January 15, 2011 8:58 AM
Happy Birthday, MommyLife - 6 years blogging
Wow. Another year. Another year of thanking God every day for my blog and for those who come here to read.
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 pizazz - 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 six years, I have written 8038 entries at MommyLife - and you have made 28,088 comments. Today's Sitemeter visit count stands at 3,032,368 - though my Awstats counter registers 2.5 times the daily visits Sitemeter captures. Currently, I'm averaging 7000 visits/day .
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 a couple dozen 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 four children graduate from high school and 2 graduate from college.
- Lost 80 pounds (and gained back 30)
- Saw two sons 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 more books and 600 more articles
- Survived as a family through Tripp's 9-month/5 surgery disability
- Appeared as guest on Glenn Beck
- Was the proud mama of an American Idol contestant who made it to Hollywood
- Saw my 18-year old son Jonny crowned Homecoming King
- Enjoyed my adult kids coming and going, watching their dreams unfold
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 :)
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?
Comments
Happy Anniversary Momma C!
thank you for commitment to your blog. You have been a light in my path for sure....and after all these years, your're still my only "most read blog".
We shall meet soon.
Posted by: LadyLovas | January 15, 2011 1:02 PM
Thank you for keeping this going! :)
Posted by: Anna | January 15, 2011 5:11 PM
Happy birthday . I am so glad I found this blog,but most of all so glad to have found your "voice".
Thanks for all your words, and please know how important it is that you do this....
Now go get a big piece of cake!
Posted by: carol | January 15, 2011 5:41 PM
Congratulations Barbara,
As my favorite in which I visit each day, I would like to congratulate you in being a constant in a very inconsistant world. I really appreciate your candor and your authenticity to yourself and your opinion. I love a woman with an opinion who is not afraid to express it. May the Lord bless you with health, love and wisdom.
A loyal reader,
Charlene
Posted by: Charlene | January 15, 2011 8:49 PM
Woo Hoo! Happy Birthday!! Thank you for everything. I am one of those who have been changed, and could never thank God enough for my children.
Posted by: Greta | January 15, 2011 9:23 PM
Simply said, thank you Barbara!
Posted by: Debbie | January 16, 2011 9:39 PM
