Disclaimer: Those are not my hands. They belong to one of the nail techs at Claws.I am a massage therapist. My fingernails are short, round and natural. No one appreciates
a therapist with nails like those. No matter how pretty they are, they are scratching weapons.
When you learn something new, the best place to start is the beginning. So it is with blogging. I gave birth to Ronda's Wonderland on New Year's Day, one year ago, for no other reason that I wanted to give it a go. My first few posts were read only by my best friends and sister, who I also count as one of my best friends. I'm really glad because they were awkward and tenuous.
Somehow, I don't mind my friends seeing me as I struggle to learn something new. I know that no matter what weird stuff I try, and believe me, I have a taste for the eclectic and esoteric, they are always there to put a bandage on my knee.
Reya, of According to the Cosmology of Reya, and Mrsupole, of Mrsupoles' Place, encouraged and supported me with my first teetering, baby blogging steps. They, and the rest of you, nudged me into toddling along on my own. Through the process, I eventually, began to find my "voice." And, to pay it forward, I've helped other new bloggers get started.
One of the things that really surprised me about blogging is that it is one of the final frontiers. Not like outer space or the brain, but in the sense there are no rules. Like the wild, wild west, we do what we want out here. The freedom of personal expression and access to an immediate audience that exists in Blog World is unlike any other. I've never understood the appeal of reality shows but, I think I just got the concept. Being a blog author is like being the star of your own reality show. And you know what? It feels great!
So, please help me commemorate my first year in Blog World. Stop by and have a glass of Champagne, a bite to eat and nice visit. For your sustenance, I offer a fresh, green salad with tangy, Italian dressing, a pasta salad with feta cheese and black olives, soft, warm homemade rolls and cheesecake for dessert. The Red Queen says, we'll leave the light on.
When you learn something new, the best place to start is the beginning. So it is with blogging. I gave birth to Ronda's Wonderland on New Year's Day, one year ago, for no other reason that I wanted to give it a go. My first few posts were read only by my best friends and sister, who I also count as one of my best friends. I'm really glad because they were awkward and tenuous.
Somehow, I don't mind my friends seeing me as I struggle to learn something new. I know that no matter what weird stuff I try, and believe me, I have a taste for the eclectic and esoteric, they are always there to put a bandage on my knee.
Reya, of According to the Cosmology of Reya, and Mrsupole, of Mrsupoles' Place, encouraged and supported me with my first teetering, baby blogging steps. They, and the rest of you, nudged me into toddling along on my own. Through the process, I eventually, began to find my "voice." And, to pay it forward, I've helped other new bloggers get started.
One of the things that really surprised me about blogging is that it is one of the final frontiers. Not like outer space or the brain, but in the sense there are no rules. Like the wild, wild west, we do what we want out here. The freedom of personal expression and access to an immediate audience that exists in Blog World is unlike any other. I've never understood the appeal of reality shows but, I think I just got the concept. Being a blog author is like being the star of your own reality show. And you know what? It feels great!
So, please help me commemorate my first year in Blog World. Stop by and have a glass of Champagne, a bite to eat and nice visit. For your sustenance, I offer a fresh, green salad with tangy, Italian dressing, a pasta salad with feta cheese and black olives, soft, warm homemade rolls and cheesecake for dessert. The Red Queen says, we'll leave the light on.
.
42 comments:
A Happy 2010 to You Ronda.And Happy Blogiversary!
Happy Birthday to your blog and Happy New Year to you, Ronda!
I don't drink alcohol but I'll have a virgin strawberry cocktail and a nibble on that feta. Oh, I can just taste it. (I haven't eaten any cheese in months!)
All the best,
Jai
HAPPY BLOGGOVERSARY RONDA! Ooops! Sorry, didn't mean to shout,heh, heh....and as I don't drink anymore, you can have one for me. I'll be raiding the food ;)
May a most wonderous new year befall you!
happy blogoversary ronda! hanging out by the food myself, and so glad to have met you here in the great beyond.
Happy blogoversary ronda! I am right behind you, 15 days!
Blogging is like getting up on a podium and letting everyone know what you are thinking, without the embarrassment of having stage fright!
Oh what a success you've made of it though. Your posts are always funny, charming, creative..just as I imagine you would be Ronda. Happy Anniversary, and here's to you.
I will definitely have some of the delicious salads. This is a wonderful post describing your trepidation one year ago, and your blog learning during the year. If you hadn't told me, I would not have guessed you have been blogging one year, you have a good style and maturity and your posts look and sound interesting and always lots of fun. Congratulations on your year in Blogland!!
I can remember back to the beginning so well when I wrote that first comment and when you wrote my first comment. I was so happy that we had found each other. It was a blessing for both of us. Then Reya found us after we had found her and the blessings just kept coming. I will always thank you both so much for doing that. You are a natural climatic free thinking lyrical word smithee.
And I really wish that I could enjoy all of your good food and good cheer. I am there in spirit, and it does look awesome.
This has been a great year and each year from here on out will be great too. You have a really fantastic reality show and the ratings are shooting stars. Looking forward to another great year with you.
Cheers to you and yours and wishing you a Happy New Years!!!
God bless.
The blogging world wouldn't be the same without you, Ronda! So glad I discovered you. Happy to join in the celebration. Hmmm...pass the cheesecake please.
Here's to a new year stuffed with everything delicious. May it be your best yet. :-)
Congrats on the anniversary! Cheers to a new year of blogging too!
Happy Anniversary and best wishes for 2010 being filled with health wealth and happiness!
Happy anniversary Ronda! Happy New Year too.
Tony: Thanks, and the same to you, good sir.
Jai: That virgin strawberry cocktail and a plate of feta is heading your way. The best to you.
Subby: I'll send over one of Jai's virgin cocktails and a heaping plate of goodies.
Brian: Haning out by the food is the best place to be. It has been my pleasure to meet you in the blogsphere and beyond the beyond.
Otin: Only 15 more days till your blogoversary? Yeah! You are so right about not getting stage fright from your monitor.
Mindy: How did you know I'm funny, charming and creative? Oh, cause you're just like me, grasshopper. You are a joy to watch unfold.
TechnoBabe: Thank you so much. It was kinds of scary in the beginning. You know...the learning curve. Best to you in 2010.
Sherry: Yes, we were lucky to find each other so early on, weren't we? And Reya was so kind and consistent. I can always sense your spirit and you are welcome anytime. You are such a blessing and a sweet soul.
Dorraine: I am so happy to have met you in the Blogoverse. A new year stuffed with everything delicious? Oh, yeah!! All the best to you and yours.
Stacy: I have been so happy to read about your adventures, highs and lows of getting your work published. Keep it coming in 2010. Sending you great energy for drawing others attention to your work.
Colete: All the same to you, my friend. Wishing you the best year every.
Stephanie: Thank you, my friend from the north and double to you.
Happy new year, happy bloggyversary, I'm so glad I found your blog! And your description of the blogosphere being like the wild west is absolutely spot on brilliant.
xoxo
DID you know that a round-trip ticket on the Amtrak Coast Starlight (god I love those route names) costs less than the airfare?
One of my goals for 2010 is to take that train to Redding and back.
Too stalkerish? Deal with it, woman!!!
I LOVE champagne and especially enjoying a glass with you, soul sister with the mostess (how is that for mixing metaphors?) All the food is delish except I can't eat the pasta salad. Still, I am well fed today as always when I come to visit your blog.
Happy anniversary! I agree with you that blogging is a frontier, oh yeah! And I also agree that all blogs take awhile to find themselves. Yours is fabulous, of course!!
I saw Hammer yesterday who sends his regards.
Happy 2010!! xxoo
Happy New Year to you Ronda!You are a wonderful person and thank you for everything!I wish you all the best!Lovexxx
"There are no rules" - that's what I also like about blogging.
Judging by the pictures, your hands can do not only a professional massage , but also prepare nice salads.
Happy New Year and Happy Blogoanniversary to you Ronda!
Leah: Thanks so much. I am glad you found me too. I do so enjoy your posts.
Megan: I love those route names too. Who new they were so cosmic? Does Amtrack come to Redding? Wow! Not stalkerish at all. Your visitng here would be so cool!!
Reya: I love your metaphorical mix! And am so glad you stopped by for a nosh and some sips of the bubbly. I have so much to thank you for and am very grateful for your friendship, kindness and patience. When I read your post yesterday saying you were having a NYE drink with a blog friend, I wondered if it was Hammer. Wishing the best decade yet! xxoo
Candie: Wish the same to you. You are a great light. XXOO
DUTA: Thank you so much for your good wishes. I do so enjoy reading your posts about life in Israel. I learn so much from you. Happy 2010!
Happy blogiversary! It really is a big colorful vortex of fun that sucks you in before you really know what happened, isn't it?
Tattytiara: Welcome to Wonderland and yes it is!
Ronda I think we owe a lot to Theme Thursday too. That's how I found you and a zillion other worthy bloggers. It's been a great ride and helped preserve my sanity (let alone teach me how to do coning although I haven't mastered the coloured breathy thingy hehe). And what's with all the teetotallers . . .I'll have their class. Happy blogiversary and wishing you all the best for 2010. It's a pleasure getting to know you.
Baino: Yes, Theme Thursday is certainly worthy of accolades for its networking and, not to mention, down right fun. Yes, I have met so many great bloggers and friends from that venue. Wow! I am impressed with your recollection of coning details! You are a mighty student. And the colored breathy thing is very easy. Once you quit trying, you'll find it happening. Here, let me top off your glass with more bubbly!
Ronda, I saw all that booze and I couldn't stay away! I feel blessed having met you this past year! What say we have a toast? To you my dear. Salute!
Happy New Year, Ronda!
Skip and Gretchen: Salute! Too good friends and good wine.
happy anniversary!! to many, many more years of blogging - may the circle forever grow!
by the way, I find short, round, natural nails so much more beautiful than long, pointy, lacquered nails!!
thanks for the snack and I LOVE champagne!!
to you ronda - have a great 2010! it has been a true pleasure getting to 'know' you and I hope one day our paths will cross!
namaste!
Mouse: Aye! May the circle ever grow! I, too, hope that one day our paths will cross. And, by the gods and goddesses, declare it so!
Namaste!
it is unlike anything else!
Congrats Ronda, I'm happy to 'know' you and look forward to the next year of blogging!
Here's to your blog-birthday and another great year of bloggy. -J
Happy Blogoversary! A toast to you....Your blog is so terrific -I just assumed that you had been blogging for much longer. I've enjoyed getting to know you this year and look forward to visiting you lots in 2010!
Lettuce: I'm sure somewhere in the future there will be a platform that rivals blogging but I don't see it coming soon. I've enjoyed e-meeting you and look forward to another year.
Jayne: Thank you so much for the birthday wish!
JGH: Yes, let's toast. Here's to us in 2010. (clink).
Congratulations! One year and 109 Posts is BIG!
Wishing you a great 2010 filled with laughter, good health and lots of great posts!
Cheers!
Joanna: Thank you so much! I see so many bloggers posting everyday or at least 5 times a week. I just can't keep up with that and read others blogs too. Two posts per week, plus or minus occasionally, is my goal. Happy 2010 to you too!
Ok, first: STRAWBERRIES! That's what I forgot! Aw, shucks. Next year then. No, this year! Ah, you know what I mean. ;)
Second: I am kind of glad that those are not your hands - they frighten me! :-O
I'm allowed to say that because this is
Third: the wild, wild west! Whoohoo!
Happy Anniversary, Ronda!
I've always enjoyed reading your blog - and I'm a picky one. You've always done great.
So: keep up the great work!
Hey! In only 4 short weeks it'll be my anniversary! I now forgot what my initial motivation was to start this, but it's great fun, more fun than I thought it would be.
An awesome hobby were you get to meet people of the world.
Christina: Strawberries? Yes, I do know what you mean! They are sooo good and look so great in Champagne. It kinda makes me happy that you think those nails are scary too! Four weeks until your anniversary? Yee Haw! Have a rip roarin' time in the wild, wild west. Are you gonna throw a party?
Oh bugger, I am about five days late for the party...you still celebrating?? Happy, happy bloggiversary!
Yes, my dear! I am still celebrating. There is lots of Champagne and food left!
Ronda
Happy blog anniversary and Happy New Year, again.
I love blogging, too. I've never thought of it as our own realty show but you're right and in this case, we are the director, producer, script writer, and actor. It all comes from us, and then the "frosting on the cake" is the interaction with our readers.
Linda: Thanks so much. Yes, the frosting on the cake is the interaction with our readers.
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