Okay kiddos. I think it's time for a contest, don't you?! I've been working hard on some top secret stuff for The Paper Princess, and frankly, I'm in the contest mood!
Are you ready?
I said, ARE YOU READY?
Okay, good.
Here's what you gotta do to win a super duper prize. Simply leave a comment on this post. If you feel like being a wisecracker, leave a joke. Or two. Feeling sassy? Tell me something outrageous about YOU. Don't know what to say? Tell us about the weather in yer neck o' the woods.
Whatevah!
In a few days, I'll count up the number of comments and assign a number to each and everyone of you! Yes even you...shy-person-who's-never-commented-here before. Then I'll have Employee #1 (aka Hank) pull THREE NUMBERS out of his hat (out of his Yankees' cap, I'm sure). Those three peeps....why they'll get a FANTABULOUS PRIZE! FOR FREE! Woo hoo!
What will you win you ask?
It's a S-E-C-R-E-T, silly! You'll find out soon enough Miss/Mr Ants in Yer Pants!
In the meantime, I'd like to share some goodies with y'all. Today I came home to THREE packages. Yep! THREE! The first one was actually for Henry. Here, take a peek, won't you?
His Dutch Aunt, Yvonne, spoiled him real good. When she heard about Henry and his great big TUMBLE off of the slide, she sent some gifties to lift his spirit! He was so utterly thrilled that the mailman "brought some mails" especially for him. As you can see from these photos, he was quite eager to rip open the package! Tucked inside the envelope was a gingham pouch filled with animals galore (Henry LOVES animals!), and (!) a book, I Can Fly! I love this book oh so much as it features artwork by Mary Blair! Thank you, Yvonne! {Feel free to CLICK! for a better view!)
Well the fun continued folks. Yep, it sure did. I also received a package from new pal, Samantha, from Wales. Her online shop, Plump Pudding, is about to launch, and when you get a chance, do take a peek at her
stuff. I've been visiting her site, oh several times a day!, to see if
she's launched yet. She sent a box of goodies for the kids (AND ME!).
Click the photo for close-ups! For Allie, she sent a little felt doll and bed clothes. Alison was beside herself to receive these goodies as she likes to play "mama" to her dolls and to her real-life doll, Kate! The pin cushion is for moi....and look at her labels! Each item came in a sewn drawstring pouch. The stuffed house is for Kate, and it's alread displayed in her room. And the scotty dog was for Henry. Boy he was lucky today!
And last, but not least, I received a surprise goody from the ever so sweet Aimee Roo! We were e-mailing how we both like Sanrio characters (her faves are Keroppi and Cinnamoroll; mine the adorable Deery Lou). And before I know it, this wonderful pouch showed up on my doorstep with these f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s goodies. Hello Kitty will always rank as my alltime fave. . .the bubble gum was DELISH, and reminded me of my childhood! Thank you Aimee!
In my next post, I'd like to showoff some goods I bought from some great indie shops out there, and I'd especially like to highlight the owners' generosity! So many slipped in little extra bits into my packages. . .
![](<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd-nc/1.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" border="0" src="http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights.gif" /></a><br />){kind=link}
when will #1 ever get picked, but I'll be the first anyhoo! I'm glad Bebe H is doing better, and better still with new toys! I love when they say, "mails" too cute! Can't wait to get working on your stuff over here....send some pics!!!! and ideas!!!!
Posted by: joy madison | August 30, 2005 at 02:27 AM
oh, i'm so glad to be entering the contest! never won anything before and always have bad luck at the casinos! =P
thanks, Les! =)
Posted by: momo | August 30, 2005 at 02:47 AM
I love Henry's shirt, it's so matching his cast!
I love Mary Blair's illustrations too and I thought the book really suits the occasion as Henry thought he could fly ;o)
Oo - competitions!
Posted by: Yvonne | August 30, 2005 at 02:56 AM
Go Yankees!
Oh Yvonne is such a doll! I love the photo documentry of the opening!
Posted by: hope | August 30, 2005 at 04:13 AM
such great mail goodies. I think I may have to start some swaps. I haven't got any good mails in a while!!
Posted by: jenn | August 30, 2005 at 04:31 AM
Oh, fun! A contest! I'm in... ;)
Posted by: amanda | August 30, 2005 at 05:10 AM
Ooh, a contest! Oh, and what a great name for your little girl. :) I just had girl #3 in July.
And as for my weather... it's been dry here (Ohio) for weeks, and now that I am actually leaving the house after having my baby to go see Coldplay at an outdoor venue, the rains from Katrina are here! Wouldn't you know it?
Posted by: kate | August 30, 2005 at 05:37 AM
I love contests! It's is a great idea.
Okay, weather news (as I can't think of anything outrageous): here in Tokyo it's been a hot and humid summer, but tonight it's raining so a little cooler. I might get to sleep without air/con for a change, which would be nice!
Posted by: suzy | August 30, 2005 at 05:45 AM
Haven't you all been lucky today (apart from poor Hank that is, didn't he get anything in the mail?)
Posted by: Nichola | August 30, 2005 at 05:49 AM
Ok, I can't pass up the chance to enter a contest! The weather here in VA is hot and humid. Hmmmm, something about me, well I was tagged by momo and my list of idiosyncrasies is on my site. Jokes, ah well, I don't know any clean ones. But I really enjoyed the photos of all your mail goodies. It looks like Plump Pudding is going to be great. Ok, pick me, pick me!! :0)
Posted by: debbie | August 30, 2005 at 06:01 AM
oh wow, a contest, how exciting! I wonder what you have up your sleave? I really enjoy your blog and am glad henry is doing better!
Posted by: michelle | August 30, 2005 at 06:05 AM
Cute gifts. I'm sure he was thrilled.
Posted by: Cecilia | August 30, 2005 at 06:50 AM
I just won some tickets on the radio (for the best Martha Stewart "you're fired" catch phrase) so, since I'm on a lucky streak, I thought I'd enter.
Posted by: yvett | August 30, 2005 at 07:28 AM
yay! - i'd like to enter.
as for the weather -- "the city by the bay" is actually now starting it's small summer weather. no more wet, drizzley fog today.
Posted by: joyce | August 30, 2005 at 07:44 AM
great looking gifties! I'm sure that Henry's surprise packages helped to cheer him up... Contest?!? Whee!!
Posted by: kelly | August 30, 2005 at 08:04 AM
so happy that you enjoyed the goodies! i thought you would with all the cute kawaii stuff, since you like japanese things.
here is an outrageous tidbit about me: i am a bellydancer and have been for over 10 years. ;)
Posted by: Aimee Roo | August 30, 2005 at 08:14 AM
Ooo...a contest! I want to be counted in. :)
Posted by: Nicole Seitler | August 30, 2005 at 08:33 AM
What did the number 0 say to the number 8? Like your belt. :)
Posted by: Nicole | August 30, 2005 at 08:33 AM
ooh, yes, I'll play! I just love your stuff @ The Paper Princess, by the way.
And because I never like to get something for nothing, here's an outrageous fact about me: when I was a kid, I used to put ketchup on my salad.
OK, so maybe not so *outrageous*, but definitely gross. And I haven't even admitted that on my own blog! Lucky you!
Posted by: amanda | August 30, 2005 at 08:43 AM
I love your new pincushion from your secret pal!! What fun!!
Posted by: Susan | August 30, 2005 at 08:48 AM
I know I can't win another one of your contests (since that would make me the luckiest person in the whole universe), but without hope, what is there?
I have a joke for you. It is one of my father's standard jokes. Please bear in mind that a) he is insane, and b) he is 89 years old.
WE WERE HUNGARY, SOVIET. Do you get it?
Here's another one:
MY THREE FAVORITE VEGETABLES ARE: LETTUCE, TURNIP, and PEA.
He also has a Halloween joke that includes the punchline: HOLLOW WEENIE. Maybe I will save that one for October.
Posted by: Mariko | August 30, 2005 at 08:49 AM
I love contests! Goodies in the mail are always fun. Glad to hear Henry is doing well. Take care!
Posted by: Val | August 30, 2005 at 08:49 AM
yay a contest! and the weather in northern california is foggy in the morning and sunny in the afternoon.
Posted by: Leah | August 30, 2005 at 09:06 AM
De-lurking to take part in the contest. The weather outside today is very humid, but inside it is a cool 73 degrees. Also, get your hands on some peaches if you can, the August peaches are de-lish.
Posted by: Elise | August 30, 2005 at 09:33 AM
What are you up to over there, you sneaky thing! :)
not really a joke, but I think it's genius. A new Anne taintor collage I recently saw had a retro lady holding out her cup of coffee, and it said: "if I could, I would inject it". ;)
Posted by: Kathleen | August 30, 2005 at 10:13 AM
Please consider this a comment. I am mainly a lurker, but a commenter for today!
Posted by: Jen14221 | August 30, 2005 at 10:13 AM
Hi! Count me in! Maybe I'll be lucky this time?
Posted by: Jessica | August 30, 2005 at 10:23 AM
I recently crashed into your site by accident and am loving every minute of it.
Entering your contest today is the perfect distraction while I wait for a plumber to FINALLY arrive and repair a leak that was discovered on Sunday. Which will result in water being restored to my home...and the ability to use the potty!! The biggest joke of my day - was using a camping shower & a jug of water to bathe in my bathtub this morning!!
Hoping I win!!
Posted by: Stacy | August 30, 2005 at 10:25 AM
Oooh Hello Kitty Bubble gum!!! Kewl!
I only know one joke. And it's really long. And everyone already knows it. Sorry.
Oh wait...I know a blonde joke.
How do you drown a blonde?
You put a scratch and sciff sticker at the bottom of the pool.
Posted by: Anne Marie | August 30, 2005 at 10:30 AM
hmmm...
I could tell you something funny about me. In my high school year book, for future goals, I wrote that I wanted to be the "gen-x Martha Stewart".
In other news, I am waiting to hear from my family who live in Biloxi, Mississippi where the hurricane hit. No phone, cell phone, electric. I am tempted to make the 10 hour trip just to know they are safe. :(
Posted by: P | August 30, 2005 at 10:34 AM
...Hello!
::blush::
Posted by: Kelly Sue | August 30, 2005 at 10:40 AM
oh yay for fun mail! and how cute is henry?
something strange about me((for the win!) i sat next to wierd aL YAnkovich on an airplane when i was a teenager, flying coach! hes funny in real person, though i wasnt a fan myself. and i have a twin brother!)
Posted by: jenny vorwaller | August 30, 2005 at 10:43 AM
It's hot.
That ain't no joke.
Posted by: justJENN | August 30, 2005 at 11:13 AM
I've been checking out your blog for a while and really enjoying your art. And now I can win something just by leaving a comment? Sign me up! :)
Posted by: allison | August 30, 2005 at 11:50 AM
Ohhh! I hope I'm one of the lucky winners. Glad to see that Henry is doing better! So many fun pics too!
Posted by: Melissa | August 30, 2005 at 12:05 PM
Ooo, a contest that's good for even those of us who are comment shy....
Posted by: Emily | August 30, 2005 at 12:28 PM
A contest?! How fun! Um, it's muggy and rainy in Honolulu.
Glad to see Henry's feeling better. :)
Posted by: myra | August 30, 2005 at 12:35 PM
*claps hands* A contest? Oh goody.
As long as it isn't The Lottery . . *laughs darkly*
No, but really--- this is fun.
Posted by: bluepoppy | August 30, 2005 at 12:43 PM
Hi Leslie - so glad they all arrived safely and that you are all pleased. A first for me: particpation with someone's blog and my stuff on the internet. Wow! I'm blown away. And I guess that this means I am eligible for your competition.
Posted by: Samantha | August 30, 2005 at 01:02 PM
Hi Leslie - so glad they all arrived safely and that you are all pleased. A first for me: particpation with someone's blog and my stuff on the internet. Wow! I'm blown away. And I guess that this means I am eligible for your competition.
Posted by: Samantha | August 30, 2005 at 01:06 PM
great contest! i think i'm gonna have to copy it although i don't think i'll get as big a response, that's good for the contestants right?
lucky you and henry with all the fun packages!
Posted by: susanne | August 30, 2005 at 01:27 PM
Man - I must be late getting to this post! 41? Wow, someone sure is popular!
Love all the pics of the goodies. How cute is Henry with his little red cast?
I love that HK gum, too bad I swallow it after about 10 seconds. :)
Posted by: alexis | August 30, 2005 at 01:27 PM
yippiee!!! i love contests! plus i love corny jokes, so here it goes!
what time do you go to the dentist? tooth-hurty!
where do sheep get their hair cut?
at the baa-baa shop!
what do you call a vegetarian with diarrhea?
a salad shooter!
ha... love it...
Posted by: hannah | August 30, 2005 at 02:08 PM
Wow, this contest thing is a great trick to get people to comment. I'm going to have to try this one some time!
Posted by: Laural | August 30, 2005 at 03:10 PM
i spun this morning
i can't wait to knit it up
rain, first time in days
Posted by: Tiffany | August 30, 2005 at 03:28 PM
Ooh, a contest...gotta love it! I wish I could think of something outrageous to post, but alas, things are calm, quiet and HOT here in the Midwest. We ARE in Kansas, Toto!
Posted by: Leslie | August 30, 2005 at 03:37 PM
I *heart* Henry's red cast.
I've been hooked on your blog since your Henry slide post made me cry the other week. So glad he's fine and enjoying lots of presents now!
Posted by: Eve | August 30, 2005 at 03:48 PM
How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but the light bulb has really got to WANT to change.
Corny, I know, but it was the last joke I heard.
Pick me, pick me! :o)
Posted by: Milly | August 30, 2005 at 03:55 PM
I really should be working... but this is more fun! (remind me of this around 1:00 a.m. tonight!) Wow, what a fun mail day! Henry's cast is pretty cool looking. He doesn't even need a bat for now. When Maya was in the hospital she had little boards strapped to her forearms so she wouldn't bend her wrist where tubes went in and she used them to hit the ballons around. Have a great wednesday tommorow! Are you counting the days until school starts like we are?
Posted by: mo | August 30, 2005 at 05:26 PM
My pregnant brain is too fried to think of anything clever to say. :)
Posted by: anne | August 30, 2005 at 05:32 PM
The weather in my neck of the woods is much like yesterday's. Big surprise.
Posted by: shokufeh | August 30, 2005 at 05:39 PM
Well- I *NEVER* win anything so I won't hold my breath on this fun ditty but I think it's fab that you're doing it! I DID want to thank you for posting a link to PLUM PUDDING and showing the goodies she sent you---they're delish!!! LOVE your blog and store-so glad you reopened~I hope to be able to order something soon!
Posted by: Sarah | August 30, 2005 at 06:09 PM
When I lived in Minnesota long ago, the kids used to tease me about my name (shizuka) and called me shazuka bazooka. My mom was always puzzled, because bazooka doesn't rhyme with the proper pronounciation of my name!
Posted by: shiz | August 30, 2005 at 06:31 PM
count me in for the contest! glad little H is feeling better with all of his gifts. i just checked out plump pudding the other day. ADORABLE!! -lori (marzipan inc.)
Posted by: lori (marzipan inc.) | August 30, 2005 at 06:50 PM
I wanna win! I wanna win! Here's something about me: I hate wearing socks. Really.
Posted by: katey | August 30, 2005 at 08:46 PM
Yay! I'm number 589973!
I'll tell you something funny my son said when he went to the doctor. After looking at the rash on Liam's stomach Liam pointed to his groin area and said "I got some on my YEGS {legs}, do you want to see my YEGS?"
Doctor, " no mate, I don't need to see your EGGS" {meaning balls} ! I couldn't explain because I was laughing so much.
Posted by: suburbansider | August 30, 2005 at 09:05 PM
Pick me, pick me!
Posted by: Laurie | August 30, 2005 at 09:31 PM
This contest is what I needed to finally get my blog going and join in on the craftin' fun!
Posted by: claudia | August 30, 2005 at 09:59 PM
a haiku...
creative Leslie
she has so much energy
and now a contest
Posted by: Marilyn | August 31, 2005 at 03:35 AM
Yeah a contest!! I wanna win..wahhh!! What great snail mail came your way Leslie, Hello Kitty is awesome! Have a good day girl!
Posted by: Amanda | August 31, 2005 at 03:49 AM
I LOVE your contests! pick me, pick me. fat chance but i'm dancing around up in here. :) :: crosses fingers so she'll be picked by Hank:: :)
lol!
Posted by: erika | August 31, 2005 at 05:42 AM
What a cool idea for a contest! I should think about doing something similar on my blog. But I don't think I get enough readers to make it very interesting ... hmmm... maybe something else though.
Posted by: Jess | August 31, 2005 at 06:42 AM
Pick me! ;)
Isn't he the cutest with that little cast... You get the best mail too!
Posted by: frecklegirl | August 31, 2005 at 07:25 AM
How much do I love my new cards! Thank you, Leslie. They are really lovely. We'll talk more about stuff for the store soon.
Posted by: Nathania | August 31, 2005 at 07:34 AM
Yay! Thanks for the sample cards in my order last week. They're up on the bulletin board in my craft room now. So pretty!
Posted by: Maitreya | August 31, 2005 at 07:59 AM
Ha! looks like there is a lot of competition.
Here is my all-time favorite joke:
Q: What has a bottom at it's top?
A: A leg!
Posted by: Mindy | August 31, 2005 at 08:42 AM
I love your contest illustration. Such a cutie girl! And what wonderful goodies you've received!
Posted by: Amanda | August 31, 2005 at 09:32 AM
go! fight! win!
two four six eight, who do we appreciate?
btw: just a joke, who is chelsea clinton's daddy? any guesses, it's mos def not who you might think;}
Posted by: cat | August 31, 2005 at 09:43 AM
Nyago the sleepy kitty is my fave Sanrio character.
Wow, your contest pulled me out of a two week wrist rest break. Thanks!
Posted by: Rossana | August 31, 2005 at 10:13 AM
Well, I guess I'll play along, even if Hank will be drawing the numbers from a "Yankee's Hat." SORRY to say I am a Red Sox Fan, and could live happily ever after if the Yankee's would fall off the side of the earth.
Okay, So I most likely just totally jinxed myself and will NEVER win, but I am a sucker for contests and FREE prizes!!
Good Luck to everyone!!
jill
Posted by: jill | August 31, 2005 at 10:22 AM
Wow! Look at all those fun gifts. And, look at all these comments. geez! :)
Posted by: Joleen | August 31, 2005 at 10:31 AM
I guess normally I'm too shy to comment... sorry. :}
Posted by: Dawn | August 31, 2005 at 02:21 PM
I guess normally I'm too shy to comment... sorry. :}
Posted by: Dawn | August 31, 2005 at 02:21 PM
i just visited your shop for the first time (this is only my second time to your blog) -- your handcrafted cards are smashing! can't wait until i have more time to look around.
Posted by: kristen | August 31, 2005 at 07:34 PM
I LOVE contests - and I LOVE your blog!
Posted by: amanda8 | August 31, 2005 at 09:37 PM
been secretly reading your blog and it's very inspirational! imagine getting me all hyped up in little malaysia and wanting to learn more about crafts! that's really something eh! ;)
well, keep it up and best wishes to your little son ;)
Posted by: ~*sher*~ | August 31, 2005 at 10:02 PM
I'm one of the shy ones. Actually that's a lie, I'm pretty loud. Um, but just to let you know, it is super hot in Tokyo today - about 33 degrees. I heart contests (and swaps of course)!!
Posted by: kat | August 31, 2005 at 10:45 PM
Beep beep'm beep beep yeah
Posted by: linda | September 01, 2005 at 01:55 AM
Oh I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener.
That is what I'd truly like to be.
'Cause if I were an Oscar Mayer Wiener,
Everyone would be in love with me.
(no, I can NOT explain why I can not get that jingle out of my mind. And now you won't be able to either...bwa ha ha hahaaaa)
Posted by: kristen | September 01, 2005 at 06:05 AM
I was once kicked out of a church for doing something salaciously sinful with one of the other members.
You said I could write something about myself.
Posted by: MIM | September 01, 2005 at 07:13 AM
I've never ever won anything in a contest...but I'm throwing my hat in the ring anyway. Sounds fun and I love surprises!
Posted by: Vicki | September 01, 2005 at 08:30 AM
**Raises hands**
I'm shy!
LOL! Sounds like a fun contest. I can't believe I didn't respond quickly when I read this on my blogline feed, um, two days ago.
Posted by: Marie | September 01, 2005 at 02:24 PM
Dang, girl. I go away from my pc for a few days and all sorts of crazy fun occurs. Does this count as an entry? =}
Posted by: GIao | September 01, 2005 at 03:08 PM
Hello, you're one of my heroes. 3 kids and able to craft! Wow, how do you do it??
Posted by: Dai | September 01, 2005 at 03:55 PM
I'm not wearing pants!!!
Okay. That's a lie. I'm wearing pants. I just wanted to make sure you saw my comment. Can I sign up for your nice contest, please?
Posted by: tammy | September 01, 2005 at 05:55 PM
Hi Leslie,
Cheryl from Singapore again. Love reading your stories about your lovely kids (I still haven't received a password for the albums?) - and those your husband's! You guys sound like a lovely family! And my, are you artistic or what?! Commenting in from Singapore is reason enough for a prize? Haha! :p
A joke for posterity!
Year 1981
=========
1. Prince Charles got married
2. Liverpool crowned Champions of Europe
3. Pope Died.
Year 2005
=========
1. Prince Charles got married (again)
2. Liverpool crowned Champions of Europe (again)
3. Pope Died.
In the future, if Prince Charles decides to re-marry or Liverpool needs another European crown ... please warn the Pope!
==============
Ok i hope you found that funny...
- cheryl -
Posted by: Cheryl | September 01, 2005 at 06:58 PM
Yes! A contest that requires no talent whatsoever...that's perfect for me.
Thanks!
Posted by: Cheryl | September 02, 2005 at 09:45 AM
"»Stay« is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary."
- Bronson Allcott.
Thanx for the fun contest!
Posted by: Sandra | September 02, 2005 at 03:48 PM
If I would win this contest it would be the absolute first time I won something in a lotery, I guess I simply are to lucky in love ;0)
Your blog looks wonderful and so does your shop. I will go and order some of those beautiful notecards soon!
I've been a bad, bad blogger and mailer lately, but I promise to be better.
And you too have a great time with the girls in NY!
Posted by: Marieke | September 02, 2005 at 04:08 PM
Leslie....I just can't BELIEVE I am commenter #90!!!! Unbelievable!
Here is my comment....tell Hank that if he's going to pull my name from a YANKEES hat...the shame will follow me forever!
luv...a die hard RED SOX fan!
Posted by: jes | September 03, 2005 at 05:01 AM
contest? Free stuff? my ears perked up.
Thanks to craftlog, I was directed to your site. Cute banner, by the way!
Posted by: Cathy P | September 03, 2005 at 11:41 AM
I'm good at competitions like these. This I can do. I'm liking this.
....no I take that back, actually I'm bad at these competitions, I forgot to enter my email but it didn't let me post without it luckily.
Posted by: Neisha | September 04, 2005 at 05:04 PM
A contest, oh my
A haiku is in order
And, oh, here it is
Posted by: Jen | September 05, 2005 at 06:54 PM
Cute site! :)
Posted by: Atreau | September 06, 2005 at 11:34 PM
oooo oooo count me in! Just came across your blog via the switchboards. love it!
megan
www.batteriesnotrequired.com
Posted by: Megan Risley | September 07, 2005 at 04:35 AM
Oh poo, I think I missed it, but I'm gonna leave a joke anyway..
Knock Knock...
Whos there...?
Panther...
Panther who...?
Panther no panth I'm goin' thwimmin'!
(sounds like: pants or no pants, I'm going swimming)
OK, I'm gonna feel real silly if no one thinks this is as funny as I do, so here is a little background... my darling little bro, who is 15 years younger than me, told me this joke when he was 3, and anything is funny when it's coming from a 3 year old! So there you have it, HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Posted by: sarah | September 09, 2005 at 09:53 PM
such nice parcels. wish could get nice parcels too.
Posted by: kitty | September 11, 2005 at 03:37 AM
I want to play!
Posted by: abelle | September 14, 2005 at 08:44 AM
Like the Swiss, the weather here in Heidiland is unpredictable.
Posted by: jayred | October 01, 2005 at 11:13 AM