Or at least … what’s in a blogging year?
I’m contemplating that very question as I sit out on my finally clean screened in porch. The rain and too many weekends of travel have kept me from enjoying it and I have missed spring and summer mornings out here. Breakfast is done and I sit here now in comfortably cool temps, hot coffee at hand and a multitude of birds singing in the background.
How lucky I am to live where I do! The house is far too big for one, what with the child moved on years ago, and 2 dogs and 1 cat also passed on. It’s now just me and Abby, and every so often I consider moving to a smaller place. Then I sit here on my porch, surrounded by nature (in the middle of my little city), basil growing in posts, rabbits (and deer) eating all my hostas (damnit), and I drop all thoughts of moving … for now.
But I digress.
One year ago, almost to the day, I started this blog as a way to communicate with family and friends while riding. Each year, I take a solo bike trip and I’m loved enough to have people worry about my safety. The first two years I typed a travel update via email from my Blackberry. I’d find a fun little pub or restaurant, order the house special and a good imported beer and write the days news. In searching for a better venue, I came to WordPress.
One thing led to another and I’ve now been posting for a year. I started Life on the Bike and Other Fab Things as a travel journal and method of communication and it has morphed into something much, much more.
Story Telling. Travel Journal. Photography Portfolio.
But after 12 months and 158 posts (now 159), it has become a passion, almost an addiction and has taken valuable time away from reading!
The two things that I did not anticipate?
1. Growth as a photographer – because of many of you! I have learned so much about the technique and artistry of photography and I have grown better (and more critical) of my efforts. I can not wait to find a weekend photography retreat to attend so I can continue to improve. Thanks to all of you out there for inspiring and teaching me.
2. Connections – I had no idea that I would find such an amazing community of bloggers. When I first signed on with WordPress and started trying to find my way around, I would read about the blogging community and was mystified. How would I ever connect with people? How would they ever find me? Then suddenly that first Like came … and then the first Follow (I still remember the thrill) and all of a sudden I was hooked! I love telling my local friends about the connections I have made in Australia, London, Norway, Canada, and in many other countries and various parts of the US. You all inspire me, uplift me, make me cry, and laugh out loud.
I have sighed, exclaimed and been envious over your photos.
I have been moved by your words and laughed at your jokes.
I’ve followed along on your adventures, been proud of your accomplishments, and wondered about you when you haven’t posted lately.
I’ve also lost hours of sleep and time spent with a books … ah well, it’s not all perfection.
To my family and friends: thanks for your patience with my requests to look at just a few more photos. My annual solo bike trip is planned for August (details pending) and I look forward to having you all along for the ride as always.
To my fellow bloggers: Thanks for coming sharing this amazing thing called blogging with me. You have made my life richer for embracing me into your community.
Life on the Bike and other Fab Things 
Thank you for a year of sharing your life in pictures. I’ve learned a lot about photography from you,
Liz, you’ve been such a great friend to read and comment. Thank YOU!
You echo the sentiments of many bloggers I know (including me) I had no idea what I was in for when I began a blog. Just thought I would record my stories… it’s so much more, a part of my life. I would find it hard to move from your beautiful place, too. Looks like a little piece of heaven to me. I would hang on to that as long as I was physically able. Love your porch (dirty or clean)
It truly has been a gratifying adventure! I’ve very much enjoyed your posts and look forward to more! Thanks for reading and commenting!
You have a wonderful blog; each visit here has been thoroughly enjoyable. Congratulations on a year. Wishing you many more!
I never realized how much blogging would impact me either. It’s been really fun!
Thank you so very much … your comments mean so much to me! Onward!!
WOW, your porch is my life long fantasy. A place to enjoy being outside without sqeeters is every Canadians idea of a perfect summer. I can relate on the reading thing. I struggle to finish books since I’m always floating around WordPress instead. Maybe we need a WordPress book club? HA. Happy anniversary LB, it’s been fun to hang out here and join you on your bike rides. I feel so cool when I’m along 😉 It’s a dandy littl’ community we got right here 😀
You’d love the “porch nights” my girl friends and I have. Lots of laughter! Come on down to Virginia! and yes .. the community is great and you are indeed part of it! 🙂 Thank you!
Sounds fab, ya never know! Ding dong, Boomdee calling…HA.
Anytime!!! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your ride with us. Love your porch!
I’m so lucky to have that porch … it is the first thing I added to the house when I moved in. A screened in porch was almost a constant no matter where we moved growing up and I have so many fond memories of dinners, time spent reading, and spending summer nights sleeping out there.
I can understand your reluctance to leave a place like that. It would be good medicine simply to sit on that porch and sip coffee and listen to the sounds of the critters and the trees. Thank you for your blogging friendship and thank you for your gorgeous photos! The irises above: to die for. That light, mixed with the colour of those flowers is stunning.
Thanks Crystal. I loved the irises and the shadow of the irises, too. Come on over for coffee sometime 🙂
Congratulations on a full year of blogging! It really is a life-changing experience. I’m so grateful to have found your blog and hope to one day ride with you! Keep on keepin’ on. 🙂
I’d love that ride, too!!
Congratulations on a year! I have enjoyed your journey. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures (I love the irises and shadow, and the sun (rise/set?) over the lake) and inspiring, fun/funny, heartfelt words. I look forward to porch-sitting!