Gadzooks! The Spectacled Bean Is 11 Years Old Today

/ Ally Bean

[Image source found here]

~ ~ • ~ ~

THE SPECTACLED BEAN, this weblog you’re reading right now, is a Capricorn born on this day in 2011.  The inaugural post is here.

While this isn’t my first weblog, this one has been the most fun and emotionally rewarding.  Below are 11 points explaining why this is so.

• My purpose has been to inform or entertain, rather than to persuade.  Free spirit I am, Influencer I am not.

• I follow a simple process for deciding what to write about.  The simple process, which is far from profound and academic, is to answer three questions.

• The three questions are: 1) Does this matter? 2) Where is the story? 3) Why didn’t I know this?

• It took me longer to write the previous point than it takes to answer the questions.

• I also attribute my blogging longevity to the myriad of fabulous bloggers I’ve met along the way.

• I am grateful.

• You, my bloggy friends, keep me thinking new thoughts and questioning my assumptions and laughing at the absurdity of life.

• This is good.

• You also encourage me to write more openly + creatively and to comment more freely, which for an introvert is saying something.

• Thus I try to spread the comment love whenever I have the time because leaving a comment on a blog post is a random act of kindness in a mean world.

• And I am kind, dagnabbit.  Read my about page here.

~ ~ • ~ ~

IF YOU LET ME KNOW HOW OLD YOUR BLOG IS, IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS I’LL PUT TOGETHER A BLOGROLL. I’LL START WITH THE OLDEST AND END WITH THE YOUNGEST. COULD BE FUN, YES?

[Blog must be one year old or older to qualify. Personal blogs only. Limited time offer. Offer has no cash value. Cannot be used with any other offers, promotions, or discounts. Some restrictions may apply.]   

272 thoughts on “Gadzooks! The Spectacled Bean Is 11 Years Old Today”

              • 11 years is amazing, happy belated birthday to the spectacled bean!

                I have yet to find a niche with my blogging, it started off as personal growth with a side of poetry, now there’s a bit more poetry and more than a few short stories, who knows where it will take me next!

                Definitely appreciate your kindness and comments Ally, I think your blog was one of the first ones I plucked up the courage to leave a comment on when I started blogging because you seemed very kind.

                My blog started in July 2020 (after ages of procrastination about writing one 🙈).

                Liked by 3 people

                • Rae Cod, I’m as amazed as anyone that I’ve managed to hang around blogland this long. I thought I’d do the blog thing for a few years, then be bored with it. Turns out there is a vibrant supportive blogging community out here, so I stayed.

                  I’m pleased to know that you felt comfortable to comment here. When I started blogging I was scared to leave a comment anywhere so I wanted this space to be welcoming.

                  I’m glad you started in 2020 so that you’d be here now. Thanks again for stopping by to comment.

                  Like

  2. My blog started in August 2011. At first I was going to write about human resources work (which is what I did) sharing stories (mostly humorous) and whatever trivia I could work in. I had just retired so I couldn’t use recent stories but I had a lot (like the employee who told me she was going into the witness protection act and had to resign so the government could move her 5 miles away — really I can’t make this stuff up). The farther you get from your old work, the less interesting it seems so here I am writing about mostly nothing. I agree that bloggers are the best. I have learned so much from them.

    Liked by 8 people

  3. I do not have a blog but I do enjoy commenting. I find your blog to be entertaining, informative, funny, interesting, thoughtful, cool, (insert more complimentary adjectives here…)
    Congratulations on 11 years blogging! Keep it up and Thank you!

    Liked by 5 people

  6. Holy cow, my blog is a baby compared to yours. But I do have an anniversary coming up! First blog post was February 16, 2015. Mine was going to be a memoir blog about dating and then marrying outside your culture, but cats, dogs, Hollywood, politics, and books have all snuck in.

    Maybe I should have named it “But I Digress…” instead of West Dates East.

    Liked by 5 people

    • AutumnAshbough, I didn’t know that was your original blog idea, but I love the direction you’ve gone. It’s no small potatoes to have been blogging as long as you have, so *YAY* you. While I like the concept of digression, I like the title of your blog as it is– most unique, memorable.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Congratulations on spreading joy, laughs and love for eleven (and more) years. I know it doesn’t always come easy, but the results are spectacular. We are all better off because of your dedication to your work. By the way even though my “sign” suggests I am “Water,” I seem to resonate more to “Earth.” As I am a Cancer “on the cusp,” perhaps that is appropriate.

    Liked by 5 people

    • Zen-Den, thanks for your support. Blogging has become a big part of my life, partially by design, more because of the pandemic. Stuck at home? Writing fills a void.

      And look at you, learning about astrology and applying it to your life. Who’d of thunk it? 😄

      Like

  10. I was a little surprised to find that The Task at Hand was begun on April 19, 2008, I was even more surprised to find that Lagniappe began on March 6, 2017, so it’s nearly five years old. How time flies! I never would have thought that. I’ve had so much fun with them both, and you know what they say: time flies when you’re having fun!

    The expressed purpose of The Task at Hand was “to learn to write.” Of course I could write, but most of my writing had been of the academic/professional sort, and I was tired of that. As for Lagniappe, once I got a camera and got interested in nature, its only purpose was to share what I was finding. There, I’m much like a five year old running in with a rock from the driveway and screaming, “Look what I found!”

    Liked by 4 people

    • Linda, I knew you’d started blogging before I started this one. At this point in the comments you’re the oldest! The wise woman leading the way, even. I agree about how time flies when you’re having bloggy fun.

      I love how you describe your photo blog. Yes, you may think of yourself as a five year old but one who has amazing photographic skills, if’n you ask me. So glad we connected along the way.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I’ve been blogging on various platforms since 2003-ish? The oldest post I have saved is dated 9/5/2005 and it is on Blogger (that blog still exists). The current incarnation of my blog on WP is barely 1 year old and it is the third WP blog I’ve had. I’ve never found WP an easy platform but Blogger had/has become quite stagnant as far as new blogs and the marvelous interactive community of yesteryear is long gone. So I suppose I’m kinda stuck here on WP.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Grace, my first blog was on Blogger. I started in 2004 and it was the place to be. So many fun people back then, all learning to blog together. Like you I’ve had various blogs along the way but this one on WP has been a keeper. I refer to my earlier blogs as starter blogs!

      Like

      • I’m never going to like WP and I post mainly crap – perhaps my days of good writing are gone – so much good stuff sitting there on my old Blogger blog – I may just have to consolidate the good stuff, put it in book form and print it, just for myself. Hmm – there are a few good posts on WP, I think I may copy them over to Blogger for that little project.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Happy Birthday Ally Bean! My blog here on WP says June 2011 which must be when I moved over here from Blogger- That one was active for a couple of years so depending on how you are scoring this it’s either 2009-ish or 2011. No matter what though, I am so glad I found you, or you found me here and that you continue to write.

    Liked by 4 people

  13. Happy Birthday, Capricorn blog! My blog is a Sagittarius, as my first post was November 23, 2005. I feel like I’ve *known* you longer than 11 years, though, so I must have been reading one of your earlier blogs.

    Liked by 4 people

    • J, I remember meeting you in 2006 when I had one of my earlier *starter* blogs. I don’t know why, but you stood out to me. Loved what you had to say and how you said it. As for your blog’s birthday, it puts you in the running for oldest blog [so far]. And isn’t that groovy!

      Like

    • Natalie, I knew you’d been blogging for a while, so thanks for telling me your blog’s birthday. It’s kind of a goof, but it’s fun to learn when everyone started blogging.

      Like

  15. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I’m so glad you are here and that I found you!! Your blog always gives me a smile, so thank you!

    I started Girl in a Boyhouse back in December 2008, if you can believe it! It’s morphed a lot since then, for sure.

    Liked by 4 people

  17. Congratulations on your blogaversary, Ally!! I’m looking forward to many more years of your interesting and entertaining blog.

    I started my blog January 13, 2010 so just over 12 years ago. Both my blog and I are Earth signs. That’s kind of interesting that.

    Liked by 4 people

  18. Gadzooks! First of all, Congrats on being 11 years old. WOW, that’s longevity.

    I’m breathing down your neck at 9 years at the end of February, so I may make your blog roll. I’m amazed at the bloggers who started in the wee 2000s. I will still teaching then and was hardly aware of social media. CONGRATULATIONS, Ally, on longevity and compelling content!! 😀

    P.S. CareBear is Capricorn; I’m Leo. We get along spectacularly, Spectacled Bean.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Marian, I started my first blog in 2004. Ironically I knew about personal blogs because of my academic connections. I knew about email and search engines because of grad school, too.

      I’ll put your blog into the blogroll at 9 years old. While not one of the oldest ones, it is one of the best! So happy that we met along the way.

      A Capricorn and a Leo, you say? I know little about astrology, but if it works, so be it.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Happy blog birthday!!!! Your blog brings me joy and I only wish I had become a regular reader a decade ago!

    (The star sign image you included was very interesting, but WHY do the Air sign descriptors include two nouns in the list???? WHY????)

    My blog will be a teenager this June. How can that be right? Thirteen! Next thing you know, she’ll be learning to drive!

    Liked by 4 people

    • Suzanne, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad we connected here in blogland. Obviously you’ve been around longer than this blog so *YAY* to you. Hell, *yay* to us!

      As for your astute observation about the image, my guess is that by the time whoever made it got to thee Air sign they were tired and just didn’t care about parts of speech. 🤷‍♀️

      Liked by 1 person

    • Lynette, thanks for reading and commenting here. I agree that you’re an old-timer in blogging circles. So many people drift away from it after a year or two. I, too, am happy that we found each other. Great minds, and all that.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Congratulations!!! It’s always good to see bloggers celebrating the longevity of their sites when so many are abandoned. Long may this one continue.

    My current blog will be 14 this year, the first post (a repost from my previous blog) dated 3rd April 2008. I first started in 2003 but most of that is lost to the sands of time (apart from snippets in the Internet Archive.)

    It’s been just over a year since I moved my blog from WordPress to a system that I built myself and the change has been transformative and empowering.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Colinwalker, I agree with you. I’m enjoying seeing who has been blogging forever and for how long that is. 14 years us amazing, in light of how many people give up– or move onto other social media. You’re doing great.

      I had blogs, starter ones, before this WP
      one but this one has been the best. I know that the Internet Archive is a treasure trove of our early stuff– sometimes for the worse. 🙄

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Gadzooks Ms. Bean – congrats on the blogging and thank you for providing today’s favorite word. You can depend on me to bandy it around extravagantly. I love your anchored in fire blog, and the clarity of your focus – you’re rocking it! While my blogging has languished considerably over these past couple of years, I still love the medium and refuse to let it go. I’ve been at it since June 30, 2008, LOL – I feel creaking just thinking about it.

    Liked by 4 people

    • Deborah, just realized you got my last comment and I’m feeling rather good about that. As for providing you with a word, a gloriously underused word, go for it.

      You’ve been blogging a very long time. That is cool, although one person [so far] has you beat. Not that this is a contest, it’s just that I’m bored/curious on a winter’s day so I thought I’d see what I could learn.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I love all the celebrating that’s going on here – I’m imagining party hats and cake. There should always be cake Your curiosity is one of the things I most like about you – and heaven knows I’m all for whatever helps us get through wintery days. I’m currently navigating working from my laptop with a non-functioning touchpad. Trust me, it’s as difficult and annoying as you might imagine. Technology is odd and I won’t hear otherwise. I’m glad you were finally able to successfully comment on my blog, and I’m glad I discovered that I had somehow mysteriously ‘fallen off the list notifying me when you posted. It’s these little oddities that make life interesting (or is that maddening?

        Liked by 2 people

        • I like how you think. I need cake. I shall make it so later today, or maybe tomorrow. As for your current computer problem I’m sorry. Laptops can be unruly.

          AS FOR YOU NOT GETTING NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT MY POSTS… you’re not alone. I don’t know why WP has decided some people deserve notifications while others do not. It’s maddening because I’ve no idea who’s been dropped, nor do I know how to let the people know what has happened. Am I supposed to go around to every blogger who’s ever commented here and remind them I still exist? Pish posh to that, I say. 🤨

          Liked by 1 person

  25. HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY, ALLY! I started this blog brand new on Oct 5, 2018 as part of a challenge to blog every day for a year. Prior to this I had other WP blogs and a blog on LiveJournal that went WAY back. I also wrote blog posts for various businesses when I started my web design business. I’ve written about bankruptcy, elder law, student loan debt, tailoring, shoe repair, fitness, cooking, videography, photography, boxing, real estate law, theater, pottery, and on and on, Writing in my own voice is what I love the most. Congratulations on your journey!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Maggie, I didn’t know about your previous incarnation as a blogger. I know you via your current blog. Many of us have a backstory about how we ended up with the blogs we have now.

      The variety of what you wrote about is great. I like learning things and writing about what you learned is a surefire way of making sure you know what you’re talking about. However, I’m with you in that I prefer to write in my own voice so personal blogging is for me at this point.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. How could the combination of “subtle subversion” and “kind-hearted badass” create anything other than a captivating blog? Congratulations on eleven years. I look forward to your becoming an insolent teenager. My blog, A Year of Living Kindly (YOLK), recently turned seven. I think it’s starting to get a little cheeky.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Donna, you made me laugh out loud. Thank you. Both of those descriptions were said of me to me by someone else. I didn’t conjure them, but when I heard them I thought “yep, that’s me.”

      I adore your idea that this blog is heading toward its teenage years and that yours is getting cheeky. I’m sure I’m well into that phase, as you may have noticed. Why not have fun with blogging!

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Dagnabbit! What a coincidence. 🙂 Happy Blogversary! I read your other blogs and this one is the most engaging. You find a way to draw your readers in and make them part of the post. My blog is 18 years old. It can vote!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Margaret, after I read what you wrote, I knew you’d like this blog post. It’s quite a coincidence, a cool one.

      Thanks for reading along with me over the years I appreciate your support; I’ve gotten better at this as I’ve gone along. I’ll admit that.

      18 years old! So far you write the oldest blog. WAY TO GO, MARGARET!

      Like

  28. Ally Bean, you are a blogging old-timer and that’s a good thing because you have spread oodles of information and love throughout the blogosphere for so many years! I started my current blog on January 1, 2010. So we’re both old-timers.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Kathy, another Capricorn blog. Yours is slightly older, obviously. Thanks for the kind words. I try to be informative– or goofy, I guess. If nothing else I’ve learned from blogging is that there are some really nice people out there. You’re one of the them, don’t you know!

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Happy 11th Bloggiversary, Ally. I agree with your reasons for your blog’s longevity. It’s super fun and I learn tons of cool stuff here. My blog’s birthday is January 1, 2016. Also an Earthy Capicorn and a mere six years (and 18 days) old!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Donna, I think there are many Capricorn blogs out there– for good reason, easy to figure out why that is. Thanks for reading and commenting here. I appreciate it. We mountain goats have to stick together.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. This is fun. I’m a Capricorn and my blog is Aquarius, I guess. I started my blog in Feb of 2013. So happy to have found your blog. I love your three questions above. You are always entertaining. I do not consider myself an influencer either. Hoping my blog is more of a view from the funny angle of all that life brings . . . well, usually. Happy blog birthday to you!

    I was going to look back to see when my first post was that month, but just about every baby and toddler just started crying, so off I go.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Ernie, you’ve been blogging for a long time. I thought you had. You know how to tell a story which comes from writing experience. I’ve never had an inclination to tell people how they should live their lives, so being an Influencer doesn’t call to me. I share what works for me, like the questions above, but do with that info what you will.

      Hoping the kiddos are happier now. Will be by to read your latest soon.

      Like

  31. Swinged Cat was born on Feb. 11, 2018 to track our impending move to South Dakota. Prior to that, I wrote at Mark My Words since 2009. Prior to that, there were several other iterations at different places. I’ve been blogging in one place or another since April, 2001.

    Damn, I’m old.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Mark, I have a similar history with my blogs. I started blogging in 2004, but those early blogs are long gone. [Thank goodness.] I like Swinged Cat and am sure I’d have enjoyed your earlier blogs, but we find each other in blogland when we do. 🤷‍♀️

      Liked by 1 person

  32. My current blog, The Misadventures of Widowhood, was started January 29,2001 and I’ve written 1,123 posts since then. But this wasn’t my first blog. My very first one was started in 2002 on a stroke support website, and I’ve had four others since then as my live changed from being a caregiver to a caregiver mentor to family history blog to being a widow. Oh, and I had a blog that was written in my dog’s voice.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Jean, you’ve had a wide variety of blogs. I didn’t realize that, but I can see how you’ve changed and as such so have your blogs. I like your current blog and feel fortunate that we met along the way. Your sense of humor is wonderful, as is your frank assessment of what is really going on. Not surprised your dog had a blog. Living with you how could he not?

      Like

  33. Congrats on blogiversary number 11! I am a Capricorn just like your blog. I do think my hubby’s and my descriptions got mixed up, however. He is a Sagittarius but has all the characteristics of the Earth signs. Good luck on your next 11 years!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Laure, ELEVEN MORE YEARS?!! While I take the compliment, no stinking way. This blog will end at some point, gracefully I hope. As for the elements, I offer them in fun because I know little about astrology. If the description fits, go with it.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Well, I had a blog on VistaPrint many years ago but because of so much spam, I dropped that and went to Blogger, which states I have a post on 10/31/13. I may have deleted some from before that time but that’s what we’ll go with. I moved over to WP around the time I started doing the A to Z challenge since that’s where most people were and that shows 2015 which sounds about right. I am a Pisces and very true to my sign. Happy Blogaversary to you, dear Ally. So happy to be among your cool kids. Thanks for your continued presence here in the web world.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Janet, okay. Your blog was born on October 31, 2013. Many of the commenters here have talked about moving around from one platform to another, then finally sticking a landing. It’s interesting how those elements are spot on for some people. I found that image fascinating and it got me thinking about our blogs in terms of it. Thanks for your kind thoughts about this blog. I enjoy having you as a cool kid.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. I’m a relatively new cool kid on the block. My first post was 09/02/2020. Still trying to find my way around WordPress and make my personal blog more engaging. Yours is certainly one of my models. It’s fun, witty and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Happy 11th Anniversary!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Anna, thanks for the compliment. I try to keep things light here, at least most of the time. I know what you mean about trying to figure out WP. It gets more complicated every year. You might have the youngest blog here, btw. Do you feel like a kid sister?

      Liked by 1 person

    • Judy, thanks for letting me know your blog’s birthday. Or anniversary. Or whatever we’re calling it. It’s fun to read those descriptions of what each element is supposed to be, then figure out where you fit in. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

    • Jan, so many Capricorn blogs. Of course it makes perfect sense, new year, time to start something new like blogging. I decided early on that I’d write a personal blog, filled with whatever caught my fancy in the moment. IF I ever had anything to sell or promote I’d do it elsewhere. Why spoil the nonsensical fun here?

      Like

  38. Happy blogging anniversary ! I am so grateful that our virtual paths crossed here in blog land. I love reading about life there, your perspective, your wonderful humorous way of writing about the world. Roger and I started our blog back in the summer of 2004. We had just retired and moved from Santa Cruz, CA to Port Townsend, WA. We bought 2 1/2 acres of land, a big beautiful house, and started our dream of gardening and having retirement fun. For some reason our earliest posts disappeared, and now they only go back to January 2005 for our beginning. I so love the blogging world. I have learned more about the kindness of humans, the beauty of our planet, and the resilient nature of our beings through blogs. I thank you for being here, my friend.

    Liked by 3 people

    • robin, you’re very much an old-timer in blogland. I, too, am happy that our paths have crossed, virtually. I didn’t know about the catalyst for your blog, but it’s a good backstory. I agree with you about what you’ve learned from blogging: I feel the same way. It’s been fascinating to get glimpses into how people live– and how they think about what happens to them. Thanks for being one of my bloggy friends.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. My blog birthday is 3/20/2008. I guess that makes my blog Water, but can we talk about my actual birthday element, Earth? I’m offended that it is the only element to include negativity . . . materialistic? Hmphhhhh!

    I’m not a real writer, so no process involved! I’m glad to have met you through your blog and this girl loves a good caveat.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Bijoux, I didn’t know you’d been blogging for so long and that’s cool beans. So glad we met along the way. Maybe materialism is good? Remember how Madonna rose to fame being a material girl. 😉

      Like

  40. Congratulations on 11 years of spreading spectacled joy on the world: it certainly reached our little corner of it, and I can tell you I look forward to your posts, they always make me chuckle! Thank you!

    We’ve started our Endless Weekend blog when our Endless Weekend begun, back in 2019, when it was going to be our digital footprint for our physical travels. But pandemic happened, and after a year+ of silence, we’re back. Traveling only around the house 🙂

    So we changed, and the blog is now changing with us. Or like Deming said “Change isn’t necessary. Survival isn’t mandatory” 😀

    Liked by 3 people

    • Endless Weekend, thank you for the compliment. I try to add a little something to everyone’s day. Chuckles are good.

      I knew you used to travel but that ended, eh? Same for most of us. I’m glad you’re back to blogging. If you can’t travel in the real world, why not travel in blogland. We all adapt as we go along. Happy to see you around again.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Funnily (sadly? 🙂 ), we were just about to start our epic travels when they got delayed (and then cancelled). I love the idea of “travels in blogland”, and I’m delighted we found a blogInn by the name of The Spectacled Bean 🙂 And now that we’re back, we’re hoping to be back for good: thank you for the warm welcome back ❤

        Liked by 2 people

    • Arlene, thanks. You’re not alone. Many bloggers started somewhere else then moved to their current blogs. I know I did that. Kind of makes sense. I love your little young blog, it’ll grow up to be a teenager in no time. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  42. Gadzooks Ally, congratulations on your 11th blog birthday! So happy to have connected with you & had the opportunity to share thoughts over the years through this platform.

    Although I have been lapse in posting on my blog in the past little while, my goal is to get back to it in the coming days. This past year my writing shifted gears a wee bit, as my son gifted me a subscription to something called Storyworth. Each week I am sent a prompt to write about and at the end of the year, my stories are recorded into a book to gift to my son. A legacy of sorts, I suppose, to leave to him & my grandchildren.

    For the purposes of your blogroll, my little blog, Life After 50, launched in May 2013 which makes its element a Taurus, just as its author is! Congrats again Ally!💞

    Liked by 3 people

  44. Mine was begun (with one post the entire year) in 2013, the date on the site is 2014, when I think I wrote two. Obviously that’s way in the rear view now (both the years and the number of posts). So my blog is 8-9 years old, depending on which stats are correct. Fun idea! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • Melanie, you started your blog in 2013 so that’s the date I’ll use. My first blog that I started in 2004 didn’t have many posts because of computer troubles and our ISP connection was iffy. So much easier now to write a blog– and you’ve definitely nailed that. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

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      • I admire your length of time having a blog. Some people burn out. I’ve not been tempted to quit yet, even when the house is full and I cheat on sleep. Those times are when the best stories happen. You made my day saying you smile when reading my posts. Thank you.

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  46. Congratulations! (Or is it Happy Birthday?) Eleven years is no small feat. My very first post on 1WriteWay was on November 26, 2007. I wrote fairly steadily until 2010 (January 24) and then lapsed. (Is a lapsed blogger anything like a lapsed Catholic? Asking for a friend.) I “resumed” my blog on February 17, 2013. Thank goodness WP keeps all my posts or that I didn’t defect to a different platform. A lot on WP changed between 2010 and 2013 and a lot of it was good … for me anyway 😉 Keep on blogging, Ally!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Marie, I don’t know if it’s a birthday or an anniversary. Either works for me. You’ve been at this blogging game for a very. long. time. I didn’t know that, but am not surprised. You’re a good writer.

      [As for ‘lapsed’… I call myself a lapsed Presbyterian because I am one. Tell your friend I think it’s okay to use that word for more than Catholics.]

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  48. Although I am a Capricorn, my blog apparently is a Virgo. And, as a virgin blogger, I stepped forth on September 4, 2013. I don’t know if I had any real “plan” for what I’d write about but I wanted to write. That non-plan seems to still be in full force. Interesting, according to your chart, both Capricorn and Virgo are earth signs and the description of that element seems pretty right on for me and my blog (except “materialistic” I don’t think either of us are that). Who knew? Congrats on your Blogaversary!

    Liked by 3 people

  51. Ally, I love that when I see a new post from you that it’s going to be something worth reading! I feel like we have kind of the same humour!

    I find your 3 questions that you ask yourself before you post something interesting… and I wondered if I asked myself similar questions… *thinking**… (2 mins later).. I think a thought (not so much a question) I have is I wonder what other’s experiences are like, how it could or could not differ from mine… I’m an Aries – I take everything personal, I am an emotional being if there ever were one… but I am also tempermental lol… my point is, I like to put everything into perspective… and I like being able to see it from other people’s perspectives too.. I think that’s the most interesting part about blogging and meeting other bloggers 🙂

    My blog is technicalllly 8 years old but only have I dusted it off and fired up its engine over 15 months ago! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    • bosssybabe, I agree with you about our senses of humor. You make me laugh and delight me with your point of view. Two peas in a pod, I guess.

      I know what you mean about the benefits of writing and reading blogs. I’ve gained insight into what makes other people tick, their perspectives sometimes 180º different from my own. I take very little personally, but I do notice how people behave. And if I think it matters, I write about it here.

      I’m glad you’ve come back to blogging. I remember when I first started some wise person said to me that the joy of blogging is that it’s a 24/7 kind of thing that you can do when you want to, whether that be daily, weekly, monthly, yearly– it’s all good. I think it’s the truth of that statement that got me hooked.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. Looks like I’m late to this party – but that just means it lasts a bit longer, eh?
    Congrats – ole Bean!
    To answer your questions, I’m Air (born in October) – and I proudly claim those listed attributes – HA!
    The blog was launched 9 years ago in August – even though I ‘past-dated’ my very unofficial first post in July 2013. Sneaky me. I’ve been wanting to delete it for years since, but wondered if in doing so, it’d screw posts with inner links to it. Ah, the mysteries of WP are ever present.
    Again – congrats – and here’s to our evolving blogs.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Laura, oh the party goes on for days in my comment sections. That’s one of the reasons I like blogging. Unlike FB or texting, there’s no immediacy to anything I write here. My point being, you’re not late, you’re right on time.

      I didn’t know you could past date a post. That is I interesting. I’ve no idea what’d happen if you deleted it. Of course I can’t figure out why WP sends some of my regular commenters’ comments to moderation nor why WP unfollows certain people from this blog. Just more mysteries…

      Liked by 1 person

  53. Wow, Mazel Tov on your length of blogging.
    I heard about blogging in 2018 and accepted a challenge to blog daily for a year. Each day I looked for something to be grateful for. After the year was up, I was hooked.
    I’m still here, happily blogging away.

    Liked by 2 people

  54. I agree that commenting is a “random act of kindness in a mean world.” You do have a way with words.
    I’m not a Capricorn, but as a Taurus, I’m al so in the “earth” group.

    My blog, “Behind the Story,” is eight year old. It will turn nine in August. (I see that Laura’s blog is the same age.) During the first couple of years, when my novel, Tiger Tail Soup, was new, my posts were mainly about China, especially the Chinese island where my late husband was born and where the novel was set. Since then, I’ve been writing about anything I think might be interesting.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Nicki, thank you for the compliment. I’m sincere when I say that commenting is kindness, but I fear that not everyone views it that way. I sometimes wonder if me leaving a comment on a blog post, bothers some people. But I figure if you don’t want comments then turn off your comments– otherwise accept them with grace. Good manners and all that.

      I enjoy your blog. I find that what interests you interests me, too. I can understand how and why your blog changed, evolved. Mine is different now than when I first started it. Back then I was wordier and more serious. Now, it’s mostly flapdoodle and twaddle. I’m just here for the beer, as they say.

      Like

  57. Congratulations Ally! What a fantastic milestone. I look forward to you reaching and then rocking your teenage blogging years 🙂 My current blog will be 4 in May. Funnily enough, I’m also a Taurus. I’m not sure that makes my blog & I good bedfellows – too much stubbornness in one place can be a strain 🙂 Although I’ve blogged before, that’s no longer out there, and I’m going to co-opt your term “starter blog” – which it surely was.

    PS: I love the fact that it took you ages to write your first three points. If I tried to do likewise, I’d still be there….

    Liked by 2 people

    • Deb, I’m not much for keeping track of numbers involved with this blog, but over the weekend I remembered that I’d started this blog in mid-January so I went to see when I first posted. And voilà! it turned out that the date was this Tuesday, the day I usually post on, so I decided to share my blog birthday here.

      I love that you and your blog are under the same astrological sign, many of us can say the same thing. I hadn’t thought of the inherent difficulties because of that, but you have a point. Too much of the same characteristic can cause you to trip over yourself.

      Liked by 1 person

  58. Congratulations on 11 years, Ally! And I hope you had a very happy birthday, too. 🎂 🙂 Fellow Capricorn here, born the day after you. My blog started in February 2010 so I guess that makes it almost 12 years old. Looking forward to many more bits of your flapdoodle & twaddle.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Barbara, I realized that your blog had been around for a long time, but didn’t know how long. Congrats on your longevity. It’s interesting how many longtime bloggers eventually find each other. Kismet, I suppose. We’re just bound to!

      Liked by 1 person

  59. Congratulations Ally! I can’t remember when we crossed paths here? I’m sure glad we did. My adventure in blogging started in July 2012 (with my first blog @ RandomThoughtsByShelley) and then I started my current blog and moved onto WordPress in October 2016. I look forward to reading your next post. I also think you’re on to something about introverts. Perhaps a post about how many personal bloggers are introverts versus extroverts may be a fun post for you to research? Happy blogging to you!!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Shelley, I don’t know how we met either but I have the feeling that you’ve always been around. That’s good, btw. I enjoy what you write and your photos, so thank you for being a bloggy friend.

      I love your idea for a post. I’ll do some research plus it reminds me of a conversation I had in real life shortly before we went into lockdown. It revolved around the introvert/extrovert divide.

      Liked by 1 person

  61. Happy Birthday Spectacled Bean Blog!!! I’m
    so glad you’re here for another trip around the sun!! My most recent iteration of a blog started April 2013 and I’m very excited to see this blog roll and find some more blogging fiends!! (I meant to write friends, but I’m keeping the typo.)

    Liked by 3 people

    • Katie, thanks! You’re another blogging fiend who started somewhere else, then moved onto a new blog. That seems to be a theme among the commenters here. I’m curious to see this blogroll, too. I’ve been thinking about making one based on *time served* but put it off. Now it being winter I have the time to fuss around with making one. We’ll see what I come up with.

      Like

  62. Congratulations Ally. Like you, my blog is not my first blog, but the one i care about. And like you, it ill turn 11 this year.

    PS, I will unsubscribe and resubscribe in a few minutes, because I’m not getting notifications.

    Liked by 2 people

  65. Belated blog birthday wishes to you! That’s a long time to keep a blog going. I had a blog in 2011, but not the one I have now. Like some others here, I had some starter blogs. I think the one I have now is a keeper. I like that a blog can morph and change as we/our interests do. I’m not sure what I want mine to be when I return from hiatus (part of the reason for the hiatus). My current blog began near the end of January in 2015. Like yours, a Capricorn.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Rita, I found your comment. I agree with you: “I like that a blog can morph and change as we/our interests do.” That’s the only reason I’ve been able to keep this blog going, I’ve changed and allowed my blog to change with me too. So you’re another Capricorn blog. There are many.

      Like

  68. Congratulations Ally! Your blog is always light and fun and your comment section is da’ bomb!

    My birth sign and my blog’s birth sign are both Virgo. Earth, which sounds about right.

    I have my 14th anniversary this year; who would’ve thunk it?

    Liked by 3 people

  70. Happy blog birthday to you Ally! I published my first post on 10/2/2015, so seven years ago. My how time flies! I’m off now to read your first The Spectacled Bean post. Cheers!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Christie, thanks for the good wishes. I had no idea when you started your blog. Kind of a middle child at this point. This has been fun to find out the ages of my bloggy friends’ blogs.

      Like

  71. Life In A Word started in February 2015. The biggest difference between now and seven years ago: the confidence to grab ahold of a single thought and nurture it into a complete post. I’ve also learned (as you agree) to appreciate the value of the blogging community around me, especially through exchange of comments. So much can be learned from the writings and feedback of others. Happy #11!

    Liked by 3 people

    • Dave, I’d no idea when you’d started your blog. It’s wonderful. I concur that once you get comfortable with how you’re going to write your posts, you can keep going. I love the sense of community in blogland, or at least in our little corner of blogland. Like you said, I learn from comments and appreciate it.

      Like

  72. Happy blogiversary! My blog, Linda Lou’s Life, was born in July 2017 but I didn’t start posting regularly until June 2020. Prior to that I focused on my writer blog (isabellanorse.com) which is now languishing while I focus on my real life blog.🤷‍♀️

    Liked by 3 people

    • Linda, real life calls now, huh? That’s cool, we all write where we can when the time is right. I’m glad you’ve decided to join in on personal blogging. It’s fun.

      Like

  73. Congrats on your longevity and your great attitude – with an extra plus just for being nice!

    My blog is now officially 4 and soon I will publish blog post 400. That’s a nice average, which is dropping every year. But I intend to stick around.

    Cheers!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Eilene, thanks for the kind words. I do try to be nice… most of the time. Your blog is a youngster. 100 posts per year is a goodly amount. I currently hope to write 52 per year, which seems insurmountable some days.

      Liked by 1 person

  74. Let me be the 186th person to comment Ally Bean. And congratulations for your 11th year. I’ve always much enjoyed your writings and interactions with you. Enjoyed the comments too and yours back to them. I’d have to check to see when I first started blogging. Have a patch over one eye (cataract surgery) so am seeing squint for the moment.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Susan, thanks for stopping by to comment, considering your eyeball situation is what it is. It’s amazing how quickly the time has gone by on this blog, but it’s bittersweet to look back, too. Many wonderful bloggy friends have come and gone. I miss many of them, but am glad I got to met them along the way.

      Liked by 1 person

  75. Happy 11 years, Ally. It’s been nice to “meet” you, a fellow free spirited, creative, introvert type. One thing I truly respect about you is how you take the time to put effort into supporting others, despite you having a massive readership here and didn’t have to bother with someone new like me. Yet you did. I’m not posting here my content for now as this site didn’t really work out for me as I expected but I want to still use this account to read you 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Katy, I’m glad we connected along the way. It’s always fun to meet someone new in blogland who can write and be original. I do try to support as many bloggers as I can but I can’t keep up with everything everyone writes. Shockingly, I have a life outside of blogland.

      I’m sorry WP wasn’t for you, but I get it. Eleven years ago WP was a joy to use, however now those in charge have changed it so much that it’s no longer easy or reliable.

      Thanks for sticking around to read The Spectacled Bean. I appreciate it. Best of luck in your next endeavor.

      Liked by 1 person

  76. “I try to spread the comment love whenever I have the time because leaving a comment on a blog post is a random act of kindness in a mean world.” I absolutely love this!!!! My blog is 5 years old and just starting kindergarten, compared to yours! Congratulations!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Joni, thank you. I wrote that line because it dawned on me that’s how I think about leaving comments. Model the behavior you want to see, as they say. I like your kindergarten age blog. You’re wise beyond your years. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  81. Well I really like your “About” page Ally. I would read that page and follow your blog based on those statements alone, without skimming through the blog’s content. 🙂 My blog was created in 2013 and will be nine years old on February 11th. I have mentioned to others, maybe to you, that I just kind of coasted along with a few e-mail subscribers until a WordPress blogger “discovered” my blog. His moniker was “Uncle Tree” and I had posted about trees that day. I didn’t tag my posts and I had the audacity (or perhaps just plain naivete) to exist in the blogosphere without benefit of communicating with fellow bloggers. I needed a course in “Blogging 101” I guess, so … dumb me. Uncle Tree explained a few things, so there I was, in November 2017, with my first fellow blogger/follower after 4 1/2 years – soon others followed. It’s fun to interact with other bloggers and I’ve learned a lot about other cultures, met fantastic people that I feel I know better than some friends I’ve known for years. Suffice it to say I generally enjoy mingling with all of you in this virtual world.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Linda, thank you for reading my About page. I put a lot of effort into creating it so that I’d represent myself fairly, but lightheartedly. I enjoy reading a *good* About page, so I wanted to have one here.

      I knew you’d been around for a long time, but didn’t know how you got your start, so to speak. I’m glad that Uncle Tree helped you find your way. He gave you some sound advice about the fun of interacting with other bloggers. I learn oodles from the various people who comment here– and feel I’m much the better for knowing you/them, even if it is virtually.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Your “About” page was a fun read Ally. I only have updated mine to change how many decades I’d been at my job. My blog has morphed in that I started with a one-word post title and one paragraph and in the very beginning no photos; so I’m making up for the brevity (“the soul of wit” as Mr. Shakespeare says) nowadays. 🙂 For me, fellow bloggers are a blessing – if I didn’t walk daily and blog, I would rarely interact with other people. I have not seen my boss since October 2012.

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  83. Hello Ally! Happy blogiversary! New follower here. Happy to have found you. Grateful for the inquiry of fellow blogs… that’s so kind!☺️ Have personally been blathering away since Aug., 2015. Began as a form of therapy, to help with the coping process of living with debilitating chronic illness. Still serves as therapy, and all things life — illness, faith, Covid, politics, cats… whatever comes to mind. Often provocative. Filled with opinion + sarcasm. Minimal filters. Sub-minimal boundaries. Speaking my truth. That is, whenever I feel up to sharing at all! Lovely to make your acquaintance.💚🦋💚

    Liked by 2 people

    • Hi Terry! I’m happy to have a new follower here on The Spectacled Bean. You’ve been writing your blog since 2015 so you must know what you’re doing. I understand how and why you write about whatever strikes you in the moment. I do the same thing here, too. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Thanks for stopping by to read and leave a comment here. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  85. Congratulations, Ally, An interesting post, since you are one of my mentors. Your 11 points are interesting…….encapsulating a philosophy. I will bookmark and mull.

    “…the myriad of fabulous bloggers…” immediately resonated with me. Which leads me to your question….My blog: 3 years and 5 months old – You are likely aware I have “pressed pause” the last 5 months due to personal challenges requiring my emotional and physical presence. I do not plan to disappear into the sunset. Grateful for you, Ally.❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    • Erica/Erika, you flatter me. I had no idea I was one of your mentors, but am pleased to read this. I try to help bloggers succeed, whatever that means to them.

      I knew you were on a hiatus, but I look forward to when you decide to return. That’s the best thing about blogging you do it when it works for you. No time clock to punch in on. Take care, be well 😍

      Liked by 1 person

      • Back to “Seinfeld”….I hope you take it as a compliment….he is my ‘go to.’😊 I very, very rarely use the term “mentor”…..genuine, inclusive, try not to take yourself and life too seriously – yet undercurrent of wisdom and gems…..new perspectives…….’and the beat goes on…’…..❤️

        Like

        • Indeed, Seinfeld is a compliment. Got it. You’ve got me nailed here. I take how I do things seriously, do my best, but as for taking myself seriously? Nah, I am the poster child for how not to succeed in business. And that’s okay.

          Liked by 1 person

  86. Congratulations on your blogaversary! Eleven years is a long time.

    I have been trying to figure out how old my blog is. I think I might have some downloaded archives from previous blogs on my other computer but those shouldn’t count. I do know that my oldest post on Chickens and Eggs is from 2005 and my personal blog existed before that. The database was lost in one of my hosting moves but I don’t think could be older than 2003 or 2004. That’s pretty old, sort of, but perhaps we shouldn’t count the several years of posting just once in a while? I think the blog is having one of those prolonged death scenes from a bad movie where, just when you think it’s dead, I post again.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Zazzy, I knew you’d had a few blogs along the way. So to the best of your recollection your current blog is from around 2003– or thereabout? But you may or may not keep it going depending on… your mood? I love your answer, because it encapsulates how varied blogging can be. I get ‘ya about feeling like it’s over, then you come back again. But how many times? Ah, that is the question.

      Liked by 1 person

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  88. Hi Ally, I just discovered your blog which is normal since I am usually 10 years behind anyway! Congratulations on 11! My blog, walkingchester, is turning 3 in a couple weeks. It’s about stuff I think about while walking Chester the dog. Or about taking down Christmas lights (today!) or bad movies, or kind of whatever. I’m so glad to have found you and look forward to reading for 11 years more!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Martha, thanks for adding your blog to the list. I love the idea of a blog named after what you do with your dog. Very clever. You sound about as eclectic as I am here. As for 11 more years of blogging, thanks for your encouragement… but we’ll see. Maybe yes, probably no.

      Like

  90. Oh my gosh. First, I had to look it up. Didn’t know how to do that but went to Stats and the first year it shows. 2013! I thought I’d be an oldie but looking at some of your followers here (and most I know well also), nine years is small potatoes. Huh. But still, what a great nine years of exploration, meeting new people/friends, sharing my writing, and seeing how connected we all are. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    • Pam, thanks for taking the time to find out how old your blog is. I only thought of this blogroll idea because it dawned on me some people who comment here have been blogging in the same place for a very long time while other people barely have their feet wet, yet y’all show up here. I know what you mean about feeling connected via blogging. It’s great!

      Liked by 1 person

  91. Hi there! Congratulations on blogging for such a long time! Thanks for spreading the love with your wise words. I always look forward to your posts! I started my blog in 2016. It’s mostly focused on my personal journey after being diagnosed (finally) with Lyme disease. It’s an outlet for me and I’ve met a lot of great people. Happy New Year!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Read Between the Lyme, I don’t know how I ever ended up writing this blog for so long, but I did. Thanks for adding your blog to the list. I agree with you, I’ve met lots of great people in blogland. Happy New Year back at ‘ya. 🐯

      Like

    • Janet, thanks for joining in here. I didn’t know when you started. Every day? That’s quite a commitment. I’m impressed but understand how and why you’ve backed down a bit. I’ll keep blogging as long as it’s enjoyable, but some day this will have to end, won’t it?

      Like

  94. I’m coming up on my third anniversary soon. My first blog post was on March 15, 2019. I just discovered your blog. I started my blog on a lark when someone suggested it might be an excellent way to promote my book. I had no idea if I would do it for three days, three weeks, or three months, yet I’m still here. The thing that keeps me around is all the great people.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Pete, you said it about the people. I can guarantee you that when I started I had no intention of writing The Spectacled Bean this long. I’d had starter blogs before and they fizzled after a few years, so this one was just another blog to try, but somehow it’s worked. I’ll add you to the blogroll, you kid, you. Glad someone got you into blogging.

      Liked by 1 person

  95. I tried not to get bogged down in reading the 225+ comments!! Holy smokes this is going to be a long long list. As to my entries.
    I started blogging in January of 2007 with our house blog. But then I wanted more personal content and didn’t want to dilute what was there so in Sept of 2014 I started the one you and I connected on. Then in January of 2018 I started 365Snap for daily photos. Then I did a specific one this past summer called ”
    Madly Off Again, about our camper restoration and our camping trips. Hopefully someday that one will see a bit more action if we can get travelling a bit more but I did enjoy having loads of “space” to upload as many darn photos as I want. So that’s my wordy story about how long I have been hanging out on WP. Bernie

    Liked by 2 people

    • BernieLynne, I love your blogging journey. Many of the commenters here had previous blogs, starter blogs as I call them. I had a few before I landed on this one. I’ll toss you into the list based on how/where I know you.

      I hope that you get to write your camping trips blog on a more regular basis. I never thought of starting a second blog for such a specific purpose, but I like it. Whatever works, right?

      Like

  99. So… My blog was 7 years old to the day when I put up my last official post on it in 2021 so I can’t really say I qualify for your blog roll (I’d call the blog “inactive”). You blog, however, is one of the reasons I’ve kept hanging around WordPress.😊

    Liked by 2 people

    • Colette, thanks for the compliment. I try to keep things lively, maybe interesting, around here. I don’t know how to process your blog when it comes to a blogroll, but I do appreciate that you joined in here. I ALWAYS enjoyed what you published. Will you start blogging again? Inquiring minds, and all that…

      Liked by 1 person

  101. My current blog is 12 years old, but I’ve archived the content on several occasions with the last time being last February. Do all my years before that still count? Happy blog anniversary by the way. Sorry I was MIA when you originally posted.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Martha, your blog is 12 years old by my reckoning. I’m looking at the age of current blogs, no matter how much of your stuff is still up on your site. I knew you’d been around for a while, even if we recently met. Thanks for joining in.

      Like

  102. Oh, darn. late again (Not due to lack of interest – just medical stuff…not fun and it will bore you medical stuff)
    Always enjoy visiting your blog. I think it’s much better to be a free spirit than an influencer (can you even be the latter if not the former? Hmmmm. Anyway, you always get a gold star)
    How time passes My blog started Feb in 2011 (not sure anyone read it for a while. I used to race each morning to see. HAHA. Ah new experiences)
    Hope we get to experience your writings for a along time to come!

    Liked by 2 people

    • philmouse, I’ve been wondering what you’d been up to. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. I don’t know the answer to your question but as a free spirit the idea of being an influencer sounds awful.

      I’ve got your blog birth date listed now so you’re in the blogroll when I get around to making it. I remember those early days, just waiting for someone ANYONE to leave a comment. It seemed so exciting, didn’t it?

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  103. My dad always called me cool kid! I started my blog in December of 2021, so I don’t expect to be enrolled in the roll. I started writing for it in August of 2020, and was too shy to actually do it. After a couple years of therapy and seeing the beauty in myself, I decided it was time. I’m so proud of it, and it’s the second time I have allowed myself pride. The first was when I shot the head off off of Lincoln on a penny from a 100 yards with a .22 rifle. My dad instilled discipline, self control, and focus. My mother instilled a appreciation for self-expression and art. It’s wonderful to be able to be proud of both.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Brigid the cool kid, I understand not wanting to/knowing when to publish your first post on a personal blog. It’s a big step, then you just sit there and wonder what’s going to happen next. In my case, not much for years, but when people finally found me this blog went bonkers. I love your story about shooting with a rifle. That’s an accomplishment. It sounds like you have your parents figured out. Not everyone does, so good job. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

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