A Face-Lift and a Swoon (not in that order) and a brief explanation on why I don't gamble

Let me begin by stating that my life is often hounded by the Probability of the Ridiculous (POTR). Since I elaborated on this concept before, I won't bore you with it again. However, walking arm-in-arm with this ridiculous-ness is the fact that I am HIGHLY unlucky when it comes to drawings, raffles, and any other games of chance (which is just one of many reasons why I don't gamble).

However, on Friday, December 27, 2013, all of that changed. No, the POTR remained, but my un-luck-i-ness was momentarily tranquilized in its cold, snowy tracks when Katie over at The Nested Blog announced the winners of her Christmas Giveaway.

[Aside: Though I never ever win--seriously, I NEVER win--I cannot resist entering all the Giveaways. Because who knows. Chalk it up to unreasonable optimism. Which is, again, why I avoid all contact with things such as slot machines. It would be the beginning of the end. I would die token-less with my hand--now rigor mortis-ed into a claw--to the slot machine lever. So I host Giveaways instead (and I feel the need to always capitalize Giveaways, because of the ambivalent esteem in which I hold them.) Still, I enter the ones with which I cross paths. Because I must.]

Anyway, back to Katie's Giveaway.

I won. I saw my name listed among the winners and promptly swooned. After hoisting myself off the floor and away from the concerned face-licking of my cat Conner (which felt like a grinder against my cheek), I looked at my computer again. Indeed, I won! Then I looked further down the list. [insert 2nd swoon and more abrasive face-licking from Conner.] I won, not once, but twice! Count it! One-Two. TWICE! Two things of winning I was the recipient of!

One of those things was a header for my blog designed by AshleyRose Sullivan (who is a fabulous artist and fascinating blogger.) Did you see her work when you first stepped onto the Isle today? Stunning, right? I know.

(See, now I come to my point.)

So not only did The Silent Isle get a delightful face-lift and now displays beautiful artwork (of which I am not remotely capable), I have a renewed sense of optimism--not necessarily in my chances at Giveaway winnings (which will probably remain unrewarded hereafter). But my optimism in general has been affirmed. It's been affirmed in the sense that sometimes a gift is offered--maybe even arbitrarily--but it's offered nonetheless. And I am incredibly thankful.


PS: The other thing I won is some artwork handmade by Katie herself! She's hard at work on this project, but I'll post a picture when I receive it. Thank you, again, Kate and AshleyRose!!