two years today

I bravely made my blog public then held my breath to see if anyone would find it in cyberspace.  A few of you did and thrill me still each time you leave a comment.  This morning, in honor of the two years behind the "screen," I thought I would give you a little insight into why I run my blog the way I do.  In hopes you'll stick with me, I am providing photos taken at our nearby Butterfly Pavilion to brighten the day and possibly lessen the boredom.  :-)

I post often, 269 posts to be exact (this past year).  Quite a few less than the 355 posts from the first year but that's okay.  It's good, even healthy to slack off sometimes, right?  Why so much you might ask?  I have a Mother who lives far away.  Clear as crystal now, right?  If I don't post, she thinks something is wrong.  Just kidding (but barely).   

There's another reason I'm so chatty, a more serious reason actually.  Like many other people I have aspirations of writing a book.  No, not garden related, fiction.  Blogging daily (or often) is a good way to improve writing skills and get in the habit of writing.  So in that way, I'm selfish.

I've also learned, thru the process of reading blogs, that I must have ADD.  It isn't something I was ever cognizant of having before (while in school).  I'm thinking it must be an adaptation to our fast-paced, get-it-instantly society?  All I know is if a blog is too "wordy" I have difficulty following/concentrating.  Therefore, in my own blog, I try to counteract that by breaking up the post with as many photos as possible.  aahhhh, now you get it, right?!

While I like to learn (and have learned a LOT) from other blogs, blogging is primarily entertainment for me.  Like most people in life, I've endured quite a few challenges ~ some of which remain on going ~ because of them, my blog (and my garden) are my retreats.  My sanctuaries of respite.  Someplace that is never too serious, never to heavy but rather more uplifting & upbeat.  Gardening is my hobby, my stress relief, etc., (and now so is blogging), neither are things I'm prepared to beat myself up about ~ I have a day job for that. 

 

Along with maintaining my blog, I try to read as many other blogs as I have time.  Some days that's quite a few, other days zero.  If I find your blog interesting, I'll leave a comment and come back.  If I've commented three times and get zero response, I move on (unless the blog is ROCK STAR quality, then I just abandon commenting and only read!).  I did not understand this interpersonal nature when I first started blogging.  I naively thought the blog was only about me.  Now that I understand (and relationships have developed), I promise to do my best to uphold my end of our friendship.

 

Posting often forces me to use my camera more (never a hardship) which in turn has made me a better photographer.  A side benefit, I never expected.  Looking for something to photograph each day sharpens your powers of observation as well.

I know there will be lulls and upturns, (mood swings even??) but I intend to keep blogging as long as it makes me happy and the benefits outweigh the costs!  I thank you all for the time you give me when you click "Kasey's Korner" and read my posts.  Those are valuable minutes in every way and very much appreciated. 

Whew, that was longer than I intended.  See what happens?  The blog gets me carried away!  Perhaps now you better understand the methods behind my madness!!!

Comments

[Noelle (azplantlady)]

Happy Anniversary! I, like you, generally do not like posts that are too wordy unless they have photos. I think that is why I like your so much ;^)

[Marnie]

Those are absolutely the loveliest butterfly photos I've seen. I'd give my X-husband's right arm to have one of those pavilions in this area.

I will check my Lowes for tuteurs early this spring. I've only seen the black wire ones here but maybe the best ones were gone before I looked. The one I am planning to make is very rustic made from prunings.

Happy blogging anniversary!!! Your ideas about blogging are very like mine. It has to be a relationship with give and take from everyone involved. Unless of course a person is just keeping an online gardening journal and doesn't care about sharing ideas.

Have a great weekend.
Marnie

[Marnie]

Oh, forgot the most important comment. (I'm kind of long winded today:) About the book you hope to write. Me too, I even got as far as starting an outline. What genre are you interested in? Mystery is my passion.

We should form a writers group (a lot of published authors belong to online groups). Encouragement, maybe some simple editing, stuff like that. I used to do some fanzines and it was lots of fun to interact with the other folks.
Marnie

[Gail]

Kathleen, I am so glad that you blog...I've had the chance to get to know you and thoroughly enjoyed your photos and commentary. Your blog is a delight! Happiest of blogging anniversaries. Now have some really good chocolate. gail LOL at Marnie's comment.

[Amy/GoAway, I'm Gardening!]

We are very similiar in our thoughts about blogging. I just enjoy reading posts and relaxing. I think it can be very addicting and I have to watch myself spending way too much time at the laptop. Enjoyed your post!

[Amy/GoAway, I'm Gardening!]

I almost forgot to say...Happy 2 year anniversary!

[tina]

Definitely understand and thanks for the insight. You know I'm opposite, I like writing more than photos-didn't even notice the ones here:) But honestly it has been great getting to know you these past two years. I can't believe you do so much with a day job! I'm thinking of going back to work and know I will not be blogging like I do now, if at all. You rock! Here's to many more Kathleen.

[Shady Gardener]

Happy Blog-versary, Kathleen! I also believe that good prose is enhanced by photographs. Your photos are always beautiful... mine, not so much. ;-) Keep up your excellent blogging. (I like to think of this as memory-building documentation (similar to creating a scrapbook). Have a wonderful weekend. Happy Valentine's Day!

[Lona]

Happy Blogiversary Kathleen! It has been a pleasure reading and learning from your blogging experience.
So many beautiful butterflies and new ones that I have not seen before. Gorgeous pictures.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Lona

[Liza]

Hi there! I just found your site through blotanical. Congrats on your anniversary. Your photos are lovely. You're right, blogging is a great way to stay disciplined with your writing. Keep up the good work!

[Elaine]

Happy Anniversary! You've done a great job, beautiful pictures and as your Mother, I am so proud of all your accomplishments.

And......she's not so far away
at all!
Love you, Mom

[Beckie]

Kathleen, I don't remember now how we found each other, but I am always glad we did. I have so enjoyed your posts and your lovely photography. You were the one who inspired me to get a camera that took super macro shots. Your photos of the butterflies are proof that you are very good with the camera. :)

I think there are quite a few of us out here who have a desire to write and maybe some day we will. In the meantime, we are enjoying our blogging.

Happy blogversary to you and may we continue to read your delightful posts for a long time to come.

[Janet]

Hi Kathleen, Happy Anniversary to you! I always enjoy reading your postings -- I too like the photos help break up the text, making it easier to read. Your butterflies are just gorgeous!! What a great place to have close by to visit. As for visiting, I am with you, I like for someone to comment back to what I have said. Makes for a two way communication and forging new friendships. I may have said this to you before, commenting back and forth is like electronic penpals. So on that note, happy anniversary friend!!

[Sweet Bay]

Happy Anniversary! What I love about blogging is that each person can make their blog his or her own -- they're all different. I think of my garden and blog as respites too.

When I was young I wanted to be a writer (I had to write, I didn't have a choice), but sadly, in college the urge evaporated. In a way I still miss it. But I don't think I'll ever get over my love of gardening.

I always enjoy coming here and reading your lovely blog and seeing your beautiful pictures.

[Teresa O]

Wow! Wonderful post and the butterflies did make me smile! I'm so glad there's others out there who will buy flowers before panties. You've got it right about blogging and writing...it's a great exercise to hone the craft.

I knew a title with undies would capture attention. lol Thanks for visiting The Cottage on the Corner.

Do you ever post fiction? Good luck writing.

[Frances]

Dear Kathleen, a very happy blogaversary to you! I am so glad you started blogging and laugh about your mom and the number of posts! We have family who watch closely too, and have found that the Mon, Wed, Fri works for me and them. I will not deviate from those days and they will know I am good. Of course this could change. Your butterfly photos were the perfect companions for your narrative, such a wide variety! Who knew the joys that blogging would bring? Meeting other like minded gardeners, virtually and in person has proven to be the most wonderful thing about jumping into the blogdom. I am so glad to have met you! :-)

Frances

[Joy]

Kathleen girl ! Happy Anniversary : )
I have no idea when mine is .. can you believe THAT ? haha
I am also very happy that you blog .. I enjoy reading yours very much and the wonderful pictures girl .. love the butterflies .. needed that this cold morning !
I love that we share the mystery vine and that we are technically in the same grow zone !!
Lets wish for a great garden year soon .. and lots to blog about with wonderful pictures : )
Joy

[Pam/Digging]

Happy blogiversary, Kathleen. And well said about the joys of blogging. I look forward to more posts and lovely photos from you in future.

[Kate]

Congrats on the anniversary. The butterflies are amazing. :)

[Catherine]

Happy Blogiversary! I just love your blog, your photography, your writing and seeing what you're up to indoors and outside. I'm so glad I've gotten to know you through blogging!
I'm also a picture person, love the pictures and your's, like the ones you have today, are always great.
I agree it's healthy to slack once in awhile, it's supposed to be for fun. Good luck with your writing, you definitely have the talent!

[Kathleen]

Thank you all so much for your warm comments and encouragement. They are MUCH appreciated.

Marnie ~ my genre would be romance!! A smutty take-to-the-beach book... A writers group would be fun. I've never belonged to one.