Thursday, December 18, 2008

Happy Blogaversary to Me!

My Blogaversary!

One year. Boy, that’s fast! (Please note the photos in this post have little to do with the content – they’re just seasonal!)

One year ago today, my colleague Susi gathered a bunch of us together (who were a little antsy in the pre-holiday season), took us to a computer lab in our university building, vacant as the kids were on break, and showed us how to set up a blog.

The concept wasn’t new – I’d been visiting several, including the highly motivating Shelley, Beth D. and Rosemary, along with tracking their links. And I was itching to do my own.

In the past few years, I have been privileged to visit so many of you and make friends who live in spots all over the world.

I’ve held (and won!) drawings. I’ve participated in groups like “Write on Wednesday” and “Pink Saturday.” I’ve learned new creative techniques, recipes and decorating tips and become inspired by so many creative, talented and thoughtful individuals I am dazzled myself.

When The Marmelade Gypsy began, I didn’t know what my “voice” would be or what the blog would become. An art spot? An online journal to share experiences and family? A networking tool? A writer’s workshop? A place to express my own feelings?

I’m still not sure! And perhaps that’s why I’m excited to post as many days as I can – because while I know not everything I write is everyone’s cup of tea, on any given day it appears to be somebody’s!

(That’s why I started Chopsticks and String – to put things I wasn’t sure belonged on the Gypsy!)

I’ve had great support from the blogging community (both in comments and directly) during challenging periods in this past year and I’ve felt your energy, support and prayers when I’ve needed them most.

And in visiting you I have laughed at delightful posts, been both awed and inspired by incredible photography, challenged to try a new project, and enlightened by your skills, knowledge and warmth.

I know many of you pop in daily and comment, and my analytics tell me some of you stop by, don’t say much, but you’re there. Either way, I value all of you and am so very grateful to be part of this community.

I want to post a photo of my blogaversary drawing item – which is a felted purse in earthy tones that I knit (maybe with a few extras inside). And I promise I will by the end of the week! But I haven’t had time to shoot it yet!

Let me say it’s just the size for a small knitting project or a good book and a snack! And I'll tuck a few extras inside.

Remember, any comments through December 31 will be entered. I’ll draw the winner on New Year’s Day (maybe at midnight; maybe I’ll be otherwise engaged!)

Thank you all for making the Marmelade Gypsy such a joy to create. And, thank you for letting me enter your worlds as well.

22 comments:

jet1960 said...

I'm so glad you did start a blog. Yours is one of a few that I check on a regular basis. I've enjoyed sharing in your great adventures, seeing your lovely pictures, and reading your wisdom.

Quiltmoose - Dagmar said...

HAPPY BLOGAVERSARY, JEANIE!!!!

Your blog is one of my favorites and you are a gifted writer as well as a talented photographer! I am always captivated by your interesting posts and amazing pictures! So thank you for being here for us!!!

Dagmar

Naturegirl said...

Jeannie wishing you a Happy first Blogaversary! It has been wonderful coming by and seeing that gorgeous Marmelade and getting to know you! Enjoy continued postings in the coming New Year..wishing you a Merry Christmas!hugs NG -^.^- purzzzzz

Jane said...

Happy Anniversary Jeanie! I don't even know when my anniversary is! Guess I should check. Somewhere after auditions for 1776.

Jane said...

Ok. I just couldn't leave it at that. Had to check. I started the 1776 blog April 11, 2007 and then morphed into Jane on Life July 30, 2007 when I couldn't eek out anything more about 1776 after the show closed. I remember I was suffering from blog withdrawal but couldn't figure out what to write about. Not a problem now!

Unknown said...

Congrats on your 1st!! I enjoy coming here several times a week. Sometimes I may not comment, but I'm always checking in.

Keep up the great work!

Anonymous said...

I don't choose favorites, but that icicle picture got me - it's just so good - such cold beauty. And then of course the decorations. Could pinch the cheeks on that Santa's face!

Hope you know we all love coming here for your stories, pictures, ideas, the pure joy you share - and I'll say it many times but certainly again this morning - Merry Christmas!

Sugar Bear said...

The happiest blogaversary to you! Isn't it amazing how many wonderful doors blogging opens?
Karla

anno said...

Congratulations on your first year in the blogoverse! So glad to find your warm heart and lively voice here... looking forward to keeping up with you in the year(s?) to come!

Joanne Huffman said...

Happy Blogaversary! I think your blog does have a voice - a curious, generous, intelligent, energetic voice. And, I loved the seasonal photos.

Joanne

Bree said...

What a nice post. You definitely seemed to have enjoyed your first year of blogging. I hope the 2nd year goes just as well.

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

You are a joy to behold in this blogging community. Your comments are warm and thoughtful and encouraging. Your sense of humor divine. You are wise and a wonderful writer. and OH SO creative.
I don't comment as much as I should but I'm bad about that with everyone these days. I vow to get better at it.
Just know comment or not you are thought of warmly and I am glad we connected through this wonderful medium.
XOXOXO
Lisa

Mary Timme said...

I'm glad to have found your blog. It does go by quickly the first and second year! I generally forget all about it until about this time of year. The blogaversary that is, so maybe this is the time of year to give something away. Hmmmmm. Made me think!

BONNIE K said...

Happy Blogaversary! I have greatly enjoyed checking in pretty much daily. And I thank you for getting me into this too and teaching me blog etiquette! I wish you many more years of happy blogging!

Anonymous said...

I don't always comment, but I visit often, Jeanie. I do so enjoy the Marmelade Gypsy. You've a lovely, comfortable with yourself, voice. Congratulations on one year!

Beth Leintz said...

Happy Blogaversary! I'm so glad we've had a chance to "meet" and become friends (and share our knitting addiction!)

Becca said...

Happy Blog Birthday, Jeanie!

Visiting here is like stopping by the home of a good friend - you always make me smile in delight about something or other :) And that's quite a gift...

Linda Jo said...

Happy Anniversary!! Glad you are here and we met. Merry Christmas, too!

KRCampbellArt said...

So glad you began blogging and have given us a chance to know you. Best of luck in the coming year! Loved those seasonal photos too.

Sandra Evertson said...

Happy Anniversary! My how time flies! Sending Season's Greetings your way!
Sandra Evertson

Rosa said...

I remember when you began and I can hardly believe its been a year. It's been a delight having you here and being able to learn so much from you. Love you!!1 xo

paris parfait said...

So glad you started blogging. Congrats on your first successful year and here's to many more! xo

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