You know, July is my favorite month. Somehow, new things, significant changes, new jobs – have all happened during July, almost throughout my life. Consider these:
- Every new job I took up was in July. I remember, during an interview, years ago, the interviewer asked me why I switched jobs with “clinical precision” in July. At the time I was amused, because I had not paid attention to it.I answered, “Divine Intervention”. Truth.
- I started working from home in July 2004 and in July 2005, began work as a freelance writer and business blogger. My long term projects always come in during July!
- I started this blog, Going A-Musing, in July 2003 – this is significant because Google acquired Blogger in 2003 – and I remember being so thrilled about writing online! I blog because I love it. I am happy to think that I’ve been featured on some great blogs and have had the pleasure of being invited to guest post on some.
- Talking of featured, Evita Ochel shared my story on the July issue of her online magazine, Evolving Beings in Action. And how happy and touched I was to see most of you come over there and comment! Thank you!
- July was also the month when the first ever guest post was scheduled here, but I went ahead and published it on June 29. Going A-Musing’s first guest post was my friend, the wonderful Terri Sonoda, who published her first book “Sarah’s Sleep”. I loved the book! I plan to have more guest posters in the future.
- I bought my beloved scooter (A Honda Activa) in July 2003 and it is as great as ever to scoot around on it! In fact, I wrote my first blog post at the same time.
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| Oh! I know it is a bad scan – but you get the idea, right? |
- This July, I was also invited to be a volunteer at the Natural Parents Network by Dionna Ford, blogger at Code Name: Mama and co-founder of the Natural Parents Network (I’ve been following her blog for years now and just love it). I am excited about this.
- Another fun fact for this July – Ah, I must tell you this. My blogs are not monetized, unless you count the random Google AdSense ads under each post. I signed up for AdSense in December 2007 and have disabled it on and off on my blogs. (I write two more: Your Medical Guide and Coffee With Mi!). I’ve had the same AdSense account on all three blogs, about 33 months here and for a little over two years on the other two. And guess what? In July 2012, my earnings actually touched (gasp!) 100 dollars. Surprisingly, Your Medical Guide is responsible for this. I expect that Google will actually send me a check next month. Imagine!
Let me not bore you with a longer list of July achievements – suffice it to say that it is my happy month and here’s what I decided to do, to celebrate it. You see, I’ve been succumbing to work pressure lately. I also enjoy reading my favorite blogs.
- Which means I spend a lot of time online.
- Which means I am not as OCD as I was about keeping my house clutter free.
- Which means I must find a way to tackle it because not worrying about it will not make the problem go away.
I figured that the most sensible thing to do is to simplify life. Rather than shuffle stuff around and increase my work (who loves dusting?), I thought it might be best to take stock and – take action. I have kept on planning to do some major deep cleaning but you and I, we both know that intentions are all very well, but actions speak. Much louder.
So here is what I am doing every day. I give something away. Every. Single. Day. It does not matter how small or big it is. I will write down what I give away each day – just to make myself accountable to my goal. My giveaways are food, clothing, utensils, books, extra stuff – anything. I started off with a bang by sponsoring a young girl’s vocational training for one year at one of my regular institutions, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, which I support on a regular basis. This training will enable her take up a job. This is special for me because she’s blind and I am proud of what that institution is doing.
Win-win situation, don’t you think?
Well. That’s all for now.
Here’s some great news: Jeff Goins, Writer, whose blog I follow with great pleasure, is practically giving away the Kindle version of his latest book, “Wrecked” which has had rave reviews at $ 0.99 until August 11, 2012 – which is like 92 % off. Do get a copy. We’d like to see him rise to No.1 on Amazon, and overtake Fifty Shades of Grey. If you feel inclined to support him, do buy the Kindle version. Even if you don’t – do check out his blog. He rocks, does Jeff!
Great blog posts I read this week:
7 Reasons Why Making A ‘To Done’ List Will Unleash Your Creativity – Fran Sorin’s list posts are simply awesome!
11 Steps and 11 Quotes to Radical Personal Change (A Tribute to Stephen R. Covey) – Ken Wert is among my very favorite bloggers and a very inspiring one.
Expectations – Realistic or Unrealistic? Good or Bad? – David Stevens’ posts are just perfect – short, thought provoking and enriching.
Did I hear you say “happy birthday no.9” to my blog?
Thank you for subscribing to my blog! Do consider leaving a comment – or just reply to this email! I’d love to know what you think.
Cheers!
Vidya
32 comments
You didn’t hear me say it, because I was singing it.
I still think it’s cool about you being scooter mom.
I’m a social critter; blogging is just an extension of me being social. I don’t need to complicate it with a bunch of reasons or have all the ‘right’ tools; as long as I can ‘do it’ by just showing up, then that’s a good day for me.
Happy favorite July to you.
🙂 Ah, I heard you sing it!
I really ought to get a tattoo!
You know Bill – what you wrote about blogging – I love it. Because I blog for the sheer fun of it. There’s no pressure at all.
Thanks – You know I love to high-five you!
Great achievements Vidya!No wonder July is your lucky month :)That sure is a wonderful picture of yours with Vidur, though I guess now he must be driving the scooter and you sitting behind him!I started blogging one and half years ago, and the journey’s been beautiful indeed. Though I have been a freelance writer since ages, but blogging happened not too long ago. And I blog because I love to help people through my writing and share the knowledge I gather with everyone – with the hope that it helps someone somewhere. Never got to check my earnings, though I feel they were more on Bloggers than on WordPress, which reminds me to have a look at mine!Thanks for sharing more about yourself with all of us. 🙂
So many coincidences, Harleena, that I now expect good things in July 😀 No – Vidur is not old enough to drive yet, even though he’s a good head taller than I am!
I definitely don’t care about my earnings since I blog purely because I love writing and sharing, too!
Thank you for being in my world, Harleena! I appreciate you!
Hi Vidya! That’s interesting how everything good in your life happens in July and that’s when you started this blog (Happy 9th Blogoversary!)My favourite month is November and that’s when I started my blog! Many good things have happened to me in November.
Giving away something every day should clutter-clear your life! Good for you!
Lori
Hey Lori! Just this morning I was thinking, Lori will be back today! 🙂 Great to see you – did you have a good break?
Come to think of it, I like November, because my growing sunshine was born in Nov 😀
You know what excites me about this giving stuff? I am seriously gathering a few things everyday – it is such a fun activity! I always did it – but now, as an everyday habit, it feels just great. The heart is lighter!
Thank you for your presence here today, Lori! Hugs!
Hey Vidya,
I started writing online in December 2010 and launched my blog two months later. So, I guess about a year and a half. I love it! I blog as a way to connect with people, to get my message out there and as a marketing tool for my business (in that order). It’s become such a part of my life (I publish three times a week). When I have an insight, I’m excited that I get to share it on the blog later. 🙂
Congrats on your blogoversary! I didn’t know that you’d been around since 2003! Wow. That’s like 79 in internet years, lol.
Here’s to 79 more!
Hugs,
Melody
You know, Melody, you made it to my top 20 list a while ago 😀 and I’d say you’re the master at connecting with your readers. I am thrilled to know you. That’s a huge perk of blogging – the connections! 🙂
Come to think of it, 2003 does sound ancient. I am happy to look back at my journey and the transition from a little crazy to a little more organized!
I am looking forward to knowing you during these 79 definitely!
Many hugs, Vidya
Happy 9th anniversary to Going a Musing :)Love this celebration of your favorite month. My favorite months are May and December :)Wishing you a surprisingly magical August 🙂
Thank you, Aileen! 😀 Oh yes, August is looking good too! May and December – any particular reasons? :-)Hugs!
Vidya, you have been blogging a LONG time, girlfriend!!!
I started blogging in June of 2006 because I had enjoyed watching what my daughter, Keri, did on her blog. Same daughter who went to India.
I blog ’cause it’s just in me to do it. So fun.
Dear Keetha! I wasn’t as organized when I started. 🙂 I did silly things like posting jokes and writing three line posts. Oh, I just reveled in my web space.
Now I am really glad you blog, because your blog delights me! I am so glad we met, girlfriend!
I blog simply because it is fun, too!
Happy Birthday to your blog Vidya, congratulations!
…and what wonderful achievements/memories you have shared here today. “July” is a magic month for you
be good to yourself
David
Thank you, David! Great to see you here!
Congrats on your anniversay Vidya. I for one am happy you started blogging, happy you found a way to keep going and even happier that I get to read your writings, they give me such pleasure.
Plus I love the idea of giving one thing away a day. Vidya, you rock girl!
Elle
xoxo
Thank you, Elle. My “giving” I am glad to say, is going very well.
I am very glad we’re connected too. Huge hugs to you!
Hi Vidya,
I don’t think I’ve really paid attention to a lot of the things I’ve done making them significant or following in a particular pattern. I guess I never really thought about it.
I love that you’re a scooter Mom. I know a lot of ladies that love their scooters.
I started blogging because I’m building a business online and I was taught it’s the best way to brand me. My blog was created June 19, 2009 so it’s now three years old. I also love blogging and helping people learn and I hope I never ever quit.
Thanks for sharing all your milestones with us.
~Adrienne
A very warm welcome to you, Adrienne! I am very happy to see you here today.
🙂 Scooter-Mom sounds cute. I love how most of the two-wheeler riders are Moms at my son’s school. This is my fourth scooter in 25 years and I’ve been very attached to each one!
I enjoyed reading your business blog – and love the way you present the posts. You are one of the most “real” bloggers I know.
Thanks again for coming by. I really appreciate it.
~~~~Vidya,
I thought EVERY month was your favorite <3
I am thrilled you started blogging or we never would have met….
How blessed we all are to encounter an angel such as YOU
Xxx
–For me, blogging is a great platform for mourning, screaming, informing, bringing awareness, laughing, connecting, & finding my true voice…
Love flowing to you, Dearest.
Mmm…come to think of it, every month IS my favorite, Kim! 😀 I fervently agree about blogging – and so glad we met! You know I adore your voice! Hugs, hugs, hugs!
Happy Anniversary on your blogging venture.
I’ve started blogging in 2006 but that was at a whole different level than I am blogging now. Now I am way more involved. Hope to come see you more regularly 🙂
Thank you so much for the kind words, Sylviane! So happy to see you here today. I look forward to seeing you often too. Love your blog!
Wow, thanks for mentioning me up there, my friend. I am honored! Nice post. I am constantly amazed by your accomplishments and your beautiful attitude toward life. I bought the book by Jeff Goins, which is unusual for me to buy any religious type material. However, I did it solely to protest the popularity of Fifty Shades of Grey. So thanks for the heads-up. LOL
I started blogging exactly two years ago, and in fact, am having a blogoversary celebration on my blog. Giving away cheap Vegas prizes and all.
Why do I blog? It fulfills something in me. I can’t really put my finger on it, but I do love to blog.
And? I’m so happy to have found you, dear Vidya. If I hadn’t been blogging, that wouldn’t have happened.
XOXOsss
Hugs, Terri! I think I am more excited about your book than you are ;-). I’d love to know what you thought of Goins’ book.
I love why you blog. And am I glad!! So happy we’re connected. Hugs and love to you!
Hi VIdya,
Congrats on the anniversary of your blog! I loved hearing your history and more about you. How fun that you own a scooter and it is wonderful work that you are doing to give to others.
I started writing my blog in May of 2010 just as a way to express myself and connect with others in the same situation. But blogging online has a way of being the start of a journey that you never expected. I love just being open to what comes my way.
I’ve enjoyed learning about you and your family and seeing the beautiful pictures that you have posted. Isn’t it great that blogging connects the world? Take care and enjoy your day!
🙂 Thanks Cathy! I love that scooter something crazy! I love how blogging has evolved over the years, don’t you? And you are doing such great work through yours! Yes, I love that blogging connects the world! Hugs!
Auguri, Vidya, happy blogoversary! Wow, 9 years of blogging and collecting smiles. And because I love your tag line so much, here is the second half of it as well: because happiness is a D.I.Y. project.
Great July achievements, my biggest July achievement was being born in July, the award goes to my mom who did it in a record time of 20 minutes (fueled by her wanting to eat breakfast!).
I have started blogging in November 2010 (like Lori), I still enjoy blogging and I am grateful for all the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to meet and befriend. The future looks bright!
Have a peaceful Sunday, my dearest friend!
Darling Barbara, I just went googling “Auguri” and found out it means “little chestnuts” in Japanese. In Italian, it is used as an expression of goodwill, best wishes, and good luck. In Greek, it means “cucumber.” . Hmm…I like it all. I think you meant Happy Birthday in Italian, right?
Your Mom is a gem. 🙂 I thank her for giving me you!
I find that the best part of blogging is the connections. So feel-good!
Hugs! I am glad you’re here today!
You make July seem like a magical month. I started blogging in April of 2009. I got together with my husband in April of 2001. Hmmm, maybe April is my magic month.
It is great when we stop to think, no? 🙂 I am very very glad we met. Thanks to Kim of My Inner Chick – for it was through her blog I found you. Hugs!
Happy 9th Blogoversary, Vidya! And being a scooter mom looks awesome!
Thank you, Pamela! 🙂 What fun if we took a ride around, no?