It didn’t occur to me when I started this blog three years ago (THREE YEARS, WOO!) that every year, I’d have two posts back to back about birthdays. I was newly returned home after attending the Taos Toolbox writers’ workshop, and I was rearing to start this new project I had in mind: a blog called the Practical Free Spirit, about…well, I wasn’t really sure what it would be about. Mostly I was sure that I was excited to give it a try.
Since that time, I have written three hundred twenty-three posts. This one you’re reading right now is number three hundred twenty-four. If you multiply that number by ten, you’ll have some idea of how many comments have gone through this site. (Arithmetic! It is surprisingly fun!)
What did I do on my blog’s birthday? I went to a fancy tea! (Technically it was to celebrate MY birthday, but I won’t tell the blog if you won’t.)
I have written about a variety of subjects, many of which I never would have guessed I’d ever write about when I started the blog. I’ve written about things I didn’t want to write about, and I haven’t written about things I did want to write about. I’ve tried to strike a balance that is personal but not too personal, which, as it turns out, requires a fair amount of skill. I’ve also tried to keep things mixed up enough to stay interesting. (I’ve succeeded in keeping myself interested, in any case, which is critical for this blog continuing to exist, so I’m going to call that a win.)
This blog has thoroughly woven itself into the rhythms of my days. If it’s a Monday or a Wednesday, I’m writing an essay. If it’s a Tuesday or Thursday, I’m telling you all that I wrote it. If it’s a Friday, I’m wondering what in the world I’m going to write about next week. And then I start the process over again.
Anyone who reads this blog eventually learns how much I love it. That love has changed over the years, but it hasn’t faded. Sometimes it is a difficult love: when I don’t know what to write about, or when I’m feeling pressed for time, or when I don’t express myself as well as I hoped I would. And sometimes it is a dazzling love: when I get feedback by comment or email or conversation that something I said resonated or helped somebody, when I get to talk about subjects I think are very important, when I get to create art.
Thank you for coming along for the ride. I can’t wait to see what the blog has in store for us in the next year.
The Practical Free Spirit 
Happy blog and Amy birthdays! I love reading, even if I don’t post comments all the time. =)
Thank you, my friend!
Happy Blogaversary. It’s a great achievement and landmark
I can’t believe it’s really been three years. 🙂
Happy birthday.
Thank you!
I remember talking to you last week about reading your blog from the very very beginning (because I actually hadn’t done so yet). Today, I plopped myself down on the sofa in the 93 degree heat, the fans blasting onto me, and rewound your blog back to the very first post. After a brief break for evening walk, dinner and a shower, I am now completely caught up. You’ve given me a lot to think about (I’ve bookmarked a bunch of posts that I want to go back and reread and think about) and it’s given me a chance to enjoy your short stories all over again!
Happy Anniversary to your blog!!! ❤
Best blog birthday present ever. Thank you. 🙂
That is surprisingly young, considering how solid this blog is! I started mine in the summer of 2008, and it’s only very recently started to find its voice =)
I’ve loved watching your blog grow and develop over time. It keeps getting better and better! Plus your book recommendations rock.