A Decade of Blogging: Some Thoughts

On By Widow BadassIn Blogging
Happy birthday, dear Bloggie!

Today marks the 10th anniversary of me starting what has morphed into ye old blogge. Ten years ago today I sat down in front of my computer at my shabby little former abode and went onto a platform called Blogger to create The Next Year of My Life – a blog to capture all the thoughts and events leading up to me getting married again, 365 days hence. Thus today also marks the 9th anniversary of my wedding to the late JD.

Never could I ever have imagined all that has happened to me in the 10 years since September 3, 2009. Here’s a listing of the highlights and links to my posts about them. And here’s an additional link to include my big news of 2019.

During the course of my 10 year journey to get here, I was often silent for large chunks of time (sorry, dear Bloggie!) due to what was happening to me in real life. But I never abandoned my blog completely and I hope I never get into another situation where I feel I can’t blog because I can’t write about what is actually going on or really bothering me. Or because I became the unwilling Mayor of Crazytown and no longer had a moment to myself. I am confident it will never happen to me again (cough*no more men*cough). 😉

When I first started blogging, I had no readers. I did not know how to get readers. I didn’t know if I even wanted readers. I just needed the outlet to get my thoughts and pictures out there, to keep a “journal” of sorts – that I could access from anywhere, anytime. And blogging fit the bill for me.

And the blog grew and changed as I grew and changed. I went from Blogger to WordPress.com, changed the name a few times (and imported the old posts into the new blog – easy peasey) until finally settling on The Widow Badass Blog and purchasing my own domain (www.widowbadass.com) and all that goes with that. I knew I was on to something when the young man at Bluehost exclaimed “What a cool name!” as I explained over the phone the domain I wanted. Funnily (and luckily) enough, it was available!

I’ve had a lot of thoughts about ye olde blogge over the past 10 years. At various points in time I admired very successful bloggers who make a living from their blogs, and have important and uplifting messages that they share on their platforms. For a hot second, I imagined joining their ranks. But then I remembered who I am, and I know I would quickly burn out/get bored/move on. I don’t think I could ever settle on one “niche” or “brand” for my blog. I’m a dabbler, not a digger remember?

The Widow Badass Blog suits me just fine. (I can imagine being the WB for ever and ever, amen.) In it, I can talk about anything that happens to be on my mind at the moment. And need not worry if I am deviating from my message, ‘cos I don’t have a single topic or message. I am a proud member of a vanishing tribe, the one that got me into blogging in the first place: the Eclectic Bloggers.

After JD passed away and I reclaimed/rebuilt my life, the ability and desire to post more regularly came back and I also began reading more blogs. I rekindled long held passions, such as hiking. A Google search on hiking the Bruce Trail led me to Joanne’s (now dormant) blog about that very thing, and to her current blog. Which led to us commenting on each others’ blogs and eventually meeting in person. And now we have gone on several adventures together, even heading to Newfoundland for a week this spring, to hike and explore! I think it is accurate to say that most of the current readers/bloggers I like to visit are also readers of Joanne’s blog and have gotten to know me through her. Thanks pal! 🙂

Joanne is not the only blogger that has become a real life friend. Karen H. (currently inactive), Donna, and Karen G. (currently inactive) are also friends I have met in real life as well as on the blogosphere, all thanks to reading and commenting on each other’s blogs.

Which leads me to the most valuable thing (for me) that has come out of 10 years of blogging: finding like-minded (and often far-flung) souls. Finding your “tribe” and building/contributing to a community. I think it’s harder to find and make friends in today’s world. Everyone is so busy and any idle time is spent with a face buried in a cell phone, instead of interacting with the people around you. I’m guilty of this myself, as I am usually reading a book on my phone, if I am waiting for anybody or thing when out. (I’m trying to be better and more present in the world, but when the book draws you in and you can’t put it down, well…I am only human, after all!)

Despite technology interfering with people interacting face-to-face, I don’t know of a better medium than this self-same technology in which to leisurely get to know someone and have them get to know you by reading and commenting on a personal blog. Real friendships can come out of this. And if the stars align and the geographical difficulties can be overcome, you may be lucky enough to enjoy a bloggers’ meetup, and get to meet your new friends in real life. What could be better than that?

This is the single best thing about blogging, for me.

So here’s to you old Bloggie, ye olde friend (and friend-gatherer) of mine! Looking forward to whatever/whomever the next 10 years of blogging badassery will bring into my life. Cheers!!!

Rock on,

The WB

87 thoughts on “A Decade of Blogging: Some Thoughts”

  1. Happy Anniversary! I agree, I’ve met some amazing people in the blog world, a few of which I’ve met in real life. But even those I’ve never met face to face have become good and supportive friends.

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  3. Happy 10th blog anniversary, Deb! That’s an impressive milestone. I’ve only been blogging for almost 3 years. I recently moved from Blogger to WP. I heard about your blog from Joanne (My Life Lived Full) when I met her in July. I’m going to Vancouver Island later this month. I hope to meet Donna (Retirement Reflections) and a few other bloggers while I’m there. So we have a few things in common, eh? I’d love to meet you and Joanne in Toronto this Fall if you’re interested in a meet-up. Cheers!

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  4. Happy Birthday Widow Badass (including your earlier iterations). It took me 10 years to find you but I am glad that I did. Looking forward to another 10. Totally cracked up at ‘Bluehost exclaimed “What a cool name!” as I explained over the phone the domain I wanted. Funnily (and luckily) enough, it was available!’ Hugs from Medellin

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  5. Happy blogiversary! I can’t believe you have been around 10 years (and me 8) and we just connected in the past several months. Maybe through Donna? I’ve found the best blogs through bloggers and like you, I can’t help but be eclectic. Maybe at this stage in life our attention span is shorter (oh look, squirrel!). Anyhow I look forward to another 10 for you! Celebrate!

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    1. Hehehe! Let’s hear it for short…yes, look at that squirrel! Through Donna or Joanne – I have lost track of how I came to find some people and vice versa because…squirrels! Thanks Kate!

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  6. I’m glad our paths crossed out here in ye olde blogosphere. I agree that it’s the sense of community that has kept me interested in blogging. It’s great to explain yourself, but in the end I blog because of the people who follow along with me on my journey. You gotta have friends. Happy Anniversary. Here’s to another decade 🥂

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  7. Happy 10th Anniversary! 🥂🍾 And three cheers for those of us who prefer to remain “nichefree” 😀 You’re right; one of the best things about blogging is the friendships that develop. Wishing you many more happy years in the Blogosphere.

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  8. Happy blogaversary! Ten years is quite a feat and you’ve done it by staying true to yourself and not selling your soul to the god of $$$. I’ve felt the same way, my blog is my voice and I don’t want to compromise that by writing to fit into something that’s not “me”. As for finding your tribe – that’s definitely by far the best thing blogging has done for me too – the like-minded, fabulous women I’ve met all over the world just makes my heart happy when I think about them. It’s been lovely following your journey for the last few years – and I’ll be excited to see how you go with your move into Donna’s turf next year 🙂 x

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  9. Jean R.

    Happy Anniversary! It’s really quite an accomplishment, isn’t it. A lot of blogs come and go and never come back.

    What is the cost and reasons why a person buys their own domain? And how do you find out about blogger meet-ups?

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    1. Hi Jean,

      I bought my own domain because I wanted to own my spot/content in the blogoverse, and not be subject/powerless to a platform that changed the rules or went defunct. I’ll have to look up the costs and maybe do a post on that…you have to pay for your domain, and a host, and you can pay for someone to design and maintain your site (I don’t hence ye olde blogge ain’t fancy).
      As to blogger meetups, they come about (in my experience) when one blogger mentions to another: hey I’m coming to your area soon; let’s get together! Then that blogger talks to her blogger friends, and so on. And so on. Like that 70s hair commercial 😁.
      Thanks Jean 💕

      Reply

  10. Ten years is a badass long time to blog. But how nice that you’ve met some good friends. I’m looking forward to reading your posts over the next ten years, if you decide to keep at it.

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  11. hilarymb

    Congratulations Deb – you have had a rocky and interesting ten years … it’s a long time keeping a blog going … but so well worth it – and you’ve set the reasons out … I’m very happily enamoured with the blogging fraternity … far and wide – always amazes me. So sensible to have a blog you can post what you feel like … makes it easier, or more difficult – depending on the subject. Here’s to many more – and to reading about your get togethers … cheers Hilary

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  13. Happy Blogaversary WB! I’m pretty sure I found you through Joanne and I’m glad I did. You have the kind of no-nonsense, straight shooter, direct approach to life that I appreciate in people these days.
    Here’s to at least 10 more years of Badass blogging – cheers 🙂

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  14. Happy Anniversary!! 10 years is quite an achievement. I will soon celebrate 5 years, so I know it is no mean feat to keep a blog going and growing for such a long time. Glad it has given you a place to be yourself and to meet like-minded people…

    Lieve

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  15. Happy anniversary. I’ve always thought of writing as “refined thinking” and it’s good that you have been able to think for yourself for 10 years. Most people never get to know what that’s like.

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  17. Happy anniversary! So many of us share the blogs we follow and people that follow us that I’ve completely lost track of how I was introduced to other bloggers. I’m another one of those “whatever strikes my fancy” bloggers and I find myself most attracted to that type of writing. There seems to be quite a few blogoversaries lately (my 6th is coming up) – I wonder if September is a month of new beginnings.

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    1. Thank you Janis! Gotta love us “whatever strikes our fancy” bloggers – it’s like meeting a friend for coffee around the kitchen table. So many of us are still into the habit of treating September like when we were in school (yours truly included) – as the actual start of the “new year”. My blog started as the countdown to my September 3rd, 2010 wedding, but if not for that, I might have started it then anyways because…September and new beginnings! As you stated.

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  18. Funny, I was just thinking today that I was going through Badass Withdrawal and voila! … there you are in my mail! Magic 🙂

    Congrats on surviving some pretty hair-raising years and maintaining a blogging presence and an amazing sense of humour throughout it all. Your badassery comes well-deserved!

    I’m thrilled to call you my friend and I hope – no, I expect – we will have many more adventures ahead – both bloggable and otherwise 😜 💕

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  19. Ten years is truly significant, Deb. Wow! Especially in your life. And, possibly if I reflect, in my life, too. A pivotal sentence for me is “the blog grew and changed as I grew and changed.” ooooohhhhh “the Eclectic Bloggers.” I think I may have found my niche.

    An interesting, genuine, relatable, thought-provoking post, as all of your posts are, Deb. I may have the privilege of meeting the Widow Badass if “the stars align and the geographical difficulties can be overcome.” Happy Anniversary!

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    1. Thank you Erica, for your kind words! I’m coming to the Island for the week of Thanksgiving Oct 12-20. Maybe we can connect. I’ll be at my daughter’s near the Nanaimo airport. 💕 I hope to meet up with Donna too.

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      1. Hi Deb, I would love to make it happen if it works with you. I am seeing Donna in about one week and we can discuss? Or emails and set up times that would work, especially for you, Deb, since your time is very limited. Out of cell range for part of this month, although, I will periodically go somewhere to check email.

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  23. Happy 10th blogiversary! I’ve been blogging about that timeframe but am now on my fifth blog. I kept getting tired of the niches and decided, like you, to become ecletic. 🙂

    Now that I recently found your blog, I look forward to another decade of reading!

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  24. First of all, congrats Deb on 10 years of blogging! It sounds like there have been a few ups & downs during that time period and yet, here you are! Like so many, I had no idea the gift that would come from blogging, the community of writers & readers who often become real friends through this process. Wishing you many more years of writing, I am light on that these days due to the “stuff” of life these past number of months. I have not given up hope in getting back to a somewhat regular writing schedule, in the meantime, I continue to read and connect with the bloggers I follow.

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  25. Definitely found you through Joanne and because of your kick-ass badass blog name. While I ventured into blogging with a tight focus (being an adoptive parent) as that topic ran dry (and my daughters grew annoyed at their lives being discussed) I became a random topic blogger, too. That’s what makes following you fun and keeps both of us going, I’m pretty sure. Congrats on 10 years! That’s impressive longevity!

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  26. Deb, As someone else pointed out… we all follow each other in “the tribe”, so I’m not sure who from/when I stumbled upon your blog. But you regularly inspire me and so, here I am, and a bit in awe of a 10 year anniversary. Please continue to be the inspiring, eclectic blogger you are… for another 10 years.

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  27. AJ Blythe

    Congrats on 10 years of blogging (and a bow down to your “easy peasy” merging of your posts – my old blogger posts are now long gone because I didn’t know I could).

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    1. Thank you AJ! And so sorry to hear that you lost your Blogger stuff. I can’t remember how exactly I did it – it was probably a WordPress plug in that did all the work for me.

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  29. Happy Blog-versary! Also, I can’t believe I missed your 60th birthday and your big announcements! Happy (very) belated birthday! And congrats on everything!

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  30. I no longer remember how I found what blog and who found me or vice versa. Not that it matters… What matters is the wonderful blogging community of women with strong interesting voices and the feeling that what we write is important and interesting enough that others will read it and even comment on it.

    I have been so moved by feedback and outpouring of kindness by fellow bloggers that yes I agree that this is the best thing to come out of our blog. The second best thing is that we have a journal of our lives and that is invaluable as without the blog, there would be the photos but no thoughts and feelings and words.

    We started our blog for family and friends, but now we have a new family online. A family of fellow bloggers. I’m not sure our family even read us anymore hahaha.

    Congrats on achieving this significant milestone!! Come and visit in Hoi An!!

    Peta

    Reply

    1. Thank you Peta! Yes, the digital journal with photos aspect cannot be overlooked – it’s what got me blogging in the first place. “Came for the journal; stayed for the community” kinda sums it up for me. Would love to meet you and Ben some day. Oh the conversations we would have! Thank you for the invite – I hope to be on your doorstep in the future. Likewise, if you are ever in my neighbourhood, I hope you come and visit 💕

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  33. Happy blogging anniversary! I’ve been at it off and on forever, too, but have never amassed as big a following as you have. I hope to change that, but social media is where most of the people I know who *used* to blog have gone. I like social media myself, but not as much as I enjoyed blogging back when everyone was doing it.

    And HOLY COW! you have so many followers/comments! I want to be you when I grow up.

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    1. Thank you Kim! For most of my 10 years almost nobody read my blog. It’s relatively recent for me, that I am getting so many comments. Participating in blogging challenges like A-Z and finding/commenting on blogs I like has helped grow this community for me.😁

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      1. Kim @ Storms and Stardust

        It’s a process for sure. I think if I just settled down and wrote for me, my people would eventually find me. But it’s kind of hard to do that. Participating in writing workshops and blogshops does help. I just mainly hate seeing everything go to social media.

        Kim

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  35. Hey Deb! Am I the last person to check in here and wish you and your blog “Happy Birthday?” Sorry about that! But congratulations on sticking with it for 10 years! WOW! I KNOW how much commitment that takes. But it sounds like you’ve found the perfect reason for continuing and isn’t that the most important thing? It doesn’t really matter why or how others are doing it as long as you have that. I so agree that having it as a forum to express ourselves any way we want is so very important…and while I don’t do it for the friends I’ve made…they are sort of the icing on the cake IMHO. Finding, making and then even getting together with those friends IRL is surely one of the greatest pleasures. And now that you will be (soon?) on the west coast maybe our paths will cross sometime soon. Looking forward to that and reading where life takes you in the next 10 years! ~Kathy

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  36. Nancy

    WOW Deb, 10 years…that is a milestone. And this newbie-not-yet-one-year blogger totally admires the persistence as well as the transformations. And the commitment to be true to yourself.
    I started MY blog as a way to help the retirement transition, but it has become more than that. It’s a creative outlet as well as a social one. I have a bunch of bloggers (WBA yourself included) who I consider my colleagues and friends. I’m envious of the in person meet-ups, but I do have faith those opportunities will come my way as well over time.
    I, like you, am finding my tribe. Only took me 61 years…birthday 9/15. Yikes. I’m f….in’ old!

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  37. Wow – 10 years! I’m happy you said you had ebbs/flows in posting – because that’s where I’m at right now. I’ve been away most of summer – but am feeling lured back in. My ‘departure’ wasn’t intentional but I’ve had other things taking my time and I’ve also been struggling with what to write about. Anyway – happy anniversary!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Janet 💕 I think the ebbs/flows have helped with my longevity. Rather than imposing a strict posting schedule on myself (and risking burnout/resentment), I post on a very organic schedule – when I feel like it AND have time. I encourage others to do the same. Some of my favourite bloggers have completely shut down and I think a big part of it is due to the very risks I mentioned.

      Reply

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