3 years is a long time. Maybe not to everyone but, for me, it is.
Photo taken by Margot as part of her fauxto series!
I was always the kind of girl that has commitment issues — to boyfriends up until I met Will, to my hair color, to my personal style, to any hobby for sure. I get bored easily. I struggle to find something I could see myself doing long term. I always want to feel different and have new experiences. I would get REALLY into something and then toss it to the side so soon — much like kids do with toys.
So what is it about book blogging that has kept me doing it for 3 years?
I mean, after all, I’m essentially doing the same thing over and over every day — reading and writing reviews, discussion posts or whatever silly thing I feel like. I could have stopped blogging and still be doing all the same things I do now — read, talk about books, meet authors. I never would have imagined, when I started this blog back in June 2010, that I would have done this for even more than a year. Do you know why I started a blog? I had been really into Goodreads since 2008 and active in groups but I wanted more. I always loved blogging (I kept a Xanga off and on…what what) and I figured it would be fun. I had thought about it for a while and soon I found myself in between jobs working very part time so I started The Broke and the Bookish with some Goodreads friends and then days later started this blog! I had time to devote to it at the time but I thought when I started working it would probably sit collecting cobwebs in Internetland.
So REALLY….why haven’t I abandoned this here blog?
My thoughts? The community. Hands down. Our little community of bloggers is not perfect. It fights. Turns against one another. Commits acts that hurt the rest of the community. It gets cranky, burnt out, jealous and sometimes forget what this whole book blogging thing is about. But this community? It is amazing. I’ve met some of my BEST FRIENDS here. I’m not talking about my BEST INTERNET FRIENDS. But people I text when bad things happen or when I’m feeling insecure or when I just need a laugh or honest opinion. And even beyond my best friends, this community is always here for me — no matter what it is. If I’m having a bad day, somebody is always willing to readily offer up a funny video. If I need advice about things I’m dealing with, there’s always someone ready to lend an ear. If I need to rejoice in even the smallest victory, you all are there ready to pop champagne with me.
– getting laid off (the same one you were with me for when I GOT) & those 3 weeks when Will lost his job
– dealing with years of grief after losing my mom
– planning a wedding (& gave kind words when somebody on a wedding board made me feel bad about how I wanted to honor my mom)
– getting married (and getting stress induced shingles!!)
– making the hard decision to let go of friends I’ve had for 10 years because it wasn’t right for me anymore
– my niece being born & all of the fun firsts of her life
– my dog passing away
– blogging slumps & feeling discouraged enough to quit
– blogging insecurities
– moving into our apartment
– a hurricane
– insomnia
– moving to WordPress
– starting a book club locally
-panic attacks, laughing attacks, spazzing attacks
– silly posts like book inspired dates, talking about my ass, the crimes I commit against books, & more
– the times when life was kicking me when I was down (not getting the job I wanted, our power going out for days, car accidents, our car getting broken into, etc)
There are many more countless things that I could name that you have seen me through in these past 3 years. That’s 1095 days, about 26,297 hours, or 94,670,778 seconds of my life you have been with me for. You’ve let me be open, honest and genuine. This blog is 100% me and I’ve never had a place where I felt so uninhibited and could be myself completely. This may be a book blog but it’s so much more to me — I write my opinions about books but I connect with people because of them. You’ve let me speak about things beyond the pages of the books I’m reading — even when I’m nervous about the reception more personal posts may have. You’ve respected the growth and the changes of this blog and put up with me even when I’m having some radio silence on the blog. I can feel secure in being silent sometimes because you are always here with open arms when I return.
I’ve wanted to quit — I won’t lie. Sometimes it’s because I’m being silly and angsty and think nobody likes me, sometimes I think my reviews suck, sometimes I’m too lazy or just plain tired, or sometimes I’m just plain old discouraged. When I think of all the free time I’d have if I quit, it’s nice for a moment, but then I just can’t even think about not having regular communication with you guys or being able to express my opinions or gush over the latest book I read. I feel like there would be this huge hole in my heart and, I honestly, can’t imagine my life without this part of me. It’s just so embedded in my life right now. I don’t know what year 4 will have for my blog — many changes I’m sure — but I’m confident that a bunch of you would stick with me! This blog has brought SO MANY AMAZING opportunities and experiences but the community, even on the worst days in our history, is always what keeps me here.
Now that I think about it, the question shouldn’t be “how have I kept up at this blogging thing for 3 years?” but rather “how the heck have you all stuck with me for this long?”
I’m sometimes flaky, ranty, whiny, inconsistent, an absolute mess, & this blog is far from being great. So really all I need to do today is thank you for those 1095 days/26,297 hours/94,670,778 seconds that you’ve stuck with me. It’s rare to find people that are willing to see everything inside of you — the good and the bad — and still be here in the end. I’m humbled. I’ve learned so much from you all and you’ve challenged me in ways I could never imagine. I’m constantly amazed by the kindness and support that overflows in this community and especially on this blog.
Thank you. For everything. Truly.
(I’m sorry I didn’t plan more to do something creative like for this blogoversary but as I opened the “new post window” this is what came to me)
And because I love you….a little giveaway! Nothing extravagant like I wish I could but a little somethin’!
What? One person will win their choice of 4 books out of the stack — Ashes on Waves (ARC), How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True (paperback), Life After Theft (hardcover), The Elite (hardcover), Tumble & Fall (ARC), Belladonna (ARC), Undercurrent (ARC) The Chaos of Stars (ARC) and In The After (ARC)
– US & Canada only — sorry!
– Ends June 28th 2013 at 11:59pm
Sara (of the Page Sage) says
Happy blogoversary! 3 years is a huge commitment, one that all of your readers and I are glad you’ve made! 🙂
DannyBookworm says
Congrats Jamie!!!!!! And I’m like you – I start things, have fun for a while but then I need to move on. But with blogging? It’s just something super special about it!!
Congrats on 3 years and thank you for sharing so much with us!
*hugs*
ashley says
*brings out the cupcakes!*
I’m so glad you’ve allowed us to follow these past three years. Even embracing OUR quirks and still loving us in the end. I would say here is to three more but that seems far too short of a time!
Congrats on the three years m’dear!
Rachelia (Bookish Comforts) says
This is such a beautiful, heartfelt reflection on blogging h& what it means to you! It honesly had me tearing up. Congrats on e3 years as that is AH-MAZING!!!! I havent been a follower from the start but I fell in love with your blog when I found it about a year and a half ago. You are a great book blogger and contribute so much to this community! I hope you will continue blogging for as long as it is fun and fulfilling for you. All the best to you!
Amanda says
AH, HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY, JAMIE! (Funnily enough, my actual birthday was yesterday, haha.) You were one of the first blogs I ever started following, and you’re definitely one of my favorite blog/bloggers! I don’t know what else to say (without sounding ridiculous), other than CONGRATULATIONS!
Andrea @ The Overstuffed Bookcase says
Congrats on 3 years! That’s awesome! You just keep on keepin’ on and we’ll keep on following because we love your thoughts and your silliness and your serious side, too! 😀
Trudy says
Oh my gosh, 3years! That’s a very long time! I absolutely LOVE your blog! It’s so cute, helpful and funny! Congratulations Jamie!
Daisy says
Happy blogoversary!!! Seriously, I can’t believe it’s been 3 years already! Please continue being awesome on your blog and on the one we share 🙂
Asheley says
I LOVE YOUR FACE.
THANKS FOR LOVING MINE.
HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY!!!
SO MONUMENTOUS AN OCCASION.
LET’S CELEBRATE (DURING WAKING HRS)!!!
Seriously, yours was one of the first I started peepin back in the day, which meant it was newbie & I didn’t know it! I love that! Love you a ton. Keep it up. It’s SOOO RADDD. xo
Gillian says
Aw, congrats Jamie! Three years is an amazingly long time, and I’m so glad you’ve found such a fun home in blogging and made so many friends! I’m glad I discovered your blogs and got to meet you at BEA! To AT LEAST three more years of happy blogging! 😀
Lianne says
Happy blogoversary Jamie! Congrats on 3 awesome years of book blogging; may you have many many more blogoversaries to come 😀
*pops open some champagne for celebration*
Judith says
Congratulations Jamie!!! 3 years is an amazing accomplishment (I feel you on always wanting to try new things – I still feel like blogging is an impulse thing for me) and this is a wonderful post. I love that you have created your own space here and that it has allowed you to share so much, because like you said: this community is amazing! Here’s to many more years <3
Olivia says
Whoo, congratulations! I found your blog a few months ago, and it’s now one of my favorites. 🙂 Keep doing what you love because your enthusiasm shines through in your words!
Debby @ Snuggly Oranges says
Congratulations Jamie!!! Wow, I hope I’ll be able to stick around for 3 years, but I definitely agree with you: this community is amazing. I don’t think I could easily give it up. But we’ll see what happens when I’m working full time.
i*Heart*BigBooks says
Congrats Jamie!! I’m so glad that you’ve stuck it out for 3 long years so that I, as a new blogger and a new member of the community, could get to know you and enjoy what you have offered.
I have to say, you are one of my favorite bloggers to follow because your unfailing honesty and “realness”. I love that you share all the good and the bad.
I really admire and appreciate all of the dedication and time that you’ve put into this…..so congrats again on this momentous occasion and hope you stick around for many more years.
all the best,
christine @ i*Heart*BigBooks
Nae says
hugs and kisses
Emily @ Forever Literary says
Congratulations on 3 years of blogging, Jamie! We are all so lucky to have this amazing community that sometimes almost feels like it has grown better friendships than our “real” ones, and we are all so fortunate that you are a part of it. Although I am a relatively new reader if your blog, I am glad you started all these years ago because you are hands-down one of the best bloggers in this community. No matter what you say about yourself, you are honest, effusive, and accessible, and your posts are at times hilarious and at times bittersweet, always leaving me with something to think about. Best if all, the laid-back, anything-goes style with which you approach all of your creative ideas is a bright beacon arlttracting readers to your blog and it truly makes you seem in control of where you want your site to go.
Here’s to another year of friendship forming, conversation holding (bookish and otherwise), and hopefully more things the community can celebrate with you rather than commiserate about with you.
Reem @ I Read And Tell says
This has got to be the cutest blogoversary post I have ever read. I admit, I am somewhat of a new follower (three months or so) and may have not been there through the awesome posts you linked to, but I still like this blog all the same. Happy Blogoversary!
Melissa (i swim for oceans) says
Happy 3 years, Jamie! I’m so proud of you! It’s a HUGE milestone…and heck, I didn’t think I’d ever be back…and look at you…you just keep on going! Here’s to many, many, many more years of awesome blogging, lady xo
Mary @ BookSwarm says
Happy Blogoversary!! It’s amazing how many of my closer bloggy friends have blogs that are turning three this year (me included!! Four more days for The Book Swarm!). I say three is the magic number! I’ve kept blogging because of the community, too. Of course, it’s great to review books and feel like I’m part of the greater publishing process in some small way but it’s actually talking about books with online friends. Who then become friends in real life. LOVE IT! Cheers!! *clinks glass*
Ginger @ GReads! says
Three years of a beautiful friendship! xoxo Love you!!
Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide says
YAY, JAMIE!!!! Congrats on three wonderful (and at times not so wonderful) years! I’m so glad you didn’t quit blogging because I absolutely love reading what you have to say. From the reviews to the goofy posts, to the serious discussions — I can tell every post you write is genuine and I’ve loved getting to know you through your blog and Twitter!
Congrats on three years and I know we all look forward to more! 😀
Ciska @ Ciska's Book Chest says
Happy Blogoversary. I love your blog with the combination between the books and the personal. Your posts always have a personal touch and you really have an own and recognizable style. I hope you will continue for so many years more!
spencer says
Happy 3rd birthday!! I remember our Goodreads College Students days way back, pre-blog! You’ve come so far & I’ve loooooved watching your blog grow. I’m nowhere near as active on my blog as you, but I always get inspired by you + your posts. That reminds me… I need to dust off zee old blog & start posting again 😉
Enough rambling. Congrats again!! So happy for you & The Perpetual Page Turner ^_^ Here’s to many more years!
Danielle Nguyen says
Congrats on 3 years!
bookrockbetty says
WOOOOOO! YOU GO DOYKE!!! Yay for 3 years!! Yay for book club!! I am not entering your giveaway because I already mooch enough books off of you… hahaha BUT… I love youuuu. Blog or no blog…. I am one of the lucky ones that get to enjoy you IRL!! (but hey… we all love your blog so keep it poppin.. :P)
Jessica@Lovin' Los Libros says
Happy 3 year blogoversary Jamie! You are definitely an inspiration for us baby bloggers out there!
Jessica@Lovin’ Los Libros
Maria @ Fantasy's Ink says
Happy Blogoversary, with hopefully many more to come! 🙂
Cece says
Congrats on three years! I have enjoyed reading: )
Samantha @ Reading-AndCoffee says
Congrats on 3 years! You are one of my favourite bloggers and such an insperation! Keep being awesome and here’s to more to come *cheers* !
Candice @ The Grown-Up YA says
Aw, Jamie…. I LOVE YOUUUU!!!!! I’m so I found you and your blog! You’re such a great bloggy friend! 🙂
Michelle says
Just wanted to say congrats on 3 years!!! Very big deal! Hope you keep going for as long as you are having fun doing it 🙂 I have to say I think it’s really cool that you met so many bloggers in real life and have become close w/ them. I hope someday I can do that too!
Juana says
Happy third anniversary, Jamie! I’ve just started following you via Twitter and RSS and am getting a kick out of your reviews. I agree that a strong community of like-minded ladies is such an enriching experience. Continued good luck to you!
Bonnie says
Happy Blogoversary!! 3 years is a huge deal and I’m glad you’ve stuck with it because yours is one of my favorite blogs ever. 🙂 Wishing you many wonderful years of blogging to come! 🙂
Holly says
Happy 3 year Blogoversary, Jamie!! 😀 I’m so glad you stuck with blogging because your blog is seriously one of my favorites! I discovered it about a year ago and it was one of the blogs that inspired me to start my own! 🙂 And I completely understand the whole commitment thing because I have the same problem, but I agree with you 100%. The community is definitely amazing. Here’s to many more years of blogging! <33
Tara says
Girl, where to start…I can’t believe it’s been three years already for us and I’m so happy we connected through blogging! I love that we’ve gotten to hang out IRL and you are just the BEST. Here’s to many more years of blogging/books/friendship 🙂 xoxoxoxo
Lucy @ The Reading Date says
OMG Jamie- we started blogging on the same day! Happy blogoversary! You are fabulous and I hope you keep having fun with your blog 🙂
Michelle @ In Libris Veritas says
Congrats on your 3 years!! We started blogging the same day, how cool! Here’s to your amazing blog and more years to come!
elena says
Happy blogoversary!!!!! You know I <3 you and I really don't know what blogging would be without you. Lots of love xoxo
kathy says
Congrats on 3 years! Your blog is one of my favorites. It’s the perfect balance of books and personality/life of the blogger. 🙂
Lola says
Congrats on the 3 years Jamie! I don’t comment much on your blog, but I read a lot of your posts and I love how personal you are in your blog posts, because writing about myself is something I often have difficulties with. I love your blog and I hope you will keep blogging for a long time to come!
Jen @ Pop! Goes The Reader says
*Throws confetti* Congratulations! That is such a huge accomplishment! I’ve always had a bit of a problem sticking with things as well. I can only hope I’ll be able to blog for half as long as you have. Here’s to many more successful years to come 😀
Nikki @ Foil the Plot says
Yay! Happy blogoversary, Jamie! I think it’s safe to say, you are one of the brighter stars in the book blogging community and you have been and will continue to be such an inspiration to all of us. I think people love you so much because you’re not afraid to be YOU. You allow us those glimpses into your personal life. You talk to us like we’re your bestest of friends. You make it about more than just books. You foster connections to people and, honestly, THAT is what it’s all about. I know I’ve only met you IRL once but the fact that you were willing to meet up with a newbie book blogger and hang with her for a day (at the National BookFest) and totally fangirl over John Green and R.L. Stine. Man, that was really amazing and TOTALLY appreciated. Not everyone would be so kind or cool about it. So blog or no blog, I think you’ll find that we’re always gonna be here for you because you’re just that awesome kinda person with awesome kinds of ideas.
Keep on rocking it out, lady! I know we all look forward to another 3 years of ranting and chatting and squealing and bookish love.
Christina (A Reader of Fictions) says
*bearhugs*
Jamie, I’ve said this before, but you are beautiful and wonderful and we don’t have to “put up” with you. In fact, we want you to never ever leave us. Haha. Your creativity inspires me constantly, and I love how your blog has a unique feel to it, even though there are thousands of us doing, what on the surface seems like the same thing.
I haven’t known you for most of the three years, but I value your friendship and LOVE having you around. Keep on doing what you do, pretty girl!
Lea says
Congrats on three years! I hope I have as much success in blogging as you do. Yours is my favorite book blog, even though we don’t always read the same things, I always feel like you’re my friend telling me about this awesome book you read.
Molli says
CONGRATULAAAAAAAAATIONS, JAMIE! So psyched to have gotten to know you, and I look forward to reading many more of your posts. Serious or silly, I don’t care, because you always make me think, or grin, or keep me entertained. <3 ya, girl!
Andrea @Cozy Up With A Good Read says
Happy Blogoversary! 3 Years is amazing and I hope you are still here 10 years from now (can you imagine) 🙂 Your blog is so unique and it’s great to come and read your reviews, but I also love that you add a bit of yourself here. Congrats on achieving so much! *hugs*
Anna says
Love you darling xoxo
Alexa Y. says
Happy 3 years of blogging Jamie! You’re a constant source of inspiration to me, in terms of blogging and other things. I think you’re such a wonderful person and it is such an honor to say that I’ve gotten to know you in real life. Lots of love for you! xo
Lilian says
Daaaayyyuuum, has it really been three years already? Congratulations, Jamie! *throws rainbow confetti everywhere* I always love your posts, especially ones where you talk about book blogging and the pressures of it because I can easily relate to them! Your personality always shines through in your posts. I hope for more years to come! GO GO GO.
Kait @ The Reading Vixens says
Happy Anniversary Jamie!
I don’t comment much[I have this weird “I hate commenting” syndrome], but I always look for your updates in my email. I love your blog. I love how open you are and how you put yourself out there. You’re so brave!
I can’t wait to see what you post this coming year. :]
Ashley says
Happy blogoversary!! 3 years is so awesome!! You’ve accomplished a lot in 3 years and I know a lot of people (myself included) absolutely adore your blog!
Stormy says
Congrats Jamie! You’ve done a lot in three years!
Laura@BunnyTales says
Thank you for sticking with it! I always enjoy reading your blog! Congratulations! 🙂
Emma @ Words And Peace says
happy blogiversary!
Margot says
HAPPY HAPPY BLOGGER BIRTHDAY YOU BEAUTIFUL BISH YOU!!!! I am so happy to know you, my life is better now that you are in it.
Sameena says
HAPPY BLOGGER BIRTHDAY! I haven’t been here from the start like other fans but I wish I was! Your blog is so fun, congrats on 3 years!
Laura @ The Girl and Her Books says
Happy anniversary, my dear! You’re so sweet and wonderful. I’m so glad I found your blog that day. <3
Amanda @ Vivalabooks says
Happy Blogiversary! Congrats on 3 years!
Willa @ Willa's Ramblings says
AHHH JAMIE HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY! So happy for you girlie!
Jackie says
Happyyyyy blogoversay!!! I haven’t followed you for that long, but I can tell (yes, I have superpowers) that you are just made of awesome sauce xD Thanks for the giveaway and thanks so much for sticking with blogging *hugs*
Jackie
katy says
Your blog is one of my favorite book blogs, I’m really glad you stuck with blogging! Happy Blogoversary!
Taylor says
Congrats on your blogoversary Jaime!!! I’ve only just started following your blog, but you are such an inspiration to me and my book blog that is just getting started! Here’s to many more blogoversaries!!
Karin @ My Life... says
Happy Blogoversary Jamie!
Everytime a new blog post from you pops up in my e-mails I want to read it so bad that I (more than once) told my friends to stop talking for two minutes so that I can read you post – bad friend, I know! I love your honesty, crazyness, enthusiasm, … I am really glad that I discovered your blog long before I even started my own and you definitely were inspiration for me to start my own book blog. 🙂
To many more years here at the Perpetual Page-Turner!
Rinn says
Wow, 3 years – congratulations! =D
Natalie says
Happy Blogoversary Jamie!!! I thought I commented the other day, but I guess it didn’t go through. Anyways, THREE YEARS!!!! That’s amazing! I can only hope that I will stick around here for that long. But the community of book bloggers are amazing and I don’t know if I could ever part with them! I love you and your blog, and getting to know you on Twitter! Here’s to many more years! <3
Christine @ Oh, Chrys! says
My gosh, this is such an inspiring post! Imagine that, you have been around for THREE years! That is so awesome. I commend you for all the hardwork you put into blogging, all the advice you give, and all the times you endured your downs. I really wish you the best in both your blogging and personal life! You truly are amazing! Happy blogoversary!
Alyssa @ Swept Away By Books says
CONGRATS! You were my inspiration for staring up my blog 🙂 It’s struggling but getting there. Yours is amazing and I check it every day! Good work!
Wendy says
Yay for 3 years!!! That is such a long time! I love reading your posts so I’m so glad you didn’t quit blogging! You are so right about the blogging community though, everyone is SO nice, and I love having other people to talk books (and other stuff too!) with. =)
Kaitlin Michelle says
YAY!! Congrats! <3
Annie says
Happy blogoversary, Jamie! Three years is certainly something to be proud about! I’m so happy to have made you a part of my life because you always make me smile whenever I’m feeling down. I’ve loved reading about you and I hope to continue as the years roll down. 🙂
Michelle B. says
Happy 3 years! I’m so glad to have stumbled upon you and your blog. You are amazing! 🙂
YA Book Queen says
Congratulations on 3 years!!! 🙂
*throws colorful confetti*
Sam says
Congrats! That’s great! I haven’t been following your blog for very long, but now I am an email subscriber and I love reading your posts. Keep it up and keep enjoying it! 🙂
Leanne Yang @ Escaping With Books says
I’m a little late for this but congrats on the 3 years! 🙂 I’ve only been here for about 4 months but I love your blog! 😀 Keep doing what you love doing and don’t let others discourage you from it.