LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

I Never Thought It Would Last a Year

In December 2007, I established a blogger identity. I had no plans to start a blog...I established an identity in order to comment on blogs that didn't accept anonymous comments. Several bloggers, especially Susan, Mary, and Laura, kept commenting that I should start a blog and I'm so glad they did. So thanks, guys.

My children did not grow up in this area and I was frequently sending photographs of the beautiful mountains, the waterfalls, and marvelous birds around us. It seemed that starting a blog would be another way to communicate with them and show them our county and the surrounding locations we visit. I never really thought anyone else would read these words.

On April 29, I started a blog, having no idea what I would write or how long it would hold my interest. And now, one year and 246 posts later, I am still at it. I think the most amazing thing is how many blogger buddies I have "met" via the Internet. Every day I look forward to reading your blogs and finding out what is going on in your lives. I do indeed consider you my friends in the blog world. While I never considered that I was writing for anyone else, I often wonder if I would have kept this up without any readers. I am so grateful to all of you who continue to visit. Thank you for many reasons.

So, on with the blog...

We are fortunate to have our kitchen table next to the windows overlooking the birdfeeders on the deck. With the increasing daylight hours, my husband and I love watching the birds while we have dinner. Last night was no exception. We were chatting about Arlen Specter, the flu epidemic, etc., when we suddenly became aware that the trees were silent and the feeders were empty. We looked more closely and saw a very good reason for the quiet. (Sorry for the quality of the photograph. I got only one shot and unfortunately picked up some window reflection.)



Life is a bit like that, isn't it? One minute you are singing and loving life, and the next there is a dark figure waiting to grab you. When I started this blog last year, who would have believed the difficulties our country would be facing? Who would have thought their investments would have lost so much value? That those who felt their jobs were secure would find themselves out of work? That our economy (and the world's) would be in such a state?

Finally the hawk left. Within 15 minutes, the birds returned. They resumed their singing and eating. The episode gave us pause to realize that we also will overcome our dark figures. It may take a bit longer for us, but then, we have more time than the birds. So let's enjoy all the good times.

Thank you, blogger friends. I couldn't have done this without you.

33 comments:

Cedar ... said...

I'm so glad that you are in our blogging "family!"

Jane said...

I visit your blog most days of week - wouldn't miss what you write for the world!

Jane

Kim said...

Wonderful post and I am so happy you decided to start a blog. I love coming here to read about your Golden Girls and see what cool birds you have at your feeder.

Rudee said...

The hawk is a fantastic analogy for what's going on. You seem to have a great wisdom about you, and although I've only recently begun visiting this page, I'm sure I'll stick around for awhile.

Happy Blogiversary!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carolyn: Congrats on holding on and sharing your great photos from nature. I always enjoy mu visits.

Cheryl said...

I must say it has been a pleasure to get to know you and the golden girls.....I love your way of life and the beautiful area that you live in.
Sharing the birds with us......and the beautiful hawk.....a spectacular bird. I have watched sparrowhawks hunt in my garden many times.....they have taken blue tits.....and doves mainly. It always saddens me but I am totally captivated by the hawk and her skills.........

Hope you stay blogging for another year.......

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Congrats for blogging a year, Carolyn. I for one am so glad that you started a blog. Otherwise I wouldn't have met you.

I did a blog on another blog site from June of 2006-- and none of my friends much or my family would comment on my daily ramblings. I almost gave it --and then I found Blogger and YOU. I absolutely love it!!!!! Finding others who actually enjoyed reading about our lives really made blogging very special for me.

I know exactly how you feel about watching the birds. That's such a joy for us too.. And one day this week a hawk flew over checking out the situation. I did't see a bird ANYWHERE --until that ole hawk was gone.

Hugs,
Betsy

robin andrea said...

Congratulations on your one year blogging anniversary. I think I'm a relative newcomer to your site, but it's become one of my daily stops. I love seeing what's going on in your world. You have an eye for the most splendid things.

KB said...

"The episode gave us pause to realize that we also will overcome our dark figures. It may take a bit longer for us, but then, we have more time than the birds. So let's enjoy all the good times."

It's your outlook on life that keeps bringing me back. I only know you through your blog - but you seem like a special person.

KGMom said...

Congrats on sticking with blogging. I enjoy your stories, your photos, and your golden girls.

It is amazing, isn't it, how suddenly the birds scram and fall silent--then you see the dark form, either sitting or zooming through.

Tina said...

I'm glad you started to blog..and that others encouraged you to do so..that is the way it was with me also.
I enjoy reading your blogs and take all the little trips you take us on..and see your girls on Fridays..
Congrats on 200+ posts and your one yr anniversary!!

Sam said...

I may be one of your newer followers, but I just wanted to say "Happy One Year" to you and your blog, and that I hope to read more about your life and your dogs. :)

Vickie said...

Congratulations on your anniversary. Blogging turned out to be so much more than I expected when I started!

Love your hawk image. I've taken many a fuzzy photo through the window that I would have otherwise missed. So I'm kind of fond of the reflections!

Cicero Sings said...

Have you only been doing this a year? My but I'm glad you got hooked into the blogasphere.

Ahhh ... the hawks. Things sure go silent in the "twitter" world when they turn up in the neighbourhood. I have to remind myself that they have to live too ... I just don't want to see them make their catch of the day ... especially from MY feeder birds.

Ruth said...

Happy first blogiversary! I had no idea you were fairly new to the blogosphere. You have written some very inspiring posts. Here's a toast to year 2...

Jayne said...

I look forward to visiting you every day Carolyn, and so enjoy your posts about your life in the mountains with hubby and your "girls." Happy blogiversary to you my friend. Here's to continued years of blogging and sharing.

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Carolyn, Congratulaion on your one year of blogging. I love all your wonderful photos of the beautiful place where you live in the Mts. of NC. I hope we will all be able to enjoy your wonderful words of wisdom and lovely photos for many years to come. Hugs Judy from Western Michigan

Dog_geek said...

I always enjoy stopping by to read your blog and see your beautiful pictures! Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your blog anniversary! Incredible photo of the hawk - we have them quite often and you do notice the stillness of the other birds as the first sign something is amiss! Good analogy using the hawk. Looking forward to another year of reading your blog.

grammy said...

Congrats on a year. I like the hawk pic...and what you wrote about the times we are living in. Reminds me of the lion out there...seeking who he may devour.

Coffee with Cathy said...

I am so glad you got talked into blogging! You know I adore your photos. You remind us of the natural beauty that's around us every day and give us glimpses of the wonderful world that's right outside the door, if we just opened our eyes enough to appreciate it. Here's to many more anniversaries!

Shelley said...

I can't imagine bloggyland without you!! So glad that you are here with your beautiful photos and lovely posts!

CountryDreaming said...

Firstly, congratulations on achieving your first year anniversary as a blogger! May you be around for many more. Secondly, I love your hawk picture. I'm afraid my camera wouldn't be able to get a shot half as good, just not designed for it so I stick to landscapes. And look forward to visiting blogs like yours to enjoy good quality bird photos.

Barb said...

Lovely post and metaphor. Congratulations on your year of blogdom!

Dawn Fine said...

Nice post! Congratulations on one year! I always enjoy reading your posts and looking at you cute goldies.
Hope you have many more blogging years.

kks said...

well said, and thanks for blogging, love to read your posts, esp with the goldens!

troutbirder said...

Great post Carolyn. I'm so glad you took up this fascinating "hobby." The reason you did so exactly parallels my own experience. Exactly.

NCmountainwoman said...

Thank you all for your kind comments. I'll drink a toast to honor all of you!

Leedra said...

Congrats on the year. You commented at mine about how dates being together. Sorry it took me a few days to get over here. Life is hectic. This is a very good post, like the way you tied the bird in with our lives.

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100 Thoughts of Love said...

you are one of my very favorites!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carolyn: I had this same thing happen but couldn't get a clear shot in the tree of the hawk.

Shropshire lass said...

We have intermittent visits from a sparrowhawk who flies through our hedge. All the small birds scatter very quickly and stay away until he leaves for the next field. He has fantastic yellow eyes and very sharp talons and beak and I can't help admiring him though I feel for all the small hedgerow birds who normally populate the hedge and keep us amused.