Anyone remember?
It was 8 years ago today that I pushed that “publish” button and submitted my very first blog post! I was nervous as nervous could be, wondering what might happen…and look what’s happened since then! I’m celebrating my 8th Anniversary… or as some say, my 8th Blogiversary! :o)
My very first post was published at 8:00 in the morning on August 1st, 2014! I had 15 people who checked me out and 5 commented and let me know they were looking forward to what was ahead… Sally was the very first one to make a comment and was I so excited I almost screamed when I saw her comment in the afternoon. Then Christine commented, and then my sister, Cindy, wished me all good things, then Jeannie Brandon and last for the first day was Sissy! I was beyond excited and haven’t looked back once! It was a good day!
Then on my second day, I got comments from Sherry, Trish, Hertha, Jeannie again, Linda Marie, Sissy again and Linda Doyle joined in.
My second post was a BIG ONE!
I won’t go through and tell you when everyone signed up and what I wrote about on each day, but just wanted to look back and see how I began this whole process… My first month I had a total of 503 hits for the entire month! (I just closed out July 2022 with over 12,000 hits for the month!) :o)
I didn’t know how to start up a blog/website, but a very dear friend of mine, set up my blog and gave me some pointers on how to run it… Sarah just set my blog up the way I wanted it and showed me how to add pictures and how to answer comments. I’ve come a LONG way since then, and still don’t know the technical side of how things work very well… but somehow I manage to figure things out. Sarah has been wonderful at helping me when I’ve had any issues… and she’s going to help me soon; to get my Etsy shop connected back to my blog… so you can go back and forth.
I’ve written 2568 posts over the last 8 years. The first 2 years I didn’t miss a single day of posting… then I decided to start taking Sundays off. I divided 2568 posts by 8 years and came up with an average of 321 posts a year. That means in a year I only leave 44 days with nothing for you… (gotta give you a break every so often!) :o)
So what have I learned in 8 years?
I have learned how kind you all are! How thoughtful you are! How caring you are! How friendly and funny you can be! How excited you can get when talking about new dolls or the ones you already own! I’ve learned how wonderful ladies who care about dolls care about each other and it still amazes me how kind and generous you are to each other in the comments and in real life. I know you all have lots of differing backgrounds and opinions, but somehow when it comes right down to it, being ladies who enjoy dolls or sewing for them, has a kind of bond that makes us enjoy each other even though we are different! I sometimes imagine us sitting on that huge SOFA and just behaving like SISTERS…chattering a mile a minute and getting to put a face to a name! Wouldn’t that really be fun?
What do I expect to learn in the next 8 years?
Who knows… but I’m willing and ready to see what happens! I hope you’ll be right there with me, exploring the next hot doll or the next dress I make or the newest sewing gadget! I appreciate you all SO MUCH and it has been my pleasure to be your “leader” (which I really don’t consider my forte), but will do the best I can as we march ahead.
Now, let’s have a little giveaway! I’m going to have the drawing and then decide on a prize this time. In the comments below, or in an email, tell me “what is your favorite part about this blog?” and I’ll put your name in for the drawing. Please make your comments by midnight Central Time zone Monday evening. Then I’ll announce the winner from those names Tuesday morning!
If you haven’t seen it already, I listed Frieda’s “Walking Sadie” set on Ebay… you can see it by clicking the picture at the right side bar or you can click HERE.
Thanks again everyone!
Blessings to you all,
~ Jeanne
Your lesson on how you do different sewing projects
Jeanne, I could never read a blog that was just a technical sewing blog, since I don’t sew all that much any more, but I like to see the things you make come to life with your added updates on what is going on in your life, and the friendliness you radiate to to others. It’s all those added tidbits that makes me want to come back for more the next day.
Congratulations on 8 years, Jeanne! Although I haven’t been with you Quite the entire 8 years, I do remember when you decided to take Sundays off from the blog, so probably a good 7 years with you, anyway.
Favorite part…oh, my…there’s so much that’s wonderful about the blog! But I think the best part for me is the camaraderie between you and all of us “Sofa Sisters” that follow your blog. It started slowly, but gradually we have–at least a number of us “regulars”–become like another family. We care about each other if someone is sick, or someone’s spouse has to have surgery, or wild fires are drawing closer to someone’s home. Some of us even pray for each other when situations arise.
I tried to explain this to my husband one night, and he found it really almost unbelievable that a bunch of women who have never met face to face can care so much about each other! (Of course, he doesn’t “do” computers, so has no experience with this part of my world.)
But we do. And that is priceless! (And it seems we’ve had two or three regulars missing in recent weeks–hope all is okay with them!)
(Gigi just came out here and wants you to know Her favorite part of the blog is seeing all the pretty dresses you make Just for her!! And can she be in the drawing, too…I told her, no, this was just for the mommies. That girl!!)
Jeanne, you are amazing in so many ways, I think my favorite part has been following your life! Your hubby, your family, the wedding, and all the other things you do, for your church, and all the work on the house. I also learn from you when you give little sewing lessons. I look forward to reading every day. I was amazed to learn I was one of the first readers! I had forgotten that! Keep up the good work, my morning would be less bright without you!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY FOR SURE! 8 years have flown by… I remember finding you from someone’s suggestion…wish I could remember who😵💫 It must haven sometime that first year. You are my reward for reading all my “have to do” emails….then I can click on yours and know there will be something Dolly interesting or sewing skills explained, awesome pictures, and the wonderful dresses and shoes. Of course enjoying the Sofa Sisters is fun too. We do have fun with our own terms…” Other Person and Sofa Sisters” are my favorites.
Enjoy reading everyone’s memories…I sure have and enjoy the day👏
I like how you pray for us to be blessed at the end of your friendly comments. I enjoy reading the interactions going on and learning about new things. I like that it helps to stay connected to the doll world and have an ongoing appreciation of dolls. It is a nice break between morning prayers and facing the day. It is nice that you update often, but I hope you don’t get burned out! I also like to learn things about sewing. Thank you so very much for everything!!
Blessings :),
Karen
Jeanne, you often start my day. It’s always exciting to see what you are up to as well as what unique doll outfit you’re designing and the stories behind them, as in the trials in how you make an outfit and the story you give for the outfit when you put it up for auction.
I no longer have friends near by to share my love of dolls but through your blog, I have met wonderful women who have the same passion. Kind hearted women who share their lives here and there.
Jeanne, I consider myself blessed to know you as a friend as well as the sofa sisters. I have remained in awe of the beautiful clothes you’ve made over the years whether I win them or not. Every outfit is stunning as well as the accessories and my girls’ are thrilled to get some of them.
It’s also nice to know your family and hear about all the projects and events in your life. I like how all of us tell our stories and updates.
God bless each and every one of you, the writer snd readers of this wonderful blog.
I have not been following along for 8 years but was so interested in all you have sewn for all different doll sizes that I have gone back thru many of the older posts just to see your fabulous work. I have learned so much by watching your creative mind in action. Thank you for sharing so many details of the sewing but also family life.
Just last week I was working on my own versions of a complete Josefina wardrobe. I really wanted her black fan, of course, on the used market…expensive. THEN…you made a fan!! Lightbulb moment….I found a way to make one too!!!
I also really enjoy your dolly scenes, stories, and props.
Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with all of us. Your kindness and Christian values shines thru every day. Doreen from Arkansas
My goodness, Jeanne! I DO remember your excitement and apprehension when you were about to kick this project off, and look what has happened in those 8 years. Extraordinary.
What you have created here is a safe space for all of us as well as an extended family. For me, what is a true treat, is that I get to share my love of dolls with these “sisters”. All my life, when I have mentioned my dolls and collecting, I have mostly been met with a simple “wow” or “really? Is that right?” In other words, something isn’t quite right about me. My real friends indulge me somewhat to look at something new, but even they don’t “get it.” The sofa sisters get it.
I love how you ask for opinions and take suggestions with such grace. I used to sew and do know quite a bit about it, so it is fun to see you take such awesome pictures to show us your processes. It’s fun that YOU are learning all the time.
I love your dedication and perseverance despite setbacks whether in your personal life or your business life.
I love that even though we are all of different stripes on religion and politics, we ARE “sisters”, indeed.
Thank you dear friend. What a journey, what a future, what a gift. Sincere congratulations.🎈🎉
Hi Sally, You summed it up perfectly in paragraph 2. I am always looking for validation and I have found it here through bright, witty, and caring sisters.
Absolutely! ❤️
Hi Jeanne!
I like that you are not just a sewing blog. We never know what the subject of the day will be, and I enjoy that. One of the things I like most is when you go to antique stores, and you take photos and post them. I’m an antique store junkie, and I always see something I just love.
I haven’t been with you for the full eight years, but like Charlotte, I remember when you announced that you would be taking Sundays off, so I’ve been here quite awhile! I believe I found you right around my birthday, which is the same as yours, but you are one year older than me. 🙂 I thought that was fun! That day is fast approaching, and this year I hit the great 65! Yikes! (Going to the Y today to get my free membership. LOL)
Looking forward to many more years of Jeanne Marie. 🙂
Blessings, Theresa
I am so glad I found you and honored to be a member of this community. Happy Anniversary and many more!
I really like when you share your “work in progress” and give troubleshooting tips! Thank you for that!
Good Morning Jeanne!
I wanted to quickly pop on and add my congratulations. 8 years, wow! Time flies doesn’t it? Babysitting Dominic so I need to scoot but I’ll be back later!
Wow, eight years? That is quite a landmark. Isn’t it delightful that many of those from your early years are still with you and actively participate? Almost the first thing I read when I groggily turn on the computer in the morning is Jeanne’s blog. I do have to check my mail, but seeing what’s going on at Jeanne’s Place, is top priority and centers me for the day. I have so many favorites, it would be difficult to chose just one, so, here are a few for you. I love the great recipes and photos Jeanne often provides. She inspired me to bake my first and only apple pie. 🙂 The photos of her home renovations are another favorite. The amazing transformations of each room, hallway, or roof are a great inspiration. Were you ever able to get the sewing room new roof leak repaired? Of course, I love seeing the green paradise around Jeanne’s home. George’s tomatoes cannot be compared to those here and that dinner plate dahlia is an amazing specimen. Her trips to thrift stores, antique malls, or garage sales and the wonderful photos provided always give me pause to return again and again throughout the day to peruse. Meeting Jeanne’s family is also something I truly enjoy. Her children, George, and fabulous sisters all make for fun adventures and contribute ideas that Jeanne shares with us. And lastly, seeing Jeanne’s detailed sewing projects come alive and into wonderous dolly creations is so inspiring. That is the reason I originally signed up for the blog, but over the years, it has become so much more. Keep on sewing those snaps, and we’ll see you tomorrow. 🙂
Congratulations!! I still read it everyday and always look forward to the next day’s post. 😀
Hi Jeanne, Wow eight years! I know I’ve been here since almost the beginning. I recognize a few earlier posts and saw that I commented by the end of October 2014 on photos of Felicity!
I don’t have a true favorite thing about this blog, it’s more of a combination of a number of favorite things. I love to see you create historical dress, especially in my favorite eras (Colonial, Civil War, and Edwardian). I enjoy seeing each outfit go from start to finish and that you involve us and even take our suggestions or name choices! I also like that you share about your life and what is going on so we get to know you. I also really enjoy when the other sofa sisters share photos of their dolls and scenes as well and the back and forth comments we make to each other and that we all share so we know each as well.
I agree with Sally and Debbie that most people are looking for validation and we can find it here.
Blessings and here’s to another eight years.
Thank you Jeanne for introducing the world of dolls. Mainly dolls that adult women “play” with. You show life in America. It is different in many respects than in Eastern Europe. Thanks for the frequent posts. Thanks for the beautiful inspirational historical and contemporary creations. Thanks for the sofa sisters.
Congratulations Jeanne on 8 wonderful years together. I have not been with you that long, although I wished I had known about you years ago, but I am grateful to be able to read and appreciate what you do with your sewing talents and your love of Thrift store shopping and fixing up your older home with your wonderful Husband George and your adorable Schnauzer Ruben. I love to see your happy smile through your words when your lovely daughter comes home with her husband. I was so impressed with your ability to take care of your daughter’s wedding in such a lovely handmade way. That speaks volumes of your love for your daughter to me. Your love of dolls is something I am always attracted to because my whole world is dolls. I am alone most of my days, just waiting on my new puppy to be able to pick her out from her littermates. She was born on 24 July 2022. Her mother Polly, never has a big litter and this time it was a miracle for Polly to have 5 puppies. Four girls and one boy with her stud muffin Malachite. My husband and I will be able to pick out our precious baby on 24 Sept. on a Saturday. I also love your photos and stories that you send to all of us and explain how things are in your household. I feel like you are my family and it makes me feel less alone in the world. It has been very hard for me with a Chronic Illness staying home by myself for over 2 years. Your Blog is my highlight each day and it gives me a ray of sunshine when I can’t go out. I am inbound lately due to the heat of Colorado. I have heat sensitivity. So I wish to thank you for your wonderful newsletters each day. You are such a kind and lovely woman and I wish only the best for you in your auction for the newest listing on Ebay. You do such a fabulous job with your fabric for those dolls. I love the way their toes separate for the flip flops you make for their tiny little feet. I always wished I had a creative mother like you when I was growing up. I would of been in hog heaven. God Bless You Jeanne! Love you always, Elaine
I know I am not entered in the drawing and that’s fine I have been sick 🤒 with a double ear 👂 infection since a tiny bit after my birthday 🥳 that is why I have not be on to post. I have heard almost nothing in weeks with ear drops 💧 and cotton ball stuffed into my ears! I felt like I should have learned more sign language when I had the chance! Anyway, Jeanne, I know I have only been on here a short time but what you said in your post was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! It almost brought a tear to my eye. I know these days we are supposed to beware of the Internet and people we meet on it but I know I have only been on this blog for a short time but I feel like I have made a few friends and I hope to make more!
Well I like seeing ALL the things you create, I like hearing about everyone’s dolls and seeing them in pictures like Linda’s(I hope to get mine to you soon Jeanne’s… my immune is just tired 🥱 so before summer is up) I could go on and on. You just made a WONDERFUL website/blog so the Highest Congratulations 🎈🍾🎊🎉 to you! I will be with you through the next eight adventurous, doll filled years and you will be with me as my family moves across the country!