Today marks my 500th essay on WordPress. If you told me a year and a half ago I’d end up penning that many I would have laughed for sure.
Seems I’ve fooled even myself.
What I can honestly say about this experience is that it’s made me a much better writer showing up on the page every day.
I would also like to acknowledge the benefits of treating it like a job as opposed to a pastime.
I’d like to thank everyone who reads and supports athingirl.com and please know how much it humbles me to have such a smart and esteemed audience.
To quote someone I love very much…
my graces to you all…Susannah
The Truth About Amy was my very first post.
I’m one of those quirky New Yorkers who has no friends. I’ve had them from time to time but at the moment I get death threats hurled through my window for not returning an article of clothing, but then along came Amy.
Amy is beautiful, bright, funny and extremely generous. Who knew? She encouraged me to start blogging, no easy feat since the mere thought sent me to The King Cole Bar in a gypsy cab. I’m so private that I make Greta Garbo look like Lady Ga Ga so this is a helluva big deal for me.
One day Amy cheerfully suggested, “rather than turning the gas on Susannah, why not blog instead?” Hmm, I thought, lowering the oven to 350.
She did all the work, encouraged me when the site rejected me and my AmEx card for reasons still unknown. I was convinced it was a guy I must have blown off…but what I realized after she had to be hospitalized for cyber exhaustion, I do have a friend. 
So thanks Amy 
Congratulations Susannah and thank you Amy.
Thanks Rob. Amy was one of those teachers that shows up when the student’s ready.
Applause! Balloons! and Champagne! A little something to get the party started. Cheers to Amy for recognizing your talent and encouraging you to use it! Cheers to you taking her words seriously and for many more blogs to come! Lisa
I like the balloon idea and you’re the person to talk to when it comes to all of my balloon needs since you’re the expert. A little applause never hurt anybody even if it’s one of those machines that you can turn on when you’re in need of a quick boost…but that Champagne better be watered down because I tend to get in trouble when I drink it. Thanks so much for your ongoing generosity and how you make me laugh
Susannah – I have only seen about a dozen of your posts or so, but have never been disappointed in the least. you certainly have a refined view that interests me each time i catch up with you. Congratulations on your 500th and happy trails as you continue.
I think a dozen is probably enough there Joel. I appreciate you calling my prospective a ‘refined view.’ Makes me sound as if I write wearing pearls
Excellent piece and LOVE this par.:
One day Amy cheerfully suggested, “rather than turning the gas on Susannah, why not blog instead?” Hmm, I thought, lowering the oven to 350.
Congratulations! Just so you know, I’m now reading your posts via RSS so if you don’t see my avatar up there with the other “likes” it doesn’t mean I don’t adore your posts, every one.
Now, apropos of nothing, I have to recommend the book “Quiet” by Susan Cain if you haven’t read it. I know you would recognize yourself in its pages.
‘Til next time, Kim.
I always look forward to the dog picture to be quite honest. Thanks for saying kind things. I will check out the book.
Congratulations! That’s quite a milestone. I think I’ve been blogging a couple years longer, and still haven’t hit 500 posts. This year really slowed me down.
It’s about quality remember and your essays have that in spades.
Now you have us as friends!!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog, keep it going baby!!!!
(store your shoes in the oven
Thanks Jimmie. You were my very first follower…and my head has no desire to bake itself like a Butterball anymore since it’s found the likes of you…here kitty, kitty.
Congratulations, Susannah, your writing inspired me in a big way to start my own blog and it continue to inspire me. It takes a great deal of courage to reveal oneself to the world, you do it in such an elegant, genuine way and I love you for it. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Precious One!
Oh my goodness, what a lovely thing to write. I’m very touched Esmee…truly. Thank you very, very much.