Today marks three years since this blog began.
It’s been a weird, wonderful, messed up ride. I have loved every moment of it, and that is because of you. I have always said that I ran this blog for myself, and that I would never let numbers or feedback dictate content. I said that I would be myself and say as I like, even if it ticked some people off and cost me readership. And it did. And I’m okay with that because you, YOU are here with me. How do I say thank you for something like that?
Google analytics repeatedly informs me that I do not have the biggest blog running, however, my loyalty and return visitor rate is significantly higher than most other bloggers in this genre. In web terms, that says a lot. Is it rude to compare myself to others? Yes. But I’m okay with it today because I’m not really comparing myself, I’m comparing my audience. I am comparing you. And Sweetums, you are The Best.
Most other bloggers would kill to have an audience as awesome, informed, and engaged as you. I know some bloggers who hate reading their comments and filtering through their social media responses, afraid of what they will find. You guys never make me do that. And on the rare occasion someone does say something unhelpful/mean/nasty, you guys hop on their ass before I even get a chance to read it. You share your thoughts, your insight, your experiences. Even those of you who never comment (anywhere), take the time to email me your ideas, like two old pals swapping recipes. I feel like we are family but we don’t even know each other. You have been good to me when I deserved it least. You keep coming back week after week, even when I spout off horse crap and make way too many typos.
I am so thankful to have you in my life.
Expressions of gratitude don’t really cut it here, and they just don’t make Hallmark cards for this occasion, so I’ll say this one more time and hope that you know how much I mean it: Thank you.
Happy birthday to us.
small + friendly
Congrats! And thank you, you are the reason you have such rad readers. I know how much work you put into this and I always appreciate it. Great writing + great ideas = awesome blog!
PEACHES
You are too sweet 🙂 Thank you!
siete...
I am so happy for You! this blog is filled with Your Creativity, Love and sincerity. I find that your inspiration goes beyond arts & crafts, You inspire me to live a life full of love and to embrace all the things I love and had forgotten about. Before I found You I believed that being a grownup meant leaving behind crazy things, shine, colors, dreams, etc. But now I know better, that walking through this earth must be enjoyed and meaningful, and for that I thank You!
You are a Muse.
PEACHES
Thanks Siete, Those are very kind words. Cheers to living to the fullest!
nikki hancock
Happy 3 years! Your blog is completely delightful and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in your future posts 🙂
PEACHES
Thanks, Nikki!
Julie Creus
Yo, I look forward to each and every one of your posts. Keep em coming!
PEACHES
Yo, THANKS. 🙂
Nutbird
We wouldn’t be here without you! You are our Auntie Mame. We look forward to more adventures! Ann
PEACHES
Yay for Auntie Mames! — all of us 🙂
Desilu
THANK YOU for keeping us together, on this wild & crazy ride! From decorating awesomeness to just plain awesome & discussion times, I love coming here to read what ever it is that you have to say!!
PEACHES
Thanks, Desilu! I am thankful for you being here in the first place 🙂
Puffy Fluff
Without you and your blog there would be no Golden Girls on my wall, no Adam Scott Xmas Traveling Garland, I would not know to go to Goodwill for my frames and my friend who is a CPA would not look at me with one eyebrow raised when I am going off on some weird idea and say “oh boy – what did Aunt Peaches post this week?!” THANK YOU for putting just a bit more rainbows and sunshine and glitter in me and my friends world!! We are waiting with smiles and laughter for your future posts!
PEACHES
Hahahaha….thank you for making me laugh just now. That Adam Scott Garland was so awesome…I think of it every time he is on TV (which is, not nearly enough).
Rebekah
Only 3 years? I feel like I’ve been reading much longer than that — in the best possible way. Keep keepin’ it real. Happy blogiversary to you!
Ann Marie Heasley
sniff sniff. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
PEACHES
🙂 Thanks Ann Marie!
LauraEC
Happy birthday, Peaches!
Your blog is on my bookmark bar so I check in several times a week. Y’know what keeps me coming back? I love the way you write, I love your photos, I love your projects and Lola looks my Charlie (RIP, Charlie!).
I totally agree with you about the stats – I like to see mine and where people come from but I find it’s a great way to motivate myself to keep on doing the things I love and get better at them – food and photography!
So, here’s to 3, 6 9…more years! Cheers! *clink!*
Melinda DiOrio
Congrats! Your blog is so well put together, and your posts so well written, that I would never guess you’ve only been blogging for a mere 3 years! I’ve been blogging for 1 1/2 years and I hope in another 1 1/2 years I have as many loyal readers as you have here!
Michele Pacey
This blog continues to inspire with every single post. It’s you. It’s funny as anything. It’s gorgeous. And it’s pretty much the realest blog I’ve read in the 3 years I’ve been blogging. Happy happy 3rd blogiversary Peaches!
JIll
Happy Birthday, Aunt Peaches. I don’t remember when I stumbled on to your site, but I count you as one of my ‘must dos” every day. Right up there with brushing my teeth (in fairness, I sometimes get to you before I get to my teeth. Sorry for the morning breath). You are very creative, but more importantly you have such a fresh voice and great outlook on life. You almost always make me smile and often inspire me to do something you have showcased.
You’re my morning cup of coffee. With a little brandy. Thank you….and Happy Birthday.
Anonymous
valentine swap? dayenu. (it would’ve been enough).
you. are. the. best.
Anonymous
Happy Birthday! I for one, love your blog and have it bookmarked so I can visit it daily. I look forward to many more years of enjoyment.
Anonymous
Congratulations!!! You really are the most fun anywhere on the Internet!!! I love your blog and read it daily – it brightens my day every time!
Jen LC
yay, peaches!
i read blogs for a living and yours is a shining star: good content, real writing, a consistent voice and plenty of heart, without being smarmy. it’s a seriously rad combination.
love you, even if i hardly ever comment!
Evangeline L
Congratulations on 3 years of wonderfulness Aunt Peaches! You’ve shown me the kind of person I’d like to be when I grow up, someone who can still enjoy all the things I do now and to be proud of myself. Just as you are. You are such an inspiration and I cannot wait to see what you get up to next!x
Honda
Happy Happy Birthday Peaches! Your blog is one of my favorites. May there be many more years to come.
Melissa@Julias Bookbag
HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS MISS PEACHES!!!! you are happy fun shining light of bloggy happiness. xoxoxo
Thimble Friend
Happy anniversary! I love your blog. My brother even checks in with you sometimes! Can’t remember how I got him interested.