I've been writing this blog for just shy of six years now, definitely one of the longest running commitments of my life. Over the past couple of weeks, I've been going through my archives--starting with my very first post--and cleaning up formatting issues and broken pictures/links. It has been so much fun seeing how my voice, personality, and life has developed over time. And it has really driven home just how huge a part of my life this little corner of the internet has become.
I'm so lucky that I've also found such wonderful people to share this space with. I've never participated in blog conferences or meet-ups, but still I've managed to forge some pretty great friendships just through the written word. Of course, there's also a turd-bucket or two that pops up from time to time, but it's so worth it as for each troll that finds their way out of their cave, there are so many awesome people who take a little time out of their day to keep up with my world and support me.
On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to finally meet one of those fabulous people. The adorable, absolutely glowing, Jen, of Operation Pink Herring fame, and her husband, came to Charleston for a few days and they were sweet enough to invite little ol' me to crash their babymoon and have lunch at one of my fave restaurants, 82 Queen. Jen is one of my oldest readers--I really can't remember how we ran across each other, who found who first, or how long we've been voyeurs in one another's life, but I know it's been years.
When I was crossing the street from the parking garage, I spotted her through the front window of the restaurant, and it was so surreal, as though the internet had suddenly come to life. The first thing out of my mouth was, "Oh my gosh, you look exactly like what you look like!" Hopefully my conversation grew slightly more stimulating after that opening line, but I had a great time talking gators, humidity, babies, and real estate with the fantastic Herring family. I'm kicking myself hard for forgetting to take a picture, but Jen, that just means you have to come back to visit again!
On a loosely related note, I'll be ditching blogland from mid to late August when we'll be travelling either overseas, or in the event that we don't get on a military hop, up the East coast for a few weeks. During that time, I'd really like to have some guest bloggers. I know I talked about having guest bloggers when I went on vacation in December and never got around to organizing it, but I really mean it this time!
I want to open it up to any volunteers first. You're welcome to write about absolutely anything your little heart desires, but if you want a writing prompt you could write about your dream vacation--either one you've already taken or one that you want to take. All I ask is that you let me know in the comments that you'd like to write a post, and then email it to me by August 10th so I can get them all scheduled. Sound good?
Coolcoolcool.
Six years? Have I been stalking your page that long? :-O
And we were on iV a while before you were here. My time flies. And you have just grown in awesomeness. (Yeah, its after midnight here and I'm melancholy lol)
Eve
Posted by: Eve | July 28, 2011 at 04:06 PM
Is it awkward that I'm the first to volunteer? I'd love to guest blog for you if you'd have me. Either that or hide in your suitcase for your Europe trip. You can pick.
Posted by: Kateastrophe | July 28, 2011 at 05:55 PM
I cannot believe how far back we go!! Sorry you're feeling the melancholies--those do tend to hit around the wee small hours of the morning. xoxo
Posted by: Angela Noelle | July 29, 2011 at 12:12 AM
Gah, I feel like it's kind of awkward for me that you're the first and only to volunteer! But I would LOVE to have you both guest blog, AND squeeze into my suitcase. I'm a "have my cake and eat it too" kind of girl.
Posted by: Angela Noelle | July 29, 2011 at 12:13 AM
Congrats on six years in the blogosphere! I'm glad you're still going strong.
I'll happily volunteer to guest post for you while your gallivanting around! Sounds like a fun post ~ my dream vacation? YES. PLEASE.
{this also reminds me to get back to archiving myself!}
Posted by: Molly | July 29, 2011 at 01:08 AM
Wow six years! I was trying to think when I started reading blogs and it's probably been about four years, which is so strange because I feel like it was yesterday. Also, I'll volunteer to write a guest post while you're on vacation.
Posted by: garden state prep | July 29, 2011 at 02:33 AM
Six years! Wow! Impressive. I'd love to write a guest post!
Posted by: Stevie | July 29, 2011 at 03:28 AM
Ooh, count me in!
Posted by: Lynn | July 29, 2011 at 04:03 PM
I'm so excited! I was going to ask you if you didn't volunteer of your own volition, haha!
Posted by: Angela Noelle | July 29, 2011 at 04:58 PM
It has gone by SO FAST!!! And I'd love to have you post!! I'll send you an email about it soon :)
Posted by: Angela Noelle | July 29, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Hooray!!!
Posted by: Angela Noelle | July 29, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Consider yourself counted :)
Posted by: Angela Noelle | July 29, 2011 at 04:59 PM
yay for 6 years! it is crazy how long i've been blogging as well but i love it and love being able to look back and see where i've been. and yay for meeting up with bloggers. i would love to meet up once i'm settled in charleston!
Posted by: erin - heart in ireland | July 29, 2011 at 07:51 PM
I love reading your blog! I also loved this post, because as a new blogger I am so excited to see the sense of community it has created for others! If you still have space and time, I would love the opportunity to write a guest entry while you're on vacation! I'm new to blogging and would really like to grow in the community, and a guest blog would be a fun way to maybe start!
Posted by: Kanya | July 30, 2011 at 01:01 AM
Absolutely--we'll definitely have to get together. We can talk about Ireland :)
Posted by: Angela Noelle | July 30, 2011 at 04:21 PM
Aw, thanks! And welcome to blogging! I'd love to have you guest post--I'll send an email soon!
Posted by: Angela Noelle | July 30, 2011 at 04:21 PM
Congrats on (almost) six years of blogging! Man, I looked at 82 Queen's menu and I had to stop because it was making me hungry. Yummy.
I'll do a guest post, too.
Posted by: Kate P | July 30, 2011 at 07:23 PM
If you need any more guest bloggers, I'm in! I always love sharing my opinion of my big sister with the world. :)
Posted by: Brittany | August 01, 2011 at 07:10 AM
If you still guest bloggers I'd love to blog for you. I'll be gone the same time (well, 10th-15th of August) so I'll most def get my post in to you ASAP. Just let me know.
Posted by: Melissa | August 01, 2011 at 03:44 PM
It's so funny -- Joel was asking on the way to 82 Queen how I was going to recognize you and I was like, uh... I don't know? I think I'll be able to recognize her? I mean, I've seen a lot of pictures on her blog and stuff? And then I saw you through the window and it was almost comical - you looked exactly like yourself! Except even prettier in person :)
Joel was also asking how you and I "met" and I cannot remember for the life of me! I think I've been blogging for 5 years now and it's crazy how much the little community has become a part of my life... (even when I don't post for a month).
Posted by: Operation Pink Herring | August 02, 2011 at 02:55 AM