Sunday, January 27, 2013

Happy 2nd Birthday to the Blog!

Today marks the second anniversary since my first blog post. I've come a long way since that first post. I remember the anxiety I felt with hitting the publish button.  I've relaxed a little since then and I hope it has come across that way in my posts. When I set out to create this blog I had fears about no one wanting to read it. Now I'm humbled by the fact that I get readers and comments from all over the world! I've made connections with people from all over and other bloggers have even asked me to be a feature on their blog. How humbling is that! 

It's my hope that the blog will continue to succeed and I'm excited to see where the next year will take us and the connections Adam and I will make!


Some things I've learned along the way include:
1. Don't obsess over grammar. Yes, it's important, but no one is going to call you out for missing a comma in your post. (I probably have poor comma placement in just this sentence alone!)

2. Write from the heart. The posts that come from the heart and are filled with emotion are the ones I love writing the most. These posts are usually the ones your readers enjoy the most too. 

3. If you're thinking about starting a blog, just do it! I can honesty say I have no regrets about creating this blog. 

4. Don't worry if you can't write a post regularly. People get busy, readers understand this and they are reading your blog for a reason, so they'll be there when you do post something. 

5. If you're feeling lost and overwhelmed seek out advice from other experienced bloggers.  They are more than willing to share their experiences and help you get started. 
I've received great advice from Crystal Young of Crystal Cattle, Brandi Buzzard of Buzzard's Beat, and Judi Graff of FARMnWIFE.

Now for the stats since the inauguration of Born to Pharm. 

Adam and I have published 63 posts since we began the blog. It's been fun to come up with titles for posts and documenting what's taking place on the farm and in pharmacy school. 

The top five posts for the blog have been: 


Where are the Born to Pharm readers coming from? 
Top ten countries: 
1. United States 
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. Russia
5. Australia
6. Germany
7. India
8. France
9. Ireland
10. Spain

Thank you to everyone who has provided Adam and I with encouragement on this journey of starting and sticking with a blog. We've enjoyed meeting new people through the blogosphere and connecting with other farmers, ranchers, farm wives, pharmacy students, and pharmacists along the way. 

Now for the best part of a Birthday......ice cream cake!! Even though that is the best part of a birthday celebration it would be logistically impossible to give all of you ice cream cake. Bummer!

Instead of ice cream cake I'll settle for the next best thing about a birthday and that's presents!  In honor of the blog's birthday I've decided to do a giveaway. I've partnered with Lindsay Seichepine from Dally Designs for this giveaway. Lindsay is amazingly talented at creating rustic, country-themed home decor and all of her merchandise can be found on her Facebook page, Dally Designs. She specializes in making bowls, vases, baskets, trivets, and customized wall decor out of used team roping ropes.

Check out the pictures below to see some of Lindsay's works of art! 

Beautiful pieces with the prices listed. I really have to exhibit some
self control when I go in Lindsay's store, I want them all!
Some of Lindsay's customized pieces. 
I'm hoping to have a wreath like this on my front door for next fall!
A rope vase I have in my house from Dally Designs.

I'm using Rafflecopter for the giveaway.   You can be entered in the drawing for each item you complete by following the instructions below. The winner will be announced on February 4th!

Good luck and thank you for your loyal readership! Ready, Set, Go!! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

12 comments:

  1. I NEED that frame with the horses. It is gorgeous! Congrats on all your success with the blog - you're a great role model for farm wives and advocates!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The frame with the horses is gorgeous! Thank you, Buzzard! I learn from the best and you've been my role model along the way, keep up the good work! Good luck with the giveaway!

      Delete
  2. I love all of Lindsay's items. I have a wreath that was given to me as a gift from a family member that she created. Absolutely love it!! Also Happy Blogiversary!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome to Born to Pharm, Wilson Family! Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway!
      Yes, I agree, I love all of Lindsay's items and they are one of a kind pieces. It's difficult to choose just one! Best of luck with the giveaway!

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Thank you, Becky! Welcome to Born to Pharm, we hope you continue to stop by and visit us!

      Delete
  4. Happy birthday! How exciting to reach a second year. I cannot wait to see more of your story. If I could win I would have to get a wreath. I am obsessed with them lately and I need a lot of decor for my bare house!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by the blog and entering the giveaway! All of Lindsay's wreaths are awesome, it would be difficult to pick out my favorite! Best of luck with the giveaway we look forward to connecting with you in the future!

      Delete
  5. Congrats on such a big year. You are getting a ton of people reading. I love the perspective you bring. And I love rope bowls, but don't own one yet. I think that is what I would be purchasing.
    www.crystalcattle.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love it all, but my favorite right now are the rope vases!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love your blog Melissa - each time I see your pictures and blog posts, makes me that much more ready to live the country life again.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is a very nice and interesting blog.
    My happy birthday wishes to you and the blogger:
    May you continue to flourish and touch your reader's heart with your brilliant and interesting posts.

    Cheers to your 2nd birthday!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...