Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Big One

One year ago, today, I started writing Under A Paper Moon, and, looking back, part of me can't believe it's already been a year, while another part feels as though it's been much longer. Life is the same and very different too.

Mark Burstyn

One year ago, E and I were in the midst of a major life transition (admittedly, a transition we are still making.) At the end of E's second deployment and as his mandated time of active duty service was drawing to a close, we made the difficult decision to trade our military life for a civilian one.

A lot of life, for me, was spent looking ahead during that time. "When, when, when" chorused through my head often. When E gets home. When we figure out what is next. When we get settled again.

Writing a blog, where I could share my love of all aspects of design, revolved around one of those whens; I imagined once we were finally settled into the next chapter of our lives, I would begin writing, as I'd imagined doing almost since the first day I discovered the world of blogs.

I started planning for the moment that "when" would arrive. I contemplated names. Content. Features. I felt I needed everything to be thoroughly mapped out, to know each step I'd take, and the direction where I'd steer my blog before I began writing.

E's job search took longer than we'd anticipated, and, as life seemed even less certain, suddenly, I found myself faced with the realization that I needed to do something for me in the present.

Not "when," but now.

Life wasn't settled as I'd imagined it would be, nor did I have a completely clear picture of the road map for my blog. But, with E's encouragement, I simply began.

Although, this summer, I've been looking forward to this anniversary at the "end of August," today arrived with less fanfare than I'd planned, mostly because as life continues to whiz by, this first anniversary arrived much sooner than I expected!

Now, here I am, one year to the day and 245 posts since my very first one, and I'm feeling rather unprepared.

There is so much I couldn't have anticipated on Day 1, not least of all, the people I would meet through blogging. Whether we've met in real life or only talked through emails and comments, I've encountered so many warm, kind, and talented people since starting my blog and that has surely been the biggest unexpected joy of this whole experience.

I've been lucky to have support and encouragement from my family, especially E who has listened to all the ups and downs I've encountered while navigating this path, and for them, I am truly grateful.

I am also extremely grateful to all of you who, in a very busy world, carve out time to read, comment and share bits of yourself with me here; thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you'll join me as I venture into the second year of Under A Paper Moon.

30 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Blogiversary! I am so happy to call you a friend. Wishing you many more inspiring posts!

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

Here's to Numero Uno!

I am beyond thankful to have found your blog and enjoy spending time 'under a paper moon'!

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday dear Courtney! What a pleasure it's been to get to know you.

xo

Treacy said...

Congrats Court! It is surely an accomplishment to be proud of. I always look forward to your posts. Thank you for taking time to share all your thoughts and ideas. xo

pixelimpress said...

congratulations courtney! i came in kinda late in the year. i love your posts. always look forward to them. you find the most gorgeous photos. and they're accompanied by thoughtful words. here's to year 2! pam

La Maison Fou said...

Happy One Year! And to many many more!
Leslie

Apt. #34 said...

Congrats darling. Love considering you a blogger friend!

gracemejin said...

happy anniversary! i am so happy i found you!!

Tina { Luphia Loves... } said...

congrats on the big one year anniversary!! here's too many more :)
xx

vicki archer said...

Huge congratulations and I echo your sentiments entirely - we share a first blogging birthday. May the second year be as rewarding as the last, xv.

Jayne said...

1 year old! How wonderful. Well, you can rest assured that you have created a special blog which is obviously loved and adored by many and which my blogging world would not be the same without. Huge hurrah to you! x Jayne

Brown Button Trading said...

Happy First Birthday Beautiful! - it has been one of my blogging highlights to have 'met you' Courtney, so thank you for "Under the paper moon", heres to many more years I say! xx

evencleveland said...

Many happy returns of the day!

AK said...

hi! I just discovered your blog searching for seafoam and gold, and I saw your beautiful pictures! We share the love for this faboulous colour!!Have a look at my blog, I think we have a lot in common!! HUGS from AK in Norway!

Courtney said...

I'm so very happy you took that leap a year ago! You and your blog are so very inspirational and I love your fresh approach to everything you do. Congrats Courtney and I look forward to many more years reading your wonderful words!

Meg said...

Happy Anniversary Courtney!!! I'm so glad we've met, in real life through our blogs!!! Congratulations! Here's to another great year of beautiful photographs and inspiration!!!

Jane Flanagan said...

Happy blog birthday!

I'm trying to give up on whening. There's always something to wait for. But there's always way more that's already come to pass.

Look forward to the next year of posts!

Jane
xx

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Congrats on the milestone! Can't wait to see what is in store for the next year! : )

Blair Friedeman said...

Happy one year anniversary!!! I hit the one year mark at the end of June and had all these plans too and then didn't even wind up mentioning it:)

bluehydrangea said...

Happy Birthday..can't wait to see what's next in year two.

Haven and Home said...

Congratulations!!! Happy Blog Birthday. What a great post, I was nodding as I was reading just knowing exactly how you felt. Love your blog and I am glad we met in this crazy blog world!

Eric said...

So behind the times on this but as I said at dinner, Congratulations and here's to many more wonderful years of this! -- E and the Boys

abigail said...

happy anniversary!

Kalee said...

Congrats! You have absolutely delightful blog and I am thrilled to have found you. Keep up the good work!

alissa said...

its seriously only been one year? it does seem much longer - like i feel like ive known you longer than that!
well congrats:) i love hearing the story behind why you started it

Pink Wallpaper said...

happy one year anniversary!!

Alice said...

Congratulations! I love what you have done with Under a Paper Moon and am looking forward to what you have in store for this year!

Brooke @ Blueprint Bliss said...

Love your blog. And love this post.

Alicia said...

From one night owl to another Happy Anniversary. While everything may not be in place it will get there. As I 've gotten older I've realized our time table doesn't match God, fate whatever you believe in but being imaptient I do understand the whens & wheres.
I guess the best thing is that E is home & not having the military ifs hanging over your head each moment of the day is something I'm willing to celebrate with you. For that I'll dance & hope no wife will endure that much longer.

Alaina Missbach said...

Hey Courtney! I'm totally inspired...love this post and I love your blog. Congratulations on your success, but I have to say I'm not the least bit surprised. :) Thanks for your encouragement of me, too. Can't wait to see what the future holds for us! Give our love to E and the boys.