I began this blog 3 years ago and I’m proud to say that despite all the busyness of home and work life I’ve managed to keep it going. Yes, I’ve only ever posted about once a month but keeping to a manageable writing target has been helpful and ensured that the blog isn’t a burden. In general, it’s been a positive thing in my life — its main benefit being that it has helped me to connect with other mothers, writers, artists and kindred spirits, many of whom are HSPs like me.
So why did I start blogging? My intention was to have my own little corner of the internet to share some of my writing and thoughts on various topics which were unlikely get into print. It was also going to be a place where I could list my writing publications (although I’m currently very behind with that!) and the blogs that I enjoy reading (although likewise, I’m behind with the sidebar widget thingy too!).
What happened over those 3 years was heartwarming. I never received a lot of visitors* (I never expected many — getting ‘out there’ to promote my blog is not really for me) but I did get some visitors and I appreciated any useful or kind feedback that I received. *Strictly speaking, for me, number of visitors is probably more about ego-warming than heartwarming!
What is interesting to me now is how 3 years ago I wouldn’t have considered myself an artist and yet I do now. I’m really glad I took the plunge and began to draw and create with art materials because it absolutely fills my soul with light. Now that my youngest is at school I am going to try to organize my day so that I get a chance to work on some more art projects. I never got around to writing an installment to Anyone can draw well. Really? (Part 1) — again something I’d like to do in the future! But I hope that from my Gallery (and the below, my first attempt at using charcoal) you can see that yes, really, ANYONE can draw well. You just need eyes to see and the patience to keep on practising…
Indulge me, if you will, as I reminisce on some of my posts… my Wild Woman post has been my most popular post in terms of number of views and I hope to write more about the Wild Woman in the future. ‘The Other Mums’ has also been popular as have my posts on sensitivity, communication, the creative process and ideas for art fun as a family.
My grief post was one of my most emotional posts, and on re-reading my clarity post I can see that it still very much applies to my life right now. My poem ‘The Swing’ is also another one of my favourites, and I love the Art of Faerie just for the beautiful images and amazing video.
Looking back at all this stuff makes me happy and proud, and reminds me that I’ve actually created some stuff that I’d like to share with people. As a thank you to those kindred spirits who support my blog (you know who are you, kind souls!) I’m doing a little giveaway. If you’d like to take part, simply leave a comment on this post and after a week I’ll put all the names in a hat and then my daughter will pull out a name and that’ll be the winner.
Thank you all, kind readers, for being a part of my positive blogging experience and here’s to another productive (and happy) 3 years of blogging creativity!
Happy bloggiversary! It’s great the way blogging can enhance our lives and it really isn’t all about the numbers is it? Blogging has certainly pushed me to be more creative and set myself challenges but best of all to find/create our little community. I’m totally with you on the heartwarming part. I think three years of blogging is quite an achievement and I hope to meet you in person before another three years goes past! Off to read some more of your posts now… Thanks for linking to #whatImWriting xxx
I agree Maddy, I don’t think blogging should be all about the numbers, but I think there’s an idea out there that numbers are very important (especially if you want to make a living from it). And I, too, would really love to meet you one day. I’m sure we will! Take care xxx
Love the drawing, the lines, shape and light; and it’s my favourite era. Well done for keeping up the blog.
Thank you Ana. I love the 1920s too – the clothes, the haircuts… Keeping up the blog is quite a feat but posting once a month seems to work well for me. 🙂
Thank you, for sharing such a beautiful collection of your words, and for offering so much of your artwork in celebration of your anniversary! Long may your blog continue.. Write on! 😉 (sorry, cringe!)
You’re welcome Rachael, and thank you for your kind words. Much appreciated. 🙂
Congratulations on your anniversary! Your artwork is beautiful – pleased to hear you feel able to call yourself the artist you so clearly are.
Thank you Angi for your kind words. Just wish I had a little more time for art. I must get more organized!
Happy to see you were able to find a posting schedule that works! Having a realistic goal really helps. So great that you think of yourself as an artist now. It’s funny how difficult it can be to claim that identity for ourselves! And how amazing that blogging helped you get to that point. Happy blogiversary!
Thank you very much Tara, and yes, a posting schedule really does help me. Thanks for dropping by! 🙂
Congratulations! Three years – isn’t it fantastic? I always love coming here because of the happy zentangles – recommending the Beckah Krahula book was one of the many wonderful gifts you have given me. Due to my screen restrictions and general disorganisation, I don’t comment and praise this blog as often as i should, but I always enjoy reading it. Many thanks, and once more my congratulations. Thank you. xxx
Thank you Cathy, and you’re welcome re: the book recommendations. And I totally understand about your screen time restrictions. I simply appreciate knowing that you support my creative endeavours. That makes me very happy. 🙂 Take care xxx
Happy blogoversary! It’s nice to have your own corner of the internet for your own thoughts and ideas isn’t it? A lovely drawing. I used to draw a lot but don’t find the time at all at the moment. I should make time : )
Thank you Emily, and yes, having a corner of the internet is rather lovely. You should make time for the drawing; it’s so refreshing and relaxing. If you used to draw a lot I’m sure you would pick it up in no time. 🙂
Congratulations Marija! Your posts are always interesting and so thoughtful…here’s to many more! Blogging is such a lovely way to connect with people, this is why I do it. Happy weekend to you xx
Thank you Janey for your kind words. It’s true, I do put a lot of thought into my posts (probably why I blog so infrequently!). Many thanks for stopping by and supporting me – it is so appreciated. 🙂
It is my pleasure! Have a wonderful week ahead xx
Thanks to all of you for commenting and taking part. Having just now drawn a name from the hat, I’d like to announce that the winner of the giveaway is Jane. I will email you shortly! 🙂
Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary. I love how you celebrated it and look forward to reading more of your posts.
Thanks Karuna for stopping by – and I’ll look forward to visiting your blog too. 🙂