It's hard to believe but this month marks the one year anniversary of the What I'm Into linkup. Last November I explained how WII worked and invited you to play along.
I didn't know what to expect. After all, I'm not a big blogger. I marvel over people who announce a linkup and people respond in droves. I knew that wouldn't be me. I hoped 5 people would link up, including the people I'd already inspired to write their own WII posts pre-linkup.
24 of you lovely people showed up.
I practically pinched myself!
Month after month, new folks have linked up for the first time. What I'm Into continues to grow, which is so crazy to me. Some of you even say it's your favorite link up. That's even crazier. I'm still doing my best to read them all, which I've managed every month but two. Not too shabby.
A few of my dear friends link up regularly- I'm looking at you, Anne, Addie, Renee, and Sarah- and it's such a treat catching up on their lives this way. But the linkup has also expanded my circle.
I love seeing now-familiar faces and the way you've made WII your own. I know, for instance, Kamille is going to feature some amazing sounding recipes. Kathleen will reference some DIY organic food item or simple way of life I need to try. Grace added a category for apps, which is genius. Micha actually made a gif, be still my heart. Christie, Fiona, and Christina will add at least a few books to my To Read list. Let's face it: most of you add a book to my To Read list. Antonia is going to tell me about the latest and greatest when it comes to lipstick and nail polish- in addition to music, theology books, and whatnot. Karen tempts me to go back to Ireland. Yes, please. Not too many guys link up but Ben totally brought his A-game last month. I could go on and on.
We bond in the comments over books read (or which need to be read) and TV shows watched. We giggle over our guilty pleasures. (Cara, RHOC for life!) We commiserate over the disappointments and celebrate the wins. A community has popped up in our midst and I never could have guessed it. Who knew a shared love of entertainment would bring people together? I have loved seeing friendships grow between bloggers, especially as you've discovered kindred spirits.
I have no words for those of you who keep coming back for more, whether you've joined in every month or do so here and there. Fewer words still for those of you who diligently visit the other participants. Adele, in particular, should receive an award for this.
Thank you, dear readers. Truly. Whether you've linked up or shared what you were into in the comments, thank you. It's been a fun ride.
In honor of our anniversary, I decided to host a giveaway for the November edition of What I'm Into. We're celebrating ourselves! If you link up a post, you'll be entered to win. I haven't decided what you'll win yet (so many possibilities) but I'm sure you'll like it. And because the giveaway is funded by me and because we have participants from around the world, I'm opening it up to everyone no matter where they live.
The November linkup starts Monday December 2 (a few days later due to Thanksgiving in the US). I'll share more details about the giveaway then but now you have plenty of time to get your post ready.
Also, in honor of our anniversary, I changed the What I'm Into button. I feel fancy. You're welcome.
What should the What I'm Into Anniversary giveaway be? (Within reason. I'm still looking for a money tree. But I do want to know what you'd like!)