October 25, 2015

This Little Blog Is Five Years Old

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The Great White Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), which has been the avatar of this blog from the beginning—because it grows wild in my woodland, and because I admire and prize it.

Five years ago today, I published my first post on this blog. Where have the years gone?

During that time, I've graduated kids from high school and college, experienced rewarding career changes, traveled to destinations I never thought I'd see, and encountered many other significant life events.

trillium petals

These five years have been rewarding—personally, professionally, and spiritually. Like any five-year stretch of life, there have been joys, sorrows, frustrations, and rewards.

But some of the biggest rewards have come through this little blog.

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Because of this little blog, I see the world in an entirely different way than I did before. I'm constantly aware of the little miracles around us—every moment of every day. Those of you who observe and track living things—through blogs, columns, journals, or other methods—know what I mean.

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In addition, and beyond my expectations, this little blog has opened doors that weren't even on my radar five years ago—making friends with people on six continents, learning about hundreds of new plants and hundreds of gardening techniques, meeting numerous blogging friends face-to-face, and many more opportunities.

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These new friendships are the most rewarding aspect of all.

Blogging hasn't become old, boring, or drudgery for me yet. I perceive that I've just begun to get the hang of it, really.

I have no idea how long the run will last, but as long as it does, instead of blathering on, I'll sum it up in two words: Thank you!

trillium painting

61 comments:

  1. Thank you my friend for making this blogging world a better place....your insights and positive personality always make my world special for knowing you and your blog. Many more years to come I hope and many congrats on your anniversary!

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    1. Thanks, Donna. I think you were among my earliest garden blogger friends. I do hope we'll meet in person very soon! I feel like I already know you. It's been interesting meeting people recently who've been virtual friends for so long. :)

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  2. Congratulations perseverance in running a blog. Blog brings joy, learning, allows you to explore virtually many. I wish you perseverance in his conduct and greet.

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    1. Thank you, Giga! Yes, joy, learning, and fun are big benefits of the blogging life. And friendships with bloggers in other parts of the world, like you. :)

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    2. We are pleased that, and so you see it. :)))

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    1. Thanks, Rebecca! I hope you're having a wonderful autumn!

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  4. The trillium is a gorgeous thing and far more of a struggle for me than for you, but I will persist! Delighted to have found your blog and long may it continue. Many congratulations on your five years!

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    1. Thank you, Jessica! I'm glad I found your blog, too. I always enjoy my visits!

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  5. You are most welcome. I thoroughly enjoy your blog. Keep on writing...

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    1. Thank you, Lisa. I'm so glad we had a chance to meet this summer. Looking forward to more gatherings!

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  6. Bravo on your five years. I have loved visiting your blog. Your choice of trilliums for this post gives me beautiful positive thoughts of spring. We have a lot to talk about until then. Keep those great posts coming!

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    1. Thanks, Becky! Yes, we have a winter of planting and dreaming ahead. The Trilliums seemed like the plant to highlight because of the avatar. We were so thrilled to find them blooming wild and plentiful when we first moved here. And, yes, definitely something to look forward to in a few months. ;-)

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  7. Thanks for blazing a blogging trail so I can stumble along behind you! :-)

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    1. Thanks, Aaron. We all learn so much from each other. And I find it fascinating how gardening in Tennessee is similar to gardening in Wisconsin--with a little delay and slightly cooler temperatures here. But we have so many native plants in common.

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  8. The Trillium is a wonderful symbol for your blog. Happy anniversary and I'm glad to know you'll be around for much longer. It's fun visiting so many different places and gardens through blogs like yours.

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    1. Thanks, Shirley. I hope to continue. It's still fun and rewarding. I can't imagine life without blogging. Maybe a tweak here and there. I enjoy visiting blogs in different locales, too. Yours is one of my favorites. :)

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  9. Congratulations Beth! Your blog is informative, interesting, friendly and beautiful! Please, continue writing and photographing!

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    1. Thanks, Tatyana! That is so kind. I feel the same way about your blog! What a joy to be able to learn about gardens and plants around the world!

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  10. Happy Anniversary! Meeting people online that share your passions is the best thing about blogging.... Michelle

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    1. Thank you, Michelle! Yes, it has been quite a rewarding experience. I suppose we gravitate toward people with similar interests even more so online, since the Internet makes the distances unimportant. :)

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  11. Beautiful flower! And congratulation, Beth! How lucky that I find this interesting blog, I learn lots of things here. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you, Endah! I'm enjoying following your blog, too. The plants that grow naturally in your part of the world year-round are incredible!

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  12. Congratulations - and here's to the next five years.
    I have just (semi) retired - so I hope now to find more time to comment on your lovely garden postings, instead of just reading them!
    All the best from Wales :)

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    1. Congratulations to you! I enjoy your blog, too, and I appreciate your visits. :)

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  13. Congratulations, Beth! I've so enjoyed getting to know you through this blog, and now meeting you in person as well--our Midwest mini-flings have been so much fun, and I hope they continue. Although I seem to have less time for writing and even reading blogs, I still enjoy them for the many reasons you listed. I totally agree that one of the main benefits has been learning to really notice the natural world and appreciate all the elements of beauty in it, whether it's a tiny little bee or a fleeting flower. That has been a big change in me, and certainly a good one. Wishing you many more years of blogging and looking forward to meeting up again!

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    1. Thanks, Rose! It's so interesting that it seemed like we had known each other for years--even the first time we met in person. It has been fun to make memories with you and Becky and other garden bloggers. I hope we'll meet at many more events in the future. Cheers!

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  14. Happy Birthday, Plant Postings and many congratulations to you, Beth, for your work. I've enjoyed each and every post, appreciating your gorgeous photos and good writing. I've learned about plants I can only dream of and thrilled when you write and photograph a plant that I can grow too. Here's to (at least!) another five years of beautiful blogging! Huzzah!!

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    1. Thank you, Tina. Though we live in totally different climates, I'm amazed at how many native plants (and other plants) we both can grow as perennials. And of course, some of your perennials are great annuals for me. Plus, I can live vicariously through your blog when it comes to the warm-climate plants. Thanks for your kind comments.

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    1. Thanks so much, Heather. So fun to compare notes with a fellow Madison-area blogger. :)

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  16. Congratulations on your success! And thanks for your visits to my blog and leaving comments, they really bless me. Keep on keeping on.

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    1. Thank you, and back at you! Your blog is top-quality, and unique since fewer bloggers publish from the central states west of the Mississippi (at least that's my perception). Your part of the country is fascinating!

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  17. How wonderful! Happy blogiversary Beth, and congratulations on 5 years! I've only been at this blogging thing for just over a year but I sat here nodding my head in complete agreement when you were rhyming off all the benefits of blogging and how it has positively impacted on your life. I'm so glad we met and that I found your blog - your enthusiasm and knowledge is evident in every post you write. I'm looking forward to learning a LOT from you in the coming years!

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    1. Great minds think alike, Margaret. ;-) I could tell the first time I met you that we had similar outlooks on life. Thanks for your truly kind comments and YOUR knowledge about edible gardening. Oh my gosh, I'm learning so much from you! Hope we'll meet again at future Flings and other gardening events!

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  18. Happy blogiversary, Beth. It was nice actually meeting you this year. I hope to again too. Blogging is a wonderful jumping off point for finding so much new and interesting. Glad you will be blogging into the future.

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    1. Thank you, Donna. It was great to meet you at the Fling, too. You are so right--I had no idea about the crazy adventures I'd encounter through blogging. It has truly changed my life. I hope we'll see each other again soon. :)

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  19. Welcome for blogging. As you said through blogging you can come to know about many things and have many good friends.Once you start doing you will not leave it. Beautiful white flower!

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    1. Very true. I wonder how blogging will change in the years ahead? It will be interesting to witness the changes. Thanks for your kind comments!

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  20. Congratulations Beth! Am looking forward to at least another 5 years of your lovely blog, you have introduced me to so many lovely plants, and I always enjoy the way you write, and your beautiful photos.

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    1. Thanks, Janet. You are too kind. I think we've been blogging friends for at least 4 1/2 years! Maybe someday we'll meet in person. Someone mentioned there might be a Fling in the UK in the next few years. Something to think about ... :)

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  21. Congratulations, so happy you are still going strong, have really enjoyed finding you and the wonderful plants...
    Amanda xx

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    1. Hi Amanda: I enjoy every visit to your blog. It's so unique and yet so warm and welcoming. Thanks for your visits and your friendship. :)

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  22. Quite a nice milestone reached! Many more years of blogging and happy experiences all around.

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    1. Yes, I can't believe it's been five years! Thanks! I hope we'll be blogging friends for years to come. :)

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  23. Congratulations, Beth, on five years of blogging! I really do enjoy your blog and feel an affinity for your writing since we are in the same region. Also it was really great to meet you in Toronto and at our own mini-fling in Rockford. I look forward to future posts on your blog and future gatherings here in the midwest.

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    1. Thank you, Jason! I feel the same way about your blog, and also because we both have connections in each others' communities. It has been so fun to get to know you and Judy through our garden jaunts. Looking forward to a winter of virtual visits and then a new growing season full of new gardens and adventures. Cheers!

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  24. Congrats on this milestone! I can relate very much to this and it really is amazing how writing a blog can open up the world.

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    1. Thanks, Heather! Yes, it's so great to find people 'round the world who have similar interests and outlooks on life. We don't live far from each other, so maybe we will meet someday, too. :)

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  25. Congratulations on 5 blogging years Beth. Your blog is always a delight and what a wonderful description of the joys and unexpected rewards of blogging. I am envious of your wild trilliums, here they have to be lovingly cosetted.

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    1. Thank you, Chloris! I feel the same way about your blog! It's quite a community we belong to, isn't it? Regarding the Trilliums: They are amazing spring treasures to behold here.

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    1. Thanks, Tim! It's been a great experience, and I look forward to more adventures through this venue. :)

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  27. Sorry I am late to the party, but congratulations!. Would there be any cake left?

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    1. Thanks, Les. :) Cake? Darn, I should have baked a cake! Now I'm hungry.

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  28. I'm so glad you blog!! My blogging world would not be the same without you. :o)

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    1. Thanks, Tammy. I feel the same way about you. I feel like we've been friends for so long even though we just recently met face-to-face. The miles don't matter. :)

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  29. Hi Beth! I love this post and I can't believe it's been 5 years. That's about how long ago I "met" you through garden blogging...yes, indeed, how much has changed in 5 years. Here's a link to my new blog if you'd like to visit: www.lifeintwostates.blogspot.com. Hope to hear from you! And keep the posts coming. I love your blog...neighbor across the big pond :)

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    1. Thanks, Diane. Yes, you were one of my earliest favorite bloggers! Truly life is totally different for me now--in so many ways. And for you, too. Thanks for the encouragement. I will visit your new blog now! Congrats!

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  30. And thank YOU! Your "little blog" plays a big part in this gardeners little life.

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    1. Oh, that is so kind, Ricki. Back at you! I so enjoy our little (big) community of like-minded garden bloggers. Cheers!

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