Last Thanksgiving, I spent the bulk of the afternoon darting in and out of the coat closet at my in-laws’ house. It was my first feature on Rockstar Finance, and I was absolutely mesmerized. Take a bite, catch up with a relative, check my phone. After three months of blogging talking to myself, people were actually going to see my blog. Was this real life?
I was completely gobsmacked that Des from Half Banked would submit my post. Nevermind the fact that J$ and C$ would actually feature it. That morning was a series of squeals and incoherent explanations to my husband. Literally. My entire Thanksgiving morning was comprised of alternating recipes lines and awkward jigs in the kitchen. It was the best.
After that initial realization sunk in, I was quickly mesmerized by the WordPress dashboard. In a blink, the bar graph scale adjusted. I hit triple digits. Then quadruple digits. On the day when people were supposed to be stuffing their faces and then flopping on couches, begging for second helpings and Tums, they were also reading my blog.
In that instant, I realized I had a whole different world to be thankful for.
I am an anonymous blogger from the Midwest. My thumbnail and favicon are both photos of change I found on the ground. While I may have a background in writing, I definitely know next to nothing about blogging. And while I have learned some things about money, I would never paint myself as an expert. In fact, I learn with every post I create.
And yet people comment on my blog. We connect on Twitter. We exchange emails. Some of you–technology gods help you–have even taught me to Skype.*
*Seriously, Fin Con people? These friends deserve a medal.
Beyond that, I’ve learned so much from so many of you who are experts. You’ve shared your time, talent, and understanding so patiently. It’s really remarkable.
And in the most unexpected turn of all, Tip Yourself even hired me. I’ve had the opportunity to write professionally this year while watching not only an app, but an entire community, take off.
Yes, I’m grateful for family and friends, health and happiness. I’m so blessed in my real life. But this virtual life I have, this little slice of cyberspace? This is truly something else for which I am beyond grateful.
Wishing you all a weekend filled with love and laughter, friends!
And have an extra slice of pie for me.
With love & thanks,
Penny
PS – I’ll revive my “grateful for” tweets this weekend. If you care to follow along, you can find me here!
PPS – Yes, I actually baked that pie. And no, there probably won’t be any left by Thanksgiving day. Whoops.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Penny! Enjoy it all and the success you have found in your little slice of cyberspace 😉
Thanks so much, Vicki! Same to you and your family. You’re still in sunny Florida, yes? If so, send some sun my way!
Happy Thanksgiving. Congrats on your success this year, and enjoy your holiday. (You can always make more pie.)
Same to you, Emily! It’s been amazing to see your blog grow. I’m so happy we’ve connected!
Happy Thanksgiving to you Penny. We are so grateful to have you as a virtual friend as well.
Oh, these comments make me so happy. One day, I know I will see a link to a blog again 😉 In fact, I’ll include that in my letter to Santa this year. Happy Thanksgiving, Secret Retirees!
Gorgeous pie! And Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Congrats on all your successes and growth this year, and wishing you more of the same next year.
Thank you so much. Same to you! And the pie was delicious 🙂
Skyping with you was so much fun, Penny! So glad we had that time to talk “for reals”. I also look forward to creeping your “grateful for” tweets.
I actually had no idea that one could submit posts for RSF. Apparently you can even submit your own.
Yes! It was all Des.
And true story. The only post I’ve ever submitted was…declined. It might actually have been the most valuable blogging lesson learned of all.
Wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving, Penny! This “slice of cyberspace” is definitely something to be grateful for and I’m so glad you’re in it.
Thanks, Gary! Ditto for you as well. So glad we connected. Happy Turkey Day!
Haha, I definitely know the glazed over look I get from non bloggers when I get excited about something blog related. And I can definitely imagine your excitement!
It was so very exciting. Hope you had a nice weekend, Daniel!
Awww!! I never knew that!!
We should have featured you today for a repeat!!! 🙂
Been thoroughly enjoying your blog since you first came out with it.. Thanks for sharing your stories and life with us! A great community here indeed!
::squeals some more::
What you and Cait do is remarkable, J. Truly. Hope you had a lovely weekend.
Hi Penny: Happy Thanksgiving to you to! I have enjoyed following you on Twitter the last few months. I’ve been a writer for a long time. I used to be fascinated with the idea of finding a purpose for life. My journey to find purpose, independence, and happiness led me growing wealth, which led me into the financial independence world. I look forward to getting to know you, and your writing, more as I move forward pursuing my passion and dreams. I love great friends. Reach out, and come visit me @ Wealth Well Done anytime. I’ll be pursuing my purpose there. God bless.
Happy to have connected on Twitter! I will definitely swing by your blog!
Hope you had a great Thanksgiving. The Canadians are already done with that. Enjoy your family and your success as a blogger.
Thanks, Pellrider! I had the pleasure of attending one Canadian Thanksgiving with one of my best friends who lives in Montreal. The weather was nicer and the leaves were much brighter. Smart to do it earlier, I think!
Thanks for sharing your story, and that’s awesome you broke into freelancing with Tip Yourself. Great job!
I’m so late in reading this, but I am so happy to read something so happy during this of all weeks.
The PF community can be truly amazing.