LINKS ARE NOW ALL EDITED

Well it's now like we all have another giant sidebar(I'd love to link all of you on my regular blog but can you imagine??) ALL LINKS ON THE LIST NOW POINT TO EACH PERSONS HOME PAGE RATHER THAN THE GIVEAWAY POST. This will make revisiting so much easier.

PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS BLOG SO YOU CAN CHECK BACK FOR ANY UPDATES LATE IN THE YEAR - IT WILL ALWAYS BE OPEN.

Happy mingling!
XOXO
Lisa Oceandreamer

EDITING THE LINKS

Now you'd think I'd be done posting here wouldn't you?
I just wanted to let everyone know (hopefully you'll see this or at least pass the word) that sometime next week I will be going down the participant list and editing all the links to point right to the blogs main page. Since by then all winners will have been announced and giveaways over for this event.......everyone can come back all year to revisit them any time and not have to click through to get to the main page of a blog. It will be so much easier for all of us and each time we visit someone we can see what's new with them right away. So bookmark THIS blog and you can use it like an extra giant sidebar!! :)
You probably think I'm crazy to do this but it won't be so bad because I basically just have to take off the extension after the blog addy that pointed to the giveaway post.

I hope that will help everyone, I know it will help me when it's done as I plan to go back and REALLY see what I missed having to leave a comment and run while adding links.

This has been SO thrilling (see THANK YOU below). AND guess what? I've won 10 drawings.......how about that? I can't stop smiling because I already WON with the success of this event so these giveaways are like the fabulous icing on a very delicious cake! AND you know who you are, YOUR additional generosity and kindness though I didn't win your giveaway....well I need to find new words for THANK YOU!

XOXOXO

WITH A GLAD HEART I SAY TO YOU ALL............

I APPLAUD YOU!!!

ALL OF YOU PLEASE TAKE A BOW

THESE ARE FOR YOU!

HELLO ALL……

Have you ever hosted a large event or small party or even had a houseful of people for an occasion or holiday or shower or birthday? You work and you clean and you organize and you try to get every detail right. You check lists of lists and through it all you just want everyone to end up having a good time. THEN the day arrives…..the crowds show up……there’s mingling and food and drink and people are laughing and talking and introducing themselves. You stand back completely exhausted but your heart is full of joy. “Look at them” you think, “look at all those people having fun”. It’s a satisfying moment. Finally the last guest leaves and you sit down, take off your shoes that are just killing you, and you look around at the sound of empty. You know you worried for nothing because as people left they told you what a good time they had. Yet there is a little bit of a let down in knowing it’s over. You’ve spent days making sure of everything, fielding RSVP’s and seeing to decorations, food….well all of it. You know you have a life, you know you have other things that need tending to and you know it’s not like you’ll never see these people again. But it’s still a bit of a sad moment….in that moment of quiet right after the lights go out.

This is how it will be for me now that ONE World-ONE Heart is over for this year. It’s been exhausting but in a really good way….. but I’m a bit sad to see it end.

I cannot THANK YOU all enough for participating, for spreading joy and love and mingling and giving. You see it would be me talking to myself without all of YOU, it would have no impact if there were no one on the list but me. I wish I could say THANK YOU in every language, even the words THANK YOU seem somehow not quite adequate to express it. You should ALL be very proud of yourselves for coming together…for introducing yourselves to one another…..for taking a seat on the LOVE TRAIN as we made our way around the globe. Think about it……you traveled to many countries seated comfortably in your own homes. This is what blogging has done for us……..this is what it’s all about. This is what will keep us connected. I am honored you came on this journey with me.

As I said before this blog will remain open ….all the links will remain on the list until December 31st. . I was going to go back and change all the links to each main blog page BUT, with 426….well you get the picture. Although the links point to the giveaway it’s easy once there to click to the main page and see what’s up. By leaving the links this will give you plenty of opportunity to revisit, reacquaint and renew your visits to each of them. And I truly hope you will do that. Take a moment now and then to say hello, wish someone a happy whatever….see new art, learn new things. And then we will begin ALL over again in 2009! We didn’t change the world with this event…..we just closed the gap of our blogging community that much more. AND for that I am truly grateful!

I would also like to say a very heartfelt THANK YOU for all the positive comments and emails and letting me know you truly enjoyed yourselves. That means everything to me, I do not take that lightly.

With love, respect, admiration and DEEP GRATITUDE for making this years event such a huge success. oh and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Lisa Oceandreamer

Come visit me any time, my doors are always open!

*Some winners have already been announced, some will happen throughout the day probably going in to tomorrow….so watch those emails or blog comments, OR click in to the list and see for yourself. (remember to go to the main page of each if you do)*

THE FUN ISN'T OVER YET..............

HELLO ALL!! Well the chance to post a giveaway through ONE World-ONE Heart may be CLOSED but the fun isn't! Many will be announcing their winners sometime tomorrow and some have already announced their winners. So if you still haven't made the rounds of the LOVE TRAIN list - who at final count reached 426

- there's still time to get your name in, meet and greet in many of them. Remember too, the participant list will remain until December 31st so even though giveaways will be over MEETING one another will continue. (I'll post more about that tomorrow)

I will do a final post for this event tomorrow night - so much I want to say, I hope you'll come back to read it!

In the meantime I am leaving comments open for this post only in case anyone has any last minute questions or you can email me (see side bar). If you leave a link to a giveaway PLEASE KNOW it will not be added. But don't worry, there's always next year!

Here again is the link to a RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR if anyone would like to use it for choosing their winner or winners. AND please alert your winner or winners they have won!


NOW GO......GO HAVE FUN, SPREAD SOME LOVE!

XOXO
Lisa Oceandreamer
Heart of the Nest

RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR FOR FINDING A WINNER

I wanted to let you all know about this (if you don't already)...... with SO many comments on these giveaways they can be difficult to print or copy them all down in order to pick a winner or winners This was created by the husband of Carrie at Violets Are Blue and it is a random number generator. All you have to do is put 1 through however many comments you received and hit PICK A NUMBER. It will give you a random number answer and then you can count down from the first comment to find your winner. You can do this over and over if you have more than one giveaway.
So a big thanks to Carrie for sharing this way back when and to Nathan who created it!

CLICK HERE and you can save it in your favorites or just use it from here when you're ready.

I hope this helps some of you, I may actually be using it myself this year!

This has been one heck of a turn out this year that with each new entry I am truly amazed and awed!

SUBMITTING LINKS TO PARTICIPATE IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS YEAR

THIS IS IT FOLKS
THE CUT OFF FOR SUBMITTING HAS COME -
COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. iF YOU WERE NOT ABLE TO GET YOUR LINKS IN ON TIME THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR

THE DEADLINE WAS MIDNIGHT TUESDAY THE 12TH!

Comments will open again on Wednesday (13th) night for general commenting.

ALSO...........

WHEN YOU CHOOSE YOUR WINNER OR WINNERS AND ANNOUNCE IT ON YOUR BLOG PLEASE, OUT OF COURTESY , CONTACT THE PERSON OR PERSONS (EITHER THROUGH EMAIL OR IF THEIR BLOG HAS NO EMAIL, IN A COMMENT TO CONTACT YOU.) AND LET THEM KNOW THEY WON! PLEASE DON'T WAIT FOR THE PERSON TO SEEK YOU OUT IF YOU HAVE A WAY BACK TO THEM!! IF YOU HAVE A WINNER THAT HAS NO CONTACT MEANS (I.E. NO BLOG TO LINK BACK TO OR THEY LEFT NO EMAIL ADDY) THEN YOU MUST USE YOUR OWN JUDGMENT ON WHAT TO DO.



Again, these are things that make this event run easier!

THANK YOU ALL FOR HOPPING ON BOARD THE LOVE TRAIN,
XOXO
Lisa Oceandreamer

REMEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THE CUT OFF FOR SUBMITTING A LINK TO PARTICIPATE WILL BE NO LATER THAN TOMORROW TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH AT MIDNIGHT AFTER THAT COMMENTS WILL BE CLOSED) If you submit by that time you will still have 2 days for people to find you and enter.....draw a winner and announce it on Valentines day. It is necessary to do this so that everyone has a final chance to get to those on the list in time. So if you are still planning to get on board keep that in mind and do it SOONER rather than LATER!!! I know that may seem harsh, and you must know I don't mean it to be, but it had to end sometime, right? Never fear though, there is always next year!
Comments will open again on Wednesday (13th) night for general commenting.

ALSO...........

WHEN YOU CHOOSE YOUR WINNER OR WINNERS AND ANNOUNCE IT ON YOUR BLOG PLEASE, OUT OF COURTESY , CONTACT THE PERSON OR PERSONS (EITHER THROUGH EMAIL OR IF THEIR BLOG HAS NO EMAIL, IN A COMMENT TO CONTACT YOU.) AND LET THEM KNOW THEY WON! PLEASE DON'T WAIT FOR THE PERSON TO SEEK YOU OUT IF YOU HAVE A WAY BACK TO THEM!! IF YOU HAVE A WINNER THAT HAS NO CONTACT MEANS (I.E. NO BLOG TO LINK BACK TO OR THEY LEFT NO EMAIL ADDY) THEN YOU MUST USE YOUR OWN JUDGMENT ON WHAT TO DO.



Again, these are things that make this event run easier!

THANK YOU for reading,
XOXO
Lisa Oceandreamer

AS OF 5:05 PM US PST there are now 404 listed participants! To say this is blowing my mind would be an understatement! Have you been to them all?

LINK SUBMISSION CUT OFF DATE & WINNER ANNOUNCEMENTS

I bet you're all thinking "doesn't this woman ever shut up?" Well, what can I say, I have to stay on top of things, right? BUT PLEASE READ THIS ANYWAY

THE CUT OFF FOR SUBMITTING A LINK TO PARTICIPATE WILL BE NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH AT MIDNIGHT AFTER THAT COMMENTS WILL BE CLOSED) If you submit by that time you will still have 2 days for people to find you and enter.....draw a winner and announce it on Valentines day. It is necessary to do this so that everyone has a final chance to get to those on the list in time. So if you are still planning to get on board keep that in mind and do it SOONER rather than LATER!!! I know that may seem harsh, and you must know I don't mean it to be, but it had to end sometime, right? Never fear though, there is always next year!
Comments will open again on Wednesday (13th) night for general commenting.

ALSO...........

WHEN YOU CHOOSE YOUR WINNER OR WINNERS AND ANNOUNCE IT ON YOUR BLOG PLEASE, OUT OF COURTESY , CONTACT THE PERSON OR PERSONS (EITHER THROUGH EMAIL OR IF THEIR BLOG HAS NO EMAIL, IN A COMMENT TO CONTACT YOU.) AND LET THEM KNOW THEY WON! PLEASE DON'T WAIT FOR THE PERSON TO SEEK YOU OUT IF YOU HAVE A WAY BACK TO THEM!! IF YOU HAVE A WINNER THAT HAS NO CONTACT MEANS (I.E. NO BLOG TO LINK BACK TO OR THEY LEFT NO EMAIL ADDY) THEN YOU MUST USE YOUR OWN JUDGMENT ON WHAT TO DO.



Again, these are things that make this event run easier!

THANK YOU for reading,
XOXO
Lisa Oceandreamer

A little update.....the count is now at 374 links on the list as of 3:36 PM US PST! (and it's open for 2 more days) Isn't that something?????? We have more than QUADRUPLED last year!!


Some of you may have noticed that the comments in the last 3 posts were deleted by me.....I did that to keep better track for myself. Comments come to me in email but sometimes they slip through the cracks....so I went through and made sure and then deleted them from HERE. Just a behind the scenes thing.....you can STILL leave your link and/or comment UNTIL midnight tomorrow night! Thanks!

Important message for passengers who want to board the Love Train - PLEASE READ

I am not a person who likes a lot of rules and regulations....in fact they make me twitch if truth be told.... so HERE they are not called rules - they are called "instructions" - instructions necessary to make this cohesive and organized and to let you know what is necessary to get your name on the list.

So here it is...............IF you are wanting to be a part of this event....and of course we want you.....you need to be hosting a giveaway that is part of ONE World-ONE Heart......AND you need to have THAT giveaway and the information about OWOH, date for winner announcement etc. ALREADY on your blog before you leave me a link to your blog. If you leave a comment and say "I'm in" and leave your blog address yet there is no giveaway ....I cannot add you. If you still aren't sure what this is about click HERE and read all about it............if you still have questions you can email me (see side bar). I will help you!

This is a fun event.......it's enabling people to find one another from all over the world.........so don't be left out on a technicality, we want you! Just please oh please oh please read the instructions. It's not complicated and I'm here to help. I say this with love, truly!

Again, keep in mind that this whole event will end a week from today........so hop on board ASAP - really, do it NOW! (but read the above first) Enjoy!

XOXOXO
Lisa Oceandreamer

AS OF 6:12 US PST the count is now at 281!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AS OF 10:11 AM US PST (FEB 8) THE COUNT HAS REACHED 300!!!!!!!!!!

Just had to say.............

With adding links, keeping up with emails and questions AND getting to each blog ...there has been no time to really stop and leisurely look and awe at all the beauty of each of them. I have literally had to tell myself.....move on or....well you know, never sleep. BUT as much as each of my comments are pretty much the same I CANNOT WAIT to go back, take my time and just bathe in the splendor. I know MANY of you feel the same way, especially as the list is growing and grooooowwwwing. BUT.... Keep in mind that this blog will remain......so any time you want you can come by and go back even after it's over.........really take it all in, maybe reintroduce yourself. (that's what I'll be doing) I am inspired, I am in awe, I am amazed once again by all the talent and generosity in Blogland.

I would also like to reiterate that if you are thinking about hopping on the Love Train on the sidebar that time is clicking by.......one week from tomorrow winners will be announced. I would suggest you do it NOW - any later and people may not get a chance to get to you - and we wouldn't want that! and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be sure to leave a link AND in order to add you there must be a giveaway post as part of this event already on your blog. THANK YOU so much!!

NOW GO HAVE FUN!
XOXO
Lisa Oceandreamer

As of tonight (2/6) at 5:17 PM US PST there are
242 participants (we have very nearly TRIPLED from last year)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW!!

FOR THOSE WANTING TO BOARD THE TRAIN

If you want to be added as a participant please read the instructions HERE! I cannot add you unless you actually have a giveaway in relation to this event. So be sure to read and then leave me your link when you are ready...........I do believe there is a wildfire happening and it's igniting new people ALL the time!

Keep in mind the drawings should be done on the 13th - that is 8 days from now. The sooner you jump on the longer you have for people to get to you!

XOXO

YES, another post

I hope everyone is having a good time. I am overwhelmed at the number of people participating in this years event, it surpasses anything I could have dreamed of. I know I will be spending weeks to come going back to these wonderful places.
As you may imagine I have had some angst over the list - the fact it has been somewhat hard to discern who is new, I cannot say enough how sorry I am for that. I did change the colors of added and visited links and hope that helps in some way. I have decided, however, not to let this faux pas bring down the elation I feel that so many have come on board....from ALL over the world! My heart just soars! It may take some time for each of you to be sure you get to everyone....but in the end it will be so worth it to discover new bloglanders. Remember too that you still have 9 days to navigate ......and get your name in for all these outstanding giveaways of heart.
The list will remain LONG after the event is over.....giving us all a chance to really go back and discover even more!

And for those of you not yet on the list.....don't let it stop you....if you want to hop on board the love train here.........by all means leave me your link!!
THANK YOU for participating!!! EDITED TO ADD: we have already more than doubled last years participation....isn't that amazing?
With joy,
Lisa Oceandreamer

An oversight on my part PLUS a new question that came up

UPDATE: please read the comment here from ZuZu who has created a list of participants that may help those getting confused re: who they've visited.
I have also made the visited links a different color here in hopes that may help as well.

As I said in a previous post I will be leaving this blog up after the event so you can visit and meet at your leisure.

As the list of participants GROWS and GROWS I realize it is hard to tell WHO I have added that's new..........this is something I should have planned better so that people aren't confused or even left out. I so apologize for this oversight and all I can recommend at this point is print the list and mark those you've seen. (I had to do that and now must recheck it). Blogger doesn't allow me to change colors of the links so perhaps I should have assigned each new entry a number.........but now that we're in to the 130's(YAY) it's a wee bit late for that. New ones are being added ALL the time.....I hope you are able to discern which ones you haven't visited yet so no one misses out.
Lesson learned for next year although I know that doesn't help now. So sorry for the confusion!

::::::::::::::::
It was brought to my attention that some people who enter giveaways have no way to be traced back to. Either they comment as anonymous with no link to their blog OR clicking on their name leads only to a name and no blog etc.
IF you stated on your blog that ANYONE (regardless of having a blog or not) could enter but they leave no way to contact them should they win......you can choose to post their name and ask them to contact you within 3 days for example. IF you stated that only those with a blog can enter and yet there is NO blog to trace to.....you can make the decision to disqualify that entry or do the same as above.
I truly feel in any instance that the final decision is up to you how you want to handle this should one of these people win your giveaway.
I know some skim over the posts BUT IF you are entering your name PLEASE be sure there is a way to contact you if you should win. Most times you can click on a bloggers name and it goes to that blog but that isn't always the case. So if you know that won't work on YOUR name be sure to leave an email addy or a link to you in your comment! This way no one is left out and it is a BIG help for the person who's giveaway you won!

I hope this helps those who had these concerns. Basically use your own judgment.
Above all else, HAVE FUN!
XOXO

OH THE JOY OF IT ALL

REMEMBER>>>>>>>>>> You have until the 13th in most cases to get to all the blogs. The list is growing all the time so don't fret if you haven't been able to get around to ALL of them yet! Also don't fret if you haven't had the chance to really do more than take a quick look and enter your name as I will be leaving the link list up for quite a while after the event is over. This will give all of us a chance to go back and take our time and really get to SEE and get to know one another even more! Oh the wonderful people who reside in Blogland!

I am just bursting with happiness as this years event is already larger than last year! It is not too late to have a giveaway....just leave me the link and I'll add you. Not sure how? READ HERE.

GO....GO have fun.....and see what delicious, wonderful and heartfelt offerings are out there.......oh and the giveaway items too! :)

XOXO
Lisa Oceandreamer

and it officially begins.............

Just so you all know - if you haven't posted a giveaway yet it is NOT too late!!!
For those who have posted so far THANK YOU for your participation. I hope more and more connections are made that last beyond this event! It's a sense of community we get from meeting new people!!!

There are a lot of blogs to visit so don't worry if you haven't seen them all yet........you have 2 weeks to enter the giveaways and visit all the various blogs.

As always, if you have ANY questions.....ask!

AND if you don't know yet what this is all about CLICK HERE and read all the details!!

XOXO

I WANTED TO ADD THIS:

I will be leaving this blog up for some time AFTER the event is over. I know with the list growing it's hard to get to each blog, enter your name and have time to really get to know or look at the blog itself at the same time. By leaving this blog up WITH the list.....we can all take our time visiting one another aside from giveaways and see the art and read the words and perhaps find a kindred spirit or two or many along the way. So if you've only had a chance to stop and enter your name right now....you can always go back afterwards. Sound good?