Five Things...On My First Blogiversary

1. Camaraderie...I think this is the main reason why I started doing this. I saw the dialog between bloggers and while I was a commenter on several fave blogs, I felt like I was still missing out. To be honest, I really didn't expect anyone to read this thing, except maybe my family, but I've been pleasantly surprised by the connections I've made doing this. I give you all a big squeezey hug for making me a part of your reading.

2. Inspiration and Impetus...I've been deeply changed by looking into others' lives and finding out what inspires them. I like having a forum where I can share what is currently floating my boat. Blogging also gives me an invisible deadline. I feel a need to produce and share...a new photo, a few more stitches completed on a project.

3. Swapping...This was also a reason why I wanted to start this thing. I spent a lot of time on the crafty blogs and saw all the amazing goodies folks received via swaps. Many of the swaps I ran across required you have a blog. So I started one. And the only swap I've participated in was with sweet Nina (which didn't require a blog) and the current postcard swap with the amazing Andrea (which also does not require a blog). As much as I love receiving mail, I know I'd always be the late participant getting my stuff in the mail and I'd be too worried about disappointing folks by sending out a lackluster array of goodies.

4. Stop it already! Ok, I can't tell you how many times I've thought about throwing in the towel. I'm distancing myself from the real world by focusing on online life. This is just self-indulgent noodling. I often type before I think things through. I'm a dork. But oh well. I continue for now.

5. The Date I Started This Thing...I purposely waited until the 23rd of May when I started, because I didn't want to start this blog on the anniversary of my Dad's passing. It happened, most unexpectedly, two years ago as of yesterday. Here I am today, thinking about it and I feel I need to mention it now, even if it's only in a small way (since I still don't feel very ready to talk much about it). I'm still confused by his death and somehow expect him to walk through my Mom's door on a Sunday afternoon, ready for a glass or two of wine and to tell us of his adventures. I wonder what he would have thought about this blogging thing.

Wow, didn't mean to end this party on a melancholy note. Let's raise another glass of champagne, shall we? Kidlet will toot the party horn.