My daughter Lilly and I have a lot in common. We are both a bit shy. 
This picture really captures it. Blogging might help me work on my shyness. Well, I will tell you what I have to celebrate even though I feel rather timid about it. 
Does this hand look like the hand of a middle-aged woman? It is getting a few lines... When does one become middle-aged? You don't have to answer those questions. Today I turn 40. I have been having a marvelous time celebrating with phone calls from near and far, a lovely breakfast that my husband was up until the wee hours of the night preparing, and dinner out this evening. Please notice the fancy napkins Per Øystein folded last night with the help of napkin-folding tutorials on-line.
My other reason for celebration is that I am soon ready to announce the opening of a little on-line shop where you may acquire things I have made.
I would love to give presents to each and every one of you who have been kind enough to leave me messages and who I have gotten to know in my short blogging career. (My husband doesn't earn that much money though to pay for postage to all of you spread around the world.) So I would like instead to have a give away to show my appreciation of you for taking the time to not only see what I am up to but also to leave me a few words. So, anyone who writes a comment on this post by midnight Sunday, February 3rd will be in the drawing for the babushka doll and linen heart ornament that I will do on February 4th. Which will also be the day my shop will officially open.
P.S.: My friend Mette in Denmark is also having a give away.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMILY!! I came online here just to wish you a fabulous big 40!!!! I'm right behind ya in a couple of years, let me know how it is on the 'other side'....haha. Love you! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Posted by: Marcie | January 28, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Emily, Happy Birthday! 40 was a hard one for me, now three years past!!! - and I'm still doing well :). Congrats on your on-line shop. I'm looking forward to finding your items there, especially the babushka dolls! So pretty. -- Michele http://calicodaisy.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Michele C | January 29, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Congratulations and very many happy returns Dear Emily. Also Good Luck with your new venture. You make such pretty things I am sure you will be a success. Big birthday hug to you x
Posted by: Eileen | January 29, 2008 at 12:52 AM
emily!! happy happy birthday!!! and good luck with your shop. It's opening on my youngest sons' 7th birthday!!!! good luck and great success!!!!!!
your daughter has a beautiful smile.
I will be 45 this summer and wearing it with pride!!!!
Posted by: jan in nagasaki | January 29, 2008 at 01:16 AM
Happy Birthday Emily! I too have past my 40th birthday. I don't feel that old, but my body is starting to tell on me.
I've been loving your Babushkas and wish you all the very best for your business venture.
Posted by: Sarah | January 29, 2008 at 02:50 AM
Many happy returns Emily! I love the care that went into the napkin folding!!
Very excited about your shop news! Congratulations.
Posted by: lina | January 29, 2008 at 03:10 AM
You are only as old as you feel. What I see is an amazing woman with a kind heart, a creative mind and an adventurous spirit. I'm thrilled to hear of your shop. It will do well as I will probably buy everything that you make!!
Happy Birthday, Emily!
Posted by: Mrs Hammerwig | January 29, 2008 at 05:37 AM
Happy Birthday - what a sweet hubby to do all that for you! I can't wait to see your shop - you make beautiful things!
Posted by: Amber | January 29, 2008 at 07:08 AM
Happy Birthday!! I am looking forward to seeing what is in your shop - your babushka doll is gorgeous! I am glad that I stumbled across your blog recently - it's been added to my bloglines list and is fast becoming a favourite!! Hope you have a great birthday!
I have a giveaway on my blog too - but I am not sure what it will be yet!!
Posted by: Di | January 29, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Happy Birthday, Emily! Strangely enough, I was just yesterday wondering, when is your birthday, well, now I know. This one is going to my calender, so next year I can be there right on time with a card or something. I hope you'll have lots of fun and success with your shop!
Posted by: Merruli | January 29, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Dear Emily, - happy birthday! You are lucky to have a husband and children who enjoy celebrating your great day. So much happiness, - and the shop: can't wait to see what you're up to :-)
Posted by: mereteveian | January 29, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Happy Birthday! I am only slightly ahead of you on the age stakes, it does feel strange when someone asks you how old you are to say 40 though. Good luck with the shop, the dolls are fantastic.
Posted by: Emma | January 29, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Best wishes for your birthday! And no, your hand does not look middle aged. And how cute your husband looked up napkin folding tutorials! Happy birthday :)
Posted by: alisonmc | January 29, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Happy Birthday Emily! Doesn't look like a middle aged hand to me :)!
Posted by: French Knots | January 29, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Hi There. I am new to your Blog, but have had a great time reading about your life, and seeing your wonderful family and the beautiful place you live. I live in a Seside town in Australia.... the other end of the spectrum. Hope you have had a lovely birthday. I hope a gorgeous babushka doll might find its one over here one day. Kimbo
Posted by: Kim | January 29, 2008 at 11:58 AM
A very Happy Birthday to you Emily!! I LOVED turning 40 - not sure why but I felt fantastic about it and have continued to do so (I'm 44 in May!). I think it represented the next phase of my life and I couldn't wait to get stuck in. I hope you have a lovely celebration and I'm hugely excited that you are opening a shop - yippee!!
Posted by: Louise | January 29, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Gratulerer med dagen! Happy birthday!!! I hope you had a good day.
Can't wait to see your shop.
And I must say that stopping by your blog is a pleasure! and I try to leave a wee message every time, coz I know I appreciate comments on my blog when people have been visiting (just so I know they've been there and that someone actually reads my ramblings...hehe)
Posted by: Tonje | January 29, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Oh, the happiest of happy birthdays, Emily! I have the same milestone later this year ...
Looking forward to seeing your shop. I am sure it will be successful for you!
Posted by: dottycookie | January 29, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Lily is a beautiful child. so happy. Happy birthday Ravenhill. It's very nice "on the other side".
Posted by: Suzan | January 29, 2008 at 03:18 PM
How generous of you. Those are so cute!
Posted by: Cary | January 29, 2008 at 04:48 PM
happy birthday emily!
Posted by: Joanna | January 29, 2008 at 06:18 PM
happy birthday to you! being 40 is a wonderful age! I am 42 and I like it.
thank you for visiting my blog.
the little grey rat was made by a blogger-friend of mine from "eigensinndesign", I made abigale, the doll.
I was looking around in your posts and I like your blog! will be back again!
rike
Posted by: rike | January 29, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Any lines on your hands will be a result of love, time and honest work. Happy Birthday to you, I hope you had a lovely day. Embrace any age you are with passion - remember you are only as old as you feel.
Posted by: Amy | January 29, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Happy Birthday, only today I heard a radio phone in show about people who's lives had changed for the better in their 40s. So it's no bad thing, plus as they say you are only as old as you feel. And with a little one, that's probably quite young!!! Happy Birthday again!
Posted by: claire | January 29, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Happy Birthday! (Sorry I'm a bit late...) I hope you had a wonderful day!
Posted by: Annica | January 30, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Happy Birthday wishes, Emily. Hope it was wonderful!
Age is only a number that I rarely think about; as my Grandma used to say, you're as young as you feel!
Deb
Posted by: Deb | January 30, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Happy Happy 40th!! I'm a couple of years older than you and I'm really enjoying my 40's (although I did buy a tube of super-duper wrinkle cream today)! In fact I had a baby at 41!
I hope your birthday was great and I can't wait to see your shop!
Posted by: jona | January 30, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Happy belated birthday wishes! And congrats- turning 30 was awesome for me because I felt like telling people I was 29 made me sound like I was desperately clinging to my 20s...the same will apply to my 40th, too! And I can't wait for you to get the shop up! Please take paypal?!
Posted by: Sarah | January 30, 2008 at 02:27 AM
Emily check out http://Beamused.typepad.com/ see her post from the 24th of this month... she shows pic's of her going to the Tokyo Quilt show last year at this time.... tons of pic's and a lot of the quilts are made from kimono silks....
Happy Birthday Kid, you've just started life! Enjoy.... Jean
Posted by: Jean-o | January 30, 2008 at 04:24 AM
Oh Happy, Happy Birthday!!! I am a couple of days late but I hope that you had a most amazing day. Each year we get stronger, wiser and have more people to love so age is really a blessing!!! =) I am so glad that you are opening a shop and your babushka dolls are just darling!!!!
Posted by: Melly | January 30, 2008 at 05:17 AM
Goodluck with the shop _ I shall be very keen to see it. I opened one this week as well - isn't that funny? But I have not put anything in it yet, I am a bit nervous!
Posted by: jodie | January 30, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Age is only a number. I never know how old I'm. I need to calculate it every time I need to write my age.
Good luck with your shop. Yours not-middle-age hands are going to be very busy!
Happy birthday,
Anja
Posted by: Anja | January 30, 2008 at 10:51 AM
It is very exciting discovering new sites in blogland. You are my latest discovery. Isn't daughter Lilly BEAUTIFUL......
Posted by: Sue | January 30, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Happy Birthday! Your doll is so cute, I love her little face and the flowers on her dress.
Posted by: Melanie | January 30, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Happy (belated) birthday! I found you via Flickr and I am just in love with your sweet babushka doll!
Posted by: Stephanie | January 30, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Hello Emily---
I am the lucky mother of Sylvan, a boy who is lucky enough to be in the care of Miss Jean 3x a week! A friend passed along the link to your blog and I am now in love with your beautiful work with fabric, stunning photos, and writing. I have passed your link along to a friend in Chicago, who wanted to hop right on a plane to that gorgeous flower shop.
Thanks for taking the time to create this beautiful window into your lovely and inspiring world of family and art. Perhaps we will meet when you visit in a couple of months. Of course you WOULD be wonderful, with Jean as your mom!
Posted by: irisdagmar | January 30, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Happy Birthday! Have a fine day!
I love your stuff!
Posted by: wibke | January 30, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Happy Birthday! Have a fine day!
I love your stuff!
Posted by: wibke | January 30, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Lovely work!!
Count me in for that giveaway!!
~Sadie Lou
Posted by: sadie lou | January 30, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Your Lily is a doll--such a sweetie! And it was a wonderful birthday! Looking forward very much to your shop! And thank you so much for stopping by my place. So lovely to meet you and find yor beautiful place here in blogland! I look forward to visiting again. Happy Day :o)
Posted by: Tracy | January 30, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Happy Birthday! (belated) I'm sure middle age is something that starts when you get to be about 60 or 70, I can't possibly believe that me and my friends are becoming middle aged women. I have to admit that the older I get the better things are, so I look forward to becoming properly middle aged in the future.
Posted by: Camilla | January 30, 2008 at 06:15 PM
hope you have a very lovely birthday! your blog is so fun and your dolls are cute..hugs
susy
Posted by: susy | January 30, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Happy belated birthday! So exciting to be opening a shop. Good luck in your new venture!!
Posted by: jenne | January 30, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Happy Birthday! :)
I'm also a bit shy, especially with people I don't know very well. My daughter on the other hand is everything but shy. I can't help but wonder where she gets all that courage!
Posted by: Inka | January 30, 2008 at 08:36 PM
I hope your birthday was wonderful! I have 5 more years to go until my 40th and I have been wondering how I will feel then! From all accounts, it's not so bad, right??!
The Babushka doll and heart are just beautiful - you are so kind to give away such lovely things! I hope your online store is a huge success for you!
Posted by: Joanna | January 30, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Oh Happy Birthday! I'm so glad you visited me and I've found your blog! I just love your babuska dolls. I've been considering something like this myself. Wonderful job!
Posted by: Rebecca | January 30, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Oh Emily - fantastic news! Those babushka will sell like little hot cakes.
Happy birthday day too! What loveliness to pay such attention to the detail of folding napkins perfectly - these small things mean so much, don't they. I hope you have a sparkling and fantastic 40th year! (And yes, you are Mrs Youthful-Hand!).
x
Posted by: Florence | January 30, 2008 at 10:13 PM
happy, happy birthday! love that sweet doll! we are in a nesting doll craze over here!
Posted by: katie | January 31, 2008 at 01:16 AM
Oh- happy birthday my dear!!!!
Posted by: Crystal | January 31, 2008 at 02:44 AM
This doll is adorable and reminiscent to ones I knew as a child. Congrats on opening a shop! I'm seriously urging myself to finally to open one with my conglomerate of crafts this year.
An btw-Feb 3rd is my mom's b-day
Posted by: gingirljen | January 31, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Congratulations ~ 40 years young! Best wishes from Australia :O)
My first time visiting here ~ found you through Pink Purl and just love your beautiful creations and you have a gorgeous family... will be back for sure!
Posted by: gina | January 31, 2008 at 03:05 AM
Happy belated birthday and lots of luck with your shop. I'm hoping to open a shop for my crafty goods at some point this year but I'm not quite as advanced as you... Your babushka doll is beautiful, by the way!
Posted by: Laura | January 31, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Very glad to find your blog. I recently opened my first shop too! Love the doll! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: JoAnna | January 31, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Happy Birthday! I love that little doll:)
Posted by: Alishia | January 31, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Hi there! Hope you had a lovely birthday.I'm going to be 40 this year too,so let's agree that middle age doesn't start until at least 50.Good luck with the new shop.The softies are beautiful!
Posted by: Julia | January 31, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Happy birthday! And remember that age is just a number.
Hugs from Sol
Posted by: Sol Stensland | January 31, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Such a beautiful photo! You are a happy mother, and an talented artist!
Posted by: corina | January 31, 2008 at 07:12 PM
What lovely photos - both the precious little girl, and her mama's hands and handiwork. Best to both of you. I'll be keeping my eye on your shop. :)
Posted by: Cara | January 31, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Happy Birthay , can wait to go shopping in you little shop
Posted by: Kay | January 31, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Emily,I hope that you had a fantastic birthday.I have been MIA for a few days,sorry that I missed it.
Again your daughter eyelashes are just divine.I don't think that I have ever seen any as long as hers.What a lucky mummy you are to be able to stare at those beautiful eyes when she is asleep and take her beauty in slowly but surely:0)
I AM SO SO HAPPY to hear that you are in precess of opening your shop.Pennies permitting,I promise to support you wholeheartedly.
Take care,
Natasha x
Posted by: natasha s | January 31, 2008 at 08:26 PM
I love that Babushka Doll. I just saw it on the Heather Bailey Flickr Group :)
Posted by: Diana | January 31, 2008 at 09:01 PM
wow I just found you on flickr such talent I really love the little doll and your daughter is very beautiful nice to meet you.
Posted by: Melissa | January 31, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Oh... I'm so sorry I missed your Birthday...
Happy belated Birthday to you!!!
I hope you had a wonderful day.
Lilly is such a beautiful girl, she's so cute!
I wish the very best for your future online shop with lots of costumers!
Thank you for your kindness of making the draw and for sharing with us the other give away.
Hugs from Portugal
Ana
Posted by: Ana | January 31, 2008 at 09:47 PM
I absolutely adore your babushka dolls. Certainly made by one that is VERY young at heart. Thanks for inspiring us.
Posted by: julie machen | January 31, 2008 at 10:30 PM
your babushka dolls are fabulous!!! happy belated birthday :)
Posted by: Lisa Marie | January 31, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Happy (belated!) birthday! I hope it was a wonderful day. And I just love the picture of your beautiful daughter.
I'd like to be included in the drawing - that babushka doll is incredible! ;)
Posted by: Barbara | January 31, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Hope you had a very happy birthday. I've been lurking on your blog for a bit now. Giveaways have a way of making people say "hi", eh?
Posted by: Jen | February 01, 2008 at 01:41 AM
I love it. Beautiful.
Good luck with the shop.
--Heather
Posted by: Heather Lynne | February 01, 2008 at 01:47 AM
Happy belated birthday. Your daughter Lilly is beautiful. My "daughter's" name is Lily also, but we do not look anything alike, she has 4 legs & purrs. She & her sister Paris love handmade goodies & I can see the little babuska doll being fought over.
Posted by: Christine | February 01, 2008 at 02:35 AM
Congratulations on opening your shop! And happy birthday, too!!
I'd love to be entered into the drawing! Your little doll is lovely!!
I'm 55 today and still don't feel old! I remember how wonderful 40 was . . . My son was born when I was 40!
Best wishes for happiness and success!
Posted by: Barbara Hagerty | February 01, 2008 at 02:54 AM
Happy belated birthday! My husband's birthday was the day after yours:) $0 can't be middle aged, because if it was, that would make me OLD at 55-lol!
Posted by: Sue Pieper | February 01, 2008 at 03:19 AM
Happy belated birthday Emily, 40 is a super age!!!! You know who you are and what you can do and you are still young.
Posted by: Ati | February 01, 2008 at 09:01 AM
...have I really forgotten to leave a comment!? Beautiful and shy Lily. :-) Mette
Posted by: Mette | February 01, 2008 at 09:07 AM
Happy belated birthday! I remember having a hard time turning 40, but the feeling faded very soon. Best wishes to you!!!
Dagmar
Posted by: Dagmar | February 01, 2008 at 10:47 AM
A belated Happy Birthday to you, some things beneath being over the 40s now we have in common- I am shy too, no one will recognize this at the first glimpse but it's so true. I wish you all the best to your online-shop opening, much success!
Posted by: Christiane | February 01, 2008 at 01:42 PM
You scare me, woman! I'm 37, and I've never thought of myself as being even NEAR middle aged. Maybe I've got it all wrong! :D
Happy Birthday to you, your hands are lovely :)
Posted by: therese | February 01, 2008 at 05:32 PM
Happy, happy birthday, Hartelijk gefeliciteerd (in Dutch)I hope you had the greatesd day! I turned 41 this month, and being in our 40-ies gives us more: life experions, funn, less stres?,and as they say "live begins at 40"!
You asked me about the cheecks, (on flickr)well, I have these great pencils that I use for it.
Posted by: heleen | February 01, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Happy Birthday, bloggy pal! Do you know that if someone knitted a sock for you, knitting one stitch for every second you've been alive, it would be 42 km long, about the distance from Oslo to Drammen. Big sock!
Posted by: knitxx0r | February 01, 2008 at 08:11 PM
happy, happy birthday sweet emily!
i'm sorry i missed this on your *actual* birthday...
i hope 40 is everything you want it to be. after having met you in person, i have to say, i cannot believe you are 40. really.
hope your day was lovely. and best of luck to you with your online shop! i'm so excited for you.
xx
Posted by: melissa | February 01, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Isn't your daughter so sweet! Happy Birthday from Australian and thank you for offering the giveaway. cheers Sue
Posted by: McArt | February 01, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Happy Birthday! Hope you had a good one!
Middle age starts at 50, don't it? ;)
Posted by: strikkelise | February 01, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Happy Birthday! It has been great having you comment on our Mother's of Invention blog, and I have loved getting to know about you on yours!
Posted by: Johanna | February 02, 2008 at 02:21 AM
Happy Birthday Emily! Such a sweet giveaway!
Posted by: Beata | February 02, 2008 at 11:42 AM
HI I'm new here :) I found you via Erle Perle! A late Happy Birthday from Denmark!! :)
Posted by: Tina Poulsen | February 02, 2008 at 04:58 PM
happy belated birthday.....turning 40 is great.
great blog you have....i'm anxious to see what you'll sell in your shop.
malle
Posted by: malle | February 02, 2008 at 05:01 PM
i really looove matriouskas!!!!!!!! if you have the delicate hands to make this wonderful doll....honey, you are great!!!!
congratulations for your art!!!
Posted by: cucali | February 02, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Enjoy your 40-ties!
And ofcourse I will post a comment for this lovely give-away!
Posted by: Maureen | February 02, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Happy birthday, hope your day was wonderful and good luck with your new shop.
Joy
Posted by: Joy | February 02, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Happy belated birthday! I just found your blog a few days ago and I like it a lot.
Oh and believe me, 40 is nothing. 50 is much worse. :-D
Jette in Denmark
Posted by: jette k | February 02, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Happy Belated Birthday :) Hope you had a wonderful one!
Posted by: CaRho | February 03, 2008 at 12:08 AM
I've been 40 for about 5 months, and it still feels fine. Life just keeps getting better! Many happy returns, and good luck with your shop!
Posted by: Sandra | February 03, 2008 at 12:53 AM
Happy Belated Birthday! Lilly is a sweetie! The babushka doll is sweet!
Posted by: Donna | February 03, 2008 at 01:00 AM
Happy Belated!!! From what I've heard, 40 is the new 30. :) Guess I'll know soon enough!
Posted by: KK | February 03, 2008 at 05:10 AM
I just stumbled upon your blog while blog roll jumping, and I have to tell you that this is the cutest little doll. My daughter, whom is 7, wanted a set of nesting dolls and a rag doll for Christmas. What you have created is the best of both worlds! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Dusty | February 03, 2008 at 05:39 AM
Happy happy birthday. I know that your beautiful things, would be appriciated in my crafty-corner, and hope it's not to late to try out for you wonderful "give away"...
Posted by: Stine | February 03, 2008 at 03:27 PM
dear emily,
your mom jean sent me this way..and i was so glad to see your lovely blog. looks like we are partners in craft!
your little dolls are very dainty and lovely..i bet you are getting a bunch of giveaway comments..and i would love on of your lil' sweet dolls, but thought we could do a trade. if you send along your mail i would love to send you a little something in return.
i have a little etsy shop i hope you get a minute to check out:
www.mosey.etsy.com and now i'm off to look over your older posts, your flickr...
take care and keep warm!
Posted by: jes anthonis | February 03, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Happy late birthday Emily! I know I'm late for the giveaway, but I wanted to wish you a belated birthday from the bottom of my heart!
Posted by: Penny | February 04, 2008 at 03:31 AM