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100 Posts, Benjamin Disraeli, Blog, Blogging, Blogging Lessons, Chris Garrett, Darren Rowse, Ed Sheeran, Feedback, Nike, ProBlogger, Rita Mae Brown, Starting a blog, Sydney, Thank You, Wordpress
I began ‘This Sydney Life’, my ‘starter blog‘ on 2 February. That’s almost four months ago now. Today is my 100th post. It’s a bit of a milestone for me, so I thought perhaps it might be time for a few moments of navel gazing reflection…
Good judgment comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgment. (Rita Mae Brown)
I had been thinking about starting a blog for a while. If it wasn’t for LM suggesting I ‘just do it’ (Nike – you can pay me later), or for WordPress offering such an easy entry into blog-land, I would probably still be thinking about it. Often, it is best to learn by doing. You’ll make mistakes along the way, but that’s all part of the learning. That was my first lesson.
My second lesson is that even a technologically challenged girl like me can blog. You don’t have to be a whiz on the computer. And, while it may not be perfect, it’s actually not that hard. Near enough sometimes can be good enough. Not always, but sometimes.
My third lesson in this ‘learn as I go‘ blogging adventure was that ideas for blog posts are everywhere. Almost all of these ideas are not new and have already been written about before. The challenge is to put my handwriting on it. Add my voice. I think we human beings are naturally drawn to things that are more personal, but as a blogger, I’m still coming to terms with this. It continues to be the hardest lesson for me. I’m sure I’m not alone in this – it requires a level of bravery to share bits of yourself when you write. What if people don’t like it? What I do know is that the more of myself I put into a post, the more comments I get*. And, comments are blogging gold. I love it when you guys take the time to comment. Thanks for every time you do.
I feel a very unusual sensation – if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude. (Benjamin Disraeli)
Before I took my leap of faith into blog-land, I had done some reading on the subject of blogging. I even went as far as to read Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett’s ‘ProBlogger’ book. A girl should always be prepared, I reckon’. Every article I read said I needed to find my ‘tribe’ or ‘posse’. The people – often fellow bloggers – who would stick with me as I fumbled my way through learning about blogging. I had no idea how I was going to achieve this. I didn’t even know where I should look. It turns out I needn’t have worried. They found me. My blogging buddies are the biggest reason I am still blogging and (inside my head) I thank them for their support every day.
My band of blogging buddies come from all over. Some have been with me almost since I started, and some have come on board more recently. Their blogs are dedicated to a variety of things – food, health, photography, every-day life, quirky finds, design, and more. To date, I have never met any of them in the real world. I don’t even know what most of them look like. Yet, they check in with me almost like clock-work. They tell me when I have written a good post, when a post has made them laugh or when I have made a particularly special find. I can often tell when a post hasn’t been as successful by what they don’t say. They are warm. They are supportive. They are funny. They are consistent. They know who they are and I thank them, every one.

(Image sourced from here)
The other thing all the articles and books say about creating a blog is to find your niche. I’m not so sure I’ve been entirely successful in this. ‘This Sydney Life’ is written from Sydney, but it’s not exactly about Sydney. It has morphed into a blog about stuff (read: design, good craft, art, performance and very occasionally food) that turns me on. I’m sort of OK with that; it is my blog after all. But, I am interested in learning what you think I could make better? What do you like? What don’t you like? Is there anything you think I should change? Do you have a favourite post? I would greatly appreciate some feedback from the people who matter – those who check in and read my blog (that would be you!)… And, if you do, I thank you (in advance!)
One last thing before I finish up. If you have somehow made your way here because you’re thinking about starting a blog (and you’re still reading – Wow!), all I can say is ‘just do it’! Really. If I had known how much enjoyment I would get out of this blogging gig, I would have started so much earlier. I just love it.
That’s it for the navel gazing. We will resume our usual programme tomorrow!
*Please note I said comments. Not hits. If I just want hits, I’d be posting lots more about things like a video clip of Ed Sheeran‘s Lego House!
Bravo!! Bravo!! I’ve been thoroughly enjoying your “Stuff” series. You have quite the eye! I also dig your descriptions of the artists and their works. You’re the “Nancy Drew” of the design world! T.
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T – Thanks! I’d love to be thought of as the Nancy Drew of the design world! How cool would that be? What a lovely thing to say! Feeling all warm & fuzzy, now…
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Syders! 100 posts already – you are a force! I enjoy your posts alot as every day, I don’t know what new find I’ll be reading about. I know you like your art and interiors, so look forward to learning more about your discoveries in those categories. I think you should keep doing what you’re doing. it is YOUR blog, and we feel your passion when you write about your passion 🙂 Congrats!
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I could not agree more with Marina J! CONGRATS to you! That is a big milestone and I for one am in awe of your amazing talent for finding the most wonderful talent and for the way you share it with us. You ARE a force! And the best possible kind too! You know I adore you! xo! 🙂
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Shira – you are always so positive and filled with energy. When do you crash, my friend?
It’s been so lovely having you and Marina in my corner since the beginning. I really appreciate all your warm support. X
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Art & Interiors – check! Passion – Got that!
Thanks Marina – You and Shira were two of my earliest blogging buddies. I love checking in with you guys, too. 🙂 I’ll be toasting you both (on National Wine Day) this evening! X
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Hi,
Congrats on your 100th post, good on you, and you are so right, we learn as we go, that is fun as well. I have also read about “finding your niche” but I much prefer not knowing what will be in a blog when I go to a post, rather than know exactly what is being blogged about before I even go to a blog. 😀
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You like to be surprised, Mags!:-) (Why does that not surprise me, after checking all your wee daily tidbits for so long!) Thank you!
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Congrats on the century Sydney! I love your blog and your voice on stuff. I thought I would share this especially on this occasion and tell you a little secret about your blog.
I love your little gravatar. When it’s very small against a comment it doesn’t look like a puppy to me, it looks like a lady in a squirrel suit. I don’t know what you look like but I imagine you to have a small blackened nose and little twitchy whiskers.
Keep blogging us little acorns of ideas.
Cheers Sue.
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Hi Sue – your lovely comment made me smile! I’ll let you into a little secret. I am not a lady who dresses up in a squirrel suit. Sometimes, I’m not even very lady-like… LM tells me I should have an image of myself in my gravatar. One of these days I may get around to it. In the interim, I’m glad you get a wee kick out of the lady in the squirrel suit! 🙂
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Congratulations you are 100! (not years – sorry), I am so very pleased for you and I enjoy your posts – anything design related fills me with joy, but I enjoy the variety as well. I think the “learn as I go” aspect is very true …I think that you are very brave and I am drawing inspiration from you to be brave too (as I fight my own demons of procrastination..). I am looking forward to your next 100!
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Cheers C! I am guilty of massive levels of procrastination, so the idea that I may be a small inspiration to anyone is kind of humbling.. Thanks, Possum. That’s a lovely compliment.
Your beautiful creations will get out into the big wide world before long (and when you are ready, I can blog about them!) In the interim, you will always be a far better crochet-er than me. Of that, I am certain. 🙂
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Congratulations! A great achievement – you’re an inspiration to me, TSL, as I got into the blogging thing shortly after you and can relate to what you’re saying about really enjoying the experience. I think the coolest thing has been to find so many like-minded people, some who live nearby, some who live on the other side of the world. (I also want to give snaps to Sue for mentioning the squirrel suit – I totally agree & it makes me smile to see your squirrelly gravatar on this blog and others that we both seem to read.) Really love your work, TSL – especially the variety – here’s to the next 100 and beyond! 🙂
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Sparks, I kinda’ think of you, BCD and me as having a wee Sydney blogging posse of our own. I love all your quirky finds – so, looks like we inspire each other! 🙂 And, I do agree – finding like-minded souls is a well-cool part of the blogging scene.
‘Snaps’? Seriously? Are we talking ‘Legally Blond’, here? Wow! You are just too funny!
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I look forward to all of your posts. I always learn something new, and I really enjoy seeing unusual crafts and works of art. Congratulations on your centennial!
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Cheers WIM2S – I learn stuff from you, too. Especially about synchronised swimming! 🙂
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Fantabulous! Congratulations…. I feel very honoured to have been part of your journey ( I think we started around the same time in the blogosphere!). I look forward to your little stories each morning, which are always as fantabulous (my new word of the day!) as your 100 milestone. They gee me up for the day while i ride on Sydney’s public transport – (generally wishing that the person next to me would sort out their hygine!). I also feel very honoured to have had a personal response from LM himself the other day about the greatness of baldness!!! Looking forward to the next 100000000!!! 🙂 Very much enjoy being part of This Sydney Life!!!
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Fantabulous is a great word, BCD. You and Sparks are my Sydney inspiration (and I do sympathise about public transport hygiene challenges!).
I’m surprised LM hasn’t commented – he loves compliments! 🙂
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Hooray 100 posts! I am a fellow design enthusiast and love seeing the cool stuff you find! Like yourself, I talked about starting a blog for a looong time and I am so glad I did, It is a very cool community of talented folks just looking to share! I look forward to the next 100 posts ! Cheers -Thiara
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Cheers Thiara – The Velvet Fantastic is a regular stop in for me. I do enjoy it, so I’m very happy the feeling is reciprocated by a fellow design enthusiast. 🙂
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Happy Anniversary! Very proud of you and the teeniest bit envious you are doing something you love every day. Perhaps one day (sigh). Love the way you express yourself on the Blog, always a hint of humor mixed of course with some delicious finds. I might not like everything you like – but of course I love you! Here is to the next 100.
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Awww, thanks so much, Missy K. That’s such a lovely thing to say. Means a lot coming from my special bud’. Mwah!
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Wow. Your words are beautiful and sincere. That is what is so wonderful about your blog and each of your posts. Venturing into the blogging world to share or interests and our voices is what the blogging world is all about. You excel in this area, indeed. Your posts are sincere and interesting, as are your comments. My recommendation is to simply keep blogging! Remembering first that even if there seems to be little interest on a post, it is part of what inspires you. Enough reason to share it and express it. Cheers to 100. I’m quite a bit behind you! ; )
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Kristin – given the time and care you give each of your posts, it means a lot that you find mine interesting. Thank you.
Cheers for the gee up, too. 🙂 I shall trust myself (or at least when I’m not, I shall refer back here to your very sound advice!)
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I echo all the thoughts and I love the different things that you bring to us and as I can’t get out too much (Beloved here), I feel that you offer me a window into a world I can no longer explore as I would like to so I thank you for that.
I am so glad you enjoy it, that it shines through, I doubt it could work if you didn’t.
Congratulations on reaching 100 posts – that seems a long way off to me so I think you can officially consider yourself an experienced blogger! You are certainly a successful one in my eyes.
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Hey-ho Zac & Beloved – thanks for the good wishes. I know we share a love of scarves (!) along with our love of dogs. I always look forward to my comments from you – never know who I’m going to get (and I don’t know too many talking dogs!) 🙂
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Well done! It’s great to be able to find your own nice… it takes a while perhaps , but makes it easier once you do.
After my first year, I started posting less frequently because of time issues and also because my readers simply didn’t have the time to read my posts every day…
Enjoy your next hundred.
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Lady Fi – when you post images and thoughts such as yours, every day would be impossible, I suspect. Cheers to you! 🙂
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Congratulations! 100 posts is a milestone and I am in awe of the fact that you have achieved so much in only a few months. I love your ‘stuff’, your photographs and your Sydney stories and I think they go perfectly with ‘This Sydney Life’, to me the title of your blog says ‘this is where I am and this is what I love’. Best wishes for the next 100 🙂
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2BDs – thanks for composing such a lovely comment. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy…! So many new friends made in blog-land in less than four months! Gotta’ love that! 🙂
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Congrats TSL! Looking forward to more great stuff from your blog and thanks for being a great support on my blog too..
LXAX
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Hey LXAX – Cheers my blogging buddy! As mentioned by Sparks, one of the best things about this blogging gig is the connections one makes with like-minded people all around the globe. I love seeing what goodies your share with us. 🙂
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Congrats, the first 100 posts are the hardest!!!
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Cheers Darren! Thanks for popping by 🙂
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Hi, just wanted to say – that’s a lovely little milestone to skip over. I think it’s important to being confident in your writing – you appear to be, as your articles are very charming to read. Take Care,
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Hi Kirsty – thanks for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. I was a little overwhelmed by the generosity shown in response to this post. Blog-world can be a pretty wonderful place with some very special people out there.
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Well done. Im suprised this wasnt freshly pressed 🙂
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Awww – you say the nicest things, A+ (Sadly, WordPress has yet to notice my brilliance!)
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Great thoughts TSL. You should be very proud of your accomplishments and productivity. I started about the same time and only have about 20 posts. It does take a bit of discipline to keep on track, and you do that very well.
Your posts are always fun and most are sufficiently short that I can read them as soon as they arrive (unlike this one, which I saved). Yet, what really keeps me coming back is your writing and personality. Keep it up.
Now, I am going to work on a post – inspired by you. Even though it is golf season, I am going to glue myself to this computer until I get another post out in cyberspace…
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