Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Another Anniversary

Here I am again, wondering what to say tonight. Typical! I have a deadline to meet, as today is my two-year anniversary here at Mary’s View. The novelty of blogging has waned and my days of posting twenty-five times a month are long gone, but it’s good juice for me. I do crave it. And love it. Still.


dscf1550

In two years, my style hasn’t changed much, buzzing around haphazardly about this or that in each post,

dscf1655

floating, without a plan most of the time.
I don’t offer a lesson, nor do I impart much wisdom,

dscf1323

so I share my views with a few random thoughts attached.
And laugh or cry. It’s all I can do.

dscf1341

Because of blogging, photography has become an important part of me,
sort of a real good vice.

dscf1643

In my world full of routines, schedules, and long days in a windowless office, I get relief spending time with Chloe and Bella who keep me jumping, and watching birds, fish, snakes, and bullfrogs when I can. Little bits of time stolen between stirring a pot on the stove or throwing a load of laundry into the dryer works for me. Those are the times when I plan my next post.

I’ve met the best people through blogging, some only briefly. Others I know like my old best friends. Here are a few,

Susan at Susan Gets Native let me post this collage she created of some special blog friends I’ll meet next April in West Virginia at the New River Birding Festival.


Flock II

From top and left to right, Jayne at Journey Through Grace, Nina at Nature Remains, me, Delia at Beginning to Bird, Kathi at Katdoc’s World, Laura at Somewhere in NJ, Lynne at Hasty Brook, Susan at Lake Life, Susan at Susan Gets Native, and Ruthie at Nature Knitter. WOW.

We call ourselves “The Flock”. It’ll be a celebration to meet them! A party! And for the first time, I’ll meet Julie, who encouraged me to start a blog over two years ago. She’s the bomb, and leader of our Flock whether she knows it or not. Equally good will be to meet her family, including her Boston Terrier, Chet Baker, who just might steal the whole show.


During festival week we’ll arrive in West Virginia at different times.
There will be no introductions, hand-shaking, or ice-breaking.
We’ll continue on from the day prior and enjoy banjos, wine, birds, binoculars, cameras, and lots of laughs.

Let’s see…I have a little more than six months to lose a chin and ten pounds around my waist…oh, boy.

Thanks for two years with you.

Sincerely.

47 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Congratulations Mary. Two years seems like a long time. I have read you for about half that time. I have come to look forward to every word and photo you choose to share with us. Thank you so much.
Happy Blogging...

thailandchani said...

Thank *you*! I always get so much from your beautiful pictures!


~*

Susan Gets Native said...

Two years? Already?
Well, congrats on keeping it going. It can be a joy and a burden, can't it?
The best part is the people you get to know.
My observations on meeting blogger friends: There's no ice-breaking, as you said. It's hugs and "How's so-and-so?" and laughter and a feeling of knowing that person forever. It's flippin' fantastic. My next Blogger-To-Be-Met is Lynne. And it's going to be so wonderful to give that lovely woman a hug and possibly jump up and down and scream a bit.
After that, it's going to be YOU in April, on a mountain.

Rose said...

Congratulations, Mary, on two years of blogging! Oh, but you do impart wisdom . . .I come here partially to enjoy your stunning photos, but also to enjoy your humor, your occasional rants, and the serious words of wisdom. I hope you never get tired of posting; I don't know what we'd do without you!
Meeting your "flock" in April sounds like a wonderful time to look forward to!

MicheleRF said...

Your blog never fails to impress me, both your insights and your photography. Keep it coming, Mary! That moth picture had me perplexed for a few seconds. I thought it was some abstraction.

Kathi said...

Congrats on your 2 year anniversary, Mary. (Is that paper? Aluminum? How about electrons?!)

When I tell people that I am going to Cape May this month or New River next spring with people I know "thru the Internet," they respond as if I am going to meet Charles Manson - "But, you don't know them! They could be dangerous!"

I reply - "Don't be silly! Of course, I know them!" And, I feel I do. I am so psyched for Cape May, because it is soon and I've never been, but I think I am even more jazzed for New River, because we will all be there.

But seriously, no one brings a banjo.

~Kathi

NCmountainwoman said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! We do so enjoy the time we spend with you via your blog.

BJ said...

Congrats Mary! I'm so glad that I came across you.....as I am never disappointed in reading all about you and your loves! Plus, we have something in common. We're native Marylanders.....of course I am still here......waiting for you to return.

jason said...

Congratulations, Mary! A two-year blogiversary... Did you ever imagine you'd make it this far?

And like you, blogging helped me focus more on photography--on capturing the moments that so many let pass by without a second glance. Isn't it wonderful to see so much, to notice... to really notice?

Again... Happy Blogiversary! And best wishes for many years to come (said selfishly as I so enjoy your images and thoughts).

LauraHinNJ said...

Congrats, Mary! It's been wonderful getting to know you these 2 years and I look forward to more!

Oh and remind KatDoc that we probably are dangerous!

(Though she's met Susan already.)

;-)

Dog_geek said...

Definitely Happy Blogiversary to you! I've only been around a short while, but I have enjoyed your blog so much! Here's to many more years of Mary's View!

Julie Zickefoose said...

Exultant pant-hoots from the Science Chimp on your glorious Gulf Fritillary!!! When did you nab that image? Wish you could have seen my orbs boinging out of their sockets. Boooooing, beeeyooop!
Excuse me while I EEEEE! Details, please!

Mary, I just can't wait to meet you at the New River Festival and thank you for the wonderful gift of each post you create. It's hard to believe it's been two years, but as I think about it I'm looking at three years of fun, laughter, tears, tracks, poop, dog antics and bird hijinks. Go figure. I remember when Jane sent me your story of the Licker Sisters and the Body Pillow--long before the blog, and I read it and thought, This girl's got it. She ought to be blogging. And then I thought, "Why am I getting a Boston terrier?"

Too late.

There are going to be some cameras popping in WV, I'm sure. Baker will have to be photographed on each and every Bloggrrl (and Blogboy) lap. And I happen to be trying to arrange an appearance by a real-live banjo player, but she will promise not to play Drooling Banjos.

Congratulations on your beautiful work and this illuminated--and illuminating--online journal that's free for anyone to enjoy. What a gift you give us all.

Can we get 50 comments? Do I hear 60?

KGMom said...

First, congrats on two years.
It is true--blogging was such a wondrous release at first, and now the urge is a little diminished. But, like you, I still enjoy it--and find it helps me keep my writing skills sharpened--essential for me.
Now, as to you and the flock--gee, you guys will have all the fun. But, do do do enjoy.

JeanMac said...

Congratulations, Mary. Don't remember how I "found" you but I am so glad I did. You always cheer me up and lake my heart flutter with your wonderful, sensitive pictures.Keep on blogging!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary Mary!! Hope there are many more to come. Your blog always bring a smile to my face.

Angie
In
SC

Jayne said...

Happy Blogiversary Mary! Your little spot in cyberspace brings to much joy and sunshine in the lives of others. Your warmth and kindness just shines through in every post, and I can't wait to give you a big 'ole hug come April!

What a cool collage Susan created! I am getting so excited!

Jayne said...

Err... make that "so" much joy please. :c)

The Quacks of Life said...

happy blogday

Anonymous said...

Congratulations and thank you for your wonderful blog. Keep going. I never tire of reading what you write nor viewing your pictures.
Thanks so much for sharing.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Mary. Thank you for the joy you bring to our everyday life. So glad I found you. I'm loving your photography.

Angie said...

Congratulations, my dear Mary!! I've been a devoted Marys-View follower for about a year of your two years, and you and your blog are just delightful---and I look forward to every post! May there be many many more from you in the future! :)

dguzman said...

Hey, I have to lose about 30 lbs and a chin, so you've got it easy, lady!

Happy anniversary, and whatever your formula is--it's working, baby! Don't ever change!

Balisha said...

Congrats Mary,
I enjoy your pictures and the time spent with you.

Mary said...

Thanks everyone for your sweet remarks. I'd talk to everyone tonight but I've lost my voice and can't stop sneezing... Benadryl makes me too sleeeeepppppy.

Mary

NatureWoman said...

Wow, Happy Blogiversary Mary! Your pictures, as always, are fantastic! And even though we don't post every day anymore, it's just nice to always see your posts!

Anonymous said...

Happy happy anniversary! You have no idea how much happiness you have brought into our lives with your words and photos! Thank you SO much for these past two years; you are a gift and I treasure and appreciate all that you have shared. May the future hold even more beauty and happiness! love and hugs, gretchen

Heidi said...

Happy Bloggiversary! Sorry you're sneezy on your special day :) Scratch that - our special day! I'm so glad you share with us whenever you do!

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Mary, I love the picture of the butterfly and lantana!

Congratulations on your blogiversary!

beckie said...

Happy Anniverary! Although I have not known you that long, I can say I enjoy each and everyone of your posts. You always bring a smile to my face with your wit and your charm. I love the pictures of the 'girls' and how your love for them shows through in your writings. And of course all your photos are such eye candy. You are in good company with your flock. I know you will all have a great time.

Cheryl said...

Dear Mary....I have been visiting you for around ten months.....you have made me laugh...you have made me cry.....you are one of my favourite blogs, I have an affinity with you.......

I love the bee and butterfly....you and your camera are one......its working beautifully.....

You will have a wonderful time meeting your blogging friends....double chin or not, they will all love you......

Donna said...

Congratulations, Mary, on two years of blogging! I always enjoy coming over to visit you.

Hugs,
Donna

Naturegirl said...

Mary it has been a koy..I mean a JOY (see I'm thinking of your KOI) for me to stop by your blog because I love your blog your photography your humor and especially love YOU!
ooops..forgot Bella and Chloe!
Congratulations on your 2nd year blogging..may we have many more of your take on your daily happenings!
Oh I know the excitement of meeting blogging sisters!!

Q said...

Dear Mary,
Congratulations on two years of Mary's View. You have produced a fantastic volume of work. Thank you for the laughs and the sighs and the tears...your legacy is well established.
Meeting your "flock" face to face will be a joy! These are delightful ladies. Wish I was coming. I will miss meeting these friends. If someone has to cancel let me know.
It has been an honor to know you these last two years. Looking forward to year three.
Namaste,
Sherry

Richard said...

Your photography skills are excellent.
You should be working for "National Geographic".

Mary C said...

Congratulations, Mary! Happy Blogiversary. Wow! Two years -- amazing. Keep doing what you are doing. Your blog is really successful by the number of comments you get each time you post. That's a lot of friends, isn't it?

Corey said...

Happy anniversary Mary!

PJ said...

The feeling of a place I can put up my feet and relax and enjoy photos is exactly the reason I keep coming back. Happy TWO!

Wendy said...

Happy, happy two years!! Wow - I'll bet the time has just flown! I love your posts and your pics. You are so down-to-earth. You make me laugh, cry and just be....
You will have fun with your "flock" - never mind the double chin, friends love you just the same.

TR Ryan said...

Congratulations on two years. You've paved the path and inspired so many, like me, in that short time. In my year following you it has been joyous watching your photography expand and blossom and become brilliant. And your writing has been spot-on throughout. Do you know how often I slow down and look at the car window because of you. You have a way of seeing a world that might have been missed.

I will see you in West Virginia -- looks like I will be the rose among all those thorns. Err I mean the thorn among all those roses! I cannot wait to meet you. I feel a belly laugh coming on!

Mary said...

Tim, that's the best news I've heard in a long time... I feel a belly laugh and a joyful DANCE coming on.

Unknown said...

Thanks Mary, you have a great blog by the way. The photos are really excellent. I will add it to my reader and look forward to reading more. And yes, us Marylanders have got to stick together: I hail from Harford County. But I love Florida too. It's a great place to be a hydrologist.

Unknown said...

Oh, and happy anniversary on your blog. Interesting observation about your style. Probably same applies with me, although I've also honed in on what works best. And your right about photography, it becomes an essential way to capture what you are trying to describe. And yes, it's a healthy endeavor, a really good hobby, if done right. Keep up great work!

Ramblings of a Villas Girl said...

Happy Anniversary Mary! I am glad that your style hasn't changed. You are fun to read and offer beautiful photos. You may not think that you offer a lesson or impact wisdom, but you would be wrong. You offer this and much more. I, for one, hope you continue to blog for many more years to come. Lisa

RuthieJ said...

What's this about having to lose weight before I come to West Virginia? Not this full-figured woman!! Birds don't care if we're chubby and I'm pretty sure the blogging friends won't either!

But seriously Mare, isn't it amazing that 2 years have gone by already? When I found your blog (through JZ's) I was enthralled by your stories and pictures. I actually spent several days going all the way back to the beginning and reading all of your posts. I can't wait to meet you in person (and the other "flock" members I haven't met yet). I predict West Virginia will never be the same!

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Oh, gosh, Mary, now I'm getting self conscious about my chin, too!
And wondering how 2 years can have passed so quickly.
I visit nearly every day (if internet glitches don't intrude) and know I'll always go away with a smile--you're that reliable.
And, though I, too, feel the "honeymoon" has worn off, the connections made and great people found, keep us there.
Connected.
May you keep blogging strong!

I'm counting the days to WV--to see the flock and birds... and banjos!
I just can't, can't, can't wait!!

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Ooops--and T.R.

Larry said...

Congratulations Mary-Great Job! Holy Cow-It's gonna be a birdchickaplooza fest in Virginia!