January 20, 2009 10:25 PM
MommyLife Blogiversary - #4
Celebrating a little late -
My Blogiversary was January 15 - but my blog was kaput that day, an unusual occurrence thanks to the faithfulness of my BlogGuru who has overseen its behind-the-scenes for 3 1/2 of its 4 years (Thank you, King of Fools)
When I started blogging in 2005 I didn't have an operating plan. I was just a professional writer who'd published several books and several hundred articles who saw a chance to communicate more freely and establish a more intimate connection with my readers.
I didn't put a lot of thought into the name of my blog or the tag line - just set it up in between fixing dinner and loads of laundry. Neither of those has changed at all, though there have definitely been moments when I wasn't sure if the name MommyLife was the best choice: wouldn't it keep me from being taken seriously?
I also went through a period of cuteness-envy as mommy blog makeovers became the rage. Just as I went through high school never feeling like I had it really together with my hair and wardrobe, I still feel like my blog probably needs more pizzazz - but I'm a writer, and I'd rather write than redecorate anything - my home or my blog.
I think my blog has lived up to the tag line:
Montessori megamom serves up a smorgasbord of parenting, cultural, political and spiritual wisdom. Because she can.
In the past four years, I have written 3328 entries at MommyLife - and you have made 15,743 comments. Today's visit count (started at Sitemeter 4/1/2005) stands at 1,245,692.
While that's a lot of visits, there are many individual people with whom I've formed close relationships - some I've even been privileged to meet in person. Together we have informed and encouraged each other. I've seen women change their attitudes about motherhood, make peace with their pasts and gain more confidence in the future. I know of at least a few babies who were born because of hearts that were softened and changed because of things that were shared at this blog - not only by me but by some really insightful and articulate readers.
And my family and I have gone through some major changes - all chronicled here to encourage others who might be facing - or know others who are facing - similar changes in their lives:
- Saw three children graduate from high school and go to college.
- Lost 80 pounds
- Saw our oldest son married
- Learned how to advocate effectively for my children with IEPs
- Attended countless plays, concerts and sporting events for our children
- Traveled for speaking engagements and writing assignments
- Converted from Evangelicalism to Catholicism
- Lost a house to foreclosure
- Welcomed a new granddaughter - adopted from Guatemala
- Survived a challenging election cycle
- Published 4 books and 300 articles
In a way, this blog is like my reality show - as well as a place to share anything that's on my mind. But that's not surprising since I can only write about what's real. Believe me, there are moments - especially at writers conferences - when I wish I could write fiction like most of the other writers there, who are selling a lot more books and making lots more money than I.
But I've always thought that real life was more interesting than anything I could make up. And my own call is to share mine as openly as possible so that others will be unafraid to share their own.
To all those who read MommyLife, thank you for coming back even when you disagree with me. In a world which often pits people of different persuasions against each other, I am grateful for the level of civility and respect this blog has maintained.
Looking forward to the years ahead. Life is amazing, isn't it?
Posted in Blogging, My life | Permalink
Comments
Congratulations, Barbara! Thanks for all the work you put into the blog.
Posted by: Sheila | January 21, 2009 1:02 AM
Congratulations, Barbara! Your blog is one of my daily reads -- I think it's great. :o)
Posted by: Wendy in VA | January 21, 2009 7:43 AM
Congratulations, Barbara! I hope to see you today at the Kirkwood MOPS.
Posted by: Elissa | January 21, 2009 7:49 AM
Disagree with you? I didn't know we were allowed to do that! Just kidding, congratulations Barbara, and thank you for helping me be a better mom.
Posted by: Jenny | January 21, 2009 8:01 AM
Barbara, thank you for all you post here at the site. I love reading MommyLife each day because I know I will learn something helpful, or engage my mind about something I wouldn't see otherwise. You have opened my eyes to the need for Ecumenical dialogue, for information sources outside the big 4 networks, and affirmed my natural desire to teach my children myself. I have the capacity to take what the experts think my kids need to know and modify their education to become the best people possible.
You also sparked my journey inward as I examined my own sense of entitlement that packed on untold number of pounds over the years. I have suggested your site to many women because I want other women in my life to have the benefits of your wisdom and journey as well.
Thank you Barbara and congrats on the anniversary!
Posted by: Imajackson | January 21, 2009 10:59 AM
Congratulations!! I hope there are many, many more years of MommyLife yet to come.
Posted by: Cheryl (Copper's Wife) | January 21, 2009 12:40 PM
Congratulations, friend!!!
I am still here and reading (and realize that I need to return your e-mail from last month(!) but I know that you truly understand).
I must take the time and opportunity to say that you and your blog really blesses me, with all of the wonderful info that you provide about all things relating to the life of a "mommy". I love your tranparency; it is only by sharing our lives--both the good and the bad--that God gets full glory and that others learn from what we have lived through.
I am amused when you write about something that your are extra passionate about. You go into "writing hyper-drive" and the quality of what you say just rises to a higher level of thought and exellence.
The sharing of your conversion to Catholism has been enlightening to this small town girl who grew up in a small, narrow-minded, sin-sick Southern Baptist Church.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Continue on!
Many blessings to you for many for blog ventures.
Posted by: von | January 21, 2009 3:17 PM
Congratulations and thanks for letting us be apart of your "reality show"!!
Posted by: Wife, mother and so much more | January 21, 2009 4:42 PM
Barbara, happy blog anniversary. God Bless you and your family--thank you for being such an amazing witness to the sanctity of marriage and the family.
Posted by: KatieButler | January 21, 2009 6:42 PM
I think your blog name is PERFECT!
Posted by: Kathy | January 21, 2009 8:39 PM
Barbara, I am so glad you have this blog! Your words have given me confidence to be the mom of a large family, to begin my little apron business, and to be a blogger myself!
Thanks for all you do!
~Connie
Posted by: Smockity Frocks | January 21, 2009 9:05 PM
Congratulations on your blogiversary! Thank you for being the champion of moms, kids, families, the unborn, and for Christian values. You're an amazing woman. God bless you in this new year of blogging.
Jody
Posted by: Jody | January 21, 2009 11:22 PM
Happy anniversary! This is a must-read for me every day! I love your insight and candor. You bless all of your readers.
Posted by: Anne | January 21, 2009 11:53 PM
Happy blogiversary!!! You were my inspiration for starting by dear, neglected blog. Though I've regressed to lurker, I still read you often. Thanks for sharing so much of your life.
Hugs,
Lexie
Posted by: Lexie | January 22, 2009 8:35 PM
I just found your blog - thru pro-life blogs and read thru quite a bit. What a wonderful blog. Thanks for sharing your life and thoughts. Congratulations on four years and on your award!! Wish I could have gone to the March too. Look forward to reading future posts. Thanks & Many Blessings!
Posted by: a red voice | January 23, 2009 5:07 PM
