Sandi | January 12, 2010 at 11:18 AM
October! Me being a Scorpio and all.
Posted by: Stephen | January 12, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Your photos are amazing!
Posted by: Heather | January 12, 2010 at 12:28 PM
And I would love to have a calendar!!!
Posted by: Heather | January 12, 2010 at 12:29 PM
Lovely! Congrats on your 500th post! Here's to your next 500!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | January 12, 2010 at 01:10 PM
I love the aqua water and white sand! I want to be there now!
Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | January 12, 2010 at 01:20 PM
How exciting for you on #500! And looking forward to many, many more! (and I love ALL your pictures!)
Posted by: Jenn in Tenn | January 12, 2010 at 01:44 PM
Congrats on Number 500!!!! And, totally out of the norm for me, I have not yet purchased a calendar for the year. So, I feel as if I were destined to win one.
And the pictures are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!
Posted by: Kim | January 12, 2010 at 02:08 PM
Congratulations!! 500 posts - WOW!!
Posted by: Debbie in Memphis | January 12, 2010 at 02:24 PM
WOW, 500 posts!! let me see how many I've written...38. Holy cow I thought I was doing better than that.
But you, my dear are AWESOME. And those photos are gorgeous. So gimme one of those calendars!!
Posted by: Suzy Voices | January 12, 2010 at 02:43 PM
The doggie surfer of course!
Posted by: Holli Buchter | January 12, 2010 at 03:12 PM
24!
As always, I love your photography!
Posted by: BarbaraB | January 12, 2010 at 03:16 PM
I want one of your calendars for my classroom! I hope I win. Because the photos are beautiful and I love you so.
Congrats on the big 500! See you at 1,000!
Posted by: Jason | January 12, 2010 at 03:51 PM
I love them all, I couldn't possibly choose one over the other.
Posted by: Jason | January 12, 2010 at 03:52 PM
By the way, who designed your blog? Did you do it yourself? I'm in the market for a redesign and I the way yours is designed.
Posted by: Jason | January 12, 2010 at 03:53 PM
So when do I get to join that prestigious group of people who have met you in person?
Posted by: Jason | January 12, 2010 at 03:54 PM
I went to the store to buy a good calendar for my classroom yesterday but I couldn't find one that I really liked. You are an answer to my unspoken prayer. (If I win. If not, you're still an answer to a different unspoken prayer.)
Posted by: Jason | January 12, 2010 at 03:55 PM
Gettin' sick of me yet?
Posted by: Jason | January 12, 2010 at 03:55 PM
I was thinking about the word "turgid" this morning, thanks to yesterday's post, and I am wondering if I have ever heard that word used to describe anything else but hard nipples.
Posted by: Jason | January 12, 2010 at 03:56 PM
Okay. I will stop. This isn't really fair of me to leave so many comments, right? Although you DID say.....
Posted by: Jason | January 12, 2010 at 03:56 PM
Oh Twenty Four Congratulations! It is so awesome how far you've come in the blogging world in just a year and half (and 500 posts! Very Impressive!), I think it's because you talk about your boobs a lot.
Maybe I should try that?
Posted by: Deidre | January 12, 2010 at 05:26 PM
I want one! You take beautiful pictures. Congratulations of your blogging journey.
Posted by: dogmother | January 12, 2010 at 05:28 PM
Congratulations on your 500th! Not often we can say that to someone. Your Calendar is beautiful, you should seriously do a Limited Edition print run of it! I bet it would sell out.
Posted by: The Queen of Chaos | January 12, 2010 at 05:28 PM
Congrats on 500! Your photos are amazing!
Posted by: Angela | January 12, 2010 at 05:30 PM
I love your blog... it's on my everyday read list. The calendar is beautiful!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 12, 2010 at 05:38 PM
Congratulations on your 500th post! You have a great writing style! And I love your photos!
Posted by: Pam | January 12, 2010 at 06:10 PM
I would love a calendar!
Posted by: Kriste | January 12, 2010 at 06:34 PM
June is my fav. How can you not love June?
Posted by: tina | January 12, 2010 at 06:53 PM
OMFG, you've written THAT MANY? Holy crap. You rock!
Posted by: Fragrant Liar | January 12, 2010 at 07:27 PM
P.S. Those are gorgeous pics, and I'd love to have a calendar.
Posted by: Fragrant Liar | January 12, 2010 at 07:28 PM
Congrats on your 500th post!!
Posted by: Mad Woman | January 12, 2010 at 08:13 PM
Those pics are gorgeous...you really are talented with a camera.
Posted by: Mad Woman | January 12, 2010 at 08:13 PM
Um. If I don't win a calendar (or if I'm ineligible because of my locale) could I buy one?
Posted by: Mad Woman | January 12, 2010 at 08:13 PM
500 posts in a year and a half?? You really ARE amazing! I am so glad I found you and your blog; definitely a bright spot in my day.
Those shots are gorgeous,loved them the first time.
We are all so happy you sat down that day and kept writing!!
Posted by: [email protected]oar | January 12, 2010 at 08:27 PM
Congrats! And love the great photos.
Posted by: Bridget | January 12, 2010 at 09:14 PM
Your photos and blog are nice! I've only been reading you for a couple of weeks but added you to my favorites. Your pics are a real treat to me, I live in Southern California for about 5 years. Nothing like it. My 8 yo son loves calendars and I would like to have one with your awesome photos.
Posted by: SailorMoon | January 12, 2010 at 10:18 PM
first of all, It has been a pleasure getting to know you. I hope you're around for a very long time.
Second: the picture of the bird? Amazing.
Posted by: jessica | January 12, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Love them all. Would happily climb into any ONE of them!
Hallie
Posted by: Hallie | January 13, 2010 at 05:34 AM
CJ leaves in 3 weeks. I'm sad. A calendar would help!! :)
Posted by: Hallie | January 13, 2010 at 05:35 AM
500 WOW...I've probably only followed for about 100!
Posted by: Laura | January 13, 2010 at 06:19 AM
Love all your stories...keep them coming for another 500!
Posted by: Laura | January 13, 2010 at 06:20 AM
I can't pick just one photo. They're all so beautiful. You're a very talented photographer.
Posted by: cute~ella | January 13, 2010 at 07:01 AM
Also? Congrats on your 500th post! I'm so glad you started blogging and I found you. :)
Posted by: cute~ella | January 13, 2010 at 07:01 AM
I need this calendar for work! A way to look at your pictures and escape the work place for a minute or two.
Posted by: Chris | January 13, 2010 at 07:42 AM
Your pictures are breathtaking!!
Posted by: Jeanne | January 13, 2010 at 08:38 AM
I LOVE YOUR CALENDAR! i can't wait to win it! lol
dude.. i cannot believe you're at 500 posts already! post whore.
have we talked about blogher? are you going? how come we haven't met yet? is santa real?
Posted by: jennster | January 13, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Pick me, pick me!
Posted by: Katie | January 13, 2010 at 09:26 AM
I do have to say I'm a little disappointed not to see any bionic nipple pictures.
Posted by: Katie | January 13, 2010 at 09:26 AM
But on the other hand, this way I could still hang it up at work.
Posted by: Katie | January 13, 2010 at 09:27 AM
Congrats on your 500th post. I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I love all of your pictures and have been inspired to get out my camera and try some different things. Thank you.
Posted by: Kristie | January 13, 2010 at 11:29 AM
I think we started
Posted by: middle-aged-woman | January 13, 2010 at 03:16 PM
blogging at about
Posted by: middle-aged-woman | January 13, 2010 at 03:16 PM
the same time, and I
Posted by: middle-aged-woman | January 13, 2010 at 03:16 PM
just had my 500th
Posted by: middle-aged-woman | January 13, 2010 at 03:16 PM