A year ago, I clicked “publish” for the first time, and GretchenLovesAnchorage was officially launched.
I dreamed up the idea of a blog about loving Anchorage years before I built up the courage to actually do it – in part, I wanted to make sure I was ready to commit to the project, but mostly I was nervous about sharing so much of myself online.
After far too many thoughts of, “If only I had a blog, I could write about that. And that. Oh, and THAT!” I finally decided that I’d done enough thinking and it was time for doing – and I’m so glad that I did! I find new things to love in Anchorage on a regular basis, and feel like I’m more aware of unique and inspiring opportunities in our city.
Here are my “one year bloggiversary” takeaways:
- A “like” or comment on Facebook, or even better, a new subscriber, will never be anything but utterly thrilling.
- Stay true to what you love and want to write about – not all posts will be easy, but writing about something you love will always be rewarding.
- Connecting with other people who love Anchorage (or are just interested in similar topics, or even just want to say “hi!”) is by far the best part of blogging.
Thank you if you’ve ever read a single word, taken the time to send me a note about how you love Anchorage too, told me that you like an idea, or suggested topics for posts – blogging sometimes feels like throwing bits of yourself into a great big void and wondering if anyone’s out there to find them. But when you get something back, it’s all worth it!
I have some goals for the next year:
- Profiles of some of the amazing people who live here
- An updated look for the site
- Guest posts! If you have ever thought that you’d like to write about something you love in Anchorage, and are looking for a place to do so, let me know – it’ll be LovesAnchorage!
Thank you for reading. I love Anchorage more than ever because all of you!
I love this idea and look forward to reading your blog! Just the picture here tells me that I would love Anchorage too! Something about the place we grew up that imprints us for life.
Thank you Becky! I’m thrilled you’re going to be reading – your mom always writes the best comments and shares lovely memories of your time here.
It’s fun to see Anchorage through someone else’s perspective! Thank you for providing new insight into our town.
Thanks Bonnie! So good to hear from you.
Congratulations for your first year of blogging. I’ve enjoyed reading each one of your blogs. Love, Mom
Thank you Mom! I think you are my most loyal fan 🙂 Love, Gretchen
I love your blogs, Gretchen – makes me feel like I know you again – and that I know a little more about what Anchorage is like.today..(maybe you should extend your blog to Eagle River, too, just for me!)
And I love your comments and the stories you share – it’s wonderful to get to know you again. Maybe I can get someone to write about Eagle River – I don’t know it very well! But I promise to write at LEAST one Eagle River related blog post for you this year.
Gretchen, I too read every blog, it’s so fun keeping up with you this way. Glad you are still excited and we will have many more editions to look forward to
Thanks Bruce, I’m so glad to know that you read the blog! Aloha!
Gretchen, Happy Anniversary and keep up the good work! It’s so much fun to learn more about you and your city through each of your blogs.
Thank you Keith! Knowing that you’re a reader makes me so happy.
Gretchen, what a nice commitment of your loves…….in Anchorage. Keep up the good work. Have enjoyed your insights and getting to know you as a young woman in Anchorage! Happy Anniversary!
Thanks so much Jane! Lots to love in Anchorage 🙂 So glad you like reading about it!