So, if everything worked out for my site designer, Deanna, during the night, you are seeing this blog not on my former Blogger sites but on my new site that I have been dreaming about for more than two years now.
What do you think of Peace Garden Passage so far?
It’s been a long and interesting road. When my children’s books came out in 2005, I set up my very first website. It just seemed like the thing to do. I didn’t know yet about blogging, but in a way, that first site was like a blog. I managed it, and updated it quite a bit. I was blogging but just didn’t know it.
Eventually, I switched to a different site when I set up my communications business, Beauclair Communications, but it was a service that disbanded after a couple years. Since then, I’ve been stalled. I didn’t know if I wanted to invest in a brand-new site. Well, I wanted to, but I wanted to make sure I was using my resources wisely. Was it worth the investment?
I’d also started blogging several years before. My first blog coincided with my first newspaper column. I was interested in blogging, but also interested in making a living from my profession. When the column transpired, I felt like I would need a place for all the random thoughts that didn’t make it into a column. From there, Peace Garden Mama was born!
This was my very first post! I used the quote from Mother Teresa to begin: “How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers.” I still love that quote. I have it on a bumper sticker on my van. My post title? “A Vase Full.”
There were no photos that first run, but I remember where I was at — Barnes and Noble — when I set it up. Since then, my blog has become a very visual place. Photos keep me focused and clear, and, I think they’re just plain fun. Even just one can bring life to a post.
It’s hard to believe now. January 30, 2008. It doesn’t seem possible. I was such a newbie, and still am next to the pros. But it’s been a good fit for me. I’m grateful to live in the blogging age and to have a chance to process and share through this means.
Peace Garden Passage…the idea behind that was to have a way to bring everything together — my two blogs, Peace Garden Mama and Peace Garden Writer, which evolved from the former — as well as all my book stuff and social media tabs. I wanted to streamline things and make it simpler for people to find my work, all in one meeting place. I like the feeling of many pieces of my life coming together in one spot.
It’s not finished yet, though. Still a work in progress. I hope you’ll bear with Deanna and I through the changes, and celebrate with us. She’s in California, and I’m in North Dakota, and it’s amazing what we can accomplish together from afar. I’m looking forward, with her help, to making Peace Garden Passages a place that you’ll hopefully enjoy returning to whenever you need a little refreshment.
Thanks to those of you who have been faithful readers, and those who are new, and those who come by when you can. I appreciate you all!
Q4U: What do you like most of all about Peace Garden Passage so far?
I love it! It’s about time. Really. The old way was clunky. And, of course, leaving comments is way better. It looks spiffy and professional. Very fun. Well worth the investment. See you tomorrow!
Play off the Page
Mary, I’m so glad you’re pleased with it. Yes, I had reasons for waiting, but those reasons finally expired. Thanks for your patience. You had the hardest time connecting I think after you blog changed. We’ll be more in sync now!