Wednesday, July 23, 2014

The Number 7 - and Some Flowers

Surprise! The Great Blue Heron in my header has flown away and left nothing but blue water behind. It's time for a sunny change. It is my fourth revamp since I began blogging - oh... about - nay, exactly seven years ago, today. This cheery sunflower will adorn my blog for the next while - however long that may turn out to be. To help kick-start the new look, the images in this post will be all about the flowers found around here - either wild or in our yard. I hope you enjoy the bouquet.

Since this is my seventh blogiversary, I decided to look back and see who my first seven visitors were - those who still stop by, that is.

petunia2

petunia

The first comment ever to land on my blog came from Frank, of course. He was the one who encouraged me to start blogging. Thanks, Frank! He isn't doing any blogging himself, these days but he does still stop by for a visit. Hopefully he'll start writing over at his Baron It All blog and perhaps posting photos at Canon Fodder again soon.



yellow iris

orange hawkweed

By my second post, Crabby began commenting. So, aside from Frank (always #1), she has been my longest standing, consistent visitor. She leaves great, funny comments and has a fine, humour-filled fitness blog of her own called Cranky Fitness.



pink and iris

moss phlox

It was mid-October before Leah began stopping by. She continues to post wonderful content over at her blog, The Goat's Lunch Pail and so very kindly keeps on coming back to my cyber world whenever I post. She's having surgery for bowel cancer, this week. Please keep this always-grateful, inspiring lady in your best thoughts.



fresh as a daisy

fuschia3

Shortly after that, the lovely Sue from Photowannabe left me a comment, and like those mentioned above, she too continues to visit regularly. Among other fine posts, she likes combining her wonderful photography with the alphabet. Stop by her blog to see what I mean.



iris3

iris2

It was New Year's Eve when Shammie first stopped by. She was known as ex-Shammickite then but eventually, she decided that once a Shammickite, always a Shammickite so she soon dropped the "ex." But she's never dropped my blog, and I'm most grateful for that. Give her a visit over at Rook's Nest.




beautiful swamp2

flower and bud

It was March 2008 before Out and About in New York City photographer Daryl left her first comment. She was sent by David McMahon from Authorblog who originally did the Post of the Day. Later he handed that baton over to me, and the POTW was born. He no longer blogs but many of you beautiful people are here because of David and for that, I will be forever grateful.




grape hyacinth

Arizona Sun blanket flower - Gaillardia

My seventh regular visitor who still visits today is the lovely and funny Michelle from House of Lime. She too, found my blog through David. Michelle/Lime is a fine writer with a terrific flair for humour. You won't regret it one bit if you stop by her blog for a visit.

Thank you, to all who have come by over the past seven years. And for sticking with me. The blogging world is a very encouraging, affirming and supportive community, and I'm thankful for, and enjoy each and every one of you who so kindly stop by to comment. I also appreciate those who silently lurk. If you're one of the latter, and have never commented before, I'd love it if you said "hi!" Maybe just this once?

More photos coming up soonish.

65 comments:

Eddie Bluelights said...

Love the new format Hilary and congratulations on your seventh birthday in BlogLand.
I am only five.
Wonderful selection of photographs, Hilary, and it is fascinating to see your first comments leading to your friendships.
I remember my first comment was from an lovely lady you might remember, Marian at Granny On The Web. Ahh! Memories. Quite touching really . . . . :)

Gary's third pottery blog said...

I must have been your 8th visitor :) Congrats! Your blog is always beautiful and well-considered and these flowers, !!!!!!!!!!

joeh said...

7 years...wow!! Good stuff.

solarity said...

I seldom comment because I can only say "Oh! Wow!" so many times. Consider it said for each of these shots. Thanks for all the beauty.

Mary Anne in Kentucky

Hilary said...

What a lovely post from my lovely namesake. I am grateful to the blogging world, too, for many friends, and you are at the top of my list.

Tabor said...

What a generous community builder you are. I do read some of these folks from my blog roll as well. All of your flowers have long since flown from my yard. We are well into summer every hotter these days...although these last few weeks have really been pretty nice!

ADRIAN said...

Congratulations.
I recall your flower shots from a few years ago. Nothing wrong with these but the older ones really popped.

Gayle said...

'Tis an honor to be one of your followers. Congratulations on your seven years. Love the new header and am nuts about these photos. I have looked at them twice and will be back. Do you happen to know the name of the little dark pink flowers with the dark center. They look to be low to the ground. Cheers, Dear. Here's to many, many more years of blogging. :>

Gayle said...

Oooooooo, just found the name…moss phlox……thanks, thanks. :>

DJan said...

I love your pretty new header. I hope the heron found a good home. And thank you for the lovely pictures. I signed up to follow Crabby, she sounds like a kindred soul. I don't remember where I ran across you, but you are one of my inspirations for pictures and then of course there's Benny. :-)

Out on the prairie said...

A very nice selection to share and fun to hear how some bloggers have stayed with you. Happy blogversery, and many more.

Mage said...

You offer us unparalleled views of the world. You poke our thinking and imaginations. :)

Happy anniversary to you. Bravo.

Mage said...

PS: I love the colors and the good cheer. :)

Kerry said...

I like these happy, summery colors: perfect for midsummer. And what a great idea to have a shout-out for your earliest faithful readers! I will visit their blogs & have a look. Happy blogiversary!

Red said...

You have an interesting way to mark seen years. I just had to race through your post to see who the first seven commenters were. Congratulations on seven years. Here's to many more.

Betsy Brock said...

Happy 7 years! How very fun! Gorgeous flower photos, today, too...a festive way to celebrate!

Its Time to Live said...

Great job on Seven years. I am partial to the Moss Phlox image myself.

TexWisGirl said...

i am glad to have found you a few years afterwards - or maybe you found me. :) still, happy to have you as my neighbor.

LOVE the devil's paintbrush. the daisy is a knock-out! and the hairy iris tongues are superb. you rock your posts - each and every time!

(one of your sidebar things isn't working well - all squished)

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Happy seven years and I love the new format!!

Gillian Olson said...

Superb images, happy seventh!

stephen Hayes said...

Congratulations on seven years of blogging. That's quite an achievement. And I like your cheerful new look. It puts me in the mood for summer.

Gail Dixon said...

Happy blogiversary!! I can't remember how I found your blog, but I'm so happy I did. I love your sharing, caring nature and beautiful photos. Now I have seven more places to visit, in addition to the POTW places. Yay!

That last image of the Indian Blanket flower is awesome. I miss them so much from my Texas days.

Gail Dixon said...

Oh! Meant to say I love your new header. :)

Frank Baron said...

Nice, fresh new look. (And only I know how you laboured over it into the wee hours of the morning.)

Kind of you to suggest I return to blogging. I'll consider it when the daily deluge of emails from folks thanking me for abstaining begins to subside.

:)

Laura said...

gorgeous, gorgeous close-ups Hilary. I know you don't like to do link ups, but these really would be spectacular to share with I Heart Macro… no pressure… just saying. I hope you are well my dear.

Laura said...

gorgeous, gorgeous close-ups Hilary. I know you don't like to do link ups, but these really would be spectacular to share with I Heart Macro… no pressure… just saying. I hope you are well my dear.

messymimi said...

Your blog is as lovely as ever!

While i know your life is full, the "sooner-ish" you can be back, the better.

Daryl said...

seven years .. time flies when you're having fun blogging … i miss David .. here's to another seven!!!

CIN&BUD said...

Congrats on 7 years blogging! Always love your photos!

Ruth Hiebert said...

This post is filled with beauty.I loved seeing all the flowers and hearing about some of your faithful followers.

Montanagirl said...

Hi Hilary. Thanks to TexWis (Run*a*Round Ranch), I found your lovely blog. She told me I was honored on your blog POTW with my Backstroke photo. Thank you for that! Your photography is stellar, and I hope you stop by and visit my blog!

Anita said...

A bright and cheerful new look, a walk down memory lane, and GORGEOUS flowers - What a good way to celebrate 7 years!

I agree with you, that the companionship of bloggers is fulfilling in a different sort of way. Sadly, since I began, 3 of my blogging friends have passed away. I miss them.

Ending on another note - Happy Summer! I hope to have something to post about soon and time to do so. :)

Lisa Gordon said...

Congratulations on 7 years, Hilary.
I am so glad that I met you here, and I just love your new design. It is so cheerful.

Country Girl said...

I've been coming since Daryl introduced me to your site and although I haven't been out and about all that much lately, yours is a blog I still enjoy to this day. Congratulations on seven years, Hilary. Oh my - that is quite an achievement!

Cloudia said...

How Sunny! I'm so glad you do blog; you are an important character to lots of folks including me

ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= <3


Tammie Lee said...

such wonderful and lovely summer images! lovely to have big birds fly overhead.

need to turn the computer off, i hear thunder rumbling and lightening is on the way!

yaya said...

Happy Blogversary! I've enjoyed all of your posts and pics so much! Love all the flowers on this one and your new look just brings a smile to the face! Very sunny and fun. Happy blogging!

Rob-bear said...

Seven years seems like a long time, for someone to keep taking pictures and blogging.

Happy Blogversary!

Blessings and Bear hugs!

Bob Bushell said...

Truly beautiful.

Shammickite said...

Once a Shammickite, always a Shammickite! How very true!!!!!
Congratulations on seven years at the blogger keyboard, and of course, roaming the highways and byways of Ontario with your camera. Love all your posts, especially the ones with your kitties, and Benny, and the neighbourhood wildlife, and the flowers, and trees, and the lake, and... well, that just about covers it all, I think! Hugs for you, and best wishes for another seven inspired bloggy years!

Catherine said...

Just to wish you a happy 7th blog birthday and thanks for all the wonderful photos!

Kat said...

I found you through the lovely David too! :)
Happy blogoversary! Seven years! Time flies, doesn't it?
I love the new look of the blog. I am a big lover of orange so this is just gorgeous to me. Lovely! Bright and warm and cheery. :)

Rita said...

Congrats on seven years of sharing your marvelous photos! Lovely, bright new format. :)

I am not good with time. I can never remember how long I have blogged or how long anyone has been visiting. Whether they come often or occasionally-my wonderful blogger-friends have just become part of my life--some for many years already--and they are each such a true blessing. I am glad to just be a small part of your blog family. :)

Slamdunk said...

Happy 7 Hilary and that is a tribute to your content to have visitor friends apart of your experience for so long. None of my original commenters are still blogging, but I do hear from several time to time which is nice.

Like the new yellow too.

Anvilcloud said...

Happy anniversary. You have some wonderful pics, and what a great idea to list your first seven visitors.

MaggieGem said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate your blogiversary! Congrats on 7 wonderful years, love the new look!

Anonymous said...

Happy blogoversary, Hilary! I'm so glad you've stuck with it. Your posts are always some of my favorites, and I've loved getting to know you! (Gorgeous flower shots, as usual! And love your new design!)

lime said...

i don't think i realized i was such an early reader of yours. i mean i know i've been visiting a long time but didn't realize. wow! anyway, it's a joy to stop by here and see your gorgeous photography. it's been an inspiration for me to try my hand a bit. and as i am just catching up on your previous posts i have enjoyed bot the beauty and the humor you bring here. happy blogiversary, hilary! love you! (and the new look here is lovely too )

Annie said...

Usually don't comment, but wanted to say Happy Anniversary. Love your pictures and stories. My fav was the deer in the snow last January. And anything with water and flowers always cheers me up. I'm in the extreme drought area of California so seeing anything green makes me happy!

Unknown said...

Hi Hilary and Happy Anniversary to you and your terrific blog. I find it funny and cool that Frank was one of the first to visit here. Deni Bonet of "Last Girl on Earth" fame inspired me to add a blog with I hope you do, Michael!" I like your refreshed new look! :)

Betty Manousos said...

hilary, just wanted you to know that i'm so thankful and grateful to have in my online life. happy anniversay! it's always a pleasure to visit you.
you're very talented and i adore your photography.

happy weekend!
big hugs~

gorgeous photos btw.

ellen abbott said...

beautiful photos of beautiful flowers. so glad you are here. happy 7!

Leah J. Utas said...

Thanks for the kind words and lovely linkage.
Your flower photos are fantastic.

Becca said...

That's so great that you have had the same people visiting your blog for so long. The sunflower is one of my favorites so I love your new header! :)

noone said...

congrats on the 7 years! and ohhh those flowers look beautiful!!

Sharon Wagner said...

Thanks for the bouquet of lovely flowers. It is interesting to go back to old posts. I sometimes retrofit and re post them. And it is like a blog time capsule. Some friends are still here and some are gone.

Linda said...

Congratulations on your 7th blog anniversary, Hilary. I love all the pretty flowers around your new home.

Brian Miller said...

its a cool journey we are on...the people we meet along the way...the ones that stick with us...pretty sure i met you through david's post of the week...happy blogoversary

photowannabe said...

Thanks for mentioning me in your blog Hilary.
I have visited your blog for 7 years because it's just plain awesome. The humor, stunning photography and way you look at life are so refreshing to me.
I'm one of your biggest fans.
Keep it up and I do love your new header.
It's probably time for me to change mine too....what to do, what to do??

Linda said...

Lovely photos! Happy blogiversary!

Jenn Jilks said...

What a lovely tribute to you faithful readers! Well done. Of course, your photos are amazing.

Laura said...

Happy Blogiversary Hilary. I'm working towards my seventh year. It will arrive in February. I don't remember how I found your blog, but I'm so glad I did. I love the cheery color changes, the flowers are gorgeous!!! Much love to you my northern friend.

SandyCarlson said...

Hilary,
You have me reflecting on the beginning of my own blog. It was the kindness of bloggers who took the time to comment that saved my life. Through blogging, I learned that the world is a kind place if we seek kindness. The beauty of your blog is a testament to that. Thank you.

Suldog said...

Happy Blogiversary! You know how much I admire your photography. I don't know if I say this often enough, though: your words are also great. You always find the right ones to put with the illustrations. Here's hoping for many more years of enjoyment for me!

Indrani said...

Beautiful header shot!
The flowers here are so beautiful, that I almost skipped reading your equally beautiful writing! A great joy to be here today.