Reflections on Blogging for two years

Yesterday I tried to to do all my chores so I could spend today celebrating my two year blogaversary.

I vacuumed, went grocery shopping, cleaned my car. By 6 o'clock I was tired and just wanted a few minutes to lay in my hammock and contemplate the patterns of the leaves. Even though everyone was happily occupied in the house when I went outside, Maggie soon wanted to be with me. Which is lovely because she is lovely.

But...

I just wanted to be.

I sent her inside to find the camera...buying myself a few more breaths of silence.

See her sweetness?

 

Of course Ethan wanted to join us....

and too quickly it was time for me to make dinner.

Finally at 10 o'clock I was alone my thoughts...

When I become enchanted with a blogger I often go back and read their first post just to understand...

Here it is~ My First Post!

This is my first Illustration Friday Contribution. (you can click on it to make it bigger)

I don't remember exactly how I stumbled upon IF, But I am glad I did. When I first started blogging I really looked forward to every Friday to see what the new topic would be. IF has stretched me as well as introduced me to many wonderful blogs.

I don't participate as often anymore.

But I made this collage the other day sitting at the table waiting for my friend to pick me up for a (much needed) girls night out. I love keeping bits of my life and then adding them to a journal with a glue stick. Ethan and Maggie were creating by my side while we listened to the Wicked soundtrack Sean downloaded onto my phone.

Bliss! Collage and Blogging started for me around the same time.

Both together = Bliss!

I think it fits the theme of Visitor at IF this week.

Here is my first self portrait back when it was called Self Portrait Tuesday

I liked all these posts from September 2005 ~My voice different, more formal, but more poetic.

I want to write about what is next but Ethan has suddenly become obsessed with the fact that I have holes in my ears from earrings.

were you born with those holes?

I continue to balance it all...

in a few weeks I will have almost 3 hours a day to myself while the children are in school.

I will actually be able to hear myself think

I think.

I feel...

More than words can say

I am pushed over the edge, but in such a good unexplainable way.

Come with me...

1. art by Mary Ann McKeating, 2. photos by Deb Richardson, 3. art by Susn Tuttle, 4. Choker Necklace with "Inspire Me" Collaged Pendant, 5. JustBe Connected, 6. collaged pendants, 7. art by Kari Ramstrom, 8. photos by Deb Richardson, 9. art by Lia Kent

Collage by Jes. I still have to make mine.

Comments

[shona]

I wanted to say how lovely that photo of you is, the one for SPC. You look like such a nice momma and person :) Congratulations for making it 2 years and going strong.

[Marilyn]

Happy Blogiversary! It seems so amazing that JustBe is ALMOST HERE...doesn't seem that long ago that you first came up with the idea. I'm really, really proud of you, Melba. You had an idea and an inspiration and you FOLLOWED IT THROUGH. And that is nothing short of A VERY GREAT THING. xoxo

[angela]

happy anniversary! your collage work is great and inspiration, as is your posting. so happy to have connected :)

[Janet]

Congratulations on two years of blogging Melba! I love that idea of a blogging revolution too. It's such a beautiful thing when people find their voice and begin to find themselves more and more at home with their true selves. This has been a powerful feeling for me and sounds like for you too.
Blog on xoxJ

[DebR]

Happy Blogiversary, Melba!! :-)

[surcie]

I'm not sure how I found your blog, but I'm glad I did. I'm really interested in doing this kind of collage. You've inspired me!

[melanie]

Yay for two years of blogging (I've been doing this for 2+ years too!) CRAZY!!! lovely photos!

[miriam]

I love your take on the pattern theme here. Thinking outside of the box on a word is always so interesting. Breaks up the pattern...snort! :) Seriously, I think your blog is wonderful and I love how you share your journal. You often inspire me to want to do the same, to open myself up that way. I, however, don't journal much. I should really start that...even if it's only a few words a day. Happy Blogaversary!

[Jessie]

Happy Bloggerversary, Melba! This post makes me think about my own blogging journey. It is interesting the way it has evolved. I started blogging strictly as a writing practice, an anonymous place where I could put my words out for the world to find or not find. I blogged because it was an exciting and new place--like a secret fort. ;) Now I blog just as much to keep writing as I do to keep in touch with the friends I made along the way. In the beginning I never got comments. People I knew from college all read my blog, but they very rarely supported each other with comments (and that's still the case). When I stumbled upon artist's way, a whole new sense of community opened up to me. It amazes me how fellow bloggers have become some of my very best friends. And it is a good feeling to know that such friendships exist.

Happy blogging to you!!
Much love,
j.

[wishstudio]

i can't imagine what this blogworld would be without you melanie! you ARE that spark that you apire to be, and with your bravery, creativity and passion you have raised the bar for what is truly possible! happy anniversary :)

[Lisa]

Happy Bloggiversary. I'm so glad that you did it just the way you did. It was wonderful reading your first post. Even then you talked about connecting.

You're a really special woman and it's wonderful the way you share your heart with us. Thank you.

[deb]

How 'bout that? ... we're almost the same age (blog-wise). Happy Blog-day. Keep on shining. D

[mary ann]

happy 2nd bloggy-versary!! 3 cheers for you!!! hip, hip, hooray!!!

xo mary ann

[bella]

Your blog is beautiful.
So are you.

[bella]

Happy Anniversary my good friend. It's so nice to see that you can look back over that last 2 years and see the growth and the change. There is a quote in a book I'm reading right now: " The purpose of writing is to see things as they are, to see the world more clearly, and to rejoice in this clarity of vision."
I hope you enjoy your day and I look forward to many more inspiring posts on your colorful bloggy. xo

[Delia]

Happy blogging anniversary--glad you are still going strong!
Love,
D.

[krista]

Happy Blogiversary Melba!!! Hey, do you remember how we met? Was it through IF?

I am so glad you blog, and keep blogging, and glad too that you feel whole.

Love to you always,
krista

[tinker]

Congratulations on your 2 year Blogiversary, Melba! I am so glad you started blogging, so I could get to know you through your words and images.
Thank you so much for the wonderful prize - I loved it all - and your collage box is beautiful! I have it up on my blog now, to share with everyone.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! XOXO

[Georgia]

Happy Blogiversary :)

[Amber]

Melba, this post is so full of peace. Just a good feeling here. Thank you. I needed it.

So much love to you, friend.

:)

[Ambriel]

Dear Melba,

Congratulations on your second anniversary of blogging. It's been wonderful to take the journey with you.

Blessings from Ambriel