Six Hundred!

The quote that started the blog.....

This post, yes, this very one you're reading, is the 600th post on My Purple Dreams!

When the blog began, I figured that I'd post once a week or so.... now, three years later?  Well, if I posted once a week for 2 full years, that would be 104 posts.  Considering we're at 600?  Guess this blogging thing has worked out, at least for the most part!

A few reflections on the blog....

1.  I started this blog as a part of a recovery project.  While recovery is still a daily challenge, this blog has seen me through the lowest of lows, and I hope, will see me through the consistency of recovered.

2.  My favorite part of the blog is the fact that with each post, there is a chance that someone will read my words, and they will be exactly what that person needs to read at that moment.  The words will be the glimmer of hope, the sign, the realization that they're not alone, the affirmation that they're on the right path...... The words will brighten someone else's day, or comfort the tears that have fallen.  In essence, since I have read a handful of incredible blogs, that were such support during my roughest times, I hope that maybe my words can be there to help someone else.

3.  The hardest part of blogging has been making myself write when I don't want to.  It's been letting my words hit the screen even when they don't want to leave my brain.  It's a challenge, for sure, that I succumbed to this past summer for two months, but it's a challenge that is worth tackling on a regular basis.

To all who are reading this now.... thank you for sharing even a few moments of your day with me!  I hope you find something here that makes you smile!

Two Years Wise!

Two years! 

Can you believe it's been two years? 

(Technically, this is a little late, and it's now been two years and two weeks, but whatev.) 

Two years of (somewhat) regular blogging has really been an adventure for me. Looking back over the posts from..... I've been a lot of places inside these past two years, and not many of them have been sunshine and roses. 

But you know what? That's ok. Cause everywhere I've been, I've learned..... 

And I'm ok with the fact that I still have lots and lots and lots to learn...... 

Thank you friends and followers, for your support on this journey! 

Here's to two more years!

(maybe even more!)

What's Up.

I know. 
I've been noticeably absent from my bloggy world.
And I miss it.
I miss YOU!
(Yes, you, reading this right now.)

I've been backed up on replying to comments.
I love replying to everyone's comments.
I will get to them, soon, I promise.

More than that,
though,
I miss my friends in this blog-o-sphere.
Yeah, I've been reading your blogs.
You've shared some great insights and posts.
And I want to thank you,
and encourage you to continue writing.
Cause I love reading your words.
And I'm sorry I haven't shared that lately.

I miss blogging.
I miss writing.
I miss you.

I'll be back.
Lots of posts are brewing in my head.
Next stop - my journal.
And
Eventually
The blog.

Thanks for sticking with me.
Means a lot.
More than you'll probably know.

New Blog Challenge!

Yeah!  I finally found another challenge that looks to be right up my alley!  Don't get me wrong, it isn't going to be all fun and roses, but it looks to be one that will definitely make me think, and hopefully, help me grow.

I found the challenge through my bloggy-buddy Amanda over at Therapy Addict.  She participated in it when it began.... which considering the challenge is called Blog Every Day in May, well, you know when she started it!  I was thinking of tackling the challenge in June, but it doesn't have 31 days.  So July it is, and I'm hope, hope, hoping that I'm up for the challenge of daily blogging.  Haven't done that since November's NaBloPoMo! 

With summer in full swing, I need the focus, something to guide my writing, and I'm looking forward to the journey.  If you'd like to follow along, please do so!  All the prompts are listed on the Blog Every Day link, and check out Amanda's prompts on the Therapy Addict blog.  If you're feeling really brave, feel free to join in the challenge!

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder?

I know that I've felt my absence on the blog.... I've not even read any blogs over the past three weeks, life has been that hectic!  And if you really want to know the truth, I haven't been in the mood to write much at all lately.  Maybe it's cause I had to do so much writing for the end of the school year.  And cause I have so many thank you notes to write in the next few days.
I'm dreading writing.  A lot.

The expression "absence makes the heart grow fonder" applies in two different ways here.  First, I'm hoping that means you've missed the blog!  Second, I was hoping since I've missed writing, it would make me want to write more!  You know, the break from writing makes me miss it and want to write even more....

Yeah.  Nope.

I'm going to set myself a summer goal to post three times a week, with one of those posts being Thankful Thursdays.  As it is summer, I know that it's supposed to be a time of fun in the sun, so I'm gonna try not to beat myself up too badly if I don't meet that goal, yet, at the same time, I'm hoping sharing the goal with you will make me more likely to meet it!

Aside from the end of the school chaos.... I do want to say, this was the best school year ever.  Ever.  Seriously.  Finally realized that what I've been told for ages is actually true: to best serve others, you must take care of yourself, first.

More on that later.