Wednesday, September 2, 2009

In the beginning...

In the beginning...I started my blog as a way to journal about the trip to India my husband and I were taking to attend our oldest daughter's wedding. I have lived in NH my whole life and had not had many traveling adventures so this was the trip of a lifetime and I wanted to document all that I was seeing, feeling, hearing, tasting and smelling. My blog also allowed me to communicate with our friends and family who were not able to make the trip with us but who wanted to stay connected to the activities. I recently reread my oldest posts and it was a trip down memory lane. I was taken back to the weeks leading up to the trip including the series of inoculations I had to get beforehand. My post 'Typhoid in My Belly' just might be my favorite post. And funniest.

In the beginning... I had no idea what it meant to be a blogger. I just wanted to journal about my travel adventure. I wasn't even sure if I was going to continue blogging when we returned home. What would I write about after India? I live in a very small town in a small state. There are no Dunkin' Donuts in my town. No traffic lights. No pizza delivery. Lots of cows and horses. Lots of trees. Lots of deer and coyotes. What could I possibly write about in a blog once my India adventure was over? Who would want to read anything written by me?


In the beginning... the only people reading my blog were close friends and family. If I got two comments on a post it was cause for celebration. This blog has allowed me to not only have written memories of my adventures but I also have written memories from the people who left comments. As I reread my oldest posts recently I found the comments left for me from my brother-in-law, Dan. I had forgotten that he had even taken the time to read my blog. I had forgotten that he took the time to leave comments on my blog. It was rather unnerving for me to read his words since he passed away in April at the age of 49 years old from lung cancer. I don't think I have any other written memories from him ~ I am glad that I have his comments written forever on my blog.


In the beginning... I had no idea about blogging protocol and it took me awhile to learn my way around the blogosphere. For awhile I lurked around, reading the blogs of others, trying to find blogs of interest. I started going back again and again to certain blogs and tentatively left a comment here and there, nervous about whether I would be welcomed into the blogging community. And then...slowly but surely...people started leaving comments on my posts. I was pretty sure that I knew how Jodie Picoult, the best selling author, must feel and I started preparing for the movie version of 'Nourish the Soul' and wondered who might play me. I have been told that I look like Sandy Duncan so I guess that is a possibility.


In the beginning...I had no idea how blogging would change my life and the friends I would meet. One day I tumbled into Patti Digh's blog, 37 Days, and the rest is history. Her book has changed my life AND Patti came to my community and spoke to a group of sixty people at our local cafe AND stayed at my home.I don't think that would have happened without blogging. It was an incredible adventure from beginning to end. I have 'met' so many other wonderful people through blogging ~ true blogging friends. I am in awe of Daryl over at 'On the M104'. Her photography is creative and if she doesn't exhibit it in a gallery soon I am going to have to become her agent. Daryl allows this country mouse to see the Big Apple through her lens. And did I mention that I love her sense of humor! Then there is Akelamalu who is one very busy lady but always takes time to welcome me with open arms. If I ever make it over the big puddle I hope to connect with her someday. For now she is my virtual blogging tour guide since she travels frequently. Marg and I have so much in common - love of family and basketball are at the top of our list. If we ever meet we will be hiking, cooking, laughing and talking lots. Willow is my very patient and talented friend from the West Coast who is willing to teach me to knit. Many people have tried but Willow seems to be up for the challenge. Now that cool weather is on its way I plan on sitting down and paying attention to my knitting mentor. Willow's blog also often reminds me to slow down and enjoy the small everyday wonders. Beverly is my blogging friend from down South who checks in on me and makes sure that I am okay. I appreciate her kindness. I have enjoyed watching Pink Dogflower evolve as a writer. She writes in a concise manner and paints a picture with her words. She is a thoughtful blogging friend, dedicated mom and I always enjoy my visits to her blogging home. She is always a welcome guest over at my place. And then there is my friend, Louise, who writes with refreshing honesty and candor. She is one very busy lady but does a nice job juggling it all. And her photography...if National Geographic doesn't hire her soon, it is their loss. I am convinced that someday I will be saying, ' I knew her when...' and I hopefully will get an autographed print before they all sell out. David McMahon is a blogging guru. He is a talented photographer but more importantly he has created a blog where many people want to hang out. Five days a week he lists "Posts of the Day" and to be mentioned there almost guarantees a new reader or two or at least at heady feeling of accomplishment and pride. David's blog is like a clearinghouse of blogs...and I have meant many of my blogging friends from hanging out at David's place.
In the beginning...I didn't know any of these wonderful people but blogging has opened so many doors for me.
In the beginning...I never knew Shaye or Jeni or Maggie May or Chapati or Cheffie Mom or Shrinky. All of these blogging friends write from their heart. I find myself wondering how Tsannie's garden is growing. And whenever I go to visit my new friend, Brian Miller, I bring a box of tissues with me. Not just one tucked in the waist of my pants. Oh, no...a whole box because Brian is one talented writer who grabs my heart and my soul with his words and I so wish I could write with his creativity and passion. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Sandy Carlson who is a powerful blogger who reaches out to her blogging friends with her pictures and words. And one of my newest blogging friends is Kim who actually lives only twenty miles away from me. We met at the Patti Digh book event and the rest is history. Kim is an artist and I am always inspired when I stop in to visit her blog. And the comments she leaves for me leave a smile on my face which last for hours. Natalie ,who live 'Down Under', writes with total truthfulness and humanness and I often wished she lived closer. Sandi is an inspiration to many in the blogging world since she recently published her first book. And then there is Diane who is not afraid to tackle any subject with respect for the opinions of all. She recently became a grammie, as did I, so we also have that in common. Diane recently wrote a post where she 'recognized' many of her blogging friends in a post so I must give her some credit to her for the direction of this post.

In the beginning...I had no idea that blogging was so addictive, so time consuming. A writer at heart, I could spend hours in the blogosphere. I have had to take blogging breaks because I need to focus on other hobbies or annoying things such as housecleaning or bill paying. But I always come back for more. I find myself wondering what my blogging friends are doing and if they are okay. It is not that I am nosy, well I might be a little bit, but I truly have come to care for my blogging friends in a blogging sort of way. People who do not blog do not understand. But a wise woman named Daryl basically told me to do what I want and ignore the naysayers. She might have actually used more colorful language but you catch my drift.

In the beginning...I never thought I would have a site meter. I now have a site meter which tells me over 10,000 people have visited my blog.

In the beginning...I never thought I would write 100 posts. I have now written 115 posts.


In the beginning... I didn't know where this blogging adventure would take me, I still don't, but I do know that I am truly enjoying the ride.

In the beginning...I wasn't sure where this post was headed but now I do...I just wanted to say thank you to all of my blogging friends for enriching my world, for opening my eyes and for a unique friendship that is only a blog away. Thank you.

And if I forgot to mention you, I apologize. It doesn't mean that I don't appreciate you or your comments. It means I am menopausal and I am prone to spells of forgetfulness. Honest. If I forgot you, let me know and I will dedicate a post to you. Promise.

23 comments:

April said...

Congrats on getting to 115. I hear you have a daughter who's not such a bad blogger herself...

Brian Miller said...

blogging has been like therapy for me really...it allows me to tell my stories and share bits i have picked up on the way. thank you for your warm words. the part about your brother in law was touching and i imagine you take the tissues with you to read those as well. we are glad you made it passed the beginning and looking forward to the future...

♥ Braja said...

I can't BELIEVE I'm not mentioned here. The nerve. I know it's only my second visit, but seriously...

:))

I agree with the thoughts on David; in fact I think I found you thru him....

Willow said...

I agree with Brian that blogging has been great therapy for me. And READING blog posts is a joyful experience too--I love to share in what others are thinking, writing, doing. And yes, David McMahon has led many of us along the blogging trail. I'm looking forward to reading here on your blog how you are knitting sweater for your grandsons!

2Shaye ♪♫ said...

How creative and touching and rich and lovely. I was getting all teary-eyed thinking of how things evolve from the beginning to today. You write those realizations so well. Then I was so touched seeing all of these beautiful bloggers you showcased and I actually started to get all teared up. Then then :GASP: I see my name. Whoa. You know, it's just so different when you go from being a comment buddy to a human being. And I appreciate, very much, that you did this tonight by being your lovely self and expressing your passion and admiration for so many others you've bumped into here and there. I just love that we're all in this together. People touching people. Amazing.

And darn it, I just realized something. SINCE you mentioned me, that just means I don't get an entire blog post all to myself!! AGHHH! :P

Glad you're here, glad I found you, glad it looks like you won't be going anywhere any time soon!

xoxo,

~2Shaye

Maggie May said...

Congratulations on your 115th!
I am so pleased that you continued with the blogging after India.
Most of the things you have said applies to me too. Didn't even know what a blog was before my son pushed me into it! I think he probably regrets that now as I am always asking him for some kind of help or other with the technical side!

We have all got to thank David for his POTD.He has brought many people together.
Great, isn't it?!

Elaine Denning said...

An entire post dedicated just to me? I can hardly wait! If you need a list of how wonderful I am I can draw one up for you, but it may take a while :)

Seriously...congrats on getting into treble figures and having had so many hits here. People don't read what they don't like, so all credit goes to you. Us bloggers know a good'un when we see one! Well done! x

Anonymous said...

Awesome post! Absolutely love it. I know exactly what you mean by not having a clue where your blogging might take you when you first, tentatively put a paw out!

Natalie said...

I love you too, Deb! xxxxxxxxxxxx

Jeni said...

Boy, I so very much agree with your thoughts in this post -especially about David McMahon -who is an absolutely fantastic photographer, writer, blogger and friend to all bloggers too, isn't he?
I think I first met you either just before or just after the grandchildren arrived in your life. I think one thing that drew me in, initially, was to see you mention your faith and church things -we're from the same street, so to speak, in that respect. But from the first I read your blog, I was drawn in by your words, your thoughts, your thoughtfulness -straight-forward, yes, but not aggressively so. A trait I admire deeply but have a lot of difficulty with it in my own life and blogging. Thanks for the vote of confidence from you-to me -in this post today. I have tried, still do, will continue to do that too (I hope) to see the good things in life, even when they come at me looking not so good initially.
A couple other bloggers I've found -"The Things We Carried" and Sandi McBride at "Holding Patterns" (I know Sandi is on my Blog Roll and I think they both can be found among my followers on my blog -check them out if you can and you'll find two more really awesome writers there -to keep you even busier with the blog scene, ya know. LOL Like we all have tons more time to add more reading, huh?
Keep doing what you've been doing -which is to put out a great, quality blog -all the time!
Peace.

Kim Mailhot said...

Lovely, lovely Deb ! What a beautiful celebration of what Blogland Love can do ! I too am grateful everyday for what this community has brought into my life.(Not to mention, what Patti Digh, her book and hearing her read in your sweet homeotwn has done for me !) These connections are real, heartfelt and life changing. I would never have thought that "in the beginning", but I know it with all my heart now.
So I top my cupcake with jazzy birthday candles, light them up and say "Here's to Blogland ! Long may you run..."
Hugs !
(PS. Thanks for the honor of being mentioned here. I am so glad that our appreciation for life's little wonders have brought us together !)

Daryl said...

Well, I am just tickled at this post and that you have reached 115! I can feel way more than another 115 coming ...

CONGRATS on the POTD mention over at David's .. you are right about him (and all the others you cite) I call him Den Mom.

Oh and I too hear you have a daughter who blogs ... and the apple didnt fall far from the mama tree, her posts, like yours, are fabulous to read and I hope one day to make it up to NH (I wish the uptown M104 went that far) to meet you both.

Love you, Debzilla!

Boozy Tooth said...

In the beginning... did you ever imagine you'd get a POTD mention by David McMahon?

Congratulations! Enjoy the well deserved honor!

PS: I can relate wholeheartedly to this post and it still blows my mind when someone stops by Casa Hice and leaves a kind comment.

2Shaye ♪♫ said...

Deb, I'm back again and for good reason! I just looked in my blog reader and saw David's new POTD post and YOU'RE IN THERE! Yeehaw! I'm just thrilled for you!!

Have a beautiful day, friend!

Shaye

Akelamalu said...

Well I'm glad you carried on blogging after the India trip! If you do get over here I WILL welcome you with open arms. x

Cheffie-Mom said...

Thank you for being you! And congrats on the Post of the Day Award! Well-deserved!

Brian Miller said...

had to stop back by after being over at David's...congrats!

Corey~living and loving said...

here via David. Anyone David reccomends deserves a look from me. :)

great post. blogging is so much more...than those that don't.....know.

Maria said...

Many of the experiences you describe find echoes in my own consciousness..seriously!

Anonymous said...
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Marg said...

I'm glad that you stayed with it Debbie. It's always an inspiration and learning field for me as I look at other people stories and admire either there writing or photography.
We all bring connection and life to many people.

SandyCarlson said...

I am glad you are around and blogging and sharing your stories. It's nice to know another blogger is from the same basic part of the world!

imbeingheldhostage said...

Wow-- that is one terrific "Who's Who" list of bloggers. This was a great post and I think you probably managed to capture the way we have all felt at one time or another (although I have never picked out the person who will play me and see the folly in that-- I really need to put some thought into it) ;-)


Oh, and have to agree, David McMahon is a STAR!

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