Today is the last day of the 2011 Blogathon. I’ve blogged straight for 31 days and have learned a few things. My list is not in any particular order.
- I’ve learned that blogging every day is just plain hard work, and it’s not as glamorous as I made it my head. However, I give kudos to the people who blog daily.
- There are amazing peeps (I like that word) out there who are learning right along side of me, growing and very helpful. Holy cow! And the avalanche of topics keeps blogs varied.
- Between struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder and going through hormonal nonsense, I struggled with manipulating my words so they wouldn’t sound blue. So next year could we either move the Blogathon to August or move Oregon to some sunny continent? Did you think that would work? 😀
- I’m pleased this year my posts were much more thorough, and I shared more pictures with each post. I think I’m a little ADD about life so I prefer pictures to break up text.
- Having guests posts was fun, informative and enriched my blog. I already have a few new guests lined up for the near future.
- Writing is still therapeutic for me and even though I concentrated too much on my stats, comments that I’ve encouraged a mom in some way is my best reward.
I will probably be taking a week off to catch up on life, and I still need to decide on how often I’ll be blogging each week in the future. And as always, thank you for stopping by.
Jan, these are good lessons, especially #1. You have much to offer, so keep blogging. Just not every day! 🙂 Alison
Thank you, Alison. And an extra thanks for tweeting my posts.
I like suggestion #3! 😉 Here’s what I’ve learned from *not* participating in the blogathon this year: The blogathon goes by much more quickly when you’re not responsible for generating content day in and day out.
Thanks, Jennifer. Your comment cracked me up. I’m sure it does. 🙂
This is your second year, right, Jan? I’d be curious to know your thoughts about how it was different this year from last.
Hi Jackie,
I participated much more in the Google group and that made it more fun. And even though I had 4 0r 5 guests posts, blogging was work. I also learned I’m not a newbie anymore which was very encouraging.
I’m still working through whether to use pics or not. If I just had to blog, it would far easier. But I always want to put pictures up because I like to look at pictures at other blogs. Thanks for asking.
j
Regarding #3, I never thought your posts were “blue” at all so consider that problem solved. As for moving you from Oregon…well, there’s plenty of houses for sale here in the Midwest. I warn you though that the summers are brutally humid here! 😉 And as for #5, I just want you to know that I loved reading your posts and I read all 31 of them. You definitely encouraged me!! It’s been a pleasure reading your blogs and although I haven’t tried a green smoothie yet, I still plan to. Just having difficulties with putting lettuce in the blender…oh and after reading Tara’s blog about the bug lady and her cooking worms..ugh…my stomach is still trying to regroup from that one! I’ll be back to visit your blog often…you can count on it!!!
Oh, Julie,
Thank you for your encouraging words. Ha, I missed that blog post of Taras – I think I’ll go check that one out!
I guess I wouldn’t trade Oregon’s mild weather for extreme humidity but just hope the sun comes out soon.
j
Great insights!! I agree with Julie, your posts have been very encouraging to me!! This has been very fun and very tiring! But I’m so glad I did it and will look forward to next years.
Hi Kate,
We have traveled a long road but it’s been fun. I’m so glad we’ve met and we have lotsa blogging years ahead of us. 🙂
j
Great getting to know you better, Jan, and thanks for all your support.
Jan, thank you so much for telling me about this blogathon and for answering my tech-deficient questions! You inspire me in so many ways; thank you!
Always enjoyed visiting your blog, Jan, during the Blogathon. I love the new design of your site.