It’s one of those ‘perfect’ Sunday mornings today. Fresh coffee laced with cinnamon. My little ‘all season’ tree glowing a soft orange light (yes – I have orange lights on it for the autumn season!), Pancakes curled up on my lap as I type with the sound of Vivaldi cello concertos playing softly. What more can I ask?
I truly cherish these mornings when I plan and reflect and enjoy the simple things and comforts around me. And of course there is my writing.
Yesterday I noticed something that to me was amazing. I am an official “millionaire!”
Not in the financial sense by any means. But in a way that I never would have imagined. I needed to check something on my main blog page here at Lumberjocks and something caught my eye. I had to take a screen shot just so I could allow it to sink in a bit:
Yeppers, folks! That is one million nine thousand two hundred eighty eight reads!
HOLY MOLEY!!
I knew I was approaching the million mark earlier this year, but I honestly didn’t think too much about it. Maybe just a little to be honest, but not that much. I am not one for numbers as those of you who read regularly already know. Whether that is a good or a bad trait is debatable, but it is just not something that usually gets my attention.
But in thinking about it, it is kind of cool, and it is something that I feel kind of good about. I have been writing just about every day here on Lumberjocks for two and a half years now, and I also republish the blog on my own site and on Facebook and G+ too, which isn’t even included in these numbers. When I think about it, that is a lot of people who I am connecting with and it kind of overwhelms me.
It is funny, as there are times when I wonder if I should keep writing every day. After all, every day isn’t full of excitement. There are some slow days or ‘ordinary’ days when nothing particularly exciting happens. But that is when I work to pull out my favorite silly kitty pictures or thoughtful quotes for you all to ponder and I try to make you all smile or give you positive thoughts to get you through your day. And you know what? It also helps me think positive thoughts and makes me smile, too! (Funny how that works!)
When I see the number of entries that I have written and think of the number of hours it must have taken me to type, it kind of blows my mind. But when I think of all the wonderful friendships that I have forged through my writing here and the support and advice and people that I have come to know from all over the world, I think that there could have been no better way that I could have spent my time. I consider you all dear friends and I want to thank you ALL for your support, advice and friendship these past years.
I am sometime asked why I choose to ‘put myself out here’ every day and write about all of my experiences. When I am asked that, I sometimes also question myself and start to wonder the same thing. There have been times when I wonder if what I am doing here is silly and I should keep things more to myself. After all, who would be interested in my life here in the river banks in my little place with my three cats?
But that is usually when I receive a note or an email from someone who tells me how much they enjoy hearing of my everyday escapades or how something I said or did helped them through a problem or issue they were having. Or even just how it made them smile. And I know that I have a purpose here.
We live in a world that is connected by the internet. Through our computers, we are able to learn about so many things and meet people that affect our lives profoundly. It isn’t like watching TV where the information is only shared in one direction. By using the internet, we are able to communicate and interact with each other in ways that were not possible just a few years ago. Not only are we able to learn from each other, but we are able to forge friendships that were not possible just a short time ago.
When I moved away from Chicago, I was afraid that I would lose touch with some of the people there. Coming to rural Canada was a huge change for me from living in a large city. But through communication and the internet, I have not only been able to keep up with my friends and family, but in many cases more so than I had done when I lived right near them. It really can be a great thing.
So blogging here is something that I feel is a good thing. I owe a great deal of success to you, my friends who have been with me here in the mornings and have also shared your thoughts and advice and friendships. Not only do you help me through some of my own dilemmas, but you also inspire me to do better and strive for excellence every single day. I don’t think for a second that I would have accomplished all that I did in the past two and a half years without your support and friendship. So many of you are my mentors and I am grateful for your friendship. Thank you all for that.
I had an incredibly productive day yesterday. Not only did I finish my new set of ornaments, but I also filmed a video which gives some tips on cutting them. I didn’t get all the editing done, and I should have the video ready for tomorrow, but I will show you a sample picture of one of the finished pieces:
I am very pleased with this set of ornaments. They came out looking beautiful and elegant and most important they are very EASY to make! That is why I wanted to create a video. It will show just how simple the process is.
Yesterday was one of those ‘just about perfect’ days. My time was spent doing all the things I love – being creative and teaching others to do so too. It was one of those (many) days when I really feel fortunate to have the life I have. And I want you all to know just how grateful I am that you are a part of it. Together we can tackle just about anything life throws our way – and smile in the process.
I wish you all a wonderful day today. I hope you have fun and do things that you love to do. I know that my day will be fun because it already started out that way. I’ll have the video and some good pictures for you tomorrow. And maybe some other surprises, too.
Thank you all for reading. And thank you too for your friendship. You have added a great deal to my life!
Have an incredible Sunday!