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January 22, 2010

500 (Followers) for Friday: January 22, 2010

The numerical in the title of today’s post does not denote the quantity of items/ideas featured within (as is generally the case with “Five for Friday” posts), instead it refers directly to the fact that this week Chronically Vintage reached a milestone number of followers: 500 – and counting!

It’s rather surreal actually to reflect upon the fact that that, according to the Google followers counter on the right hand side bar of this blog, there are now over five hundred admirers of this site. Added to that hefty number is the fact that I know many more out there tag along with Chronically Vintage via different means, too, such as feed readers. Others still may not follow along in a measurable way, but are new and returning visitors.

When I began this humble blog last spring, I never dreamed in that in less than a year, so many people would take notice of my teeny corner of the internet – let alone help to turn this site into the cheerful place of vintage history, timeless beauty and endless fun that it. I can scarcely begin to put into words how much I appreciate and value each and every person who has ever visited this site, whether you actively follow along, pop by once in a while or just visited once. Without you, Chronically Vintage simply would not be the same.

In lieu of posting a handful of recent finds today, I wanted to share five wonderful things that you, my treasured followers, have given me since I began this blog.

♥ ♥ ♥


{Fellowship}



Growing up I was the lone vintage gal on the block (I’d venture to say in the whole town actually). Whereas others were tripping over one another to wear the latest 90s trends, I held steadfast to my lifelong love of the past and tried to incorporate vintage style as best I could into my wardrobe as a teenager.

As the years progressed and saw more of the world, I came to discover that there were others out there who also shared my passion for vintage. My first online encounters with vintage style came in the form of vibrant rockabilly looks, which, while I certainly admire and think look sublime on some gals, usually end up coming across as too costumey on me. I kept searching though and discovered one day that there were others just like me who love to wear authentic (and/or reproduction) vintage styles out there (who standout not for being overtly sultry, but for the undeniable elegance and allure that radiates from the time honoured vintage styles they don).

Knowing that I was not alone in my desire to wear the exact looks of the 1940s and 50s, instantly made me feel like I was part of a community of like-minded individuals. For a couple of years I sat by on the sidelines, reading vintage blogs, pouring over Flickr streams full of modern gals in old school looks, and learning a great deal about the garments and styles of the decades before my own lifetime that I hold most dear.

Quite literally from the first week I began Chronically Vintage, I have been welcomed into the online vintage community with welcome arms. Everyone of my visitors and fellow vintage bloggers makes me feel like I’m home (when I read your comments and visit your own incredible websites). Thank you deeply for the gift of friendship and camaraderie that we’re blessed to be able to share.


{Diversion}




As some of you may know from reading past posts or from our email correspondence, I’m not always in the best of shape health wise. For a number of years now I’ve had several severe chronic illnesses, each of which has a profound impact on my life. I generally try to refrain from talking about my health too much on this site, but occasionally the topic does surface (such as if I’ve been absent from blogging due to a flare-up).

My health is unpredictable, fraught with complications and challenging to plan any semblance of a “normal” life around, yet, even on my worst days, I try never to let the medical issues I face define who I am entirely. I’ve long made peace with my situation, but there’s no getting around the fact that it’s a constant in my life.
In order to help take my mind off the issues my body faces daily, I truly need outlets and activities where I don’t have to think about my health concerns, and for me this blog is truly one of the most incredible, most cathartic venues I’ve discovered.

Being able to shift my mind from pain to productivity, to think about a topic that brings me bliss and which I’m fortunate to be able to write about and share my thoughts on publicly is a godsend in my life. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to connect with you through my writing, to have a place where I can think about history, fashion, art, and countless other topics besides my health!


{Creative outlet}




I believe firmly that every single person on earth is creative. No two souls or minds are identical; each one of us has the ability to exert creativity in our own wonderful ways. For me being creative in some semblance has been on par with having air to breath, I couldn’t fathom life without a place to let my creativity run free. Though Chronically Vintage is not my only artistic outlet, it is undoubtedly one of the most important creative lynchpins in my life.

Through your comments, blogs, photos, ideas and own amazing originality, I am constantly fuelled onward down my own creative path. Thank you for allowing me a public platform from which to share some of my creativity with the world.


{Inspiration}




You, my fellow vintage bloggers, are my muses. In the way you dress, write, think, create and ultimately live, you stoke my unyielding adoration of the past and help to ensure I’m able to incorporate it with both the present and the future. Thank you deeply for continually rocking my world with the astonishingly lovely inspiration you provide me with.


{Joy}




Tied only with love, there is nothing in the world worth perusing more than happiness. Each one of us has such a very short time on this planet, and I believe that we should strive to do all that we can to ensure that our lives blossom with happiness.


{All images above are from Flickr. To learn more about a specific image, please click on it to be taken to its respective Flickr page.}


♥ ♥ ♥


From your blogs, comments and friendships, I am continually provided with countless reasons to smile, to feel happy, to look at the world from a new and more cheerful perspective. In writing posts for Chronically Vintage, I get to temporarily escape many of the unpleasant worries of life and let bliss come tumbling out my heart and onto the computer screen.

Thank you for the immeasurable abundance of gladness being a part of the vintage community brings me.

I try never to take anything for granted; I cherish the good and strive to work around the bad, embracing positives and eschewing the negatives whenever possible. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for having this blog in my life, nor that I don’t reflect upon how wonderful it is to be able to connect with so many people who share one of my biggest passions: vintage!

Thank you to all of my followers, new and longstanding friends, and first time visitors alike, you bring so much to my world and are absolutely priceless to me.

33 comments:

  1. thank YOU for making blogging such a wonderful experience for people like me! CONGRATS on the 500 followers. So very well deserved!!!

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  2. Yay for reaching 500 followers that is fantastic!



    I love this post as well as the pictures along with it!


    ♥Darla

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  3. I feel truly blessed to have found your blog and that you are following mine! It was because of your blog that I began following other wonderful blogs.
    You are a sweet and genuine person!
    And for the record, you're up to 503!

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  4. Hi Jessica, 500 followers is amazing!
    I dont only think that its only vintage finds alone that people flock to enjoy, but also your inviting manner and kind nature. You always make me smile when you stop by and leave a little note :)
    You always talk about your vintage finds with such a love, that its always a pleasure to stop by for a read.

    Rose

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  5. Congrats and you deserve it all. Your blog is wonderful and I enjoy being a part of your life.

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  6. congratulations and I know you'll have even more followers soon! :-)

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  7. Congrats on 500 followers. That really is fabulous. :) I love this post and the photos.

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  8. Hi Jessica,

    What a lovely post and congratulations on your followes! It's good to know that people find value in your blog and what you share...I for one have been delighted by each and every one of your posts!

    I have a few years on you and can even remember time before cable TV, never in my wildest dreams did I think there would come a day where I would connect with like minded women from all over the world...truly amazing! Like, you I am continually inspired and have a constant source of inspiration from my fellow bloggers.

    I am so happy that our paths crossed and I adore you and I am happy to call you Sweet Friend!

    Love and hugs,
    Karyn

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  9. Congratulations! That's amazing. You truly deserve so many followers. =D
    -Andi x

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  10. Hooray for you! Thank you so much for giving back tenfold to all us readers with your fun posts and inspiring comments.

    iamemmamusic.blogspot.com

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  11. Congrats on reaching the milestone!!! Here's to 500 more!!!

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  12. Oh, Jessica, that was the sweetest post. It truly brightened my day. Thank YOU!

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  13. You deserve 5000 followers, dear Jessica!
    Everything you say you get from blogging, you give back that and then some.
    You are a remarkable gal with a remarkable gift for artistic expression, and it's a joy to share in your world. :-)

    Have a blessed weekend!
    Anne

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  14. Wow!!! Congratulations! I'm not surprised though - your blog is fab!! I've just hit 100 which has really surprised me, so I'm sort of throwing a party - well a giveaway anyway of some of the new lanterns so a blog friend can throw a real-life party.
    Wishing you the best of health and happiness my dear bloggy friend!
    Cheers, Karen & Patsy :-)

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  15. That's fantastic Jessica ! And your blog is perfect !

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  16. You are a ***star*** blogger!One I enjoy very much and am always happy to see :)
    You deserve each and every follower.
    Irene x

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  17. You're so wonderful! I love visiting your blog. The pics here are all so inspiring and I really agree with your opinion on human creativity. Thanks for the lovely comments you're always leaving, I really appreciate them too.

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  18. Your blog is an inspiration. Love it to bits.
    x

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  19. What a beautiful post, Jessica!
    We have made so many wonderful friends in this magical place called blogland! Congrats on your 500 follwers, I'm so very happy for you!
    Happy day!
    OXOX
    Christina

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  20. Congrats on 500 followers, that is so cool! And what a lovely post, thank you for writing it and thank you for creating such a fabulous blog!

    ((hugs)) to you!

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  21. Beautiful words! Congratulations hon, you absolutely deserve it! You are an amazing writer, and source of encouragement!

    XO~Syd

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  22. Congratulations, dear Jessica!!! 500 followers is a tremendous and impressive milestone. It is a testament to the joy and delight that you share with so many of us!! I'm really proud of you! xoxo – g

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  23. Congrats Jessica! I adore your fabulous blog and am so glad you found an outfit to express your wonderful viewpoint.

    Best Wishes,
    Amanda

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  24. Oh Jessica what a moving and heartfelt post. I have so loved being a part of your blogworld. You never fail to have something positive, beautiful or eloquent to say. You are like a little moonbeam, a truly gorgeous gal.

    xoxoxo

    ps Dear Nora (and Lola) has asked me to mention that she has been unable to visit your site, she's having problems with blogger sadly. So a big hello from her.

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  25. Jessica, congratulations! It's no surprise to any of your readers that you've hit such a wonderful, momentous milestone. :)

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  26. Congratulations on reaching 500 followers, you thoroughly deserve it as you are such a sweet and wonderful lady. Your comments always cheer me up and you are a mine of information on anything vintage. Here's to many more blog posts which i always look forward to reading!
    xxx

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  27. Jessica,
    Congrats on 500+ followers :) Your blog is a great place to spend time and browse and some of the images are a real hoot! (The lady by the water cooler with her stockings showing is hilarious!
    Also, thanks for such a nice comment on my blog and for becoming a follower :) I really do appreciate it!

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  28. Wow! Congrats on 500 follower! i am so so proud of you and its always great reading your blog you write from the heart and i love having a constant source of closeness between us when i can read your blog everyday! i miss you and love you and just wanted to say how great you & your blog are! love your little sis <3

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  29. Isn't the internet just swell? :)

    I'm so glad we crossed paths in cyberspace, I truly look forward to all of your posts.

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  30. Simply amazing! Whoo hoo! Congratulations on 500+ and counting! :o)

    And what a sweet and fun post to share! Love how you did this!

    Blessings & Aloha!
    (I am always tickled *pink* when you are able to stop by!)

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  31. Such beautiful words Jessica. Thank you so much for your inspiring and truly wonderful blog and for following mine. Congrats on 500 followers and here's to 500 more (you deserve it)!
    xo, Jennifer

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  32. You are an absolute Dear! Of course you would have 500 followers (just wait, I'm sure more are coming!)

    Your blog is a joy to read. You have the best finds, and to top it off, you are genuine and truly love what you are doing here - it shows!

    Hugs to you!

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