With chattering teeth, wide eyes, and pounding heart I started my blog one year ago today.
I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into! I felt compelled to begin a blog as part of telling my story in the hopes of encouraging others to do the same.
Turns out, the blogging community has been a most surprising delight! I thought today was the perfect day to tell you the many ways you’ve all touched my life.
1. You’ve been accepting
2. You’ve been inspiring
3. You’ve been honest
4. You’ve been encouraging
5. You’ve nudged me to think outside my own box
6. You’ve blessed me with your incredible comments
7. You’ve supported me
8. You’ve emailed, called and written me
9. You’ve proven that the wonderful good people far outweigh the bad
10. And, many of you have shared your own stories.
Though I appreciate everyone involved in this blogging adventure, I’d like to give a quick shout-out to a few people who’ve truly gone above and beyond to encourage and support me.
Non-Bloggers:
Michelle, Janet, Vicki, Laura, Lynn, Sheri, and Linda-Thank you for your heartfelt encouragement, support, and honest feedback.
Bloggers:
Karen S. Elliott, Lora Lara, Heather Kopp, Dianne Gray, Susie Lindau – You’ve all given me something different, and I am grateful to each of you.
Jun 02, 2013 @ 23:05:05
Way to go. I’ve nominated you for the Most Influential Blog award. You may pick it up at: http://wp.me/p22zGl-yq.
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Jun 12, 2013 @ 15:48:50
Thank you, Sheri!
How sweet of you! I am very flattered!
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May 28, 2013 @ 17:06:16
Congratulations, and here’s to another year of adventures in writing!
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May 28, 2013 @ 18:01:42
Thanks, Allen!!
Happy Sailing 🙂
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May 27, 2013 @ 17:23:55
Happy Anniversary! I too have found out just how wonderful the blogging community is – and I am thankful to count you as one of my blogging friends! Here is to many many happy years writing and being a part of our lives.
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May 27, 2013 @ 19:51:48
Thanks, Patty. I am also grateful to have you as a blogging friend. You are such a wonderful example of sharing God’s love, and being so genuine.
You’ve been on my mind ever since you shared with us about your sweet husband passing on.
I know you’ll find a way to continue honoring him even while your heart heals from the loss.
Hugs and blessings to you, Patty.
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May 30, 2013 @ 16:45:47
Thank you for comforting and encouraging words. It is what I needed tonight. Hugs…
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May 30, 2013 @ 17:29:33
Words seem such a small thing to; but I’m glad they help. It’s so good to hear from you, Patty. You are so strong, even in the midst of your pain.
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May 27, 2013 @ 15:40:47
Congratulations on the first year of blogging! The community and camaraderie were an unexpected bonus for me, too. I feel like I’ve made some real friends here in the blogosphere. Here’s to year two!
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May 27, 2013 @ 19:49:00
Isn’t it grand? 🙂
Blogging friends, writing friends, life friends. Who could ask for more??
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May 27, 2013 @ 15:01:12
Congratulations — I hope you have many more!
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May 27, 2013 @ 19:48:05
Thank you!!!
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May 27, 2013 @ 14:55:54
Happy anniversary/b-day! Hard to believe it’s been a year already!
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May 27, 2013 @ 19:39:03
Thanks Takako!! 😉
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May 27, 2013 @ 14:26:46
Happy Blogiversary, Denise! It’s amazing to think about all the connections we make in just a year, isn’t it. I’m so glad that you’ve found value and friendship on your blogging journey. You have a lovely blog, and I’m glad to have found you. 🙂
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May 27, 2013 @ 14:39:38
So true, Kate! And it is so fun to find a new blog and discover evidence existing ‘friends’ have blazed the trail ahead of me!
There may be millions of bloggers, but I still feel like I’ve found a community to be at home in!
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May 27, 2013 @ 08:31:55
Congrats and personally I’m so glad you did start blogging a year ago or I’d have never met you here. You give a lot of the things on your list to me and I thank you from my heart. Yours is authentic, honest, and helps me to stretch a little with putting some of my stuff out there. Paulette P.S. and I wasn’t kidding about you biking down here some time. 🙂
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May 27, 2013 @ 12:09:17
Hey Paulette!! I am so glad we connected!
PS I already told hubby we’ve got to plan our ride down to California. He might have thought you were kidding, but I didn’t !!! 🙂
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May 27, 2013 @ 06:05:17
Congratulations on your one-year anniversary. It’s wonderful to have you as a fellow blogger and appreciate all of your hard work and sharing.
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May 27, 2013 @ 06:52:24
Thanks, Emily 🙂
I love your photography and reading about your exciting adventures! You are amazing!
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May 27, 2013 @ 03:54:44
Well, holy catfish, Happy Blogday. Er, Happy Blogbirth. Or, Happy Blog-a-versary!
YOU have been an inspiration to ME (and I had a great childhood). But your willingness to put it all out there, to continue to heal and grow, your ability to encourage others to do the same, your honesty and sincerity… You are a role model for me as well.
Congratulations on your special day!
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May 27, 2013 @ 06:50:24
Aww, Karen! It warms my heart for you to say so. Thank you!!! You were one of the first people to reach out to me and make me feel so welcome in the blogging community. I’ll never forget the feeling! You generously gave your encouragement and support (and advice when I asked for it!); and I am so appreciative. You are honest, passionate, and real. I do so love those things about you!!
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May 27, 2013 @ 02:30:09
Happy 1st birthday. Though I just recently found my way here, I look forward to sharing in the 2nd.year.
Many blessings-
Laurie
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May 27, 2013 @ 06:46:22
Thank you, Laurie! I enjoy the thoughtful take-aways you have on your blog. Short, but powerful!
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May 27, 2013 @ 02:22:54
Big (Hug -:)) Congratulations Denise -:)!
Blogging is one of the most interesting experiences and it took me by surprise too -:)!
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May 27, 2013 @ 06:44:26
Thanks, Daniela! I admire how you speak the truth on difficult topics, too!
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May 26, 2013 @ 20:26:01
Happy 1st year, Denise! It’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know you. How I admire your strength and character. I absolutely love reading your posts and I’m so glad you enjoy mine. I am so flattered that I’m included on your list. Thank you 😀
Here’s to many more very happy and prosperous blogging years ahead! 😉
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May 26, 2013 @ 21:01:23
Thanks, Dianne! You have been an inspiration to me on blogging ettiquite and such a wonderful, genuine person in general.
So glad we’ve connected. I look forward to reading your books, and getting to know you more that way, too! 😉
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May 26, 2013 @ 20:20:25
Congratulations and well done, Denise!!! 🙂
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May 26, 2013 @ 20:59:40
Thank you for being a wonderful part of my blogging experience!!!
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May 29, 2013 @ 20:21:27
I can say the same to you, Denise!!
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May 26, 2013 @ 18:22:01
Happy One year birthday, Denise!
You were one of my very first blogging friends, and it took reading only one post to see you were not only a gifted writer, but a solid and loving and honest journey friend. What a blessing to be a witness to your ongoing story of recovery. You are brave and very real, and you truly make an impact on people.
Your love and support for me during this last year helped cover me with grace as I lost my mom. It’s people like you where we learn the power of a kind word. Thank you for your many, many kind words to me.
And thanks for including me on your list. You know I feel the same about you.
Here’s to many, many more years of blogging (and MORE) for you. May God broaden your reach to deliver His loving hope for healing. Keep going, girl. We’re all behind you!
Hugs.
Lori
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May 26, 2013 @ 18:41:35
Thanks, Lori!! I’ll always be grateful to Michael Hyatt for connecting us! 🙂
It was such an amazing discovery to find you and realize we spoke the same ‘language’.
You are one of the most honest, passionate, and real people I’ve met; and your friendship has been such a gift to me.
God was surely smiling me on the day he crossed our paths!
xoxo
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May 26, 2013 @ 17:46:24
Congratulations on one year!!! You are an excellent blogger and writer and your posts of full on honesty and sincerity. So glad you made the decision to start your blog in the first place 🙂
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May 26, 2013 @ 18:37:48
Thank you Arlene! I’ve enjoyed the writing journey we’ve been on together!
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May 26, 2013 @ 17:16:36
You are growing as a blogger with every passing post, my friend! It’s been a joy to read and encourage you! Love you much!
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May 26, 2013 @ 18:36:15
Thanks, Laura!! Your insight and perspectives have been awesome!
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May 26, 2013 @ 16:40:51
Happy BlogBirthday, friend! You are amazing.
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May 26, 2013 @ 18:35:40
Thank you!! It’s been great getting to know you and enjoying your blog, too!
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May 26, 2013 @ 15:38:14
Happy First Year Blogging Denise! It’s wonderful how blogging opens so many doors for us, it’s a whole new way of life, and you have got the bug!
Looking forward to hearing more from you over the next year with your inspiring blog.
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May 26, 2013 @ 18:35:01
Thanks, Barb!! Pet lovers unite! 🙂
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May 26, 2013 @ 15:37:33
As I read your list of ten I couldn’t help but think of it as a description of you, Denise…I guess it proves that what we sow really is what we reap. I wish many more good things to keep coming your way!
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May 26, 2013 @ 18:34:23
Awww, thank you Vicki!!
You have been such an amazing support through this adventure! Thanks so much!
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