Saturday Spotlight #10: My One-Year Blogiversary!

There are 525,600 minutes in a year.

 

I hit publish for the first time on this blog five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes ago, give or take a few. I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into!  

A year and about a weekend ago, I had just one question: “What's a blog?”  Seriously, I didn't even know.

A blog, for anyone who many still not know, is a regularly updated web page or website.  The word “blog” comes from the term web log or weblog. It also may interest you that each update is called a "post" or a blog post.

Today, I can answer that question, but now I have a bunch more!

Starting a blog was one of the more impulsive decisions that I have made. After I had been freelance writing for a while, I read that “starting a blog is a good thing for a writer to do.” Only a few days after the idea to start a blog occurred to me,
this blog was up and running. I thought having a blog would be a fun thing to do, and motivate me to write more.

It has been fun.
It has motivated me to write - a lot.

It has also taught me more than I had ever thought I would know about computers and social media.

Blogging has been like moving to a new place, and instantly having a a supportive team of new acquaintances. In the past year (525,600 minutes) I have made many new friends and participated in several campaigns for social justice. I have written about people, food, products, pets, home and garden, special occasions, travel, companies, crafts and more.  I have even had the privilege of having my work published on other blogs.

When I started this blog, I was quite naive about how important it is to pick a good topic to write about. Fortunately, I have never regretted my choice.  My “niche” is perhaps broader than what is typically recommended for a blog, but I love the variety of subjects that all relate to “making the most -- of every moment.” My nearly daily task of finding good recipes, tips, stories, projects, and information to share here has helped me to make the most of my own most recent 525,600 moments.  I hope that it has helped you as well!

I have lots of hopes and plans for the future of this blog. I am committed to improving my photography, and making better use of the manual setting on my camera! I am hoping I will finally understand how to use social media - and maybe even figure out Twitter! 

Like any blogger, I hope to continue to grow my following, which will in turn increase the options and opportunities for what I can do here. Yesterday, I wrote about how you can follow this blog (click here if you missed it). I really hope that you do!

There have been things about this first year of blogging that have been a lot like having a new baby.  This blog has been quite demanding and has caused me to lose some sleep. I have worried about it, and I've grown very fond of it.  I didn't throw it a party for it’s birthday - but I did do some baking for it! 

Perhaps I'll even share the recipe for my sugar cookies another day!

A year ago, I didn't know if anyone besides my family would ever read this blog.  I was thrilled the first time someone left a comment on a post, and I am grateful for all of the followers and readers that I now have! Thank you for all of your comments, and all of the times you have shared my posts.

The purpose of my Saturday Spotlight Series is to “shine the spotlight” on something I have discovered or found interesting. This week, in celebration of the past 525,600 minutes, I am shining it right here, on my own blog this week.  

Writing about 520,600 minutes reminds me of a song.  Have you ever heard this one?

          
                     Seasons of Love, by the cast of Rent

Happy First Birthday, the most - - of every moment. 

Here's to many more!

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!