CELEBRATING THE CONNECTIONS

It’s my 1st Bloggiversary!

One year ago today, I posted my very first blog post. I had no idea what I was doing. I sadly thought that my only “readers” would be my imaginary friends that deserted me when I was four years old. Much to my surprise, Wodo and Toady (said imaginary playmates-don’t be judgin, people) did not show but real life readers did.

Janie of Midlife Slices of was the first to comment on my blog (other than my next door neighbor whose arm may have been twisted). Janie was kind enough to link my blog on hers. It was that link that brought the rest in one way or another, I’m certain. Janie and I have a connection that is revealed by commenters who think we are related or confuse our husbands. I always have “some splainin” to do when someone leaves a comment about HBL (Janie’s hubby) and me. It was Janie who taught me so many bloggy tricks. I would make newbie mistakes and confess my obvious ignorance in the post. Janie was kind enough to email instructions and I would promptly go back and edit. She became my blog mentor and I was a constant pain in her arse for life the first few months. I’ve tried to pay it forward and offer my help to new bloggers wherever and whenever I can.

The funny (funny–odd, not funny-haha) thing is that the very same people who were the first to comment on my blog are still here and I’m honored to consider them treasured friends. People who don’t blog laugh at the idea that you have friends that you’ve never met in person. But special relationships develop and communities are formed. My bloggy buds are real life buds too. Our friendships have spilled over into real life. Email, telephone conversations, texting, tweeting and real life meet-ups are just a few ways that bloggyville has spilled over into SMBland. If a bloggy bud showed up at my door, they would be welcomed with open arms by my whole family (as long as they bring beer. *wink*)

The Fragrant Liar was there too. Of course she was known at that time as Nana of The Nana Diaries. Her tales of Miss America never fail to put a smile on my face. (Dang, I love that kid!) But more than that she’s a smart mouth, just like me. Now that’s a connection. Gotta love her.

Jan of the Famous Sushi Bar came over from MLS too. Jan’s quick wit and devil may care attitude captured my heart from the get-go. Not only that but we are almost positive that our mothers had to be related. Talk about a connection. Wouldn’t that be something!

Lori at My Life Interrupted, Jason from The Jason Show, Twentyfour at Heart and Midlife Mama were all there in the very beginning and they remain favorites of mine and have a very special place in my heart. Real connections.

Many have come for a visit over the last year and I’m grateful for each and every one. Some return, some move on. You don’t connect with everyone. You’re not meant to. Nevertheless I’ve found so many great blogs and bloggers that it’s difficult to keep up with all of them. But what I’ve also found here in bloggyville is something that I never expected. Real, live people with huge hearts and wonderful spirits that have become real friends. I cherish my friendships with all of you and I am forever changed. You have opened my eyes to new locales, different lifestyles and cultures. I see things through not just my own eyes but your eyes too. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t repeat in conversation something I’ve read here in your pages. We’ve connected. I hope you feel it too.

I had great hopes of doing something spectacular for my bloggiversary but when I tried to come up with a plan, I realized that what I really wanted to say most of all was:

Thank you!

from the bottom of my little pea-pickin heart.

Hugs,

Smart Mouth Broad