Hard to imagine we’ve gotten to this point already…but it’s back-to-school, end-of-summer time. Labor Day is here, and with it the closing of pools and beaches. I’ve always loved summertime, even as a mother with the duty of ensuring the kiddies were kept occupied (and according to many moms, “putting up” with having them around all day each day!) I usually cherish this season, yet this year our circumstances just didn’t seem to allow for enough of that. And I’ve been woefully absent from this blog.
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| Photo credit: Robert Couse-Baker |
The crossing guard was standing duty at the corner the other morning, the same one who used to guide my own children safely across the street. Young ones of varying ages and heights shouldered backpacks brimming with hope and anticipation, as well as supplies needed to begin this year’s academic journey. My mind flashed back to the days of watching my kids appearing just the same way, each year the same and yet new.
I took a long walk that day, but our street was filled with parked cars. Just a few houses down is the elementary school, and classes were in session for the beginning of a new school year. Parents sat patiently in their cars, waiting to pick up their kindergarteners – it was too early for the older kids to be let out yet. On my return, a teacher had just led his class out onto the playground for lunchtime recess.
It’s just the cycle of things, I suppose. The urge to rail against time passing by is strong in me, though, and I just want everything to stand still, even if for one more month, one more week, one more day. Changing of seasons, even though this is merely a representative ritual, remind us of our limited time here, and the importance of not taking it – or anything this life provides – for granted.
Last week also marked a milestone here on the blog. Amazingly, it’s been a year since we began! Last Tuesday was officially our Blogiversary. One year. I remember the day my finger hovered above the “Enter” key, for what seemed like forever. The nervous fear of doing something I’d never done before, in front of the whole world – for anyone to see – anchoring that finger in midair. I began with no knowledge of blogs, or the blogging world, and most definitely no clue about this wonderful community of pet bloggers and readers…You.
Thank you, dear friends, for all your positive (and much-needed!) support, and for allowing us to follow along the path toward better blogging, better community, a better world for animals. It’s been quite a year. It’s been quite a summer. I’m heading off, backpack shouldered, full of hope and anticipation – into a new season, a new year. I hope you’ll be there with me! And CindyLu says, “I’mmmm back!”
One year ago, CindyLu’s first blog post
Happy Anniversary, Cindy Lu’s Muse! You’ve come a long way, baby!
Thank you, Doreen! Having the pleasure of getting to know you is one of the most positive results of this past year!!
Ah yes and as we reminisce, harken back to the dreamy days of summer, we can think about those cosy nights ahead, snuggled up, as the rain taps a merry tune upon yon window pane.
Did you know that a crossing guard in Britain is called a ‘lollipop lady’ or ‘lollipop man’? And no, they are not made out of lollipops 🙂
Hearty congrats on your recent one year blogging anniversary. May you continue to embrace and celebrate the magic of the written word and the wonder that is the great blogging community.
With respect and kind wishes, your way, Gary
Happy Blogoversary!!!! I have missed you!!!!!!
I should have emailed you to see where in the heck you were and I am sorry that I didn’t.
I was just saying to my husband the other day that it seems like yesterday I was sitting here wishing everyone a happy new year and here we are at the end of the year already! Geeze!
Thank you, Gary! You’re absolutely right, there is much to enjoy in the coming season. Do the Lollipop Lady/Man then go home to Oz and their Lollipop Kids? 😉 That is an interesting bit of info, I for one never knew about that. Your wishes are much appreciated!
Caren – Thank You! I’ve missed you, too!! No apologies about emailing; you were one very busy lady the last few weeks!! You had a blast at the conference, that was clear. So happy for you! Oh, you’re so right, it does seem like it was just the New Year. Time is racing past us.
Happy Anniversary! Doesn’t the year go by so fast… I am so glad you hit enter a year ago & I was able to meet you… I hope all is OK…I was thinking about you when you stopped posting. Like Caren, I should have reached out… I think this has been a rough summer for a lot of people. Personally, summer is my favorite time,and I am glad this one is coming to an end…
Thank you, Hilary! All is well:) Like you said, it’s been a rough, crazy summer for so many. I’ve missed reading your blog! You can bet I’ll be back reading it daily. And I, too, am so glad – You and Caren were among the few bloggers I got to know first! I’ve missed you this summer!
Yep, the ‘Lollipop ladies’ and Lollipop men’ go back down the ‘Yellow Brick Road’, where they have lots and lots of kids. In fact, there’s a ‘sucker’ born every minute:)
Seriously they were given the name ‘lollipop’ because the ‘stop sign’ they hold, looks like a lollipop:)
@klahanie – LOL Hey – that’s interesting to know! I was wondering where that name would come from!
Congrats on one year!
Olá amigo KIM…
Quero te avisar que é MEU ANIVERSÁRIO. Venha ao meu blog para a festa e comemorar comigo este dia feliz.
Te espero com muita alegria.
VENHA ao meu blog participar.
Aus 1000 com amor…
KIPPY
@Pup Fan – Thank you! 🙂
@Kippy Marie – Happy Birthday to a beautiful one!
Happy Anniversary on your blog! I agree, the year has really flown by, though to be honest, the way my year has gone it can’t leave soon enough for me.
Thank you, Vicky! I hear you about this year – bring on a new one!