Blogging, Balloons & Yeah!
No blog birthday would be complete without a few numbers, so here goes: 2 blogs, 365 days, 76 posts and 1,956 comments — it’s time to celebrate! Personally, I’ll stick with the number 2 if I have to blow out any candles.
On June 20th, 2008 I started blogging. Loving Pulse was the name I chose for my blog before eagerly writing that first post “The Eye of the Storm.” I hit the Publish Button and waited.
After searching for information on how to blog I left a comment on Blogging Without A Blog. It was not long before my first comment appeared much to my delight — thank you Barbara Swafford!
I’ve learned a lot this past year, especially since making the move to a self-hosted blog and launching Shades of Crimson last December.
5 Things I’ve Learned About Blogging
First and foremost I learned that blogging doesn’t just happen. And writing doesn’t always just happen either, thanks to the fluctuating muse. In any event, these are the things I’ve focused on since that day in June of 2008.
1. Confidence As a new blogger, I was easily threatened by the success, knowledge and community that other bloggers had developed. I was impressed by subscriber counts and the number of comments. I learned to NOT compare myself to other bloggers or try to change myself. I was on my own journey. If anything, I could learn a lot from them.
2. Time Management During the first year of blogging I gained almost 20 pounds! I spent hours writing, reading and commenting. Blogging became a diversion and then an addiction. I learned that I had to balance time spent blogging with other areas of life. I’m still learning this one!
3. Planning That first post I published? It was the only one that existed. I had no other drafts prepared. I didn’t put a lot of thought into the types of topics I would write about or why, or what message was behind the words. In hindsight, I wish I had put more thought into this.
4. Creativity Some people believe they are not creative. I disagree. There is writing and there is expression. We express ourselves uniquely and that IS our niche — our voice — that is creativity in progress, no matter what the content. There is none other like ourselves, no other experience like ours.
5. Respect It has become important to respect words. Which words are used and if ever. I may not always agree with something a blogger has written, but it is important to respect not only my viewpoint, but theirs as well. We won’t always agree with one another, but it can be to someone’s benefit to share another point of view. It is respectful to ourselves to share our truth when we feel inspired to do so.
Blogging Advice for Newbies
Now that I know what I know, this is what I would do differently if I were planning to start a blog.
1. I would write drafts and have at least a dozen prepared before I launched my blog.
2. At least a month before I published my first post I would start visiting other blogs to begin making connections and become familiar with how the process works.
3. I would start a Twitter account to coincide with the launch of my blog.
4. I would spend time reading the following blogs:
Problogger.net — Blog tips to help you make money blogging
Blogging Without A Blog — Your blogging classroom on the Web
Confident Writing — For writing tips from a writing coach
Copyblogger — Copywriting tips for online marketing success
Virtual Impax — Social media strategy, web tools and online marketing magic
(Anti) Social Development — Tutorials and tips on WordPress, social media, RSS
WPBlogHost — Where people come to start and host a blog
I am thankful for your continued support — on my blog AND behind the scenes. Here’s to Year Two and another colourful year with Shades of Crimson. Bloggers rock!
Photo credit: Pink Sherbet
patricia
Hilary
Tony Single
Linda
Barbara Swafford
Deb Dorchak
Chris Edgar
{ 52 comments }
Next Comments →
It’s a party!! Happy “One Year”!!!! That’s very exciting! Davina, it’s been so awesome to have been with you for most of this past year, and to watch this all evolve to where you are today. You’ve created a wonderful and supportive community, and one I’m honored to be included in.
All this you’ve learned…is so “right on the money”! I can relate to it all – and especially #2 (TIme Management). Blogging sure can take up our time, if we allow it (and I have at times!). I think that’s part of the journey for me, as well – is this learning process along the way.
The greatest thing about blogging, without a doubt for me, is the many deeply meaningful connections I’ve made with others. Including you, my friend. It’s great to be here, always…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Old Hat, New Hat =-.
Right at the cusp of the summer solstice. As good a time as any to start a blog. Congratulations! :)
.-= Pamir | Reiki Help Blog´s last blog ..Let’s conjugate to “Heal” =-.
Happy 1st Year!!
Thank you so much for including my site :-) You wouldn’t have been able to read my blog before you started though because I didn’t start until last May and initially I didn’t really write about WordPress :-)
I like your advice – I did the same thing – wrote a post and thought I was started. I would have had a number of posts ready and done a lot more research.
A year already. How time flies.
Congratulations.
It really is quite an accomplishment, since most bloggers don’t make it to this milestone.
.-= Mike Goad´s last blog ..Posting is going to become more difficult. =-.
Hi Davina – Happy Birthday! Great advice. We started Passing Thru just a month behind you, and like you, Barbara was one of our first commenters. Your advice for start-up bloggers is right on. And I’ll echo Lance by saying the most gratifying result of blogging for us has been the relationships we have made during the process. Tipping a glass to you, dear, whom we count among the finest of those.
.-= Betsy Wuebker´s last blog ..ON BOB AND MARY’S 80TH BIRTHDAY IN GALENA =-.
Excellent tips!
Congratulations!
HAPPY BLOGGING BIRTHDAY! :) This is so exciting! A whole year of blogging is amazing (have you read the stats on how many blogs are abandoned after a few days?!). Congratulations not only for sticking with it, but for creating a blog filled with really useful, interesting, and thought-provoking content.
Thank you so much for all of the tips and links to good blogging sites. As a relatively new blogger, I can use all of the help I can get and I will come back to this post again for more information. Thank you!
.-= positively present´s last blog ..how to find your calm before you lose your cool =-.
YAY!! Happy birthday. I’ve only know you for maybe about half your blogging life, but I feel I’m really getting to know you. And look forward to many many more years of blogging friendship with you..
I remember that name – Loving Pulse, where I first met you. Seems like so long ago now.
Great list for blogging newbies! (or old-bies.) I too like to get a few “rainy day” drafts ahead when I’m feeling creative.
Happy 365, Girl!
xo
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Funny SEO Keywords, 3 =-.
Happy Blogbirthday! Although I only discovered you recently, I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve found. I’m relatively new to blogging but did enjoy a couple of months of commenting before launching; that was really liberating.
I’ve almost given up blogging more times than I can count over the last few months, so I know your advice will help loads of folk. Well done for making it this far and for having built such a supportive community.
This is a fantastic post, full of sensible, inspiring advice and I hope it gets the tweeting and Stumbling it deserves.
.-= janice´s last blog ..Connected and Encouraged =-.
Congrats Davina!
I like your tips for new bloggers.
Here’s to Year Two!
.-= Vered – MomGrind´s last blog ..Friday Links =-.
Happy blogoversary!
Happy blogging birthday, Davina! You’ve graced my days with thoughtful ideas, great humor, and an abundance of warmth, and you welcomed me to the blogging world with open arms. Your advice here is so useful (although I can’t quite manage the planning part) and I wish I’d seen it before I started. I can’t imagine the blogging world without you and am SO glad you’re looking at Year 2 with such enthusiasm! I just love you! ~ Julie
.-= Julie´s last blog ..On That Note =-.
Lance.
That’s right it IS a party. You’ve got the spirit! The learning is certainly a journey that never stops. You have an amazing way of sharing this and encouraging it in your readers Lance. Thanks for sharing the friendliness of The Jungle of Life.
Hi Pamir.
Thank you. I’d forgotten all about this being the summer solstice too. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll have to make a point of getting outside today.
Hi Kim.
You’re welcome! Weren’t we a couple of naive ones. We wrote a post and thought we were blogging. Hah! :-)
Hi Goad.
Thank you. I know this phrase is way over-used, but… “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
Hi Betsy.
This is one birthday where I actually don’t feel older, just wiser… and more thankful… for connecting with people like you. Thank you!
Hi Mama Zen.
Thank you. I’m glad to share these.
Hi Dani.
Thank you very much. And, you are welcome… I’m thrilled that you have found this useful. It is definitely a milestone; I was tempted to quit a while ago, so I’m very satisfied that I kept moving and made it to day 365.
Hi Jannie.
I remember that first time your avatar popped into my life. And I’m glad it did. Your humour keeps me young. If anyone hasn’t read Jannie’s latest post on Funny SEO Keywords, I suggest you pop over there. You’ll be glad you did.
Hi Janice.
Thank you for the encouragement. You were smart launching your blog after surfing comment sections for a while. Liberating and empowering!
Hi Vered.
Thank you. Cheers to your second year too. :-)
Hi Teena.
Thank you. A Torontonian! I lived there for close to 12 years. I wonder what blogging would be like from that perspective again. TO is quite a happening spot.
Hi Julie.
Big smiles now! The words “grace, warmth, thoughtful and enthusiasm” are exactly what I would use to describe you Julie. You and your gift of words hold a special place in the blogosphere.
Absolutely beautiful and a true treat to read. Just joined up. Can’t wait to read more.
Happy birthday, yeah! What a milestone and to think I’ve participated in it makes me smile. Your honesty and sincerity come across in your blog and that’s what keeps me coming back. Also I love your avatar!
I know I have to begin saving up articles. I want to save one day a week for this. Also I wasn’t familiar with all of the blogs you suggest. And I need all the help I can get.
Your the best…cheers to year no.2!
LMAO Davina – I didn’t realise I was using it so much. Thanks for the link and congratulations on your blog birthday.
You have given great advice to new bloggers and I’m pleased you’ve tackled an issue that many bloggers fail to mention – “ass inflation”. It is so easy for the pounds to pile on, if you’re spending too much time blogging.
Hopefully someone will bring out special workouts for bloggers. Or maybe someone will invent a treadmill we can blog on or something.
Hi Davina
Congratulations! And Happy 1st Birthday!!
What a blessing for me to have met your blog. I have enjoyed it everytime I came by.
Keep up the great work and I wish you many more blog birthday to come.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
.-= Giovanna Garcia´s last blog ..25 women help a widower breast feed his baby. =-.
Hi Jane.
Thank you. It’s great to “see” you here :-)
Hi Tess.
Hey thanks. Been thinking about using a picture of the real me though, if I could just find one I liked. Those blogs listed are excellent. “You need all the help you can get?” I think you’re doing a great job with your blog; whatcha talkin bout girl?
Hi Cath.
You’re welcome. “Ass inflation” — heh, heh… yep, that’s a good name for it :-) I wish there was an easy solution to this, but I’m afraid it just means getting that roundness out of the chair and taking it down the street for a few blocks.
Hi Giovanna.
Thank you. It feels awesome to have made it this far. And thank you for your kind words — this wouldn’t be the same without your support.
Davina, you offer such uplifting reminders. This empowers people to remember their untapped abilities. Everyone is creative, competent, worthy, loved and with a sense of purpose. As one learns to listen to the inner self, one feels invigorated and validated. The truth and self-honesty are very powerful.
.-= Liara Covert´s last blog ..10 points on power of choices =-.
Happy Happy Birthday Davina,
Blogging for a year is a HUGE accomplishment, and I’m not at all surprised you did it. Something tells me you’re going to be around for a LONG time.
For me, it’s been a real pleasure watching you as you’ve developed as a blogger. From your very first post, I saw the writer in you. To this day your mastery of words still amazes me. You always manage to take us on a magical journey.
Davina, thank you so much for the link love, but more than that, thank you for your friendship. I wish you not only success with your blogging future, but in your other business endeavors, as well. You rock!
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..When The Conversation Moves Off Of Your Blog =-.
Wow. That’s great commitment. And thanks for sharing your advice :)
It’s not easy to blog consistently.
I’m working more than 12 hours a day but I still update my blog daily.
Keep punchin’ Keep it up ;)
congrats on your first year and great advice for new bloggers. especially about having more than one post ready. i need to follow that advice even though i’ve been doing it for a while now. i don’t want it to feel like a job, but i do want to be more regular in my posting.
.-= Natural´s last blog ..Why Wait, Buy Now! =-.
Hi Liara.
“…to remember their untapped abilities….” And you’re right, we do have these; I suspect they’re easily forgotten or sometimes not sought out at all. We’re definitely more than meets the eye. Thank you for keeping these possibilities at the forefront Liara.
Hi Barbara.
Well, from one “rocking blogger” to another — thank you! Your blog has been one that has helped me get this far. You create a wonderful space for bloggers to learn and share their knowledge with other bloggers. It’s a valuable “meeting place” and even more, because with you at the helm, it’s about the people behind the blogs, not just blogging.
Thank you for your encouragement and kind words — very heartfelt.
Hi Relax.
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by on this birthday post. I just popped over to your blog and immediately subscribed. Working 12 hours and day AND updating your blog daily is an amazing accomplishment!
Hi Natural.
Thanks! It does feel good to have a few posts lined up. There’s a bit of an edginess when you don’t have that cushion. Blogging becomes a “should” rather than fun when you feel pressured to post and there is no inspiration to write.
Wow- this was so helpful to someone like me who is just starting out in this bloggin world. One year and so many comments-good job girl! You are my hero!
Thanks for sharing all this great info.
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia.
You are welcome! This “bloggin world” is a great spot to spend your time. There’s a lot of creative and supportive people around these parts. Welcome Cynthia.
Congrats!
This is a keeper, Davina. Every word of it! Thank you for it…
.-= Barb Hartsook´s last blog ..Does Romance Outlast the Rose? =-.
Happy Birthday, blog! It’s been so nice getting to know you and seeing your career grow. I remember when I first thought, “I wonder what Loving Pulse means. I must read it and find out.” Best wishes for many more happy years blogging, if that’s what you decide to do.
.-= Dot´s last blog ..Comment on Life and Mad Lib-eration Answers by Ribbon =-.
Happy Blog B-Day! That’s really cool. I like how you mention different blogging tips you’ve picked up along the way. I stumbled your article and tweeted it in hopes some new bloggers would find this.
As bloggers, we need to remember, patience is a virtue. ;)
Thanks for the link, by the way. I’m honored.
.-= John Hoff – WpBlogHost´s last blog ..WpBlogHost Domain, Blog Security, & Hosting Promotions – Get’em While Their Hot =-.
“Bloggers like to help other bloggers!” True dat!
Congratulations on a very big milestone of numbers, but also on learning about — and now passing on — one of the best parts of blogging — community. We more seasoned bloggers need to hold that up as something valuable to newcomers, and you do it so well! Thank you for that.
And thanks for the super-cool Think Like a Black Belt book link on your sidebar — yes, you rock!
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Think Like a Black Belt – the self defense E-Book =-.
Davina,
Congratulations on your anniversary. I loved all the tips and, like others said, wish I had known them when I started. You have a very special voice and I am so glad that you share it with us:~)
p.s. I liked The Eye of the Storm!
.-= Sara´s last blog ..Story Photo Challenge: Who’s Behind the Door =-.
A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY or perhaps HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the blogs :) Well it is a celebration none the less!
That is wonderful Davina, I always love looking back too and seeing how far the blogs have come and even better how much we change and learn because of them!
Well, to as many more years as you would like Davina! Creativity is infinite, but of course as we change our passions change so although I too think I will be blogging forever, I know none of us can make those promises. Just take it as it goes and most importantly enjoy!
.-= Evita´s last blog ..Significance =-.
Hey Davina!
I have some lost music on my blog so we can play it and all celebrate.LOL
Congratulations to you. You really did share some wonderful sites as well as fantastic tips. You have given to each of us a piece of your heart. Each time I visit your blog I know I have left with something that benefits me for the day. A smile, a laugh, or just a simple thought. For this…I say thank you.
.-= Cricket-Tammy´s last blog ..A Computer and a Girl in the Middle of the Night =-.
You go Girl and party on down….Wow I became a mom 30 years ago on June 20th…
You are an inspiration and gotta love your good words…top notch celebration post. Thank you
.-= patricia´s last blog ..What Good are Fathers For? =-.
Hi Barb.
Thank you… and you’re welcome!
Hi Dot.
I’m glad you decided to check out Loving Pulse because I’ve enjoyed watching your blogging adventure too.
Hi John.
You’re welcome for the link. Wise words… “patience is a virtue”. This definitely works for blogging. And thanks so much for the stumble. Loving the traffic spike :-)
Hi Lori.
Thank you! I had no idea how much community was a part of blogging when I started. I think that’s what non-bloggers have trouble understanding. They’re on the outside looking in. I’m happy to show off your new ebook in the sidebar. And I can’t wait to read it and review it too. All the best with this Lori.
Hi Sara.
Thank you :-) It’s a gift to have people to share these thoughts with. This would all just be an empty echo otherwise. Thanks for coming by and being a part of this. And, so glad you checked out The Eye of The Storm and liked it. That is one of my favourite posts.
Hi Evita.
I love your comment! I would very much like to say that blogging will be forever. But you are so right… we change and so do our passions. Hey, it’s much easier to celebrate one day at a time right?
Hi Tammy.
These comments have blown me away… and your’s is no exception. It’s hard to know what to say in reply to do these words justice. What you’ve said has really touched me — this makes these late nights at the computer worth it. :-) This is one of the most important parts of blogging. Thank you Tammy.
Hi Patricia.
“Party on down” :-) Thanks for being such a terrific cheerleader! June 20th appears to be a special day then… I hope you had a great birthday celebration Patricia.
Thanks for this Davina. The networking aspect of blogging was an area where I was slow to arrive — maybe I had some resistance to it at the beginning — with the result that much of my early catalog went unread. But hey, it’s all about the journey.
.-= Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coaching´s last blog ..10 Motivational Metal Masterpieces =-.
Davina,
Did you celebrate with champagne…? We could put this 20th celebration on the Champagne Tour!!!
Oldest daughter talked on the phone with us and took herself to a Renaissance Fair in San Jose – sent pictures. A walk on the beach with a picnic lunch and a friend was her big party.
all about the journey as Chris said…
.-= patricia´s last blog ..What Good are Fathers For? =-.
Davina,
Happy Blog Birthday! I liked the lessons you shared, and would have done the same things differently if I had the chance – I too dived into blogging with no idea what it was all about, and probably would have done much better with all the social networking and marketing in place before starting. Still, it’s been a great journey and I’m happy with my experience so far. I’m reaching my blog’s first birthday in two months and will celebrate too!
.-= Daphne @ Joyful Days´s last blog ..Your 24 Possible Personal Strengths =-.
Hi Chris.
I agree. It IS all about the journey. So, you have some earlier stuff that hasn’t been read? Do you link to this in your newer posts? I will have to make a point of dropping by to peruse through your archives.
Hi Patricia.
I celebrated with red wine with dinner… and sleeping in for a couple of mornings. :-) A picnic lunch sounds fantastic! Belated Happy Birthday to your daughter.
Hi Daphne.
Thank you! It has been a great journey… anyway we’ve travelled it. I wonder if it would have been less exciting if we had everything all organized??? I will be looking forward to helping you celebrate your blog birthday.
Congratulations Davina!!! It’s hard to believe that you’ve “only” been blogging for a year! Your blog has all the “trappings” of a much older – much more “experienced” blog!!!
.-= Kathy | Virtual Impax´s last blog ..Hiring Help and – if you can – avoid hiring the VA from hell =-.
Davina,
It is with GREAT HONOR that I announce in this comment box that you have been chosen to receive the very prestigious Kreativ Blogger Award! I enjoy the way your write and love to visit your blog. Your creativity and sense of humor is always present. I hope you will chose to accept this award:~)
For more on the award, visit: http://sarahealy.com/index.php/2009/06/25/i%E2%80%99m-a-blogger-and-a-winner/
.-= Sara´s last blog ..I’m a blogger and a winner! =-.
Davina, a simple path is to learn what it means to be your true self. Explore the inner realms of your apparent personality. Keep what resonates and progressively discard the rest.
Hi Kathy.
Thank you! That’s a great compliment coming from you. As you can see from the links, I’ve had a lot of great support from people like you :-)
Hi Sara.
Thanks for choosing me and my blog for this award. And it’s been accepted, you bet! These are the easiest posts to write cause who knows us better than we know ourselves? And… who doesn’t like to talk about themself? :-) I’m honoured that you thought of me Sara.
Hi Liara.
We humans tend to complicate things so often too. If the simple path is learning what it means to be our true selves, this makes me wonder if by complicating things, we’re not really wanting to discover our true selves… we’re scared to find out what that is… or we’re just trying too darn hard.
Congratulations on your achievement. I hope you next year surpasses the first, both in the number of posts and the subsequent comments that they generate. I’m sure the newbies, and some of us who have blogged for some time now, will find those tips really handy.
.-= Sire´s last blog ..From Birth To Realization Of The Word =-.
Hi Sire.
Thanks very much for stopping by to leave a comment. I appreciate your encouragement. Your blog appears to have surpassed the newbie phase and looks like a good place to spend some reading time.
Perhaps so Davina, but there is still so much to learn, which is why I love blogging so much. You never know what’s around the corner.
.-= Sire´s last blog ..Helium Helping Writers Fulfill Their Dreams =-.
Hi Sire.
I just read and enjoyed your poem “From Birth To Realization Of The Word”. Poems are a favourite avenue of expression for me. You are absolutely right, we never know what is around that next corner. And with blogging every day is obviously unique… unlike how we sometimes get caught in the daily dogma of our lives. Blogging has that gravitational pull out of that; keeps the creativity and expression flowing despite the dogma.
I’m glad you liked it Davina, it was different from what I usually come up with :). As for blogging, for me it’s a form of escapism. I use it to get away from the rigors that life sometime puts on a person. I find it very relaxing.
.-= Sire´s last blog ..Using CJU’s Rotating Banner Function =-.
Hi Sire. It’s neat when we find ourselves creating something different than we’ve done before. Discovering a new side of ourselves and the surprise that comes, like opening an unexpected gift. Blogging sounds like it gives you a chance to come up for air from swimming in that “ocean” called life. If I weren’t blogging I’d be writing more in my journal and reading more books.
I still love to read books. I read a couple of pages from the Bible every day. I’ve read it several times over now, and every time I find something new. As for relaxation I love Science Fiction, Robert Heinlien my favorite author, and fantasy, Anne McCaffrey is pretty well up there in that genre, and a lot of other ones as well.
.-= Sire´s last blog ..Using CJU’s Rotating Banner Function =-.
Hi Sire.
Seems I’ve missed replying to your comment. My apologies. Reading is a relaxing break away from the computer and one that I don’t take enough! I have a couple of friends who are into science fiction, just as you are. My computer breaks usually involve movies; I’m waiting patiently for the newest Harry Potter movie that is due out in less than a week.
Next Comments →
Comments on this entry are closed.