Blogging is such a unique form of expressing one's self. Of course it all depends upon your blogging style. For some of us it becomes a kind of personal yet public journal....or even a form of personal manifesto. In retrospect i can see my blog has been my "Little Red Book" of personal transformation.
I have been blogging for one year as of today. That is not a very long time in the relative sense of my life span, but it has become an integral part of my daily life. I write, i reflect, i create and often collaborate with other bloggers. I post what i am thinking, what i believe in, how i intend to live. Then i number and set a title for the day showing you examples of these things through my photography and my writing. It is a public record of my creative commitments. It has been a remarkable and powerful change agent for me so far. The book you see below, is my Little Red Winged Manifesto for 2009. (click to enlarge)
I have been reading some amazing posts this week related to new beginnings, hope and change. It started last week with GIllian over at Indigo Blue . She included goals large and small on her "list of things to do in 2009". Including getting married! She got me started although Joe had already been asking me to get out my magnet and put up a list on the fridge next to his. He is going to bike the Pacific Coast, read, travel and write a book. Wow.
Then my heart nearly broke in two from the sheer beauty of Debi's post on emma tree telling us about having found wings that fit her this past year and her intention to wear them throughout this next year. The imaginary winged images she created will last all through the year for me. I will call them up whenever i need to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Wings are always on my mind. They are my talisman for hope, compassion and humanity. I admire Susanna over at Susanna's Sketchbook and her winged messenger project. Each messenger is a creative act of kindness that is uplifting and embodies the power to change self perception and ultimately a belief in possibilities. She wrote a lovely New Year post about her winged intentions for 2009.
And here you see a first chapter from my 2009 Little Red Winged Book. I have even more ideas and dreams this year than i did last year. I feel hopeful and inspired. This is just the beginning of the year and i love new beginnings. I love blogging and i love creating and i love taking photographs and i love writing and i love my family and friends and Avalon and Zippy and all of you, my blogging friends :)
Happy New Beginning to you my friend and congratulations on the one year anniversary of this amazing blog. I'm reading through some of your old posts today and I went through each and every picture again from Project 365. This is such a happy place for me to visit!
Kelly
Posted by: Kelly | January 17, 2009 at 12:18 PM
What a lovely book with such an inspiring list. I decided to shy away from lists and things this year and take the pressure off..but I think it is more of a timing thing. I just wasn't ready for January...so maybe my January will be February or March. Maybe not.
You are such a creative beauty.
Happy Blogging Anniversary sweet Robin Bird.
xoxo
Posted by: rhayne | January 14, 2009 at 11:54 AM
I think your gloves are cute and the photos are stunning! Blessings, Annie
Posted by: Annie | January 10, 2009 at 10:02 AM
First of all, happy blogaversary! Isn't it exciting to look back at the first year and realize how the world has opened in an entirely new way through this thing called a blog? Who could have imagined four little letters could open up such an enormous world? I know I've learned, grown, discovered new thoughts and had my world expanded through reading your posts. I've laughed, cried, been concerned, been relieved. And I've loved every minute (down to the point of withdrawal pains when I can't check in regularly!)
Your book is fabulous -- simply beautiful. I'll look forward to peeks into more pages over time. And when I have more than a minute, link to the other sites you mentioned. A reference from you is high praise indeed!
Happy day!
Posted by: jeanie | January 05, 2009 at 02:35 PM
I love your Little Red Winged Book, it's beautiful! I look forward to another year of enjoying your creativity. Thank you for sharing it with us xoxo Laurie
Posted by: Laurie | January 04, 2009 at 08:17 PM
That is a beautiful book. I have not made my list yet, but have been thinking of it. That will make a good post. Blogging has been a great avenue of change for me as well.
I am so happy I started blogging and forever grateful for all my new blogging friends like you. XOXO
Posted by: Annie | January 04, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Robin your inspiring blog is heartwarming and you make us feel so welcome when we stop by!It has been a wonderful year getting to know you and your photography through cyberspace and blogging.. wishing you much inspiration as you start a new year! Smiles back at you! hugs aNNa
Posted by: naturegirl | January 04, 2009 at 07:14 PM
What a beautiful book, Robin. Our blogs are a visual and written diary of our daily (bi-weekly, weekly...) lives, aren't they? I am thinking of making a blurb blog book (www.blurb.com) of my favourite blog posts from this past year. I was going to suggest that for you, too, but I think your Little Red Winged Manifesto is perfect. It's so personal, so you. It also reminds me of a child's collection in a tin box: a treasure trove of memories. Imagine your granddaughter reading this manifesto when she is in her twenties...
PS: Thank you for the nod. You have me smiling this afternoon. :)
Posted by: susanna | January 04, 2009 at 11:05 AM
Inspired and inspiring, your manifesto is a gorgeous work of art and a beautiful demonstration of what is to come. Happy Bloggiversary!
Posted by: Suvarna | January 04, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Oh look. I came over and found beauty and inspiration! Again!
Margie said it .... you are the sister with all the talent!
Posted by: kath | January 04, 2009 at 08:01 AM
you kill me. the sister with all the talent.
Posted by: margie | January 04, 2009 at 12:24 AM
one year of blogging ~you are just a wonderful friend to travel the blog world with ...you are going to have a super 2009 I just know ...that list is amazing!
Posted by: ELK | January 03, 2009 at 08:41 PM
My dear Robin,
My heart thanks you for the felt words you left on my blog.
I too have missed coming for a visit and being smitten with your words, photography, and appreciation for life. Your 2009 Little Red Winged Book is just precious! You my dear are an ARTIST!
Happy New Year and may you always "Pay Attention!!" xox Isabel
Posted by: Isabel | January 03, 2009 at 07:04 PM
You certainly do have a way with words.....
Posted by: Wayfaring Wanderer | January 03, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Tweets!!! Look at your beautiful post, your breathtaking list! I'm so honoured to have had a small part in inspiring this work of art.
Finally, I'm done for a few days, I'll get to catching up on your gorgeous blog and writings, musings etc.
Happy Blog Anniversary! I hope to spend many more years blogging with you :)
I'm adding all your suggestions to my own list, creating a master that I will post and do my best to live up to.
Starting with my own suggestion of breathing deeper! Stress be gone! :)
xoxo
Love you!!!!!!
Posted by: Gillian | January 03, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Just happened upon your blog. What wonderful words!!! Will visit often..
Posted by: Marcie | January 03, 2009 at 02:45 PM
May all your deeds be done with joy and patience, good tea and good laughter, and may this bring you peace and quiet moments to enjoy the fruits of your labor. 100 posts are just the first step in what I hope is a long journey to share your thoughts and photographs with us, your fortunate readers.
Posted by: Allegra | January 03, 2009 at 09:48 AM
That's one of the most wonderful things about this blogging community - the way we support and encourage each other to do more; to fully be who we are, rather than a shadow of ourselves. I expect you will accomplish whatever you decide to do, dear Robin. Am looking forward to seeing you spread your wings further in 2009 - hopefully, all the way to Paris! xoxox
Posted by: Paris Parfait | January 03, 2009 at 09:21 AM
Happy anniversary, sweet robin bird. I have no doubt with that beautiful book of goals by your side, that you'll enjoy and surpass your heart's desires in no time. I keep a list like that in my head and it's ongoing...when I finish one thing I replace it with something else...but seeing your remarkable list here prepared so beautifully is an art in itself.
And as soon as #4 on the list is ready, I MUST be the first to reserve my copy! In hardcover for my nightstand to inspire my dreams too.
Happy new year and happy happy. xoxo
Posted by: tangobaby | January 03, 2009 at 09:02 AM
I like your list, Robin. I accomplished some of the same items on your list in 2008 - a Blurb book for the glass quilt project I did, I hung some of my photos in my home, I did my own Christmas cards and created a photo calendar for gift giving, and I'm learning Lightroom. Congrats on your anniversary! May you have many more posts in the future!! Happy writing, happy snapping! =)
Posted by: Toni | January 03, 2009 at 08:47 AM
I just painted 2 rooms of my mum's house in the last couple of days. Not an easy task.
Good luck with your beautiful list.
Posted by: Liss | January 03, 2009 at 03:57 AM
It is sooo true that blogging can become a part of the process of transformation. Most certainly an agent for change.
I am always in awe of people like you and Debi in the manner that you are able to put your thoughts into words. I feel that my thoughts are much like Zippy's! Moving around too fast to grab ahold of.
What a great summation of the experience! I feel so fortunate to have 'found' you!
Posted by: Molokai Girl | January 02, 2009 at 10:12 PM
happy merry 2009! I can't wait to follow you red winged manifesto through the year. Congratulations on your blogiversary! I realized that I missed mine .. it was earlier in December.
Posted by: elizabeth | January 02, 2009 at 09:47 PM
I have NO DOUBT that you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to and that list for 2009 will be gone through in no time! You seem to get more done in one day than I do in several. I have watched the blog through this past year and literally watched the metamorphis of a butterfly. You have wings that will lift you and carry you wherever you want to go. I can't wait to see what magnificent journey you will take in 2009!
Posted by: Peggy | January 02, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Happy New Year Robin!! Love your 2009 page and so glad to have shared the year seeing your beautiful photos and your friendship.. wishing you all that you desire in the year ahead ,,, xo Christa
Posted by: Christa | January 02, 2009 at 04:41 PM