happy anniversary to me!

Oh! I can’t believe I missed it - my one year anniversary in the blogosphere! I began my blog July 3, 2005. I feel I should share some thoughts.When I first heard of blogging, I thought it was really kind of weird and geeky (sorry all!), and I thought I could find better ways of spending my time. But, then I discovered my friend Matthew’s blog, littlewoodenman, and I thought it was a really interesting way to keep in touch with friends all around the world. Then, I discovered my friend Kathleen’s blog, and although it seems like she has given up on blogging lately (!!!), I saw how a blog could be a place to vent, to share feelings and thoughts, and that it was really a neat way to get a glimpse inside the mind of a friend - kind of like being invited to read someone’s diary. So, looking for a creative outlet, I decided I would try it out.

At first, only friends and acquaintences came by to visit and comment (often sarcastically, thanks Matthew and Kris!). But then as I discovered the blogosphere (my little name for blogging culture), I began leaving comments of my own on the blogs of strangers. I would blog-hop along until I found something interesting, and drop a line or two. Then all of a sudden, people were jumping over to my blog, and leaving comments (thanks l>t and Marc Andre!). And now look! I never would have guessed that I would ever have a weekly feature, much less blog-buddies who comment regularly, get into discussions of their own, and keep conversations going for more than 60 comments! This blogging thing has really taken on a life of its own!

So, happy anniversary to me! and many thanks to all of you who keep me engaged and interested, who provoke and rankle, who support and encourage, and who keep on reading even when things take a turn that you may not agree with. I greatly value debate, and many of you have really helped me/forced me to refine my arguments and open up to new ideas. Here’s to blogging!