With this blog post, edging toward # 500 posts, I celebrate 7 years of blogging.
Yes, SEVEN, my perfect number!
One of my faithful blog readers, L. Marie in El Space has just celebrated her 7th blogiversary with her clever memes Harry and Kitten. Her blog is worth a look!
On blog anniversaries, writers like Holly and Tania, typically post observations or lessons learned from blogging. Here are some excerpts from these bloggers, who each posted 7 points:
- Blogging is a lot of work.
- Blogging teaches you a lot: (Running a website and finding material for posts.)
- Blogging comes with great community.
- Bloggers are sometimes tempted to quit. (Holly felt like quitting after she had a baby.)
- Be authentic.
- Write about what you know and love.
- Build your community. Share your blog on your personal social pages. Share it with friends. Follow other like-minded bloggers and comment on their content.
- Take some time to learn about SEO, Search Engine Optimization. (For me, this is an ongoing concern.)
I can relate to all these points!
Remember The Seven-Year Itch, the Movie?
The Seven-Year Itch, the title of a 1955 movie starring Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell
Click HERE for movie clip with Marilyn’s skirt flying up with breeze from the subway!
Psychological Definition
The seven-year itch is a psychological term that suggests that happiness in a relationship declines after around year seven of marriage. The phrase originated as a name for irritating and contagious skin complaints of a long duration.
This term highlights the idea of wishing for change (maybe also being tempted to quit, etc.) at the 7-year mark.
Haiku to you: Celebrating my Blog Readers
Few just touch and go
Many, faithful, stick like glue
Corresponding true
Hitherto hath the Lord helped [me].
1 Samuel 7:12 King James Version
* * * * *
How/Where do you find blog topics?
If you have been blogging for a long time, have you been tempted to quit?
If you have persisted, how have you persevered through the urge to give up?
Good morning, Marian! Congratulations on your 7th anniversary of blogging!I’m pleased you’re still here. Frank from A Frank Angle recently ended his blog, but he planned his farewell in advance with a countdown and special posts. I actually have no idea how long I’ve been blogging, and I’ve never thought about SEO. 🙂
My Monday Morning Musings, as you know, come from my life and the world around me; my other posts are mainly poetry–and there is always inspiration for that.
Your Monday Morning Musings and the poetry you write Every. Single. Day. of the Week inspire me. I don’t know how you blog daily and keep up with the other part of your writing career. You’re a WHIZ!
And your thoughtful posts send me out into the world with fresh wisdom and often with the urge to look at celestial beauty. Thanks for marking this momentous day with a first response, Merril!
Aww–what a lovely reply, Marian. I don’t actually write a poem every single day–it probably just seems that way. 🙂 But you made me smile and feel special! So thank you!
Congratulations on your 7-years in the blogosphere! #alwayslearning#
You and I are lifelong learners, for sure. I know you have been blogging for years and years and several weeks ago hit the 500th blog post mark. Readers, Professor Steve’s amazing blog: https://thegrowthandresiliencenetwork.net/
offering sage advice on teaching and life. He always reminds readers to HTRB, hit the reset button!
Congratulations on your 7th anniversary, Marian! Oh gosh, am I supposed to know about SEO? Honestly, I blog for the friendships and the great content. Also, I love to learn about people. I’ve never been big on stats and rankings. I enjoy blogging, so I’ll continue until it no longer brings me joy.
You have accrued an amazing following on your blog too, a host of friends far different from those in your day job. Your joy overflows with every blog post, which explains the attraction. 😀
Thank you, Jill!
Thank you for your kind words, Marian. I’m so happy we connected!
I’ve been blogging for nine years, but it’s just one part of a very full life. I have to be mindful about not letting it take over!
I agree with Tania: authenticity is key. And for me that means not worrying about the numbers. I can tell immediately if someone is blogging to get high readership numbers, or if that person is blogging because they have something to say.
It’s the difference between blogging to say something and blogging because you have something to say.
You are doing it right. Keep it up.
I have been tempted to quit a couple of times when life got extra busy. But it seemed that every time that thought crossed my mind, I’d meet someone who would say something like, “I read your latest blog post and it really got me thinking . . .” and I’d get enough of a boost to keep going.
Clicking on Arlene’s name will take you to her blog, and she always has something to say. This week her post discusses pancakes and a Lenten tradition.
Thanks for your encouragement here, Arlene, always appreciated!
Congratulations, Marian! These posts, and your kind support of my blog, make me realize the importance of supporting each other. Collaboration and encouragement go a long way!
Remember cooperative learning at the college? Well, the same applies to post-retirement pursuits. I admire your getting in gear so soon after retirement. It took me 5 years to find my groove in the blogosphere.
Best wishes on the “hand healing” process. You have a good excuse for taking a wee hiatus, for sure, Victoria!
Happy Blogoversary, Marian! Yay! We’re blogging sisters! 😀 💖
Great tips! As you know, I’ve had a blog for seven years. I’ve been tempted to quit many, many times, especially when I fear that no one will read what I post. But I keep posting, because of the commitment to post. I usually pray about what to write. I have to fight the temptation to rant or complain about common complaints of the day in order to stay faithful to the goal of encouraging others.
Yes, I remember the movie The Seven Year Itch. I saw it once on TV.
L. Marie, my blogging sister, you are an inspiration – and I’m certain your blog readers will not lose interest. Rants don’t help unless they come with guidance for positive action. But you know that.
Commitment is key; so is prayer. Thanks for your encouragement here!
Congratulations on 7 years, Marian! That’s awesome.
Whatever form your writing takes, you’ll persist. How do I know that? Ah, you have Ivan to goad you on. What a helpmeet he is! Thanks, Luci.
Congratulations to the author/blogger who lives closest to me!
I enjoy watching your enthusiastic blog ideas when they pop into your life. And then I observe the challenging trail of ideas, words, research, tapping on the keyboard, refining that finally reveals itself into what often appears to be just another simple post. But I know the behind the scenes. I’m proud of your persistence because I know you think of your writer/author friends as part of your FAMILY!
I could not have said it better, my dear. Thank you! ((( )))
Congratulations Marian! You’re wonderfully consistent- I always enjoy your posts! Here’s to another 500 😀
Thank you, Susan! I enjoy having you as part of my “tribe.” And I in yours as well. I appreciate the good wishes too.
Congratulations on seven years of blogging, Marian. It’s been twelve years for me and there was a (very) brief time when I considered stopping. “Blogging was dead,” after all, as the so-called experts were saying. I pushed through that season and came to appreciate my online home in a renewed way. I treasure the connections I’ve made through blogging and have no intention of stopping. Congratulations to you and here’s to many more blogging years!
I missed the “blogging-is-dead” rumour. And I guess it was just that, a rumour.
Twelve years blogging must set a record, especially in my sphere. Readers, do click on Linda’s name, which will take you to her amazing blog. And, very soon, she’ll be coming out with a new book, a sequel to her first memoir.
Hi Marian, congratulations on your 7th blogaversary!! I remember when you first started your blog, and baby look at you now! You have morphed into a a unique and delightful platform. In answer to your other question, I have felt there were times when I should quit. But a loyal follower will leave a comment that spurs me on. I do get ideas for other blog posts from my own. When I look at all the benefits of blogging— community-building and support, finding your writer’s voice, opportunity to write—I can’t imagine giving it up though there are times, like now, when health challenges force me to back off. I love your blog, Marian!
It’s lovely to see you here, Kathy! You have been a consistent voice in my cheering section all along, on my blog and in my memoir-writing.
We are not quitters, and slowing down in not stopping! I just left a comment on your post for this week. Thank you, writing sister indeed.
Marian — Congratulations on seven years of blogging! I’ve been along for much of the ride and have enjoyed every post.
Blogging for me is an aspect of a writer’s life. I find that it’s a great way to prime the writing pump. I usually get blog post ideas when I’m out walking Willa. It happens on of two ways:
(1) I take a photo and then think of how I can use it in a post, or
(2) I think of an idea, and then figure out a way I can support it with a photograph.
Laurie, I think we both like to pair the visual and the verbal. For you, it is a cyclical thing apparently.
Thanks for appearing here again today, and even doing a “catch-up” on an earlier post when you were in Cardiff.
And, yes, you were an early follower, lucky me! Cheers all the way. 😀
Congrats on the anniversary. It is fun reading your posts.
Thank you, Janet. I appreciate your giving a nod to this milestone today, and I’m glad you enjoy reading my posts. After all, that’s what counts! 😀
congratulations, Marian. Your steadfast consistency (is that redundant?) has always impressed me and now you have data to support it. I’ve just passed my seventh year and, frankly, forgot. So, thanks for that.
It’s never too late to celebrate, really! You could brag about 7.2 years blogging (or however long). I’ve followed your blog since I met you, I believe, and felt so sorry when your British friend died. He was always the first to comment.
Thanks for all this, Janet!
Congratulations on 7 years of blogging! I love blogging because of all the fabulous friends I have made over the years. like you. I have never wanted to give up and have more ideas than time to write all the posts I want to. Stay calm and keep on blogging!!
You bubble over with encouragement, Darlene. I’m thankful for that – onward!
Marian, I started blogging eight years ago. My, how time flies! I was introduced to your blog through Shirley Showalter, who was introduced to me by my writer friend Dora Dueck!
Seven years is a marker. I remember looking at our pillow cases, (given to us as a wedding present) and I noticed they were very threadbare in certain places. So I said to myself, “the life of a pillow case is 7 years because that’s how long we’ve been married.” Then I thought about our marriage of 7 years, and how tired I was and that maybe a good marriage only lasted that long as well before the signs of wear and tear became evident.
Fortunately, my husband and I are good communicators, and we worked on making it better. Our marriage has lasted 52 years so far, with lots of patching going on in the thin places! Thanks be to God! And thank you for your blog. I read it to Hardy and we enjoy it together!
You mention the chain of connections, which makes sharing here so exciting. I “met” Shirley via a Powerpoint presentation when I attended a “What the Heck is a Blog?” adult education course in Jacksonville more than seven years ago, and now you give the details of our connection.
I smiled when you mentioned “lots of patching going on in the thin places” regarding you and Hardy. Cliff and I have a “dance” of communication because he no longer travels but works at home or a coffee shop, so we are together a lot more. He cheers me up when I’m down, and I stay silent (most times) when I’d like to fuss . Actually, it takes just too much energy to be upset. I have no idea how couples who live in the same house can carry on being indignant for days.
Thanks for your candor here, and for mentioning that you read my posts to Hardy. 😀
Congratulations on the anniversary. At times I think about quitting but then I will read something that will make me chuckle and think a bit and before you know it I am at the computer concocting my own little piece of fantasy – usually something created to cause a chuckle to come from those who read my musings. Hang in there for another seven years as I do enjoy reading your posts. 🙂
Just now I re-visited your website and see a jolly cartoon. Very attractive, Irwin. And your sense of humor carries the day. What I’ve learned: What makes you laugh (or cry) will probably evoke a similar reaction in your reader.
Thanks for dropping in with good wishes today! 😀
My pleasure.😃
Happy 7th Anniversary, Marian! 🙂 I remember seeing the film with Mama–in fact, we went to see all of the Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell movies back then. I was just seven (7) at the time… 🙂
Thank you, Bette, for your commenting and for carrying on the #7 theme. I believe you are the first to comment about the movie here. Happy writing in Maine!
Congratulations, Marian! Quite and achievement! And I hope you will be blogging for many years to come. 🥂🎉
Thank you, Fatima. I appreciate your constant comments here.
Also, best wishes on your new sewing enterprise. I’ll be looking for the finished outfit on Facebook soon. 😀
Marian, we’ve had a long ride together. Grateful for your presence in my life and your cheerful, creative, posts. It’s always fun to see what has tickled your memory or funny bone or both.
The urge to connect with others when I retired from teaching was intense. Now I have been more than rewarded!
Beginning with our early blog post shares, book publications, and two face to face meetings I treasure the spark that brought us together. And more to come, perhaps a stopover in Harrisonburg in the future.
My blog gives my mind somewhere to go as I’m mulling over other things. I wonder if the same happens to you. Thanks, Shirley, and best wishes as you move ahead with your next book.
My blog has had several stages: first a lot of untold past history and stories, frequent recipes (for awhile every week) and most lately, simply sharing the content of my newspaper column. I started in 2013 as you did. The recipes are what get the most long range views, again and again, are most popular. Perhaps I will start sharing them again more often.
As you could tell from my FB posts and Instagram, I’ve been helping with care for my mother most recently. In time, I may write about that, with her permission. Most of my ideas come from life and “processing” it. Thanks for your recent prayers.
Thank you for sharing the evolution of your blog, Melodie. I believe I connected with you first with recipes; in fact, I remember linking culinary-type posts to yours.
You are doing a fine work with your mother. I know you do it because it’s the right thing to do, but most of all, your motivation is LOVE.
Congrats Marian on keeping it going. I’m not sure whether or not I’ll keep mine going. There are so many fantastic things in life I want to do and there are not enough hours in the day.
Joan, I find your blog refreshingly candid, but you are right: We have only one life to live to the fullest, so do what you love.
Thanks for speaking up here! 😀
Congratulations my lovely friend and I have enjoyed every moment with you . How quickly it goes and how much we learn about each other . You keep on trucking .
I’m raising my China cup of tea as we speak …oh ! and a nibble of a welsh cake . 😉
Cherryx
What a cozy thought, Cherry. Though a biggish “Pond” separates us, I raise my teacup to you as well. (Have you tried cardamom seeds in tea-yummm!)
Your comments are always uplifting. Thanks for always sending comfort and humour across the miles, my dear! oxo
I have in Marian . An underrated spice cardamom , lovely in cakes too . Rachel Allan has a delicious recipe …google it . 😊
Thanks for the tip, Cherry! Now let me search Google . . . !
🙂
Congratulations! Here is to many more years!
Thank you so much, Lady Fi. Your blog photos inspire me, and your comments do the trick here! 😀
Congratulations, dear friend I’ve never met in person. That’s lots of years, Marian–so I checked how long I’ve blogged. My first was May 1, 2012, so it will be 8 years in May. We’ve read each other’s stories for a long time.
I get blog topics from life events, present and past. Also from mythology and current events, such as climate change. I haven’t been tempted to quit, but did switch to creating a new blog every other week and sharing an old blog, usually pre-2015, on the weeks I don’t create something new. There were many new readers who hadn’t read the old blogs, many of which I like and want to give a second chance. Some older ones are out of date, so I don’t re-share those. Every other week posting gives me more time to write other things or, these days, train my puppy more than create new writing projects. She is my new project and the focus of a few recent blogs!
Oh, dear Elaine, your puppy project has interjected young life into your blog; it’s almost as though you are raising another child, which indeed you are.
You have longevity too, perhaps because you have altered your blog schedule. Down the road I may do that too: new posts every other week, instead of weekly. Right now, I’m enjoying the routine, but when it stops being fun, I’ll change. I do like the idea of repurposing old posts as you do, simply because more recent followers haven’t read them, and long-time followers quite possibly won’t remember reading them – haha!
Congratulations on coming up on a milestone, your 8th blogiversary in May. Thanks for reading my stories lo these many years. I’m happy to have you along for the ride and checking on your creations every two weeks!
I’m late to the party again. Busy weeks. Congratulations with the 7th anniversary of your blog, Marian. That’s quite an achievement. While I kept a blog about our sailing adventures for eight years (2007 – 2015), things were different in the blogging world back then. I felt less pressure and guilt if I wouldn’t post for a while and comments were less common.
With my recent blog, started in 2015, I have had the feeling I needed a break quite often. It’s so much work, not only dealing with your own blog, but with keeping up on the ones you like and wish to comment to. I’m always running behind. I took one break of one month in those last five years.
My topics for the blogs have always been my experiences, on the water and on the road. We roam about and travel to see the world. Sometimes, I blog about other topics (things going on in a nomad life) and once a month I blog about my memoir progress and about our expenses of the previous month. But, you know all that. 🙂 Happy itching!
Please don’t worry about being late. You get to see other people’s comments (if you have time).
I’m finding that book promo is as time consuming as writing & publishing. . . seems I’m always trying to catch my tail, no offense to Maya, of course! :-/
It’s good to have two posts per month accounted for: monthly expenses + memoir progress. Sometimes when I feel the need for a break-ette, I post a Wordless Wednesday, something quick. Oddly, some of those get lots of comments – What’s your hair story, for example.
I’ve finally made it here to celebrate your big number SEVEN. That’s a huge accomplishment. Please, keep on going for another seven, and then another and then….
No, I’ve never considered quitting, but sometimes I do find blogging so much work. Well worth it, but stressful at times. So this year I took 3 weeks off. The most ever. It was a good thing to do. I’m ready to get back in the swing of things. Love your post, Marian. Always.
It’s MARCH 8th, and I’m just now responding to your post on the 4th here. Sorry to be so tardy, Pam!
I’ll keep going until it’s not fun anymore, and then (like you) I’ll take a break. Your blog posts are infused with so much creativity, no wonder you have to pause for breath. But you return, to the cheers of your loyal readers, including me.
Sometimes I let my English teacher self get carried away with research, and then 4-5 hours later, the post is done. Still, I like hearing what my readers think.
Thanks for the encouragement to keep on. One. Blog. Post. at a Time! 🙂
YES!! <3
Congratulations, Marian! My 7-year anniversary is coming up in June. It takes time to develop a blog. I’ve had peaks and valleys in how much I blog, but mostly it has to do with how busy I am in my life and job. That can be tricky because the more you are away from the blog, the easier it gets to stay off it. But I always return. If I don’t have a good blogging idea, though, I wait until I do. And I tend to stay off it if I’m in the middle of reading a book to review for it. There simply isn’t enough time to do it all, all the time! Glad to have found your blog!
Glad YOU found my blog too, Barbara! I don’t know how you have time to do it all: book reviews (which means READING!), other blog postings, and an outside job.
Congratulations on your closing in on your 7th year blogging. I’ll say it again in June! 🙂