The Daily News

LFCA Latest Issue: Friday, September 25, 2009.

Latest Post on BlogHer: Parenting after Infertility.

My Status: Fed Josh's almonds to the squirrels. They needed them very badly.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

My Blogoversary

My blogoversary, my blogoversary, ferns, dancing, tons of people. Every pink flower west of the Mississippi. Blogoversary cake in the dining room and the NaComLeavMo cake... Hidden in the carport.

Wait.

Shit.

That was Shelby's wedding. And this in my blogoversary. I get these two occasions mixed up. All. The. Time.

My blogoversary is not bathed in blush or bashful, but my blog is two years old today. It is also almost the anniversary of my little planner and I am still lugging it around with me a year later. But it should get its own day to shine.

It is hard to remember what was started this year and what was merely a continuation. Show and Tell is definitely new as is IComLeavWe (which was called NaComLeavMo in its first incarnation). U.T.E.R.U.S. was started and we did our first big fundraising adventure. I kicked off the weekly Barren Advice column and a bunch of us have already chosen our new blogging names and added them to the Blogging Name Registry to mark the two year milestone. The collective Shop Mom or Pop was started last winter. The Public Living Room was utilized for online meetings and simultaneous television watching. Twelve and a Half Fighting Back took on activism projects. We had an international candy exchange. The largest project--Lost and Found and Connections Abound (LFCA or L & F)--not only began but got so large that it moved into its new space and has published almost 200 entries so far.

Other projects simply continued. The blogroll grew like a weed. The Creme de la Creme rolled around again as well as the Roundup Extravaganza. We kept meeting at the Virtual Lushary each month. The Barren Bitches read a lot of books. Entries were added to Operation Heads Up and new people volunteered for the Peer Counselor List. Secret Ode Days popped up out of nowhere.

I looked at the two years this blog has been in existence and used their overarching themes to determine the course this blog will take in its third year. This is different from the word that defines the entire blog which is "community." I think that word best describes the blog as a whole if it had to be boiled down to one word.

But, if you take each year on its own, the first year was best defined by the word "connections." I started the blog because I had always wanted a single space on the Internet that combined all the best aspects of the individual spaces. The information from the medical sites and the support from the bulletin boards and the fun projects from...well...camp. The connections were sometimes between two people or sometimes between a person and information. But so many of those early projects were about removing the isolation inherent in infertility. If you had an Internet connection, you had a community, not just a blog. I did this for myself, but I'm happy if it helped others too.

The word that defined the second year was "action." I have a definite antsy side to my personality. I don't sleep a lot. I don't remain still for very long. I don't like to talk about things--I like to see things happen. I live my entire life by Gandhi's adage "be the change you wish to see in the world" (albeit at a high speed with the theme word being "now"). So we changed things. We saw needs and we filled them. We fought the good fight. We made sure--to the best of our abilities--that more people got the support they needed. Thank you for this.

I am never sure what word defines the year until after it is over, but I'm entering this year with a single word to help guide me. I don't know if it is helpful or not to name it right now, but I'm going to place it out there as a thought. My defining term from now until next June is "listen." It's a hard thing to do--to truly listen to another person. To set aside the time to concentrate on someone else's thoughts without simultaneously considering your own. To practice a form of verbal relativism, listening while trying to place yourself in the other person's point of view rather than your own. Talking is easy. I have about 850 posts on this blog. Being silent. Reading. Actually hearing; internalizing someone else's words, tossing them around inside your head, allowing them to change your world. That is hard.

Already, the small projects that have planted seeds in year two are sprouting into year three. Show & Tell at its core is about listening to what is important to another person. Lost & Found is about sitting with someone's words and letting them know that you're listening and supporting them.

The thing that I have the most hope wrapped around is IComLeavWe. I would love for this idea to build and for comments to gather the same respect as blog posts. We honour blog posts all the time, but how many times do we honour comments? We lament not being able to post enough, but how many times do people also consider their lack of commenting? NaComLeavMo was admittedly hard. It became suffocatingly difficult to remember to comment a quota every single day for a full month. I hope that by making it weekly and making it often that people will drop in and out with an eye to what is happening in their own life. When the list opens next week on Tuesday, I hope people add themselves. When IComLeavWe rolls around (each month from the 21st to the 28th), I hope we see a huge spike in comments. Thoughtful comments. Comforting comments. And also...

Even when you don't have something to add, when you can't find the words to respond, I hope this year that it becomes socially acceptable and understood to simply write the phrase "I am listening" and post the comment under your name. What does this do? Sometimes, it helps to know that your words were read. That someone didn't click on and click off of your blog without processing your words. Sometimes it simply feels good to know that you're not alone, even if the other person doesn't have a solution or deep comfort. Some people may think this is lazy; a comment not worth the effort to leave or receive. But I think it can be very powerful to know that someone listened even if they have nothing to respond with in return. If all comments ran this course, I would need to rethink my stance on this, but right now, amid the other thoughts, I would love to hear the small "I am listenings;" especially on a post that you see does not have a lot of comments.

So happy anniversary, little blog. May this next year be one of deep listening, good community, enormous love, wonderful news, and only more kumbayaness. We cannot control so many things in our lives--the enormity of what we can't do sometimes leaves me speechless--but ensuring that no one feels alone: that is actually within our power. So it is my goal: to make sure that anyone I encounter knows that I have listened.

116 comments:

battynurse said...

Happy Blogoversary Mel!!! You are so appreciated.

Stacie said...

Happy Blogoversary, Mel! I am honored to be one of the first to congratulate you on two wonderful years of blogging. You are an amazing person and I am so happy I found you and your site!

What you have done for the infertility community is inspirational. It helps so much to know that there are others out there who understand my feelings. You have connected, and you have acted. I just know that this next year of "listening" will bring even more insight and support for those in the blogging world.

May your next year of blogging be even better than your first two...I don't have any doubts that it will be!

Thanks again for everything!

annacyclopedia said...

Happy blogoversary, Mel! Or should I say Lolly?

A few months ago, I found one blog with a link to yours, and when I found Stirrup Queens, it was like I opened the door to the secret cavern in the stories, filled with gold and jewels and magic carpets and ever so much candy. I do not exaggerate when I say that blogging has changed my entire life, and I also do not exaggerate when I say that finding you gave me a reason to want to start my own blog, to jump into this community. I was a little scared and nervous, the way I am anytime I enter a new group of people. Your warm welcome and thoughtful, encouraging posts helped me to see that I really do belong here.

So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, the pit of my stomach, and the depth of my admiration for you. Keep up the good work!

Lori Lavender Luz said...

You have positively influenced so many people in the last two years.

I love your connect-act-listen model. You continually inspire me.

"I am listening" is so powerful. I can't remember who posted about "I am abiding with you," but I have found that very appropriate as well.

Happy blogoversary, my friend.

bleu said...

First off it isn't the 25th yet here but I want to comment now instead of waiting until midnight. ;)

It was actually a shock to me to find out you had only been here 2 years to tell the truth. When I found your blog it was from hearing you mentioned here and there, I even avoided it for a bit thinking it was some commercial site just because of how many people commented on it or mentioned it. I thought it was something like babycenter maybe I wasn't sure.

When I first clicked on I was overwhelmed, soooo much info, and good info. Then when I started reading I found out about the community, the people who came together. I read all the time but never ever commented. I thought the site had been around years and the commenters were a clique and I felt very outside the loop.

But then, like I know every person on that blogroll has experienced, you reached out. You made some thoughtful comment, you listened and heard me. (I for one think you have always been aces at listening)
You made me feel like I got picked for the cheer squad or something.

I started reading more, and visiting other blogs a bit more. It still overwhelmed though but any time I got a comment from you i was so moved.

Then this last year the L&F came out and I was in heaven. It brought things so much more close knit even. It gave me a way to really meet people without using the very intimidating blog roll page. I had clicked certain categories but that was so selective. L&F was so inclusive. I became an avid reader and commenter. I tend to send a hug when I am not sure what to write. I like the I Am Listening idea. Suddenly from me visiting more and commenting more I had more visitors. Suddenly I was "heard' more which helps so much in this struggle.

Them one day i realized I never comment on your blog, I write emails as much as I feel i can without getting stalker-ish but I never commented. I even wrote you about it. Then I started using the RSS feeds and the Readers and life changed once again, thanks to your suggestion.

You are a leader, a bringer of community on such a hugely significant level. You have created a village, one with so many differing backgrounds coming together. So many women voicing their thoughts, their fears, their pain and their joy. You have created a safe place in the storm we are all enduring. You have educated and inspired, enlightened and made joyous so many of us.

Thank you so much Melissa, you have made a HUGE difference in my life.

JW Moxie said...

Happy blogoversary, Lolly. I will be eternally grateful that I stumbled upon your blog, which I think of as Grand Central Station of this community.

I love the idea of "I am listening." There are many times that I want to say something but don't have the words. I hope to see more listening through the next year.

"M'Lynn, you just missed the chance of a lifetime. Halfa Chinquapin Parish would give their eye teeth to take a whack at Ouiser!"

I just had to get that out of my system, what with your references to Steel Magnolias.

AwkwardMoments said...

Happy Blogoversary to you! I just think you are so talented in the art of blogging and spreading a sense of community and Support. I love the "I am listening" idea Fantabulous!

In your honor I will make and eat chocochip cookies!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Mel.

You are providing a wonderful service for a community of people who do appreciate your efforts.

Well done.

luna said...

happy happy blogoversary mel-lolly! a thousand thanks again for all the incredible things you do. it's amazing how much care and support is extended by so many because of you and this space which you've created and nurtured. you f'ing rock.

I continue to be inspired by your ability to cultivate community, support, act, and of course listen. 'I am listening' is so very powerful -- sometimes the only gift one can offer.

I hope this next year brings all that you wish and work for, too.

Still Standing Strong in A Bloom of Hope. said...

Happy happy Blogoversary!!!!!

You give me hope and I am listening!

Thanks for everything!

Skerry said...

Happy Blogoversary!!! A quiet lurker here, I make a nightly stop here to get my fix and inspiration. I have age related secondary infertility and just had my right tube removed last Thurs. due to SIN (salpingitis isthmicus nodusa). I truly appreciate your amazing skills as a blogger and Queen organizer. Thank you!

Soupy said...

Happy Blogversary! has it really been 2 years? WOW! Mind blowing and congratulations on so many wonderful accomplishments!! It is so needed and so important! You are awesome!!

B said...

Happy Blogoversary Mel.

ColourYourWorld said...

Happy Blogoversay!

I love the idea of "I am listening" Someone posted it on my blog a while back and did it mean a lot to me, it was much nicer than not saying anything at all.

Sam said...

Happy Blogiversary!

I get what you mean about simply saying "I am listening" - so many people have said some variation on the thought that it seems rude or difficult to write something that appears meaningless and perhaps not worth writing.

But just knowing that people are indeed reading (and commenting!) makes blogging worth while and that you are not just shouting into the void!

Pale said...

Happy Blogoversary, Mel!

I am listening.

Cheers,

D.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogoversary!!! (I can't believe as i typed that, google underlined it as if to say it's not a real word!!).
but seriously, thank you for everything you do. You are such a pillar in this community...which I believe would be so different and not nearly as rich without you.
Congratulations on two years (plus, i'm sure) of making people's lives better.

Erin said...

Happy Blogoversary. You have no idea how much you have helped me let alone all the other women in our community out there.

Mama said...

Happy Blogoversary! I remember like it was yesterday reading your listserve post that announced you were starting a blog. This is before we met in person and figured out our small-world connections and when our twins were just a few months old and I was still a little overwhelmed with the idea of being a parent (which I though would never happen in the first place), never mind to two. And then I remember meeting you in person and being in awe of the woman behind the blog.
I am SO proud of you and of what you've done with this blog. It actually doesn't seem to do it justice to call it a "blog." Congratulations, my friend!!

Josée Martens said...

You rock. Simple as that. Happy 2nd Blogoversary, Lolly. Hee hee.

j said...

I'm always listening. Promise.

Tracy said...

Happy Blogoversary!!!!

THANK YOU for all you do. I hope you know how much of a difference you are making for people out there.

Kathy said...

Happy 2nd Blogoversary Mel!!! :)

I too will never forget the day I stumbled upon your blog. I remember being blown away by the blogroll and especially by the fact that though I had never been to your site before, that my blog was actually already listed on it. I thought that was pretty cool.

I also remember discovering Lost & Found and the first time I was listed on it when one of my IVF cycles failed. I was so blown away that someone had noticed what I was going through and shared it with our community. More and more I go there and follow links to support people, as they have supported me.

You are such an incredible person and I look forward to this next year in your blog. I love how you challenge yourself to help people connect, to do more, to be more and this year, TO LISTEN MORE. What a great goal for you and for all of us.

I am here, I am listening and I am blessed to know you. Thank you for being you!

Love,
Kathy :)

Samantha said...

Happy Blogoversary! It's impossible to imagine this blogging community without you - you've done so much to make us feel included, given us fun things to do with our time, and definitely helped with the communication across the spectrum of IF/adoption/PG loss. I have never doubted that you have been listening hard along the way, and I'm sure you will continue all of your wonderful work in this third year.

sara said...

Happy blogoversary Mel! As I always say - are the best and all of your hard work has made such a difference to so many people! Keep up the great work :-)

E. Phantzi said...

Happy blogoversary, Lolly. U rock!!!

Lisa said...

Happy Anniversary to you!! Thanks to you, so many of us are listening, too!

Somewhat Ordinary said...

Happy Blogoversary!! I started reading yours right around the time I started mine (which I just realized was 6/20-oops). Your blog opened up a whole new world to me! Congrats on a terrific job over the last 2 years.

merseydotes said...

Happy blogoversary, Mel! I have been reading forever and mostly lurking, but now that we have an RE I guess that officially makes me a stirrup queen and should start speaking up more. Thanks for working so hard to provide this space.

Io said...

Happy blogoversary Mel! It's hard to fathom that you've only been doing this for two years. Look at all the amazing things you have accomplished! Everything you do brings such light and joy and understanding to so many and you should be so proud.
I remember finding you and it was like this amazing moment where I thought "This is where I want to be."
I simply don't have enough words to express how beautiful you are inside and out.
Thank you for being you.

Io said...

Oh! And eat cake!

Shelli said...

Happy Blogoversary Mel!!!

You are an inspiration to all of us!

IdleMindOfBeth said...

Happy Blogoversary Ms. VonSnatch! ::wink::

Why do I have a sudden urge to watch an episode of Frasier?

Joking aside, I love the "I am listening" idea. Sometimes you simply don't know the words, and that little phrase is a way to let the other person know they were heard.

SAHW said...

Congratulations on two years of blogging! You're already an amazing listener - that's how all of this has come about, through you listening to us and helping us. I can't imagine how things would be if I hadn't found you and the IF blogging community...the awful loneliness and overwhelming depression I felt for a year, when I felt so alone, has been so greatly alleviated just in the last two months that I've been blogging.

So thank you for all that you do...you are very, very appreciated. :)

emma said...

Happy Anniversary! Thank you for everything that you do everyday to make each of us a part of this community. I appreciate knowing that I am not alone and you make that possible.

xoxo

Mrs. Shoes said...

Congratulations on entering your third year! I don't know what this community would do without you.

chicklet said...

Happy blogoversary sista!

G$ said...

Happy blogoversary :) Thank you for all that you do for our community

Rebel With.A.Cause said...

Happy Blogoversary Mel!!!!

Here is to many, many more!!!

Hugs,
Rebel

Mrs. Spit said...

Happy anniversary Mel.

Thanks for all you do, and the ways you plug us into each other.

We'll call for the car covered with condoms to take you away from the reception now!

Anonymous said...

As one who has been a very direct recipient of the support and kindness generated by this community you have been so instrumental in creating, it is my great pleasure to wish you a very Happy Blogoversary! Here's to many, many more. Many hugs to you, my friend.

(Last year, didn't we all eat cake? Mmmm, cake.)

Alyssa said...

Happy Blogoversary to you, Mel!

I cannot thank you enough for all the love and support you cram into this space every single day. You truly are a manifestation of Ghandi's exhortation to be the change you want to see in the world.

Thank you for always listening to us and for giving us the connection point to find and listen to each other.

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Happy day!

SarahSews said...

you rock Mel and I don't know what I would do without your support -- personally and as a rallying point for the rest of the community. thank you.

Soapchick said...

Happy Blogoversary! You are so amazing and have brought so many people together. Thank you!! I listen a lot!

loribeth said...

Happy, happy blogoversary, Mel, and many more to come! You are such an inspiration... thank you for everything that you do for us.

Anonymous said...

I love it! I read :::a lot::: of blogs but don't always comment. Either I don't know what to say, don't have time, etc. I love the thought of just writing "I am listening" to let the person know you were there.

Happy Blogoversary! This community is so much stronger all because of you. You rock on so many levels :)

Happy said...

Happy Blogoversary! I love the "I'm Listening" thing. So often read peoples posts, but don't comment for exactly that reason. I just don't have anything to contribute.

Kim said...

Happy Blogoversary. What you do for me and so many others is nothing short of spectacular and inspiring and wonderful! I am listening - often!

Pamela T. said...

What the hell would we do without you? You are the glue that holds this fragile community together. Your " ensuring that no one feels alone: that is actually within our power" is a powerful message that inspired me to get outside of my own head.

Anonymous said...

Happy, happy blogoversary! Thanks for everything you do for the community, Mel. *mwah*

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogoverary!!
I still remember how geeked out I was last fall when I was getting a mild bit of OHSS. Mom googled the term to learn more and she found your blog. She called me up telling me how I just HAD to read this AMAZING woman and I was tickled pink to say that I *knew* you.

You have done SO much for our community. My life would literally not be the same without your kindness.

THANK YOU!

Jess said...

Happy Blogoversary Mel!!! Love you, love your blog! Thanks for all you do!

Jendeis said...

Congratulations dahlink! What an amazing and awesome achievement. Go alliteration, go!

Meghan said...

Happy Blogoversary Lolly/Mel!

First, a great big thanks for everything you do. Before I even got into blogging, your blog was bookmarked just for all on the information you had on it. I was able to learn so much without having to come out of the closet before I was ready.

And second, totally with you on the "i'm listening'. Sometimes that's all I really want. No one can make some of the hurt or confusion go away but knowing that someone is thinking about you and listening makes all the difference in the world

Leah said...

I am listening. Also, happy blogaversary!

Esperanza said...

Congratulations! Happy Blogoversary and I am hoping for you many many many more good years for you! By the way, I love your mantra :).

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

Hi Mel! Happy Blogoversary!

I'm actually here to say THANK YOU again for NaComLeavMo. On this last day of the event I'm dropping by my favorite blogs - the ones I've added to my google reader - to say hi, and let everyone know that I'll be keeping up with them every day. Thanks for putting me in touch with so many wonderful people, including yourself!

FYI, I did stick with it throughout the entire month - 5 comments and one return comment every day. I'm pretty proud of myself, but quite ready for the one week thing next time around. :)

Stephanie said...

Happy happy blogoversary Lolly! I can't say this enough, thank you for all that you do. I love the "I'm listening" idea, it's perfect -I'm not very good at commenting, but I often do want to say something.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogoversary! Thanks for all that you do... smooches!

Shelby said...

Happy Blogoversary Mel!! You truly rock! Here's to another fabulous year of blogging!

Amy said...

Happy Blogoversary! *throws confetti*

And like always, I love your new idea of the "I am listening" comment. Thanks for all you do!

andrea_jennine said...

Happy blogoversary!

Mazzy said...

Happy blogoversary, Mel.
You are literally the glue that holds my favorite community in the world together.
*hugs*

..Soo.See.. said...

Happy blogoversary!!!! If think what you started and do is great and insporational.
=]

C said...

Happy blogoversary, Mel:-) I can't wait to see what journey it makes as it enters the 3rd year.

Anonymous said...

i love the idea of the "i am listening" kind of comment. i have found myself doing that for people that i read routinely, who may be going thru things or have lives that deal with things i am not experiencing myself. but when someone pours out their heart and you feel that rawness in their words, it IS comforting to have someone tell you they listened. i know i have felt (i hate this word but am going to use it anyway) slighted when i have posted something, and i know people read it but dont know what to say. and they dont. it stings.

keep up the great work ~ happy blogaversary...

admin said...

Yeah!! Happy Blogoversary Mel! Your a champ!

tobacco brunette said...

Happy Blogoversary! You and all your hard work are SO appreciated!!

Sarah said...

Happy Blogoversary!! thanks for all your hard work!!

HereWeGoAJen said...

Happy Blogoversary! You are awesome! We appreciate you!

Sue said...

Happy Blogoversary!! We are so glad you're here!

Thanks for everything you do!

CappyPrincess said...

Happy Blogoversary! I can't imagine blogging weekly, let alone daily! You've done a good thing here (and a bad thing for giving me so many more reading options, but thanks!).

Motel Manager said...

I just want to say thanks for everything that you do for the IF world. And that "everything" is one hell of an amazing amount. All of your ideas are great, but L&F was pure genius. It is INCREDIBLE!!

Joy said...

Thank you so much for what you have done. I hope you know the impact that you had made in my life and the countless others that have found a place where they belong at a very trying and difficult time. You have been so openly welcoming to people who for the most part you will never meet. Happy Blogoversary! Continue the good work.

K said...

Happy Blogoversary, Mel! It has been about a year since I found your blog. I believe I staggered into the Lushary and met some people who are just as amazing as you. Thank you for the world you opened my life up to. This past year has been a lot easier because of the connections I have made thanks to you! I know I am in a different place now than last June but still find so much hope, love, and support in this community you help to maintain. Here's to you, Mel! May year three be even better!

Busted said...

Super happy blogoversary to you!!!

Betty M said...

Happy Blogoversary.

I rarely comment here but definitely am listening, reading and thanking you for what you do here.

Chris said...

Happy blogoversary!! I can't believe it's only been two years - look at all you've accomplished and the virtual community that has built around your words. It's amazing and I thank you for that.

Kristen said...

Happy Blogoversary, sweetie! I don't know what I'd do if this blog didn't exist. I have so much to be thankful for thanks to this "little" space. XOXO

Pam said...

Happy Blogoversery Mel!!! I will raise a glass and toast to tonight! And maybe have a piece of cake in your honour. :)

Rebecca said...

Happy Blogoversary!

Thank you for being you!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogoversary!! You are much appreciated and loved.

LJ said...

Happiest of blogoversaries my dear. I don't know what I would do without you.

Anonymous said...

Happy blogaversary, Mel, errrr, Lolly. Mazel tov on your achievement.

I've been reading and listening from the beginning. What you produce here is wonderful beyond wonderful. You are a true star.

Thank you for the billionth time. I pledge to accompany you on this new year of listening.

Hope2morrow said...

Happy Blogoversary!
You touch me, and I am listening!

Anonymous said...

congrats! keep up the good work... it is very important to us out here..

i love the idea of "i am listening" i plan on using that. sometimes i just don't know what to say.. that is perfect.

thank you so much for making me feel like i'm part of a community.

Tara said...

Happy blogoversary Mel. I truly am thankful for your blog and am not sure what any of us would do without it.

Geohde said...

Happy blogoversary :)

J

Dramalish said...

Mel... where would I be without all your love and support?

Shudder.
I don't want to think about it.

Happy happy to you and the mighty blog.
-D.

Suzanna Catherine said...

Happy Blogoversary!! I was amazed to learn that this wonderful place has only existed for a mere two years. I would have guessed more like five or six...

Thank you for making everyone feel so at home here. You have a great gift and I am so glad I found your site. I learn something new with every *click*.

Can't wait to follow you into year three.

Queenie. . . said...

Happy Blogoversary!

You are alrady a GREAT listener in my book--look at all you've created for this big community that so needed to be heard!

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogoversary Mel. Where would we be without you?

dmarie said...

Happy Blogoversary! Thx for all you do :)

Kristine said...

Congratulations!!!!

I can't believe it took me so long to find you, but I am so glad I did. In just a few weeks you have impactd my life.

You have created a amazing community here Mel and you should be proud! Again, congratulations and Happy Blogoversary!

Here's to another amazing year!

Veronica said...

Congrats and thanks for starting NCLM!!

Kim said...

Happy Blogoversary! I really like the idea of Listening!!! Sometimes people me included are so busy thing about what we are going to say we don't hear what has just been said.
Thank you!
kim

♥.Trish.♥ Drumboys said...

Happy Blogoversary Mel!
I am listening.I think it is great job you are doing connecting people who are really hurting, bringing hope to those who need it most.

Smiling said...

I'm listening.. and am so glad that you do all you do to help this community come together in arms of support.

Kir said...

WOW, Happy Blogoversary!!!
this space makes me so happy, so connected and so cared for. You are the reason that IF has a real BIG voice in the world right now.

I actually just posted about my writing and if people even cared about my writing and what I found was that they did. So I said "thank you for just listening" and it's wonderful that this year will be a year for listening. I have tried over the last few years to do that, to really listen and care.

You're just amazing!!! Thank you for this space and thank you for being the "change" in our IF world.

*hugs*

Leslee said...

Happy Blogoversary!!!!

Rachie Pachie said...

Sorry I couldn't make it by earlier... but I wanted to congratulate you on the blogoversary! It is awesome how you've connected all of us & it means so much to me. Connecting with others that understand & seeing how they progress helps me so much!

Shinejil said...

Cheers, Mel! Thanks for all you do--without Stirrup Queens, I'd never have found the online support that has made me 10 times saner in this whole process. Your efforts have made a huge difference in my life, and in the lives of so many other wo/men.

RBandRC said...

Happy Blogoversary! Thank you for all that you do, Mel! :)

Ellie said...

Happy blogoversary!! Thank you so much for all that you do. I would be lost if I didn't have your blog as an anchor.

I will be listening in year three!

Heather said...

Happy blogiversary! You have made the IF blogspace a better (and funnier) place.

I Believe in Miracles said...

Happy Blogoversary Mel!! Wow. That was awesome... it is amazing to see what you've done and how many people you've helped. A BIG THANK YOU for all you've done!!

kirke said...

Happy Blogoversary! I don't know what I would do without this blog. Thank you for helping me stay sane....or a close replica of it. You do good things.

SMiLeD said...

I'm late to the party as usual but I wanted to wish you a very happy blogversary!!!!

Lee said...

Happy blogoversary!

(Wishing you many, many more...)

Anonymous said...

You are the change we need. Thank you for being, for blogging.

Bea said...

Happy blogaversary. Great job. And I think "I am listening" is a great idea. It took me the longest time to cotton on to the concept, and now you've given it words.

P.S. I do lament my lack of commenting lately.

Bea

Tash said...

Happy (belated) Blogoversary, Mel!

The blogs on your site gave me inspiration to start my own, and the authors of those blogs in turn gave me inspiration I never dreamed of. Thank you for the doorway.

Plus I've really enjoyed reading your blog since I've been up -- your energy astounds me.

I will also say re: comments: Often I'm just brain dead and can think of nothing to say on my own, and find other people's posts push me into corners of my brain I had never considered. To me it's not so much leaving support (although I do that), but I'm positively in awe by the way many bloggers make me think.

Here's to another year!

Duffy said...

Thank you for bringing your gifts and your heart out here into the blogosphere. You have made it possible for so many to find their voice and to find a home.

Blessings to you in the year to come.

Julia said...

I am incredibly late (said the White Rabbit), but Happy Belated Blogoversary nonetheless.

And I am listening. (Though sometimes something like a week later. Sigh...)

Jamie said...

Happy Blogoversary!! Thank you soooo much for all you do. I can't even begin to tell you how much support, love and education I have received since stumbling across your blog the first time.

"I am listening" - I love it!! There are so many times I ~know~ bloggers don't want/need my assvice. Just to know we are listening.