Celebrating 500 with a Tribute to YOU
It has to be good...
NO, it has to be excellent!
It must be significant.
It should be touching.
It needs to be just right.
This is what went through my mind ALL day yesterday. This is what went through my mind while I attempted to determine what was going to be worthy of being my 500th post. However, that worthy post eluded me yesterday, and I sat brain dead and just starting at the compose post screen.
Then, at midnight, while half asleep, my brain decided to go into high-gear and composed a most magnificent post. Unfortunately, I was too dang tired to get up and create the post. Therefore, of course, that post has now been lost out there in dreamland. Well, the post I devised in my sleep has been lost, but the idea of the post, the meaning of the post, the whole concept and reason for the post... Ahhhh, I still have that. So... here it is...
The number of posts which have appeared on this blog is completely insignificant when compared to the reasons for those posts. The reasons for those posts are you, my friends. I have gained so many friends throughout the world, and I am thankful beyond expression. When I began blogging, I never could have imagined what I would gain and find here in the Blogosphere. I never imagined that I would have friends, whom I had never met in person or, some of whom I don't even know their real names, yet, would do anything in my power to be there for them if they were in need.
So, my friends, this 500th post is a tribute to some of the greatest people I have ever had the chance to get to know.
The Lawn Mower Queen
One of my very dearest friends. I am so lucky that when I married my husband, I got the blessing of calling you, LMK, your mom, brother, and dad my family. Your friendship means more to me than I can possibly put into words, which is probably a good thing, because I know you aren't big on 'all the mushy stuff'. Thanks for convincing me to join the blogging world!
Bear
Ahhh, my fellow-nature-and-critter-loving friend, who is just as obsessed with nature photography as I. Who would have know that a simple question in my Flickr mailbox would evolve into such a very special friendship. I am thankful for that friendship, for your patient answers to my questions, for your explanations, and for the laughs you provide (not to mention the hundreds of critters you have identified for me hehe).
Stacey
Jen
D...
Bubba's Sis
I group the four of you together, because well, that's just the way it should be! You were four of the first friends I found in the Blogosphere, and I have come to know and love you and your families beyond words. Stacey always lifts me up with her faith and the love she so generously showers on everyone (and she always makes me giggle). Jen/Gi, your stories are amazing and your sense of humor is outstanding and refreshing. D and B/S, I love you both separately as individuals, but even more, I love and admire the friendship you share with each other. You are both fantastically talented and unbelievably fun!
You are four beautiful women, inside and out.
Skittles
a.k.a. Barb. Wow - where do I begin? When I first found your blog, I was inspired. Your blog had posts that provided everything - fun, humor, entertainment, insight, emotions. It's all there. The first time you ever commented on my blog, I felt like I had just shook hands with a celebrity ;-) I mean, Skittles, she's famous! Now, I find myself saying thanks in my prayers every night for having been given the opportunity to develop this friendship with you. You have become one of my best friends. I will always be there to offer my friendship and support to you (and to try to convince Mike to let me play with his R/C cars *grin*). You have given me support, encouragement, laughs, understanding, compassion, and love. I can't begin to say what you mean to me.
Autumn
Ahhhh, my emotional-twin. If I had a dime for each time we thought along similar lines, I'd have that camera for sure! At first, I was always surprised at how often we thought alike. Now, I just laugh and say "We're doing it again!"
And, your poetry... the words and feelings you write... You are amazingly talented, and your words always touch me and reach out and grab a hold of my emotions.
Tammy
Where do I begin? Never ever in a million years would I have guessed that I would consider someone whom I have never met in person to be one of the best friends I have ever had. Never would I have guessed that I would do anything within my power if I knew this person needed me. I can only believe that our friendship was intended. There is no other explanation for it. I love you with all my heart, and our friendship is one of the most special gifts I have ever been blessed with. Now that I have met you, I don't know what I would do without you. (Besides, you are the craziest, corniest, moronic cashew I have ever met hehe)
Jolene
She no longer blogs, but she is a great person. I had the opportunity to talk to her on the phone recently, and she is loads of fun to talk to, and I wish her the best in life.
Bridget
Where'd you go, my friend? I miss you and your blog! One of the most inspiring people I have ever met. I don't know how she gets everything done that she does. She is amazing, loving, and inspiring.
Janice
I am often grateful for your ability to put into words the hard-truth of the matter, and also throw some witty sarcasm in for good measure. You have made me laugh out loud, smile, nod my head in agreement, and cry. You are an absolutely fantastic person, and I thank you for your friendship.
Bradley
A wonderful friend and person, with one of the most special families ever! Bradley, the Beautiful Wife, Bradley's Mom, and Sammy (my sweet, precious, adorable, and famous Sammy)... I love this whole family. Besides, if I don't get at least a weekly fix of Sammy-adorableness, I start shaking and going into withdrawals! I'm serious - that boy's adorableness is totally addicting!
Sanni
Another one of my greatest and most special friends! I would have never guessed that one of the people I hold closest to my heart (and one of my most special doggy-friends) would reside in Germany! You are absolutely gorgeous, my friend, inside and outside *grin*. I thank you for all of your help, all of your kind words of support and encouragement, and, most importantly, this fabulous and fun friendship! You are an absolute doll. I love you.
David
One of my role models, and, always, an inspiration to me. Your talents are outstanding, and your blog and posts give me the inspiration and encouragement to keep reaching for my goals. You are also a fantastic friend, and I thank you.
Linda
Your relationship with your daughters is so very special. You have a wonderful talent for writing, and I thank you for your friendship and support.
Rachel
Inspirational, beautiful, and loving - those words describe you.
Holly
A great person and mother, with an absolutely adorable son.
Ann
Ahhh, another one of my role models and inspirations. You are an amazing friend and person, Ann. I thank you for everything.
Sandee
Your blog always brings a smile to my face (and often makes me choke on my beverage *grin*). You are a fabulous person and a great friend.
Christy
A great person and writer, with wonderful determination and spirit. Thank you for your friendship.
Smalltown RN
A fantastic, caring, and intelligent person, who is also a very special friend.
BeccA
Your faith is inspiring and heart-warming. I thank you for taking the time to help me when I've needed it, and for the encouragement and friendship you have given me.
Anna
An amazing person, with wonderful talent and skill. You are a great friend, and I am so thankful I met you!
Vic
Your posts always teach me something, touch my heart, and make me smile. You truly are a one-of-a-kind and very special friend.
Carrie
A great mom and special person who is energetic and puts 110% into everything.
Terri
I still think we should go on a photo shoot together, although we'd probably spend too much time talking and laughing and too little time taking photos. Hey, we'd have an absolute blast though!
Travis
A spectacular person, who puts up with my going on and on about my precious Cleveland Indians. You rock, Trav!
Akelamalu
A truly considerate person and friend with a giant, generous heart. You touch so many people with your loving spirit. We are all lucky to know you.
Mimi
Your blogiting (blog + writing) talent is beyond compare. Your post are fun, thought-provoking, and sincere. You are inspirational and amazing.
Dottie
A very special person, whom I am so thankful to have met. You're a sweetheart, and I love you, my friend.
Cathy
You have fantastic writing talent, and I'm always excited when I see a new post. Sometimes, the similarities in our lives are very uncanny, but it is also so encouraging to know that someone else has the same experiences and feelings and is able to relate. Your posts always bring out so many emotions for me, whether I'm laughing out loud or shedding tears.
Siani
A talented writer and photographer who isn't afraid to say what's on her mind. You're a great person, and I thank you for all your support.
Kasey
I SO want to grab my camera and come hang out at your place! I want to meet all your wildlife friends and sit with you in your office, chatting and watching the birds at your feeders.
Chica
You say you don't deserve the title "photographer", but your awesome talent proves otherwise. Not only are you a fantastic photographer, you have a spectacular spirit and personality. When I think of you, I think 'she's one awesome Chica' ;-)
CrazyCath
I just recently discovered your blog, and I am SO thankful I did. You are also fantastically talented, as both a writer and a photographer. Your "Losing Me" post is one of the greatest posts I have ever read. I look forward to a long friendship with you.
John-Michael
Knowing you has made me a better person. Your generous and loving spirit and heart are beyond compare. You are proof that there is still good and love in this world. What more can I say than - I love you John-Michael.
Colin
You help and are good to my Tammy, and that makes you A-OK in my book (besides, you have a fantastic sense of humor and always make me laugh).
Vi's Biggest Fan
We've had many similar experiences in our lives, and it helps to know that someone else understands. You are beautiful, refreshing, and fun. You also have an amazing drawing ability. I'm so glad I met you!
Stacey (Real World Mom)
You are an absolute sweetheart through and through. Thank you for all your kind and encouraging comments. Now - get over there and give Maddie lots of smooches and belly rubs for me!
Sandy
An amazing and inspirational person, whose blog always brings a smile to my face. You and I certainly need that giant ranch where all our animal friends could feel safe and loved and never be turned away. Thank you for sharing your friendship. Thank you also for sponsoring the fun contests and for treating me with such special prizes!
Robyn
An awesome mother and great person. Your family is beautiful, as so are you.
JD
An awesomely talented writer. You're a great person, and I am thankful to have met you, and grateful to you for sharing your writing and friendship with me.
More of my friends with fabulous blogs:
Pepper
Marcus
Stine
Bee
The Gal Herself
Maggie
Katherine
The Teach
Juliana
silverneurotic
Jen (This and That)
baldwinsgirl
Laurie
I am grateful for all of you. All I can say is "Thank you".
So, that, my friends, is my 500th post.
