Ten years ago on this date, I tentatively wrote my first post on this virtual ‘thing’ I thought was cool, but knew very little about. It was a very early version of Blogger and danged if I could figure out how to post words and a photo at the same time.
So I introduced myself and the blog. I hit ‘Post.’ Then, when I figured it out, I posted a photo on a separate post.
And that was the beginning of this blog. My husband was my biggest supporter, telling me every day leading up to that first post to ‘Stop talking about it and do it!” He’s still my biggest supporter, telling everyone we meet how wonderful my blog is, what a amazing group of readers I have (true, that) and that I’ve been published 3 times. I get embarrassed, but gosh darn it, I love that he’s proud of me and my blog.
What would I do without him?
In the beginning, I wrote about 3 times a week. Sometimes less. Sometimes more. About 7 years ago, I started to post every day. To be honest, those were tough times for us financially, and the impulse to post every day was to get more hits and, therefore, more ad income. But a funny thing happened. I grew to love the discipline of it, the challenge of finding something to write about every day, even on those days when the last thing I wanted to do was write. It was good for me. It became part of my morning ritual. Since then, I’ve missed very few posts and those I’ve missed have largely been due, sadly, to loss. My father-in-law. Riley. My mother. My father. Scout.
The intentions I had when I started the blog remain the same today: to share my life here in our little cottage in the country, to talk frankly about my passions, my fears, our ups and downs, to write about animals, about birds, about flowers and trees and butterflies and insects, about my work as a coach, about my husband, my family, books, reading, collecting, decorating, photography, handwork, and my passionate pleas for our democracy and kindness and tolerance and gun control and animal rights…I’m sure there’s more.
I’m at a good place with the blog and I’ve written about that fairly recently. It is what it is, and I don’t say that in anything but a happy and peaceful way. I’m done chasing something that I found I never really wanted. I don’t care about huge ‘numbers’ or anything like that. I have never been a niche blogger – I would be bored to tears writing about just one thing!
I am who I am and I like who I am. I like this blog. I like you.
Readers have come and gone. Some have been here a very long time, some less, and some are newer readers. Some left in a huff when I wrote bout the upcoming election and my fears about the Republican candidate. Those fears, and much worse, have come true. Anyway, everyone is free to come and go, to read or not read.
I’ll just keep speaking from my heart. It it’s controversial, so be it, thought to be honest, that happens rarely.
Ten years! Except for my freelance coaching work, which has been ongoing for over 30 years, I’ve never held a job that long. I worked in an office in Detroit for 7 years before I made the decision to change my life and go to grad school. I taught at Boston University for 5 years. I taught at the University of San Diego/Old Globe for 8 years. Blogging for 10 years? A miracle!
Back to you.
The friends I have made through this blog, the kindness of my readers, the times when life has been tough for me and you have responded in ways that made me cry and thank the heavens for your presence, the times you’ve made me laugh and the many times you’ve shared wise counsel? Priceless.
Thank you. The pleasure is all mine.
Happy Saturday.
Reading your wonderful blog is one of the daily pleasures of my life- even when the post is sad I feel like I am talking to a dear friend, and receiving wise counsel.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you
Siobhan x
Thank you so much, Siobhan.
Congratulations, Claudia! I like this blog, too.
Thank you, Sue.
10 years! I think I have been reading this almost the entire time. Your blog is the first one I read in the morning and if it is not up yet, I keep checking back! I don’t feel as though my day has started off properly until I read this!
The things I have learned from reading your blog are astounding! Art, gardening, cooking, music, books, politics, life in general. I have cried at your losses, cried at your happy events! That nephew of yours! He is the most adorable guy and is so very lucky to have an aunt, and uncle, like you guys!
And the adventures you have shared! I have looked forward to reading about each of them! From Route 66 to Broadway! I cannot even fathom how fantastic it must be to so blessed to take part in all of these!
I am so glad Don gave you the push to start this blog. It was a wonderful idea!
Here’s to 10 more years!
I’ve enjoyed your blog for along time I don’t always agree with you, but we all have different oppinions. I also love plants and have a lot of them, keep on posting.
Thanks, Joy!
Thank you so much, Debbie!
Happy blogaversary!! Here’s to another 10 great years ahead!
Thank you, Amy!
Happy Blog Anniversary!! I enjoy reading about you an Don and your lifestyle. I think of you a a virtual friend. Keep it up.
Thank you, Cindy!
Congratulations on 10 years. I love your blog I look forward to reading it everyday.
Thank you, Barbara!
Great accomplishment, Claudia!
Look forward everyday to reading your post🎉!
Thank you, Nancy!
What a nice post! I don’t comment often but you are the first blog I look for every morning. When I discovered you a few years ago I went back to the beginning and read all of your posts. Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! you inspire me to do more and to be a better person.
Thank you so much, Claudia!
Ten years? Time flies, eh? I haven’t been reading your blog for all 10 years…but at least 8 I think…..and then, it took a while for me to comment. I so enjoy your daily posts…your perspective on things…your sensible thinking. And you’ve introduced me and others I’m sure to the ins and outs of the theatrical world, which I find so fascinating. So…congrats! Here’s to many more years…let’s say 10 more, shall we?? ;)
Thank you, Donnamae!
Claudia, thank you for taking the time to share your life. You have an amazing talent. Thank you for being you & keeping it real.
Happy Anniversary!
Peace, Monica
Thank you, Monica!
Congrats on 10 years! I’m just a year behind you, but can’t say I’ve been very consistent the past couple of years. I seem to have a problem with discipline and routine. :)
Thank you, Tammy!
I love your blog and your decorating. My home has well loved things in it as well. I tell people who visit that everything is held together with spit and duck tape. I am so impressed with your doll house skill. Please go to apartment therapy.com today. They have a small blurb on Ikea doll house furniture and I thought of you and the modern doll house that you want to start. Also, the square to spare has you tube tutorials on making doll house goodies. I have a doll house, but haven’t done anything to it. I’ve had it since 1990. I live vicariously through yours.
I get such pleasure from the blog. I come home from work, get a cup of coffee, and sit down to visit you and Cozy Little House. Happy Blogiversary!
Ikea dollhouse furniture is too big – it isn’t the same scale as 1:12, sadly!
Thank you so much, Christine!
Happy Anniversary, Claudia. I so look forward to reading your blog every morning, in the same way I used to read my favorite columnist in the Denver Post years ago. It’s part of my morning routine, and I always look forward to what your topic will be! Keep writing!
Thank you so much, Karen!
Congratulations! I enjoy reading about you and your many interests. We have a lot in common. Here’s to your health and happiness, and 10 more years of blogging!
Thank you so much, Mary!
Congratulations on ten years Claudia! Yours is the first blog I read in the morning and on some days, when pressed for time, the only one. Thank you for sharing your life and opinions with us.
Thank you, AndreaJane!
Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to your blog, Claudia. I am so happy I found you. We are like minded on so many issues and I enjoy reading the words of someone I am simpatico with. Cheers to ten more years.
Thank you so much, Sandy!
happy 10 year mark … you have become a ‘daily fix’ … and the non-niche variety is always a good way to start my day- all good wishes-
barb in texas
Thank you, Barb!
Happy Anniversary, Claudia! I love your blog and check in every day. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Thank you, Judy!
Happy Tenth Anniversary! I’ve been peeking in most days for about 2 years now. I was on another site that referenced your blog and, after reading a few of your past posts, I was immediately hooked. We are both “of an age,” as they used to say and I share many of your opinions and interests so look forward to hearing what’s going in your life. Keep on keeping on, Claudia. You touch so many people online in so many good ways, you have no idea.
Kay
Thank you so much, Kay!
Congratulations on writing Mockingbird Hill Cottage for 10 years Claudia – always the first post read every morning. Sharing your life with your blogging friends every day is a lovely gift for all. Thank you.
Hugs.
Joy
Thank you so much, Joy!
Congratulations on 10 years Claudia! Your blog is an inspiring bright spot in my usually hectic day and I so enjoy it. I don’t comment often but please know I’m very appreciative of the work and time you put into your blog. Here’s to 10 more!! 🍷
Thank you, Cindy!
Happy Blog Anniversary, Claudia! Your blog is very special to me. I know that you write from the heart and I think of you guys as friends I’ve never met. The dogs drew me in, but you and Don kept me coming back. Hope your weekend is a good one.
Thank you so much, Shanna!
Congratulations! I have been following for a few years. My love of McCoy and miniature vases is thanks to you and your beautiful cottage. I love your photos of your cottage best, and I love hearing about your and Don’s careers–so out of anything that I have ever experienced. Here’s to ten more years!
Thank you, Laura!
10 years is a wonderful milestone. I enjoy your blog when it’s about your quiet days at home, as well as when you write about all your theater adventures. And when you mention Michigan of course. Congratulations!
Thank you so much, Vicki!
Here’s to many more years of blogging. You’re a good writer and a pleasure to read.
Thank you, Terri!
Congrats to you! I have read several blogs over the years but yours is the only one I still read religiously every single day. It’s like savoring a delicious piece of chocolate every day. Even when the topic is not a pleasant one, you write so passionately I read every word. Love all your beautiful photos too! I can’t wait to see your next miniature project.
Every day at work Margaritaville plays on the Muzak and I smile and picture that lost shaker of salt sitting on Stella.
Here’s to you, your beautiful blog and many more years of joy you bring to all of us!
Thank you so much, Kimberly!
ten years! the mind boggles!
congratulations dearest bean!
I was ‘given’ my blog as a gift by a dear blogging friend of mine.
it’s explained in my About page. how many people are gifted with a blog!
apparently my comments were so frequent and long winded he thought I should have
my own blog! LOL (so again now I have my own blog and my comments are still too long!)
I wrote for 5 years on it and then when the ‘election’ period started I found I couldn’t handle it.
on Feb 7th this year I woke and thought … I’m going back to the Peanut!
I’m not one to ponder things. I decide quickly. (not always a good thing!)
if you want to visit me there I would be delighted. like you… it’s not a niche blog.
for two years I found I missed it so much that now I’m back.
there is nothing to sell there. just an eclectic mess of thoughts and wonderful readers like yours. the friendships I’ve made are amazing. xo
http//peanutonthetable.com
I’ll make sure to stop by!
Thank you so much, Tammy!
What a lovely post. Happy 10th!
As for those niche blogs, they’re boring. I’ll take a true-you blog any day, even when it’s controversial. I’m occasionaly very opinionated on my blog, and I’ve received a few e-mails and comments telling me to stop putting my opinion out there, they only stop by to see the pictures and don’t want to hear an opposing view. LOL… well, in our own space, I think we get to do with it what we will, right? I think whatever our opinions, people like you and I try for -kind -above all other things, and that includes our political leanings.
Yes! It’s our little home and we call the shots!
Thanks so much, Karen.
Happy Blog Anniversary! I am a relatively new reader and I love reading about your corner of the world :) I live in Alberta, Canada but was born in New Jersey. I admire your sense of peace and contentment, it helps to remind me of all that is positive. Here’s to the next ten years!
Thank you so much, Carol!
Congratulations Claudia! Every morning I look forward to reading your blog. It is the only blog I read because it’s real and everything you write comes from the heart. It is nice to be with like-minded individuals. Thank you for always being there. xo
Thank you so much, April!
l like you, too.♥
Thank you, Beverly!
10 years! WOW and Congratulations. You posted the picture of your hanging lamp with the doily “shade” the other day, and I remember you making that. It was several years ago. As crazy as it seems, I feel like I have been through a lot with you over the years… the same as I have been through so much with friends I actually see frequently. And the virtual intertwines with the real ~ if that makes any sense?
Even though you don’t know it, we have coffee together every morning! I feel as though I have also come to “know” so many of those who comment on your posts as well. This new world is certainly interesting.
So, here is to many more years! I hope you already know how your “followers” feel about you. But, just in case you didn’t, the comments today must make your heart swell!! ♡
It makes a lot of sense, Chris.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations. I enjoy reading about your window on the world which is different from mine. Our view on politics is not different.
Thank you, Joyce!
I am looking forward to seeing the story about Don’s play on CBS Sunday Morning tomorrow.
Oh, thanks for reminding me, Joyce! I hope I’m not out shoveling the snow when it comes on!
Congratulations from your friend you’ve never met! I’m sure we’re related – ha. Look forward to reading your blog every day.
Thank you so much, Chris!
Happy Tenth Blogging Anniversary! I am a fairly new reader/follower of your blog. I enjoy it so much. It really is like a visit from a dear friend.
I don’t always agree but that is okay because people have different ideas and opinions concerning many things. That’s why it is so wonderful to live in a free country. I believe it takes all of us to make this ride we call life, work. You seem like a person who would be so easy to be around. I think your home is beautiful, love it! You and your husband have such a sweet relationship that brings a smile to my face as I read about it. You guys remind me of my husband and I. Well, this is a long way of saying, thank you for your blogs- you are a joy to visit with everyday.
Thank you so much, Robyn!
Congratulations on ten years. I love that you are true to who you are. It’s difficult these days. Keep writing, my friend. xo Laura
Thank you so very much, Laura!
Congratulations on ten years! I love reading your blog. You always make it interesting whether you’re on a job or just relaxing at home. I’ve never known anyone in theatre and your blogs give me a better understanding of that world. And definitely keep speaking from your heart.
Thank you, Mary!
Artistic,authentic,expansive and heartwarming. Give yourself a celebration dear Claudia!
Thank you so much, Grace!
Congratulations! May you have many more years of writing this beautiful blog.
Thank you for enriching my life in so many ways.
Wishing you the best everyday,
Kaye
Thank you so much, Kaye!
Congratulations on 10 years, Claudia!! I found you just before you began blogging daily … now you are part of my morning routine. You’ve introduced me to so many thoughts, things, and ideas, that have enriched my life in so many ways … and for that I thank you.
Thank you so much, Debbie!
What an accomplishment – congratulations & happy anniversary!!! Hope there will be many, many more. You are a talented writer and a wonderful person. I don’t often comment (hardly ever) but my whole family & I adore your blog and I am always inspired by you & Don.
Thank you for all that you do and all that you are <3
Thank you, Karen!
Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. Although I don’t comment often, I have been following your blog for a number of years. I look forward to reading your blog each day. Thank you for opening your home and lives to us.
Thank you so much, Denise!
Happy Anniversary! I am kinda new to your blog – and now I start my day with you:)
I appreciate all of your efforts to produce such a heart felt blog (never did like the word ‘blog’!)
It’s so fun to read about the behind the scenes of show business folk and the thrill of an antique stove – plus the coziness of your treasured home. I also think it’s touching the way you feel about your husband .
Love it all – best wishes to you and your family!
“Blog” is not the most attractive word, is it?
Thanks so much, Karen.
Claudia, each day I look forward to reading your post. I am a loyal reader since the beginning though I only began commenting about 6 years ago. Congratulations on your blogversary!
Thank you very much, Carolyn Marie!
I’ll add my congratulations also! I enjoy reading your posts. I hope you continue the blog for at least another 10 years!
Thank you, Carol!
congratulations, claudia … ten years of blogging nearly every day is quite an accomplishment!
and it is a treat and a gift for me to read your blog (first and often the only one i get to each day)! what you share from your heart touches my heart … the sad news and the celebrations, the everyday things like home and the new-to-me world of theatrical work, the political and the pups … all of it.
thank you for taking time to learn what you had to in order to start a blog, to write such sweet, sensitive and sensible words and to post beautiful photos, to open up your heart, home and life for us.
xo
kathy in iowa
Thank you so much, Kathy!
No Claudia, the pleasure is ours’. Thank you for 10 years of blogging. I wasn’t there when you started, in fact, I don’t think I even had a computer then. I do enjoy hearing about all your travels and adventures. You and Don seem so ‘together’ it’s heart warming. Take care, Blessings.
Thank you so much, Lesley!
Congratulations Claudia!
Forget now how I even stumbled across your blog, but l look forward to reading it every day. Long may you run 😀
Thank you, Deborah!
Congratulations, Claudia. I read plenty of “niche” blogs on needlework and sewing, but I love that you touch on so many subjects. I try to comment on every post, but sometimes there isn’t anything more to add, as your cadre of supportive readers had said it all. Thank you for making my day complete. You make me think, feel, and try to be a better person. Much love and hugs.
Thank you so much, Wendy!
Congratulations and thank you. I look forward to reading your blog every day. It is almost like getting a personal letter. I am glad you still enjoy it too.
Thanks, old friend! xo
I, like so many others look forward to reading your blog each day. It is amazing to me how you can feel such a connection to someone you have never met in person. You have a wonderful way with words and the ability to say what so many of us are thinking. I appreciate all you share and many days you motivate me to look at my own day differently. Here’s to many more years of your wonderful blog!
Thank you so much, Janet!
Congratulations Claudia! 10 years is a big achievement! I can’t remember how many years it’s been since I started following your blog, but my day isn’t the same if I don’t get my Mockingbird Hill Cottage fix! I’ve come to feel like we are ‘real’ friends also. Your heart is open to us all and you share so much with us. Your way with words enables you to often say what I feel! Don’t stop as long as you enjoy writing! Hugs!
Thank you dear friend!
Hi Claudia, it takes a lot to put a little bit of yourself out there in a blog, but I think it is also the coolest thing to look back at our blogs and remember all that had taken place. Some of it makes us smile and some of it makes us cry, but it’s a magical place to be able to visit and revisit, don’t you think?
Congratulations! xxoo
It’s like a journal that reminds me of where I’ve been! I understand.
Thank you so much, Ann Marie!
Congratulations on your milestone and thank you for your activism and inspiration!
Thank you so much, Eve!
Congratulations on your 10 years of blogging. I look forward to reading your blog each day. It is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable blogs that I read. May you have many more years of blogging.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn!
I rarely comment, but I always enjoy a little look into your life, Claudia, and appreciate your thoughtful comments and opinions. I think that those who know you well and can call you a friend are fortunate, indeed. Happy Anniversary on your blog and best wishes to both you and Don.
Thank you so much, Karen!
Congratulations on 10 years of blogging Claudia and cheers to many more to come.
Thank you, Jan!
Congratulations, Claudia, and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your life with us. I check every day first chance I get to see what you have to say. Your photos and your sincere, heartfelt writing is so appreciated in this age of the “spin”. Thanks for your honesty – keep up the great work!
Thank you so much, Ellen!
Claudia, reading your blog every day for the past few years inspired me to start my own blog. Thank you! I have always loved to write and have kept journals for more than 40 years. So far I’ve posted an original short story, my personal reflections and current event pieces for more than 100 days in a row. It challenges me in the best way. Thank you, thank you for showing me how wonderful blogging can be. You have been a blessing to us, your readers!
Good for you, Janie!
Thank you so much!
Congratulations! I look forward to hearing from you every day.
Thank you, Kathy!
Another beautifully written post! It’s such a pleasure to read it every day – so glad to see that all your readers let you know how much we look forward to it! Congratulations on your anniversary!
Thank you so much, Janis!
Thank you for inviting us into your head, your home, your work, your past and your present. Hope to be with you well into the future. I feel like you are a dear friend I look forward to visiting every day, even though we have never met. I have certainly enjoyed getting to know you!
Thank you so much, Barbara!
Many heartfelt congrats, Claudia, on your 10th anniversary. What an accomplishment! Yours is the ONLY daily blog I read [since Fall 2013]. I found after a few weeks I wasn’t looking around any longer for anything else, because I thoroughly enjoyed yours so much. The coziest, homiest, warmest & welcomest spot on the web, if I may say. I consider you the best friend I ever had that I never met – LOL! Here’s wishing you MANY MANY more happy healthy years of blogging, reading, sewing, working, gardening, miniaturing, baking etc ahead! Peace, my friend. ❤️
#Resist
#ProtectMueller
Oh you are so sweet, Janet. Thank you so much!
This is so nice to read! I’m glad that you are in a contented place. Congratulations on 10 years!
Thank you so much, Jodie!
Dear, Sweet Claudia…I think you know by now how I feel about you and Don…I never tire of hearing whatever the two of you are up to….The thing I want to thank you for the most is the compassion and understanding that you show when I talk about my son and his mental issues…I don’t know if I could ever explain to you how much it means to me…Thank you for all that you give freely from your heart….You and Don are such good people…
Oh, Nancy, I’m sending you and your son a big hug! Thank you.
Congratulations on 10 years and all the best for the next 10 years. :-) Regula
Thank you, Regula!
I too am so glad I found your blog! Having a peak into your world (and Don’s!) is a lovely part of my day.
Thank you so much, Elle!
Happy Blog Anniversary! I’ve loved your blog since I first discovered it, and it became a sanctuary for me during and after the election. I live in the deepest red of counties in a deep red state. Your blog and your readers were part of my needed wider community.
I’m happy that this a safe place, Linda. Thank you!
BBC news are reporting that Joe Biden seriously considering making a run in 2020- perhaps he reads your blog and wants to celebrate your anniversary too?
#anyonebutTrump
Siobhan
He just might!! Thank you, Siobhan! (I’d vote for him in a second!)
There’s not much I can add to all these sweet comments. I too look forward to your blog every day. I’ve learned about so many new things from you (the theatre, miniatures, living in the country/working in the city, your travels, great little bookstores). Thank you for enlightening and encouraging us day after day. Best wishes for more blogging adventures, and to you and Don for many lovely years together.
Thank you so much, Roneta!
I love your blog Claudia, because it is not a niche it is just you.
Thank you so very much, Christine!
Happy Anniversary! So many times I have been reading your blog laughing out loud, sometimes crying. And do you know what: Every Autumn when I’m raking and raking and raking leaves and using a tarpaulin to gather them I’m thinking of you Very Fondly Indeed, because I got this useful tip from your blog!
Oh good! So glad it works for you – the “Tarp Method of Leaf Raking!” Thank you, Leena.
Just had to tell you!! I just saw Don on a segment of CBS Sunday Morning! Once while sitting and going over the script, and then during a curtain call (he was wearing an eye patch). I feel like I’ve seen a celebrity I know!
And, I do enjoy reading your blog!
So glad you saw him. Thank you, SarahBeth!
On KIRO 201 in Seattle this morning an interview with Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville was featured for several minutes including the live stage – wow such energy and excitement!
Joy
It’s a fun show, Joy. Glad you saw it!
So glad you did,and for sharing your lovely home with us
Thank you, Donna!
Congratulations on 10 years…I have enjoyed reading your life for 8 of those year,….Smiles Dottie
Thank you so much, Dottie!
Belated congrats; you know of course that I love your blog and I try really hard to visit most days, seeing what interesting thing you have of the day. I’ve read that any good writer writes every day, and you’re a really, really good writer, Claudia, so keep that ‘pencil’ sharpened and write on! Sent with thanks and admiration…we readers are the lucky ones!
Thank you so much, Vicki!