The 300 Milestone Reached - Thanks to my Friends

When I started this blog in December of 2005, I really had no idea where it would lead me. The initial idea was to provide a vehicle to communicate with the alumni from Dora High School.
I do the alumni website and blogging seemed like a good way to write stories and updates and give the alumni a chance to comment.
I wasn't sure at first if the updates would be daily, weekly, monthly, or what. But on Friday December 2nd,  I did my first update. Then on Saturday, I was so pleased with myself, that I did another one.
As days marched on, so did I. At first the only viewers on the blog were people who attended Dora High School.
It was blogging that gave me confidence to approach the local newspaper about the possibility of writing a weekly column.
The editor at the time was skeptical and told me that a lot of people wanted to write columns but very few stuck with it. After a few weeks, when they tired of writing, he'd be stuck with a hole in his paper.
When I told him I had a year's worth of columns already written, he sat back in his chair and scratched his chin. I left a packet of 10 of my best blog entries with him.
He called me the next day and said he'd be pleased to run my column in the Lifestyle section of the Sunday paper. I was ecstatic. 
Then after a few years of writing columns, I decided to publish a compilation of my best columns.
I couldn't find a publisher, so I self-published Remembering Big. There were local authors who advised against self publishing. You won't have the marketing and support --- you'll lose your shirt. 
Well, I didn't lose my shirt. In fact I quickly recouped my investment and I continue to sell books. And it all started with this blog.
It's interesting that most of the people who read my blog now have never heard of Dora High School. 
But that's the beauty of blogging. It gives writers a venue -- a way to connect with people around the world.
A few days ago I posted a note about nearing the 300 milestone. And with a little help from my friends, I reached that milestone today.
I am flattered and humbled.  I appreciate each and every one of you.
The books I promised as a prize are in the mail.
Thanks all.