Things have been spruced up around here, well, this is actually a new blog with a new, shiny template and new host, of which I am very excited. With the excitement comes a struggle to learn something new, to figure out how to upload, what buttons to press and just how I want things to look, therefore the blog may be unsettled for a bit. I will get there.
The blog’s physical change has been in process for only a few weeks, but I have spent several months thinking through my commitment. I, like others now have a footprint on social media and enjoy the “insta” environment of quick posts, likes and fast comments. Blogging on the other hand demands precious time and is consumed by very few.
Blogging entered my life in 2004, 5-years after the platform Blogger was launched. I deliberated for several months before opening an account wondering “did I have anything to say, or worse, would I say too much”. At that time, I was unaware of the time commitment and effort that I would give the blog over the ensuing years. I never considered that I would still be blogging 20 years later. So, in August of 2004, a very naive me opened an account titled “Smithposts.” That first post read: “this is my first post to Smithposts. This blogger-based journal is the place for family news, thoughts, opinions and lots of photographs. It’s going to be an interesting adventure.” And so, it has been.
I stayed with Blogger for about 9 years. Though relatively easy to use (I say that now), Blogger went off-line on occasion and had glitches that I never understood. More than once I thought I would lose my posted words and photos. Somewhere around 2013-2014, I switched my blog to a different platform, wordpress.com and left Blogger and 9 years of posts behind.
With the new platform, I got caught up in the blogging movement and began years of zigzagging directions, changing focus from life to adventure to travel to running to aging, forgetting that all those pieces combine to tell my unique story. Frustrated for not holding steady and cringing at a few posts, blogging became an effort, not a joy. I considered shuttering my blog.
As it turns out, after 20 years, the blog closest to my heart, is the first blog, the Blogger blog. Though not especially well written, in this blog my parents are still smiling, my travels and adventures are woven into my life’s story and my everyday sameness makes me happy. I was delighted to discover that the folks at pipdig (my new blog designer) could incorporate Blogger posts from an account I could no access and my wordpress blog into one.
This new-old blog contains almost 20 years of posts, 683 published, plus about 30 in draft stage, never finished. I am returning to my original blogging style, my everydayness, my travels, my hiking, my sweet, silly dog, VanLife and so forth. I am counting on this blog to be my memory when I choose to no long blog. With that said: “this is my first post to Smithposts. This blog-based journal is the place for family news, thoughts, opinions and lots of photographs. It’s going to be an interesting adventure.”
Eventually the previous posts will be cataloged by category, but right now, all are available by scrolling through the “Select Month” drop down menu.
I haven’t had quite the long span nor multiple sites, but I have also felt the ebb and flow of interest in keeping up with my blog. I have cringed at some old posts, I have felt myself tailoring my words for phantom readers, etc., but ultimately I try to remember that I started my blog for ME, as a way to keep track of my travel memories, and when I keep that in mind, all is good! Good luck with your blog consolidation and future posts!
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Thank you! I certainly find it easier to write when I remember these are my memories…for me! That others may read and possibly enjoy is a bonus.
Good luck with the new site!
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Thanks Will! Many of these memories involve you and other friends.