A Thank You And A Recap

A year of blogging taught me so much. It’s been a year of challenges, laughs, headaches, and joy.

The one thing I never expected was that my writings would be so well received.

As much as I can share all that I learned from my first year of blogging, I know for certain, I couldn’t have done it without the support of all of my loyal visitors and commenters. People who were strangers a year ago. People who are now cyberspace friends.

To all of you, I say “Thank You”

Thank you for your support, for your continued visits, for subscribing, commenting, and for the massive words of kindness.

I am humbled and honored to be part of your lives, and thrilled to be a part of this community of kind and generous people.

Although our paths may never cross in the real world, I’m grateful our paths have crossed in cyberspace.

You’re all awesome.

May you all find success in all of your endeavors.

That is my wish for you.

Again, I say thank you!

To recap what I’ve learned from my first year of blogging, listed below are all of the lessons, including a brief description.

Lesson One: Why blog?

Lesson Two :Commenting on blogs

Lesson Three: Importance of learning the mechanics of blogging

Lesson Four : Learning from your blog statistics

Lesson Five: Finding balance between blogging and life

Lesson Six: How blogging can be therapeutic

Lesson Seven: How bloggers are often misunderstood

Lesson Eight: The uniqueness of your blog and first impressions

Lesson Nine: What makes a blog/blogger a success

Lesson Ten: Give credit where credit is due

Lesson Eleven: Comparing ourselves to others

Lesson Twelve: Making money with blogs

Photo Credit emilywjones’ photos

Posted on May 5, 2008
Filed Under Archives, Lessons Learned |

Care To Share?

24 Responses to “A Thank You And A Recap”

Hunter Nuttall on May 5th, 2008 8:23 am

I just realized that after another year of blogging, you’ll be entering the terrible twos! Hope your next year is a great one!

Hunter Nuttalls last blog post..Persistence Isn’t Using The Same Tactics Over And Over
Natural on May 5th, 2008 8:52 am

Well it’s been fun Barbara, reading your blog, and I have learned a lot.

Continued success!

Naturals last blog post..What’s In Your Wallet?
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 11:28 am

Hi Hunter,

Yikes! The terrible twos.

Hi Natural,

Thank you! Continued success to you, too.
Mark - Creative Journey Cafe on May 5th, 2008 12:06 pm

Barbara - you do a great job and offer nothing but encouragement. I appreciate the attention you’ve given my blog very much. Keep up the good work!

Mark - Creative Journey Cafes last blog post..If You Build It, They Will Come
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 1:32 pm

Hi Mark,

You’re welcome, and thank you for the kind words.
Bernie Deschler on May 5th, 2008 2:18 pm

THIS IS A DIFFERENT WORLD–I WONDER IF THIS IS AFTER WORLD PREVIEW–YOU SPEAK TO ALL BUT SEE NO ONE AND YET GET GREAT ADVICE FROM VOICES THAT HAVE NEVER BEEN SEEN AND HEARD–
GOD BLESS YOU
BERNIE

Bernie Deschlers last blog post..
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 2:44 pm

I like the way you put that Deacon Bernie. Thank you!
Cath Lawson on May 5th, 2008 4:48 pm

Hi Barbara - Thank you. I’m glad I met you too. And your blogging lessons series has been awesome.

Cath Lawsons last blog post..Fab Quotes Of The Week: Week 4
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 4:59 pm

You’re welcome Catherine. I’m glad you enjoyed the series.

BTW,: did my email get buried in your inbox?
Debbie Yost on May 5th, 2008 5:08 pm

I’m glad you had such a great year. I hope you have many, many more.

Debbie Yosts last blog post..Jelly Rolls
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 5:28 pm

Thank you Debbie, and I wish the same for you.
John Hoff on May 5th, 2008 5:28 pm

Barbara - I can see from all the comments here that you’re a mean, ruthless person! LOL. Ok, I just had to!

Seriously though, it’s been a pleasure getting a glimpse into the mind of Barbara Swafford. I can see you’re a kind-hearted person and the kind of person this world desperately needs more of.

I’m only in my 7th month of blogging so it’s nice to pick up on a few things someone has learned that’s not too far ahead of me.

@Catherine - if you read this, thanks for introducing me to Barbara through the use of your informative blog. I might not always comment, but I read

Ok, I need to go watch Fight Club or something!

John Hoffs last blog post..How To Buy A House Like A Real Estate Investor: Part 3 - More On Dealing With Down Payments
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 5:31 pm

Hi John,

LOL That was a funny first sentence.

Thank you for your kind words. If we all stick together, we can all do well. It’s about community, helping others, and sharing in each other’s milestones.

Just think where we all might be a year (or two) from now.
John Hoff on May 5th, 2008 6:11 pm

Hopefully laying on a beach in Hawaii
John Hoffs last blog post..How To Buy A House Like A Real Estate Investor: Part 3 - More On Dealing With Down Payments
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 6:49 pm

John,

How nice would that be, hey?
Dr. Nicole Sundene on May 5th, 2008 7:18 pm

I think why your writings are so widely received Barbara is because they are very warm and encouraging.

I usually wait for your emails to hit me before I come to your page, but today I just needed some sort of “Barbara Voice” so decided to come by early and see if there was anything new.

Thank you for what you do! And especially for taking the time to believe in all of us and write things to help us be better.
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 7:38 pm

You’re welcome Dr. Nicole,

I do believe in all of you (and even those who don’t comment). Faith tells me if we all work together, we can make this world a better place by leaving a positive foot print on cyberspace.

I’m proud to be part of a community of bloggers who genuinely care.
JEMi | Tips for Life, Love, You on May 5th, 2008 10:40 pm

and thank YOU for doing what you do!
You teach, you’re so supportive, you’re warm
its much appreciated and it taught me a tip or two on how to be a better blogger

(( Hugs ))

go barbara, go barbara!

*online dancing* << really.
JEMi | Tips for Life, Love, Yous last blog post..What Keeps YOU Young?: An InMyHeels/Lipton FUJI Crosstown Bike Giveaway!!!
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 10:57 pm

JEMi, you are welcome and so kind.

((hugs)) to you too. You’re making me laugh with that online dancing. Only you could come up with that. That’s great!
Pat R on May 5th, 2008 10:58 pm

Barbara - Congratulations on your one-year accomplishment. We haven’t known each other very long but I feel like I’ve known you much longer in time. I know that’s because of your integrity and caring and support of others. It comes through in your posts and what you contribute.

I can see I have some catching up to do in reading some of your past articles and I look forward to reading what you have put out there as your generous offer to help each of us.

Barbara, thank you for being you and for the support you give. I know it’s not just of me it’s of everyone commenting here and those reading. You find the time and a way to connect to each of us and I honor that.

Blessings,

Pat Rs last blog post..One Hundred Posts
Barbara Swafford on May 5th, 2008 11:10 pm

Hi Pat,

You’re welcome.

Isn’t blogging great? We can connect with people we may never have met otherwise. I like how that works.

Your kind words touch my heart. My hope to to continue to give support to you all, and stay on my mission to find new bloggers to welcome into the community.

Put the coffee on, I’ll be joining you at your “kitchen table” real soon.
J.D. Meier on May 6th, 2008 2:38 am

I liked the journey. It was like stopping to smell the roses, along with a healthy dose of introspection.

I’m glad you were our tour guide.

J.D. Meiers last blog post..Browse By Book Titles
Ian Denny on May 6th, 2008 11:29 am

Barbara,

I should thank you. Without the support of people like yourself, it would be so easy to lose sight of why I bother blogging.

It makes it so worthwhile to visit a blog where your opinion is valued, and the content so rich and thought-provoking.

I have certainly discovered an awful lot by coming back here and will continue to do so.

Cheers

Ian
Barbara Swafford on May 6th, 2008 12:44 pm

Hi J.D.

Thank you! I love being the tour guide.

Stay tuned, there’s more to come

Hi Ian,

You’re welcome.

It’s always great to see you here, and your opinion holds tons of value. Thank you for being such a loyal visitor and commenter.