Tuesday, August 25, 2009

365 Days and Counting—The Year in Review

Today marks the first anniversary of the day I began blogging. I started “Life in the Slow Lane” at the suggestion of my youngest son, Ben. You can read all about it HERE.

taziki tailgate 002taziki tailgate 002 Choosing a title was easy, since LBeau is notorious for driving in the slow lane. That first post was one of many I have done with LBeau as the main character. In fact, at first my three boys were so enthusiastic about writing LBeau stories that they promised to become contributors. It didn’t happen, so I’ve been going it alone.

Scott and Melissa 005DSC_0260cFor a long time my only readers were family members and a few friends. My niece Mandy was the first person to post a comment when she welcomed me to blogging on my very first post. My friend NICK was the first person to “officially” become a follower.

Picture2DSCF1197 One day my sister-in-law Susie passed on a link to her friend LAURIE’S BLOG. And there I discovered the world of Metamorphosis Monday, Outdoor Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday, What’s on Your Wall Wednesday (Wednesday was a busy day), Tablescape Thursday, Foodie Friday, Pink Saturday and Sunday Favorites.

My very first meme was for Wordless Wednesday on February 18, 2009. All of a sudden I went from two or three comments to 11. Wow, there are people out there who will actually read what I have to say.

Along the way, I’ve written about friends and family, birthdays and weddings, growing up in a small town in a different era, and whatever else strikes my fancy. I’ve also picked up followers—77 of them in fact.

I thought I might reach 200 posts by the end of my first year. I didn’t quite make it. This is post number 199.

I’ve been trying to think of something I can give away as a thank you to my readers. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about my blog is tweaking the look to make it unique. At some point I discovered the cute free backgrounds that are available on The Cutest Blog on the Block and other places. I tried one of those for a while, but then I decided I wanted to make my own background.

So if anyone out there is interested, I am giving away a new blog background just for you. Just let me know via your comment that you would be interested (you can comment anyway, even if you aren't interested). You don’t even have to promise to use it. And please keep in mind that I’m not a professional. After a week, I’ll randomly draw one blogger for the free background.

And thanks again for reading.

15 comments:

Keetha Broyles said...

I'm so glad you started blogging and that you found me or I found you or however that worked out!!!

BTW - - - I'm really SURPRISED you've only been blogging a year!!!

Unknown said...

Congrats!

And you have all those followers and I have 6....ah well, that way I have no PRESSURE ;-)

Your blog has really been enjoyable, even though as a fellow male I do periodically have to take up for poor LBeau, who is only following our nature.

Looking forward to many more years of posts.

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Happy blogaversary! So glad to have met you along the way -- It's so much fun to make friends along the way and connections from all over. I would love to have a new "look" on my blog - so count me in!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Kathy, congratulations! You've been blogging longer than I have! It has been so much fun getting to "know" you through blogging. I'm so glad Susie sent you over to my blog, so that our little corner of Blogville could meet you. Thanks for the mention. laurie

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Congratulations on blogging for a year. Mine comes up in December and it has been quite a ride. It is amazing how much I have learned and how much I have yet to learn.

Do you know how to back up a computer to a disk? I would love to know how...and...how on earth did you learn to do backgrounds? I pay for mine..so you can see what I mean when I say I have lots more to learn! :)

Backing up is a mystery to me..
Thanks for any help you can give me..
Mona

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS!! happy to have found a fellow 'arky' and i enjoy reading your blog. :) keep up the great work!!
have a blessed week.. and here's to another year!!
-Tracie

Joy Tilton said...

I didn't even know I had all of this in me waiting to write down and share! I enjoy your blog so very much and look forward to my "Dashboard" every morning.

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Congratulations on one year!!! I love your blog and you know I am a follower!

Lou Cinda :)

xinex said...

Congrats onm a year anniversary, Kathy! I am glad you started blogging cause I really enjoy visiting...Christine

arkie said...

Congratulations on your almost 200th post! I have been trying to learn more about blogging for several months now. (I'm nowhere near 200 posts!) Had a little setback, when I fractured my right wrist. (I am very right handed!) Your blog looks very good to me! I would love a new blog design! I just haven't ventured out to do it yet, for myself.

Areta said...

Happy one year KBeau! I love reading your blog but wont be able to read as much now that work has blocked the blogging world! oh what is a girl with a full-time job to do?!

Candy said...

Happy BLOGDAY! I know what you mean about it all...comments left, how exciting. A new follower, yeah! You have been one of my faithfuls and it is always fun to see the 'lady with the big red hog' has stopped by. Congrats!!! I'm not ready to change my page design yet but will look forward to following the adventure.
Glad our paths crossed on this journey ;-)

LV said...

You have come a long way since you started in the blog world. That is quite a feat to have that many post and so many followers. I think it is super great. Best wishes. I am always thrilled when someone leaves me a comment. So thanks for yours.

jninecostumes said...

Congratulations on your blogaversary!

Sue said...

Wowie- a whole year! I'm glad you have had a good time with it. I always enjoy my visits here. Just read your shower post. You girls did it right! I will be "borrowing" your idea of setting out the gifts for display when I put on a luncheon for my god-daughter Annie during her spring break shower. Such a nice alternative to watching someone open gift after gift...
I'm so behind- so I'm off to read some more...
hugs, Sue