I was sorting through my old posts, trying to recategorize them in an attempt to make things simpler for my readers (actually, I was at home alone for the first time in forever. After I clapped my hands to my face and ran around in circles screaming, I then realized that after I did five loads of laundry, the dishes, scrubbed the tub and toilet, vacuumed the entire house, weeded the garden, cooked that night’s dinner and ran a 5k, only 30 minutes had gone by, so I had to turn to my boring ol’ blog for something to do) By the way, newsflash: when you aren’t taking care of your kids, you have loads of free time on your hands.
The Simple Life of a Country Man’s Wife recently commented on an oldie but not a goodie and reading it brought me right back to that simpler time when I wrote some pretty crappy posts (okay, I still do that now, but I try to keep them at a minimum).
I haven’t written that many posts (it’s a wonder I can come up with one a month) so I didn’t have to dig very hard to find my first one, written a year ago. And this one is a doozy. Be prepared to laugh, cry and fall asleep. I am so proud of this post, so be gentle if you comment, readers. And, oh yeah, I apologize.
https://miraclemama.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/hello-world/
Now keep in mind I had ONE reader, my friend Lisa, who encouraged me to blog and I was very much against it. I didn’t like the idea of sending my innermost thoughts out there for strangers to read. Very scary. However, I’ve found the overwhelming majority of readers to be thoughtful, polite and extremely gracious when they visit. Some I have gotten to know by visiting their blogs, which I consider extensions of their home in a way. We’ve developed a mutual respect for each other and built each other up with the confidence we need to keep on writing and getting things out there. I love blogging now (quite a change from my eye-rolling earlier days). And, as always, my husband wants to thank you all for giving me something to do other than nagging.
So I would like to say thank you to all my readers. I do appreciate all of the feedback and comments. I am going to try to write more (and therefore, probably won’t because I just jinxed myself). I will also try to stop using (……) to fill you in on the voices in my head. I can’t promise anything though.
She's A Maineiac 
Congratulations on a year of blogging. 17,661 hits is quite impressive.
Thank you, Susan.
Go Darla! Go Darla! Go Darla!
Only one year, eh? Gracious, you are a natural.
It’s funny that you started in the summer, because you mentioned taking time off during this summer. Interesting. Or not. In any case, I’m thankful for your friend, Lisa. Happy 1yr anniversary!
Thanks, Lenore, I still want to take more time off this summer, but those voices in my head keep getting louder. Next thing I know I’m in front of the computer, eyes glazed over, typing more posts. *sigh* One more month until school starts so I will try to not write too much and spend it just chillin’.
Good for you! It’s wonderful to have these milestones of accomplishment. I have a Blogspot blog and I’m using WordPress to back-up. Now I’m cruising around WordPress to explore. You have a very lovely blog! Have a great day!
Thank you, Kay. You have a lovely blog as well. I hope you stick with wordpress, it really is a great place to write.
That explains the Reader overload (which was truly fun). My first post was true to form, with a “hopping in the tractor” and all. Nice work on one year of blogging! Right behind you this August. 🙂
I confess, I don’t know what this google reader thing is? I am so clueless, jeez. I want to read your very first “hopping in the tractor” post, I bet it’s just as great as all of your posts! Congrats to you on your upcoming first year.
My first year of blogging wasn’t nearly as successful as your first year. Congrats and keep writing.
Thanks, Lisa and your blog is one of the best out there, always excellent posts and a great following–I’d say that’s successful!
Congratulations on a year of blogging!! I’m so glad I came across it (and you) and continue to enjoy it regularly. (I didn’t even realize that I hit the one year mark last month). Here’s to several more years (and readers)!!
Sue, I am very grateful that we’ve connected. This is what I love about blogging. I’ve learned so much from you already. Such an incredible feeling to meet someone else with the same views and beliefs. Thanks for always being so upbeat and positive, I do appreciate it. Your last email was so chock-full of interesting things, I will have to find time later (after a few more cups of coffee) to respond. I hope you have a fantabulous day in the meantime!
Happy anniversary, Darla! I’m so glad to count you among my blogging friends and I look forward to reading (and rereading) your excellent posts. One of my favorites was the one about your bathroom escapist reading. I’m raising a glass in your honor tonight – to many more years of writing and laughing and laughing while you write!
Thanks, Mary. I just reread your snake post and I realized, you really need to post more, always a great read over at your blog. I get all excited when there’s a new entry from you! 🙂
Congrats on one year!!! I’m really glad you took the plunge and gave it a go a year ago – its been a pleasure getting to know you via wordpress! The time does fly though, doesnt it? I’m 6 months in, and i cant believe I made it this far!
p.s. I had no clue what a widget was when i started, and had to ask someone. LOL!
Good god, you’ve only been writing your blog six months?! You are amazing. Every time I read your posts, I am sucked right in and feel like I’m right there, crazy hectic antics and all. Your writing is always hilarious, bringing me to tears!
Hi! I am new to blogging. It’s amazing that your year has gone by. Thanks for sharing and I am loving what I am reading so far!
Cheers,
Louise
Thank you, Louise. I love the title of your blog, I will be sure to check it out. Happy blogging to you. 🙂
Congrats on one year!
Thanks, it just flew right on by.
Glad to have found this blog- I visited Maine many years ago and fell in love with it- Congrats on the year!
Maine is a great place to live. If someone could make the winters just a few months shorter it would be paradise. Thanks for visiting Critters and Crayons 🙂
Hi,
I’m also coming up to my 1st year here at WordPress as well. I have come across a couple of people that are in to their first 12mts. Great minds think alike. 🙂
Congrats on your first 12 mths, and it is wonderful the people you came across in the blogosphere, from all over the world, it does make the world seem a smaller place indeed. I know I’m relatively new here at your blog compared to a lot of your followers, but I have enjoyed a lot of your posts, and you have a lovely style that brings a smile as well.
Thanks, Mags. Congrats to your 1 year as well! And I am happy you continue to visit and comment. That’s the other thing I love about blogging, you meet people from all over the world.
Now you made me go back and check out how I started. I have started in January and so it is not yet a year. I have to admit, I see progress from that first post and there should be. You need those first posts to show you what you are really capable of accomplishing. I did not think your post was too bad. 🙂
The whole concept of writing to people was unknown to me, so my writing seemed rough and unsure. Now I know that I write for whoever wants to come around to read it. You did well on your hits- that is an awful lot. I will remain silent on my stat number for the time being. Congrats on a year of blogging.
Thanks, Logophile. This blogging thing is very strange. Almost like a public diary. First, I was writing pretty freely, knowing no one was reading it. Now, I have to remind myself to keep that fresh uncensored view while knowing someone out there is reading. But when I feel that idea pop up and I have that urge to write, I can’t stop myself, I have to get it out. It’s good therapy. It’s a little scary, especially when I write about serious heavier stuff like death….but it’s also exhilirating taking that chance and letting my true self come out. If people like it, great, if not, oh well.
I love reading your blog . . . It’s entertaining and I wish you congratulations on a year of blogging.
Thanks, writerwannabe. I always have this fear I’ll run out of things to say…but my husband would disagree.
You have a lot to be proud of, Darla. Your writing keeps getting better and better, and you continue to attract (and keep) readers. You know all too well how busy people are, so that loyalty says a lot. I look forward to the next year, and beyond.
I feel the same about your blog, always looking forward to it. Thanks, Charles.
Happy First Birthday! I’m looking forward to reading your ‘diary’ in the coming years!
Thank you, Margie. I look forward to reading more of your blog as well.
While this is a few days late: happy bloggibirthday to you, happy bloggibirthday to you, happibloggibird… birthday… dear darla, happy birdybloggith… birthy… well, you know what I mean. 🙂
Why, thank you, Val! And I have to say you have a beautiful singing voice! 🙂
Love it! Love the first post. So fun to look back! And look how far you’ve come. I like this new theme you got going here! I’ve been so behind on blogging and reading blogs lately. Ugh. One of these days…Oh and I’ll be up in your state later this week!!? Crazy huh? I love Maine in the summer 🙂
I can see where you’d be behind on blogging! No worries, I don’t have nearly as much going on as you and I’m finding it hard to keep up just reading other blogs lately. So I think another blog break is in the works. I want to enjoy the rest of the summer, what’s left of it anyway. Enjoy your stay in our lovely state! It is beautiful here right now.
Just read this one and didn’t realize you’ve just been at this a little over a year. You are so good at it, I thought you’d been doing it a long time. I am a big fan or yours, in case you haven’t noticed! Love your point of view, love hearing about your family, love your writing, Darla.
Your comments have really made my day! Thank you. (and of course, you already know I’m a big fan of yours as well)
Congrats on a year of blogging! I’m a newcomer to your blog (and to blogging — only 6 months for me) but I can certainly see why you’re so successful! Wonderful posts. And a fellow Mainer to boot! Happy anniversary!!
Thank you, Julia. Love your name (it happens to be my daughter’s) Welcome to my blog. I look forward to checking yours out now. 🙂
I couldn’t agree more – I used to feel the same way and am blown away by how supportive this WordPress community is! Speaking of, thanks SO much for subscribing to my blog today. I absolutely loved your FTIAT guest post and really appreciate your sharing the story.
I never thought blogging was worth doing…or would bring so many people together from all over the world. Blows my mind, too! I love your blog. I saw you on Monster and then Good Greatsby and had to check it out. Isn’t it funny how many readers seem to run in the same blogging circles? (or is this just something only I’ve noticed? lol)