10 Years a Blogger

Posted on by Laura & Brett

I rarely have given a thought to how long I’ve been blogging, but this past weekend it struck me that it was 10 years ago this month that I first started out. Ten years? How did that happen? That’s a lot of writing under the bridge. 

Some readers may remember that my first blog was I’m Losing It Here, all about our family’s efforts to get out of debt along with me (once again) trying to lose weight. I started the blog because I thought that writing about the process would help me stay honest, motivated and on track. More for my own sake than any other reason, I blogged about our ups and downs, what we were learning along the way, and eventually even shared a frugal recipe or two. Writing about that journey truly kept me sane, and I learned much along the way, not only about the process of ridding ourselves of debt, but about myself as well. I can’t begin to tell how surprised I was though to discover one day that others had somehow found I’m Losing It Here and were actually reading what I had to say. And, some were sticking around to read more. And then following me! And commenting too! As a beginning blogger you hope to attract readers, but when you actually do . . . WOW!

Getting ourselves out of debt, according to Dave Ramsey, should have taken 11 months. It actually took over three years because stuff happens, especially when you have three kids at home, but in 2013 Brett was able to retire (something we initially had no idea could happen), and we had segued into getting ready to move to Hawai’i, to the island of Kaua’i. The blog segued as well to Noho’ana Hau’ole: Life Is Good, which chronicled our steps in downsizing, selling our stuff, selling our house, and finally making our big move in June of 2014. Once again, writing kept me focused and on track as we completed our goals and set new ones every month along with everything else that went along with making such a big move. 

Once in Hawai’i, the blog changed again, this time because WordPress initially refused to coordinate with our new IP provider. The View From the Treehouse, named after the views from our first house on Kaua’i, focused on adjusting to life on a small island in the middle of the ocean and about all that beautiful little piece of rock had to offer. Brett came on board as well to add articles about his hikes around the island. The View sadly ended when the hosting company charged me more than double for my second year than what I had paid for the domain when I set it up.

And thus it was back to WordPress, and The Occasional Nomads came to be. I wasn’t ready to stop writing; in fact, at this point, I realized I almost needed to write more than wanted to write, and it was time once again to change my blogging’s focus and direction. While continuing to write about our life on Kaua’i, I also wanted to write about travel. Brett and I have always loved to travel, but at that time we were still in the dreaming stage about trips we might take once all our little birds had left the nest. Little did I guess when I started The Occasional Nomads that he and I would become actual full-time nomads, but as the saying goes, here we are. And what a ride it’s been! I know we’ll eventually slip back into being truly occasional nomads once again, and that I’ll be blogging about it, but we’re not there yet.

Back in the dark ages, in my senior year of high school, my English instructor predicted that I would someday write The Great American Novel. I’ve thought about it over the years, of writing about the daily minutia of life, the dreams, the goals, the small and the great struggles, and the successes and failures that regular people endure or celebrate every day as they create and make a life. But a novel isn’t in me. So instead I’ve documented the life I’ve made, the life I’m still creating, and the dreams we’re fulfilling. As our son once said, I like the sound of my own voice. It’s why I’m going to keep writing.

And to all who have found me and kept reading over the years, thank you. Without your validation, blogging over the years would have been nothing more than shouting into the wind. As most teachers will tell you, we always get back as much if not more from our students than we give out in the classroom, and it’s been the same with blogging – I feel like I’ve received far more over the years from readers than what I’ve produced. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of you and becoming friends for life. Your kindness, support, and advice (and putting up with numerous typos, misspelled and misplaced words) have meant the world to me. I hope you’ll all stick around to see what happens next.

Published by Laura & Brett

Slow traveling the world with a sense of adventure!

53 thoughts on “10 Years a Blogger”

  1. Congratulations on ten years of blogging! I always love to see you waiting for me in my inbox. And I can’t believe I’ve been following you for over half of that time! I was looking for info on moving to Hawaii and there you were! It really seems like yesterday.

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  2. Congratulations! Thank you for all your thoughts and pictures.Health issues and family keep us grounded but we feel like we see the world through your eyes .!Bloggers like you give a daily novel one page a day! Take care !Enjoy your Holidays!

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  3. Here’s to many more years of blogging! Congrats.

    I am very glad I’ve found your blog, courtesy of Dar at An Exacting Life.

    My blog has morphed too. Started as a record of weight loss (ha!), healthy eating, getting fit, book reviews and decluttering. I now record my books in Goodreads. Still decluttering and trying to lose weight. But I just blither on.

    What happened to all your previous iterations? Did you archive them? Lose them?

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    1. I’m glad you found the blog too, and our time with you Sydney is one of the high points of our travels this year. We still dream of going back to ride the Ghan with you and Mr. LS. I like your blog too and your voice!

      Two of the three past blogs exist, but are locked down because administering three blogs is beyond my paygrade. One at a time is all I can handle.

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      1. That is so nice. Thank you. As to The Ghan, I’ll give you plenty of notice. It’d be a great trip to do. Made better if there’s someone to have meals with and to chat with.

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  4. Wow! Congratulations Laura on your tenth year of blogging. Well done.

    You know as I stated before your blogging about getting out of debt hooked me and helped me too. Thank you. Because you morphed into different iterations of your blog and your life, I wonder if your readers who may also be bloggers would mind posting blogging tips to wannabes and those already blogging? I bet all of you have some great suggestions too. Personally I hope you never stop!

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    1. Our getting out of debt was a journey for the ages. The books all made it sound so easy and quick, if we just applied ourselves. Well, we applied ourselves and it was anything but easy and quick! Still we learned a lot along the way, and those years changed us permanently and set us on the path to retirement and eventually our current nomadic life.

      I think two biggest tips I would give to newbies are a) be yourself and be honest; and b) give it time. It was a few months before anyone else started reading my blog, but I just kept plodding along. Blogging is like journaling, and can be very therapeutic – write for yourself first.

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  5. Congratulations! Ten years! I “met’ you while you were losing it. Your journey has been amazing to me. Your sharing of trust and determination is a sight to behold (read). Sometimes I worried, but you had a path and followed it through. Your writing is an inspiration.
    “May you always have…
    Walls for the winds
    A roof for the rain
    Tea beside the fire
    Laughter to cheer you
    Those you love near you
    And all your heart might desire.”

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    1. Thank you, Janette, and that you for the blessing. I can’t ask for more than what those words wish for.

      If you had told me 10 years ago when I started writing that we would where we are now I would have thought you were certifiable! What a time we’ve had! The path hasn’t always been smooth, but we did always know where we were going, thank goodness.

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    1. Thanks you, Susan, for coming along for the ride. Two of the three previous blogs still exist although they are locked down and can’t be accessed (I lost The View from the Treehouse) when I gave us the domain. The administration work that goes into taking care of one blog is enough, and would definitely be too much with trying to keep three open.

      But . . . you have given me an idea! I think I might start sharing posts from the early blogs, maybe once a week? That would be a way to share what was going on, but without all the admin duties wearing me down. Hmmm – we shall see.

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  7. I’m one who also met you on “Losing It” and have come along for the ride. I seldom comment but always read your postings. Please keep them up, travelling or not. Merry Christmas!

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    1. Ellie, thank you for sticking with me. And please, never worry about your lack of commenting but I am absolutely the WORST when it comes to commenting. I have no business criticizing anyone about that. I appreciate most that you continue to stay a reader.

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  8. Congratulations on 10 years of blogging! I wish I would have started reading in the early days,but blogs weren’t only radar then. Please don’t ever stop blogging–and posting photos. Your photography skills are on par with your superb writing skills, IMO.

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    2. Thank you, Sheila. I believe blogging has made me a better photographer, although I still have much to learn, and having an iPhone has made all the difference – so easy to take pictures now compared to lugging my camera around, downloading photos, etc. The funny thing is I know think about photos ahead of time, like “I’m going to need/want a photo of that” and work to get the shot I want. Of course when we’re out and about sightseeing, etc. it’s easy to take photos, but blogging has helped me to take better pictures then too.

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    1. Thank you! In return, I have always appreciated your thoughtful comments, and your advice about things to see and do when we were in Australia earlier this year! Those are embedded in memory.

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    1. Hi Dar – thank you! I think I’m going to start posting things I wrote in the past. Long time readers will remember, but it may be interesting to others where we were ten years ago compared to where we are now.

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  11. Congrats on your ten years of blogging! That’s quite an accomplishment. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts on The Occasional Nomads blog. I’ve switched from Blogger to WordPress in June this year.

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    1. Thanks, Natalie! I signed up to follow you on WordPress (I can’t/couldn’t follow anyone on Blogger) and am looking forward to reading more about your adventures!

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  12. Congratulations on ten years of blogging! I only discovered you through Bob Lowrey”s Satisfying Retirement blog so wasn’t fortunate enough to read any of your writing before Occasional Nomads. Are the earlier posts still available to access? I happily lift my lovely Oxford cup to you!

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    1. Thank you, Helen! Happy to know that the tea, mug, and shortbread arrived safely. Enjoy! I’ve now decided that I’m going to start sharing posts from the old blog on The Occasional Nomads, maybe once a week or so? I had no idea people might be interested in what was going on back then.

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  13. Congratulations on 10 years!
    I have been reading your blog since I’m Losing It. I followed you from comments you made on other people’s blogs that I read. Your comments were so thought out and sincere.
    When I talk about your adventures to my husband he always says …and how do you know her 🤣. I explain and say reading her blog is better than any reality tv show. You are living the life I am pretty sure I can only dream about. I so admire your determination and your relationship that you have with your family. Thank you fir sharing with us.

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    1. Thank you – I am really enjoying hearing from so many long-time readers. I feel the same way about several bloggers I read – Brett wants to know how I know these people and I have to explain I read their blogs! And you’re right, their real lives, activities and struggles are better than any reality show. Thank you for folowwing along with me all these years.

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    1. Thank you for being such a loyal follower, Vivian – I always look forward to hearing from you. I’m hoping we’ll have the opportunity to meet up someday.

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  16. I like the sound of your voice too!!! LOL

    I found you during your final months on “Losing It” and loved, loved your honesty about the successes and failures with both debt erasure and weight loss.

    Your adventures on Kauai and nomading are very inspiring to me. I’m in the dreaming and plotting stages 🙂

    Thank you for continuing to write. Sending you hugs!

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    1. LOL is right. My son did once say to me, “people only blog because they like the sound of their own voice.” At first I was sort of shocked by that comment, but eventually thought, “and what’s wrong with that?”

      If you’ve read my answers to comments below I’m going to begin sharing some posts from my previous blogs. I think I may need to see them again as much as others want to see them.

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    1. I wouldn’t call myself a Dave Ramsey fan, but he did give us a good outliine for going forward and getting rid of debt and I am grateful for that. I only wish it had taken 11 months instead of more than 36! It was quite the journey though, but we are the better for it, and our life these days is an added bonus.

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  18. Like others, I love your blog! Congratulations on keeping it going for ten years! That’s a real accomplishment. I discovered you via Bob Lowry’s Satisfying Retirement blog and went back to read what was available from the beginning. You write well, have wonderful adventures, and you seem like the kind of person I’d love to know IRL. I’ll be following you as long as you’re writing. 😃

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    1. Thanks Laurel – I am looking forward to the day when we can meet up in person!

      It really hasn’t been the same blog over the years – the name kept changing because the focus kept changing. Rebranding a blog is dangerous too – lots of readers drop off but I have been very lucky and blessed to have so many loyal readers to come along for the ride. I plan to keep it The Occasional Nomads for a long time though.

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  19. Your blog is such a blessing, great to see how you were able to accomplish all you wanted through hard work and perseverance. I so enjoy your writing, please keep it up!!

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    1. Setting goals has always been important to me (us), and then figuring out a way to reach them. The path hasn’t always been straight, or easy, but knowing what we want to accomplish and where we’re going has always helped to keep us on track.

      I hope to be writing for another ten years!

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  20. I recently found your blog and really enjoy reading about your travel adventures. Congratulations on your 10 year blogging anniversary. Wish I could go back and read the very early posts!

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    1. Thanks for reading, Marianne. I plan to start sharing old posts from the past. If I could manage the administration duties of having three open blogs, I would open up the old ones, but for now it’s just too much.

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  21. Wow, 10 years! Congratulations! I’ve been following along since the ‘Losing it” days and have loved reading about your adventures and seeing your pictures! I’m looking forward to seeing some of the old posts. (also if you happen to see the addictive sweet potato burrito recipe I would love to have that again. I made it one time but didn’t write it down) I’ve always enjoyed your writing style. Thanks for allowing us to tag along for the ride. 😃

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  22. Congratulations! I love reading your blog and following your adventures. Also congratulations to you both for having found “the one” in each other and for having such huge hearts to welcome not one, not two but three more wonderful children in your life. I think you are awesome parents. Wish there were more people like you out there. Enjoy your retirement to the fullest, live long and in good health and prosper as a diehard trekkie would say 🙂

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  23. Wow, what a milestone! I am a fairly new reader and I enjoy reading your blog quite a bit. You have a certain rhythm in your writing that resonates with me. I also think that you picked a brilliant name for your blog – very intriguing and comprehensive in the same time.
    So on this anniversary I wish you (and Brett) and your blog many more years of compelling stories, adventures and life lived with purpose and meaning!

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  24. Just arrived back home early this morning from Kauai so I’m catching up on your postings. I’ve been reading your blog since you were still living in Portland and were planning to move to Kauai. I think I searched on “moving to Hawaii” and your blog came up. That must have been 5 or 6 years ago? I’ve enjoyed reading about your travels and plans and look forward to each post. Here’s to another 10 years of blogging (and more!).

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    1. That timeline sounds about right. It seems so long ago and another world away now, but that’s life – it’s always changing. I’m hoping to still be blogging in another 10 years too!

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  25. Ten years is worth celebrating. Sitting down to write something, anything, is not easy. You are opening up parts of yourself to public reaction and knowing that what you publish will be somewhere on the Internet forever. Now, that is sobering.

    Congrats on a fascinating journey as life continues to unfold beneath your feet.

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    1. One of the things I thought about as I wrote the post was that I had written part of my Master’s thesis about the power of journaling, whether personally or professionally. Blogging like I do is essentially journaling, and it requires me to be reflective a great deal of the time, not just about what I say or how I approach something, but also what I say or feel means in the bigger scheme of things. Maybe that’s too philosophical for merely blogging, but I find it therapeutic to put my thoughts down, and appreciate the feedback I get from others.

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  26. Hi Laura, Thank you for continuing to write! I found you in your “early” years blogging, and look forward to your posts all.the.time. Even with my super busy schedule (I work 3 jobs), I still make time to read your blog. I was honored and privileged to meet you in person on Kauai (remember – at the Farmer’s Market – I recognized you with the red glasses?!). I really enjoy your writing and your blog is the only one I follow with dedication! Best to you and yours, Julie

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    1. Hi Julie! I definitely remember meeting you at the Kapaa farmers’ market – I still have the picture! Thank you so much for being such a loyal reader – I hope my future writing will keep you interested and connected.

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