Like many guys, I am not very good at remembering my own anniversary. In this case, though, I am not in trouble with a partner, because it is “only” the anniversary of my blog. Word Press informed me a couple of days ago that it has been 12 years since I started my blog. According to the Word Press stats, I have had 459,601 views and a total of 5,183 posts. Wow!
I am pretty sure that I never intended for the blog to become a part of my daily life for such a long period of time. Initially I thought that the blog would be merely a vehicle for showcasing the wildlife photos that I was increasingly taking. It quickly became clear, however, that I enjoyed expressing myself in my words as well as in my photos. Over the years, I have gotten accustomed to the routine of sitting down in front of the keyboard most days, picking a recent photo or a small group of them, and saying something about the images.
I have really appreciated the support and encouragement that I have received from so many readers over these last 12 years. My life has changed quite a bit over that time, but your support for the blog has been a steadying force for me. Thanks.
A special thanks goes to Cindy Dyer, my dear friend and photography mentor, who sat me down 12 years ago and walked me through the steps of starting this blog—she remains a muse for my photography and other artistic endeavors.
In case you are curious, I am attaching a copy of the photo of a Blue Dasher dragonfly that was featured in my very first blog posting on 7 July 2012. As you can see, I was already “hooked” on dragonflies back then.
As I get older—I will turn 70 in a few weeks—I have become increasingly aware that nothing in life is guaranteed. My hope, though, is that I will continue this blog indefinitely, sharing my photos and musings in almost daily posts. Enjoy the journey with me, dear friends.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Happy Anniversary, Mike. Your photos have helped me appreciate dragonflies in a new way. Keep up the good work!
Congrats, I enjoy your photos
Thanks, Brian.
👍🏻😊
Thanks, Louella. I don’t know if I have mentioned this before, but I smile every time that I see your name. My Mom’s middle name was Louella, and it is a fairly uncommon name, so the mere sight of your name reminds me of my Mom.
Yes, it’s very rare for me to meet someone with my name. 😊
Congratulations. Keep it going, Mike.
Thanks, Michael. I sure hope to be able to keep on going for another dozen years at least. 🙂
You’ re welcome. More and more 😁
Thank you so much, Mike, for your years of sharing these wonderful photos. Truely a salvation during the shut in days… and continues to be a joy!!
Sincerely,
Anne Williams
Maryland
Sent from my iPad
Thanks, Anne. Not everyone has the ability or will to go out into nature the way that I do, and I love to be able to bring the beauty and wonder of nature to others through my photos.
Hey Mike! Happy Blog Anniversary. I’ve been enjoying your posts for ages and learned a lot from them…
Thanks. As you have noticed, I can’t help but share some of the fascinating information that I come across when researching some of the subjects that I manage to photograph. I am by nature quite inquisitive and love to learn new things.
Congratulations on 12 years !!! That is awesome!
Thanks, Nina. It is hard to believe that it has been 12 years already. I think that sometimes routines become so ingrained that we forget how long we have been doing them.
Way to go, Mike. 🎉👏
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Thanks, Mitzy, for your encouraging words.
Yes, it is very rare for me to meet anyone with my name. 😊
Happy “blogiversary” Mike. 12 years is quite the accomplishment. I love your photos, and your comment about guys and anniversaries was spot on. Yesterday was our 30th anniversary. When I said “Happy Anniversary” to my husband yesterday morning, he replied “Oh. Is that today?” LOL
Congratulations, Mike! Twelve years is fantastic. Since I started my blog just a few years ago, I’ve followed a number of people who posted all the time at first, but dropped out pretty quickly. Twelve years is definitely something to celebrate! Hopefully, we’ll be seeing you lovely photos and hearing your insights into them for another twelve years.
Congratulations – wishing you many more years of active photography and publishing!
Thanks so much.
Congratulations
[…] try to follow my blogger friend Mike Powell at https://michaelqpowell.com/2024/07/09/blog-anniversary/ He is a dragonfly expert. His photography is most often amazing! Recently I was saddened to find […]
That is awesome. What a Wonderful Milestone.
Cheers to many many more accomplishments. 👍🏻🍻📣
Thanks, Willie.
Congratulations, Mike.
Thanks so much. It really is hard to believe I have been doing this blog for so long.
Happy anniversary Mike 🎉
Thanks, Mary.
Congratulations 😀your blog is exactly 9 years older than mine. I look forward to clocking 12 years too. 🌟🌟
Thanks. Best wishes that you will continue on your blogging journey for a long time.
Congratulations powell sir
Happy anniversary! And what a great image to have started off with. All the best for many, many more anniversaries to come.