{all images are linked to their original sources and are copyright free, sourced from the Commons}
Modish is FIVE today!
On April 4th, 2006 I wrote my first blog post ever from my cubicle at my then day-job and 5 years later, I'm still here blogging! It's officially the longest job I've ever had now, haha!
It's so interesting for me to see the progression Modish has made from strictly talking about other people's work to finding a more personal space here and allowing myself to open up and share more of my life and interests. 3400 posts later (!) and I feel like I've only recently begun to really find my blogging voice!
And I can honestly say, starting this blog has been one of the best things I've ever done- the relationships, experiences and opportunities it has brought into my life are just, immeasurable.
I feel so grateful for all the people who have found something to connect with here over the years, whether it was for just a moment or if you've been reading for a long time. It's because of you guys reading, commenting, emailing, clicking and supporting me in so many ways that I've been able to keep going so long, build up a business, and find myself now in this happy, creative and really fulfilled place.
You guys are what makes this whole blogging thing worth it, truly. I thank you for letting me blab and share here for so long, and I look forward to more years to come!
What a sweet post!! Congratulations on your blog's fifth birthday! It's so crazy, the way time passes with the blog. It's so hopeful to hear that even five years later, you're still finding your voice :) Thank YOU for being such an amazing blogger - it's been so wonderful, following along your journey! :) Here's to many more years ahead! :)
Posted by: Lillian (Unstitched.) | Apr 04, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Congratulations! You have shared so much inspiration during that time.
(I love those first two photos!)
Posted by: Sarah | Apr 04, 2011 at 08:58 AM
Congratulations!! What a wonderful accomplishment! xoxo
Posted by: .amanda. | Apr 04, 2011 at 08:58 AM
congrats! that's a huge accomplishment and i'm so glad you have continued to blog. your story is an inspiration!
Posted by: J | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:06 AM
Congratulations! I agree, it feels like finding the perfect voice and blogging style is ever-evolving. This is perfect, because it helps us develop our writing/photography/art skills: it's the perfect form of "practice". I love how blogging is both an important outlet to connect with like-minded individuals, but also a path to self discovery.
I'll keep reading you in the months and years ahead, I hope :)
Posted by: Van | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:10 AM
YAY! Happy Birthday Modish! Congrats! I enjoy your blog every day. I've been so inspired by your work here, as I'm sure many others have. :) Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Alyssa | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:19 AM
Congratulations Jena!!!!
Here's to many many more years and a continuation of finding your voice!!! I hope you keep it up-- I look forward to reading a lot more!!!
Posted by: april | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:20 AM
Congrats Jena! It's so amazing that you were the FIRST major handmade blog! What an accomplishment!
I love that 5 Quakers picture. It's hilarious and creepy at the same time.
Posted by: AcanthusNichole | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:23 AM
Congratulations. My day would not be complete with reading your blog. Thank you
Posted by: Donna Parker | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:35 AM
Yay, congrats!!! Your blog is one of my daily must-reads and has been for a while. I enjoy immensely what you do here. :) Love the roundup of vintage 5 photos, too!
Posted by: Cassie | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:36 AM
happy FIFTH my love!!!!
Posted by: drsmoothdeath | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:37 AM
Congratulations! You and your blog are so awesome, lady. xo
Posted by: Christine | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Congrats!!! I love this space and community you've nurtured online! And when it leads to a real-life friendship - even better. Keep on following that voice; I'm looking forward to seeing where it leads...
Posted by: Sweet Ronit | Apr 04, 2011 at 10:05 AM
From all of us here at TypePad: Thank you and Happy 5th!!
Posted by: jeff reine | Apr 04, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Jena,your blog has become a bright and happy part of my day. I love the fun,uplifting feel of your blog,my eleven year old daughter(a jewelry maker in the making,who loves fashion and trends has also become a loyal follower.)I love that this is a place that she can come without me ever having to worry that she will see something/read something inappropriate.What a fun and refreshing place to visit each day. So happy you make the time for us each day.
Posted by: Michele | Apr 04, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Jena! I love your blog. I've been reading it for many years now and it is also a great read. And I've bought many a beautiful item (handmade of course) based on your suggestions. Thank you!
Posted by: Dil | Apr 04, 2011 at 01:05 PM
huge congrats jena. your blog is a staple in the blogging world, simply put, and you deserve every success you reap from all of your hard work! xo
Posted by: Down and Out Chic | Apr 04, 2011 at 02:17 PM
Holy cow five years! Congrats!! Clearly all the work and love you've put into it has paid off. :)
Posted by: Trude | Apr 04, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Thanks for sharing all of that here! Another reminder for me that success takes true consistency and dedication.
Posted by: Megan Monique | Apr 04, 2011 at 02:36 PM
HAPPY BRITHDAY! And what a great, funny collection of images!
Posted by: Sara | Apr 04, 2011 at 02:48 PM
happy birthblogday!!! your post is super encouraging and inspiring... and so is that picture of those 5 birds!
Posted by: a sparkly pony | Apr 04, 2011 at 03:09 PM
Awesome, congratulations! Love the old pictures of groups of 5.
Posted by: Rita | Apr 04, 2011 at 03:53 PM
That was the most creative way to blog your 5 year birthday... I so enjoyed each and every picture...
Congratulations! You and your blog are so awesome !!!
Hugs, from Carol Ann & Coco
Posted by: carol ann | Apr 04, 2011 at 03:55 PM
Congratulations, Jena!! You are fantastic!!
Posted by: Erin | Apr 04, 2011 at 05:44 PM
Congratulations on finding your "blogging voice".
I was relieved to hear that 3400 blogs later, while an incredible number, far surpasses what I've accomplished (so there is hope). And while I try not to eyeball the stats to see if anyone cares, I admit (ashamedly) that I do.
Your posts, pics and offerings are awesome, and I'm a new and eager follower. Keep us coming back!!!
PS - Wendell, the neighborhood "stray" housecat, came by to visit on Saturday night. I gave him a slice of cheese, and we were pals. He's been by daily since. As his ample frame was gulping down the cheese, I couldn't help but think back to your blog!!!
Posted by: Mama Kimmberli | Apr 04, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Happy Birthday!!! What an accomplishment :)
And those kookaburras are adorable!!!
Posted by: Catherine Chandler | Apr 04, 2011 at 08:43 PM
Wooo hooo! Happy blog birthday, Jena!
Posted by: Mallory | Apr 04, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Congratulations! That's a great achievement.
You featured me as your 'site of the week' way back in 2006 and it made such a difference to getting my business off the ground at the time, so thank you!
Posted by: Simone Walsh | Apr 04, 2011 at 08:51 PM
Congratulations! Happy Five Year Anniversary!! -Colleen
Posted by: Colleen | Apr 04, 2011 at 09:21 PM
Happy blog birthday, Jena!! xxx It's heartening to hear what you say about finding your voice - it's been 2 1/2 years for me, and I feel like my blog voice is still something that's always evolving and growing!
Posted by: Jess | Apr 05, 2011 at 04:47 AM
Happy belated blog birthday! Love all the old photos you provided with the post! Keep up the good work, it definitely shows how much it pays off! :)
Posted by: Sarah | Apr 05, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Happy Five Years of Blogging, Jena!! Love the idea of celebrating with pictures of groups of Five.
Posted by: Shell | Apr 06, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Love these! Congrats... glad to see the fruit of your 5 years of labor. Keep going ;)
Posted by: Jessica | Apr 06, 2011 at 08:45 PM
PS. Thanks for introducing me to Betty (Bloomer) Ford. Never knew she love to dance...
Posted by: Jessica | Apr 06, 2011 at 08:48 PM
Hooray, Happy Fifth Birthday!! I just discovered you this past year but always enjoy catching up on your posts :)
Posted by: Lindsey @ Yarnia | Apr 07, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Happy Belated Blogiversary! I have loved reading Modish from day 1! Wishing you many more success's in the next 5 years!
Posted by: Kristen- Marinade Handmade | Apr 08, 2011 at 01:35 PM