I love the chance to write, to be creative (or not), to express myself. If nothing else, the blog is my personal journal. I'm disappointed that we have had very little growth in those two years, but at least part of that non-growth is due to my refusal to participate in blog-hops, challenges, etc that would get the blog in front of more people. Not that there's anything wrong with any of those things - I read a lot of blogs that participate in them, and enjoy what I read, but they require commitment, organization, and other skills I'm short on. I've been frustrated when we've gone for days without a single comment, especially when I wrote something I felt especially proud of or excited about. But, I know I get busy or distracted and miss things, even on blogs I usually follow daily, or rush through the list to visit them all without taking time to comment. I have been known to wipe out the entire contents of Google Reader and start again when the back-log was overwhelming, so it's not surprising that others do the same. One of the most unexpected reactions has been how annoying and silly our kids think our blog is. Depending on the day, that's either hilarious or painful.
The thing that keeps me coming back to the keyboard in spite of the annoyances and discouragements is the friends I've made. There is an amazing sense of community among bloggers - especially book bloggers - and it's comforting to "belong". Scanning my reader, I quickly picked out eighteen blogs written by people I now consider friends. People I have come to know beyond just what they post; people who have shared life through comments, tweets and e-mails; people I would make the effort to meet in person should the opportunity present itself. And there are many other "new acquaintance" bloggers whom I look forward to getting to know.
Here's to more years of blogging and to our blogging friends! 
Congratulations on two years of blogging. It is a wonderful place to express yourself. I know it changed my life. I know that my blog grew as I got awards. I would go over and follow everyone who got the award and then the ones they passed it on to. I don't do that anymore.
ReplyDeleteA fun meme is Wednesday Hodgepodge. They do help to bring new people around. ((HUGS TO YOU))
Happy Bloganiversary! I just started following your blog so I'm looking forward to reading more in the days/years ahead. What I don't like about blog hops is everyone goes around following people's blogs and then you never see the people again, LOL. I like to get to know the people I read and the people who read me and consider a lot of my blogging buddies very dear friends. I enjoy Cate's 6WS meme because it is fun to see how people describe things going on in six words. I'm not much for awards, like to participate in giveaways, but I don't like on those that you have to follow to get into the giveaway. Giveaways shouldn't come with lots of rules, I think.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great community out there and great to get to know others through it and to read about other cultures, beliefs, etc. So that's why I keep doing it, and of course the friends I have made. I joke with hubby and say if we ever travel across country, I could pretty much stop in every state and meet someone I met through blogging :)
betty
Hope you enjoy many more years of blogging.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary! I have some mixed feelings about blogging, too. I think we're in the same boat. However, I'm so glad I've stuck it out with blogging and I'm so glad I found your blog. Please know that even if I don't comment, I read each and every one of your posts. You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I love that photo and quote above. So true.
Congratulations! That poster is brilliant :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your two years! Blogging, like most things, is a mixed bag of ups and downs, but usually worth the time and effort.
ReplyDeleteI glad that we've had the chance to get to know each other!