My Blogging One-Year Anniversary

~ Amy Reese

Look at that, blogging friends. It’s my One-Year Blogging Anniversary!!

The truth is I’m surprised it’s a year already, because I thought my anniversary was next month. Way to go, huh, not knowing when my own anniversary is. This really caught me off guard and I’m afraid I don’t have anything for you to eat or drink, no fanfare, no hoopla or giveaways.

I feel like I should do something monumental…change my theme, my gravatar…something. I know some housekeeping is in order.

I suppose you’d like some stats and numbers, only because it is a benchmark and seems like the thing to do at a time like this. Here’s what I got, plus other things for which I am proud:

This is post #161
761 followers
20,275 views
Freshly Pressed about some big balloons.
Black Box Warnings Contributor. I’m really proud about that.
NaNoWriMo Winner of 50,000 words (I haven’t picked up that novel since!)
Friday Fictioneers – It’s still quite the challenge and is such a giving community of writers.
Hooray to my most frequent commenters: Carrie, David, Frank, Dianne, Denise and Robert. Thank you!

My blog has evolved. If I just think about my attitude about blogging when I began, it went something like this. Blog? No way…I’m not touching it! It sounds disgusting. I’m NOT doing that. That sounds like a complete waste of time.

What is a blog? - I don't know, Princess, but is sounds absolutely horrid!
What is a blog?
– I don’t know, Princess, but is sounds absolutely horrid!

Now look at me. Now I’m called “Miss Blogalot” in my household, and am quite fond of the title. I still remember when I published my first post and I awaited in anxious anticipation whether someone would read it. And then I got two likes from Sam and The Background Story, and later my first follower, Jason Alan. You could never know how much that meant to me at the time and I want to say thank you. My first post was about a fall in a ballet performance, meant to be humorous and an opportunity to laugh at myself.

At the time, I thought my blog would be based on my follies, my mistakes, my falls. I certainly could fill up a whole blog about this! As it turns out, I have, indeed, written about my mistakes, but also about my self-discoveries. It is my audience, you, who have given me the courage to share my stories with honesty.

I still await with anticipation and wonder how a post will be perceived, what you will say, or if you will like it. I don’t take you for granted. I appreciate all your comments, the stories you’ve shared, and your presence. Our exchange has been both rich and satisfying for me. Thank you your support, your encouraging words, and your kindness.

The big story is you, blogging friends. I adore my community here at The Bumble Files. Reading your blogs and sharing in your stories is the other side of the equation that completes my blogging experience. I’m always surprised by the blog’s power to suck me in. It’s your blogs that do that for me.

I have laughed, a lot, cried, and been moved in ways that have surprised me. I have read about difficulties, achievements, family, relationships, political and social issues, as well as enjoyed imaginative works of fiction and poetry. I have had the privilege to witness amazing works of art in photography and artistic endeavors. The blog continues to excite me because I never know what may cross my path.

Even though we may have never met face-to-face, I feel a bond, a blogging bond which extends far beyond the sphere. Although it has only been a year, it feels longer somehow. Thank you for sticking around, and a special thank you to those who have been with me from the beginning.

Here’s to another fulfilling blogging year. Cheers!

78 thoughts on “My Blogging One-Year Anniversary”

      2. Well, as I have written, I think there will always be peaks and valleys in blogging. Lately, I’m sensing a slowing, too. I think it’s the season with the summer coming.

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  2. Amy,
    Congratulations on Year One. We met last August if I remember correctly… And look at us now, BFF4EVS™ outside of the blogosphere… A big fuck yeah all around.

    Je lève mon verre à ta deuxième année.

    Le Clown

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    1. Eric,
      Thank you! Yes, I’ll never forget. It was during your fanatical blogroll contest. I was in a state of shock during the whole thing. Ah, BFF4EVS™, yes and Hug and a Fuck Yeah!!

      Translation? Something about next year…thank you.

      Amy

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      1. Amy,
        Yes, the Blogroll Contest…. I won’t be doing that again, as successful as it was. I like my blogroll small.

        Raising my glass to you, is what it means.

        Much love, mon amie.
        Le Clown

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      2. Eric, Le Clown,
        You know I owe you so much. You introduced me to so many talented bloggers who have become part of my community. I’m sure my experience here would not be the same without having known you. Fuck yeah, again!

        Ah…sweet. Here’s to you, mon amie.

        Much love,
        Amy
        xo

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  4. Amy,
    Congrats! Happy birthday to your blog. This is indeed something to celebrate. It’s been wonderful reading all of your posts and watching you grow. I’ve enjoyed sharing, listening and laughing with you. I always look forward to your post!
    Amber.

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    1. Amber,
      Thanks so much! I enjoy your blog, too, and reading your beautiful poetry. It has been a growing experience for me. Thanks for sharing and laughing with me, my friend. I appreciate that. Thanks.
      Amy

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    1. HAHAHAAHA!!! Oh, Denise, my dear blogging friend and wonderful commenter!! Thank you, thank you! I always love and cherish your comments. Thanks for being a part of my world. It wouldn’t be the same without you!!!

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  8. Happy Anniversary, Amy! You rock! And I’m so glad to know you! I’m glad you got over your initial reluctance and here you are a year later! I love you Friday Fictioneers posts, you’re a great writer and it’s been fun to read about your adventures. Here’s to another great year!
    Cathy

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    1. Cathy,
      Thank you. It’s been a pleasure knowing you, too. I got past my fear with just a couple of posts under my belt. The blog sounded okay! Thanks for all your support in reading my stories. You’re always so very kind. I’m having a great time over at your blog with all your splendid photography and poetry.
      Amy

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    1. Thank you, Carrie! It’s always great having you here. I’ve missed you and I think it’s only been like a week. Of course, I always look forward to your thoughts. I hope all is well with you!

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  13. Amy, happy anniversary! That’s a big milestone. It sounds like you were just ahead of me, since I’m pretty sure my 1 year is in a day or two. I’m glad I met you almost immediately. It’s a great ride, eh? Here’s to an explosively awesome second year.
    -David

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    1. David, thank you! I know we met each other almost immediately. Here’s a big hug all the way to South Korea! Ah, it’s been great ride with you. Thanks for sticking with me all this time. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you and reading all your wonderful stories. I’m honored to know such a talent. Thanks!
      Amy

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  14. Keep it going, Bumble. A lot of people are apparently enjoying your blog myself included. I’ve been doing it (the blog!) for two years already, but don’t let that discourage you. Keep going.

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    1. Thanks for your words of encouragement, Stephen. I’m thrilled you enjoy my blog. I intend to keep going for as long as I have it in me! I always enjoy your company, your writing, and all your music. It’s a pleasure.

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  15. Happy blogaversary!!!! You must have started blogging about two weeks before me because my blogaversary is just around the corner. Thank you so much for the pingback – I love being one of your main (stalkers) followers! 😀

    It’s been an absolute pleasure spending this time with you. Cheers to the next 12 months Mrs Blogsalot 😉

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    1. Thank you, Dianne!! I appreciate that. I know you have been with me for some time. Thanks for hanging out with me. When you talked about your anniversary, I really didn’t even know mine was coming…I was surprised, not paying attention again. You can stalk me anytime miss, so long as you don’t have any crazy bugs and animals with you!

      The pleasure is all mine. Thanks. 🙂

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  16. Congratulations and Happy Bloggy Day! I had an aversion to the word ‘blog’ at first too, it just sounded stupid! It all turns out to be completely different than you expect, and much more wonderful than you expect too doesn’t it.

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    1. Thank you, Vanessa! Yes, exactly. It sounded ridiculous and like a made up word (which, of course, it is). It sounded too much like, I don’t know….blob?! It didn’t sound real enough. But I’m glad I gave it a chance. Yes, it has been a wonderful thing and I’m so happy we crossed paths.

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  17. Congrats Amy! I look forward to reading more of your wonderful words and to traveling through another year together.
    Blogging is an unexpected but welcome gift of friendship.

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    1. Audra, thank you. You are always so supportive of me. Thanks for all your encouraging words. I’m here to stay so long as I have words to write…. I feel lucky to know you and call you a friend.

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  20. Congratulations, Amy! Well done. You certainly have accomplished a lot in 1 year. I’ve really enjoyed your posts and I certainly get caught up in your Friday Fictioneers. I’m looking forward to what you have in store for us this year.

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    1. Thanks, Michelle! I always enjoy your presence here and your wonderful comments.I will strive to continue my Friday Fictioneers. There shall be more stories, and it’s especially encouraging to know I have an audience like you!

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  21. Congrats Amy!
    Isn’t it funny the way the blog takes a life of its own, different to the one we thought it would have?
    I think we meet over Le Clown’s blogroll contest, or was it for the Movember madness?
    Looking forward to another year!

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    1. Hey, Leo. Thank you. The blog does have a life of its own, and I’m not going to get in the way of it, not if I can help it. It is helpful to let go and see where it takes you. I believe you are correct in that we met during the blogroll or sometime soon after. I met so many great, talented bloggers over there, you included! It’s been great knowing you. Thanks!

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  23. Congratulations, Amy!!! What a wonderful milestone – although, to tell you the truth, it feels to me like you’ve been blogging away for so much longer! But only because I feel like you have such a well developed ‘voice’ (if that’s the right way to put it)… like you are so much more onto your own than seems possible in a year – it really is quite impressive – and inspiring!
    Oh, and thank you very much for including me, too! What an honor! Thank you again, B.F! Very, very much!
    🙂

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    1. Oh, thank you, Robert!!! You always say such kind things to me. It does feel longer to me, too. Maybe because I’ve met so many great people, like you, in a such a short space of time. I just go along with what I feel I need to say, so I’m glad that it’s working. You are being too nice to me!
      It’s always a pleasure to hear your voice, and what you’ll say. You make me smile and laugh. Oh, you just did it again. You’re welcome very much! 🙂

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  26. Congrats on an amazing year, Amy! I still remember the first post of yours I read–all about the plethora of choices on the cheese cracker row!

    You’re a pleasure to read and know here in Blogland! ~Christy

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  27. Not only did you do your blog, you did it YOURRRR WAYYYYY! I have that “My Way” song in my head, and all this nostalgia brought it out. At least it wasn’t Alllll Byyyy Myseeeellllfffff! Because clearly you are not. 😀

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    1. It’s the only way, Alice….To do it….My Way. You get the prize for most original comment!!! Thank you, darling. I do enjoy that song. I’m surrounded by wonderful, giving, talented people like yourself. Thanks for being here to help me celebrate. 🙂

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  29. Congratulations on having your blog a full year! I too was surprised to find out how much fun blogging is. When I first started out I had no idea where I was going with it, but now, though I still have no idea where I’m going with it, I know I really enjoy it, so that’s the important thing (hopefully!) 😀

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    1. Thank you, Linda! The time just flew by, probably because I haven’t had a plan and don’t know where it’s going or where I’ll end up. So far, that hasn’t mattered one bit. I’d say so long as we enjoy it we’re doing something right!

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  30. Congratulations, Amy! I remember when I first stumbled across your blog. I read your ‘About’ page and felt an instant connection. Perhaps it had to do with putting our husbands through school. Turns out, it was so much more than that. I always learn something new and fascinating when I swing by your place.
    Thanks for being an absolutely gracious host. Cheers to many more years to come! 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Anka, and thank you for all your kind words here. Likewise, I feel the same…it was a lot more than just our putting our husbands through school. I’ve enjoyed your honest voice reading your blog and our conversations. I’m thrilled you feel you learn something new and fascinating here. Wow! I give it my best shot and hope for the best!
      Thank you. Let’s hope! Cheers to you and more happy blogging. 🙂

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    1. Thank you! Congratulations on starting your blog! Best of luck with it. I wish you well. My first follower’s advice was to have fun with it, which at the time was exactly what I needed to hear. So, I’m going to pass that on to you now….Have fun with it!

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  32. I’m a little late to the party but WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Happy Bloggyversary! I don’t remember when I first learned of your blog, but life has been better since then, my Bumbly friend.

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  33. Congrats on your first year! I started this blog three years ago, but really only started taking it seriously the last couple of years. It’s so cool to look back on what we’ve built, no?

    Here’s to many more years of bloggy success!

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    1. Ah, Jen thanks! I enjoy my blog as a creative outlet and it’s been really good for me. I’m surrounded by wonderful people which is even better. I love your blog. It’s always a great read and you’re so funny!

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