Thursday, August 12, 2010

When Why You Began Blogging Turns Into Why You Keep Blogging

On February 27, 2010, my family stood behind me while I pushed "Publish Post." I remember sweating palms, a tingling scalp, and excitement that I hadn't felt in years.

I remember the 4 men that I live with shouting "Yeah! Mom! You did it!"  I remember all my boys saying, "I can't believe you did it, Mom!"

I remember the women who encouraged me to start my own blog, Naomi, Jessica, Suzy, Ellen, Shari, Daphne.   I had commented on all their blogs, and each had told me I had said enough in the little boxes to continue on my own. Thank you.

I began blogging out of a need that I've always, always felt: to write. To read.

What I never expected, what I never anticipated, would be part of this whole, huge, new, prism to my life, was this:

Thank you, Tarja, from The Flying Chalupa. They're beautiful!

Why I began blogging has turned into why I keep blogging. Tarja of The Flying Chalupa, is one reason. There are 453 other reasons why I keep blogging in the small boxes with the pictures to the right. These are the people that have become part of my life now. 

I love you, Tarja. Thank you, more than my feeble attempts at the right words can ever say. I hope you feel what I'm trying to tell you from way over here. And thank you, to all of you, on the right. You don't know how you've changed my life, but you have. You have become the reasons I keep blogging.  

Thank you to each of you for visiting, commenting, reading, following, caring.  

Sorry, Tarja, and all of you, nothing funny here today. You all have me counting my blessings, feeling so dang lucky, and have left me pretty misty eyed right now.

Thank you.So.Very.Much. 453 times.

77 comments:

  1. Um, where my damn flowers?

    Chalupa, after all we've been through together....sigh.

    They're lovely! Glad you had a nice surprise today!

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  2. Awww, so pretty and so sweet! Isn't amazing how these strangers turn into good friends. On blogger is coming up to stay with me for a week in October and I already feel like we are besties. SUCH a great community to be a part of!

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  3. Blogging has changed my life forever. I have made true, true friends.

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  4. I know what you mean. I have found honesty ,sincerity love and friendship through my blogging. I wrote a piece of Why I blog.
    I so enjoy this time.....

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  5. Lovely flowers, it's great to have supportive blog buddies.

    Have a lovely day,
    Jade

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  6. aww. I know what you mean. I only started blogging in April and I never dreamed I would find such a sense of community and truly make new friends. It's been a really great surprise.

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  7. I'm so grateful that we found each other in this blog world. I look forward to reading your entries, always full of insight with a great sense of humor. I'm happy to call you my friend! Keep it up!

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  8. This is such a sweet post. I ask myself every now and then why I blog and I tell myself that as long as I'm doing it because I want to, I'm in good shape. I started blogging for similar reasons as you and I had no idea I'd love it as much as I do! It's such a gift to be able to express ourselves, have a creative outlet that doesn't demand more than we can give it and to have the added bonus of meeting and interacting with other wonderful souls.

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  9. See, it's because you started blogging on my birthday that brought you such good luck. Something amazing must happen on that day due to my awesomeness.

    Gorgeous flowers! I'm jealous! We wuv you, Celine... er, I mean Empress.

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  10. What a beautiful gesture. I don't need constant funny to keep me coming back. I just need real.

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  11. So true.
    It starts as one thing and ends up being quite another...

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  12. You're certainly not alone. And sometimes, someone out there will reach out and be in touch... such a wonderful feeling of connectedness, no? Keep blogging!

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  13. What a great post, and so true....when I started back in February, I hoped someone would read my stuff, and I would find fun stuff TO read. I never imagined that I would find such fun, thoughtful, and wonderful friends in our little bloggy world. It's a reason to keep blogging for sure.....

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  14. I have made friends through blogging.

    I can't believe I nearly was going to end it this year, but something happened to me near closing it down, that I had to keep on blogging.

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  15. Very nice -- are they virtual flowers or real flowers. Not that the sentiment is different; I'm just nosy!

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  16. The blogging community certainly is very supportive isn't it?! Beautiful flowers:)
    Keep doing what you're doing!

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  17. Beautiful flowers!

    It's interesting how much the kids become involved. Mine will occasionally ask how many followers I have, and if I've gotten a new one, they are SO excited! All the support I need to keep going!

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  18. Every word is so true. Funny.....I made a note in draft a few days ago to write a totally serious and heartfelt blog to thank my bloggy buddies and even bloggers whom I haven't even met yet.......you are all the greatest people in the world.

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  19. What a lovely thing to do. But such a deserving lady.

    And you are one of the very reasons that keeps me here. This blogger world is such an empowering, amazing place to be and I feel so privileged to be a part of it. We are lucky indeed to have you here with us, my darling friend.

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  20. Awww, we're post twins today! Sending you virtual flowers and continued blogging love!

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  21. Blogging friends are fantastic. I had a 3 year blogging break and was welcomed back with open arms. A great supportive community this is.

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  22. I started blogging as a way to keep in touch with friends that live too far away to see often. Along the way, I've had experiences and met people and been uplifted and inspired in ways I never could have imagined.

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  23. I found your site from Servant To a King. I love it. I’m going to poke around a little bit, but don’t worry I’ll put everything back where I found it!!

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  24. To find your creative outlet is a completely liberating experience. This space so totally fits you. Long live the Empress!
    Enjoy the day!
    Erin

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  25. Very sweet post. I'm glad you found your "place" and something that makes you so happy. I'm just so amazed and impressed with people like you that have SO MANY followers so fast. But good for you.

    Beautiful flowers, and I'm sure they were well deserved.

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  26. That is so very sweet. You are a special person, I know I am so very glad to have "met" you. I love that your whole family was cheering you on a the get-go! Here's to many more years of writing, blogging, making friends :)

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  27. A whole new world is opening up for me too since I've recently started blogging myself a couple of months ago. I started with the exact same need you had to write. And read.

    At this time as navigate through these blog waters with a cozy number of 9 blog friends/followers to date, I too am grateful to be a part of a new found community. What a bonus! I especially am grateful for the unexpected visits to my blog home such as yours those couple of months ago. Those warm my heart completely. So much thanks back to you, Empress. You inspire this mama of 3 boys to keep blogging.

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  28. I had no idea what I was in for either. The writing and reading is amazing - but the friendships? I couldn't have imagined it.

    An it is all such a blessing.
    So glad you're here.

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  29. WOW? You have THAT many followers and you started in Feb??? Geez.. I started a looooong time ago and I have waaaaaaaay less. What are your secrets??? My word!

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  30. i started beacuse a friend nagged me until i did...

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  31. You deserve them. Your words inspire us to be better- better writers, better bloggers, better people.

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  32. I know exactly what you mean and how you feel. And I'm privileged to be one of these 453 people. You've built an incredible empire here in such a short time---but it's really no surprise considering your content, your personality, and, well, YOU.

    ;-)

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  33. Beautiful flowers and a lovely post.

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  34. Suzy implies that you are one to be followed so consider me signed on. I feel our new relationship will be filling a hole in my life.

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  35. And there are 453 reasons why you're loved & adored & needed by the rest of us!! You are an amazing & supportive friend, & a highly entertaining writer! You rock lady! I bow before your awesomeness Empress!

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  36. I know. Isn't it wonderful!

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  37. you my dear are awesome. also holy snap you have only been blogging since Feb.!?, you are such a pro!

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  38. I too am privileged to be one of 453 I just found ya through a few other mutual bloggers. I think that is what makes this so enjoyable. The ability to find new people like treasures through the pages of our friends..

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  39. Very sweet post!

    It is those connections with those little faces in that box that keep me writing, too.

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  40. blogging rocks. and so do you, lady!

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  41. I never thought I would say this, but blogging has changed me forever too. I love your reasons for blogging - they ring true to me.

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  42. Empress,
    Whatever you put your hand to will prosper. Your wonderful comments, concern for others, and intelligent humour make me wish i could knock on your door with a cup of coffee in hand to spend a few hours discussing pretty much anything. And I know I'm not the only one.
    You pretty much rock!
    Dana

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  43. You know what's better than a bouquet of flowers? Discovering, at the end of a long day, this beautiful post from someone I truly consider a friend and mentor. You are very welcome, Alexandra. If I had an "in" at FTD, you'd be swimming in flowers.
    Much love,
    Your little Chalupa

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  44. Well I am definitely glad that you decided to become a blogger. And you don't dare ever leave!

    (Not that you would) :)

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  45. That is awesome. I remember my mom posting her first real post, so unsure of herself. Then the next thing I know, she doesn't need me any more and she was a blogging fiend!

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  46. ditto. every bit. okay, well, except change the number to 92... I'm just getting started I guess :)

    thanks for softening up my stone cold heart for the evening :)

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  47. This is so sweet! It's wonderful to have good blogging friends! :)

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  48. Wow! I don't think I have met so many bloggers in one place at one time!
    Love the theme and content of your blog, Alexandra. Just beautiful.
    BTW My name is Monica. I blog about weight loss and other personal development ideas, but basically I share your aim of helping, supporting and inspiring others to be all they can be. I'm new and still learning.
    So glad I came across your blog today.
    Oh and am not sure whether it will show up here, but I can be found at www.monsbiz.wordpress.com (domain name to come!)

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  49. And you know what? I bet you are the reason a lot of other people keep blogging :)

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  50. Oh Empress!! Do you know how much I love you? I agree that it is amazing how much blogging has impacted my life. I am so grateful for the many wonderful and amazing people I have met because of my blog, and most especially you. You are truly an amazing, special person!!! Enjoy those beautiful flowers. They are beautiful like you.

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  51. How sweet. What beautiful flowers!

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  52. Blogging has definitely changed my life for the better. I'm so glad I started, and that I found your blog (or you found mine...I don't remember! LOL), too! :)

    Lovely flowers. :)

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  53. Oh, wow, you are more than welcome! I love those flowers, what are they called again?

    Like others here, I am also grateful every single day for this blogosphere. It's changed my life and made having a kid with special needs feel much less lonely.

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  54. Awesome, awesome, awesome. You are a great blogger! And great person. If I could see into the future I would probably see you well known for your blogging in one way or another.

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  55. That's it! I'm getting you freaking roses! :-)

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  56. Good morning Your Highness. You were one of my first followers on Channeling Ricky. Thank you for following me. By following me, I discovered you! I still do not have lots of followers, but I am getting there. Thanks for being part of a new blogger's inspiration!

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  57. Stop blaming this all on me. I'm on medication. I don't even remember to write in my own blog. When did I start a blog?

    Who are you again?

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  58. You said it best, and I totally feel the same way!

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  59. Oh, how I needed to read this sweet post and witness such a caring act to cleanse my palate of all the BlogHer'10 smack floating around.

    It is an awesome, crazy, wonderful bloggy world.

    And how stinkin' cute is it that all your men cheered you on - LOVE that!

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  60. All I can say is this post made me smile :)

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  61. Congrats. All these comments are a testament to what you've built.

    Oh, and as far as the gushing goes? GUSH AWAY! ;)

    You're amazing.

    Ann

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  62. those are super pretty and all - but hello - since February? Of this year?! You girls w/ your instant success amaze me. Love it. Long time!

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  63. I blog because I like to be sarcastic and make off-color jokes, and that isn't always appropriate to do to people's faces. LOL :_)

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  64. What an absolutely lovely, touching post!

    I love reading your blog - and so glad that you keep doing it!

    Happy weekend,
    Linds

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  65. February? Really? By next year, you will have taken over the world! I can't keep up, but my dear, I am a fan.

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  66. Oh, you ABSOLUTELY deserve this - 453 and the flowers and all the love - because you get what you give. And you give love and support and encouragement. I for one am so grateful that you hit "publish" that day in Februrary. I wonder if I would have continued blogging if I had not met you? Nothing bad has happened, but you have absolutely added so much to my new life as a blogger. Thank you Alexandra - you are so deserving. I am amazed by how much you have grown in such a short time. Thank you for being so incredibly generous with your support and acceptance and love. xoxoxo

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  67. yay! what a sweet, sweet little post today. i love it and you made me be thankful about my own readers as well and what a blessing it's been to connect with all these women from around the world. i had no idea what i was getting into when i started blogging... but i'm so, so glad i did. thanks for this little slice of gratitude!

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  68. I'm happy for you, A. And for us because we get to visit you.

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  69. I find that i constantly have to re-evaluate on whether I want to continue blogging or whether I have moved beyond my previous reasons. At times, I have run out of reasons.

    Usually, I come back to it more for reasons of self-reflection and -expression than community.

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  70. oh, that Lupe! (told you i have a need to call her 'Lupe'--i should probably let her know that). those are gorgeous, blog mamma.

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  71. Wait ... you've only been doing this since February of this year?????? I'm amazed!

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  72. Wow. Only Feb this year? Wow. Cool. See...thats how awesome you are!

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  73. It is amazing the friendships that arise from blogging! And holy crap lady, your blog has grown FAST. Way to be!

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  74. Oh Empress I am glad I found you, and I know why your blog is so popular after just six short months, because you care about people and even come "visit" them even when they're new and insignificant (yes I mean me)Thank you for blogging and for being you!

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  75. Congrats on this milestone.... and making friends.

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