Ten Years of Blogging

I know I haven't been updating the blog very much recently, and I probably only have about three readers left, but today is my ten year blogging anniversary.

I've been thinking about my blog a lot recently because one of my favorite bloggers, Mrs. G, is shuttering her long-time blog, Derfwad Manor, and I needed to do a little soul searching about my own blog and the usefulness of it.

I haven't had much time for writing lately, and there have been a lot of tender things that I haven't felt I could write about, which makes me feel vaguely dishonest.  But not all stories are mine to tell, and this blog has always been more about the highlights (and sometimes lowlights!) of my personal journey.  I started blogging in earnest after my foot surgery in 2007, and that has been a wild, twisty path. I am so grateful to be where I am, and interested in what's next.

In the end, I decided I'm not willing or ready to give it up.  For one thing, I've met some amazing people through this blog, people I call my friends now. And I'm about to hit a milestone birthday in February when I turn 50, and I'm sure I will have a lot to say about that. But mostly, I feel like I haven't said all that I'm supposed to about living with chronic pain, and finding one's way out of it.

So, thanks for your patience with me over the past few years, and thanks for sticking around.

Some of us have changed more than others in the last ten years.

Comments

ccr in MA said…
Happy blog-anniversary! I passed 8 years myself; it's one of those "that long?/already?" feelings. I'm glad you still turn up here from time to time.
Karen said…
Reader #2, checking in. It's true, I think of you as a friend, even though we only know each other thru the Internets. I look forward to more of your words.
No.3 Checking in! Happy blog-versary!
Carole D. said…
Well there is at least 4 of us!
momwhoknits said…
Guess I'm number 5, proving that you have more than three readers left!
Annabanana said…
I'm here, too, and always will be as long as you choose to share your beautiful soul with us! (or until our kids grow up completely and my boy is smart enough to convince your girl to marry him so we can be inlaws) :) Much love and happy anniversary to the woman who has helped me feel ok about being a mom and well, just me, for the past ten + years!
Miri said…
I am glad you still find a little to share here.
Linda D said…
I'm in. I see you mostly on Facebook, but it's been your blogged journey with your family that brought me here in the first place, and along the way, I too have found other interesting souls to learn from. So thank you for that also.
Happy 10-year blog-versary! I've been reading for almost that long - Jane was a toddler, I think. I always enjoy when you write a blog post, because snippets on Facebook just aren't enough. Your humor and compassion shine much brighter on the blog.
Lynn said…
What Rhonda said. I first met you on your blog, but I keep up with you on FB now. Your posts are always worth my time. Like you, I spend more time on FB than blogging (8 years!), but the blog gives me more space to puzzle things out.
Gerri said…
Happy Blogaversary :) I'm glad you're not giving it up.
Unknown said…
Happy blog-a-versary. So very blessed to have you, your family and your blog in my life. Stickwith it, we may need your humor and honesty as we send our first born off to college soon. Love you too the moon and back!!
Lane Aldridge said…
Looks like I'm #14. And I'm sure there are many others. I am not remembering how I 'found' you, but I do remember reading tons of blog entries immediately. I always love reading what you have to say and appreciate your sharing your journey.... Bless you, Barb!
Mokihana said…
Please don't give it up... I really love it....
Heather G. said…
Hang tough...Happy 8!
I'm fairly new here...lured in by your friendship and photos of Edward!!!! Happy anniversary. 10 years is quite an accomplishment. Here's to many more!
smalltownme said…
Yay! I would never have "met" a number of really great people without blogging. And you're one of them, even though we haven't met in real life. Happy Blogiversary! I love the picture!
Ei said…
I am NOT a know it all accountant, but I think I counted more than 3 readers.

I can't believe I've been reading your blog for ten years, Barb! That's quite an accomplishment for me. :)

I'm glad you are sticking around. You know I struggle a bit with the stories that are mine, versus the stories that belong to my people too. I think I've decided I'm ready to write some new stories of my own.
Unknown said…
Checking in from my little corner of the world (NZ) I discovered your blog a little over a year ago when I was struggling with a looming milestone birthday (40th). Your article written in 2005 described the very same way I was feeling in 2013. Its been a tough year of change for my family, and I also celebrated my milestone birthday (new beginnings) two weeks ago. I no longer have a well planned out future, but I'm ok with that. And although I may not always leave a comment, as long as you keep writing I'll keep reading.
Lizzy Perkins said…
I think I'm about reader 21 - so you're doing a lot better than you thought (isn't that always the way)!!
tanita✿davis said…
Happy blogversary. Y'all have fabulous hair, every last one of you.

Lucky bums.
Tenna Draper said…
Missed you. I've been quiet on the blog myself, trading off for Facebook(what a difference!) and updating my knitting accomplishments there.

But life has been so busy after retirement..oh who am I kidding. I've just been much too lazy. Hit me with a yoga stick, Barb, and both of us get back to the routine.
michiganme said…
Beautiful daughters! Happy anniversary,
Vicki said…
Happy blogiversary :)
Becca said…
#26!!! I first met you on this blog. We have shared a couple of similar experiences in life, and you helped me through one rough patch via private message on Facebook. Your compassion touched me deeply! I'm grateful to consider you my friend even if only through your posts. You do good work!
Katie Jennings said…
Another long time reader here, originally from Hoagies, actually, but very glad you're carrying on!
psam ordener said…
I don't know what number I am, but I always enjoy your blog and seeing your beautiful girls grow up. Lord, have I known you that long????
Anonymous said…
Love the photo and happy to add so the count
Laura said…
Funnily enough, 2004 was the lowest point of my life and your voice telling me "so the thing is..." was part of my journey out of that miasma. I too have two lovely girls (a little older than your beauties) and I have found a tonal harmony with your thoughts and struggles over the years. Thank you for that Barb - it's been delightful!
Rosie Cepeda said…
Hi Barb,
Glad that you won't be stopping your blog. I have to admit I don't always read them all but when I do it is always lovely and I do appreciate what you do. Stay well and continue your journey, I'm reading and don't plan to stop either! Happy Blogaversary!
Love, Mee
Murr Brewster said…
Why stop? It's just a nice pot ready on the stove, and you can throw in a carrot whenever you're good and ready.