On Tuesday June 5th I celebrate my FIVE year bloggiversary. I've seen many of my blogging friends celebrate five years recently (some even longer!) and in a way it seems amazing that I've been doing this for five whole years. Five. I would have never guessed.
When Suey of It's All About Books celebrated her five years in March she did a very awesome timeline of her blogging career. According to Blogger this is post number 723 for me (including some drafts), but here are the highlights from the last five years.
Many of you already know that I credit the fabulous Wendy of Caribousmom for my starting a blog. She was a member in a Yahoo reading group that I took part in (can't remember which now) and each month she posted a wrap-up on her blog and posted it to the group. I LOVED this idea and after popping around a few other blogs I posted my first post:
June 5th, 2007 - First Things First. Of course this wasn't posted HERE but on Trish's Reading Nook. I especially love this: "Hopefully as I delve further into the blogging world, I will figure out how to add pictures and links and more advanced features." Ha!
Two days later I joined my first Reading Challenge (Book Awards Reading Challenge, thanks Michelle of 1 More Chapter) and quickly after that joined about a million more challenges and quickly began meeting many of the bloggers who I still call friends. I remember being SO nervous about joining Joy's Non-Fiction Five Challenge. After 27 posts that very first month of blogging, I never duplicated that amount of posting again. Not even with multiple posts during the readathons. Ha!
August 2007 - Scott and I moved to Dallas. I started a second blog called Love and Travel to journal some of our real life journeys. The blog no longer exists but I've transferred all of the posts here including the introduction.
Scott and Trish - Taos, NM August 2007
The next year is almost exclusively book reviews! While I shared many little tidbits here and there, none of the posts were of personal nature. I'm not terribly fond of looking back at my old book posts, but some of my favorite books read in that year include Atonement, The Book Thief, The Things They Carried, and Remains of the Day.
February 11, 2008 I won my first book! The book was as a prize for By the Decades Challenge. I was SO excited.
On May 1, 2008 I joined Weekly Geeks headed by Dewey and met one of my favorite bloggers Debi.
Shortly after I took the leap and started my own reading challenge--The Classics Challenge!
June 25, 2008 I reviewed my first Blog Tour book: Springtime on Mars. I remember feeling so cool that I was reviewing something for an actual author. In August 2008 I participated in the Far World Tour and had my first author interview with J. Scott Savage. This was the first blog tour I remember seeing and I'm not sure book blogging has been the same since then.
June 2008 - My first 24 Hour Readathon hosted by Dewey! I believe that this was actually the second hosted readathon but I was too scared to participate in the first.
During the readathon I believe was the first time I posted personal pictures of me on the blog. I remember being really nervous about sharing. I was thrilled to participate again in October 2008.
It's funny how after the readathon I started to get more personal on my blog. I recorded my first Vlog in November 2008 but sadly it won't play any longer. Shorty after the October readathon, our hearts were broken when Dewey suddenly passed away. My memorial - December 1, 2008. It's a simple post but I'll always think of Dewey when I see Hobbs.
More posts, more reviews. Still one of my favorites? My Twilight Self-Interview in January 2009.
March 2009 Scott and I traveled to Hawaii. I've lost many of my travel pictures on the blog (just haven't reuploaded yet) but this one is still in tact.
Around this same time began the Community/Connection drama (spurred by an anon comment on Amy's post). In response I decided to make myself fully part of the community and joined Sunday Salon. March 29, 2009 was my first Sunday Salon and I received the most comments on that post since I had started blogging.April 2009 - Another Readathon! And my first of many many readathon vlogs.
Later that month I sparked my own drama with a Sunday Salon post about To ARC or Not to ARC. That became my most commented on post (and think it remained the most commented on post until Baby Billy Bob announcement).
May 2009 - I took over the hosting duties for the Non-Fiction Five Challenge! You know the one that I was so scared to join two years prior?!
June 2009 - I joined the insanity of Twitter. Eeeep!July 2009 - Book Blogger Appreciation Week! I was nominated in the Best Commenter Category for two years (apparently also in 2008 but I can't find any posts for the first BBAW!).
August 2009 - Scott and I took a massive roadtrip to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Yellowstone. And I met my first blogger, Lisa!!
September 2009 - I attended the Brunonia Barry Lace Reader event. Was awesome!
October 2009 - 100 Mile Fitness Challenge!!
Also in October another Readathon with my absolute very favorite Readathon Vlog. Can't beat the blue snuggie. And this is where my Reading Nook begins to break down.
In January 2010 Scott and I moved and shortly after I miscarried. Getting back into book blogging after that just seemed impossible.
January 24, 2010 - Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity was born. This blog was intended to replace Love and Travel.
March 2010 - Posted my first recipe post (and one of my favorite recipes) for Easy Cheesy Tortellini.
April 2010 - I said goodbye to Trish's Reading Nook. This was the true birth of this blog as it is today. It took a long long time but I'm finally comfortable posting whatever I want to post here. I do try to keep things balanced, but boy do I love this blog now!
July 2010 - Finished machine quilting my first quilt!
September 2010 - I became an official Readathon Cheerleader.
October 2010 - Are you sick of the Readathon Vlogs yet?!
Also in October I hosted my first Readalong (having long ago given up on Reading Challenges).
November 2010 - Announced Baby Billy Bob coming Easter 2011!
I'm not going to lie. In the past year and a half I love so many of the posts that I've written that it's hard to pick out favorites or milestones. I do have to mention Thoughts on Slowing Down (even though I'm back up to speed now).
Also in May I also participated in Armchair BEA for the first time.
June 2011 - I finished Elle's Baby Quilt
August 2011 - I declared that I wanted to be just a Blogger--dropping the Book Blogger title.
More readalongs, more Readathons, more Blogger events and a variety of posts ensued.
In January 2012 I wrote about Postpartum depression. I've written many posts but this is probably the most personal.
Also in January I started Operation Use My Kitchen Stuff with great success!
March 2012 - I finally participated in my first Bloggiesta. I'm still excited about the lovely new header!
May 2012 - Pin it and Do it Pinteresting Challenge!!
and finally that brings us to...
June 2012 - The Standalong. Woot.
Later this week I'll continue to reflect upon five years of blogging, but I want to THANK YOU all for coming on this journey with me. I'm always wishing I had more time to keep up with this or that, but no matter what you've stuck with me and I can't tell you how much that means to me.
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FIVE YEAR BLOGGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY #1
As part of my five year celebration, I would like to giveaway your choice of any book that I've written about in the past five years (new, not my copy). You can visit my Reviews by Title page to see the complete list.
To be eligible:
1. Tell me which book from the list interests you (you can change your mind later)
2. You must have left me at least one comment before. If you're new, find another post to comment on to be counted. Easy cheesy.
3. I must either have your email address or you must include it (hint--if we've never emailed, please include)
Entry will close Tuesday June 5th at 11:59 Dallas time (Central).
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So tell me, what's one of your favorite blogging memories?!
I loved the timeline - it brought back so many memories. The "old times" challenge buttons in particular really made me smile :) Happy 5th, Trish, and here's to many more years. I know I've been a terrible comment this past few months (this past year?), but I'm still here reading and so glad you're still with us *hugs*
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!! Five years is a very long time. I love your timeline and recognise so many "firsts"!
ReplyDeleteBlogging memories: I very much enjoy taking part in Bloggiesta, especially the first time. I got so much done, so many good ideas from others, and the community spirit was great.
I would love to win Heart of Darkness (Joseph Conrad). I recently re-read State of Wonder by Ann Patchett and I heard there are similarities between the books. Thanks for the giveaway.
Congratulations! 5 years is amazing. Love the timeline idea. Fun to look back through what you wrote years ago.
ReplyDeleteLots of great books on your list, but I think my pick would be The Kitchen Counter Cooking School.
Happy 5th blogiversary, Trish! The timeline was fun to read and remember. :) I'd love to read The Complete Maus, finally.
ReplyDeleteThis was fun to read! And it has been fun to read your blog over the years.
ReplyDelete(And so lame to leave this here, but...I really feel bad about my commenting (or lack there of) lately. I read all your posts (iPhone) & have things to say, but I seriously never get on the computer for more than ten minutes every couple days, and I hate commenting on my phone. But! Love your pinterest challenge, love your cooking posts, & love that oreo ice cream cheesecake. Well, I can image I'd love it. Maybe someday I will stop being lazy & make it!)
I also love the timeline! I don't need any books: can we select any RECIPE and have you send the food to us? packed in dry ice of course? I'll take the deep dish pizza! ha ha
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogiversary!!!
Nice timeline. I should have done that for my anniversary. Trish, you have truly evolved into the perfect all-around blogger. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteYou are still one of my favorite stops.
All the best for 50 more anniversaries.
Pax
One of my favorite memories? Remeeting you on The Sunday Salon a year or so ago after knowing you from years ago on Trish's Reading Nook. So glad to have made your re-acquaintance. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the developments and progressions of your blogging adventures with us! I'm new to your blog and have been enjoying the posts!
ReplyDeleteWow, 5 years. That's wonderful. I've only just done 6 months - but it has been a lot of fun. thanks for stopping by Carole's Chatter and commenting on my eating pizza cartoon! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, a few days early, on your 5th anniversary of blogging. It was fun to go down memory lane with you there, a trip that includes areas where our paths have crossed (Dewey) and others that I didn't know about but show that the journey has definitely had its emotional moments. It made me very happy to see you write about your own joy of blogging on this particular site and your comfort level with what you are doing. It is so easy to go through ups and downs as a blogger and that balance can be so hard, and yet so rewarding when it happens. I wish you many more years of blogging and that those years would be even more refreshing and rejuvenating and rewarding than the first 5 have been.
ReplyDeletehappy blogaversary. Wow 5 years. I'm so glad I found you. I'm also going to tell you that great people were born on the 6th. They are kind and understanding, and very loving. I know my guy is. Love him to pieces. I almost forgot about Stevie King. I set and read to readalong.
ReplyDeleteO.k. I need to proof read before hitting the button, I'm set and ready to readalong, is what I meant to say.
ReplyDeleteI was curious the other day how far back we go, but I couldn't remember. It's been a while, though! It was fun to revisit your blog through this post. I remember your vlogs. I want to check out a couple of them, but will have to remember to come back later. Part of my problem with revisiting my own past on my blog is I am not always fond of my old reviews. And things erase themselves (old pictures and such). Happy Blogiversary, Trish! I hope you will be around for a while. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, maybe I will join in for your give-away. If I win you can just surprise me. :)
Trish I freakin' love you! Ha! You're such a highlight in my feeder. (that sounds like it should be the title of a song...)
ReplyDeleteDon't enter me. Gawd knows I have gazillion of unread books laying around. Just keep blogging. :))
Happy 5 year bloggiversary! So fun to read through your timeline, and I think it's extra fun for me because I've known you IRL most of the time! Even though I don't really blog anymore, I have lots of fond memories of talking about all the challenges we signed up for, and the readathons we both participated in (remember meeting at IHOP :) Anyways, I'm so glad you have continued to blog, so even though I don't get to see you very often anymore, it's fun to still be a part of your (and Scott and Elle's) life!
ReplyDeletei loved this timeline! What a fun thing to do to reflect. I must confess, I always think of your little lady as "Chickpea Banana" -- I forgot her name is actually Elizabeth :) Happy blogiversary!
ReplyDelete*Nymeth - Don't apologize for comments--I know first hand that there just isn't enough time in a day! And looking through some of those old posts brought back so many memories. In many ways I'm nostalgic for the past!
ReplyDelete*Judith - Bloggiesta is a such a great community builder--I'm glad that I was finally able to participate in the event! And Heart of Darkness is a wonderful choice--you're right about some of the connections with State of Wonder.
*Tami - Thanks Tami! It was fun (and a bit sad) looking back. So much has changed! KCCS is a fantastic book!
*Word Lily - Ugh--You HAVE to read Maus already!! ;)
*Elise - I'll slap you on the wrist like others have slapped me on mine. It isn't laziness. It's having babies! And I'm guilty of it as well. Please know that I understand--and hope that you (and others) understand as well. xo Hopefully we can all see each other with our kiddos soon!
*Rhapsody - I could send you the pizza but definitely not an ice cream cake. Bahahaha! Thanks Jill.
*Paxton - I would love to see a timeline of your blogging! I would also love to know how you stumbled on my blog in the first place. ;) Can you imagine what blogging will be like in 50 years?!
*Unfinished Person - LOL--the memories didn't have to be specific to ME but I'm glad that we've reconnected as well. And I actually think it was BBAW. My memory was be better as I'm more youthful than you. xo
*TeatimeReader - Thank you so much for your kind words Naomi! I hope you grow to love blogging as much as I have.
*Carole - I hope you have many many more months of wonderful blogging!
*Carl V - Our paths have crossed several times (have loved your OUaT and RIP challenges). I appreciate your coming by and sharing these kind words with me--blogging is certainly tough but you're right that it can be such a rewarding blessing. Here's to many more, right? ;)
*Irene - Yes! I've been wondering if you're still going to Standalong with us. I admit I haven't started my copy yet. ;) And thanks Irene--it's been wonderful getting to know you, too.
*Kailana - I would love to know when our paths crossed for the first time--Unfortunately I don't remember exactly when that was for us! I'm guessing we do go way back but I'm SO glad that we've finally had a true connection in the past year. (thank you twitter). And I'll throw your name in to the hat for funsies.
*Christina - LOL!! Love you! :) Your comments never fail to make me smile.
*Laura - It was fun to have that blogging connection with you. I remember I was so scared when I first told you I had a blog and worried that you wouldn't want to be friends. Haha!! We NEED to get together before that baby comes!!
*Kim - I'm not even sure that Elle knows her name is Elizabeth! She knows Elle and Chickpea Banana. I usually only call her Elizabeth Claire when I'm rocking her before bed. :) It's been fun blogging with you all these years Kim!
5 years! Wow, that is such an AMAZING accomplishment! I've always enjoyed rooting you on during the readathons...your posts are always so much fun to read :) And I love how your blog has changed and evolved from just books to now. I love reading your blog and can't wait to see what the future brings for you!!! Congratulations on your blogiversary!!
ReplyDeleteWow, how long did this take! This is amazing. I wish I could think of a terrific comment to leave, but I can't. Happy Bloggiversary! (If I won, i'd pick Ready Player One. I've checked it out twice and never made it to it.)
ReplyDeleteYes, many more. I'll lift a glass to toast that. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Bloggiversary! I LOVE this post!! It was so neat to follow your blog(s) history!
ReplyDeleteIf I won, I'd choose Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.
Congratulations Trish on so much happening on your blog and in your life in 5 years. I'll be 4 years the end of the month.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful overview of your blogging years. It made me a little sentimental even though I know we haven't had much contact.
ReplyDeleteHappy Blog Birthday and wishing you many more!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many books in your review list that I would love to read. I love books that talk about food so this one is my favorite: Maman's Homesick Pie - Donia Bijan
onehotstove AT gmail DOT com
Happy blogiversary! Love your blog, and love this post!
ReplyDelete[My 5th is today, but I haven't posted about it yet. Waiting on some original artwork by The Girl :)]
Thanks for the giveaway! I'd be interested in Ireland by Frank Delaney
diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com
Wow - going down your list I feel like we've got bookshelves that could be very very similar, as many of the titles are ones I've read or have on my "to be read" shelves! That being said - and it is embarrassing to say this - I've read Pride and Prejudice many, many times (thank you, English degree!) but no longer own a copy! I loaned out the last copy I had and, two years later, it hasn't been returned. So I'd pick that one, just because I'm a little ashamed NOT to have a copy in my library!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on five years, and here's to five more!
Has it really been that long? And to think, I was there for four years of this...it's amazing how quickly time passes.
ReplyDeleteTrish, what a wonderful collection of memories! I think one of my favorite blogger memories was participating in my first Dewey read-a-thon and I think that's the first time I connected with you because you were a cheerleader! You've had such an impact of your fellow bloggers.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd pick Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant because Jeanne keeps telling me it's one of her favorites.
I can't believe that you have all of those milestones recorded! I'm sure I don't. :) Happy, happy five years of blogging. I know we've only gotten to know each other recently but you are one of my favorite bloggers and I hope you keep it up for years to come!
ReplyDeleteThat is an impressive list of review books. I would have to pick Emma because it's the only Jane Austen I haven't read yet.
I love this timeline. So fun. I've only been around since about 2009 or so. I'm happy that you did the Odyssey readalong. I have great memories of that one. That was my first and it introduced me to many of the blogs I still follow.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun looking through your list of books reviewed. I always love comparing books I've read with other peoples opinions. I'd love The Kitchen Counter Cooking School. I'm not a novice cook, but since I'm mostly self-taught. I'm sure there's quite a bit I'm not doing properly. :)
I would love to read The Night Circus.
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog and left a comment on this post (waiting for approval):
http://www.lovelaughterinsanity.com/2009/10/rebecca-daphne-du-maurier_9945.html
Thanks for the giveaway!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Wow, you've read some amazing novels. Some great books are released on a weekly basis and I end up getting too caught up in those... I think I need to take some time off and get back to the oldies but goodies. :)
ReplyDeleteI would pick Fingersmith - Sarah Waters
Hmmm... I'd love to read Looking for Alaska. You've got so many awesome books on your list! Thanks for the opportunity to win. :)
ReplyDeleteJana Sparkles {at} yahoo {dot} com
- Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl
Trish, somehow I missed your postpartum depression post, so I just went back and read it. I wish I had seen it then, so I could have written you. I wanted you to know that you are not alone (though the huge amount of people who wrote in, I would guess you know that now!), I went through it with my daughter, and it was quite severe. I hope you are feeling a bit better these days, it sounds like it. I think I found the most important thing was to let go of the the things I thought I should be doing, and start doing what I and the kids wanted to do. Spend more time with them, and still find some time each day for me. They are older now, 9 and 7, and I still do this, so that it is balanced. I like how Nan said (in Jan) that it's about love, and it's the hardest and the greatest job in the world. So thank you for sharing what you were going through.
ReplyDeleteLovely timeline, by the way!! You have done so much as a blogger, and that is an achievement as well. Congratulations on 5 years :-)
this is a wonderful timeline Trish! I don't think I could ever pull this off. I'm thinking we only "met" in 2010, but I swear girl, it seems like so much longer. I like how you have changed or redefined your priorities over the years. I can relate for sure.
ReplyDeleteI think the one post I relate with the most is being just a Blogger, which was kinda recent. I still feel the same and often think about re-titling my blog to match.
congrats on 5 years and keep up the good work Trish. you are an inspiration and whatever you post, whenever you post it, I'll be here :)
What a great idea! It makes me curious to go back through my blog and see what's happened over the past years. You amaze me with all you do and have made it through (it looks like we had miscarriages around the same time so I know that isn't easy). I love the balance you've struck between books, cooking and other parts of life!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on five years of blogging! I love these timelines - I only wish I was able to produce one, but I have no idea when I won my first book or remember those other interesting dates. It is amazing how much happens in 5 years. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun time-travel blog celebration! :) Congratulations on your 5 fabulous years!
ReplyDeleteOops! I forgot to add ... thanks for the link-love and taking over the hosting duties for the Non-Fiction Five Challenge. I'm so happy it's still viable!
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