Happy Birthday, Blog! You’re Two!

September 1, 2015

Aww.. You’re Two! Happy Birthday, Blog!

Exactly two years back, almost around the same time, I decided to pen down the recipe (Chicken Sarka) I tried in my kitchen, in a blog. And thus, this baby was born. As predictable, there weren’t much people who read my blog. But she took the first baby step as I began to scribble few poems and snippets from my life. I made some fabulous friends, many who I met while participating few writing challenges. I became a part of few writing communities, two of which are an inspiration to my writes- The BAR and Write Tribe.

Year One showered me with many happy and proud moments through this blog. Many blog awards came my way, including a 5K voucher for the post To the Glorious Past, a signed letter from Rani Mukherjee and Runner’s up for the post, The Lion-Hearted! and many goodies from Blogadda.

I decided to take a back seat last year. I had written 114 posts as compared to the 226 before. I know it is never about the numbers. But, due to life taking its toll, I even decided to quit writing. It was a momentary lapse from me. Nonetheless, when I look back I realize I had my own reasons, however stupid it may be now.

September first week, last year was when I stretched myself to be part of a team in weaving a beautiful story. Being a part of Blogadda’s Game of Blogs was a golden opportunity and a fighting chance for the newbies to be an author and get published. Though I was not part of the winning story, it sure was a roller coaster ride.

I wrote a letter to a very dear friend of mine when he had an opportunity to travel abroad as part of work. Dear Best Friend was thus adjudged as the Spicy Saturday Pick by Blogadda. They say I come up with some lovely poems when I am sad and heart-broken. And so the lamb fell in love with the lion and Close to my Heart were other Spicy Saturday Picks. The latter is written in exactly 10 sentences with 10 words each. While one speaks of heartbreak due to a loved one, the other portrays the emotions of a mother who lost her child.

I penned down my first Novella- Last Tango in Goa on Valentine’s. However cliched it was, she is my first and always special. I participated in the A to Z Challenge in April yet again and I absolutely loved the madness and chaos. It opened doors for knowing some amazing blogs and bloggers and I am sure that God willingly, I will be participating the coming year as well. I wrote on 26 Hours before my Wedding incorporating Shakespearean Idioms which we use in our day-to-day lives. What an overwhelming response! I also had an opportunity to write a Guest Post at the BAR as part of the #AtoZChallenge. The letter I chose was M and I wrote about staying Motivated. 

I also had few opportunities on writing some sponsored posts thereby making my wallet fat and happy! Being a winner on #WashBucketChallenge by Blogadda boosted my confidence. I also wrote for few social causes and is also a part of the Book Club, thus having a golden opportunity of reviewing many of the upcoming popular books. When Saevus got in touch with me about a book review of “Capturing Wildlife Moments in India” by Ashok Mahindra of The Hem Chand Mahindra Foundation, my joy knew no bounds. I wrote from my heart about this coffee table book and oh Boy, the post was adjudged the Top Post in Hobbies by Baggout.

Here are my top posts till date with maximum number of views:

Dad, You’re my Life, My Everything

Ways to Mend your Broken Heart

Day of Love

..and Life Goes On

You know, the one thing I really loved last year was finding new blogs and reading many of them regularly. It helped me grow in so many ways which I can’t explain here. I made friends, many who encourage and inspire you to simply write more and more.

I had a moment. Lets just say it was overwhelming. But after hanging on like a thread, I finally knew my place and now had my closure. I am at peace. I learnt nobody should break another heart to follow your own! That saying, I guess I will be more regular here. 🙂

So, it is Two years, 336 posts, 34K+ footprints, a max of 265 views a day, and 900 followers later, I am set to begin another exciting year on Tomatoes.

Thanks for being a part of my world and my happiness. Thanks for reading me brag! Hope it continues 🙂

Much love,

Shalini

Linking with Corinne for September Challenge. See the fab badge on the sidebar.