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Thursday, November 14, 2019

So About What I Said Turns 11 Today. I Did a Blog Anniversary Shoot.

Blog Anniversary Shoot Blog Anniversary ShootYes, I know that I’m going to sound like a broken record yet again, but come on…ELEVEN YEARS?? How has it been that long?? How has So About What I Said existed on the internet for more than a decade?? I’m stunned, shocked and befuddled. And yet, more than anything, I want to celebrate this milestone!! That’s where this blog anniversary shoot comes in, friends…

My blog turns 11 today so I give you this…BLOG ANNIVERSARY SHOOT

People have photo shoots for weddings, engagements, births. Some even have them for their pets. I may not be married or have kids, but that doesn’t make my own milestone any less important, you know? Women are discouraged from tooting our own horn and being proud of our accomplishments, but I intend to CELEBRATE. I’ve worked hard for these 11 years and I’ve earned this pride and joy.

I love what Twitter user Danica said in this thread, which really gets to the core of how society views and treats women and what they think women’s sole role and purpose is…

I wish people were as excited and supportive about women’s career milestones, personal development, and travel journeys as they were about pregnancies and engagements.

Marraige [sic Marriage] and pregnancy are beautiful life events that should absolutely be celebrated, but I promise you, a woman’s sole purpose is not to be someone’s life partner and/or mother.

Stop reducing women to their marital or parental status. It’s belittling & insulting.

And when you think about it, my blog and I have had a relationship. A very meaningful one, I might add. My blog was there for me as I continued to grieve my father. My blog was their for me when I was severely depressed and could hardly write anything, let alone blog consistently. And my blog was there for me during the fun times — through all my pop culture rants and fashion obsessions and love–struck confusions!

Blog Anniversary ShootThis blog? It listened and never judged. It just let me be, well, me. And yes, I know I’m giving my blog human characteristics. I know it’s not real in the living sense. But so much of my life — my real, messy, complicated life — is in those 6,300+ posts, and that means a great deal to me.

As I wrote earlier this year in my essay for The Writer about being a blogger…

I wasn’t just carving out a career, was I? I mean, I may have started out with that goal in mind, but with each passing year, I could see my blog becoming about so much more than just my profession. It was a chronicle of the person I was and, in turn, the person I was becoming. Like peeling back each layer of an onion, I revealed a little more of myself each time I hit “publish.” It was sort of like getting to know myself all over again, seeing my life and my story unfold with each new post.

Indeed, it’s been quite the journey — or, as I’ve been saying lately “that was a time!” Thank you SO much for sticking with me these last 11 years, friends!! Some of you have been around since the beginning and that will never not blow my mind.

I’m so grateful to know you all and excited for what’s to come in year 12. This ride has been aces and I don’t intend to get off any time soon! Will you come with me?? xoxo

P.S. Big thanks to my wonderful Ms. Bear for taking the photos! Like a true businesswoman, she wanted a photo credit. I’ve taught her well.

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8 Comments Filed Under: behind the blog, birthday, Blog Anniversary

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Comments

  1. Linda Fitzgerald says

    Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 7:20 pm

    Congrats! 11 YEARS — that is a milestone for sure! You’ve shared and written some wonderful pieces! Thank you, Melissa! BTW: Great pics!

    Reply
  2. Melanie Reynolds says

    Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 9:23 pm

    Congratulations! You are eleven or twelve years ahead of me (and a whole lot younger…). I plan to start writing a blog next year \when I have more time to say what I have to say about aging, staying viable and visible, purposeful… so thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
    • Mary says

      Friday, November 15, 2019 at 10:57 am

      Congratulations Melissa! 11 years is an amazing accomplishment. You should b proud! I hope you spend the week celebrating. Thank you for sharing yourself with us, your perspective, your wisdom, your pain and also everyday life. It is truly valued.

      Reply
  3. Rebecca Feinstein says

    Friday, November 15, 2019 at 3:54 pm

    Congratulations on your blog-aversary!

    And may you have many more, just as insightful and happy.

    Reply
  4. Joyce Gonzalez says

    Friday, November 15, 2019 at 6:56 pm

    Congratulations!

    Reply
  5. Jeanne Antos says

    Monday, November 18, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Congratulations on being a role model for women journalists…
    Congratulations for sticking with your career with the ups and downs…
    Congratulations for being you, Melissa Blake and for your excellent writing…
    And a special Congratulations for standing up to bullies and being you. YOU are amazing!!

    Reply
  6. Terra Heck says

    Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 3:08 am

    Congrats on 11 years! I enjoy reading your blog and, you’re right, it’s definitely reason to celebrate.

    Reply
  7. martha says

    Monday, December 2, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    Congrats! Always so very well said. I have always enjoyed your writing and confidence to share what is on your mind. Even your catch page title says it all. Keep up the great work, I can’t wait to see what is next! Happy Holidays 🙂

    Reply

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So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...

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