Blogging! Let’s Try This!!!
So I am going to try this whole blog thing so that I can chronicle my life for you all. Of course that is going to take all of about 2 seconds but I thought with our exciting trip coming up it would be a good way to journal all of our exciting adventures. Let me know what you think!
And that, my friends, was the start of my blogging career. On March 15, 2008 those were the words that graced my first blog post.
The rest, as they say, is history.
A whopping 201 views, 1 comment that was merely a pingback from when I wrote my 1000th blog post and a lot of words later here we are in 2018. A lot of words.
2,909 posts.
46,188 comments.
3 name changes.
Multiple looks.
Hundreds, no thousands of friends made because of blogging.
Best name in the world suggested by the most supportive husband in the world. It’s Just Life.
To those of you who have stuck with me throughout it all I thank you.
From every Teapot Tuesday to Chrisims post.
From each Comments for a Cause that has raised money for worthy charities to each devotional.
From Wordless Wednesdays to What’s On My Camera Roll.
From endless travel posts to Grandma Bonnie’s recipes.
They are all written from the heart and for your entertainment and enjoyment.
Writing has always been a part of me. From those first poems of angst that I penned as a teenager looking for love and experiencing life I have always found a way to express myself with the words I write.
I may not always be eloquent or write with the best grammar and punctuation but what I do do is write authentically. What you read on It’s Just Life is me. Sometimes raw and emotional. Sometimes frivolous and goofy. But always me. Because I am all of those things.
Thank you, dear ones, for supporting me. For your golden comments. For your love of all the things I share even if they aren’t the most revolutionary ideas. You mean the world to me.
Whether we have met in real life or remain simply “imaginary friends” online I am grateful for each and every one of you. To celebrate my 10th year of blogging I am doing a simple giveaway of a $50 Amazon gift card. This should allow my international friends to enter as well.
To enter just click on the Rafflecopter giveaway and answer the question there in the comments section. The giveaway will run from March 19, 2018 to March 26, 2018 and the winner will be announced on the blog after that. You have to enter through the Rafflecopter link to qualify for the giveaway. It’s easy and they randomly pick the winner. It also means a 50 cent donation to our Comments for a Cause recipient – Georgia Options, Inc.
Thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart – you are the inspiration for It’s Just Life. Feel free to share with your friends. All are welcome here.
108 Comments
Leave a commentCongrats! So proud of you and so delighted to call you friend! Love you and thankful for all of the lives you have touched through this blog!
Back at you, friend. I am so glad you are along on this ride called It’s Just Life with me! Love you!
BethAnn, your words today inspire me more than ever. You are consistent and you do this because you love it. That shines through for sure.
Congrats on 10 years of sharing Life. ❤️
Aw. That is so sweet, Betsy. I am blessed. Beyond words. It is unexpected words like yours that make me continue to share here and I am so glad that folks find something here on It’s Just Life that makes them want to come back. Thank you for the bottom of my heart.
10 years of blogging!! That is amazing and so are you, congratulations!! This is worth celebrating. I am so glad we met, through an adorable armidillo no less. Also glad to call you a dear friend. I´ved loved all your posts and look forward to more to come. xo
Yes! Andy the Armadillo brought us together! What a lovely way to meet! I have loved getting to know you over the years and love being able to share your beautiful writing and books with my friends as well!
OK so I´m not great at following instructions. I would pick any animal rescue centre for comments for a cause. xo
Perfect idea! Thanks!
“It’s just life
Can’t say its wrong can’t say its right
But i know that I’m living this thing called life….”
Happy 10th year anniversary! A milestone for sure. You’ve brought a lot of joy and a lot of smiles to a lot of people. Including me.You’ve make a difference!
♥~
Thanks, Katybeth! You are too kind. I have made some amazing connections through this blogging thing and friends like you are at the top of the list!
Congratulations. You’ve brought laughter, words to ponder and occasionally, dark thoughts. But always you come through as a friend. Thanks for being my friend in the blogosphere. And a cause? How about Breast Cancer? Many of our blogging friends are survivors.
Thanks so much, Judith. I have loved being able to meet so many amazing people through this platform. And I love your suggestion. I did highlight that before but maybe it is time to do it again. Thanks!
Happy Happy 10th blogging anniversary. Lots of love to you and for all of your comments for a cause and posts that make our days brighter.
Thanks so much Jeni. You have been on a lot of those blogging adventures with me and it has been fun. We need a road trip, don’t we?
10 years and almost three thousand posts! And many many charities! Fantastic! Thanks for the Guveaway. And I have a question – what were the name changes?
Thanks, Jena. Let’s see—I repeated two charities twice and have been doing it since April 2011 so that would be……81???? That is a lot, isn’t it?? Wow. AS for names–one was Beth Ann’s Musings and I honestly can not remember the other name. Lame, huh?
And here’s my charity- you do a great job choosing your charities. Any small 501 c3 charity needs help! One of support is The Singing Angels in Cleveland Ohio. Thanks
Oh great idea! Will be looking it up! Thanks!
I am grateful that we connected through blogging! Your words inspire me and challenge me to be a better writer, as you truly are a better writer than myself. Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! I look forward to more Tea pot Tuesdays and all of the stories that will come our way from your love of life!
Thank you, my friend! It has opened up a fun world for me and has channeled my creativity ! So grateful to have met you and love how your life is exploding!!!!
I love all of your inspirational post.
Congratulations and to many more years of blogging .
Thanks so much, Laura! I love that we became friends through blogging!
I am among those blessed to become a real-life friend. That is the best part of blogging, this connecting with wonderful, beautiful souls. Like you. I consider you a dear friend. You’re right in that the Beth Ann presented on this blog is the authentic you– kind, compassionate, caring, funny, loving and much more. Keep blogging and happy anniversary! (Note I used an exclamation mark.)
Thanks so much, Audrey. Your words mean a lot to me but your friendship is what I cherish the most. Thanks for being one of my most loyal and supportive readers!
Love you!
Congratulations! And here is to another 10 years.
Thanks so much, Judy! Make sure you enter the giveaway!
A decade of fun and insights and beautiful teapots. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms when I entered the blogging world in 2011. So happy I’m one of those who were able to meet you in person! Hope to see you this summer when we are up in NC. xoxo
I hope we are able to meet up this summer as well! I will make a trip to wherever you are !!!! Thanks for your support over the years and for your positivity that you put out into the blogging community as well!
Wow! So amazing and congratulations! You’re the best! My pick for the next Comments for a Cause would be OneVision (formerly Handicap Village in Clear Lake)! I love what they do for our “locals’!
Thanks, Katy! Love your idea for a Comment for a Cause—I will be looking it up!
congratulations! I’m glad the cosmos led me to your blog and look forward to hearing your continued adventures!
Thanks so much, Josh! I love how bloggers all get together and unite and support one another. You have been quite the inspiration to me !
Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! What an awesome milestone. I’m so happy that we have met and become friends. Thank you for inspiring me to do Comments for a Cause on my own blog!
Thanks, Val! I have so much respect for you and for how you live your life and have always been inspired by you as well. Thank you for supporting me and for doing Comments for a Cause on your own blog. Share the love!
Mental health
Gwendolyn, Thanks so much for that idea! Mental health resources are so very important and sometimes overlooked. Thanks for your idea!
Congrats on 10 years! I’m so glad that I have been able to call you friend (and Mom!) through out your journey. One of the causes I’ve been volunteering with is Youth for Christ so that would be a great one!
Oh that is a GREAT one! Thanks for the suggestion! Thanks for being such a great friend and for being such an inspiration!
Congrats. I am new. Perhaps animal shelter or food bank
Calvin, Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment! Animal shelters and food banks are both great ideas! ThankS!
I have loved following along and can’t believe it’s been 10 years – that’s quite a feat! Happy Monday, my friend!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for the congrats! I have to admit I can’t believe it has been 10 years!
I’m new to your site, found you on Twitter. I would like to give you a big congratulations as ten years is nothing to bat an eye at! My Comments for a Cause idea is for a group that does mission work in impoverished countries.
Jeffrey, Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. I love your idea of mission work in impoverished countries—we can never give to those enough.
10 years. Quite the accomplishment. My Comments for a Cause would be one of the organizations that works to rescue those who are enslaved.
Alana, Thank you so much for stopping by and what a great idea for a cause. “We” think it does not exist in our modern world but that is far from the truth. Thank you!
Congrats on 10 years.
Thank you, Sandy, for taking the time to stop by! I appreciate it!
Congratulations! How about Young Life, Upper Valley in New Hampshire? It’s a charity I support (and specifically the one in NH) because my dear departed nephew, Justin, was involved with it & supported it during his short life. https://www.younglife.org
I’m not sure I did that Rafflecopter thing right!
Young Life is another great cause! Thanks! And you did the Rafflecopter thing right–your entry shows up and you actually left a comment like you were supposed to. I have to eliminate a bunch of entries because they didn’t leave a comment. Too bad. So sad. 🙂 Thanks, Marci!
You’re welcome!
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I would choose a cause that furthers educational resources, especially in providing children with up-to-date technology.
Linda, Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. Your idea is a great one–our kids do need up to date technology and educational opportunities. Thanks!
Congrats on 10 years! I love comments for a cause and would recommend cookies for kids with cancer as a great cause!
Thanks for stopping by, Carlee, and for your idea of a cause. I am always looking for great new ones.
10 years!! Woo-hoo! Congrats on such a great accomplishment! I’m blessed to have connected with you; I always enjoy your posts so much and your Comments for a Cause is a great way to give back. My suggestion for another charity would be The Center for Women right there in your town I think. Website: http://brevardwomenscenter.com/
Keep on lighting up our blogging world, Beth Ann! <3
Thanks so much! You are the best! I am always so inspired by our writing and love your outlook on everything. Thanks so much for your support over the years and for your encouragement. You are the best!
I would love for you to donate to your local food pantry. All food pantries have a special place in my heart!
I love that idea and Sharing House has been one of the recipients locally as well as Feeding America nationally. It is always good to revisit those! Thanks, Ally!
Congrats! I would say any animal rescue cause.
Thanks for stopping by, Melanie! Love animal rescue!!!
Wow, Beth Ann, that inspired me so very much! You are so genuine and consistent in your writing…I am encouraged to keep going! As for a Comment for a Cause idea, my work in postsecondary education, perhaps starting a scholarship for a low income high school? I’m always searching for ways to get high school students to reach farther! ~ Lynn
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words! Love your idea for a scholarship and I have given locally through our own Connestee Falls Scholarship fund which benefits students locally. I love the underserved idea so will look into that and see what there is locally! Thanks!
Congrats to 10 years!
Thanks, Alana!
ANY local animal rescue <3
Thanks for the suggestion!
I would choose an animal rescue/sanctuary cause; thanks for the chance 🙂
Thanks, Lisa, for stopping by! I love animal rescue places as well and have supported a couple on here but will always look for mere places! Thanks!
I would pick any cause to cure cancer.
Thanks for stopping by, Nicole. Your idea for a cause is a one I need to revisit again and support . Such a great idea!
[…] Don’t forget to click here to enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card in honor of my 10 year blogg… […]
Congratulations. Causes help mental health are needed.
Thank you for stopping by! Great suggestion for our comments for a Cause!
Happy Happy 10th blogging anniversary. And would like to see anything that would help with special needs animal shelters like the Blind Cat rescue etc.
I would pick a kidney disease foundation.
Tracie, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave suggestion! Kidney disease is a huge thing and a great suggestion . Thanks!
I would choose a local animal rescue.
Thanks, Erin!!! That is a great suggestion!
Congratulations on ten awesome years. You’re a great writer and a dear “imaginary” friend ❤️
Hey Diane, Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate you and think you are an amazing writer as well!
Congratulations on the 10 years 🙂 I would love to see help and recognize ANIMAL RESCUERS!!! We need to recognize these wonderful people 🙂
Debbie–Thanks so much! Animal rescuers is a great suggestion! Thanks for stopping by!
I would pick childhood cancer for comments for a cause!
Thanks, Laura! A great cause!
awesome
Heather–do you have a cause you would like to suggest?
CHOC (children’s hospital Orange County CA)
Andrea, Thanks so much! That would be a great cause as well!
I think anti bullying would be a great one
Amy–thanks so much! That is an amazing cause! Thanks so much!
I’d love it if you’d consider Postpartum Support International. Or any postpartum mental health organization. Come to think of it, I should borrow your format and do it myself. <3
Great idea, Andrea! Putting it on the List!!!! Thanks for taking the time to stop by!!!
10 Years!! Wow what an accomplishment.. I love anything do with self love and empowering oneself
Thanks, Alice. That is definitely not one that I have thought of so will look into what non profits there are that focus on that. Thanks again!
Congrats on your amazing achievement. 10 years is a big deal.
Thanks Molly.
Congratulations on ten years! That’s so impressive. Have you ever touched on the big brother and big sister program? I think it’s so important for kids to have someone to talk to and to do fun things with them. My cousin has been a big sister for many years and loves it. Our family has donated to help her get Christmas presents and stuff for her little.
Thanks for stopping by, Kim. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great suggestion! I have not highlighted them yet and will add them to the list. Thanks so much!
Congratulations on 10 years of blogging – that’s an incredible milestone! 😀 My Comments for A Cause suggestion would be Healing TREE (Trauma Resources, Education, & Empowerment). Their website states that they are “transforming how society responds to abuse and interpersonal trauma,” and I really appreciate what they are striving to do!
https://healingtreenonprofit.org/
Thanks so much! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a great suggestion for a Comments for a Cause. I have not heard of this one and will definitely be checking it out.
Comment with a cause I would pick St. Jude’s Hospital they do so much for the kids and their families
Thanks so much for your comment and your suggestion. That is another great one.
I would give to helping hands.
Thanks, Jenny. I will look that one up!
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