Wednesday 2 December 2020

What’s On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 600. Six hundred.

I have been composing a post over the last week, in my head, about this weeks big number. None of that appears here. There’s a small look-back in the last post, but this one has turned into a bit of a brag-fest and I just can’t help it.
Six hundred. Zeshonderd. Six cent. Sechshundert. Sescentorum. Seiscientos. Chwe chant.
Whichever way you look at it, that’s a lot of weeks. It’s been a lot of everything. Typing, reading, visiting, enabling, laughing, supporting, meeting. It’s been a bit marvellous really! A lot of activity too, of the behind-my-back variety and I’ve been bombarded with gifts. The plan I had for my desk has therefore changed immensely. Now, it’s a show off desk. Feast your eyes on my feast:
Yesterday, a Christmas tree arrived by post, with decorations, chocolate gold coins, a golden bucket and even moss to put around the top of the bucket. Lights with batteries. Isn’t it gorgeous. And it smells of Christmas too, just amazing. The card tells me it’s a gift from you gentle Desker. I was surprised, delighted, but mostly surprised.
I don’t mean to sound blasé when I say there was a second box...wrapped, protected and perfect, gin and tonic. And chocolates and peanuts. 
And a card saying that it was from you, gentle Desker. 
And then, a thick envelope with the WOYWW 600 card in it, and a gift voucher for one of my favourite places to browse and buy kitsch. From you, gentle Desker. I know that LLJ is behind it all, and that she must have had kittens about deliveries and choices. I had to go into the garage and sort out the bins so that I could have a little cry over your unexpected generosity. It was cold in the garage and soon got me sorted. I don’t mean that you aren’t generous. I read your comments and I know you, you are unfailingly generous. What I mean is that I wasn’t expecting your generosity. I really, really wasn’t. After all, without you contributing each week, there is no WOYWW, and certainly not 600 weeks worth. I’m not used to being lost for words, or having a little cry over some of the best gifts I’ve ever been given, so in the same generous spirit that you CONTRIVED with Jan to buy me these things, please be generous again and accept a very simple and heartfelt thank you. For everything. 
And finally, to prove that sometimes, just sometimes, I can walk the talk.......it’s not just the corner with the gifts that’s tidy:
Now, if I’ve asked you once, I’ve asked you six hundred times...please link your WOYWW post here so that we can see your busy and always inspiring work surfaces. I really do thank you.


50 comments:

Helen said...

congratulations Julia, and you deserve every bit of the adoration and gifts. It has been a whole lot of fun these last 600 Wednesdays (or whenever we each joined in) - a highlight of our weeks. Here's to the next 600....... xxxx Helen #1

Sarah Brennan said...

Many congratulations on 600 weeks of WOYWW Julia. As for the gifts, you deserve nothing less! Happy 600th WOYWW. Sarah #5

glitterandglue said...

Morning Julia - and many congratulations - for being so faithful in making this thing called WOYWW happen each week; for encouraging us all to keep crafting; for being you!
We all enjoy this - and it's 'cos you thought of trying it out. Seems you have got the formula right.
Enjoy your gifts!!!
Love and God bless you.
Margaret #2

Anonymous said...

Wow. The bigger shock than it has lasted 600 weeks is that your desk is so very tidy! Outstanding, but forgive me for missing the mess. We all come to Woyww for different reasons, but we stay for the lovely sense of community, no matter how far-flung the actual members. It has been a fun ride every Wednesday. Your small pile o’gifts is a small thank you for all you have nursed and mothered over these past years. Without your efforts we’d have missed out on all the art and enabling lol!

So thanks to you, thanks to LLJ for sorting it and thanks to every desker who helps make Wednesday the best day of the week.

Lots of hugs

Mary Anne

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I just learned about this yesterday afternoon and was NOT prepared for this. However, I am so thrilled you received many of the wonderful gifts and cards you so generously deserved. You have done SO much for the blogging community and kept this group together for many years. You really are the Queen of the Desks.

craftyani said...

Many congratulations Julia from a relative newbie, but I have enjoyed joining in over the years. Does this warrant an entry into the Guiness book of records? Enjoy your gifts and hopefull see you on Saturday. Ani #3

Neet said...

Did I ever think when I joined in all those years ago that showing my desk would become a weekly event that I was addicted to.
Thank you Julia for always being there for us, for having a massive band of friends who also are always there should one need a shoulder to cry on. It's more than just a blog-a-thon - it's a sisterhood and I am so chufffed to be part of it.
Love you lots
Neet xx 7

Mary Anne said...

Well not sure what happened there, and why it made me fill in my name then posted me as anonymous but hey ho, another chance to say Long Live WOYWW!

More hugs,

Mary Anne

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

I can imagine Jan having a little panic behind the scenes keeping everything crossed that the gifts would arrive but her plotting and planning with us all payed off, well done Jan.. Happy 600th Julia you really do deserve it all for keeping everyone connected in one small space. I'm so glad you like your gifts enjoy the love from us lovely lady.. and thank YOU.. Woyww Hugs Tracey xx

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

Awww that's sooooo nice Julia, Lunch Lady Jan did message me to say UK WOYWWers were planning a surprise so delighted fof you and certainly deserved in every way. 600 anything is pretty amazing let alone 600 weeks..
So thrilled I've had several met ups with WOYWWers courtesy of this wonderful place, your generousity in keeping this going through thick and thin has greatly enriched my life.
Thanks for sharing, and may God bless and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X #9 I think

{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

Robyn said...

thanks you and Congratulations, hip Hip, etc. and I've said i t before as well- Tidy is as tidy does, what ever that means!
Here's to another 600!
with big love,
robyn 11

Chrissie said...

Well done Julia and enormous thanks for creating such an addictive idea. Being naturally nosey, I loved the idea of peeking into other people's work spaces.
I don't know if I told you this, but indirectly you were the spark which started the idea of Less is More. I met Mandi through having a sneak peek at her desk, via you! We realised that we were kindred spirits in that we were both lovers of the CAS genre. We corresponded, met up and the rest they say is history! Despite me stepping down quite some time ago, I'm happy to say that it is still going strongly.
Thanks to the lovely LLJ for organising your surprises and I hope you enjoy the richly deserved goodies!
Have a great day and many more to come!
Chrissie xxxxx

Annie said...

Thank you for all you do to make this happen every week. The gifts are nothing in comparison to all the effort you give each week so please enjoy every one ...you deserve them. Jan certainly chose well.
Love you lots girlfriend. You’re a special friend.
Hugs
Annie x

Caro said...

Thank you so much for all you do to make this happen every week. It gives such a sense of companionship and support and is such a special gift to be able to be involved in it. You are such a special lady and deserve all the lovely gifts. Jan knows you well and chose beautifully. Happy 600th WOYWW! Take care and stay safe. With love & God Bless, Caro xxx (#14)

Ali Wade Designs said...

Happy 600th WOYWW. I am not great with words now, especially at this time of day, but I send my love over the internet. Thank you for keeping this weekly get-together going for so long (more than 11 years - I had to use a calculator then!). Enjoy your pressies. I may have a gin & tonic with you on Saturday! I am going to be doing some crafting today (Christmas cards and ATCs to finish), as well as blog visiting. Ali x. #14

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Happy 600th girlie, many many congrats on an amazing achievement! I’m so glad you gently ‘encouraged’ me into joining in all those years ago, I can’t imagine a week without WOYWW now! Enjoy the day and the gifts, we love you xx
Hugs LLJ 10 xxx

Spyder said...

Happy and congratulations on the six hundred episode of What's On Your Worktop Wednesday! I know I missed a large lump out while I went off on a new adventure of Dog Walking and a new 24/7 thing took over, but the first thing I did when I got my craft room back was to check if you were still here and you were! Congratulations again, blog land would never be the same without you! You have brought so many crafty people together! Big Hugs! xx
((((Lyn)))) #18

Ellie said...

Congratulations!! Wow! enjoy those gorgeous gifts and have a wonderful 600. My goodness, your desk is immaculate. Sending lots of hugs
Happy 600 lovely Julia
Ellie #20

Felix the Crafty Cat said...

Well done Julia and congrats on your 600th week. Others may come and go but you're still here and that's some achievement.I would quite like to work my way back to the first posting as I've never done that. Have a lovely celebratory woyww. Hugs, Angela x19x

Anne said...

Hello Julia and lots of love and congratulations on this special day! I have been joining in for several years now and managed to get to two crops - all such a blessing. Thank you to you and Jan for all you do. Anne x 16

Lillianb said...

Congratulations on you 600 Julia, I don't know about anyone else but [ I think I speak for all your followers ] Thank you for doing this and letting us all meat up once a week,

Love and hugs and stay safe,

Lilian # 13

Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith said...

Awww, you're making me all teary eyed too! Huge congratulations, Julia, and thank you for WOYWW unfailingly being there for us through thick and thin! I bet you never in your wildest dreams expected this little big blog hop to last this long - and may there be many more weeks to come! As usual, I still have my post to put together this morning, but I'm on it! Wouldn't miss it for the world! Happy #600! xx

Sue said...

Happy 600th WOYWW Julia. What a wonderful number to reach.

Enjoy all the pressies.

As to the desk being so tidy....I am lost for words:) LOL

Take care.

Sue

Debbie Rock said...

You truly deserve it all too! Got to admit to not recognising your desk - hope you can still find stuff now you have had a tidy up!
Yes - Jan is also an absolute *s*t*a*r* & I count my blessings that WOYWW brought you both ... and many others into my life.
Much love dearest Julia. Xxx

Susan Renshaw said...

Congratulations indeed Julia on this superlative effort!
Happy 600th WOYWW!

Kyla said...

Congratulations its been a brilliant lifeline and well done Jan for sorting us all in the background!!
Kyla

Unknown said...

YAAAAYYYYYY! Here's to the wonderful Julia, and equally wonderful world of desking. You have brought a lot of joy to a lot of ladies and gentlemen (and random strangers clicking into these blogs). I may not have been regularly present but always felt a part of the group - so wonderfully inclusive.

I shall be raising a glass to you today, and am looking forward to Saturday's sessions... :D

Diana Taylor said...

Congratulations, you've done a fantastic job keeping this going and enjoy your gifts, you deserve everyone of them, along with all the love and gratitude from us deskers. I truly appreciate this wonderful group and all you have done for us over the years - thank you dear Julia,
Diana xx

My name is Cindy said...

Well I think it's all just marvellous. Didn't LLJ do well? I love the Christmas tree what a hoot! I recall coming across one of your posts and loving your wry and witty writing style and it's been wonderful knowing WOYWW was there in the background even if I wasn't always around. There are probably only about 5 online groups that I have ever really connected with (though I belong to quite a few) and this is the only one that has survived, a testament I think to gentle leadership and just a jolly nice group of people. Long may we continue. Cindy xx

Heather M said...

Congratulations Julia. Amazing achievement 600 weeks! From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for this weekly blog - the encouragement, inspiration, tips, tricks, enabling, giggles, generosity, camaraderie is the best thing I have encountered since I started crafting. Although I don't make it every week, I know there is a warm welcome when I do - and I will try harder next year! Enjoy your lovely presents - you deserve them, and well picked by Jan, hugs, Heather xx #25

Shoshi said...

Congratulations on keeping us all going for 600 episodes, Julia, and what a lovely lot of gifts. I am definitely going to try to be there on Saturday, complete with giveaway. Thanks for your visit and you are right, the crochet does work up quickly which is good. The trouble is I am very busy with other things too, so I've got my work cut out to finish this throw by Christmas.

Happy WOYWW 600,
Shoshi #29

Annie Claxton said...

Good morning Julia, happy Big 6-0-0!! Congratulations, thank you so much for keeping us all together - no matter what is going on in the world, WOYWW is a constant rock and so are you. I@m so glad you were spoilt rotten, you completely deserve it. Thank you to Jan as well for coordinating, that must have been tricksy. But WHERE is the real Julia's desk?! I canNOT believe it!! :) Have a lovely WOYWW-day and I'll look forward to "meeting" everyone on Saturday xOx Annie C #35

Marit said...

My dear overseas friend: YOU SO DESERVE ALL THIS!!! 600 times congratulations to you dear, you brought us together and kept us together so we could all become friends. You inspire so many people! I cannot type much (see today's blogpost for that) but I wanted to be here and let you know you are LOVED!!! Big hug from the Netherlands, and I hope many will follow over the next years. Marit #33

Catriona said...

Your friend Jan chose a super selection of gifts for you, Julia. See you an Saturday-remember to wear your crown!

Lynnecrafts said...

Congratulations Julia! An amazing dedication. So glad you like your pressies! Reading the note on your desk, it’s a good job you didn’t get chocolates 🤣.
You had me right in your comment earlier, it’s the engineer in me that wants to solve the spiral glove problem.
Enjoy your day!
Love
Lynnecrafts 23

Lynnecrafts said...

Congratulations Julia! An amazing dedication. So glad you like your pressies! Reading the note on your desk, it’s a good job you didn’t get chocolates 🤣. Oops I just saw you did ....er is that for Saturday? 😏
You had me right in your comment earlier, it’s the engineer in me that wants to solve the spiral glove problem.
Enjoy your day!
Love
Lynnecrafts 23

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Congratulations and Thank You. You deserve all those fun little mementos There is always more behind the scenes than most realize. Being involved with WOYWW has been a fun ride for me. So many great people, precious comments and inspiration to last a lifetime. Just because each week you've made the effort to keep up together. Enjoy Stay Safe in this crazy world. Here's an across the seas "TOAST" to you for all the fun. Wishing many more weeks of fun and inspiration. Sending Love and Hugs Sylvia 🧡🧡🧡🧡

StampinCarol said...

Congrats!!! And thanks for such a wonderful way for so many to connect! Jan did good choosing the gifts! I just can't come up with the words I want to type but just THANKS! Here's to many more Wednesdays together!
God bless you!
Carol N #37

Felicia said...

CONGRATULATIONS JULIA!!!!! I am so thankful to be part of something so wonderful that you spearheaded!!! I have met so many wonderful folks, seen such beautiful creativity and gleaned from their artful giftings!!! I wish I could have been a part of all your amazing treasures, although Jan did let me know that you were going to be treated!! You deserve it ALL!! I hope you enjoy! I also wish I could have been a part of the Zoom meeting, however being Thanksgiving week over here in the states, I was off and cooking all week and then Saturday was our family gathering. I really hope you guys enjoyed each other and had lots of laughs!! Maybe next time I can be a part!! Thank you again, for ALL you do and for allowing me to take part!! Many blessings to you!

Lindart said...

Congratulations! Without you, I probably wouldn't be blogging every week, maybe not at all! Without you, I would not have gotten to know all the wonderful crafters from all over - I like to say I have friends all over the world! I am so grateful I found you (I don't even remember how!) and you definitely deserve all the treats and kudos that you got. Looking forward to Saturday, Lindart #40

Dorlene Durham said...

Congratulations on 600! What a fabulous post this week. Great gifts and great fun. Oh, and your desk looks pretty amazing too. Have a fantastic week and here’s to 600 more...Dorlene #41

pearshapedcrafting said...

I only realised it was 600 when I saw Elizabeth's post, Oh how I wish I had! You deserve all of these gifts and more for the introductions made through this weekly 'show and tell' . We have all made such real friends through these posts and the crops. Most of all sweet Julia we got to meet you too - Huge Congratulations and lots of love, Chrisx

Kathryn Frantz said...

Happy 600th, Julia! What a feat!

I love your sense of humor and the way you turn a phrase! Even more important in the world we live in today!

Hope to join you on/in the Zoom call.

Thank you for doing what you do and sharing so generously!

Congratulations!

Kathryn

Elizabeth said...

Congratulations, Julia, and happy 600th! I, along with every desker, have always enjoyed participating in your weekly snoopathon. It's not been the full 600 for me - I joined in on Week 71 just as soon as I plucked up the courage and I'm so glad I did. It's been such fun and I've made so many friends through WOYWW. It was a brilliant idea, bringing so many lovely crafter's together - long may it continue. Enjoy the crop on Saturday. Hugs, Elizabeth x #36

Stacy Sheldon said...

OOoh Julia, Congratulations :) It is so fun to be a part of this with you and I am totally impressed with how tidy your desk is today too :)
( I still have to remember to shoot mine later and cross my fingers on the uploading when I get home from work) but, I wanted to send you a note first incase that does not happen. ~Stacy

Chana Malkah said...

Congratulations on your achievement! I own and operate two challenge blogs and I know the range of emotions that one experiences over the years!

You have assembled a talented and generous group of women who appreciate you and your efforts! I joined too late to participate in the gift but I thank you for staying around, I know I will benefit creatively from being a part of this tribe!

Hugz,
Chana Malkah

Nikki said...

After seeing your Brag post Thought to join in (guessing I'm last) but hey it's still Wed here :)
Congrats on 600 posts it's been a trip to peek though everyone's desks for sure a true delight to see them all thanks for making it happen and AMAZING presents you have there too
hugs Nikki #47

Redanne said...

Julia, I know it is a good while since I joined in WOYWW but I still display my badge proudly on my desk. Huge congratulations on your 600th, it is an amazing achievement on your part and all those who regularly join in. It really is lovely to see you receiving richly deserved treats and here's to another 600! Hugs, Anne xxx

BJ said...

Oh Julia, WOW how wonderful, and so deserved.

So wish I'd been crafty lately to join in but nothing happening here. Trying to avoid Christmas although have got the house decorations up!

Just seen the second time slot for Saturday and hope to pop by to say hello, might even jazz up my last (weeks ago) LO with some perfect pearls, yup that's the extent of my crafting of late.

Well done lovely lady, and Jan too of course.
BJ

LuLu said...

Julia et al,

Happy 600th!

Oops I missed posting Wednesday - but my desk was not presentable anyway. :-)

Hope to attend virtual crop on Saturday from US - maybe...

Peace,
LuLu