Just after I put off the computer last night I realised that Pining for the West is 2 today.
I started blogging because everybody else in my immediate family is a blogger and I thought I would give it a go too. They are the only people who know that I have a blog, apart from the readers of course. I knew that things were going to be changing around here with our sons moving into their own homes, I’m not spending lots of time ‘mothering’ now, and blogging and following other bloggers has given me a new interest. For me it’s a bit of fun, an interesting hobby and a great way of ‘meeting’ people and sharing and gaining information.
Originally I had thought that I would be having much more in the way of crafts on Pining but books have been far more prominent this year although I have quite a few ongoing craft projects (as ever) which I hope to feature soon. Even if it’s just a way of shaming myself into getting something finished before starting something else!
I haven’t been doing so much in the way of baking, it’s not that I don’t enjoy it but not having two ravenous sons around the house to eat it all means that we have to, and it’s not good for our waistlines!
Anyway the stats have gone up every month so far and I’m really chuffed that it’s going so well so a big thank you to everyone who takes the time to visit Pining for the West and especially those who make comments. It’s a great way for someone with reclusive tendencies (Is that all readers?) to keep in touch with people and get a wee look into their way of life.
Congratulations on a lovely, interesting blog! I, too, am happy to have ‘met’ you through your blog. I look forward to your posts no matter what the subject. I love travelling with you and getting ideas for new books and authors to read. Happy Blog Day!
Joan,
Thank you. I’ve learned such a lot from you about particular books and can you believe that I didn’t realise that The Guardian had a book podcast until you mentioned it. I’ve only read the actual newspaper for about 30 years! Recently when the weather was so bad and transport was at a standstill I looked at the on-line Guardian just because we couldn’t get the newspaper. I thought audio just meant audio books so I didn’t click on it! Sometimes I wonder about myself, I’m definitely not very computer savvy, but you live and learn!
Happy Birthday! I have not been around a great deal lately – busy setting up an etsy shop, then perhaps a blog myself, business cards today, it goes on!
I stayed in an apartment last year overlooking Arthur’s Seat, did not get to climb, perhaps next time.
Happy Blogging!
Michelle,
I was thinking about you just the other day as I was in the kitchen and listening to Raffles on Radio 7, I wondered what you’ve been listening to recently. I hope that you will have a blog soon, my first Pining was a very simple set up, I think it took about 5 minutes, but after about a year I decided to change it so I could have my own photographs as a header. I’m interested in your etsy shop, your own blog would help that too!
2 years – well done!
I think blogs seem to take their own course. I look forward to seeing the crafts as well as all the books and reviews.
Jo,
Thanks. You’re right, blogs do tend to have a sort of life of their own, but I’m going to make a real effort to put some more craft work on it.
A heartfelt “Happy Birthday” to you, Katrina! I’m always so interested to read about what you’re up to, both in a literary and a real-life sense. It’s strange, but I have the sense that I know you and you are a comrade.
May you celebrate many more blog birthdays as well as Katrina birthdays!
Judith (Reader in the Wilderness)
Judith,
Thanks so much. I feel exactly the same way and I love to hear about you and Ken and your wilderness. It’s great to have a peek at an entirely different part of the world and your life.
Katrina,
To be perfectly honest, I’d love it if you turned up on my doorstep! After showing you one or two of my favorite wild places, I’d take you on a wild, used bookstore spree. Something tells me we could have a lot of fun getting into trouble of that sort.
I’m terrible with e-mail because I’m overwhelmed by the commercial e-mail I get. Just today I managed to get Ken to put my ziplink mail on my laptop so I can control the thousands of commercial and spam messages I can’t seem to find the time to manage on my desktop. It’s embarrassing to be so cluttered with e-mail. Just like my office space upstairs!
Is there a way that you could give me your e-mail address again? I would like very much to read Jack’s book.
Judith,
I’m sure that you and I could have a great time together but I hate the thought of all the security that you have to go through now and if I’m honest I don’t fancy flying much either. Oh for a Star Trek transporter! I’ll e-mail you again. I’ve just started MSN Messenger to keep in touch with my sons via computer. Are you on it? Mind you I don’t think I would put an address on it.
I don’t think I’m on MSN Messenger–that’s Instant Messaging, isn’t it? I don’t do IM. Do you still have your old email address? I didn’t delete it. It’shorrible to admit what a mess my e-mail archives are in!
Judith
Yes, Instant Messaging, Duncan put me on it. I still have the same e-mail address but I e-mailed you again last night anyway. Mine is the same and I used to delete all the spam to tidy it up but D said I should just leave it because everything on your blog should be kept, but it’s mainly junk. That’s the archivist in him I suppose!
K
Happy Anniversary! I’ve only discovered your blog recently, but I so enjoy reading your thoughts. Here’s to many more years of reading and blogging!
Anbolyn,
Thank you. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog too. The Classics Circuit is a great way of ‘meeting’ people!
Regards,
Katrina
Happy Blog Birthday! I enjoy all your features, but I especially like all the Scottish words you’ve introduced me to đŸ™‚
Niranjana,
Thank you. I’ll have to have some more Scottish word posts soon. I wasn’t sure if regular readers were really interested in things like that but quite a lot of people do get to ‘Pining’ by searching for particular words. You can amaze your Scottish-Canadian friends with your knowledge!