I’m proud to say that today is the one year anniversary of Live Richly. I didn’t know if it would last this long. I started it as an experiment to learn about social media and marketing, but it turned out I really liked blogging for its own sake.
One of the best part about blogging has been “meeting” so many unique people. I had no idea the blogosphere was so friendly!
I did a big “thank you” post back in November, but I’d like to highlight some of the many people who’ve made this blog a success. Bret and Karen gave me much needed advice in the beginning when I didn’t know what I was doing.
Without commenters, I would be talking to myself. I would also like to thank everyone who comments, but especially my regulars.
Thanks to Steve, Andrew, Sandra, The Grouch, Adam, Little House, Phil, Kevin, Dina, Jimi, Len, Irving, Jk, Shannon, Greg, and Sandy. I really appreciate you!
In honor of 12 months of blogging, here are 12 of my favorites from the past year:
5 Reasons Unemployment Can Be a Good Thing – With so many people out of work, I give you some ideas how you can make this time work for you.
Coming Home, Part 1 – Maybe you have a plan for your dream life, but you are afraid to leave your steady job. Donato managed to do both.
Home Sweet Home or Debt Trap? – I bust some housing myths, as well as tell the sad story of a friend struggling with her unaffordable mortgage.
Panamá: Gateway to the World – Panamá is a friendly, tropical country with a rich history. Due to US influence, it has all the modern conveniences as well.
Eat Locally Wherever You Are – I believe you are what you eat. In this post, I give you some tips to find the highest quality food. This is one of the most popular posts on my blog.
6 Life Lessons From a Murder-Suicide – This post was inspired by a local tragedy. I brainstorm some ways it could have been prevented, and how my readers can be more prepared in their own lives.
Chile, Land of Contrasts – Chile usually makes the news due to natural disasters. This is sad, because this beautiful country has a lot to offer.
Is College Worth It? – Sometimes, the answer is no.
6 Reasons Not to Work So Hard – This post had the most retweets of anything I’ve ever written. I guess many people related to my call for moderation.
Ghost Stories from Historic Southport, NC – This was a fun post about spooky happenings. Do you believe in ghosts?
Will You Retire on Your Stocks? – Conventional wisdom says you should save as much as possible in your 401(k) or similar government-sponsored plan. I explain why I doubt that’s a good idea.
5 Surprising Benefits of Learning Spanish – Most people know that learning a second language expands your brain and job prospects. I give 5 other hidden benefits to learning Spanish.
Popularity: 10% [?]
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Irving, Jennifer Barry. Jennifer Barry said: My One Year Blogiversary http://bit.ly/e9ngVO [...]
Happy Anniversary, Jennifer. Always enjoy reading what you have to say.
Thanks Andrew, I appreciate it!
Jennifer,
Congratulations on your one year anniversary.
The blogosphere needs unique stories and ideas. And, you have accomplished that in style. I hope year two is even better.
Bret
Thanks Bret! I always think about making my blog fit one niche or another, and then I just write about what I’m interested in. I’m glad you enjoy it.
Jennifer, congrats!! This is a big accomplishment! I am still a ways off from a year of blogging. When are we playing that game of Catan??
Thanks Phil.
I don’t know about Catan unless we can do it on Skype, because I don’t think I’m going to make it to West Africa any time soon. Have fun on your trip, though!
Congrats on making it to the year mark! That’s the toughest year, when you are learning soooo much about social networking and still figuring everything out. Looking forward to another year of great posts here!
Thanks, Shannon. I appreciate your support! I did have a lot to learn in the beginning. Now if I could get ComLuv to work again … There’s always a new challenge.
Congrats on your anniversary! Cheers to many more years of educating the public.
Thanks Sandy! I do try to educate and expand people’s horizons. How long have you had your blog?
Congratulations, Jennifer! I remember vividly the first article I read on your blog: 6 Life Lessons From a Murder-Suicide. I find your articles unique, practical, and fascinating. I’m so happy to have connected with you. I’m looking forward to what your year 2 of blogging will bring.
Hi Sandra, I knew you had been commenting on my blog for a long time! I’m surprised you remembered the first post you read. I just happened to link to that post as I thought it was unique. I’m glad you thought so too. I’m glad to have “met” you on the internet as well.
Happy One Year! I can’t wait to hit that mark. Not that I’m in a rush but because it’s a major milestone. This really is an incredible feat to reach…many and most don’t. I wish you many more years. In fact – I hope that our blogging friendship continues forever. I’m going to get to reviewing some of your older posts. thanks!
Thanks Jk! I read somewhere that most people quit in 6 mos. or less so I planned to keep going at least 7. Then I didn’t want to stop. I hope you stick around for years too.
Congratulations on making it a year.
Thanks BOL! I now have to make my year 2 plan.
[...] @ Live Richly looks back at her best posts on the occasion of a first-year [...]
Congratulations Jennifer on your first anniversary.
My blog is over rwelve months old, where did the time go?
I don’t know about you but I’ve learnt so much in those twelve months and got to know so many other bloggers.
The support from other bloggers has been fantastic.
One question… are you looking forward to your next anniversary? LOL
BTW – love the hat – great marketing image.
Hi Keith, welcome to Live Richly! Congrats on making it a year yourself. I’ve definitely learned a lot and “met” so many great people. I hadn’t thought much about next year so I guess I should start.
Thanks, I didn’t think of it for marketing purposes, it was just a picture where I looked like I was having fun.
Hi Jennifer,
Congratulations on your one year blogiversary! I look forward to many good years ahead with your very thought provoking articles. I am going to lay roots here in a corner of your blog from now on.
Irving the Vizier
Thanks Irving for your support! I hope you stick around for a long time too.
Congratulations, Jennifer.
Blogging for an entire year is a nice milestone that says you are definitely in for the long haul now.
The average blogger only makes it several months before hitting that rookie wall but you’ve broken through in style.
Thanks for the 12 favs list, some of which I’ve read. The one that really jumped out and made me laugh was “Will You Retire on Your Stocks?”. I’m off to read that one next, but that’s a risky was to retire. LOL Well, it’s your Blogiversary celebration so I won’t even start on my Wall Street views.
Keep doing what you’re doing, Jenn. You’re a seasoned blogger now and I’m glad to have you as a friend.
Hi Jimi, thanks, it really does feel like a milestone. I didn’t know if I would make it this long.
Well, you will be happy to find out that I agree with you. No generation has retired on their stocks yet, and I don’t think the Boomers will be the first.
I’m glad to have met you too! I hope you keep going with your blog for years as well.
Happy anniversary Jennifer and congratulations on getting this far already! I still have a few more months to go to hit this milestone!
Thanks for your support, Ken! I couldn’t have gotten this far without the encouragement of all the people who comment. I’m sure you’ll reach one year as well.
Congratulations, Happy Blogiversary. Cheers.
Thanks Mark, I appreciate it!
Congrats, Jennifer! Your blog is now all grown up *sniffles* — here’s to many more years of great and thoughtful posts!
Welcome to Live Richly, Jill! Wow, when you say that I feel sniffly myself.
Thanks for your support.
Happy Blogiversary To You. I didn’t celebrated mine. But there’s always a next time.
Welcome to Live Richly, Suzanne. I agree, you should celebrate year 2.
Happy Anniversary! I’m also happy at how friendly everyone in the blogosphere is! You included. And great links btw. Glad you listed them.
Hi Andrea, thanks for that! I totally agree in the friendliness.
I’m glad you enjoyed the links.
Congratulations! I’m happy I found your blog Jennifer.
Hi Lori, thanks a bunch.
I’m enjoying your blog as well.
Yay! What a great milestone to reach
Happy Blogiversary Jennifer – looking forward to your insights and internet roundups throughout your second year!
Hi Shannon, thanks for the encouragement.
BIG congrats Jennifer! Isn’t it amazing to look back at all that’s happened throughout the year. You are doing some good work! I look forward to the next year of posts.