Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy First Birthday

July 4. A momentous day.

It's also Independence Day. Which, I guess, makes it an exceptionally momentous day.

Not to diminish the import of the National Holiday (and, by the way, I wish all of you, my loyal readers, a very happy and patriotic 4th of July), but here, in this world, this day is far more notable in that it's the Birthday of MyndFood. That's right: one year ago today I embarked hesitantly on this quest, with great anticipation and no small amount of trepidation. I can still remember the anxious dread I felt on writing that first post.

Days like these are, for me, opportunities to reflect, to examine the progress that I've made in this quest over the past 12 months. And, as is typical, I find that in looking back, I have been foolish and perhaps somewhat arrogant. The steps I've taken, which at their taking seemed so great, and for which, in their taking, I extended a self-congratulatory hand to pat myself on the back, in retrospect, seem almost inconsequential. The great leaps that I THOUGHT I'd made, looking back, were no more than mere baby steps.

Not that I haven't gained some ground, made some progress. I have written, reasonably consistently, for a year--a feat of which I'm immensely proud. I have grown more confident in my writing ability, and have begun to feel secure in my ability to tell a story. I have developed a consistent, and respectable, readership. And I have created a veritable smorgasbord of mental nourishment for you, dear readers, to feast on.

But, then, I look back and see that I've not progressed as far as I should have in writing ability. And I have written consistently, but I still shy away from telling a story. And my readership is consistent and respectable, but not great; I've languished at this number of consistent readers for months.

So, It's Happy Birthday to MyndFood; it's been a good year--not great. But it's an incredible foundation; something to build on over the coming year.

My goals for MyndFood in Year Two:
  • Increase daily readership twofold. I'd really like to be averaging 100 hits daily by the next birthday. I imagine it'll take some advertising; if there's anyone out there with experience in mass email marketing, or who has any other ideas, drop me an email.
  • Post a series of "chapters" for a fictional story, over a number of weeks. It's something that I've flirted with before, but never delivered on (given my fear of storytelling).
  • Publish something. OK; that's not really a MyndFood goal, but it's a personal writing goal, which is really what MyndFood is all about, so I've included it.
It'll be an interesting year; stick with me though, we're going somewhere. And thank you all who've been here consistently over the past year. It means the world!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

this blog is bogus. its a waste of my time. i dont even know why i read it. its just you going on and on about junk that nobody cares about. quit wasting internet real estate.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous-

If you really feel this way, please do us all a favor and take your readership elsewhere.

It's pretty pathetic that you feel the need to put others' accomplishments down to feel good yourself. I'm sorry for you.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Myndfood!!

I went back to your first post today on courage. You decided to take a risk and what do you know..people actually read...and LOVE it! Congratulations! As far as I'm concerned this blog has had a great first year!

I'm proud of you!

Anonymous said...

PJ,

CONGRATS ! on year 1 B-day! I enjoy reading,Keep up the great writing. We miss you guys, this keeps us in touch with you.

Nancy

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Myndfood! I look forward to reading everyday. I am always telling someone about your blog. It is great! Keep 'em comin'!

Misty

Katie Booker said...

Happy Bday!!!!
Its been an interesting year of reading!!! =)

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MYNDFOOD!!!!! I Love reading ur blog it is very interesting so KEEP ON WRITING!!!!!!! love you, shawna

Anonymous said...

Love your blog! Keep on serving us yummy entrees! Love ya!!!

Anonymous said...

I think its great that someone can take a chance with something a try different things. I do think that your positive comments out weigh the negative, so don't mind the negative's continue doing what you think will be good.

Anonymous said...

I find it interesting that everyone that comments is anonymous. I wonder how many of those are you and your wife...
LOL..
John

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MYNDFOOD!!!!
I have enjoyed reading your blog very much! All of your entrees have been wonderful. Both your Dad and I are proud of you. Keep writing. Can't wait to compare this year to the next year no telling what you will be writing.
Love Mother

Anonymous said...

PJ! BRO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I read you blog often and cannot think of to many post thatI didn't agree with, well maybe a few. Anyways, Today is your sisters B-Day, so in the future Maybe Myndfood and Deanna can get together for one huge B-Day Bash!
And to John, about the anonymous posts, which of those posts were yours? Maybe all of them.

I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT YOUR ONLY RESPONSE ON THIS POST IS THAT YOU FIND IT INTERESTING ABOUT THE ANONYMOUS POSTS, WHICH IMPLIES TO ME THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY POSTED YOUR FEELINGS ON THE SUBJECT... SO JOHN, WHICH OF THE ANONYMOUS POSTS WERE YOURS?

Mrs. Willman said...

Hi this is John Willman, I did not write that post with John on it. I just wanted to clear that up. I think PJ is doing a great job, keep up the good work.
John W.