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Celebrating 2 years of blogging
The following introduction has been taken from this ebook.
June 20, 2010 completes a chapter; two years blogging, late nights at the computer writing until past one o’clock a.m., and blog-hopping around the blogosphere leaving comments behind. Lots of comments.
Writing and not knowing what the next word will be, and then appreciating when it comes… well, it’s not always the word you’re looking for, is it? Not always the ‘right’ one.
That’s what I love about the comment sections in blogs. Words show up there more easily or is that just me?
I wanted to celebrate these two years by acknowledging those who’ve been along for the ride. You, who have shared your comments, insights, shenanigans and stories from week to week, and month to month.
Cheers to the blog commenter
This book has been written by blog commenters. To keep it to a moderate size, I searched for commenters on my blog from 2010 and pulled out the pithy ones of those who’d commented a number of times.
I found comments from bloggers who’ve been around from day one, as well as some newcomers. There are super reflections brimming with wisdom, creativity and sentiment.
This ebook couldn’t have happened without your comments. I’ve appreciated your support and the connections I’ve made over the past two years. There are no ‘right’ words, actually…
Except for, you guys rock!
Below, in no particular order, you will see a list of bloggers whose comments have been featured in this book. Whether or not you are on this list, feel free to click here or on the above image for this free download to read what bloggers talk about at Shades of Crimson.
Also included are photographs my digital camera captured while out and about in the Vancouver and surrounding areas. You’re welcome to download these and use them on your blogs, with a credit to Shades of Crimson.
| BETSY Passing Thru | TOM Delightful Work |
| BELINDA The Halfway Point | CATH Cath Lawson |
| KIM (Anti) Social Development | FRED Frog Blog |
| BORIS Read-y | JANNIE Jannie Funster |
| MIGUEL The New Paris Banner | PATTY Why Not Start Now? |
| ROSE World Outside My Window | MIKE Exit78 |
| BARBARA Blogging Without a Blog | TESS The Bold Life |
| EVITA Evolving Scenes | HILARY Positive Letters |
| J.D. Sources of Insight | LORI Think Like a Black Belt |
| CATRIEN Energy Doorways | TONY Trottersville |
| DOT Deeper Issues | JANICE Sharing the Journey |
| VERED MomGrind | CHRIS Work Consciously |
| BEN Things I've Learned While Roaming the Earth | LYNDA Peripheral Vision |
| JULIE Design Resumes | LIARA Dream Builders |
| LANCE The Jungle of Life | BARB Over Coffee |
| BK Symphony of Love | STEPHEN Simply Stephen |
| PATRICIA Patricia's Wisdom | JOHN WP Blog Host |
| SARA A Sharing Connection | JIM (a friend) |
| CHANIA GIRL Living Happiness | JOY Unfolding My Path to Joy |
| JULIE Random Meanderings | HAZEL Hazel8500 |
| The Exception |
It’s been a great two years; hard to believe it’s BEEN two years!
Thanks everyone! :-D
Photo Credit: Davina Haisell
Pete Goumas
Hilary
Julie Walraven
simply stephen
Mike Goad
{ 53 comments }
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Congratulations Davina on your two year blog anniversary. You’ve done such an excellent job with your blog thus far, I can only imagine what year three has in store for you, and for us.
Thank you for the beautiful ebook, links, photos, and all. As I was reading the quotes you pulled from comments, it reminded me of how it is in the comment sections of our blogs, wisdom from others can truly be found.
The ebook is absolutely gorgeous and I love how you ended it. Your closing poem is phenomenal. You, my friend, are truly a gifted writer.
Thank you again.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Stop The Insanity =-.
Davina,
What a wonderful GIFT you have created to mark two years of blogging!! The ebook is beautifully created – and it shines of of the collective beauty of friendships and caring – something I feel very much here in this space.
Davina, I am honored to know you, and to have been along on this amazing ride with you from probably very near to the beginning. Your writing is wonderful, and a true gift to all who read it…
Much peace,
Lance
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
How very, very wonderful. Thanks for including the quote from my comment with all the other very wonderful quotes. I remember working on that particular sentence trying to get the phrasing just right.
.-= Mike´s last blog ..Legal images for your blog? =-.
Davina, I wish I could find just the right words to say in thank you for this wonderful ebook that you have put together… but I feel that this time those words would be severely lacking. :)
What a wonderful read with some startling images that seem to fit perfectly, and your poem at the end… “Flock of Thoughts”. Beautiful. Just beautiful. And, like the seagulls in the accompanying image, it soars. Not this whole gesture soars, Davina.
You can colour me grateful. :)
Whoops. I meant to type: “No, this whole gesture soars, Davina.” It was rather elegantly worded up until that point, wasn’t it? Oh well… :P
Congrats on the two year anniversary! That’s great! :)
Barb of Over Coffee recommended this site to me and I’ve RSS’d it ever since.
Congratulations. I have given up blogging because I really had nothing of interest to say.
What a wonderful present to give your readers on your blogging birthday! Thank you for taking the time to put the book together and giving us an insight into (and record of) the wisdom that flows through Shades Of Crimson. You’ve made it a beautiful, welcoming place!
.-= Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..Self defense as common sense is a rare trait =-.
Congratulations, Davina, and Happy 2nd Birthday! This is truly a feat and one well worth celebrating!
Your idea for this ebook is a truly beautiful gesture and one of the most thoughtful gifts we your readers could receive. You have blessed us with a gift on your birthday, and that does not happen every day.
Thank you for being who you are and for allowing us to share your journey with you. I, for one, hope you are around for a whole lot longer. Okay, so maybe you reinvent yourself again … and then maybe again … but friends are the ones who stick around for the reinventions and consider them magical transformations.
Sending you a huge hug today from across the pond. xxx
~Carla
.-= Chania Girl´s last blog ..The Joy List ~ 20 June 2010 =-.
Okay. I have just read the e-book and it is FANTASTIC!!! What beautiful souls belong to this, our little corner of the blogosphere — so much beauty, so much wisdom. There are no words for what’s happening in my heart right now.
.-= Chania Girl´s last blog ..The Joy List ~ 20 June 2010 =-.
Congratulations on multiple levels!
Now that is powerful. You created a masterpiece — a true “conducer” product (consumer + producer mash up) — built with TLC.
You shared compelling pictures and prose in the perfect Hallmark way.
PS – I suggest adding an additional link in your post toward the end to your free download — I think some folks will miss that it’s a clickable image at the top.
.-= J.D. Meier´s last blog ..Lessons Learned from Dad =-.
Hi Barbara.
Firsties :) YOU are welcome! It was a pleasure putting this together. Speaking of comment sections, your blog has a fantastic one. I appreciate how everybody steps up to the plate to answer your questions, teach ;-) I know you put a lot of thought into your replies to everyone and it never ceases to amaze me what value each of your posts turns up. You keep them short, to the point and still thought-provoking; then… blast off. The comment section runs with it.
Hi Lance.
Thanks! Yep, you’re one of the bloggers whose been around since the early days. Your enthusiasm is what I notice most about you. It follows you everywhere, especially on Twitter :-) Oh you with the pink wig avatar! Crazy stuff… and Happy Father’s Day, BTW.
Hi Mike.
You’re welcome. I guess I picked the ‘right’ comment of yours, then :)
Hi Tony.
Hah, hah, you’re funny. Sometimes the words want to be chased. That’s what I think. :-) I know eh? It was neat how this all came together. Some of the quotes and images were made for each other. I don’t think I could have done it like that if I’d planned it. It just kinda fell into place… with luck, and LOTS of mouse clicking action.
Thanks Dani.
Don’t you have a blog anniversary coming up soon, too? You must be close to two years now. Am I right?
Carol, hi.
I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my blog (thanks to Barb for recommending it to you). Do you still journal? Or, is it the writing as opposed to just the blogging that you’ve given up? Blogging is not for everybody; nor does it have to be, right? But… I feel a wee sad to hear you say you had nothing of interest to say.
Lori,
You’re welcome. I started this project way back in April, thinking I’d just do a link post for the Blog Birthday. It ended up wanting to be a book instead. So, I went with it and had tonnes of fun doing it. This *is* a good record of wisdom, isn’t it? So many great comments get said, then forgotten and buried in the archives. I’m glad you enjoy the space here :)
Chania Girl,
Wow, I’m so glad you have enjoyed this. :-) I had great fun putting it together; time would always get away from me and before I knew it the clock had passed 2 am. There is a lot of authenticity in these comments. Sometimes it was hard to pick JUST one. Hugs back atcha :)
J.D.
That’s a great suggestion. I will get right on it. Thanks for the well-wishes and for your awesome feedback. Everything just seemed to fall into place. I love when that happens. Have to remind yourself to breathe when it does :-)
Davina,
Happy Blog Birthday!
You write beautifully and most importantly, with soul. Your blog and your presence in the online community makes this world a better place.
Hi Davina, Thank you for including me in your book. The photos are so beautiful, the book could be a coffee table book. You are so giving and sharing to let all of us celebrate your anniversary with you.
Google alerts let me know you did this. I have been off grid for a bit working in the yard and having extra 20-somethings all over the house lately. Thank you again!
.-= Julie Walraven | Resume Services´s last blog ..Do your fears get in the way of your dreams? =-.
Aren’t you sweet! Not only do you give us the gift of your blog, but now this too. Thanks for including me. I love the quotation you chose.
Congrats Davina! I could tell you that yours is one of my favorite blogs, but I think you already know that. :)
Also, thank you for the beautiful eBook!
.-= vered | blogger for hire´s last blog ..Be Kind To Your Behind =-.
Wow, thanks Daphne.
Writing with soul. I like that. Have you read Julia Cameron’s “The Right to Write”? She talks a lot about that and the difference between writing from the intellectual place. The ego shows up more when the writing is not coming from the heart.
Hi Julie.
Cool. Google alerts is on the job. You’re welcome, Julie. As I’ve said, this was a FUN project. Ever have one of those, where you can’t tear yourself away? Those are the best. And how about your yard work? When the weather cooperates and it is your choice to be digging in the dirt and such, it’s a great time. I enjoyed your post about those ants.
Hi Dot.
Hehe, thanks. I can picture you sitting on those stairs, contemplating. :) Powerful words, Dot… and so true. I love that quote, too.
Hi Vered.
You’re welcome. Gee, I kinda don’t know what to say. *grins* Thanks for your support, Vered.
Wow, Davina! What a truly generous way to celebrate two years! I was mesmerized by the quotes you picked from each commenter. But the photos — they are just as captivating as the quotes that I found myself flipping back and forth to make sure I gave the quote and the photo equal attention. (I had no idea you also had talent with photography.) And the poem at the end — poignant. This is a trememdous offering and what a truly beautiful place from which it comes. Thank you.
Wow what a gift and pictures too – you are amazing – you rock! Thank you for the shout out.
I just celebrated the 2 year anniversary on my blog – it is truly a different and fun experience – like you made it over the mountaintop…duct tape and all :)
Just bet you will be over the top at age 65….because you just get better and better and that is the peak of creativity for women…you go girl!
Here’s a little creative fun giftie for you done by a creative parent
Thanks for teaching me how to put it on twitter!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyoA4LXQco4
.-= patricia´s last blog ..Savannah Blues: A Novel ~Mary Kay Andrews =-.
Wow Davina – That must have taken a lot of work to put together. Thank you for including me, I can’t wait to read it.
The two years have gone fast. At the beginning of your post I was worried that you were going to announce you were quitting blogging altogether. Mind you, I know you wouldn’t just totally disappear anyway.
Oh my, what a special woman you are Davina. It touches my heart that you did this, and not because you included me. Of course I like that too, but you really show us all what community and connection is by doing this. It’s wonderful. I haven’t been able to read them all yet, but I will.
Anyway, you’re a delight, and I hope you’re having a grand blogging birthday!
.-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..Meaning Mondays: The Four Healing Salves =-.
Hi Belinda.
You’re welcome. The quotes are fantastic! I wonder how many of you guys are thinking, “I said THAT?” :-) Great stuff. That’s awesome that you enjoyed the photography. It was pretty lucky that there were enough to match up with the quotes. I’m still amazed at how well most of them matched up.
Hi Patricia.
*smile* Thanks. Fun, fun stuff is all I can say. For two months this book was my baby. I wonder how you felt in the days leading up your two-year anniversary. Did you ever think you’d keep up blogging that long when you started? I wonder how many people even consider that. When I’m 65 I hope there is someone special to get creative with ;-) Thanks for the link. I’ll check it out.
Hi Cath.
Good to see you again. I don’t think I would disappear completely if I stopped blogging, you’re right. This book took, oh probably a couple of weeks in total. But that was spaced out over a couple of months. I know you hadn’t been blogging that much this year, but you were still around enough times to comment on my blog. I appreciate that because I know your life has called you in other directions. I hope things are getting better for you.
Hi Patty.
I think you’ll enjoy these when you read them. There is a lot of sentiment here that I appreciate. And the connections and post after post of seeing people return to share their comments; that means a lot to me. I just wanted to do something to say thank you. I guess I take blogging more seriously than I realized. I need to get a boyfriend, or something :-)
Hi Davina,
Congratulations on two years!!! I am new to your blog..but I absolutely love it and have already learned much from your posts and your readers comments…It is always a pleasure to visit here…
I love the idea of the e-book as you have presented it..filled with gorgeous photos, inspiration and encouragement from fellow bloggers..absolutely beauty filled, joy filled, and such amazing energy in the photos and words…I read through it twice already and will go back and allow time for each photo and comment to sit and make their impression…
Thank you for such a generous multi-layered gift:)
.-= Joy´s last blog ..Monday Blessing: Uniqueness… =-.
Joy, you sneak!
I literally just hit “submit” for my last round of replies and then you popped up :) Good point. It is true that we can learn a lot just from reading the comments. Sure, we can pick up things from a blog post, but seeing the responses and the interactions takes it a step farther.
You’re truly welcome. This has been my pleasure. My favourite picture, funnily enough, is the winter shot. (And I’m not even a winter person.) Every time I look at that picture it takes my breath away. It is a shot of the North Shore mountains after a snowstorm we had in January during the winter of 2009. I never tire of looking at the mountains.
Congratulations on you 2nd anniversary. I love your e-book.
I know how hard you worked on this e-book and it shows. I guess the hardest part was waiting till June 20th. You are the master for finding photographs for your blog. After reading your e-book, it struck me that you’re a very talented photographer. Even though you refuse to read your camera manual :)
All the comments are very inspirational.
Since I have never blog in my life, I feel honored to be included in your e-book.
Thank You Davina !
Davina, I’m honored to be mentioned in your anniversary celebration. You’re creativity is only surpassed by your wit and big heart. Looking forward to reading the comments of my many friends here.
.-= Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog ..Creating Clarity =-.
Hi Davina .. thank you for including me .. and my rainbow colours. I love your pictures – they’re brilliant, the layout is excellent – what a fun way of doing things .. and a great product?!
I must come back for another look see .. but what an amazing achievement – and the post too – so well set out .. you are a star ..
Two years .. I think there’s another few years to go?!
Congratulations .. a really good achievement .. lovely comments up above too .. certainly you deserve the accolades .. The winter photo struck me too – a real snow storm brewing .. the skies do clamp down at times like those ..
Bask my dear .. the sun shines .. just sit quietly, plonk yourself on a grassy bank in the sun .. and bask – you deserve it – such a wonderful gift from you to us .. Enjoy, enjoy the week .. hugs xo Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..Nature in Balance … and the Dark-Bellied Dew Lover! =-.
Davina,
I’m late to the party. woot woot anyway because 2 years of blogging deserves a BIG Celebration! Your gift to us is so sweet and shows how much you appreciate your readers. I’m looking forward to sharing year 3 with you. Your change has come just in time. Happy Bloggin B-day!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Oil Spill: Taking Personal Responsibility =-.
Oh I had to come back and tell you I love the book and the photos are Divine. I can’ believe I almost missed the party! I’m so happy I play catch-up! You are simply the best D. Simply amazing. Thank you. xo
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Oil Spill: Taking Personal Responsibility =-.
Thanks Jim.
You’re welcome, and thanks. It didn’t feel like hard work… yep, except for waiting for the 20th. The photographs seem to fall in my lap; I’ve been pretty lucky, but I guess you do have to have a good eye to pick the ‘right’ one. You take pretty good pictures too. A lot of these were taken on our outings. If it weren’t for you, they wouldn’t be here… so thanks for that.
Hi Tom.
Birds of a feather. Sit back and relax; there’s some pretty neat comments to peruse through — yours included — thanks Tom :-) Nice to have your words of wisdom to put into this book.
Hi Hilary.
You’re welcome. I love your enthusiasm, and thanks so much for your wonderful feedback. That picture fits perfectly with your rainbow colours and that sunny online personality of yours :-) Another few years to go…? We’ll see.
Hi Tess.
You’re welcome :-D Oh, never too late! I do appreciate you guys; blogging wouldn’t be the same without you folk. I’m so glad you love the book, Tess. I know I sound like a broken record… but it was a great time putting it all together and trying to figure out which quote to pick and what photo to match it up with. There was so much good stuff to choose from. Imagine if I went back to Day One?
I am late to the party, too, Davina, having been on vacation for a few days. What a lovely thing for you to do in honor of your blogging birthday! Thank you so much for including us. I can’t wait to read this – it’s a time capsule for us all. Wow!
.-= Betsy Wuebker´s last blog ..Family Brunch al Fresco =-.
Congrats on being Two, Davina! I’ve surely enjoyed meeting and interacting with you. I’m honored to be on your list, and I’m sorry I’m three days late for the party!
What a great idea to both reminisce and foster community, while gleaning some perhaps-wise nuggets!
Thanks for being you, Davina. Can’t wait to read it!
.-= Lynda Lehmann´s last blog ..Thistle Thicket =-.
Davina, that was truly inspiring and upbeat! Thanks for the treat and adding this extra dimension to our blogging experience. I enjoyed everyone’s words of wisdom, your photos and poems, and I thank you again for doing this–it must have been a lot of work!
Bravo for a job well done!
.-= Lynda Lehmann´s last blog ..Thistle Thicket =-.
You’ve blown me away
with your words here today
I am very verklempt
(and not entirely unkempt.)
What a gift of a book
I’ve taken a quick look
And will later imbibe
of it more, O my Scribe
You are awesome!
Like those blossoms.
(The ones up above
pictured –from love.)
Tho you can’t (yet) skip a rock
The e-book’s a joyous shock.
Now your blog’s two
And I do love you!
So ends this poem
I am soon going home.
(I’m here at the library)
With code that is binary.
:)
:)
xoxo
Happy birthday, Davina! Once again, you’ve shown your incredibly creative colors. You are the idea factory! :) What a gift you give us. I can’t wait to go see what beauty you’ve pulled together for us. I’ll make a cup of herbal tea tomorrow morning and settle in for some wonderful doses of warmth from all our friends. What a treat! It IS special, what we all have and do here, isn’t it, in our little community. Who would ever have thought!
.-= Julie´s last blog ..A Brand New Venture =-.
Betsy,
The party is still going, you’re just in time :-) Yeah, that’s right… a time capsule. Exactly!
Lynda,
Thanks. This is an ongoing party… for the next 361 or so days :-) I’m glad to have included you. You are one of the newcomers and I’m glad to have found your blog. Such great photography over there! You have a real talent, Lynda. Too bad you didn’t have your camera handy for that Blue Heron a couple of weeks ago (saw your tweet).
Hi Jannie.
Awesome… I love your verse! Should’ve known you’d do this. :-D I hope this turning TWO doesn’t encourage the ‘terrible twos’ though. *jinx* Yeah that’s right, you’re an expert rock-skipper. I would like to see a how-to video; both you and Kelly, now that she has her cast off. You’ll appreciate this: I got a spam comment on that rock-skipping post: something to the effect of “5 easy ways to reduce man boobs”. Hahahah.
Hi Julie.
Thanks. :-) I’m tickled pink that everyone is enjoying this. It was a treat surfing through all the comments and remembering those who’ve been away for a while. We’re damn great when we put our heads together, hey? And now, if I could just get through my current projects, I could get back to commenting on everyone else’s blogs! Geez :)
Great blog. And congrats for completing 2 years.
.-= monika´s last blog ..Masala Papad =-.
Thanks Monika.
Just checked out your blog. Lots of delicious looking photographs. I’m a big fan of Indian cooking; Madhur Jaffrey is one of my favourites.
I’m taking a break from the World Cup to say happy happy two years :-)
Congrats!
.-= Kim Woodbridge´s last blog ..A Personal Anti Social Soccer or Football Story =-.
Thanks Kim :-)
Is that thing still on? Heh, heh. I can’t keep track of all these sporting events. Who are you rooting for?
Hi Davina, a very belated Happy Two Years Anniversary! And many more to come. Thank you for providing me with enlightening perspectives which I would otherwise have overlooked. Thank you and wishing goodness in all areas of your life.
Davina,
Congratulations on a two year anniversary. I am sorry to be so late for this party. I love your e-book and appreciate the mention. I feel honored to be such great company.
I remember the first time I ever visited Shades of Crimson. It was after Barbara had highlighted your site as Blog of the Week. I immediately clicked over and began to read. Your writing was so beautiful that I wanted to be you, at that moment:~)
What I love about the way you write is that it’s soft and always kind. There’s also a soothing quality to both your posts and your comments. I guess you could say I see your site, and you, as GENTLE:~)
At the same, you also have a wonderful sense of humor that peeks out amongst your words. It teases, but always without harm and makes me laugh!
I really thank Barbara for introducing me to you and your site. You have taught me a lot about writing and I imagine you will continue to do so. You have always been supportive and I value your friendship very much:~)
May “Shades of Crimson” have many more anniversaries!
p.s. I love Jannie’s poem:~)
.-= Sara´s last blog ..Story Photo- Journey Train =-.
BK,
You are very welcome; glad to have your words of wisdom :-) Thanks for the birthday wishes.
Sara,
Thank you so much. Wow. You have a way with words, Sara — I appreciate what you’ve shared. I almost don’t know what to say :-)
The word soothing is a great choice because that’s how it feels to be in the flow of writing. I imagine it’s how you feel on your visits to the beach when you’re staring out across the water. Your blog has these same qualities, you know… and has attracted that in your readers. Like attracts like, kiddo :-) Hugs.
Davina, first allow me to wish you a happy blogvertise. what a wonderful idea you had of creating a book of all your comments. Thank you for including me. You are such a sweet lady. I’m glad our paths crossed.
Hi Rose.
Thank you. I was happy to include you in the ebook to introduce you to everyone. You’re a relatively new reader and it’s always nice to ‘see’ a new face. Plus, you’ve been a good Twitter buddy, too. :)
I am just now catching up and can’t wait to pour through your creation. What a lovely idea and one that promises to delight. I loved the comments above and thank you for including me. I do love your writing!!
Happy 2 year birthday just a little late!
.-= The Exception´s last blog ..July =-.
Hi Exception.
Thanks! :) I’m glad to have included you. Your comment made a nice addition to the book. So… thank YOU!
congrats, Birthdays are awesome!
here by way of the Funster, Jannie
.-= Paige von´s last blog ..Crazy Aedness Kitchen =-.
Jannie, eh? That bra-flinging chick?
Thanks for stopping by, Paige :)
Every moment offers unlimited reasons to celebrate existence and being. We are given opportunities to learn, share and grow. Everyone is in the process of remembering meaningful things and expanding experiences. It is pure joy to share the path to deeper awakening and self-awareness.
.-= Liara Covert´s last blog ..Feel the impact =-.
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