I received a nice notification from the people of Word Press a couple of days ago:
WP, I’m going to ignore the grammar error of “years” since you’re expecting me to stick around — thank you.
Thanks to everyone that’s been nice enough to follow me — from the beginning and recently. I read back over some of those beginning posts and just shudder. I had no idea what I was doing (kind of still don’t) but I’ve learned that this blogging thing, like all of us and like life, is fluid, changing and evolving. I don’t know what this year will bring, but I’d like to do some remembering of 2012 with images and songs.
Late January 2012 — I sat down at the computer one morning and decided to create a blog. I always liked the word “banter” because of its definition and because I like the movie, Anchorman, which gives us a insider’s view of what that off-camera banter is about.
I love banter.
As I tried to rack my brain that morning about what to write, I was doing this, as I have since that day, every time I post:
Hmmm. Smell that? I take mine with cream.
I finished writing it and I thought to myself this sucks. Why are you doing this? Don’t hit that publish button. DON’T. DO. IT. Walk away, but I did hit publish and thought to myself afterwards:
That day I received one comment. Elizabeth from Scribbling in the Storage Room — thank you, Elizabeth.
So I wrote some more and for the most part I was doing this, waiting for comments:
Seriously, is there anyone out there?
And hearing this:
After I got into blogging a bit and began to explore what was out there in the sphere of bloggers, my confidence started to bloom. I made some friends and began commenting on other blogs. In April, that thing happened that’s happened to many of my bloggerly buds — Word Press smiled upon me and pressed me up there on their front page. My stats went crazy, thousands visited and some stayed. And I sang:
and danced like this:
This is how I dance when I’m really happy.
I gained so many new followers and my blog, which began as just a “writer’s” blog kind of took on a life of its own. In slow times between projects, I learned a few tricks. People seemed to like it and I became one of the few and the proud and: about four months later in September — I joined the twice FP’d ranks of other bloggers I love and admire.
Really, again? Why I’m just on my third cuppa java!
October began slow. One of my posts got some decent hits. It was one on Friends. That made me happy because I’d made so many and it seemed my blog reflected what I’d wanted it to be. A safe place, one where we could laugh and ponder the complexities of life. Share good music, good times and prop each other up during the not so good ones — I felt as if you guys were in my virtual living room. Then late October something stopped me for awhile.
Sandy came to visit — a lot of people.
(Nasa’s satellite image of that wicked storm.)
The power went out for a long time. I posted only three times in November. Then Thanksgiving, Christmas and some other stuff happened that nearly knocked me down — in all kinds of ways. But you guys, you stayed with me. You wrote to me and you encouraged me when I did post. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
So in a year’s time, this and that has happened — some good, some painful stuff — not just to me personally, but to all of us as a society. What I find encouraging and wonderful is that I know there are so many people out there doing good, making the best out of the worst of times and daring to put their words out on a global scale in order to give hope, solace and laughter. I’m proud to be a part of that. I’m proud of myself for sticking with this a year. And I’m proud of all of you — your warmth, your humor and your compassion — it knocks me out and it makes me think to myself: http://s0.wp.com/i/support/content-unavailable.png
Love ya and peace out.
Creds: Gifs, zazzle.
Some content on this page was disabled on November 17, 2017 as a result of a DMCA takedown notice from PRS for Music. You can learn more about the DMCA here:
Brigitte's Banter 
Brigitte,
Where did you find all those GIFFS? Awesome! Loved the deer chewing one – I certainly felt that way during the early months. Fun post and a great summary of your blogging adventures for the past year. So very glad you hit the “Publish” button that first day. Happy Anniversary, dear friend. It’s so very nice to know you.
Love ya,
Cathy
Posted by Cathy Ulrich | January 31, 2013, 9:21 amCathy, click on the link at the bottom of the post. I’m glad I hit the publish button myself — it’s brought some wonderful people into my life — you included and thanks so much, my friend. So nice to know you. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 9:40 amYour warmth, your humor and your compassion keeps us coming back. Happy Anniversary! Will there be cake?
Posted by Addie | January 31, 2013, 9:23 amAddie, thank you so much my friend. You too always make me smile and feel good and I’m so glad we found each other. Here’s some cake for you:
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 9:38 amI’ll pour a cup of coffee and celebrate!! Thank you for your very dear words…they mean quite a bit to me.
Posted by Addie | January 31, 2013, 10:14 amBrigitte,
Congrats on this anniversary… I agree with Addie, it is your warmth that draws me back to your blog, and your kind nature. Keep on doing what you do, you’ve found your voice all right.
Eric
Posted by Le Clown | January 31, 2013, 9:30 amEric, thank you and what a nice thing to say. Underneath all that makeup, I know where your heart is and it’s a very kind one. Thanks, my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 9:41 amCongrats! One full year…wow. YOU inspire us, Brigitte.
Here’s to a wonderful 2013 for B’s Banter! Cheers *clinky
Posted by mabukach | January 31, 2013, 9:31 amMike, I’ll take your congrats and cheers back. So nice knowing you and after all, you are the person who gave me my closet boyfriend, Chachi and for that, I’m forever grateful. 😉 *clink*
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 9:43 amCongratulations on your one year milestone! You make WordPress a brighter, warmer place.
Posted by RFL | January 31, 2013, 9:48 amRachelle, it always nice to see you here and what a wonderful thing to say. Thank you so much.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 9:54 amBrigitte,
Happy Wordiversary!
Oh, and I’ll have some of that cake.
Posted by Honie Briggs | January 31, 2013, 10:06 amHonie, Thank you my friend — you’ve made it such a nice place. You and I go way back, don’t we? Have a slice — cake makes everything better. 😉 Brigitte xo
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 10:09 amNever met a cake I didn’t like! Yep, we go waaaaay back. See ya in the funny papers Lady.
Posted by Honie Briggs | January 31, 2013, 10:13 amI’ll see you there — I’ll be the one wearing a lampshade on my head, jeans, tee-shirt and dancing.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 10:16 amYou are full of warm, loving, energetic light, and I am so glad our paths crossed. I remember your Nemo and Happy Cows posts as if they were yesterday, and your Monday Musings in my in-box always put a smile on my face.
Happy Anniversary! Wishing you (somewhat selfishly) many many more.
-Christy
Posted by runningonsober | January 31, 2013, 10:10 amChristy, Thank you so much. I’m glad we found each other as well. That Nemo post is one of my favorites and the fact that it’s one of yours, well that says much about why we gravitate toward each other. It’s always so nice to see you here and I’m glad I can put a smile on your face. This community (and you are a big part of that) has put a smile on my face or made me laugh out loud just when I’ve needed it the most. Thank you, my friend. Brigitte
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 10:13 amCongratulations on being brave and hanging in!
Posted by Katie | January 31, 2013, 10:24 amWhy thank you, Katie — it’s been a fun ride. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 10:26 amHappy Anniversary, Brigitte. I feel like I’ve been following you since Day 1 since I now consider you ‘friend.’ I remember your blog posts in the beginning… finding your way to what it is you wanted to write about, what you wanted to share. I half thought you would become a travel blogger. Clearly, though, you’ve found a good road to travel, leading to a very successful and, more importantly, happy-filled blog. It almost seems a beacon was out there calling you and you finally found it. So happy for you! I still don’t think I’ve spotted my beacon yet, but you give me inspiration to keep [word]pressing forward. ;^)
Posted by Swimming In The Mud | January 31, 2013, 10:49 amThank you, Sue. You and I followed each other almost from the get-go, haven’t we? I don’t believe I’ve actually kept up with it for this long. I did and still do want to some travel stuff, but for the most part, I wanted it to be positive because we need that more than ever these days I think. You’ve no idea how much your words have meant to me — you are always so encouraging and you bare your soul when you write. That’s what people gravitate towards — at least I do. I think you’re finding your beacon just fine — you are an inspiration. It’s a fine line — revealing just enough (I constantly struggle with this), but you do so with grace and I hope you will keep pressing forward. And I’ll keep following. Thanks so much.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 10:57 amThanks, Brigitte. In a way, you kinda keep me going. When the crickets are chattering, I know sooner or later I’ll see your face and some kind, thoughtful words. 🙂
Posted by Swimming In The Mud | January 31, 2013, 11:18 amThose crickets will drive you crazy if you let them. Don’t, they’ll go away. I still hear them myself sometimes. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 11:30 amThank you, dear Brigitte, for hitting the Publish button! You’ve been an inspiration and a compass in my own blogging experience, and I’m so happy to see you back more often. Missed you lots, revel in your presence even more! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | January 31, 2013, 11:29 amMargarita — thank you. I remember receiving an email from you one night that came just at the right moment. Funny how those things happen, huh? You inspire me daily — with your wisdom, pictures and words. And I’ll take your advice. Revel has ALWAYS been one of my favorite words — how did you know that? 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 11:32 amI didn’t, but my small still voice must have gotten the memo! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | January 31, 2013, 11:44 am:D. I love that little voice.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 12:24 pmMe, too! xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | January 31, 2013, 7:32 pmWow! I agree with all the above comments but I won’t say, “ditto.”
Yours is an emotionally safe blog, Brigitte. It’s a warm friendly place to be. I don’t know how I found my way over here many moons ago but I’m sure glad I did. I feel like I have a special corner of the couch in your virtual living room. In this one year we, as a community and individually, have been faced with serious challenges. It’s nice to know that there are people like you, Brig, ‘out there,’ ready to comfort and sustain and hold a virtual hand. 🙂 You’ve been a friend to me and so many. If that was the ONLY thing you accomplished with your blog, I’d say, “Well done, my friend, well done.” Every thing else just seems like gravy. 🙂
xoxox
Lisa
Posted by A Gripping Life | January 31, 2013, 11:39 amLisa, it’s like a big ole’ love blogfest up in here and it wouldn’t be complete without you. You do have a special corner on the couch (have you ever watched the Big Bang? Sheldon has his spot on the couch — it’s only his and no one can sit in it but him). You’re my Sheldon (but without all the OCD tendencies he has and you didn’t claim it, it was just a natural place for you to be). And you’ve been a trusted friend — though my good and bad times, here and through our personal exchanges. A friend is one that accepts people for who they are — and always sees the best — you are that person — thank you. xoxo
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 12:24 pmI have nothing new to say – your blog is a safe and warm place, but also thought-provoking–I am so glad I found your blog (cannot remember how) and your friendship
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | January 31, 2013, 11:46 amLou Ann, thank you so much. You don’t have to say a lot — your “blissful” presence is always more than enough. Thank YOU for your friendship.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 12:25 pmCongrats on your 1-Year anniversary! I would have thought you’d been doing it longer, what with your sure voice and invariably interesting subjects.
I don’t know if you’re a person who normally has a good memory (you probably are), but I have to think that maintaining a blog over the past year (which, for good or ill, has been pretty darn exciting for you) has probably put you in closer touch with you memories, and in the coming years will help you to keep this year in your heart. Right now it might seem like something you don’t want to remember as clearly, but it’s all life.
Posted by Smaktakula | January 31, 2013, 12:01 pmHey Smak — thanks for being a part of the celebration. When did we begin following each other? I don’t remember but you’ve made me laugh out loud more than a few times. And thanks for that — if you read some of my older posts — not so sure. This blogging/writing thing has actually sparked some memories — at times, one has to rack their brain to come up with a topic that hopefully most people can relate to. It’s been fun and yes, that life stuff — good and bad — is what’s it’s all about, yes? Thank you!!
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 12:35 pmCongrats – Keep it Going!!!
Posted by cravesadventure | January 31, 2013, 12:35 pmI will try, Craves — I will and thank you!!
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 12:37 pmHappy Anniversary, Brigitte!! Yes, the groovy GIFFS are pretty darn terrific. They play very well with your witty, witty words. Bravo!! T. (I now have a strong hankering for cake! Thanks. . .)
Posted by Theadora | January 31, 2013, 12:38 pmT, nice of you to drop in from the streets of Paris and thank you so much. Did you ride your bicycle? ;). I’m sure you can find some bakery with just the right amount of joie de vivre to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 12:51 pmHappy Anniversary Brigitte! Not only are you a wonderful blogger who makes WordPress better with your presence, you can really dance! Here’s to many more years to come.
Posted by rollergiraffe | January 31, 2013, 1:08 pmRG, thank you — it’s so nice when you stop by. There’s so many that make WordPress a better place — you do and yeah, those dance moves are just part of my signature style. (I wish, but I can dream anyway, ah-h the beauty of WordPress). 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 1:11 pmCongratulations on your one year anniversary Brigitte. As someone that took a while to get over to your site, I’m glad that I did finally remember to follow your meticulously written banter. Your optimism is refreshing and I greatly appreciate that it’s on the right side of not making me gag. In fact, you rock!
Posted by lameadventures | January 31, 2013, 1:25 pmV, thank you. With your hilarious, biting wit, I take that as a huge compliment. I’m glad I’m on your right side because your take on life is refreshing to me. YOU ROCK.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 1:39 pmI loved your walk down WordPress memory lane, and congratulations again on your blogging achievements. I also loved the dancing. Makes me want to go watch Bye Bye Birdie, because it reminded me of Ann Margaret in that movie. Now, if you’ll excuse me, “I’ve got a lot of living to do…”
Posted by Carrie Rubin | January 31, 2013, 1:42 pmCarrie, thank you, as always for stopping by my blog. You’re always so encouraging and kind. Ha! Ann-Margaret in that movie, she rocks. Go dance and live it, sister.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 1:55 pmShe does rock in that movie. I wouldn’t have minded getting a few of her assets, musical or otherwise.
Posted by Carrie Rubin | January 31, 2013, 1:57 pmCongrats on your year mark! That is a big accomplishment, Brigitte. Hope this year is even better. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you a little more through blogging.
Posted by char | January 31, 2013, 3:13 pmHi Char, thank you very much and thanks so much for being a part of that — it’s always so nice to see your comments and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you too!
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 7:01 pmCongratulations on your One Year Anniversary. Isn’t it amazing how, in the beginning, we sit in self-imposed solitude until we take a chance, reach out to another blogger and make a connection?
I look forward to reading your blog over the coming year(s).
Posted by Allan G. Smorra | January 31, 2013, 3:29 pmHi Allan, it really is! I’m glad we found and followed each other — I still can’t believe you take some of those photos on the phone, but I always look forward to seeing them. Thanks so much and I look forward to the same from you. 🙂
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 7:02 pmBrigitte- You are one of the very first blogs I started to follow. I am so very glad that our paths have crossed and remain so. I look forward to your musings and banter very much. Seeing your comments on my blog is very comforting. One gets accustomed to certain people stopping by and checking in. Amazing how that happens here. You are genuinely missed when you are not “around”and genuinely appreciated–Audra
Posted by unfetteredbs | January 31, 2013, 6:07 pmI remember that, Audra and I remember finding you and following you. As soon as I read your poetry, I knew that I wanted too. I so enjoy it — you really don’t know how much. Those of us who cannot express ourselves that way love to read those creative souls who can — you are one of them and you express yourself beautifully. I know what you mean about that — certain people stopping in — you are one of those to me as well. Thank you so much, my friend — your words mean so much to me — whether they’re on my blog or when you just “pop in” through a personal email to ask ask me how I’m doing. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 7:06 pmI don’t see myself the way you see me.. gosh . Thank you kind one
Posted by unfetteredbs | January 31, 2013, 7:09 pmThank YOU, Audra and you’re welcome. xo
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 7:11 pmHappy anniversary, Brigitte! Please add me to the growing list of readers who are so glad you hit that “publish” button. I’m thinking this WordPress message is new because I don’t remember getting one of these last fall. 😉 I’m looking forward to hopefully many more years of your wonderful posts—and your stories when they’re published.
Love the Louis Armstrong piece. That’s one of my favorites in my rather eclectic choices of music. 🙂
Posted by jmmcdowell | January 31, 2013, 6:34 pmThank you, JM and thank you so much for following me. I so look forward to your comments — you always give such encouragement and your kindness and sticking with me, even when my posts haven’t been that great, mean so much. I look forward to the same from you. You are a gifted writer and one that I so admire.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 7:08 pmHappy One year anniversay.. I so enjoy your blog ( and you as well :-).. so Cheers to another year of happy blogging and snazzy GIFS!!
Posted by free penny press | January 31, 2013, 6:50 pmLynne! Thank you. I so enjoy YOUR blog and I’m hope to keep em’ coming and that they stay snazzy. ;). I hope you will do the same with your poetry and your beautiful pics.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 7:09 pmWow a whole year and FP’d not once, but twice! Congratulations and thanks for inspiring me and making me think.
xo
Diana
Posted by dianasschwenk | January 31, 2013, 8:29 pmAh, D — you do the same for me, you so do and thank you, as always for your kind and positive comments. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 8:44 pmWay to go!
Posted by denmother | January 31, 2013, 8:57 pmWhy thank you Cougar and thanks for joining in my humble celebration. 😉
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 9:00 pmFP twice in your first year? Don’t be humble – shout it out!! Then humbly work on your next masterpiece:-)
Posted by denmother | January 31, 2013, 9:01 pmHappy Bloggyversary, Brigitte! Mine is next month. I love your blog because it’s like sitting down in a good friend’s kitchen with a cup of hot chocolate. So soothing and comfy. Big hugs!
Posted by Madame Weebles | January 31, 2013, 9:15 pmAh, Weebs thank you. I love your blog too. It makes me laugh, cry and all kinds of other stuff. I remember when I first discovered you and I’m glad I did. You are always welcome here and I’d like to think I can step in your place whenever I want as well. Can you believe we’ve been doing this for a year? Weird, but in a good way. Big hugs back at you, my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | January 31, 2013, 9:23 pmThe door Chez Weebles is open to you at all times, B!
Posted by Madame Weebles | February 1, 2013, 11:16 amAt the risk of sounding super sappy, every time I get an email notifying me of your latest post, I get really happy because I know it’ll make me smile, or think, or feel good, or (best of all), all of the above. Usually, it’s all of the above. I remember finding you after your first FP and being so impressed at how you answered every. single. comment (like all 400 of them or something) with warmth, grace, and humor. So happy to have met you and become friends with you. Here’s to another great year of blogging! 🙂
Posted by lillianccc | January 31, 2013, 9:34 pmLIllian, you don’t sound super sappy at all. Just wonderful and sweet as you always are. I have to say the same for you. Your post on hypochondria was hilarious and I could so relate. Yes, that first FP was a doozy but in a good way. I’m so very glad you decided to stay and that we each follow each other. What you’re doing — your life path right now — well it’s not for sissies and I admire the hell out of you. I’m glad we’re friends too and the same to you, my friend.
Posted by Brigitte | February 1, 2013, 3:22 pmCongrats Brigitte! I always love reading your stuff.
Posted by Simon | February 1, 2013, 10:32 amHi Simon — great to see you here and hope to “see” you again soon — on your blog and here. Hope you and your beautiful family are great. And thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | February 1, 2013, 3:18 pmYou savvy blogger, you. I have no idea how to embed those little audio clips. You’re cooler than me, and I don’t say that to everyone…
it’s a pleasure to know you (in this context) and even be able to check in from time to time…
Congrats on 1 year of good things.
Posted by saradraws | February 1, 2013, 3:18 pmHey Sara — thank you so much for stopping in for the “grand” celebration and I don’t think I’m cooler than you and YOU’RE cooler than me for saying that. Cool people say things like that, but I will take it anyway and so glad you did say it to me! It’s my pleasure, Sara — it really is. Why would you have to embed clips? YOU make beautiful art and creations — that’s better than a clip any day. Thank you, Sara and hope that clown of yours feels better soon.
Posted by Brigitte | February 1, 2013, 3:24 pmCongratulations on your milestone. You’ve certainly had a busy year full of highs and lows. Hope this year is a good one and look forward to reading more of your posts.
Posted by rachel's book nook | February 5, 2013, 10:01 pmP.s Love the little moving clips you put in. Funny!!
Posted by rachel's book nook | February 5, 2013, 10:02 pmBrigette – congrats on the 1 year anniversary — though I realize this is quite belated. I just stumbled upon your blog, and found this post very inspiring. I just pressed publish for the first time last week, and am feeling proud/inspired.. and obsessed with the Stats page. Sigh. Your post reminded me to be patient, and that this began as a personal journey – and so I shouldn’t fret about the number of people who read. After all, the blog universe is just not something you can control.
thank you.
Posted by Daryl and Alana | April 1, 2013, 5:04 pmDaryl and Alana — welcome! And thank you so much for stopping by and for the follow. I’m so glad you did stumble upon my blog. Now I must visit yours — back pack monologues — now that sounds very intriguing! And you are right about that stats thing, just be you, write about what you love. Those that (and there are plenty) will come visit, comment and love what you’re doing. That’s what this thing is about and there are so many nice people in this WordPress community. People like you. Thank you so much.
Posted by Brigitte | April 2, 2013, 8:56 amThanks for the kind words Brigitte, you are very encouraging! Thanks also for stopping by our spot — you are always welcome! Looking forward to reading your post next week and in the future. Take care =)
Posted by Daryl and Alana | April 2, 2013, 1:36 pm