Mar 21 2008
Go Bloggy, It’s Your Birthday
One year ago today, I was sitting at the computer in my mother-in-law’s basement, and suddenly I thought, “I’m going to create a blog under a pen name and write whatever I feel like writing.” I pulled the name “Brillig” out of the air and I ran with it.
My first posts were mediocre at best. I received comments from a couple of real-life friends who I’d shared my big secret blog with and they commented under fake names. It wasn’t until the gorgeous and amazing Amy of Butrfly Garden, who I had never met or heard of before, showed up at my blog and left me my first “comment from a stranger” that I realized how much fun this thing could be.
I currently have a total of 246 posts and 6,513 comments.
Over the last year, I’ve poured my heart out here. I’ve said things that were deep, I’ve said things that were stupid. I’ve told cheesy love stories and invited others to do the same. I’ve recounted nights in bomb shelters in Jerusalem and nights in cockroach-infested hospitals in Argentina. And there might even be one or two (thousand) posts about my children…
This blog has opened up doors for me that I never expected. For instance, I spent today at a writer’s conference—a conference for aspiring novelists. I would have never gotten involved in something like this if it hadn’t been for some of my blog readers (who are themselves published novelists) who told me that I simply had to write a novel. Why they think I can write a novel, I have no idea. But there were enough of them pushing me in that direction, basing their opinions of me solely on my blogposts, that I found myself helpless to resist.
And then, a few months back, because of my blogging, I got involved with Cre8buzz, and somehow my little bloggy climbed to the top. Of nearly 3000 participating blogs, mine has been ranked #1 for months. (Though, embarrassingly enough, I just looked and noticed that it’s fallen to third place. Come on, people! Show me some love!)
In a year of blogging, I’ve had some posts that have completely flopped—believe me, some have been simply awful! I’ve also had some posts that have somehow really resonated with people. My most popular picture is here— one that I took of my sweet daughter just before she headed off to school for the first time. My most popular post is here— it got 73 comments (which is not the most comments I’ve ever gotten, but they were the most meaningful) and it was honored with the Perfect Post Award for October.
More than anything, my blog has brought me some amazing friends. I’ve literally gotten to know hundreds of people. But there are a handful who stand out, with whom I have formed deep and eternal connections. These are people who I had never met before I started blogging, but who I now care about deeply. They have opened my eyes and changed the way I see the world. They have taught me, they have given me their love and their friendship. They have truly changed my life. They are some of my truest, bestest friends. In no particular order, they are: Butrfly Garden, Jenn in Holland, Novembrance, SMID, and Temporary? Insanity. I love them. I love them!
So, thanks, dear Bloggy, for all the things you’ve contributed to my meager existence. Happy, Happy Birthday.
Oh, sweetie, you made me cry!!
I can’t believe it’s only been a year. It has been amazing to watch how quickly and confidently you claimed your stake in the blogging world. You are so very talented, Ms. Brillig. And more than that, you are incredibly interesting and an all-together wonderful person.
I appreciate all the times you’ve made me really examine myself and my choices without even trying to do so. And all the times you opened my eyes to people and worlds that had never crossed my mind.
You are admired by many, but I’ll always be one of your biggest fans.
Also? I cannot recall any stupid post from you.
Happy Bloggy Birthday!
Happy Bloggy Birfday, Baby!
Very sweet. Happy Birthday, Brill-Blog!
I love you Brilly button. You completely rock.
Happy Blog Birthday, babe.
Happy Blogday!!
happy bloggy birthday!
Happy Bloggy Birthday! And I’m so glad you’re taking that writing conference. Yay!!!
Have a very happy blirthday Brillig!
Oh my GOSH!! After the tearful fight I had with Little Miss over her clothes today (not an appearance issue - a warmth issue), the boys are being SO LOUD and AG is off to run 20 miles of the Marathon course (wait - it isn’t 9am yet. YOU MEAN I HAVE A WHOLE DAY AHEAD OF ME?!?!?!?! Weep, moan, groan….)
You gave me a gift. Such a wonderful, lovely marvelous gift.
The gift of you.
But you’ve only been blogging a YEAR?!? Sheesh, I thought you were one of those old-time bloggers.
Will you get yourself an agent? You NEED to write a book.
It is amazing how many people I have met through blogs started to blog on a whim. I had no forethought really whatsoever, but it was serendipitous-it filled a need I only unconsciously knew existed. I have loved your blog so far and glad you’ve also made such great friends along the way! Oh and will you drop me a line about how to do the anonymous soapiness? Thanks.
Happy Blog Birthday, Dearest Brillig. You’ve dramatically improved the quality of my life; I cherish our friendship.
XOXOXOX
What? The Antman doesn’t make ya list of the mad cool people ya met this year. Dang girl, I clearly gotta try harder.
Happy B-Day Blog. Ya a good one. Peace~
Woot woot! Happiest of bloggy birthdays darlin’! A year goes by so fast!!
happy birthday!!
wow this really surprised me…I didn’t know your blog was only a year old…I thought you had been at it alot longer than me. You are a gifted blogger.
Happy Birthday…and happy Easter too.
I was just over at Kate’s blog….if you are busy and need a host for SOS tomorrow just give me a shout out and I can put up the link…if ya ever need a host and are busy, never hesitate to ask…I am always around.
Happy Bloggy Birthday! Here’s to another year of bloggy goodness!
I only started a few months before you did- I’m glad we both found our little newbie places in the bloggy world.
Congrats on the 1st year!
It was great to see you at the writers conference. I had a great time. Hope you did too.
And Happy Bloggy Bday!
Karlene
I’ve so enjoyed your blog! Happy bloggy birthday. Here’s to many more : )
Happy Bloggy Birthday!
Happy blog-day! So glad I found you here–and that you came to the conference. I’m now one of the cool people who have met the flesh and blood Brillig!
Seeing you at the conference made my day! You totally rock and happy Blog-Day!
Only a year?
Happy Birthday ‘Twas Brillig… you’re the best.
HAPPY ONE!! How big is Brillig? Sooooo big!!
Wow, only a year, eh? I thought you’d been blogging since the dawn of Blogger. Maybe you are just naturally polished.
Happy Bloggiversary!
Happy Bloggy B’day! Isn’t it so funny how we both started around that same time. (oh yes and I’d agree with you on Ms. Amy. I just love her)
Glad we found one another! I feel lucky to have “met” you.
Ahhh that was lovely. Congrats on your birthday sweetie. Here’s to the next year. x
Happy (bloggy) Birthday!! If I’d known I’d have made a cake!