It’s seven years today since I started this blog. Over those years I’ve developed a style and process that suits me and satisfies my creative urge.
Generally I use alliterative titles, finish with a rhyming couplet, and post something most days. I write about my personal experiences, tending not to re-blog items written by others (although I’m thrilled when someone re-blogs my posts). Most posts include photos I’ve taken – my camera is an invaluable blog asset. I don’t write about anyone else unless I have their permission. If I say “we” did something the reader is often not told who is the rest of “we”. I don’t blog about my paid work, except as an aside. I have plenty of other places to write about work matters.
Once positive outcome of the earthquakes is that they’ve given me lots of material. They’ve also brought me new readers and commenters. WordPress tells me I now have 198 followers, although 86 of those are Facebook “Friends” and I’m not sure they all actually read the blog. At the moment my daily visitors average 73.
Seven years is a long time. According to Stanford School of Medicine every single cell in our skeleton is replaced every seven years. So from now on a completely new me will be writing this blog. I wonder if I’ll still be doing it in another seven years?
Heartfelt thanks to those who are regular readers and commenters. You inspire and encourage me in my creative expression.
“For seven years this blog and me
have kept each other company.”
Thank you Ruth. I love seeing your posts waiting to be opened in my inbox. It’s the first thing I read. You have shown me so many sights/art of our beautiful city that i would of sadly just driven past and not noticed if it wasn’t for your posts.
I may not comment often but I do read everytime.
Out of interest I just realised a couple of months ago that we used to work for the same company. I was a seasonal worker in the Lichfield St warehouse for a certain Mrs department store. Really had fun working up there with the other two girls.
Ness, it was lovely to get your comment – thank you – and to know that we both worked for Mrs Pope. I’ve come across a few other former colleagues from there recently, and regularly play Wordscraper on Facebook with one of them.
Dearest Ruth your blog keeps me in touch with you and Christchurch in a way I had not expected. I find I still need to talk or email you about other things such as Goddess workshops as they do not belong in such a blog. It has been a learning for me to be part of this. And for you, an early adopter of technology. Ka pai
You are doing a great job too. Well done
Nice to hear about the style behind the blog Ruth. Seven years is impressive, and it’s great that you were up and blogging already before the earthquakes occurred, and have been able to document this important piece of Christchurch history so consistently. I imagine that future historians will make good use of this blog.
I have only been reading your blog for a few weeks, but really enjoy it. Thank you.
Well done Ruth. It takes discipline to keep blogging. Keep up the good work:-)
Just an aside:… discovered we have the Mrs Pope store in common…worked there in the 70′s in the Cashel St store. My daughter has a baby all in one snuggle-sack with a hood that I knitted in blue angora wool bought there when I was 16 yrs old. She and my son wore it and now my 5 grandies have worn it too; it is in perfect condition!
Love your blog Ruth and look forward to it. I discover so many things I would never know were going on in our city. Thank you. x
Thank you, Carol, Fi, Juliet, Jenny, OG and Fantail. Getting comments is the most satisfying part of blogging.
Just to add my thanks to the rest – I’ve read your blog almost daily since the earthquake, and, as an ex-resident of Christchurch, find your account of the changing city compelling, hopeful and deeply saddening at times. Funnily enough, I used to live across the road from you for a while, and always admired your garden!
Dorothea, lovely to hear from you. As I’m writing the flats across the road are being demolished and the cottage is shaking as though it’s an earthquake. We can’t see the trees by the river for dust.
Hi Ruth. I have been really enjoying your blog, so much detail and depth. I found this post very helpful as I am just starting out blogging myself. It’s great to hear your experience of what has worked for you. Thank you.
Laura, thanks for visiting and commenting. I’m pleased to know you found my comments helpful,and wish you success and satisfaction with your blog.