Party Time

I'm taking today off and breaking out the good bubbly.

The good stuff!  What could possibly warrant that?

Well, two years ago I wrote my first post.  For about a year-and-a-half, I posted twice a day, at 1 PM and 5 PM, but about six months ago, I went to once a day, at 1 PM.

It's been a fun ride, a refuge, and a virtual reality for me.  I have some new friends, most of whom I haven't met but can't wait to.  Shawn Lea and I have had some adventures, and I have a couple of people I am planning to meet soon.

I hit 500,000 hits earlier this month.  I realize that a lot of it is thanks to Google (Thanks, Google!), but I am honored to have the small and somewhat devoted following I do have.  You know who you are.  There are fewer thrills than Googling something and seeing one of your posts pop up on the first search page.  A few days ago, a friend mentioned a lanyard (imagine!), and I asked if he had read Billy Collins's poem.  He hadn't, so I decided to Google it so he could read it.  One of my posts came up third in the search.  Since people at work don't know I do this, I clicked on another site, but I had a secret smile the whole time.

It's been a lot of work, but has also been a refuge from the frustrations and disappointments of everday life (like when your pasta comes out over-cooked).  It's a way to share my feelings with anyone who wants to come for the ride. 

Welcome.  While I find it hard to slot into my schedule at times, I have no intention of stopping, and I hope you'll join me on this wild ride.

[Image from Wedding Insurance]

Comments

[Shawn Lea]

Happy blog birthday! My little blogger is growing up. ;) (It seems like only yesterday I was installing a Sitemeter link to your blog in a Tampa hotel business center!)

[Amy Borgstrom]

Happy Anniversary! I really enjoy your blog and look forward to meeting you sometime when you come to No. Va to see Stryder. Two wonderful books to add to your pile:

The Auberge of the Flowering Hearth. Incredibly evocative description of an inn in the high French Alps near the monastery where they make chartreuse. The inn and its menus which are described was the inspiration for Chez Panisse (this all started with reading the new biography of Alice Waters), which is also quite good:

http://www.amazon.com/Alice-Waters-Chez-Panisse-Impractical/dp/1594201153/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0380018-6567918?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188394114&sr=1-1

Here is a link to the Flowering Hearth book

http://www.amazon.com/Auberge-Flowering-Hearth-Andries-Groot/dp/0880015047/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-0380018-6567918?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188394044&sr=8-1

[Thomas]

You had me scared that you were quiting, until I read you last line. I just want to thank you for some great stories. I look forward to them every day.

[Stryder]

Yaay Riannan!!! I, like Thomas, was a little concerned until the last line. I love your blog!

As you can see, Amy's quite the foodie. She's great to hit fancy restaurants with. Which we definitely will when you come up. Amy, LC and I have done some serious research on your behalf 8^)

[LC]

Yay, congratulations, Riannan!! I for one am glad to be along for the ride. Thank you! xx & love, -LC