Well good morning. I got up early again with even intention of hitting the trail with my pup. But the book I keep saying I am writing is calling today. And truly, so is this cup of tea. I'm skipping my daily sunrise walk and penning a few pages instead. It won't write itself, so I'd better get to work.

Before I go, I wanted to tell you that this month is my four-year blog anniversary. Four years feels like a long time. Lupine was just a baby when I began, and Sage was the age she is now. And poof! Over 700 posts are somehow done and here you are, reading my words.

It's humbling.

In those first few months I shared a blog mission statement with you. Well, with a couple of you. There were so few of you here that only two people commented. (Oh wait. One of those people was me.)

I thought I would share it again to let you know why I've been coming here since the beginning.

Here is what I said when this all began:

So here is my blog Manifesto, my Mission, Intention, or Over-Thought-Moment-of-Misplaced-Seriousness:

1. Inspire

Our world is brimming with hidden beauty and inspiration. I strive to inspire you through the moments and thoughts that I share through words and pictures.

2. Be Inspired

I will seek inspiration and beauty each day. There is so much around me that is magical. I will touch it, photograph it, and share it.

3. Uplift

Our words shape our world and I choose to work for good. May my message lift your heart and make your soul sing.

4. Challenge

I challenge myself to try new things, to post with regularity, to be present each day. I challenge you with ideas that may be new, unusual, non-conformist.

And you know, four years later I think that sums it up. From posts about making toothpaste to picking nettles, peaceful parenting to clearing the clutter. I think it's all there. Do you?

Why do you come here?

This is something I wonder often. So many of you are quiet, coming here to read and then slipping away until tomorrow. What brings you back everyday? I've often wondered.

Leave a comment here with anything you want me to know. Tell me your favorite sort of post (parenting, crafting, homeschooling, cooking, etc.) or tell me something about you. Tell me how long you've been reading or what you want more of. Tell me why you are here.

You can post a second entry for sharing a link to the blog or this giveaway via whatever method you choose. (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, email, phone, tin-can-and-string, etc.) Just leave a second commenting saying so.

Comments are now closed. Thank you for the amazing love-fest that you left with your notes on this post. What a tresure this turned out to be! I'll annonce the winner later this week.

The winner is Katie who said:

I'll pick one comment at random and send you some of my delicious LuSa Organics goodies. A nice box of my organic body care that smells like heaven. You'll love it. I promise. 

And for everyone, to celebrate my anniversary here receive a free bar of my LuSa Organics naked soap with any order on my website. Type "I love LuSa. And I love ______." In the  comments field of your order. In the blank write mint, lavender, patchouli, or citrus to help us choose your soap. Then we'll add a bar of naked soap of our choice. Offer is good through June 22, 2012.

So that's it. Happy anniversary to Clean and thank you to everyone who finds there way into my world each day. Now then. Onto that book…

Love,
Rachel