Viola or Johnny Jump-up
Today is the Southern Rural Route’s first birthday.
In an email dated October 6, 2011, the Mad Tattah asked me, “Have you given any thought to starting your own blog?”
I admitted that it had never crossed my mind until she started to blog. Only after learning of her blog did I begin to “toy” with the idea of writing a gardening blog despite having no clue what I was doing in my garden but doing it anyway. I told her I was working on a name for the blog; something about living on a rural road.
Around Thanksgiving, I began reading blogging books for dummies.
On December 13, I started the blog on Blogger but their “new” version wasn’t supported in the tutorials so I switched to WordPress on December 16. The first post went up December 17.
The most rewarding aspects of blogging have been:
- Readers I have met through the Comments section (especially the ones who started out as strangers and became friends who regularly stopped in to chat. The Mad Tattah thinks of you as my ‘net pen pals)
- Readers who laugh with me (some may be laughing AT me but I can’t see it from this side of the screen so it’s okay)
- Readers who have educated me or, at least, tried to educate me
- Readers who have been willing to share ideas, stories, and seeds
- Collaboration with other readers to produce blog articles
- Communication from authors whose books I reviewed
Happy Belated Blog-Birthday! Glad I’ve found you and am really enjoying reading around. Looking forward to more of your posts! Cheers, Gina
Thanks, Gina, for visiting my blog. I will visit your blog as soon as things settle down. My mother died last week and we are working on her memorial service this week. Right now, I’m doing good to even check my blog.
Oh my goodness… I am so sorry to hear that. I am touched you found a moment to reply. My warmest thoughts are with you at this time. May your heart have peace. Blessings, Gina
Happy Anniversary! I told you that you were a gifted writer and if you wrote they would come. I love your blog even though I don’t do dirt. The pictures are great and your stories are hilarious. The information you give and the ease I find in your directions are a great help to us non-dirt people. I’m so glad you started this blog. NOW if you will only get that book published I would be in heaven. That book is going to make it to the National Best Seller List and then we’ll get to tour Oprah, Ellen and The Steve Harvey Show. Congrats again on your blog.
Lawd, sister, you layin’ it on thick. But I thank you for your continued vote of confidence.
No I’m really waiting on the book. I mean REALLY.
Happy Birthday SRR, you are so right about blogging bringing people together who otherwise would never have connected. I am still a beginner in the blogging world and have still some hurdles to overcome and a lot to learn. But I am so grateful to you for your help. Thank you so much for your encouragement. Your blog is so homely and lovely to read.
Thank you, Charlotte Garden! I hope you get your space problems fixed without having to pay.
Happy Birthday! I have enjoyed your posts and look forward to many more in 2013. When I started my own blog over three years ago, I had never read a blog and knew almost nothing about what I was doing. I could have benefited from Blogging For Dummies! I think I would have chosen a catchier name. I really like the name you chose. One thing I never expected was the way the whole gardening world opened up to me and the wonderful virtual friends I have made, some of whom have become real face-to-face friends.
I wish you a wonderful Christmas, and may your garden prosper in 2013!
Thanks, Deb. I must admit to working on my blog name for a month or so. Turning different ideas over in my mind until arriving at Southern Rural Route. I CAN’T WAIT to meet some of my new gardening friends face-to face! Merry Christmas to you, too, and lots of pretty flowers in the New Year.
Happy Blogaversary!! I’ve so enjoyed reading your blog. I like the term ‘net pen pals’ – very fitting!
Thank you, Indie! The Mad Tattah will be pleased that you liked her phrase.
Happy Birthday! and congrats. I enjoy your blog very much. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Brenda!
Happy Birthday Southern RR!
Thankee much, Duncan!
Happy Birthday and congratulations! You’ve made me smile and shared some great ideas and information – thanks from across the pond!
Thanks PJ! Only a few months until your first blogaversary, too!
I always enjoy your blog. It is second best to you dropping by for a visit.
Farmpest – I been trying to figger out when I can get over your way again. Dad’s been sick and upset about Mom. Now she’s sick and I’m taking her to the doc this afternoon. I’m finally going to ask for In Home Hospice care because Dad is just not coping and he’s going to a surgeon Thursday about his own issues. He just turned 83 on Sunday.
Happy Blogaversary!!!! I love your sense of humor, and find your blog so easy to read. I, too, think one of the best things about blogging is the community of other bloggers and friendships that would have never been formed otherwise.
Thanks, Holley! When you have a sense of humor like mine, you sometimes worry that people think you are C-R-A-Z-E-E but what you gonna do?
Congrats on your first blogging anniversary. I think you are doing a great job. I am really enjoying your posts and who knows one day we even might meet in person.
Meta – Thanks for the encouragement! We are relatively close in terms of mileage, so meeting in person is certainly within the realm of possibility.