by Amy Reese

My Blog is Three Years Old!

Happy Blogaversary to The Bumble Files!!! 

Happy Birthday to my blog. My blog is three years old today!!

While I ask myself where has the time gone, I also admit these three years have felt more like six years. It’s not that the time hasn’t flown by. Usually, when someone says something seems longer than it is, it would be a negative connotation. Not so here. But, indeed, it feels longer than three years. I’ve heard other bloggers share the same sentiment.

What is it with blogging that makes us feel this way?

I’ve been blogging so long, I’ve been doing it since the very beginning…since the beginning of blogging time. What? That wasn’t three years ago?

Let’s see now:

Three years = (@365 x 3)  = 1,095 days = 26,280 hours 

Whew! No wonder it seems like a lot. We can agree it’s an intensive experience, is it not? It’s not simply throwing up a post, as those non-bloggers think while rolling their eyes at you. We all know it’s reading, commenting, and sharing in an active community. Granted, I haven’t blogged every hour, but I may have thought about my blog many of those hours. I have had a few forced breaks, a few unintended, but mostly my blog has been a part of my life and an extension of me.

For me, The Bumble Files has been a life philosophy about finding the path in life that is meaningful and true. Most of the time, I’m feeling my way as if in a tunnel of darkness. Not really, just kidding. I see the light just as much.

But I’ve been doing it so long, I feel a little like this penguin here:

Where did everybody go?

I’ve seen bloggers come and go…come back and leave again. It’s understandable and there is always a valid excuse explanation. Perhaps they got a new job or a new boyfriend or husband or had a new baby, finished school, or they’re finally binge watching on Netflix writing that book. Sometimes, it’s just burn out. I bet some of you are nodding your head at me now. Sadly, a lot of my friends have left the scene and have abandoned their blogs.

They have what I call a “Ghost Blog.” While they are absent from their blog, their spirit is still here with us.

Happily, there are always new blogging friends to make. If you’ve followed me recently and have never returned, oh, please come back and have a chat. Just because I’ve been blogging for three years does not mean that I don’t want to make new friends.

While some things change, some things remain the same.

The numbers always change:

Some current numbers:

Number of posts: 354 
Views: 51,792
Number of comments: 16,651

But the thing I’ve realized is that the bigger some of these numbers get, the less significance they seem to have. While some bloggers may have higher numbers, I am proud of these no matter what.

More things remain the same:

  • I still haven’t written my book. Argh!
  • I still haven’t met most of my followers. Please come back.
  • My biggest search item is still boobs!
  • I still don’t have a blogging schedule, because that would be so “Un-Bumble” like.
  • I still have blog posts lined up to write.
  • I still laugh my way through much of my blog reading. You are all so funny and talented.
  • I still have trouble reading everyone and am searching for that “balance.”
  • I’m still meeting fascinating people from all over the world.
  • I still feel proud every time I publish a post.
  • I still feel excited when you stop by to like/comment or both!

Recently, with the death of my father, I am reminded why I blog. You were here with your kindness, giving me strength, and in some ways, more comfort than I experienced in my real life. You were really there for me. For me, this speaks to the power of the blogging bond and the deep connection we share with words. And this just gets better over time.

A celebration would not be complete without cake. And this, my friends, is still the best cake on the Internet (thanks Sandee!). Won’t you have some?

Image Source: http://www.willcotton.com/

I still have the best WordPress community. I couldn’t be more thrilled. Truly, I hope everyone feels that way about their blog because that’s what it’s all about. Thank you one and all! You are simply the best.

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80 thoughts on “My Blog is Three Years Old!”

  2. Cheers to you on this wonderful day. Three … oh that seems so long ago! 😉 You have hit the key aspects of blogging, so thanks for your roll in my little corner of the world and for being so welcoming to me here. 🙂 A red wine toast to you!!! Now the important question – Which of the 354 posts was/were about boobs?

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    1. It does seem so long ago! See, you know what I mean. Ditto on the warm welcome you always give to me. Thanks! I think I will celebrate with a glass of red today. Cheers, Frank!! There was only one post about boobs! If you can believe that. Early on–post 20 or something. Now I have to check!

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  3. Three years is an impressive milestone for sure. And like you, I wonder where some bloggers have gone. But also like you, new blogging friends come along, and soon it’s hard to imagine a time where we weren’t interacting on each other’s blogs. It’s a cycle with ebbs and flows, it seems.

    Love the penguin!

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    1. Ebbs and flows…yes. It’s not too surprising, considering how intensive blogging can be. The whole of it! You are always so dedicated so I’m sure you’ve seen many leave, too. I’ve kept in touch with many on Facebook. At least I still see them. Thanks for your support, Carrie. I always appreciate you! It was the Penguin or the Dodge Ball video…that one wasn’t quite what I was going for. 🙂

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  4. Congratulations to the sweetest, most generous blogging friend I could ever have! I read somewhere recently that 2 and 3 year old blogs are still considered to be just babies in the grand scheme of things – whatever that means! I agree with all of your points – but never having enough time to read all of the incredible blogs out there is my biggest frustration. Haven’t see many come and go yet, but I’m sure that’s hard – especially if you’ve bonded with the person, like you said. Love the cake photo! I will toast you tonight after I get home from work! Love you, Amy xoxo

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    1. Awww, thank you, Kelly! Likewise, you are a generous soul. Three years doesn’t seem like a long time in the scheme of things, although most blogs I see are not very old. Hmm…I have to think about that one! Certainly, the big blogs are probably more lasting. I wonder how many ghost blogs there are. I love this cake photo, too. It really is the best one I’ve seen! Thanks, Kelly. Cheers! xoxo

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    2. I forgot to say…yes, it’s still really hard to read everybody. That part never gets any more manageable, especially when you find more people to read. I don’t know what the secret is….I guess we all just do our best.

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  5. Wait, what? You have at least one post about boobs and I haven’t seen it? Oh well… One of the biggest search terms that hit my blog is “nude drawings” so I guess I shouldn’t say anything. 😉

    Happy Blogoversary! May the Bumble Files, under what ever name, see many, many more.

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    1. Trent, I wrote the boobs post eons ago it seems, in the first months of blogging. Every year in WordPress’s annual report they suggest I write more about boobs! 🙂 Uh huh…nude drawings, yes, of course. I’m not surprised! I didn’t even mention the name change…thank you, Trent!

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      1. I’m sure you cringe when WP tells you to write about boobs more often, but it is funny.

        My blog is often about the arts and creativity so nude drawings is on track, but neither nude drawing post is my top post.. One of the very first posts I did was a review of a kayak. I didn’t know where I was going with my blog and it seemed like a good idea. I get more hits from it than even the 2 posts of nude drawings combined. On the other hand, if you Google the Jackson Journey kayak, my review has been in the top 5 since I posted it, usually above the large paddling magazine reviews and sometimes even above the company’s own web site. I wish I could do that with more than just a kayak!

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      2. Wow, that’s really cool, Trent. It’s nice when something unexpected happens to something completely unplanned. In the top 5! That’s awesome. Maybe I should write about random subjects from now on, like hairspray or snails or something. 🙂 I know it’s the WP bots at work so it does make me laugh.

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  7. Three years, Amy! Happy blogoversary to you, my dear friend. I am proud to be bumbling along in BloggyVille with you. 🙂 Here’s to many more shared laughs and tears and oh-my’s. (And maybe another pantry post?) ❤

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    1. Thanks so much, Mark. Yeah, I bet if I named that story “Sex in the Pantry” it would be up there with boobs! Thanks for bumbling along with me. Thanks for all your support. ❤

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  8. Happy 3rd birthday Amy. Mine is 3 in a month. I guess you’re my blogging bus sister 🙂 if I ever go there or you ever come here, we will have to meet! I do agree, 3 years can seem like 6 bug nit in a bad way.

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    1. Thanks, Stephen! Yes, we’ve been through this together, through thick and thin! I’m so happy you’re still with me. It’s a strange thing, isn’t it? It’s gone by in a blink, but then…in a way it seems like a long time, too.

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  10. I am singing the version of Happy Birthday that was sung in my hometown at the ChiChi’s restaurant. It always ended “To you, to you to YOU!! Ole’!” with a raising of the margarita glass (or the pitcher if you need a refill) and a glance at the fried dough thing with cinnamon and whipped cream. Cheers, Bumble files! Your writing and steadfastness, creativity and willingness to take writing risks, have inspired me.You go, girl! Keep on keeping on.
    (And fun fact: of the very few fabulous blogs I follow, another one is having a third birthday today! Jenny’s Lark. Check her out. She’s lovely. June 1, 2012 was a very good day.)

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    1. Jen, this sounds like a fun party. I’m coming over now!! Yes, to the margarita refill. You know how to say just the thing that stirs me up. Oh, I’m so humbled by your thoughts. Thanks so much for spending time with me and sharing all your wonderful blog posts with me. They’re always a delightful read. I don’t know Jenny’s Lark. Thanks for the rec. We must be aligned somehow, starting our blogs on the very same day AND knowing you! I will check her out! xo

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  11. Congrats, Bumble and all the best from all the burnt out, over fried, overlooked, over the hill, still getting over it bloggers and assorted ghosts who still keep plugging along. Kudos😉

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    1. Oh, Bumba. I’m so happy you’re here. Thanks for stopping by. We’re still here, keeping it real. That’s all that counts. Kudos to you my friend. I always appreciate your visits. Really, thanks, Stephen.

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  14. Congrats on three years, Amy. I’m closing in on three and a half and can’t remember when I wasn’t blogging. 🙂 It’s been lots of fun, although I, too, wonder where some of the lovely people have gone and where most of my followers are lurking! May you enjoy many more years of blogging and writing.

    janet

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    1. Thanks, Janet. I guess it’s not just me then. It’s good to know I’m not the only wondering where my friends went. I know they’re around somewhere. As for followers, who knows. Maybe they’ll come back. I hope to. Thank you.

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  16. What a wonderful achievement Amy, well done. I am still but a baby but almost I think to my second birthday……here’s to you going as long as your muse keeps you young and active…..the cake was decidedly non fattening and surprisingly low in sugar…..and I enjoyed my slice thank you….Michael

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    1. Thanks, Michael. Oh, you are but a little babe in the blogosphere! So long as I have posts I really want to write and enjoy it, I’ll be here writing away! I’m pleased you enjoyed your guilt-free cake. It’s my pleasure.

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  18. Happy Blog birthday, Amy! Three years is quite an accomplishment. If you’re at 3 years now, that means my 3-year anniversary is coming up soon too. I haven’t been as active lately as I’d like to, since I have other projects and things that grab at my time, but I’m determined not to have a Ghost Blog! Here’s to 3 more years for you. Good luck with everything. It’s been great getting to know you and reading your work.
    -David

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    1. Thank you, thank you, David! I believe I connected with you very early on. I think you were the third person I followed! I think it’s pretty cool we’re still here three years later. There’s not too many things that have that staying power any more. I know you’ve been busy if you haven’t been blogging. I’m sure you will pick it up as soon as you are able. I doubt there’s any Ghost Blog in your future. Thanks for all your support and for continuing to read my work. Cheers!

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  19. Habby burf day to eww
    Habby furf day to eww (*hic*)
    Habby BURF DAY…etc.

    I have a folder in my reader labeled “Old and Dead.” It’s full of people who’ve stopped blogging. Some of the links are years old, but I refuse to delete them. You never know. You never know!

    What a coincidence! My biggest search item is still boobs, too! Same phrase, different meanings.

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    1. Thanks…slow clap…for that delightful diddy. 🙂
      Oh, I know. I don’t want to give up on them. It’s hard to delete someone, isn’t it? I will have to clean up my lists though so I can see through the fog.
      Oh, pray tell, what was the meaning of your boobs?! Who knew?

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  20. Happy happy three years! My number one search term is “vacuuming up toys”. I wrote a really short stupid post about that and five years later it’s still the number one most viewed post. Such is the blogging life, huh?

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    1. Thanks so much, Darla! Such is the blogging life. Yes, it is. I think some of it has to do with WP putting up your popular posts. I know you’ve been at it for a while, too. I’m wondering how you felt at three years? Or do you remember? I’m sure the years tend to blur together. They do for me.

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  21. Well done Amy ! Three years (?) of filling my Inbox with your new posts and I always come back for more. I must get a life 😉 Here’s to another 3 years …… omg 😉 lol xox ❤

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  24. I’m late to this, Amy–my apologies! Congrats–I’ve always enjoyed your blog. You have a lovely “voice,” and your posts run the gamut from inspiring to funny to thought-provoking. I’m one of those bloggers who has slowed way down. And, yes, I guess the excuse is life gets in the way at times. Once you break that momentum, it’s hard to pick it back up, know what I mean?

    Anyway, congrats and I hope to keep reading you, regularly, sporadically and/or otherwise. ;).

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    1. You’re never late, Brigitte. Thanks so much for being here and for coming back to read me, time and time again. I hope no one thinks I’m picking on anyone. It’s just that I get it. I could easily be a part of that group who drifts away. I do know what you mean about momentum, too. I think it’s why I never stop. Anytime you come by is fine by me! I look forward to it! xo

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    1. Awww, thank you, Audra!! Me, too. Thanks for all your dazzling words and for all your encouragement. It means a lot and I always look for to your genuine comments. Thank you. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Lauren! I am writing that book. I am! I’m doing it. You wrote a book, right?! Boobs will be boobs. They’re the best, aren’t they? I don’t mind that they’re at the top of the list. 🙂 Love you, too. Thanks for being here for my celebration.

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  27. Mazel, Amy! Three years is a big number indeed! My 4th anniversary is this month…. but I’ve been SO lame in recent weeks (verging on months now) that it seems like I’m almost a ghost blog! Love your spirit and generosity. love that we got to meet in person and share some champagne. Love what you do; so keep doing it! Happy anniversary!

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    1. Thank you, Miss Dawn!! You are never lame, especially with all your many achievements. You are allowed to rest and it’s not like you left anyhow. That was fun when we drank champagne together. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll be in in New York this year for a water polo tournament. 😦 But, I know we will meet again somewhere. Thanks for the love and encouragement. xox

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  30. Hi Amy… Happy Belated Blogoversary / Blogaversary to you (I can’t decide which spelling I prefer, and spell checker thinks I’m either typing Governable or Loganberry hehehe!) It’s addictive, isn’t it, blogging? I’m currently going through a dipping in – dipping out stage myself, but there’s no way I could stop. And my books not out there yet, either.
    Hey ho! Keep on keeping on, and all that!

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    1. Thanks so much, Tom! I have no idea how to spell this anymore. I spelled it every way in this post. Changed it three times! I’m sticking with the “a.” You guys know what I mean. I feel I’m in a good place, at a good pace, and enjoying it. That’s what matters, right? Onward with the book writing. And yes, keep on keeping on! 🙂 Thanks for celebrating with me!

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