Cheers To 2 Years

It’s hard to believe that I have been blogging for 2 years.  I can still remember pushing the orange button to publish my first blog post ever. I still consider myself an amateur blogger, but with 2 years under my belt, I don't think I can continue to say that.  Why do I consider myself amateur, because I still have a lot to learn.  I do not have the time I would like to commit to blogging since it is a side hobby and not a source of income.

I'm in a weird season right now, when it comes to blogging.  If you look back over the last few months, you will notice that I haven't posted as much as I normally do.  Sometimes you have to sit back and relax when life starts to take you in a different direction.  This summer, I decided to rest, reflect, and not feel pressured to set timelines and due dates.  This summer, I allowed myself to focus more on everything around me and not center myself around my blog.  And, you know what?  It feels perfectly okay!

I used to worry about page views and comments.  Whether my post would reach new readers and whether it would inspire others.  I used to worry about linking up daily to get myself out there and reading endless blog posts by other bloggers.  This used to consume so much of my time and energy that other aspects of my life were starting to feel neglected.  I can remember staying up late to edit pictures (which is not as easy as you may think).  Staying up late to get just the right post.  Staying up late when I needed to be getting rest because my real job was waiting for me the next day.  The real job that pays the bills and takes care of my family.  Something had to give.

 I am not giving up on blogging, I'm just not putting all of my energy into it.  I was running myself ragged.  At the time, I didn't realize it because it was fun, new and exciting and when you're excited about something, you get this burst of energy that tells you to just keep going!  So, that's what I did.  Now, I'm going to relax a little and blog when I feel like it and not as an obligation. 

This summer helped me to reflect and remember why I initially started blogging and I held true to that reason, to a certain extent.  It has helped me to get all the crazy thoughts, running through my head, out in a more organized fashion.  It has helped me to share all the stories about my crazy, quirky life. It has helped me to be me in a way that is extremely public, yet still private in some aspects.  It has helped me to make new friends that I will always cherish and to grow as a writer, which is something I have always longed to do. 

 So as I celebrate two years, I want to say thanks to all of you because if it were not for you, no one would even know my little space in the blogosphere even exists.  Thank you for taking the time to read, comment, offer advice, and share.  Thank you for your loyalty and support.  Thank you for sharing this journey with me.  One of the perks that comes along with blogging is meeting people with similar values and interest.  Sharing my stories wouldn't be nearly as fulfilling without all of you sharing these adventures with me.  I can't wait to see what year three has in store!  Cheers!

It's My Blogiversary & A Giveaway!

I officially launched my site a year ago today and I must say it has been a very rewarding experience. I have learned so much about myself.  I have met some fabulous bloggers and made some amazing friends.  I have also grown as a writer.  

I am still learning new things every day.  I am nowhere near where I would like to be.  I embarked on this mission as a hobby, but who knows where it may lead.  I'm definitely in it for the long haul.  

In celebration of this momentous event, I would like to offer you a giveaway.  But, before that, I’d like to say Thank you!  For those of you who visit my blog regularly, thank you for your support and encouragement.  Thank you for the sweet comments. Thank you for walking with me on this journey. To the friends I have made along the way, you have made this journey easier than you know. 

Let’s take a look at year one and how much she has grown. 

Most Viewed Post of the Year:  Probably my shortest and least thought out post.  I kept coming across this picture in my phone and knew that I wanted to share it, but how?  Finally, this post evolved.  

 http://sunshineandelephants.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-random-cloudy-night.html

Posts I wished received more love:  I was so psyched about starting my site and couldn’t wait to share with others.  Yet, I didn’t know anything about  link-ups so I didn’t get much traffic in the beginning.  There are a few posts I wished received more love and they can be found here, here, and here.  

Most Personal Post:  I really opened up about some of the pain in my life with this one.  It’s never easy to lose those that are close to you.  Hoping others will find some strength in dealing with whatever they are dealing with. 

 

 http://sunshineandelephants.blogspot.com/2015/05/strength-in-time-of-storm.html

Most Commented Post: Sometimes it’s the simplest post you create that catch readers’ attention.  The ones we least expect.  I would love to have comments on all of my post, but this one received the most.

http://sunshineandelephants.blogspot.com/2015/07/everyday-adventures-snapshots-2.html

My First Post Ever:  This was my baby and I was one proud momma.  This post didn’t receive enough love as well because I knew nothing about blogging or getting my page out there.  The few people who came across it were very positive and encouraging.  Today is its first birthday so let’s show it some love! J

http://sunshineandelephants.blogspot.com/2014/08/where-do-i-begin.html  

Now on to the giveaway!  Today I'm offering you a few of my favorite things.  Its just a little something to let you know how much I appreciate all of you!  :)

The giveaway will run from 8/27/15 - 9/6/15 and is open to US Residents only.  The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond or a new entrant will be chosen.  Entries will be verified. The winner will be announced on the evening of 9/8/15 so good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway




http://www.embergrey.com/