I should probably be able to remember my own anniversary, but I am a guy. Therefore I was caught a bit by surprise yesterday evening when WordPress notified me that it was the fourth anniversary of the start of my blog. Where has the time gone?
Blogging has become part of my daily life since I first started. I never suspected that I would get such joy and satisfaction from exploring my creativity in words and in photos and from sharing that journey with the wonderful folks that I have encountered through the blog. Thanks to all of you for your support, encouragement, and helpful tips. I sometimes like to say that I write this blog primarily for me, but I know that is not entirely true—I write it for all of you too. My photography mentor, Cindy Dyer, deserves special thanks. She helped me to start the blog and has been a continuous source of inspiration for me.
WordPress statistics indicate that I have made 2030 postings (which includes a dozen or more repostings of posts written by friends) and have had 110749 views from well over 100 countries. Statistics are only a relative measure of success and I know that my best postings and my best photos are not necessarily the ones that have had the most views.
Over the past four years my skill and my confidence with my camera have grown. I now consider myself a photographer, albeit not a professional. My interests have expanded and my winters are now spent chasing birds, something I never imagined that I would find interesting. My fascination with dragonflies has remained constant and I have learned a lot about them. I think it is altogether appropriate to reprise today the short text and photo from my first posting
Text of my first posting in WordPress on July 7, 2012:
I photographed this Blue Dasher dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis) at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens this morning.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Congrats on the milestone Mike 🙂
Thanks, Dan.
Congratulations Mike! Your work and work ethic are an inspiration, thanks for sharing all of your wonderful photos every day
Thanks, Rob. I love shooting and sharing and continue to enjoy the amazing world that photography has opened up to me.
Well done Mike. 4 years eh? Who’d a thunk it! That said I think I’m coming up for that milestone as well 🙂
Congratulations in advance. In our little world of bloggers, we both may qualify as graybeards (literally in my case).
And in mine! 🙂
Happy Blog Anniversary, Mike!
Thanks, Laura. It’s a nice milestone and is a testament to my perseverance more than anything else.
Congratulations on the milestone.
Thanks, Victor. Persistence is one of my strongest traits and i think that it has helped to reach this milestone and to push on.
Congratulations Mike! 4 years is quite a milestone. It is amazing to see the progression in our skills, and a lot of it comes from having a regular rhythm that ‘forces’ you to get out there. Keep going! I am following – albeit 2 years behind.
Thanks, Chris. I totally agree that there is no substitute for shooting regularly. I know really well the capabilities and limitations of my equipment and keep trying to improve my skills (and upgrade some of the gear). Best wishes to you too as you seek out new subjects on land, at sea, and under the water.
Thank you Mike😊 Like you I keep practising and learning.
Talk about all out there! That’s a gorgeous picture, and it’s your first No where to go but up!
Thanks, Sally. Four years later, that dragonfly shot is still one of my favorites.
Congratulations. Four years is quite an achievement. I’m sorry I didn’t find you sooner, but I’m glad I found you. I’m looking forward to a great deal more enjoyment, and a lot of learning!
Thanks. I’ve learned a lot about the wildlife in my area by following it closely these last few years. I haven’t studied it systematically, but instead have learned via osmosis as I seek to identify the subjects that I have photographed.
How very cool! Congrats Mike — keep ’em coming!
Carol
Thanks, Carol. I think I’m pretty well addicted to taking photos and making blog entries, so it’s a pretty safe bet that more photos will be coming your way.
Happy Anniversary! Keep chasing those Dragonflies! I enjoy seeing them.
Thanks. I’ll keep chasing the dragonflies and any other creature that walks, crawls, or flies in front of my lens.
Congrats, here is to 4 more years of an excellent photo blog. 🙂
Thanks, Ed. I’ve filled up 71% of my free WordPress space, so I figure I’ll have to decide if I want to buy more space or what in a couple more years.
Love the detail!
Thanks, Carol. Even after four years, this photo is one of my favorites.