Monday, October 08, 2007

Still in my corner...

I began blogging one year ago. In that time I've written 127 posts (this makes 128). I've had a lot of fun thinking about topics. I've become a little more tuned in to the little details of my day as I ponder whether or not something would make good blog material. I've had a chance to try to write creatively in both serious and humorous posts. And I've had a blast.

But that is not the best part of this experience. The totally unexpected aspect of this has been building a community with other bloggers.

See, I never expected anyone to really read this thing! I'm not writing about anything deep or thought-provoking. And there are certainly more creative folks out there. So I expected to write for my own fun and that would be it.

But people did read. Many of you read more than once, even! And you keep coming back. While I've only written 127 posts, I've had just over 12,000 visitors!!! And you've left several thousand comments. Some of you know quite a bit about me and my family by now. And that is awesome.

And I've come to read your blogs. I feel like I "know" many of you now and I look forward to each new item you share. And I still open up my browser and read your posts and leave my comments with a certain sense of awe that you are in Alaska, Canada, Tennessee, Australia, Texas, France, the Philippines, California, Minnesota, South Carolina, England, and yes, even here in Connecticut.

Your posts, your comments, our visits back and forth have connected me with people that I would never meet in real life. Some of those visits have been short. Some of us have traded comments and read about each other a whole bunch of times over the past year. And in some cases, the posts and comments have turned into conversations via e-mail, giving us time to share even more.

When I started this thing, I wondered if I would stick with it. Would I run out of things to say? Would I get bored talking about my own life - which frankly, isn't that fascinating. Would I just get distracted and forget. But none of those things happened. I'm still here in my corner and I'm looking forward to Post #129!

And I'm looking forward to more conversations with you.

29 comments:

Patty said...

Congrats on your one year of blogging. I have been on closer to two years, and honestly don't have any idea how many post I have but know it is closer to 700 (ok I cheated and just took a look, I am at 684). I sometimes find I have nothing to blog about, but it is still fun. I am enjoying your blog..so keep writing.

TK Kerouac said...

Congrats
I made it to one year but had to go private
if you'd like an invite
email me at
tkkerouac@gmail.com
momtheminx

Anonymous said...

I wasn't sure what it would be like when I started blogging but meeting people and finding out what goes on through their eyes has been fun and enlightening. Blogging is more about observations and conversations with a world-wide community.

Michelle said...

Congrats on one year! It's amazing how you can develop a blogging community/friendship, isn't it? I enjoy reading the "real" words you write. I look forward to the next 128 or so! hehe

A said...

Cool! I've only been blogging since January and I'm at 95 or so. My 100 anniversary is right around the corner! (Strange that it's the only anniversary or birthday that doesn't get any closer when you're busy!) Almost all of the people that I started blogging because of no longer blog. Lame. I love that I finally have a stats counter and can follow how many people stop by! I feel sooo important now! :)

You have an enjoyable way of writing . . . thanks!

Gretchen said...

Even though I'm on a blogging break, I still need my dose of "Corner", so I'll be visiting. Happy 1st Birthday, Em.

Melody said...

One year hey? Well done. One of the reasons I love to blog is that I feel as if I have built my own little community (rather like Sim City) and I have friends spread across the world. *ahh*

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the visits- both over the weekend & tonight- Congratulations on your 1 year "blogiversary" !

Maureen said...

Yeah, it really is an amazing experience; hard to describe to people who don't blog or even read blogs. I have become addicted to reading wonderful everyday stories from all over the world, and I do believe it has made me a better person. Looking forward to many more visits here too!

Redroach said...

Looks like our Blogoversaries are close.

Sept is mine.

COngrats

TV

Jocelyn said...

Dearling, you underestimate your appeal: your depth, your thought-provokingness, your charm.

Oh, I'll be back. Again and again.

Kati said...

Yeah on your 1 year anniversary!!!! Glad you're still here sharing your life with us, Em!

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

Hey, happy blog-birthday bonny lad! I understand and empathise with everything you've said. It's been just over seven months for me, but my life has never quite been (normal?) the same since.

The last time I wrote was in school. I have found so many interesting, funny, caring, genuine and wonderful people out here, from all corners of the world, who make me so proud to call them my friend. It is an amazing place this little community of ours, truly special. I am so glad to know you as one of them!

Star said...

Well said. And congrats on your blogaversary. Blog posts sort of reminds me of Seinfeld episodes. They are many times about some tiny sliver of everday life, but we all connect because we can relate.

Darren said...

Wow...even here in Connecticut?! Who?

whimsical brainpan said...

Congratulations Em!

I'm looking forward to another year.

Creative-Type Dad said...

happy blogiversary!

www.dearspike.com said...

Salt Lake City isn't an enormous place, but since we moved here from a small rural college town in Oregon (you know the place — everyone knows everyone) it sometimes feels so vast and impersonal.

For whatever reason, I think many of us have found something in blogging that we're missing in our communities. Maybe that's unhealthy for our society as a whole, but at least individually and interpersonally, it's a nice, new small town.

Angel said...

Congrats!!!

ya know what, I feel the same way...when I started, I had ONE commenter, Trish, and I got to know her and was happy with that relationship. But now I have so many more friends, and they really ARE friends. You get to know these people and it is such a community.

I'm so looking forward to #129!!

Radioactive Tori said...

I'm so glad you are still around!

tulipmom said...

Congrats on your blogiversary. I still can't believe it when people actually comment on my posts.

Here's to another year of thoughtful and inspiring posts!

Anonymous said...

Everybody loves you and this is a great personal achievement. Happy anniversary to your blog!

barefoot gardener said...

Congrats on one year!

Glad you enjoy blogging, cuz I enjoy reading!

MaryB said...

Congratulations on your one-year anniversary, em! I, too, wondered if I'd stick with it, but I have. Seems I go in cycles - lots of posts, then I slack off. But the experience has connected me with some incredible folks I wouldn't have "met" otherwise. Enjoy! And post when you can.

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Every milestone becomes more significant. And you are absolutely correct about the real value of blogging -- the community we find ourselves enmeshed with. I truly feel as if some of my friends here are as real and important to me as those I see every day. This has been reinforced as I have met a few bloggers in the flesh, so to speak.

thethinker said...

Congratulations on making it to the one year mark!

Charlotta-love said...

My year mark is this month too. Happy Anniversary! I go through my day with a different perspective also. "I could blog this" or "ohh, that's funny" etc. Also, I find I take lots more pictures now that I blog.

Good to "know" you!

Amie Adams said...

The community aspect was the biggest surprise to me too. Attending BlogHer increased that sense even more. It truly is incredible.

Hope to get to know you more in your second year.

Catmoves said...

Hey, belated congratulations on your 100th.
Found this site through Shrink Wrapped. Keep it going.