Just like Fred and Rita, I'm floating on a cloud
I never thought I'd actually reach my first anniversary of blogging, a blogoversary if you like, but I have, and I'm overjoyed. In fact, I am floating on a cloud and happy to celebrate this joyous milestone with you today. For it is all of you who have provided the encouragement and given me the opportunity to persevere with my scrawlings on life at home and away, writing on subjects as catholic as a humble flower pot, or the recreation of a Jeffersonian pea contest, or even replacing an ugly garage door or a night at the opera.
I feel humbled and grateful each and every time you take a moment from your busy day to generously bestow Chronica Domus with a comment, or share an interesting anecdote or a useful tidbit of information. It really does enrich the entire blogging experience for myself and our little tribe of merry readers from around the globe. I've learned so much from you this past year, thank you. And, for those of you whom I've yet to meet due to your bashful disposition, I do encourage you to enter the fold and introduce yourself by leaving a comment, here today. It would be so very nice to make your acquaintance, wherever you may lurk.
I recall the excitement and nervousness I felt upon casting my line blindly into the waters of the blogosphere, waiting patiently to see if or when I'd catch a bite. Until then, I had only participated in blogs as a commenter. Would anyone even be interested in reading my awkward scribblings, I wondered? A few days after I published my inaugural post, I was over the moon at receiving my very first comment from none other than Reggie Darling, whom many of you know as one of the blogosphere's preeminent guiding lights, and the final word on elegant living and social comportment. I know Reggie has been sorely missed by many of late, and I do hope he will consider returning his hat to the ring, for it would be lovely to welcome him back. Perhaps I could lure him in with the promise of a couple more jars of homemade marmalade?
Hot on the heels of my first comment, I received my second, a warm welcome from Meg of Pigtown Design, a long-time luminary in the world of blogging. Well, as you might imagine, I was chuffed to pieces. The rest, as they say, is history. I had no idea that Chronica Domus would see me connect with so many like-minded people, from all walks of life, scattered across so many countries.
As I enter my second year of blogging, I hope that natural curiosity in my surroundings, the people I share my life with, my travels both near and far, and my interactions with you, shall provide ample fodder toward another year of informative and engaging blog posts for your enjoyment and edification.
Won't you please continue along with me on my journey? One never quite knows of what may be written next.
Hello CD, Congratulations on such a milestone. One the one hand, it seems only a short while since I discovered your blog. On the other hand, during the months I have been following you, there have been so many beautiful pictures and wonderful stories on such a variety of topics that you seem like an established friend of long standing.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to another year of your unique point of view and high quality of presentation.
--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteThank you so much for all of your insightful, thought provoking, and very kind comments over the past year. As you say, it seems like an old friendship indeed.
I look forward to the day you kick-start your blog once again.
Thanks for the lovely mention! Congratulations. It is a whole new world of fun!
ReplyDeleteHello Meg, and how right you are - its a whole new world of fun alright!
DeleteGlad you made it -and happy to read along :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, AD. I too am happy to read your wonderful blog, which has been around for an age when compared to my twelve months.
DeleteReggie provided my first glimpse into blogtopia and stumbled upon him when he provided wise counsel to over 40 men on New York Social Diary which I still peruse from time to time. CD, please do dangle another jar of marmalade he so raved about as I partially blame you as he has not been heard from since...but I always counsel that blogging should be looked at as a seasonal endeavor not marked by tulip buds, falling leaves, or groundhog shadows but our own creative wimsey when it strikes us without pressuring ourselves with soul-crushing deadlines or output goals.
ReplyDeleteCD, I consider you a major talent who I'll always want to read whether it be something not initially intriguing such as the garage door project which turned out to be charming,informative, and giving well deserved praise to the construction team but as is typical the posts that most intrigue hit closest to home, not where garage doors need a reno but where the heart is, like the delightful 3 parter you did on your father. Also, you make the perfect museum companion with your learned background, keen eye, and infectious enthusiasm. When I next find myself in Portland or elsewhere in the Northwest, Harlem, or Upper East Side; I'll be referencing your posts in assembling my itinerary...and will report back.
Dearest GSL,
DeleteTruer words were never spoken when you state that writing a blog should be dictated by one's creative whimsy and without "soul-crushing deadlines". Goodness, that all sounds terribly nasty and a prescription for disaster. Oh, and fear not for dear Reggie, as I have it on good authority that he did survive my marmalade escapades and did not succumb to anything ghastly as a result of my failing to sterilize the marmalade jars, or some such thing.
Thank you again, GSL, for being such a trooper and providing this blog with some excellent insight and wit through your many comments, which are always welcome and appreciated.
CD I haven't much time lately to read my favourite blogs but I wanted to congratulate you on your first year blogging. I find your writing enchanting, and your appreciation of beauty is really inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI'm so looking forward to many more years of reading your blog!
Dear Dani,
DeleteThank you for the high praise you bestow upon CD and that you find this blog among your favorites. That is very kind indeed.
I too look forward to reading your next post, whenever that may be, and do appreciate you've had a considerable amount on your plate lately that requires your attention.
Thank you again for stopping by to celebrate CD's first blogoversary.
CD,
ReplyDeleteI'm a recent reader and absolutely love your posts. Happy Anniversary. I had to laugh at your talk of reading that first comment...I remember mine well and was so touched by it I walked around the house smiling most of the day!
I look forward to future adventures with you, I always learn something new.
Thank you.
xo,
Karen
Dear Karen,
DeleteThank you so much for your very kind words and for your many comments since discovering CD. It has been a joy to know you and can only imagine the look on your face as you too walked around the house floating on a cloud at your very first comment. Such a thrilling moment, don't you think!
Dear CD,
ReplyDeleteWarmest congratulations on this significant milestone!
On discovering your blog a few months ago I was instantly smitten - so much so that I went the very beginning and read every single post (I did the same with Reggie's, actually).
Your musings are informative, fun and enchanting. A new post is always a bright spot in my day. Thank you for continuing to share your unique view of the world with us.
Spud.
P.S. I thought of both you and Reggie recently when I had the pleasure of sampling the most exquisite home-made (not by me) orange marmalade - thick, very dark and with an unexpected hint of toffee. I suspect it may have been left on the stove top a little too long - a serendipitous outcome if ever there was one! I'll attempt to replicate it with a recipe I've found for burnt orange marmalade. Spud.
DeleteDearest Spud,
DeleteThank you for all that you've contributed to CD in the form of your comments which are often filled with little stories and anecdotes that brighten my day whenever I have the good fortune to receive them.
I am heartened to read that you are enjoying this blog and find something in my musings to cheer up your day.
Oh, and the homemade marmalade you recently sampled sounds right up my alley. I can only imagine the caramelized orangey taste would certainly be to my liking. In fact, marmalade season is upon us as I type, and my dear patient husband has just started work on his first batch of the year.
DeleteCongratulations, Lady Domus! Please do continue a long time here. I have been through starts and stops in blogging, but as you say it is a wonderful way to find like-minded souls. I had been sorry to see changes in the blog landscape in coming back so I was doubly happy to find you!
ReplyDeleteDearest gésbi,
DeleteYou are most kind indeed in your praise and I certainly plan on continuing with CD for as long as I am able to. It has been a real pleasure getting to know you over the past several months, and I enjoy reading your blog and perspective on the world so very much. Oh, and I chuckle at the title you've anointed me with - Lady Domus - it certainly has a ring to it, don't you agree!
You are a wonderful addition to the blogosphere, writing as you do with talent and enthusiasm, so my hearty congratulations on this milestone, and long may you be inspired. As well as that, thank you for being a regular visitor and commentator to my own scribblings; it certainly inspires me.
ReplyDeleteDear columnist,
DeleteThank you so much for your praise of CD's writing, and for all of your witty comments and informed opinion over the past year. I'm heartened to read that in my small way I have inspired you, as your blog is indeed a lovely place for me to revel in whenever a new post pops up for your loyal readers' pleasure, thank you.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching this wonderful milestone.
Only a year has passed. It seems incredible for you are so much part of the infrastructure that it feels as if you have been present for so much longer.
The Blogosophere is so much richer for your presence. Yours is a cultured, intelligent and informed voice. You write with authority, passion and, always, it seems to us, from the heart. We feel privileged to be amongst your readers.
We always write for ourselves, primarily, as we suspect you do too. It is, therefore, so heartwarming And encouraging when people are kind enough to comment and connect. And, connect we do for you draw us in with your keen eye, your sharp wit and your elegant prose. Many, many happy returns!
Dearest Jane and Lance,
DeleteThank you for celebrating CD's first blogoversary through your wonderful comment here today. I blush at your effusive praise and only hope to write as well as you do on your fine blog, and with as much enthusiasm and passion on subjects that inspire.
For me, the best part of blogging has been the connection with those that read and comment on CD, and for that I'm most grateful. I do hope that one of these days, in the not too distant future, a journey to these shores will materialize for I am certain that many of your stateside commenters will be thrilled to perhaps get the opportunity to meet you finally.
Congratulations on reaching your first blog birthday CD! I enjoy each and every thoughtful post you write, as I'm sure many others in the blogosphere do as well. I, too, have wondered about Reggie Darling, and hope he returns to the fold soon. Hope you're cracking open a nice bottle of something to celebrate this milestone and looking forward to another year of your posts!
ReplyDeleteDear Heidi,
DeleteThank you for your lovely comment and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to know you better through your lovely blog and your musings on life, home, and family. We are separated by an entire hemisphere yet we share so much in common (including a birthday it seems). I do hope that if you ever find yourself in California, you make a point of letting me know.
Oh, and I've yet to crack open a bottle of something, but now that you've mentioned it ....yes, I see a glass or three of bubbly in my immediate future. Cheers!
Dear CD,
DeleteHappy blogoversary! Your observations and musings are such a welcome addition to the blogosphere. I do so look forward to your postings. May Year II be equally if not more successful. We your readers are more enlightened by your presence.
All the best,
KL Gaylin
Dear KL Gaylin,
DeleteHow kind you are in your praise of CD's scribblings, thank you. I'm overjoyed that you've stopped by today to share in the celebration and I'm heartened to learn that you look forward to another year of my musings on whatever happens to catch my attention.
Thank you again for all of your wonderful comments over the past year. You always add a fresh perspective on the topic at hand.
Dear CD, happy blogaversary! I had to ld myself one year no matter what as I viewed it as a discipline and now its just like an email to friends. It must be a great feeling bc it is scary to press that publish button initially. But your blog has thought and great writing which is refreshing to a reader like me. I hope you have many more productive and enjoyable years to come with your writing and musings!
ReplyDeleteGosh, thank you so much for the warm reception and kind words Naomi, and for all of your support and lovely comments. I'm happy to have discovered your witty and amusing blog too, which often makes me homesick for London. You've been at it for a few years longer than I, which is encouraging and inspiring to me and gives me hope that I can get through the next year with many more posts to come.
DeleteCongratulations on a year of blogging.
ReplyDeleteI remember discovering your blog through a kind comment you posted on mine - which I am so glad you did! “An acquaintance that begins with a compliment is sure to develop into a real friendship.” Oscar Wilde.
PS: I too miss Reggie - please come back.
Hello Lord Cowell,
DeleteThank you so much for your lovely comment here today, and for the many you've contributed over the past year. I adore the quote from Mr. Wilde, such a wise and astute observer of life.
I was happy to have discovered your blog when I did, and always look forward to reading about your continuing progress at WBP.