5th blogiversary celebration give-away!
Five years ago I published my first blog post. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. In fact, I hired someone to create the blog for me and somehow stumbled my way through those first several posts.
Along the way, I picked up some technical skills, thanks to advice from my fellow bloggers and a referral to MaAnna at BlogAid. I also learned some writing and engagement skills, mostly by following the fine examples of other more experienced bloggers.
Five years later, I’m no expert…at times I still feel like a novice…but I have definitely learned a lot. And I’m still here. So that’s something.
By the numbers
The numbers certainly don’t tell the whole story—not even the most important part of the story—but for me, it’s fun to look at some stats. In the past five years, I have published 424 posts, including 19 vlogs, and received 3,572 much-appreciated comments from you, my friends. The most commented-on post is still Changing Course Mid Blog Post. If I were to choose my favorite posts from this past year, I think they would be Living with Intention and The Not So Simple Truth.
Time for presents
As I have done each blogiversary, I am celebrating by giving presents to five of you (one for each year)! There are several ways to enter. Good luck!
Your turn
Your comments earns you an extra entry in the drawing. Be sure to select that option above.
- If you are a blogger, when and why did you start?
- What’s the best prize you ever won?
- What else is on your mind today? Anything at all?
Hi Christie – happy 5th Blogaversary!! You did well to start the process by paying someone to get you up and running – I remember jumping in completely green and learning as I went – Google was my best friend for a loooonnnng time! It’s lovely that we’re both still blogging away and I entered your competition – because I do 90% of it already – so win/win!
I’m about to celebrate 6 years of blogging at the end of November and about 900 posts! It’s certainly been a wonderful journey and (although I’ve slowed down a bit) one I intend to continue on with into the future – nice to know that you’ll be on the journey with me xx
Thank you Leanne. I’ve loved being on this journey with you. You were one of the first people I connected with when I started blogging. Your encouragement and example has meant a lot to me. Thanks for entering the contest, but even more, thank you for the continual support…commenting, sharing, teaching…along the way.
Christie, congratulations on your 5th blogging anniversary. That is quite a milestone. Wishing you many years of inspiration to come.
Thank you Suzanne! As you know, it’s quite an adventure! Thank you for coming along with me.
A big CONGRATS my dear! Although I’m not a blogger, I am the proud husband of a blogger!
This is just one of you many talents, and although I might not say it, I’m always impressed of the determination and leg work you out into in everything that you do!
Here’s to many more blogs in your future.??
Thank you sweetheart! And thank you for always being my biggest supporter. Who else has a husband that sends her flowers on her blogging anniversary? You’re the best. XOXO
XOXO
Happy 5th. We started blogging at a similar time, but you’re much more advanced than me with vlogs and surveys! I’m playing along more to learn than to win.
Thank you for the kind words, Pat. The first drawing I ever did, I wrote down the names on little strips of paper, and pulled the winner out of a bowl! The next time I took note of what program another blogger used and gave it a whirl. It’s called Giveaway Tools. It’s free and easy to use. This journey is a learning process, if nothing else. I’ve so enjoyed sharing the journey with you.
Happy 5th! Fifth anniversary gifts are meant to be wood and I chose a shot of the loveliest tree ever for you but guess what – I cannot post it here so please, Christie, just imagine it, okay! 🙂
My turn:
1. Yes I am a blogger, I began in April 2014 to document a protracted recovery process, mostly for the amusement of all my friends in the dialysis unit.
2. The best prize I ever won was my wedding cake. It happened at a bridal show, a luxurious cake was far beyond our meagre budget, but Mum prodded me to enter and I won. Not only was it spectacularly beautiful (and huge) it was decorated with daisies which are my flower – I wore them in my hair (please don’t judge) I carried them, the church was positively festooned with them and they were the centrepieces on our supper tables. It was as if it was meant to be. Best winnings ever!
3. On my mind today is my sister-in-law, Brenda, and health care in remote communities. Although Ontario’s Ministry of Health proclaims that everyone has access to the same level of care, it simply isn’t true of Northern Ontario communities. This is poor Brenda’s second stay in hospital this month, they seem no closer to a diagnosis, the doc in charge of her care is uncommunicative and Brenda cannot have visitors because of the fresh uptick in positive COVID cases. It’s more than a soul should have to bear and I’d do absolutely anything to help her – including taking her place.
(Bet you’re sorry you asked now hey Christie?)
But I am grateful because yesterday I enjoyed a magnificent day out hiking in the spectacularly beautiful Ganaraska Forest. I am grateful because Cam and I are well and happy. I am grateful for my blogging friends who inspire me endlessly.
Happy Anniversary, Christie, and I hope the joy you bring to others returns to you tenfold! xx
Thank you, Pamela, for going to the effort to find the appropriate anniversary gift type and then the perfect photo. I’m picturing it now! Thanks also for answering all of my questions. I really do love getting to know my fellow bloggers. Your wedding sounds lovely and how wonderful to win the wedding cake of your dreams. I’m sending love and healing to your sister-in-law. May she be well-supported and surrounded by love. And finally, your hike does sound spectacular. Wishing you continued health and inspiration. Take care and enjoy!
Congrats, Christie! I read somewhere that the typical lifespan of a new blog is just 18 months. I’m so glad that you are one of those who keeps their blog going.
I started seven years ago, mostly to have a platform for my writing. Little did I know that I would meet so many great friends along the way.
The best thing I won? Actually two things: 1) a night at a downtown hotel, which included a carriage ride and dinner for two, and 2) a set of Bose noise-cancelling headphones (best thing ever to take on a long flight).
Thank you Janis! I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about letting the blog go a couple of times over the last five years, but I love the creative outlet and the wonderful connections I have made with people all over the world. Like you, that was a surprised for me. What great prizes you have won. You are a lucky lady! I won a three-night stay at a resort at the entrance to Zions Canyon. We had planned to use it this fall. Then COVID. I guess we have something to look forward to next year!
Congrats Christie!!
Thank you Dee! And thank you for all of the helpful advice you’ve given me over the years–especially in the beginning when I knew nothing. Do you remember suggesting I add share buttons? And your link party was the thing that helped me really start to connect with other bloggers. Thank you.
Awe, you’re too sweet but you’re welcome and glad I could be of help ♥
Congratulations Christie. I’m S glad you started blogging as I love popping in to catch up with you. That was a good decision you made to hire an expert to set up your blog. I wish I had done that. There were many headaches during the setup
Thank you Jennifer. I was completely lost…technically speaking…in the beginning. I’m not sure I wouldn’t have gotten it off the ground without help. I’m glad you were able to work past the headaches of setup. Otherwise, I probably would never have met you. Have a wonderful day!
Happy Blogiversary, Christie – I have been following you for most of this time and have greatly enjoyed your posts. Thank you for doing this giveaway. Very cool!
Thank you Donna. You were one of my earliest inspirations, and I still love following your blog today. Thank you for sticking around, and good luck in the drawing!
Congratulations Christie! I’ve loved your blog and always look forward to reading it. (It feels longer to me. ?)
Thank you Cindy. I appreciate your support over the years–for my blog and everything else! I love you!
I love you too sis!
Hi Christie, it’s always a joy to read your posts and congratulations on 5 years of blogging. It’s amazing the number of friends we make through our blogging isn’t it? Wishing you many more years of blogging and fun times ahead.
Thank you Deb! It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. I consider you among the friends I have been blessed to make on this journey.
Wow, congratulations on your Blogiversary, Christie! I have learned a great deal from you. I was not aware there is a “BlogAid.” I do find I am always a work in progress. I had my two year Blogiversary this August. I am still excited to read and write everyday. I look forward to many more years of reading your blog. Oh, ya, and the best thing I won……..A New Year’s Baby 39 years ago.
Thank you for those kind words Erica. I’m so glad we both decided to blog; otherwise, I probably never would have met you. I do enjoy your blog and appreciate your thoughtful comments on others. I did not know you had a New Year’s baby. How fun! Thanks for joining the celebration. Good luck in the drawing!