Blogging Anniversary

Hello Blogging Friends,

I have an anniversary for my blog. No landmark year like one, five or ten like some of you, just 4.

When I set out of this journey, I really didn't know what I thought it would be. I started it just before I retired from 31 years of teaching. I was going through some of the very big highs and lows that life offers. I was finishing a career that quite frankly the last ten years had consumed. Y'all teaching is very different now. I had just spent time planning my daughter's wedding all the while dealing with the upcoming death of my step dad (been in my life since age 11) from a pretty rough road of cancer.

I won't go through every play by play of all that, but suffice it to say it was an unbelievable year that took me some time to recover from. Lots of great moments coupled with some very sad moments.

I was hopeful though because I was turning a page on the chapters of my life.

I loved blogs from the first ones that I read which BTW were all teaching blogs. I ventured out to what I like to call home and family blogs. I have really tried to remember the first ones I read, but not sure of the titles of all of them. Sadly most have quit blogging. I do understand because sometimes you go through phases of life and they take over. I would say if you quit, let us know you are stopping!!!

I have to be honest...I am not even sure what I thought I would write about or how long I would do it. I just went for it. I never ever wanted it to be more than a hobby and community.

I am so shy so putting myself out there was hard for me. I really don't even think I cared if no one read it. I just wanted to keep a journal of the good things. I have to tell you I think I was shocked the first time someone commented. I like comments because they help you get to know others.

What is it about blogging that draws me in?

I simply love journaling the good things. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love going back to see photos of things past. It is like a glorified photo album.

I mostly write only the happy stuff, but trust me my life is far from perfect. I have ups and downs just like most other people. I say most other people, because I really think a few people in life go through it with few tough moments, but most of us don't.

I love it when others share how they have walked through a trial because it can be very helpful. I just tend to be a little quieter about life. However, don't ever think it is all roses here!

I love it when others share their homes, because I simply love home decor. I have loved it since I was a kid. I have looked at more books, magazines, etc. than most. However, one should never feel that theirs is not pretty enough to share. I love all homes and love to see how one makes 4 walls a home. Being lived in and feeling comfortable is way more important to me than magazine worthy!!!!!!!!

I love getting to know the people behind the blogs I read. I look forward to seeing what you are up to. The community behind the blog is so important. Life is about relationships and while we aren't in the same neighborhood, I have learned that we all have so much in common. One of my favorite things is to see photos of the other parts of the country and even the world.  As a kid, I always had my head in a book or an encyclopedia so I guess it is no wonder that I would love blogs.


 I think the downside to blogs is just like any other social media you have to be careful that you don't get carried away and start thinking I don't have so and so, or someone has it better.

When I get to feeling a bit uncomfortable I walk away and purposely stay off the computer and phone  for awhile. Fasting from it is a good thing.


I have absolutely no clue how long I will do this or what I will even write about.

I do know this...it will change as I go through the seasons of life.

One of my favorite Bible verses is "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

I am not making plans just going with the flow.

I love the friends I have made. I had no idea I would actually meet a blogging friend in person. It was wonderful. I truly love Arlene and am so glad we stepped out there to do that. Tamyra is just as darling as I thought... we met at an antique sale. Leslie Anne and I have emailed back and forth. We really need to get together. I wish I could meet all of you in person. Maybe one day.

I have learned so much from reading blogs.

My other thought about this four year anniversary is that a lot has happened in this four years. I have not written about tons of it, but seeing this blog reminds me of how much life has changed in the four years. I love retirement. IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING LIKE I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE, but I am all good with it.

Thanks friends for reading all my ramblings on life.

Sincerely,
Sandy