Blogiversary…now we are 2!
June 11, 2009 by Bird
Filed under Blog, Navel Gazing, Site News
Today I settled down to do some much overdue writing for this blog when I noticed there was something familiar about the date. After a bit of embarrassed rummaging I found that yes indeed, today is the second anniversary of The Birds In The Meadow.
It’s so easy for me to let dates like that go by, if I know what day it is at all I consider that good going. I missed the first anniversary and the fact that I’ve made it this far without celebrating seems wrong, so I’ve decided to have a whole week of festivities!
But before I write any more about that I’m going to think about these two years past and why blogging, crafting and this site mean so much to me.
To me, this site is…
- A diary. I never realised just how much blogging would become a record of some of the best bits of my life. I don’t write about much personal stuff here, but looking back over what I’ve written I see that this blog has grown into a living souvenir of big adventures, small insights and those ephemeral little things spotted along the way. Just looking back over these two years in the blog is often enough to keep me going when life feels rough.
- An open window. Through writing here I’ve also been given the chance to enter the insightful, funny, imaginative inner worlds of other people who write their own blogs. Some of these discoveries have been truly inspirational in ways that go beyond anything I could write here, and to those whose blogs I read I have to say a really big thank you for letting me in. Your candour, humour and warmth make being stuck behind a computer for several hours a day a far more rewarding experience, and encourages me with my own efforts.
- An apprenticeship. Since I opened the shop I’ve watched my practical crafting skills go from strength to strength. The imagination and diligence it takes to ensure that everything is robustly made and true to my recycled, repurposed or vintage ideal has tested my patience, tenacity and occasionally the will to live, but it’s been worth it just to know that what I make does not, as the old chestnut goes, cost the earth. What’s even better is knowing that there are people out there who care about these things as much as I do, and are prepared to take a chance on ordering from a small scale designer like me.
- A place of learning. I’m no wildlife expert; I have curiosity and a keen eye, and these things alone have got me a long way in the past. As a direct result of writing here and reading other nature blogs, my curiosity had become voracious and I realise with each passing day how little I know but want to know. I’ve learned more about insects and wildflowers in these past two years than I probably learned in the lifetime that went before, but I’ve barely scratched the surface. I read field guides as if they were novels and devour literature on local wildlife wherever I go, but I’m still hungry. The learning I should have started in childhood only really got into full swing quite recently, and as direct result of researching stuff to write about here, I’m musing very tentitavely on taking some higher education.
In honour of these things and many more, I’d like to offer you a generous slice of cake, a glass of whatever takes your fancy and a toast to all the good things that blogging and the internet can bring. Remind me of some more! What are you raising that glass to?
Wishing you a very happy 2nd blogiversary! How exciting. Mine has just turned 1 and I’m having trouble imagining what it will look like in another year’s time (assuming it makes it that far).
I’m gonna have a glass of red in your honour this evening, okay?
Svasti, I think I said when you had your first blogiversary that I just couldn’t believe you had only been writing it for one year, there was so much to read and your voice seemed so assured! If that is what you can achieve in one year, your blog will be mind blowing in two
I think I was still really tentative about the whole thing when I got to my first blogiversary… to the point that I didn’t even notice when it came around. I think (I hope) that I “get” what I’m trying to do far more now.
Oh, and cheers! (mine’s a bitter)
Happy Blogiversary, Bird!
Yowza! Two years. That’s great and I think you’ve done a fabulous job with your blog. I love how you let us readers into your thoughts as you describe your photos and exploits. I think I’ve said before how much I admire your writing style…so descriptive and from the heart. And I’m with you on the ‘open window’ thing. There are so many amazing stories and insights out there. I love to just amble through blogs to see what might pull me back…that’s how I came across your blog, early on in my own blogging days (I think I’ve said this before, too…holy cow…).
Anyways, Lucy and I thank you for being such a good friend, and I’ll join Svasti in raising a glass of red to you…we’ll have a par-tay! Blog on, Miss Bird!
Holly, you and Svasti and a couple others are who I had in mind when I wrote about that open window. And come to think of it, there are a few windows I’ve been neglecting sorely of late, and have to visit soon. I just wish there was more time!
And THANK YOU so much for all the support and encouragement you’ve given me since you found this blog, if it weren’t for that I probably wouldn’t still be writing here.
Well here’s a glass raised to you and Lucy, I do believe I just heard R coming home from work so I’m going to grab a beer and sit in the garden for a while. You are most cordially invited to join me and we’ll have that party…Cheers!
Happy belated second “blogiversary”! You’ve summed up blogs and blogging for most people very well… and I’m very happy to see you enjoying your online offering so much! Keep up the excellent efforts!
Thank you Matthew James Didier, you have one of the most entertaining blogs out there and I KNOW I don’t visit often enough so expect to find me flitting through your window more often in the future
Happy Second Bird!
The act of blogging (recording) helps you to improve your powers of reflection and ultimately makes you a better practioner in all you do. Heres to many more years happy blogging in the meadow!
Thank you Goo! You are right about blogging honing the power of reflection, I am sure I retain more knowledge when I research things that I want to write about here. And I have a hard time sometimes choosing what to write about, or the tone to use, which can only mean that I’m actually stopping and thinking instead of letting stuff wash over me and ultimately not stick. Blogging has been so helpful that way.
Happy blogiversary, Bird! Your pages are a joy to read, and I’m glad the act of blogging gives you some of the rewards you give others. Onward to 3!
Thank you James, if I make it to three I’ll be very happy!
Congratulations! Your cake is delicious. You got me wondering when my blogiversary is. . . I looked, and I guess I’ve been at this 3 1/2 years, now. Wow! I never really kept track. . . it doesn’t seem like that long. Most of that time I’ve been just a wee bit distracted by other wee things!
I’ve come to treasure blogging, for the record it leaves of fleeting days I might otherwise forget, for the way it makes me think, and for the blog friends I’ve “met” along the way.
A glass of red sounds lovely. . . but since it’s so hot here, I think I’ll toast with a frosty mojito instead! Mmmm.