Fifteen years ago today, I typed the first post on this blog.
Man.
I just wrote that sentence out and I can hardly believe it.
Fifteen years! That’s so wild.
30-year-old me in July of 2008
When I started this blog, I had no idea I’d still be writing here a decade and a half later. I also seriously had no idea about some of the twists and turns my life would take.
2023 me, with a guest appearance by Chiquita 😉
As I think about that, my heart is just so filled with thankfulness! I often say that I am so thankful to 2008 Kristen for giving this blogging thing a try.
2008 Kristen could never have known it, but this blog was, in many ways, a ticket to freedom.
It would have been possible to leave my marriage without it, of course (people do this all the time), but the income from my blog has made it so, so much easier than it would have been otherwise.
I really didn’t start my blog with the idea that it would one day support me (I had no idea I’d need it for that!), but here we are. I am so very grateful that I can get paid to do something that I love and that is meaningful.
While I’m grateful that blogging pays my bills, I am especially grateful that I still get joy out of it. Even though I’ve been writing here for 15 years, I still love what I do!
I still have ideas for posts.
I still love the process of putting words and pictures together.
I still am super happy if I get a quiet day where I can write a bunch of posts.
I still love the community here.
I still love hearing from you guys; the encouraging feedback from you all is what makes this work meaningful to me. I know that this place (both my post and the community here) has made a difference in your lives, and that’s what keeps me going!
Also: you all have been such an encouragement and blessing to me over this last year and a half since I left my marriage. Some of you have helped me in very practical ways, and so many of you have faithfully cheered me on in this process of building a new life.
I was telling a friend the other day that I often think, “Where would I be without my blog, and all the people here?” You have enriched my life in so many ways, and I am so glad you choose to be here. 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
_______________
P.S. Top two posts of all time here:
and
P.P.S. I know it’s my country’s birthday today, but on this website, the blog birthday is what gets the attention. 😉
Kate
Wednesday 12th of July 2023
I remember that too. Though that also takes me all the way back to knowing you back on 20ish.
Kristen
Wednesday 12th of July 2023
Oh yes, our message board time together in the early days of the internet! I have always felt grateful for the six years or so of time on message boards prior to blogging; I think those experiences helped shape me in ways that set me up for the blogging world.
Andrea M
Saturday 8th of July 2023
Congratulations and many thanks for continuing your blog for 15 years! I think I started reading shortly after you started writing. I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve always been a lurker and this may be my first time posting! But I feel like I’ve gotten to know you and your regular posters. During the ups and downs of life, your blog and Katy’s are the two I always read. Thank you! Maybe now I’ll finally start posting occasionally.
Jamie S.
Friday 7th of July 2023
Congratulations on 15 years of successful blogging! I read faithfully (for at least the last 10-12 years!), but don't often comment. I am very grateful for your blog--I came for the frugal tips, but I've stayed because of you! I truly admire your positive outlook, generous spirit, and commitment to being a good human being. Thank you for the time and energy you put out there for your readers!
EngineerMom
Thursday 6th of July 2023
So crazy!
My eldest just turned 15, and I discovered your blog sometime during his first year. :)
I’m glad you had this resource in your back pocket when you needed it, and I’m so grateful for all your kind words and lovely pictures over the years!
Martha
Thursday 6th of July 2023
Kristen, I’m so glad you love writing and doing photography for your blog. Congratulations for reaching the milestone of 15 years. Your helpful tips, words of encouragement, and transparency in sharing some of your struggles and challenges , all work together to make your blog a lifeline to your readers. Thank you for taking time to write. Your words give hope!