Sunday, October 07, 2007

One year ago today,

I published my first post, “Hello World”. Testing 1 2 3… What a thrill and what a ride it’s been! The year flew by and will continue to fly by at an alarming rate since I’m over a half-century old now. Ughh. Honestly, blogging has probably been one of most enjoyable experiences for me. It has given me an opportunity to know and admire so many wonderful folks who have inspired me, like the “Flock” and others - you know who you are. Because of this anniversary, I examined the reasons I blog once again. There are previous posts written by me on the same subject, here and here. Over the weekend, I revisited some of my posts and came to some conclusions about things I want to change.

I need to freshen up my blog appearance and take time to create a new template and learn new things like uploading videos and playing with the sidebar. I want to be more concise and abbreviate my posts. Blogging will remain to be my passion but not an obligation. If I have something worthwhile to post, that’s great, but I won’t fret over subject matter on my way home from work anymore. Learning to be an ant-type blogger instead of a crazy, off the cuff grasshopper will be a challenge for me but I am going to give it a go. At 10:00 p.m. on weeknights, I’ll listen to my body and shut down the darn computer instead of reading blogs until 11:00 p.m. (maybe). Complaining about the weather will be forbidden (maybe – who am I kidding?). North Carolina is a beautiful state and I want to see more of it to share through my blog.

There are things that I won’t change. No way. No how.



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My desire to find a way to work less hours and still afford birds and shopping sprees with Gina will make me investigate options.



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My girlfriends want me to be with them more often.


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Odd things will always have my attention, and


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I’ll always have a view that many won’t notice.


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Grieving for a very battered hummingbird that stopped by two days ago on her journey - I can’t help feeling that way.


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I’ll keep making u-turns and fast pull-overs vs. the law in high hopes of seeing hawks, Great Blue Herons, Great White Egrets, and vultures, even when the pond waters are evaporated.



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A few minutes to reflect on the sky’s reflection on water will keep me happy, always.

It would be nice to post a photo of myself once in a while. With that said, here’s a rant! I will always rant about something like,


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Why do very tall people hang art and mirrors at their own eye level? I was on crutches when he mounted this mirror and appreciated his effort but every time I walk by it I shake my head. The bathroom mirror in the first home we bought back in 1977 must have been hung by a seven-foot tall man. I had a hissy fit about it and made them lower it eighteen inches. I'm a little tall, at 5-1"!

So, feeling silly last night, I tried to photograph me at the bedroom dresser. Poor lighting without a flash, but here it is.




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To everyone who lifts me up, thank you. Hugs.

41 comments:

Mary C said...

Cool post, Mary. Congratulations on your one-year blogiversary. 5'1"? Well, I got you beat! I'm only 5'0" tall! And now we can both rant about those who hang mirrors and other things at their eye level and not considering those of us who would appreciate mirrors hung just a smidge lower.

Unknown said...

Happy Blogiversary, Mary! Great self-reflection. Great self-portrait. Great goals for the next year. I'm glad that you'll continue to show us the odd things that you view! Love ya!

Unknown said...

Oh, and I'm 5'3" so I feel your pain! I love it when I can only see my eyes in a mirror -- thanks!

thailandchani said...

Very interesting! :) Of course, I don't think you need to change anything! I like your blog, just the way it is. And your pictures are such a gift.. a refuge. I would take them in any setting you choose to put them in.

And.. I'm only 5'3" .. so I know what you mean.


Peace,

~Chani
http://thailandgal.blogspot.com

JeanMac said...

Very nice post, Mary. Your blog seems so "expert" I thought you had been blogging for a long time.

Will that little hummer be OK? What do you think? Cat?

Alyssa said...

Hi Mary, Sorry about not visiting lately - very much going on. I'll be posting tonight.

I agree with everyone else that your blog is great the way it is, but if you don't feel right about it, that's what's important. It should be fun, and not an obligation.

Sounds like all of us bloggers are vertically challenged!! I'm 5'1" also and the mirror thing bugs me too. Especially at work in the wash-up areas (which are mainly for men). They do think everyone is 5'8"+!!

You look great in the reflection photo and I love the picture of the girls and the matching figurine on the table. Neat mushrooms,too.

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

Mary you are so beautiful. I love the picture of you. I also really like the picture of the Goldfinch. I saw about 20 herons yesterday on my way to St. Louis, I keep forgetting to put my camera in my purse!! I was so bummed out. It was so amazing to see all of them at the same time. xoxo Nita

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogiversary and the one year blogging is tough! Changes are good and I just know that I will love everything that you end up doing! And can't wait to see what year 2 brings you!

LostRoses said...

Happy Blogiversary, Mary, and don't change a thing! I love your ramblings and off the wall comments and observations. You're a great blogger! And I love your photo. But if you do learn how to do things like uploading videos and playing with the sidebars, let us "blog-challenged" folks know how!

I used to be 5'8" tall until I started shrinking.

Annie in Austin said...

Congratulations, Mary - you're a favorite read, an inspiration and in spite of not being able to see into the mirror, you cast a tall shadow in the blogosphere!

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

Anonymous said...

I know you think your posts need to be more concise, but I like their casual meandering from bird to pond to sky to seed heads and even to snakes (ew). Thank you for sharing with us. And nice to see your face again :-)

NatureWoman said...

Happy Blogiversary Mary!! And hello pretty Mary, it's so nice to see your face! I know that whatever you decide to change and to keep the same, I'll still be stopping by every time I see you've posted. I've gotten more relaxed about feeling like I need to post every day. It's a great feeling to get to that point, isn't it?

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Happy Blogiversary May!! However you decide to be is how I will love you. You lift ME up dear heart! Like Mon@rch, I can't wait to see what you share in year two.

LauraHinNJ said...

Happy Blogiversary, Mary! I'd swear it's been longer than a year - I feel like I've *known* you forever!

I'm tall at 5'10" and find that most things out in public are too short for me. I hate having to stoop over to drink from public water fountains - feel like I should be on my knees!

Julie Zickefoose said...

You're so cuuute! Hand the camera to Michael or Gina once in awhile!

The Science Chimp towers over you ALL at 5'5" (when straining mightily and stretching her neck)

So what is it with us little bitty bloggrrls? (Delia, 'fess up!)

Happy blogiversary! Hard to believe it's only been a year. I heard a tribute to Tammie Fae Bakker today that described her as a "little woman who lived big." It was TFB Day in Decatur, GA. No comment on that, but I think it describes you well! Maybe you should pump up the mascara...you've got the tear ducts workin' OK ;-p

RuthieJ said...

Happy Blog Anniversary, Mare. I sure have enjoyed your posts and don't worry about too many weather posts, because here in Minnesota weather is always a good topic.

I like your self portrait and those new specs look good!

Please just keep doing what you're doing with your blog. I look forward to your posts and you, Bella and Chloe always manage to make me smile.

KGMom said...

So, we are chiming in on the "can you top Mary" contest. I am 5'6".
My mom was 4' 11"--and my kids loved standing next to Grandma to see when they passed her in height.

Congrats on one year's worth of blogging. It is interesting how the blogosphere meets so many needs of so many writers, thinkers, photographers, humorists, etc. Such a wondrous mix--glad you are part of it.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to your lovely blog! And amen to your lament over the plight of short women everywhere. I know just how you feel...

David said...

See, one of the things I like about you, Mary, is that you make me feel tall. I'm 5'6" which is little for a guy! Plus, you're a great blogger, and I love the perspective you bring to life.

Mary said...

First offense - it's 10:30 and I haven't shut down the computer yet...

Mary C - I love looking down at short people like you (us). I rarely meet an adult that makes me feel tall.

Liza Lee - Thanks. Us shorties are always with a "stool". I'll work on that self-portrait.

Chani, I'm glad my photos give you peace, shortie.

Jean, she visited on Thursday. She rested for a while - and boy, she needed it. She might have had a long flight already and needed a bed and breakfast.

Alyssa, I'm glad you are back! I used to be 5-2, eyes of blue, but I shrunk.

Nita! 20 herons? Will you PLEASE remember your camera? Thanks for the compliment.

Monarch, I'll be counting on your to help me with a few technology things... :o)

Lost Roses, I'll share what I learn. It won't be difficult - it just takes time, you tall chick.

Annie, thank you. Being little isn't too bad - sometimes the shorties are the quickest ones on the basketball team!

Nikkipolani - I'll forewarn you when I show snakes again. LOL!

Pam, you are right. I get just as much pleasure reading others' blogs and the comments that follow. It's a good feeling to sit back and relax once in a while.

Linne, you are too sweet, you Flock Lady. Am I still a flocker?

Laura - you win the prize at 5'-10". Me standing next to you would be comical. Not only am I jealous of your height, but I think you are also TRIM AND THIN? I feel as though I've known you for much longer than a year.

Julie, if I could stage the event and trust either of them with the camera to get a shot of me looking like a movie star, I'd do it. If I wore high heels and stretched a bit, we'd be eye to eye. By the way, I love mascara. It makes my day :o) Thank you for everything.

Ruthie, not much will change about my blog. I have wishes, though. The "being brief" thing will be a toughie!

Val Webb, thanks for commenting! You must be a little lady, too? I have stools conveniently located around the house :o)

David, thank you. I look forward to reading your posts. YOU are a terrific blogger, too. You write very well and I love your humor!

Naturegirl said...

Mary how sweet you look! Congratulations on your one year!
I have enjoyed my visits with you your sense of humor I love and your affection for nature touches me so don't change I love you and your blog as is!hugs NG
I find that blogs with videos take so long to download.

Unknown said...

Ah Mary congrats on the blog birthday.
One of the fun things about reading your blog is reading the comments.
You sure have found a wonderful gathering of friends. Have fun playing around with the look of your blog. On the left side of my blog is a link to blogger tips you will find extremely helpful in changing the look of your blog.
I'm so glad we found each other.

Jayne said...

I LOVE that photo of you Mary. And I love the reasons you blog. Happy Blogiversary to you!

dguzman said...

Congrats on the blog, Mary; it's an award-winner in my book. Don't go changin' to try and please anybody!

Hey, we're the same height! Kat is a full foot taller, so I feel your pain. We not-tall people gotta stick together. Of course, I always feel bad for Kat and probably for Laura H, as the world (and especially clothing) is always created for shorter people.

Can't wait to see whatever changes you make in Year 2. Keep on truckin'!

Anonymous said...

Mary, I hope you continue to share your blogs with those of us who miss your smiles and wonderful stories. I enjoy reading them so much! You have a wonderful heart and a contagious laugh. Keep it up! Miss you.

Q said...

Dear Mary of the Endless Summer,
Happy One Year!
Happy Birthday! 50 is a good age to be! Being also in my eccentric years I feel so free. Being odd is accepted. Welcome to the age of freedom with full mental capacity.
Plus you have kept your girlish charms!
I tower over the birds and the butterflies, 5'4 1/4"....
I understand the desire to change blog. Yours is lovely as is, yet the desire to create comes upon us. As I learn new ways of telling my stories I enjoy my journal even more.
It is raining this morning at my house. Rain that you so badly need. The birds are feeding and singing in the rain. I am thinking of you.
Your backyard is an oasis. Your blog is refreshment. You are a lovely lady.
Thank you for being my friend.
I celebrate you.
Sherry

Mary said...

Naturegirl, it's good to hear from you again? Feeling better? Thanks for your nice words.

Toni, I'm glad I found you, too. I'll check out your sidebar for tips!

Jayne, Thanks! I'd like to have photoshop or something so I can erase wrinkles - tee hee!

Delia, thanks. So we have two winners here - Laura being the tallest at 5'-10" and Mary C as the shortest at 5'-0". Feels good, doesn't it?

Sandy M - Oh, I miss you, too. Remember your first day and I was the one who greeted you? When times were tough, you made me smile - always!!!

Sherry, I'm 52+!!!! Thanks for your wonderful compliments. Hey, it dry and 91 today :o/

Mary said...

Congratulations for your 1st year and hope there are many more to come.You look so young I ca't believe you are the age you say you are!!Please keep the wildlife photos coming They give me so much pleasure and I'm sure to many more of your visitors

Anonymous said...

I don't know much about the blogspot things but the other technology I would be happy to help with!

Chrissie said...

Mary, thank you! You lift me up no end with your down to earth comments and your humour. Don't ever change :-) Your portrait is great, may be one day I will be brave enough to do my own and you will see we are both blonde :-), fair, 5ft something (strange we still give height in feet and inches and nearly everything else in cms) Happy first birthday :-)

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary, Mary. I laughed when you wrote that you had to work to support your "bird" habit! I guess you could have a worse vice, huh?

Your photos are exceptional, and your stories funny and interesting. I am looking forward to your second year of blogging.

Ruth said...

Nice photo of you, Mary! You are a most gracious and sociable blogger. I always appreciate your comments as well as reading your posts.

Carol Michel said...

Congratulations on your first year of blogging. I think I've been reading your blog since earlier this summer and have enjoyed it immensely.

I know what you mean about 11:00 PM and still reading a few blogs! And I wish your girlfriends could come over and sniff out that darn mole that's bothering me.

Carol at May Dreams Gardens

Susan Gets Native said...

You are beautiful and fantastic and funny and bloggilicious.
And you are SO coming with us next year.

*From one of your adoring fans, who is 5'7", but who unfortunately sometimes acts like she is 8'1".

Mark said...

Nice one Mary,
I have only been at it 6 months but I have found it so enjoyable and like you say you meet loads of interesting like minded people.It gives you hope that all is not as bad as it is painted.

Cheers Mark (halfaversary)

The Quacks of Life said...

happy bloggerversary

Larry said...

Happy Blogiversary-I like your style! Looking forward to your upcoming posts.

kate said...

Happy first blogging anniversary Mary! I love reading your posts - they reflect who you are and that's what is really important. You have so many interests and I love reading about them - I like the look of your blog, but then I mostly am seeing your wonderful photographs and not paying close attention to your sidebar. To my mind, that's how it should be.

Knowing you has made my life better, even though we are separated by many miles. You are a cute 1/2 century girl... I'll be joining you in a few months!

Big hug for you and also for the ever-vigilant pups!

Peg Silloway said...

Happy First Blog Year, Mary! You didn't need to change anything, but that creative spirit does demand something new from time to time. Your eye for the beautiful order of nature - where others see a tangle of weeds - is a wonderful gift that you share with us all. Please don't change that. And don't change your tone, either - reading your posts is like spending time with a good friend and just chatting.

Letting go of the obligation about posting, though, that's good. I started off saying, "I'm going to post at least twice a week." Life don't work that way! Long ago it changed to "I'm going to post when I feel strongly about something." Time's too precious to make yourself crazy about something that didn't even exist a few years ago!

Keep having fun and seeing things with your unique and artistic perspective. Thanks for enriching my life, too.

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

By the way I forgot to say congrats on your year anniversary. xoxo Nita

Cathy said...

Dear sweet Mary,

I knew I'd missed reading your blog, but perusing the ones I'd missed and now THIS! . . . . You are the dearest, most tender soul and I shall always be your greatest fan.

Love and a big Hug (and a kiss for the pups:0)

Cathy