Monday, February 18, 2013

Another Blog Birthday

When my friend Kate announced on Friday that her Centsational Girl blog was turning four, it reminded me to look at my own calendar. Yep, sure enough, Serenity Now had a "birthday" just yesterday! My  very first post went live on February 17, 2008. Never mind that it was pretty much a whole year before I wrote anything else. Just putting my thoughts "out there" was a big step, especially since I had a two year old and a newborn to keep me busy.

No one was reading (seriously, I had to ask my sister to click over and read), but I kept posting because it felt good to have something to say. Over time, readers trickled in. Four years after getting back into the groove of writing (and five years after the first post!), I've had the opportunity to work with some of my favorite brands and bloggers; I've even met some of you!

This blog has evolved from a place to share humorous musings and funny family stories into more of a creative home life blog. There have been times in the past year or so I've been discouraged by the decrease in comments with the popularity of Pinterest and other social media sites. I've considered cutting back on posts and even taking an extended break. Bloggers love to connect with their readers, and that's hard to do when you don't know if anyone is out there.

But I truly do appreciate those of you who take the time to stop by daily and read. Especially those of you who comment. That means a lot...because I know we're all busy! Your encouraging words make me want to keep going. I'd be creating and doing little projects regardless, but the thoughtful comments left here are the fuel I need to sit down and schedule those daily posts to go live at 8 am every morning.

Thanks to everyone for reading and supporting this humble little blog! If you're just starting out, keep plugging away. Make connections with other bloggers, leave comments, and be gracious. I'll never be a Kate or a Sarah or a Nester, but I can be myself and that will be good enough.

What are your favorite kinds of blog posts to read?

Have a great Monday!

16 comments:

  1. Happy blog birthday! I haven't been reading the whole time but I'm glad I finally found your blog. :)

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  2. Love your blog - don't always comment, but I'm reading :-)

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  3. Happy Anniversary!! You have a great blog and a lot to be proud of. Best Wishes! Laura

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  4. Your blog is amazing, Happy Birthday to You Serenity Now! Keep on bloggin' Amanda we love you!

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  5. Happy Anniversary!! I just found your blog yesterday and I will be reading and commenting because I LOVE your blog! I am a blogger newbie (only 1 month!) and looking at all you have created here gives me blog envy! You are helping me and you don't even know it! I have to agree how disappointing people not commenting can be... I know someone is reading because of the stats but am overjoyed when I FINALLY get a comment! (it has only happened a few times)
    Please know you are inspiring me!

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  6. You are just who you need to be! Comparison is the thief of joy. I am a daily reader, but don't often comment. I will work to do better on that. You are a great mom, and genuinely wonderful blogger!

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  7. I love this blog! Thank you for sharing all of your adventures :) Congratulations and here is to many more years!

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  8. Hi Amanda! Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy blog anniversary! Can you believe it's been five years since you hit "Publish" on that first post? (And can you believe that Michaela Byrd is five years old?!?)

    I am so happy for your continued success in the blogging world. You are just what you're called to be--light and salt in a world that needs it. I am proud that I know you.

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  9. Happy Bloggy Birthday! I'm so glad you kept going with it because yours is one of my favorites. When I have a full blog reader, and I see yours is one of the new posts, you get priority :)

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  10. Happy Blog Birthday!! I went to comment yesterday but it was when you were having technical difficulties. I love your blog and always look forward to your post, so happy you have decided to stick with it.

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  11. Great minds, my friend! We both hopped online at the same time, what a whirlwind right? Don't ever say "you'll never be a ...." you ARE good enough for everyone who reads your lovely blog and enjoys your posts as I do.
    Cheers to many more years together!
    xo
    Kate

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  12. Happy Blogging Birthday! Your blog is one of my very favorites!

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  13. I'm so glad to hear that I am not the only one that feels this way. Nobodies commented on my posts in a long time. Makes me sad. I've even thought about quitting.
    Happy birthday :)

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