Thursday, January 6, 2011

2010 Year in Review and Pay it Forward

First, let me start by saying that I'm not one to dwell in the past.  Full steam ahead - that's me. But I felt compelled to look back briefly because of...well...you.  I started this blog this last year as just a place to put down thoughts, nothing fancy - thus the name - Random Thoughts of a Crazy Woman (I'm a self professed Crazy Woman). It wasn't going to be a great production.  I figured I wouldn't put any pictures in here because I can't take a good picture to save my life.  Just a place to vent, if you will.  I was already a member of Ravelry and from Ravelry, I found Alice and her beautiful crochet. Then, through Alice, I discovered Elizabeth Cat, which led me to Lucy. This all sounds wonderful because, as you all know, these are some very talented, creative women that share their talent and creativity with us - Yay! But I kept finding other creative, talented women - Sandi, Denise, Teresa, Erica, Amanda, and so many more. And from you all, I've received encouragement, humor, inspiration and friendship, none of which I expected.  I went from a Random Thought to 1154 page views last year!  I know, compared to most of you, that's not a lot.  But for me, it's absolutely amazing!  I never expected anyone, other than Car Guy and a few friends, to ever read this or find my life the least bit interesting. I mean, I've had people from Thailand, Slovenia, Russia, and South Africa stop by.  I'm sure some of it's just a fluke, but it still boggles my mind......Thailand?  Really?  But you have listened to me whine, brag and laugh so I won't cry and I can't tell you how much that means to me. It just goes to show when you think no one is listening, someone out there does hear you.

So, because of your support, I am making ONE New Year's Resolution.  This is a pretty big deal because I typically don't make them...I don't like to disappoint myself, so I try to keep life simple. At least once a month, I'm going to post a link to a blog that I find interesting.  If it's a good month, I might post more, but I'm going to start with once a month.  I might know the author of the blog, or it might be one I've stumbled upon while cruising, but I encourage you all to visit and enjoy.  Leave a comment because those make a blogger's day.  Trust me, I know (as I'm sure you do) that your comments will brighten someone's day and that's where the pay it forward comes in.  A kind random comment might help someone get through a really bad day.

This is the banner for Sight of Morning - So pretty!
So, my first suggested blog is The Sight of Morning by Alice. I don't know Alice personally, but she has a wonderful irreverent, self deprecating sense of humor and I thoroughly enjoy her outlook on life. She's one of those ladies that down plays how incredible she is because I don't really think that she knows.  She also has some really beautiful pictures.  Go check her out, tell her how amazing she is and say "Hi." Let me know what you think.

Now I'm going to pack away 2010 and say farewell to the good, the bad and the ugly of it.  I hope that you all have a truly blessed 2011 that brings you much happiness, good will and hope, because we can all use a little hope!

6 comments:

  1. What a great post, and a wonderful idea! If you don't mind, I think I will do the same thing. I will share a blog each month - non-crochet, even! (gasp) - that I enjoy.

    And like you, I am delighted by the little yarny online world we live in. I'm always surprised to have visitors from FAR FAR AWAY, you know?? But I love that our common interests bring us together.

    And thank you for the props :-) Glad you're here, too! Hope you have a wonderful 2011...

    Erica

    ReplyDelete
  2. WHat a gorgeous idea Melissa! I totally agree, comments do make my day too! I try to leave one every time I visit a blog just to make someone smile, except when blogger tells me my cookies aren't functioning (????!!!!!!)
    I'm off to visit Alice because we have something in common!
    Lots of love, Alice and Raymond

    ReplyDelete
  3. smiling takes less energy than frowning =)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Errr...hello! I feel like one of those people who walks into a room and everyone is watching.

    Thank you very much for your kind words and your recommendation. I started blogging in 2007 and I discovered a whole world of talented and generous writers - it was a life changing experience. Welcome to the party.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yay!! I love this idea, and yes how much does a comment make your day, I love receiving comments, it's just another way to connect with some very lovely, loving and talented folk.
    I find most people do not even recognise how wonderful they are, because they are are just being themselves.
    I'm off to visit now.
    xx Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great post. Thank you for the mention. I leave a comment on every blog I visit as I know how much they mean to the writers. Thank you for you wonderful comments you leave for me.

    I get visits from far away places too. The ones that boggle my mind the most is those readers who come faithfully but never leave a comment. I have one from Albany, NY and another from Kokomo, Ind which always makes me giggle and sing the song.

    ReplyDelete