A lot of water has gone under the bridge since I wrote my first blog post on Sunday, August 24, 2008. I was newly unemployed after the daily paper I worked for decided to go digital and stop print publication. I decided I should enter the new online world with my own publication and have never looked back. I thought it would be a good way to keep my writing skills polished while I job hunted. I loved being able to showcase as many photos as I wanted to use and not have to worry about space or color or word count or any of the concerns of print.
After 30 years of writing for newspapers I started out with long posts very similar to the newspaper columns and feature articles I was known for at the time. Even as a columnist there was a limit to how much of myself could go into a column — even my garden columns. It took me quite a while to make the transition to blogging where it's OK if it's all about me! Unlike most bloggers I have never limited myself to one topic. All those years of being a generalist means I have too many interests and too much to say to stick to one topic. So you will find posts on food, fashion, history, politics, books and more in my little world.
Having had a successful journalism career before I ever began blogging, I don't worry about how many people are following me. So you won't find links to Amazon or giveaways or contests here. Just me writing about something I find of interest and hope you will as well. When I began the blog in 2008 I never expected to still be here nine years later. But I am a creature of habit who spent a life ruled by deadlines, so almost daily blogging seems entirely natural to me. I hope you will stay with me and we'll see if we can make it an even ten years!
Here's a link to my very first post that explains where the name of my blog originated and what it means.
I'm glad you're here, and I'm glad there aren't giveaways and pop up ads. You are a peaceful and thoughtful spot on the internet that I thoroughly enjoy visiting. Thanks for being here!
Posted by: Kristin | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 06:53 AM
Happy Blogaversary! I have been reading your blog for quite a few years. I so enjoy all of your topics of interest. Even what I am not so interested in I read because you write so well and can express your opinions convincingly.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 07:14 AM
Thanks for those kind words. Coming from a newspaper background, I am too used to editorial and advertising being rigorously separated to make that leap even on the blog. I remember once a local college sent everyone in the newsroom a mug filled with pencils with the school logo on everything for their anniversary. They all got sent back! Not that such a tiny thing could have influenced anyone, but it was the principle of the thing. Not sure how much that may or may not have changed in the years since I've been gone.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 07:42 AM
Before Mark and I went to the Chicago Fling in 2009 we started reading the blogs of everyone who was going to be there as a way to get to know them in advance. I am pretty sure that's how I discovered you. I think you and Pam Penick are pretty much the only bloggers from then that I still follow on a regular basis. And thanks for that nice compliment on my writing efforts.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 07:45 AM
Happy blogiversary! Here's to many more years of your well-written, interest laden posts! I always enjoy hearing and seeing what's on your mind!
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 08:58 AM
Ten years is just around the corner! I'm so glad to see new posts from you and I am thankful we've "found" each other!
Posted by: Loree / danger garden | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 10:04 AM
Me, too! And the fact that you and Peter usually post 5x a week encourages me to do the same.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 10:20 AM
I've always appreciated the time and effort it takes to blog. Even just being a reader can be a challenge at times. Your blog has been pretty effortless to read. I think I found you when you were doing the series about creating your garden. I drifted away for a while for some reason but was so happy to come back. You never disappoint. Congratulations on your anniversary.
Posted by: Barbara H. | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 06:23 PM
I picture you longtime readers and commenters when I write. Thanks for sticking with me.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 06:40 PM
Wow - did that fly by! It has been such a pleasure to follow you. Continue to write about whatever you choose. It has been wonderful to watch the garden evolve and to view your art work as well as Marc's. You have let us into your home, your garden and into your world. Thank you, Linda! fondly, Susan
Posted by: Susan Adler Sobol | Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 07:32 PM