If you’re gonna celebrate…go big!
Today marks quite a milestone here at Life With The Top Down. One year ago today I decided to take the plunge into the great big world of blogging. I nervously hit that big blue Publish button and sent my first post The C-Word out into the blogosphere. I had a love/hate relationship with that button for quite some time, but we’re cool now.
Yesterday I took a little trip back in time and discovered that I really have come a long way through this journey. The first thing I noticed was that my overall well-being and my writing skills have both grown quite a bit in the last 365 days. Along with my ass, but that’s another story.
It was also nice to discover that my girl Miss Four Eyes was the first and only person to like my words. We all know how important it is to be acknowledged. MFE is a breath of fresh air. She is no doubt an old soul who expresses her youthful, yet wise self perfectly both in and outside of her posts. Thank you MFE!
No matter how things go down, you never forget your first and that stands true for followers as well. My very first follower or followers are Daryl and Devon. Do the math, yes it was a threesome. I have laughed, loved & learned quite a bit through their views on politics, current events, black history & music. They certainly keep things real, which was an immediate attraction for me. Thank you D&D!
Of course, the list of people who have sat shot-gun with me on this ride and were kind enough to bring their support, inspiration and 
encouragement along, have certainly grown over this past year. They include my real life family & friends, along with a new group of virtual friends that I would consider family. You all deserve a great big thank you, thank you and one thank you very much for the road!
I wasn’t sure what my expectations were for this venture, but I did know it was something that was absolutely necessary for me… for so many reasons. I was at a point in my life where my kids suddenly left me in the dust…they decided to grow-up and I was finally handed the pink slip. Of course they call me back occasionally for advice, assistance and we can’t forget the big one …money, but all in all they were doing their thing and I needed to do mine. It was my time to shine!
Sometimes things just pop into our lives to help us along the way, like Kathy over at Friday Night Family, who I hadn’t seen or spoke to since high school did! There she was, this blast from the past, encouraging and inspiring me to find what makes me happy. Well done Kathy…well done indeed!
“You can’t reach for anything new if your hands are full of yesterday’s junk.”
So, I finally decided to unloaded some junk mostly fear and give birth to Life With The Top Down on March 4, 2012 at 12:58 pm. Her first year was a quite a challenge, but I think she is ready to enter year 2 with vigor and excitement.
Hope you will all continue to join me as we … Enjoy the Ride!
Life With The Top Down 
Happy anniversary darling! I never would have guessed that you’ve only been at this for a year – your writing and voice seem more polished than that to me.
In any case, i’m looking forward to see what you have in store for us in year 2.
LikeLike
Why thank you Point…you are a kind soul!
LikeLike
Happy bloggiversary, Lisa. I’ve really enjoyed being along for your ride. May year 2 be just as rewarding and gratifying for you and your blog ~ Judy
LikeLike
Thank you Judy for always inspiring me along the way!
LikeLike
Congrats! May next year be twice as fruitful!
LikeLike
Why Thank You Kindly!
LikeLike
Happy blogiversary! I remember my “first time” too. I thought I would be stalked. (Yeah, right, like who really cares?) So glad we found each other and Miss Four Eyes too. She is one of the few naked blogger I know!
LikeLike
That’s something my husband would say…lol. I’m glad we found eachother too.
LikeLike
Happy Blogiversary and I’m so GLAD that you did start blogging. I enjoy going along for the ride. Hey, did you know that you have some rope, duct tape and gardening sheers here in the back seat?
LikeLike
Hahahahaha! I am cracking up….Oh, you didn’t see the shovel.
LikeLike
So THAT’S what I’m sitting on!
LikeLike
Congratulations Lisa! I am so glad you are a part of the community. I love your snark and take on life. It has been fun to “ride along!”
LikeLike
Thanks Susie! You’re so much fun to have along.
LikeLike
Awww! Life with the Top Down and the Wild Rider, like Thelma and Louise!
LikeLike
Hahahaha!
LikeLike
Congrats!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Happy anniversary, Lisa! I’m so glad you started blogging a year ago. I don’t think I would’ve enjoyed the ride as much if you hadn’t.
Thank you so much for your kind words, you are the best 🙂
Here’s to many more years of wonderful stories and fun
LikeLike
Thank you MFE you are pretty special too!
LikeLike
Keep on. The next ten or so should be easier.
LikeLike
Thank you! 10?! Baby steps Tom..baby steps.
LikeLike
Happy Blirthday, Tops! I’m loving the ride with you. Now, put the pedal to the metal, lady and write some more!
LikeLike
Thank you Elyse! You know there will always be a vacant seatbelt waiting for you.
LikeLike
Happy happy blog birthday. We were one moment ahead of you and have also found it to be a wonderful ride.
LikeLike
Thank you! It really is wonderful. I always share your wisdom with my co-worker. You have really helped her through some issues over the past few months.
LikeLike
SO nice, thank you, that really means a lot to us. Readers, as you know, are wonderful. Readers who share, are heavenly.
LikeLike
You are so funny. The line about your ass really made me howl. You have the gift of the ‘aside’. I love your site, have from the very beginning. Your humor knows no bounds. Congratulations. Here’s to another year.
LikeLike
Thank you Susannah! My daughter is home on Spring break and she is in search of a dress for a Formal she will be attending in April. Yesterday, after hitting every store in the try-state area, she said “what can’t I just find something elegant & age appropriate.” I instantly thought of you!
LikeLike
What a nice thing to say. You could come here and raid my closet. The only formal I went to was with a Polish kid with bad skin. I’m sure your daughter will have a much handsomer escort.
LikeLike
Happy Blog Birthday!!!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Happy birthday or is it anniversary!?!? Glad I found out, you bring a smile to my face and confirm the fears in my heart about my son.
LikeLike
I am so very glad you started your blog. I am even more grateful that I found you and am thankful for the way you have blessed my life this year.. I look forward to year two and more of your writing. congratulations on year one! Well done you!
LikeLike
Happy Blogiversary Tops! I can’t believe it’s only been a year – it seems like you’ve been here dispensing your wisdom & humor forever!
LikeLike
Had I realized I would have baked a cake! Oh well, I’ll bake it anyway…:) Let them eat cake! I always enjoy reading what has been inside for so long…XO
LikeLike
I knew there was a reason I like your blog..we share the same birthday date.. Happy one of year of blogging and here’s to year two!!
*raises cup of java*
LikeLike
Happy blogoversary, Lisa!! You really are a talented writer!
LikeLike
Happy Anniversary! I have really enjoyed being a part of your “blog family” and riding along.
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLike
Happy anniversary! You’ve done a wonderful job so far and I look forward to each & every post!
LikeLike
Thank you Jennifer for all of your support along the way.
LikeLike
I nominated you for a couple awards, I hope you can find time to pass them on. http://benzeknees.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/they-got-me-again/
LikeLike
Thanks Benzeknees!
LikeLike
Happy Blog Anniversary! Glad I have found your blog and following it. After only four months I have a long way to go. It is an unknown when starting a blog but that is part of the fun. You can take it wherever you want, and your loyal readers with you.
Phil
http://www.blog.theregularguynyc.com
LikeLike
As usual, I’m very late to the party, but happy anniversary to you! Congrats on the first year! Wow, my first year seems like a lifetime ago (only a few years ago) Then again, yesterday seems like a lifetime ago…
LikeLike