WordPress recently reminded me that I created my blog site eight years ago. My first post was on August 1, 2012 and was an account, illustrated with photos, of why I live in the woods.
Today I have 1130 WordPress followers and several hundred more followers by email and on social media, and I have had almost 100,000 views. I know many bloggers whose stats are much, much higher, but I am thrilled with what I have.
During the past eight years, I have been visited by readers from 168 countries and territories. My top post of all time is Predicting Weather by the Signs: The Singing of the Katydids, which was a surprise to me.
In April 2014, a second blog was added, Believing for Ben, chronicling my grandson’s journey through pediatric neurosurgery. Ben was only three years old at the time and now is ten and getting ready to begin grade five. Believing for Ben posts also have appeared on this blog, and members of my blogging community have followed Ben’s progress from diagnosis to the announcement that he is cured. Much encouragement and many prayers and healing thoughts have been sent our way from my blogging community.
A third blog, Captured for a Moment, was added in October, 2015. I refer to it as my “photos only” blog with no commentary, just photos. Unfortunately, it has been very neglected of late.
Additionally, I follow 324 other WordPress bloggers from around the world and have developed lovely blogging friendships with many of them. Some of those bloggers now post very infrequently, and others who I once followed now no longer post at all. I miss them.
I am so grateful to everyone who has read my posts and/or followed this blog and my other blogs. Some of you have been with me since I began this journey. Even though we never have met, you comment on my posts and continually send me words of encouragement. Blogging has been a much more rewarding experience than I imagined it could be!
Unexpected in common hours 
Congratulations! What a history you have. I especially enjoyed reading about the posts that received the most feedback. And I celebrate with you and the community over your grandsons healed state! Many Blessings!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Jacquie. I apologize for taking so long to respond to your comment. It somehow got lost in the need-to-be-approved list. But I do appreciate your comment, and I enjoy your blog as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand. Lately it’s been a bit of a challenge for me in responding, but I love this community and look forward to what others share. Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hearty congratulations, Deb, with warm wishes for many more anniversaries!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Dries!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! Forward ever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! And additional congratulations on your blogging anniversary, as well!
LikeLike
Congratulations on all of your blogs and dedication to writing!🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY—— I HAVE TOTALLY ENJOYED YOUR BLOG- AND MOST OF ALL GETTING TO KNOW YOU & YOUR FAMILY OVER THESE YEARS!! I FEEL BLESSED TO CALL YOU FRIEND!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I feel blessed to call you friend as well! I hope you are doing okay, and I think of you often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent! I am so proud of you!! Sending love and congratulations! You bring the most beautiful part of my home state to life for me! Thinks I have seen explained. Thank you.!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Sometimes I think I’ll just stop blogging, but I keep on. It’s an outlet for me.
LikeLike
Congratulations !! Love your blog
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I really appreciate that.
LikeLike
Many congratulations!! 🌟😊🌟
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike