Life Enrichment!

This Blog was launched in October 2014 and, like most (if not all) of you fellow Bloggers, my mind drifts back around anniversary time and generally reprocesses the events from then until now. I have looked at my list of Followers and there are quite a few that still comment after being with me for virtually the whole life of this Blog! What wonderful thoughts that simple fact generates. It means that not only am I doing something right(!) but, more importantly, a sharing of thoughts, concepts and perspectives has repeatedly taken place which has certainly enriched my life and, I hope, yours!

A number of aspects of my Blog’s history stand out to me. One is that my largest number of active Followers are in the US. Thank you so much “guys”! I know that Donald Trump is not a representative sample of a US citizen! You continually prove that.

Perhaps my biggest surprise was the amount of interest from India and, quite noticeably, the education level of thoseΒ  individuals. I am impressed!

The fact that so many countries are represented on a regular basis is really awesome and I thank you all for becoming a part of my life, and my life has changed as a result. I would love to mention names but, being afraid of overlooking somebody, I am going to generalize some thoughts about you “guys”.

Since October 2014, I have “met” so many poets who are writing about subjects that I can relate to. I have “met” quite a few individuals who have poured their hearts out for the world to see.

I have been exposed to in depth articles on plants, photography and (of course) pets of many species. I have been entertained by service dogs, and learned so much about Pitbulls and Goldens. I have experienced the heartbreak of many of you as a pet passes on to its next life, and have also shared the excitement of a new puppy or rescued dog moving into your home.

There are philosophers out there who always write interesting and thought provoking Posts and, while I cannot always agree with certain perspectives, I can always present alternative or additional views and I like to think that we all continue on our respective paths with a little broader knowledge base. I am constantly reading “life messages” and find most of them quite inspiring and are vital. Our perceived predominantly negative world needs as much positive reinforcement as we can publish!

The beauty of a world-wide Following is that I not only learn about different cultural perspectives, but have often been able to discuss same in detail with certain individuals. Educationally, it is invaluable!

A number of you are generally around my age (no secrets, I will be 70 in a few days!) and the potential for nostalgia is very inviting. How many of you can remember the late 50’s/60’s “pop songs”? I know some of you can because you have shared music and events of those times!

Finally, the proverbial “icing on the cake” from my perspective, a number of you have emailed me for a variety of reasons, and this has resulted in a few “long distance friendships” which is absolutely wonderful.Β  Again, you have shared your challenges, your frustrations and your emotional turmoil as well as your interests and progress down life’s road. I would like to think that not only have I gained so much insight into your lives, but that you in turn have gained additional perspectives which hopefully would be beneficial to you.

I recently received a book from a Follower in the US entitled “You’re Only Old Once! (A Book for Obsolete Children)” by Dr. Seuss. The book arrived as a total surprise, and simply confirms how wonderful Blogging can be!

Thank you so much everybody. The past 2 years have been very special… because of you all!

65 thoughts on “Life Enrichment!”

  3. Big congrats on your blogaversary. Those of us south of your border continue to work hard to counter the negative perception of a certain presidential candidate. I think I can safely say all of us are richer for you and Ray being in the blog neighborhood and look forward to future tales and tails. Well done, Colin. πŸ˜‰

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  6. The blogging community offers so much, doesn’t it? Sometimes it feels like a big extended family! Congratulations on your 2-year milestone! I love your blog and it is one of only a handful that I try to make time for every day.

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    • Well thank you Jill for those kind words. One advantage of age is the ability to write about many things and to be totally honest, as “approval” is not a factor any more! It has been a pleasure having you along “for the ride”, and I sincerely hope that I can hold your interest for another 12 months! πŸ™‚

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      • I agree! I am 65 and, as you have seen, I write what I wish, state my opinions without reserve. I dance in the rain in the parking lot of Kroger, singing in my off-key voice! Old age has some downsides, but also some fun, if you let yourself! And I am sure that I will continue to enjoy your blog — I have fallen in love with Ray! πŸ™‚

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  7. Happy anniversary and happy, happy birthday! The dog-blog community is very special, isn’t it? Kona and I enjoy following your tales about Ray, reading your poems and hearing all of your thoughts and ponderings. Cheers to you and to Ray – keep on writing! ~ Wags and woofs, Kona and Lori

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  8. Congrats on the 2 year anniversary of your blog. Your posts are entertaining and can be thought provoking as well. This is a lovely post about the joy of blogging. When thinking about my experience with bloggingj a quote comes to my mind., “Always expect the unexpected”, I can say that one thing that was definitely unexpected was the wonderful friendships that I have made!
    Happy Birthday my friend! Keep writing! You may be turning 70, but yo will always stay young at heart.
    As the saying goes, “You don’t stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing!” Colin, no matter the number, you will never grow old πŸ™‚

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  9. Congratulations on your 2nd Blog anniversary πŸ™‚ Such a well-written post Colin; you’ve expressed so well what the WP community is all about. Here’s to many more years πŸ™‚
    (And you don’t look anywhere near 70!)

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  10. I have no idea for how long I am following you, Colin, but it feels like forever and forever is wonderful! So often I try to describe the magic of blogging. You described it so wonderfully in all the aspects of the different things we share and therefore give to each other, this continuous inspiration, telling about us, learning about others, and connecting in great conversations and even emails (thank you at this point for yours and for sharing your inputs and music with me). Happy 2nd blogversary and many more to come, Colin!

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  11. Happy Blog Anniversary Colin, and of course a very Happy Birthday for your forthcoming 70th. Wow.
    I hope carol continues to make good progress and hugs and treats by proxy for Ray. I’m glad to be one of your followers.

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  13. 70 … 🍻 🍰🍸🎢. I have so enjoyed being able to share some of the journey with you. I like your humour. I appreciate your honesty. I love the fact that you’re 5 years older than me. πŸ˜€πŸ•πŸŽ»πŸŽΈπŸŽΌπŸŽΉπŸŽ΅πŸŽΆπŸŽ·πŸŽΊ
    All the very best and here’s to the future.
    Chris.

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  14. I feel the same way you do. When people ask what I do, the first thing I say is that I write a blog. For a non-blogger it may sound silly but it’s work, keeps my mind active and most of all, I get to meet awesome people. I love my daily dose of Ray even though I’m a cat person.

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  16. Happy Anniversary, Colin. It’s been fun to read of your “adventures” and to hear your thoughts on what’s ever on my mind on a particular day.
    You’re right about this community. It’s the one thing that’s really taken me by surprise. I never expected to meet such interesting and caring people.
    Here’s to many more years of shared stories.
    Congratulations!

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        • Strange? Is it? Perhaps it is because we do not have all the physical “messaging” that guides us. Would I talk to that 24 year old female Indian University student walking towards me? Probably not. Would I talk to that 50 year old man dressed in a white suit and wearing a Trilby hat? Probably not. How about that 18 year old looking over a bridge rail and clearly deep in thought? That one I might………. but regardless of our perceived “open mindedness”, we are still responding to outward appearance and circumstances unless we consciously work against it. Interesting thoughts to ponder! πŸ™‚

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