Door Photo – © 2012 by Jim Ruppel
Today, June 12, 2013, marks the 1st anniversary of writing on Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom, my new site. I had just retired and decided to get back to my writing. I initially had the same site from 2007 with over 115 posts through Blogger and wanted to give it a fresh look with a modern, internet feel.
So, I moved everything over to a new site with a new post I’d written a year ago today called “New Beginnings ― Changes ~~ to live or die”. The story is more serious in nature catching my readers up with what I had done and what was going on in my life at the time.
I had just come through some challenging life issues, like we all experience, if you live long enough. I was looking to get the feel for writing again. Can you believe it ― I’m still here!
In one year’s time, I’ve written 50 new posts to add to the 117 from the old site (167 total) and 25 lovely people have enjoyed what they’ve read so far, enough to follow and sign up for more. From the bottom of my heart, I say, “Thank You!” It means a lot and is not taken lightly.
I have to say it feels a bit uncomfortable “tootin’ my horn”, so to speak, by listing my accomplishments for the past year. More importantly, I wanted to tell my readers and new visitors what I’ve done. I hope my followers will enjoy some earlier stories, if they missed them when they first came onboard, and trust those stopping by for the first time will find value in staying for a while.
This past year, I was honored to be nominated for 4 Awards. They inspired me to stretch, grow and continue sharing from my heart. They are:
Liebster Award by Wendy McCance at Searching for the Happiness
The Sunshine Blogging Award
The Sunshine Award by Diane Reed at The One Thing I Know for Sure
The Best Blog Supporter Award by Bea Sempere (Denise Baer) at Skipping Stone Memories
And one more, I just found out about today, I Am Part of the WordPress Family Award by Shaun at Praying for One Day.
It may be a bit of a slow beginning, for sure, at Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom, compared to other bloggers I’ve seen, but not short in appreciation and gratitude for what I’ve learned and the internet friends I’ve met. Every day, I enjoy the exchange of stories and mutual sharing reflections of life, family, work and all the challenges in between.
Along those lines with the exchange of stories sharing reflections of life came with my first Guest Interview in February with Brandon Pearce at Pearce on Earth. It was my first attempt at hosting an interview on my site and I was humbled by his gracious acceptance having just discovered him by way of a Tim Ferriss 4-hour Workweek case study.
Continuing along in February and April, I was getting in the flow with more creative project ideas and found one story to share that turned out to be one of my most popular posts called “Have you Heard This Story” from Brigitte on Facebook at Lessons Learned in Life Facebook Page. It’s a cute little story about “Carrots, Eggs or Coffee; Which are You?”
And, probably the second most popular post was another Facebook story called “Life is Not a Sharp Knife to Cut All Those Bad Memories” by Rishika Jain Inspirations (RJI) shared on Be Legendary. Both stories leaving you with a message to consider with how they speak to you and your own life.
My next Guest Post also came in April by way of a reblog of a story of a Holocaust survivor written by Barbara Topolosky at My Life in My 60’s. It was called, “Yom Hashoa: Holocaust remembrance: Never Forget! Isacc Klein’s Story”. It’s a touching story of courage and endurance of a Holocaust survivor reminding us how quickly we’re losing those of that generation. It won’t be long, when they will be gone forever, and we’ll no longer be able to get first-hand accounts of a time in history, when humans took on an evil, dark side.
I am proud to say I also accomplished a few writing projects this past year, in addition to posting on my site. In Dec 2012, I self-published my first free e-book (Sweet Days of Summer ― All is Okay). It is a short (15 pages tops), six-story e-book (also in PDF), a mixture of personal stories of home and family, when I was a child, and others of goofy observations.
A second writing project, in February, tested my writing abilities with an opportunity to submit a story called “Love Lane”. It’s slated for publication, around the holidays, in a new book, Letting Go: True Stories of Hope, Encouragement and Peace, by Alex Blackwell at The Bridgemaker. I hope to share it on my site later this year.
And, finally in April, I was really challenged and stretched with the writing and submission of a manifesto at a Seth Godin-inspired site called Change This. I have to say, I felt intimidated and out of my element in this writing. Yet, it was rewarding to nail down and convincingly put words to those things that are important to me and give them life. I’m currently waiting for editing results.
As I look back, on this past year, I remember the struggle over words and the technical challenges, converting from an old site to an unfamiliar new one (still working on these). Then, there was the fear of hitting PUBLISH on my e-book sending it into cyberspace, beyond the point of electronic return.
Not to mention, the difficulty I had in getting my head wrapped around the writing of a manifesto, a new style of writing about which I knew very little. The style is different in that it’s a “call to action” type of writing. It carries conviction and passion giving voice to those things that are important and how they could benefit or possibly change the world ― worlds apart from storytelling.
Now, I’m moving forward with more growth in writing and exploring opportunities for another e-book and storytelling on videos. One thing I know is that without your support this would probably die by the wayside, inside me, as unplayed music.
Thank you for a wonderful year!
Pat from the ol’ kitchen table
You are well on your way. The first year is so eye-opening. I see great things in your future. Congratulations!!
Thank you Wendy. It sure is eye-opening and how much it’s changed from my blogger days. I’m still trying to catch up with all of the techy, social networking things. Can be a bit overwhelming at times. Your support and resources have been so helpful. May need to draw more on that in this next year. 🙂
The techy part is something I am always learning more from too. Recently I have been trying to wrap my head around SEO. I’d be happy to help anytime if I can. 🙂
Thank you. 🙂 I appreciate that Wendy. I may have to take you up on that.
I need to ask you a question sometime about the CommentLuv on your site. It looks like I have a broken link somewhere with a “curl 6” error.
Sadly I know nothing about that. It’s another area that I need to learn about. I would google broken link with curl 6 error and see what information you can get on the topic.
I know Wendy — no problem. I did google the curl 6 error and ran the check for a broken link on my computer but no breaks. That’s as far as I’ve gotten. Think it might have to do with a plugin I have that CommentLuv doesn’t like. Onward and upward — it all gets sorted out sooner or later.
I hope you figure it out.
Thanks Wendy. 🙂 I will. Gets a little tricky chasing after answers that are right in front of me. But I’ll figure it out. No biggy.
Wendy – if you’re researching SEO strategies here’s a site you may be interested in Vanita Cyril’s “Strategic Mama” at http://thestrategicmama.com/do-you-need-seo/. I’ve read some of her posts and looks like good information to me.
Thanks Pat, I could use all the info I can get.
You’re welcome Wendy — always happy to share and together we’ll get there. 🙂
I hope you don’t mind, but I put a link to that blog post on my Facebook page. It has some great insight. I did mention that I got the link from you and put your blog link on the post as well.
No, thank you, Wendy, for sharing on your Facebook page and also for sharing a link back to my blog as my link isn’t showing up in your CommentLuv. I hope the information is helpful.
Well done Pat. Lots of achievements as well as overcoming so much. I’ll look forward to your posts in future so cheers….to the next successful year too:-)
Thank you Diana for stopping by and for your kind words. I’m happy to see you over here for a visit. I’m looking forward to the next year, sharing reads with each other and getting to know you. 🙂
Happy Anniversary Pat! It was a pleasure getting to know you through your writings over the past few months. Thanks for inviting us to sit down at your table…I look forward to many more stories from you. Om shanti, Beverley
Thank you Beverley – I’m so happy you stopped by and I’ve loved getting to know you too. I love your stories and find a common thread among them that’s familiar to me. You can pull up a chair and come sit at my kitchen table anytime. 🙂
Congratulation on completing your first year. That is an accomplishment worthy of celebrating. Most bloggers give up at or before their first year, so you have beaten the odds my friend. I wish you continued success and much reward for all your efforts. 🙂
Thank you Susan. I’m so happy you stopped by. Your kind words of encouraging support mean so much coming from one that has accomplished so much. 🙂
You’re so welcome. It all gets down helping each other, doesn’t it? 🙂
So true Susan and no better way than when I have friends like you that knows technology and their way around the internet. 🙂
I meant to tell you “The Best Blog Supporter Award” was an award I created. Check out my award page and you’ll see it. You so fit it’s intent.
Thank you for creating this award, Susan. I found it on your site and I’m so glad you told me. I never knew!
How does it make you feel when you see something you started come full circle back to you, the creator! I humbly appreciate being the recipient of your award. You’re talented in so many ways and I’m so glad I’ve come to know you, my friend. 🙂
Congratulations, Pat, on your 1-year anniversary, your blog posts and awards. I always enjoy your words and stories. You’re a good person, and I’m very glad I connected with you. *Cheers*
Thank you Denise and I’m so happy you’ve stopped by again. You always know how to put a smile on my face. It warms my heart that you enjoy the reads and stories and I’m happy we’re connected too. 🙂
Seems we have many blogs in common but not each other. I fixed that by subscribing today. 🙂
Hi Cheryl – I’m glad you stopped by and connected with me. I think we have cross paths once before in my receiving one of the books you co-authored with Susan on dreams. I think we may also have a mutual connection in following Wendy. So, maybe we’re more connected than we first realized. It’s a joy to have you onboard to sit at my kitchen table (on the internet) and I’m looking forward to sharing and hearing how life’s been working for you. 🙂
Hi Pat…Congratulations for your one year anniversary for your “new” word-press site. I just found your blog from Wendy McCane’s FB site and am always on the lookout for other great blogs. I happen to believe that it is VERY important to celebrate the milestones in our lives and acknowledge the time and commitment it takes to continue on with a project “no matter what.” I look forward to reading more of your posts and following your work. ~Kathy
Thank you Kathy for stopping by and for the kind words. It was a little different for me. Don’t think I’ve ever posted my accomplishments like this before even on my old blogger site. It was an eye-opener for me for sure in composing it. Though I don’t have as many posts under my belt as many other bloggers, I could see the value and achievement in what I had done. I remember stopping by your site from a link in Wendy’s post and enjoyed Thom’s photos.
I hope you’ll come back to visit again and find stories to warm your heart and lighten your load. Pull up a chair anytime and join me at my (internet) kitchen table. 🙂
Thanks for the warm welcome Pat…I feel like I just made a new friend today! 🙂 And good for you for pushing your own boundaries by doing something challenging….that’s one great gift that comes from blogging! BTW…from what I’ve read your blog reminds me of that great book “Kitchen Table Wisdom” from Rachel Naomi Remen…was that part of your inspiration?? I think I need to read more of your backstory to find out! 🙂
Kathy – same here in making a new friend. I already feel a genuine connection. 🙂 I’m glad our paths have crossed and I’m looking forward to sharing and learning from your gifts and talents.
I’ve already learned something from you today regarding Rachel Naomi Remen’s “Kitchen Table Wisdom” books. No, I haven’t read them. This is the first time I’ve heard of her and I was impressed, in checking, on the reviews of her work. I’m going to put her books on my “want to read” list — just added it to my Goodreads. They sound intriguing and you’re right in the similarities. My inspiration began years ago with my grandmother. Having not read her work, I don’t know how her inspiration began.
I’m excited! Thank you for sharing this with me. Wow! In Goodreads, her book is even praised by Deepak Chopra. This is where I’m at — it’s what I’m talkin’ about. Don’t you love the synchronicity and the irony of it all? 🙂
Oh WOW! You’re not going to believe how similar and deeply touching her stories are. If you lived close by I would loan you my copy! Please let me know what you think once you’ve read some of her work. This is EXACTLY why I love the internet…it’s the chance to connect with likeminded people AND be delighted when things click! 🙂
I love it!! 🙂 thank you Kathy for making my day. It certainly clicked this time — I was not aware of her work and how much she has written and the popularity. Not to mention writing kitchen table stories, she also includes wisdom in her titles as well. The universe has gotten my attention — no mistake in that. I’ll be checking it out to order online for sure.
Congratulations on your one year anniversary and the new look. I look forward to reading your post for the next year.
Thank you Christine – I’m happy you stopped by and shared with me my one-year recap. I look forward to visiting with you again and I hope you enjoy the reads. 🙂
Happy anniversary. Are the fires in Colorado any where near you? You have been on my mind several times today. Stay safe.
Not too close Patricia — maybe 60 to 100 miles — but all around us being in the mountains at 8500′. One is up north about 80-90 miles and 2 are south of us about 60+ miles. It gets so dry here fast, even when we get moisture, and we’ve had high winds. That dries it out even more and planes/helicopters can’t make their drops.
I haven’t listened much on TV today so I don’t know the latest news. The one fire south has burned over 350 homes and I think 2 people were caught in it and died before they could leave. They had their car ready and the trunk still open when it overtook them.
Please pray for the safety of the firefighters, the families and their pets, the wildlife and cooler, calmer weather with moisture. Love and God Bless – thank you for asking!
One year already……………wow…………………hope there are more years to come………….as I do like coming here for a visit……..
Hi Joanne – thank you for your kind words and for stopping by for a visit. I’m sorry I didn’t back to you sooner. I took a couple of days off the internet to spend with hubby for Father’s Day and doctor’s appointments. Back now and thrilled you came by. 🙂
Happy Anniversary!
Hi Michelle – thank you so much for the “happy anniversary”. I’m happy you stopped by for a visit and enjoyed the read. I’m sorry I didn’t answer sooner. I took a couple of days off the internet to spend with hubby for Father’s Day and had doctor’s appointments. Good life stuff. I’m back now and thrilled you came by. I’m looking forward to visiting with you again. 🙂
That is such an awesome way to spend Father’s Day! I cannot wait to read more and more. 🙂
It was good, Michelle – we enjoyed some one-on-one downtime together just hangin’ out. It was a blessed Father’s Day.
I love that you enjoy the reads and I’m looking forward to your thoughts and feedback. It’s always good to have more insight and wholesome conversation! 🙂
Congratulations Pat! I have really enjoyed reading many of your blogs and I look forward to your future writings! Best of luck as you continue on your journey!
Joanne – you just made my day! Thank you for the reads and I’m really happy you enjoy them. It means a lot to me.
Have a great weekend! 🙂
Congratulations…!!!!!!! Wish you a happy blogging time ahead… It’s really nice to read your posts & you are an active reader & commenter too. It’s really great to meet you here. Thanks to wordpress 🙂 And the way you have jotted down your blogging experiences in this post… explaining about your blogs, about your awards, narrating the whole journey.. it’s appearing so lively & interesting..loved reading this. Wish you good luck & success in all you do ….!!!!!
Thank you Akanksha – I was so happy to open my site today and see you had stopped by and left me a message. You made my day! 🙂
I’m glad you’re following my journey. I didn’t realize how far I had come until I had compiled and composed that post. It can be encouraging when you take stock what you’ve done. Not sure what lies ahead but I’m looking forward to the next year and exploring new adventures and learning what’s out there. It’s nice to have an internet friend to share it with.
Hope you’ll come back soon for another visit. You’re welcome at my “kitchen table” on the internet any time.