Monday 30 May 2011

Buon Anniversario

Thursday's Child has Far to Go was born a year ago today. According to Google analytics, over the last 365 days, 8,744 hits originating from 33 different countries have taken place. There have been some comments (oddly, most of you to prefer to email me than post a comment) and I've been touched at how many of you stop by to read my scribblings.

It was my beloved mate Kurt who encouraged me to start this blog; he rightly pointed out that as a writer, it was high time I booked my passage on the digital express. And because I'm so violently opposed to Twitter and the Book of Farce (both feel too much like cults for my liking), the only other way to let family and friends across the oceans know that I was alive was to start a blog.

And so, on 30 May 2010, that's what I did: we'd just returned from a family wedding in Belfast, it was our first UK Bank Holiday for some years and I was still reeling from shock at how rubbish the UK job market and the Slum were.

And so I started writing, and kept going. I discovered how much fun, and how healing, it is to share your life with the world: from the minutiae of every day to things that amuse, irritate or confuse me. As I've navigated my way around a new country, jobs and friends, tried to flee the UK as much as possible and attempted (unsuccessfully) to make peace with an ugly home (the kind where lemon walls and a fridge the size of a postage stamp are acceptable), this blog has allowed me the space to share, vent and connect with a wide range of humanity.

It is, in effect, an extension of who I am. I don't think I'm so very different in person from what you read here: I certainly cuss as much (far too much for my mother's liking), I'm just as passionate, outspoken and sarcastic as I am in real life and, I hope, just as honest.

Back when I was a baby journalist, I remember a note one news editor had taped above his desk:

'Creativity is seeing what everyone else is seeing, but thinking what no-one else has thought'.

Those words have always stayed with me and it's a concept I've tried to live by; I hope that this blog, in some small way, measures up to that.

So ka pai for being on this journey with me, boys and girls. Here's hoping this blog can bring a smile to your face in the coming year...

(Pic: Google Images)

7 comments:

  1. Happy anniversary, I love reading the blog, even though I've never been comfortable leaving comments. Think its the combination of exposing my poor grammar and spelling to the wider world combined with being a bloke and having to write down feelings. Anyway, been enjoying you guys sharing your life with us. Keep up the good work.

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  2. aww you are a sweetie!! And your grammar and spelling is better than mine!

    Besides, I need to say a big fat thank you to you my darling friend for giving me the confidence to start this blog. I remain forever in your debt... XXXX

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  3. Decided I best write a comment rather than email you!! I have to agree with Kurt though that it can be a little daunting to leave a message as my writing skills are somewhat lacking as compared to yourself ( not to mention my grammar etc.. )Congratulations on the anniversary!!! Have enjoyed reading and experiencing the last year through your chosen words! Long may it continue!
    Sarah xxx

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  4. Thanks hon...you will no doubt be appearing in the blog this coming year when I get home!

    SSx

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  5. Shaz, you have amused and inspired me. Tuning into your blog is like curling up with my favourite magazine or lifestyle programme.

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  6. Thanks mate - that's high praise indeed coming from a former journo. Glad I inspired you to dip your toes into the blogging pool - I love reading your words of wisdom.

    Btw, I have just looked into my crystal ball and see big, fat drinking/catch up sessions coming up as soon as my feet hit NZ soil! Can't wait... xx

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  7. Great thoughts you got there, believe I may possibly try just some of it throughout my daily life.



    Flats for Sale in Bristol

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