there’s no “i” in blog; thoughts on a year

I’m so proud to be celebrating my blog’s first birthday today. Over the last few days I’ve re-read some of my earliest posts and am really pleased with how far I’ve come. I’ve added new features, improved my photography skills and shared parts of my life (and myself) that I never dreamed I would have put “out there”.

I also took a look at my “about” page. I hadn’t gone there in some time and I was curious: had I kept to the original goals that I had set for myself?

“I vowed to really give thought to what makes me happy,  how I like to spend my time, and what I’m most passionate about.”

I can honestly say that, overall, the answer is “yes”.

So what happens now?

Well,  for the most part I’ll continue to do what I’ve been doing , which is writing about the things I love – baking, cooking, gardening and “favorite finds“. I will continue sharing my adventures in parenting my three amazing children.  And I will be adding some new features too, that I’m very excited about (stay tuned….).

There will be other changes too. I will no longer be featuring a regular favor-“ette” Friday. Although it’s been fun doing this little weekly segment, it’s felt more like a chore of late, and definitely less spontaneous. Keeping to a weekly commitment started to sap some of the fun out of it, so I’m going to take a break. That said, I will always share a great find – whether it’s an “ette”, or something bigger. It just may be on a Tuesday.

I’m also coming to the end of the “Year in My Garden” series, and at a very poignant time in my career. About five years ago I was diagnosed with basal joint arthritis in my left hand. It has since spread to my right hand and gotten progressively worse.  I started intensive physical therapy this month, and  have been instructed to give up container plantings – the part of my business that I love the most. Fortunately, landscape design poses no stress on my hands so I can continue that facet of my work, but I have yet to fully accept the reality of this.

Ironically, the creation of this blog couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. I’m doing more baking than ever, which makes me so happy. And I can continue to write about gardening here, sharing knowledge and information with you. I’ve always believed that things happen for a reason, and I’m grateful that I’ve put this outlet in place at a time when there is definitely a void that needs to be filled.

But it’s become about so much more than just filling a void, in ways that I could have never anticipated when I started what I thought would be a very isolated, insular journey. In fact it’s been anything BUT that, and I am so very grateful to the people in my life – both old and new – who proved this to me.

The blogging community is – hands down – the nicest, most supportive, LEAST competitive group of professionals I’ve ever met. I have had many (many) careers in my life and this is the first time I have experienced such an overwhelming and complete sense of community, generosity and enthusiasm. We are truly all in this together, regardless of degree of success, experience, or size of readership. We rally for each other, answer questions willingly and thoughtfully, and “tweet”, “share”, “like” and “pin” the hell out of one another’s posts. This blows me away on a daily basis.

I also want to acknowledge and thank you, my readers. That you spend any of your precious time reading my posts – and writing such awesome, lovely comments – truly means the world to me. It validates that what I’m doing is possibly? Maybe? Kind of? Good. Ish. I’m grateful on a daily basis that you choose to join me here.

And finally, I would not be writing any of this – either today or over the past year – if it weren’t for my husband, Mike. A year ago I shared with Mike my need to make a major change in my life, but didn’t quite know what that meant, or how I should go about it. And he simply looked at me and said, “you work too hard and are too creative not to be happy. So figure out what makes you happy”.

And with that, a blog was born.

But he didn’t stop there.

He sat and spent HOURS figuring out things like domain names, WordPress templates and HootSuite. He bought me a camera so that I could improve the look of my pictures. He was, and still is, a great source of ideas and brainstorming as I navigate this still-new process. And he tells me how proud he is of me for building something from the ground up.

His support, wisdom and love allow me the freedom, confidence and peace of mind to pursue pretty much whatever it is that I want to do. It’s genuine, with no strings attached, and applies not only to the creation of this blog but to my day-to-day life with him.

Thank you Mike – for just about everything.

Year two?

Bring it!

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30 Comments

  1. jodi on February 20, 2012 at 8:03 am

    Happy Birthday DD&D!! It’s been a pleasure reading you and I look forward to the next year!

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 8:09 am

      Many thanks Jodi – your friendship (both on and off line) has been one of the best “perks” to come out of this year for me! 🙂

  2. Melanie on February 20, 2012 at 8:51 am

    Congratulations, Sheri! That is awesome. I’m so glad I “met” you. xo

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 8:57 am

      Thanks Melanie – I feel just the same about you (and it’s not just the whole “Eames” thing….) 🙂

  3. Sara on February 20, 2012 at 10:05 am

    Congratulations! I can’t believe you have only been doing this for a year. Reading your posts inspire me to be better … to write better, take better pics, and most of to open up on my blog the way you do. Thank you!

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 1:37 pm

      Thanks Sara – I feel just the same (and I swear it has nothing to do with the magic you worked at my house…….really.). 🙂

  4. Eve on February 20, 2012 at 10:31 am

    Congrats on the milestone, Sheri!!! How awesome. I love me some blogging too. And you’re so right. The community is what keeps us going. Keep up the great writing and we’ll keep reading.

    {New follower ova here!!}

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 1:36 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

  5. Jennifer Cullen on February 20, 2012 at 11:22 am

    Sheri: Happy blog birthday! I love how my blog world has expanded in the past 6 months and really excited about having met you and all of your wonderfulness. And thank you for your support also. You are awesome!

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 1:35 pm

      Totally agree – I love our group!

  6. Lisa Sperling on February 20, 2012 at 11:36 am

    Hi Sheri,
    Happy first blogiversary! I am quite new to your blog, but wanted to let you know, just how much I’ve enjoyed it so far. Thank you for your authenticity – it comes through in all of your posts! Wishing you all the best and a ton of continued fun, as DD&D enters its second year!

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 1:34 pm

      Thanks so so much! I couldn’t ask for a better “read”! 🙂

  7. Leslie on February 20, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Congratulations! May the second year be even better!

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 1:34 pm

      Thank you! Thank you! 🙂

  8. Tracy @ Sugar Loco on February 20, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Congrats! WE can’t wait to see what you have in store in year two. Also, good for you to change things up if they don’t “move you” anymore on your blog, that’s not always an easy step to take, but so important. You are so lucky to have a supportive hubby too. 😉 Cheers!!!

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 2:52 pm

      Thank you Tracy! Needless to say I adore working with Sugar Loco (though my waistline often feels otherwise…..) – you ladies are the sweetest! 🙂

  9. Sue on February 20, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Brava, special lady! I have so enjoyed reading your blog for the past year and eagerly look forward to year two. xoxo

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 8:22 pm

      Thanks Miss Sue – now all we have to do is catch up on YOU! 🙂 xo

  10. ML@My3LittleBirds on February 20, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Congratulations Sheri!! So happy to have connected with you.

    • sheri silver on February 20, 2012 at 8:21 pm

      Oh my – you KNOW I feel just the same about you – thank you! xo

  11. Lisa on February 21, 2012 at 9:33 am

    Congratulations Sheri! Isn’t it amazing how pounding out letters on a keyboard can bring such contentment and connection?! I’m thankful for your milestone and excited to see how you reflect on Year 2 🙂

    • sheri silver on February 21, 2012 at 2:20 pm

      Thanks Lisa – I especially love the connections I’ve made through our group! 🙂

  12. Sherri on February 21, 2012 at 11:51 am

    Congrats on a milestone! I love to see how blogs evolve over time…sounds like yours is heading exactly where you want it to!

    • sheri silver on February 21, 2012 at 2:19 pm

      Thank you Sherri! I appreciate all of your support and encouragemnt! 🙂

  13. Hotly Spiced on February 21, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    Your Mike sounds wonderful. Congrats on a fabulous first year. Sorry to hear about the issue with your hands. I do hope the physical therapy is helpful. Looking forward to following you in your second year and seeing how your blog evolves. xx

    • sheri silver on February 21, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      Thank you so much – the incredible support (especially your lovely comments) is beyond appreciated – I’ve so enjoyed “meeting” you! 🙂

  14. Dana on February 21, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    Happy blog-birthday to you, my dear friend. Keep following your heart and it will always lead you exactly where you are supposed to be. Thank you for a year of fun mingled with tears. Keep going! Love you.

    • sheri silver on February 21, 2012 at 7:36 pm

      Thanks Dane – as an early “adopter” and dear friend this means so much – love you right back! xo

  15. Nicole on February 22, 2012 at 12:41 am

    1 year is a great milestone. It looks like you’re doing well!

    • sheri silver on February 22, 2012 at 12:56 pm

      Thank you so, so much! 🙂

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!