A child’s first birthday is a special milestone. A whole year of ‘firsts’ culminates in one special day for family and friends to celebrate.
I have that birthday feeling because 28 March is this blog’s first birthday. Every two weeks since March 2014, I’ve reflected on reading, writing and bits of my life as a writer, wife, mother and accidental emigrant.
This time last year, I wrote about how taking my first steps into the blogsphere felt a lot like how I remembered my first day of school – so many things to learn, with new friends and adventures ahead.
One year on, what have I learned from blogging?
It’s taught me to write short, and to write fast.
It’s also taught me to be disciplined, and meet my (self-imposed) writing deadlines.
It’s helped me make friends too, from all around the world.
Twelve months ago, I hoped I’d have visitors from the UK, Canada and the United States, maybe even some I didn’t know and who weren’t related to me!
However, thanks to Google analytics, I can see visitors have been drawn to my website from such far flung places as Angola, Brazil and India.
Not least, blogging has impacted my family.
When he met one of my writing friends, my husband was surprised she and her family already knew him as Jen’s ‘Tech Guy.’
My Twitter friend, Susanna Bavin, has sent recipes to my daughter, English Rose, and given her a virtual share in a cat.
Since I write about small communities, the kind of online community this blog and Twitter have fostered warms my heart. It also exemplifies ‘goodness’ which, as some of you know, is my word for 2015.
Whether you’re a new or returning visitor, thank you for stopping by, and sharing in my life and writing journey. I’m grateful to each of you for taking the time to read my blog, sharing it with others, or commenting.
Since a birthday isn’t complete without a present, I’ve added a new charm to the writing charm bracelet I told you about here.
This blue crystal heart is a tangible reminder of my blog’s first birthday, and achieving another important writing goal.
Here’s to another year of blogging, and friendships old and new.
What a delightful blog, Jen, and thank you for mentioning me. I too have felt warmed by being part of an online community – it’s something I never expected.
If I could send your blog a birthday card, inside it I would write, “Thank you for always giving me something to think about.” For me, that is what characterises your blog, Jen. You touch on special things that everyone can relate to.
My immediate response to your blog is often: What a great idea for a blog. Why didn’t I think of that?…. which is why I have been known to pinch ideas off you.
Penblwydd hapus, blog!
(Pen = head, or top of. Blwydd = year. Top of the year = birthday. I expect you can work out hapus!)
Such a lovely comment, Sue, and with Welsh birthday greetings too. Thank you! I’m glad my blog gives you ‘something to think about.’ That’s high praise indeed. As always, I appreciate your support.
Happy First Birthday to your blog, Jen!
I agree it’s very important to acknowledge your achievements, and I think your writing charm bracelet is a lovely idea.
Thanks for the birthday greeting, Jean, and for being such a loyal supporter of my blog. My writing charm bracelet is special to me. I’ll try to remember to wear it to the RNA conference in July so you can see it in ‘real life’!
Happy blog Birthday, Jen! What an incredible year you have had! Wishing you a second year filled with success, new friendships and lots of laughter. All the very best.
Thanks for stopping by and leaving ‘blog Birthday’ greetings, Nicola. I very much appreciate your kind comment, good wishes, and support.
What a wonderful anniversary to celebrate! Congratulations, and here are best wishes for another productive year of blogging ahead! Thanks for sharing your insights and perceptions – they make me smile.
Thanks for the greetings, Heidi, and I’m touched to know my blog makes you smile.