It’s lynnelives first birthday and we’re 100. Thank you if you’re reading this and have read any of my pieces. I can’t tell you how long it took to decide whether to leave my 100th blog post for today or not. Apparently I can take the simplest of tasks and make them into mountains and take mountains and not be phased at all (unless they’re real).
A year ago I set up lynnelives and posted ‘A New Year a New Blog!’ not really knowing what I was getting into. I’d wanted to blog for years but didn’t have the guts to get on with it. So many things hindered me. Well, of course, only one thing hindered me, me, but with many different questions. Who would read it; what would I write; everyone will laugh; who am I to think I can do anything of note; let alone the obvious, how do you set a blog up?
Along came knight on white horse.. I have no idea if he rides but he does write extremely well and ‘gently encouraged’ (other words do come to mind) me to blog.. in the guise of Simon. Simon, thank you, I’ve had a wonderful blogging year and wouldn’t have got around to it so soon if you hadn’t helped.
Thanks have to go to you my readers including, currently 36, followers, and many friends and family. I hope you’ve had a laugh, smile or cry to enhance your days. I don’t go in for quantity (too scary) but do love quality and I’ve got the best readers. Nicky tagged me for a Versatile Blogger award that I’ve not worked out how to receive or pass on yet. Nicky, I’ll have a go this year and thanks for being my highest commenter!
To me, over my first year, this blog’s been friend, teacher, confidante and counsellor. By writing and blogging, I hope I’ve given a little back to those I love to read and my quality friends who support my mad creative times. According to my annual stats the post which got the most views was xxxxxxxxxx ! The one which had the busiest day was Apostrophe on April 1st. You heard it here first, I’ll have a go at A-Z challenge this year (Oops.. What have I said? That means a busy March and April).
If you want to see the stats the WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 4,600 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 8 years to get that many views.
Click here to see the complete report.
Blogging this year has been fun and crazy at the same time, two of my favourite pastimes. Here’s hoping you’re able to join me this time next year (you can always pop by before then too) for the 2nd birthday celebration of lynnelives. Last year I learnt a bit about blogging and lots about writing. This year I want to focus on my garden and finishing my first novel and hope you are interested in one or both. I’m sure there will be the usual eclectic mix as I go along and hope that adds some fun and laughter along the way.
This feels like it’s turning into a speech! It’s gone on far too long and we all need a drink. Please open the bubbly, have a piece of cake and thank-you for dropping by and celebrating with me.
lynnelives 
Congratulations on the first anniversary of your blog, Lynne! It takes a leap of faith to write “in public”, but once we do it – it seems to be quite a liberating activity. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts and though I haven’t read them all, I plan to stop by more in 2013 :))) All the very best!!
Many thanks. Glad we ‘met’ and enjoyed writing with you during November! Here’s to more leaps in 2013. xx
Congratulations Lynne! I’ve found that blogging’s an activity that ripens over time…it always amazes me how many pageviews I get these days, and how many old posts constantly get new hits. Your first 100 marks the beginning of a long and enjoyable journey.
Hi Jane,
I’ve not forgotten the ‘gentle encouragement’ you helped Simon with! Many thanks for the congratulations. I’ll look forward to the fermentation!
How did you manage to have the wherewithal and a forethought to produce your 100th blog on its 1st birthday. I’m si impressed. Blogging is great as long as we don’t allow ourselves to become a slave to it. Nice cake! Cheers! And here’s to the next 100 posts.
hmm.. Pure coincidence. When I noticed one I published around christmas was my 95th I wondered if I should celebrate my 100th that got me thinking when my 1st blogiversary was. Realising I could celebrate both I wrote more than I had been, during a couple of weeks, so I was able to do 100 and 1st birthday together.. will my 2nd bday and 200 posts be the same? who knows.. glad you like the cake and cheers too!
Believe it or not, you and I started our blogs around the same time. I started mine on the fifth but didn’t actually post anything until the ninth. Funny how that works…
Thanks for stopping by John. I like coincidences. I’ll put something up soon about being signed up. Looking forward to being virtual neighbours from the same block..
Well done you!
Thanks Viv. sorry it’s taken a while to respond, I must have missed your comment coming in. Here’s to 2013!