Celebrating 9 years of blogging here at MWS is a bit of a bittersweet moment for me.
9 years ago today, I migrated to my own space on the internet, hammering in foundations and building a slightly rickety structure with a leaky roof, hanging out the My Women Stuff sign over the doorway, and sitting on the porch, wondering if anyone would stop by for a chat. Over the years, as I went along, I eventually strengthened those foundations, built sturdier walls, and extensions, while making MWS a comfy home for myself, and hopefully for those who did eventually stop by and still stop by to chat.
At about the same time, I too started something else from nothing, which I also grew quite comfortably alongside MWS. However, it appeared the foundations were never quite as strong as that I put in for MWS, for while I find myself toasting the celebration of 9 years in my virtual home, the other venture folded last year, and is now a derelict, empty house, with its lights permanently switched off, leaving me feeling a little cold.
Bittersweet.
But I’m not going to dwell too much on the unsavoury past, for as I do at this time of year, I get a little pensive about my blogging journey 🙂
It wasn’t an easy ride coming to my 9th year of active blogging. The regular ones would have noticed that the past couple of years leading to this moment have been fraught with challenges, where I slowed down on blogging, took long leaves of absence, and just started withdrawing, stepping away from the blogging and social media scenes to deal with other, more challenging matters.
Yet, it was also in the past year that I started the MWS Companion newsletter and made a brief foray into YouTube videos. I know where my strengths lie, and YouTube, as fun as it is, will never be my primary focus, although I will try to keep my hand in, just for laughs 🙂
But some things changed this year, and I decided to step up my blogging game. Regulars may have noticed that blog updates and posts are appearing on a more regular basis, and in a sense, I seem to have found my rhythm again. It’s like almost like riding a bicycle. The first few times, you wobble and fall off, but soon, you’re coasting along, with the sun in your face (wear sunscreen please!) and the wind in your hair.
So celebrating 9 years of blogging today, feels almost like a rebirth for me. A renewal in my blogging focus, a renewed interest in navigating the beauty product jungle, and in some ways, a rejuvenation in other aspects of my life. I’m more willing to open myself to opportunities, and more willing to be candid and blunt. I’ve been around the block, and I’m sticking to blogging, because that’s what I enjoy most, even if rocking the boat doesn’t sit well with everyone.
But as much as I’ve struggled, I have one person to thank for keeping me grounded and bringing me back to my roots.
That’s YOU! 🙂
It is important for me to know that I’m on the right track with where I want to go, and when you share your experiences or views in the comments (even if you don’t agree with me) it tells me I’m doing it right. When you interact with me, and laugh with me at my tongue-in-cheek jokes, or ask questions and share your answers, it tells me that I’m in the right place.
Over the years, I’ve “met” so many of you right here on MWS, who have eventually grown up, left school, gotten your first job, gotten married, become mothers, and who may no longer lust after that newest and latest limited edition lipstick; yet you still read and you still talk to me right here in the comment box, in replies to my newsletters, or over on Instagram where I try to post pretty pictures while keeping to my irreverent streak, and that tells me that I’m doing it right. I may not have tens of thousands of followers on any social media platform, but I know my blog reach, and it reaches further and wider than any platform can take me, for I’m blessed to have people who talk to me, not merely stalk. For that, I am grateful.
I love that we have that relationship here at MWS – we’re friends. We’re not just readers, not just a blogger preaching to the gallery; but friends, sitting as equals around a table, sharing a coffee (or champagne or beer or whisky, pick your poison 😛 ) and a nasi lemak, talking about that newest foundation, trying to solve each others’ skincare problems, and perhaps even sharing some life tips and recipes.
I love that I do this in real life, with people I have met because of MWS, who are now good friends I know I can depend on to have my back, and be my sounding board, even if what I really want to know is where to find certain grocery items.
It wasn’t easy arriving at the doorstep of my 9th year of blogging, but I’m glad I made it, creaky cart and all, and it’s in a very large part, thanks to every single one of you reading and talking to me, so thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! 🙂 Please don’t stop talking 🙂
xoxo
Paris B
Congratulations! This makes you a veteran in the fickle world of social media and that speaks volumes (libraries?) Hustle your bum over to QLD this year for that trip and we can literally lie in the sun and sip cocktails (with sunscreen of course, we’re no bogans!)
Thank you! 🙂 It does make me feel rather like a veteran, but I think with age comes wisdom – eventually. Can’t make it to QLD but onwards to bigger things! We’ll hang out soon 😉
Just recently became a Mother myself . But yes i still read your blog on a daily basis when the it hits my inbox ? Continue blogging . Once I get my rhythm back on track shuffling between wet diapers and spilled milk . I will still want to wear that red lipstick !!!! And some makeup !
Wow, congratulations Syeang! See what I mean about all the readers growing up? I feel almost clucky *wipes a tear* hehe… But you know what, I’m glad you are looking forward to the time when you will wear that red lipstick. You must 🙂
I have been stalking you quietly, Paris. *big wave*!! The thing I like the most about your blog is the honesty. 🙂 Stay the way you are coz we all love you!
Hello hello SK! *waves* Thank you so much for saying Hi, and I love all you guys too! 😀
Happy 9 and here’s to many more! 🙂 I don’t comment much but I subscribe via Feedly and read regularly.
Thank you Rin and thank you for reading. It means a lot to me! <3
Wow!! Congrats my friend! I’m so glad you’ve found your rhythm again! You’re one of the few blogs I still read and trust! Here’s to another 9 years of blogging hahaha!
Thank you Tracy and yours is one of the few blogs I trust too especially when it comes to skincare – I think the audience is maturing and so are we, so there’s a place for everyone – sure took me a while to get there haha!
I would be so lost without your blog, so keep on writing. Big fan, yah! And I mean that literally.
Aww you’re far too kind, ML! But thank you <3
Congratulations! I may not comment often but i aleays read your blog. Keep on writing please .
Thank you for taking your time to write this awesome blog ?
Thank you so much Andrea and thank you for reading! I’m glad you’re enjoying it 😀
Hi Paris. I am and will always be on cloud 9 with you 🙂 Thanks for the honest, hilarious and hearty blog posts. You brought changes to my life and I am always grateful for that. From mere strangers to virtual friends and fan (for my case), I am glad our paths crossed. Don’t alter your principles or eccentricity. Here’s to many more wonderful milestones. Cheers!
Thank you so much Jennifer. I love having met you and those absolutely yummy macarons that you gifted me! 😀 Don’t worry, I’ll be that little old eccentric lady that you see with the crazy hair, still stalking the beauty aisles and tsking at the young ones, when I’m 90 😀 Hope our paths cross again some time 🙂
Just 5 words for you, – ” Your blog is the BEST!” Congrats Paris!!!!
You took the words right out of my mind, Anne.
9 years is a feat Paris, congratulations!
You are too kind Kiranjeet, thank you 🙂
Aww YOU are the best 😀 Thank you Anne 🙂
Kudos Paris! For all that you have achieved!
I’m sorry to say I may not be so active on commenting on blogs… But I would like you to know that I have made a few comments over the years not much but there. But I would like to say that I deeply enjoy your writing, your perspective, creativity and words \0/
So stay strong and I’m sure your followers will follow you…myself counted
Ps: I do try to make more of an effort on Instagram (which I have btw! XD)
Thank you so much BC! 😉 I have noticed you being quite chatty on Instagram! 😀 But so am I (unless they switch the algorithm as they plan to, to be like Facebook, then I might not be as active on Instagram) but it’s always nice to chat to like minded people 🙂
Happy 9 years, Paris. I’m not sure if you want another 9 years of blogging, but here’s to wherever and however long you want to take this.
I’ve been really busy with life and everything it has to offer, and may not comment as often as I used to, but I still read. Whatever challenges you have faced, I’m so glad you rose above them and are still here. 3 cheers to you and MWS!
Thank you Lily 🙂 You’re right. I’m not sure if another 9 years is the way to go, but then, who knows where this journey takes us eh? I’m sure you’ve felt the ebb and flow of interest as well – bound to happen after a while – but we figure it out in the end. Staying busy with life is good – I’ve been bad about commenting on other blogs myself, but I still visit! 🙂
Cheers to 9 wonderful years Paris!
Thank you so much Fiona! <3
Love ya! Here’s to another 9 years…and counting. I’m so glad we met (and sorry for not staying up to date or in touch; it’s been an interesting 10+ weeks since I gave birth on Christmas Day!). I promise to have your back and tell you where to find grocery items here in SG! XD
Take care and I look forward to more long chats. <3
Ahahaha Thank you Mag and I hope to make my way south some time this year, and I’ll definitely be in touch! Ooh was it a Christmas baby? I thought it was, but I wasn’t sure if it was on the day itself or after that – either way, congratulations and next time I see you, we’ll probably have baby in tow 😉
Congrats to a 9-year anniversary, Paris! Although I’m a relatively new reader, I’m so glad have found your blog! Cheers!!
Thank you so much Skygazer! I’m glad you found me too – across the stars 😉
I remember reading your blog when I was in college , now I’m 28.
Can’t believe it’s been so long !
Oh my! Now I’m feeling old LOL! 😀 Thank you for reading through the years <3
Hi Paris! I’m one of the ‘stalkers/silent readers’ that you speak of but I’d like to take the chance to congratulate you on the 9th anniversary of your blog! I love the way you write, it’s so refreshing to read after a long day at work 😉 Do keep writing! xxx
Hi Jasmine, thank you so much for delurking and saying Hi! 🙂 I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading and I will continue writing as long as you keep reading! 😉
A celebratory milestone indeed! Happy 9th year and congrats from me in Switzerland :-).
Ah that’s a country I’ve been wanting to visit since forever, lucky you! 😀 Thank you so much! 😀
I’ve been real busy too! Lol! Haven’t been commenting for years on your blog but I still read! Congrats on your 9th year! We all change maybe you will be blogging about something else but I’m sure you wont stop and wont quit! Thanks for doing what you do best! Xoxo
Oh my Jenny! I remember you from way back 😀 Thank you for still reading all through the years and you’re right. We will all eventually change, and our interests will vary. I don’t think I’d wander too far away from beauty. There’s still so much out there to discover! But I might slip in other things now and then 😀 Thank you!
Woohoo! That’s nearly a decade! Congrats to all the journeys & thanks for sharing all the insightful experience & love that you’ve personally reply all your comments. Enjoyed your newsletter too! 🙂
That most certainly is, Vera! A whole decade – now who’d have thought! 😀 Thank YOU so much for reading and sharing your views – I remember your little essays and they’re always insightful 😀 Thanks for the support!
Happy Blog Birthday!!!! Always a pleasure to see you in my feed :).
Thank you so much Tubbs! <3