Thursday, April 28, 2016

One Year of Blogging


One year ago today, a nervous young woman going under the pen name of Miss March pushed the publish button on her newly acquired blog and sent her very first post out into the world.  

And in this case her expression was like that of Maria's, not Lizzy's.

Because you must understand this was a very drastic measure for her. She had never blogged before, nor even commented on anyone else's blog.  She was a total novice and very nervous about having complete strangers read her writing.  And yet, she pushed that button anyway.  (Ask me not why.  For I cannot say.)

She wasn't scared.  Not at all.  Just a little nervous. 

...And terrified.  And panic stricken.  And "I can't believe I just did this!!  Hide me, someone! Quick!"  (Okay, so it wasn't that bad.  But you get the idea.  It was very nerve-wracking.)

Miss March had been reading blogs for quite some time, and having discovered that there was a fun community of girls with similar interests and values as herself, she began to think it might be fun to join the group and have a blog of her own.  Not that she felt confident about actually becoming a part of the group.  That would have been silly, considering that her confidence level was--and is--extraordinarily low.  But that being said, she  must have scrounged up some courage somewhere, for she managed to overcome her fear (momentarily, at least), and clicked that dreaded publish button...running off immediately afterward and banging her head against the wall in disbelief at her own daring.  (Just kidding.  She didn't actually do that.  I made that part up.  But she probably felt like doing it.)


However, that's not the end.  The story of Miss March's bravery is not yet over.   

Being an unreasonable sort of lass, though she dreaded the thought of anyone ever reading what she had written, still at the same time she very much wanted someone to read it (talk about fickleness, and inconsistency, and all that), so the very day after publishing her first post she went and did something which was equally momentous.  She commented on another girl's blog!  I mean it!  She really did!  She felt that she must do it or risk losing her chance of ever becoming a part of the blogging community, so she clicked on a certain blog which she had been reading and enjoying for quite some time, and with her heart pounding furiously typed out a hesitant comment introducing herself.  The dear sweet girl to whom she addressed this comment (who was, of course, none other than Naomi Bennet) replied within the hour and was so kind and welcoming, that Miss March was quite overcome.  And then get this!  Naomi went and left a comment on Miss March's blog and...and immediately become her very first follower.  (I know!  Like, what?  She'd only ever read one post!  How did she know she was going to like it?)  But, oh!  It made Miss March very happy indeed.

And then our jittery, new blogger was further blown away by the receipt of two more comments--that very same day!--from two lovely young ladies named Natalie and Olivia.  And they were so kind and welcoming, too, and...ahhh!  Words fail me.

I'm going to have to switch to first person because I can't do justice to this subject talking as some strange unconnected individual.

First, I just want to say thank you so much to Naomi, Natalie, Olivia, and Evie.  All four of you hold a very special place in my heart, because you were the first to comment on  my posts and gave me that encouragement which I so needed to start out with.  I probably would have given up long ago if it hadn't been for you!  :D  Thank you, girls!

And then to all the rest of you who have commented on my posts, followed my blog, and encouraged me in so many ways.  Cordy, Emma, Rosie McCann, Miss Meg, Jillian, Rae, Heidi, Rose...and so many more!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  You all mean SO much to me!  And I'm so glad I met you! 


And now, I'm going to include a few stats, because I think they're fun to look back on later.

Pageviews:  8471  (Most of which are probably mine.  I have a bit of a twitch when it comes to checking my blog.  ;))
Number of Posts Published: 44
Number of Posts in Drafts:  18 (...because I have a problem with not finishing things...)
Most Viewed Post:  Memory Nest with 153 pageviews (Heehee. I'm not sure if that was on account of the popularity of the post, or simply because Rosie and I were having too much fun conversing in the comments.  :)  Me thinks these stats can be rather deceiving.  ;))
Followers: 18 (Nothing deceiving about that!  I have eighteen followers!  Wow.  Thank you all so much!!!!  I can't tell you how encouraging it is to know that people actually like reading what I write!)


So.  That's that.  One year gone, and another year before me.  While I'd like to say that I've grown a lot and have gained a good deal of the confidence which I lacked when I first began blogging, I'm afraid that wouldn't be strictly true.  There are still far too many days when I feel like a little nobody--the new kid on the block--scrambling to find my place.  Worried that I'm failing at this whole thing.  That my posts are boring.  That if ever there was a blogger who had no idea how to do things properly, it's me.

But I know those thoughts are just my insecurities and lack of self-confidence speaking, because I have never received anything but overwhelming and heartfelt encouragement ever since I began this little blog.  And so thank you all again...so very, very much!

And, uh, while we're on the subject of boring posts and whatnot...do any of you have suggestions for posts which you would like to see more of (or less of) in the coming year? 

Here's a small list of possibilities:

1. Movie reviews
2. Book reviews
3. Games
4. Random life stuff
5. Humorous/Sarcastic posts (like this one for example) 
6. Favorites posts (such as favorite heroes, heroines, and the like)
7. Or something totally new that I've never done before.  Got any ideas?  I'd love to hear them!

Okay, I guess that's all I had to say.  So long everyone!

(And now I shall go and worry about what a horrible post this is, because, well, it's tradition.  And one must never mess with tradition.  ;))

36 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Miss March! First Blogiversary, wahoo! :D

    Hehe, you sound EXACTLY like me! After pushing that publish button, I felt like I had just done something huge! And commenting...goodness, it was a little nerve-racking at first too ;) (And yes, there are those days when I just feel so very insecure. But the comments and friends always cheer me up! :)

    Your blog is amazing and you are even more so!!!! Keep up the good work :D

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    1. Thank you SO much, Blessing! Wow. I don't even know what to say. You are too kind. :)

      Aww. I'm so glad you can relate to this, though at the same time, I'm really sorry to hear that you have moments of insecurity, too, because...well, I know how that feels and it's so hard, and I hate to think others are struggling with those feelings, too. But you're right, comments and friends really do help to cheer one up. Speaking of which, I'd like to thank you for all your lovely comments...and for following my blog! You've encouraged me greatly even in this short amount of time. :)

      Aww. Thank you!! :D

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  2. One year! Congratulations, Miss March! I have only been familiar with your blog for a couple of months, but I do love it so! I'm glad you started a blog so I can enjoy it! Haha. :)

    You mentioned ME?? Miss March!!! You're too kind! Really, you're so welcome, for I've appreciated your blog so much since I came across it (I think it was probably from your comments on Naomi's blog. Something like that.)! I love to comment on your lovely posts, and I'm glad you like that I do! Haha.
    And I really appreciate your comments on my blog, too; thank you so much for being encouraging and friendly to me as well! I still feel how you mentioned you felt--and feel--but you've helped me adjust to the blogging community! :)

    And I honestly just love it whenever I see a post from you on my dashboard, so...no requests, really, just keep posting! :)

    -Rae

    P. S. It's not a horrible post, I promise. It's lovely! However, I cannot blame you for worrying because, well, doesn't everybody? Well, at least I do. Yeah. :)

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    1. Oh, Rae, you're so sweet!! To think that you actually love my blog and enjoy it! That just blows me away! THANK YOU! :D

      Aww. I'm honored to have been a small part in helping you adjust to the blogging world! That makes me SO happy! And you've helped me, too, you know! Every comment is encouraging and gives me fuel to keep going, and I can't tell you how much I've appreciate all of yours! :D

      Thank you so much, Rae!!! :)

      ~Miss March

      P.S. Haha! I KNOW! Isn't worry such a troublesome thing? And yet I don't know how to help it most times. It just comes so naturally. ;)

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  3. Good for you, Miss March!!! WAHOO!!! *doing a small happy dance, (because no one can see me), in your honor*

    In that first picture you used, I can be Lizzy beside you right? I can be all excited and proud of you and you can peek out in concern. ;) (That is until I convince you there is nothing to be concerned about ;D) I really liked the pictures you used by the way.

    This post was like reading my own blogging story. It really was. I had a blog that I kept private...so naturally, I didn't have readers--funny how that works. ;) But one day I randomly opened it to the public and started commenting on blogs...wwwhhhaaat? Haha. So crazy!

    I can't tell you how ridiculously happy I felt when you mentioned me! :D :D :D It has been such a blessing getting to know you! (I'm sorry if I just got a perfectly obnoxious song stuck in your head...my bad :P)

    *heavy sigh* Drafts. :P I have the same problem. ;)

    Ooh, suggestions...I really like everything that you do! However, I will try and be specific and therefore, possibly, helpful. I love your Moments in Fiction, I hope I've mentioned that before now. I love your games, and your sarcasm, and life post, and your 'favorites posts' sound intriguing...yeah, I don't think I'm being as helpful as I intended.. hehehe.

    Ha! Tradition, who needs it? ;D

    Congrats on reaching your one year anniversary!!! Now, going for two! (I feel like that last line should be sung with the tune, "I Am Sixteen" from the Sound of Music. (*Cordy tries it out* I am one year going on two years...) Nope, just doesn't hold the same charm as the original song. Hahaha!)

    ~Cordy

    P.S. There is something seriously wrong with my sense of humor. Sheesh! :D

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    1. Cordy, you dear girl, where do I start?? I feel absolutely overloaded with encouragement after all these comments. I'm just...yeah, sort of speechless...*ahem* but not totally. Heehee.

      Awww. You're too sweet. Putting yourself in that picture with me, and being so excited and proud of me! *hugs* If I'm still concerned after that, I must be a total nutcase!! Ha! Really, though, you are such a dear. :) (I'm glad you like the pictures, by the way. All three of them were actually in my original header, so I thought it rather fitting to include them in this post! :))

      I know! Scary, wasn't it? :P But I'm SO glad you did it!! You're such a ray of sunshine in the blogging world, Cordy! And we can always do with a bit of sunshine!! :D

      Aww. I'm SO glad. And the same goes for me, too. Your friendship has been a huge blessing to me! (Haha! Would that song be from 'The King and I', by any chance? I haven't seen that movie in ages!)

      Yes, you have mentioned that you like the Moments in Fiction posts! And I'm so glad! I'm going to have to come up with some more of those just for you!!! :D Haha. Yeah, what a big help you turned out to be. :P No, seriously, just hearing that you like everything I write is enormously helpful. I think I'm beginning to get the idea that all my worries over my "boring posts" are rather...unfounded? :P

      Haha. Yeah, anyway. ;)

      *chuckles* You're too funny, Cordy. :) Thank you so much for your comment!

      ~Miss March

      P.S. I know! It's like making me laugh. Very troubling. ;) Heehee.

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    2. Hehehe.

      Your header must have been darling! :D

      Petrifying!! It was the worst thing! Oooh, thank you, Miss March!

      It would be "The King and I". Neither have I but that doesn't mean that song doesn't get stuck in my head EVERY time I hear that phrase!! But I'm not bitter.

      Yay!! Just for me?! I can't wait!! "Rather unfounded"...yeah, a bit. ;D

      ~Cordy

      P.S. Ohh, if only you could see how you make me laugh! :D :D

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    3. Well, I don't know. It was alright for that time, but I don't like it quite so much now. There was a bit too much space between the pictures. :)

      Haha. Yes, that is a very memorable tune. And I can definitely see why it would get stuck in your head. I'm glad to hear you're not bitter, though. That's a very noble attitude to have, and I'm proud of you. ;)

      Aww. I'm glad you're excited about it. :) I'll have to put my thinking cap on and come up with a good subject.

      ~Miss March

      P.S. As they say, laughter is good medicine. I guess we must be very concerned for each others' health. :D

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  4. One year? CONGRATULATIONS!!! *confetti* That's awesome! Well done, Miss March. I'm so glad you started blogging and I'm so glad I found your little Sunshiney Corner! Here's to many more happy days of blogging. :-)

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  5. YAY CONGRATULATIONS!!!! A whole year past already - time does fly. I remember I loved your blog from the very start (yes, I may or may not have thought, 'Her header is from P&P95, so of course I LOVE her blog!') - and you've never disappointed. Keep up with the good work, dear... and don't worry about it being perfect. You're doing good. :-)

    (I'm honoured to be your first follower!)

    ~ Naomi

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    1. Oh, Naomi! THANK YOU!! Your opinion means so much to me. And I'm so glad to hear that my blog has never disappointed you but that you've liked it from the start. That is a MAJOR encouragement to me! Thank you, my friend!! (Haha. Yes, P&P95. I think that's what really did it. Lucky for me I chose that header to start out with. ;) Heehee!)

      ~Miss March

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  6. Wow... was it really THAT LONG AGO? It felt like just yesterday! Well, congratulations, Miss March - I hope you blog for many more years yet! :)

    Aww... I loved reading this. :) You're so very welcome, dear! <3 I only return the favour.

    Okay, so... what would I like to see more of... everything, honestly! I love it all! But if I HAD to pick one... I'd say your humorous/sarcastic posts, 'cause that really is your jam. :D Just blog what you feel like blogging; write what is on your heart. That's my advice. :)

    ~Miss Meg

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    1. I know! It went by quickly, didn't it? Time is such a funny thing.

      Aww. Thank you for what you said about my humorous/sarcastic posts! That made me smile. And I'm so glad you like them, because I really enjoy writing them! ;) "Just blog what you feel like blogging; write what is on your heart." Oooh! THANK YOU, Miss Meg! Your advice is priceless, and just what I needed to hear. :)

      ~Miss March

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  7. Happiness! Congrats, wonderful accomplishment! I love reading your blog. which I discovered through Naomi via the comment section. Thank you for sharing your witty words with us all. Here is to many more seasons of blogging for you!

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    1. Aww, Lexi. You're so sweet. THANK YOU!!! Your comment brought a smile to my face!!

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  8. Congratulations!! One year! Wow! That's a long time! I hope that someday I can have a blog and make it as nice as yours and Naomi's and Olivia's and everybody else's :)

    You mean a lot to me as well, dear girl! Your posts are always happy and sweet and thoughtful. It's so much fun to read them. Oh and that "Memory Nest" post, I think I counted 23 comments that are just us chatting back and forth :D

    Ooooh, suggestions . . . how can I pick?? I love all your posts! I really like your humorous/sarcastic posts, and your random posts, and your games, and your reviews, and just EVERYTHING. I don't think I can pick one - I'll just say, keep up the good work! :)

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    1. Oh, my goodness! Yes! We MUST have a blog by Rosie! And the sooner the better, I say! (Is there any particular reason why you can't have a blog right now?)

      Awww. THANK YOU!! :) Haha. I know! That was quite the conversation, wasn't it? SO much fun! :D

      Okay, this is crazy! All those hours of worrying that my posts are a total flop and here you are saying you like ALL of them?! Seriously? This is too much! You girls are way too encouraging! And I really don't deserve it, but thank you so much for all your kind words. You're a dear friend, Rosie!

      (Oh! But now look what you did! I just finished writing down my stats and you've changed them already! Honestly! Haha! :) No, in all seriousness! THANK YOU! I'm beyond delighted to have you as my 19th follower! *hugs*)

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    2. Ain't got no time, really :P I'm going to graduate high school in about a month, so I'm super super busy. I also am planning on going to college, (already admitted! Wahoo!) and so I'm going to have to see how much time I have then, ye know. But here's hoping!

      Your posts are DEFINITELY not a total flop. I love them! And yes, I decided to bump it up to 19! You deserve it, girl :)

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    3. Oh, I see. Yeah, life can be so busy sometimes. I hope you'll find time for blogging someday, though!! :) Congratulations on being accepted to college! That's awesome. Will you be living at home, or staying at the school? Have you decided on a major yet?

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    4. It sure can! And I hope so, too :)

      Thanks! It is awesome. It's a state college, about 25 minutes from my house, so I'll be living at home and commuting. I'm planning on majoring in graphic design. I'm really excited and happy about it all!

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    5. Oh! Graphic design! That sounds cool. And you'll get to live at home, too! Better and better! :) I'm so glad you're excited about it.

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  9. Congrats!!! Wow. This is truly monumental! *throws confetti* I'm very glad you hit that publish button. :D
    And I'm so happy I stumbled across your blog when I did. :)

    -The Girl with the Gold Pen

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    1. Aww. Thank you so much!!! And I'm so happy you stumbled across my blog, too, because I've very much enjoyed getting to know you a little! You girls are all so special!! :D

      ~Miss March

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  10. Eeek, CONGRATULATIONS!! Happy Blog-o-versaru! :D haha

    Awww, MISS MARCH. Your words started to bring tears to my eyes. YOU ARE SO SWEET. Your friendship has meant so much to me this past year and I am so happy that you hit that dreaded publish button one year ago. :) The blogging world wouldn't be the same with out you!! I honestly think your blog is lovely and beautiful and just as "good" or as special as all the other blogs out there! You're doing a lovely job, my dear, and I hope you continue blogging for many more years! :)

    I just went and re-read your first post. It's SO SWEET. :D And our first comments...we didn't know each other then and now look where we are! :)

    As for post ideas...I love ALL the ideas you listed, but numbers 4, 5, and 6 are especially appealing!

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    1. Thanks, Natalie!! :D

      Oh! Same to you, dear! In fact, I think sweetness must be your middle name! ;) And I can't tell you how much your friendship has meant to me, as well!! I'm so glad I met you!! Aww. *blushes* "The blogging world wouldn't be the same without you!" Seriously, THANK YOU, my friend! It means so much to hear you say that! And oh! Just stop. I'm getting way too much encouragement here! ;)

      Oh, I know, I know! Our first comments! *sigh* So precious. And yes! Look where we are now. Real, honest to goodness friends. Though, I must admit, it's still hard for me to believe it sometimes, because...well, you know...having friends is not something I'm used to. (Heehee.) Ahhhh! I'm just so grateful for your friendship, Natalie! THANK YOU! *hugs* :)

      Oh! I'm glad 4,5,and 6 sound appealing to you, because...haha...those the easiest posts for me to write. ;) Sounds like a win, win situation to me! :)

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    2. Heehee. I just....words fail me. Your comments are the best, Miss March. I feel so blessed by our friendship and am so happy you feel the same. :D

      I know!! It's so fun to see how God had something good "in the works" and we didn't even know it. :) I'm so glad that you are "getting used" to having friends, because you certainly deserve them. :) *hugs back*

      Yay! I'm looking forward to them, then! :D

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    3. No words. Just a huge big hug for a very dear friend. :D (And uh...I begs to differ. It's your comments that are the best! :D Did I ever tell you they make me really happy? Oh, yeah, right. We did have that discussion before, didn't we? ;))

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    4. You are just the sweetest. :)
      (Heehee, yes, we did. :D)

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    5. Aww. *blushes* Same to you, my friend!!! :D

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  11. *blushes and giggles and fangirls* AAAAAHHHH I'M SO HAPPY YOU JOINED THE BLOGGING WORLD.

    Seriously, Miss March, I can't even begin to describe how much you have meant to me over this past year <3 You're SUCH an amazing friend and role model. Your friendship means the world to me. I'm so grateful that God "introduced us", as it were!

    And Sunshiny Corner is awesooooooome. Just sayin'. I always get excited when I see one of your posts pop up :) Don't stop blogging, evah!

    So much more I could say, but my brain is still a bit fuzzy from the flu :P Love ya, girl!!

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    1. Aww. THANK YOU SO MUCH, OLIVIA! It means a lot to hear you say that! :)

      And...ohhh! I don't know what to say. It blows me away that my friendship has meant that much to you. Because, honestly, making friends is not something that comes easy for me. Thank you for being my friend, Olivia. Your friendship truly means a lot to me. :)

      *blushes and grins profusely* Aww. Thank you!! You are so encouraging!! :D

      What are you doing commenting when you're sick??! Get to bed, girl, and get well!! *Miss March waves a threatening finger in your direction* Haha. Seriously, though. THANK YOU! Your comment made me EXTREMELY happy! More happy than I deserve to be, probably! ;)

      Aww. I love you, too, Olivia!! I hope you're feeling back to normal soon!! :D

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  12. Congratulations to you, Miss Meg March!! :-) It's a pleasure reading your blog. You almost always make me laugh. xoxo

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  13. A big congratulations on your blogaversary!!! (though I realise they are slightly overdue)

    I'm so glad you overcame your fear long enough to start this blog:)
    Your posts always make me smile, and often make me think "I thought I was the only one to do this. Someone understands!!!"

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    1. Thank you so much, Rose! :D And...aww...I'm so glad my posts make you smile, and that you can relate to some of the things I write. That's just all around jolly.

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