Last year, this time, my life was sorted. My farms were doing well and I was raking in the moolah at the dices. I not only was scrabbling my way with new words every day but also had a very active social life. The likes, the comments, the notifications, the pictures and the status updates, all contributed to my very own Copernican revolution. The art of mastering perfection can be cumbersome. So, one fine February morning (or was it evening?) without any warning, my impulsive mind dived into the world of blogging. I wasn’t sure if here was where I wanted to be. So BlogwatiG as an alias was born.
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| A pic that I love…. shot by Deepak Amembal of the famed Magic Eye |
Now, I have a natural bend towards humour. My first task was to find the best humour blogs around. Google introduced me to Purba Ray amongst others. Incidentally, she was celebrating her second blog anniversary. Was this a coincidence? Only time would tell. When I hopped over to A-musing, I was smiling ear to ear. I could not help but comment on her post. That by far has been the best investment I have ever made. She returned to find her stalker, read through her first post, commented and then spread the word. People rode her tweet to my blog. I was only too happy to learn a new term. There was only one kind of riding I was aware of and it certainly had nothing to do with bikes. Overnight, from a nonexistent identity, Purba Ray became my four leaf clover.
Now, it is common knowledge, where the queen goes, the cat follows. So Snow Leopard was the cub that tagged along. Of course, a visit to his very erudite blog proved otherwise. Here was a kid who had his head on his shoulders and wrote with the precision of a surgical knife. Soon I had exchanged numbers with both, my lucky charm and the boy I called Snowy. And don’t be fooled by his brattish demeanour, he really is an adorable kitten. *Smirks wickedly*
The first Blog meet came up and I was introduced to a handsome bunch of women. A handful few came into my life and refused to leave. Corinne, Sharmila, Janaki and me soon became a team. We even envisioned opening a business venture called Four Play. Can you imagine the closed doors that would be opened to us with a name like this? Corinne is the wise owl of the group. She will nonchalantly address issues and solve them while her business manager Pablo barks in the background. Sharmila has a secret. Brace yourselves! She is a dentist with the cutest set of tooth fangs. She also is a resident CIA agent. When in doubt, ask Zarmila. That BTW, is her code name. Janaki is the sweet soul. The Balika Vadhu of our group, she does not have an evil bone in her body. Oh, but her wicked sense of humour is a riot. She balances the madness that I bring and we love her for that. The bonus is that she lives right next door.
Sometime later, in a bid to explore the blogosphere, I entered a forgettable Blogging League spread over a couple of weeks. Though I made a fab set of friends, the imbeciles by the dozen really got on my nerves. I had a showdown with one such weirdo who insisted on bringing down a team that had left the competition. I tried reasoning with him in English. He did not get the drift. I brought out my ‘Maa Durga’ avatar. Many others joined in. Somehow, the issue died out. But not before I got a mail from a Rickie Khosla commending my guts and language. Two things were against this polite gentleman. One, he was from Gurgaon (Run BG, run). Second his surname was Khosla, we just might be related. (Now my mind was screaming). Fortunately, he turned out to be a non-relative NRI. We became FB acquaintances and I really look forward to meeting him someday. Chikni Soorat as I call him (much to the anguish of many) loves Bollywood but his serious fiction is to die for.
Of course, there are so many others that made an impact on my blogging life. I can’t forget my IndiBlogeshwaris who light up my world with all their bitchy comments. They are just what the doctor ordered with my morning coffee. Sri Sri Googleshwar, who in his infinite wisdom has helped me upgrade widgets and change the look of my blog at regular intervals. My readers, who come from far and wide, read, connect and comment. Their time and effort resonates with me every single time. I hope to repay them in kind (Don’t get any ideas). The Blogging platforms, particularly IndiBlogger and BlogAddawho have helped me reach out to so many of my tribe, thank you. And a bigger bouquet of gratitude to the ‘not so great’ and/or ‘full of themselves’ bloggers. They showed me how exactly not to be. I’ve got two words for you. Bless You!
Tomorrow, I complete a year of being a Blogger. It’s been a fabulous year because BlogwatiG has loved penning every minute of it. I always invest in relationships. This is the first instance of online ones. As a result, on my birthday, Purba messaged me from Australia. Snowy called and chatted from Delhi. Corinne, Sharmila and Janaki plotted with my sister to throw me a surprise party. Friends do that…………………they make time and not excuses, irrespective.
So as BlogwatiG turns one, here’s raising a toast…..may the sharp sword of words and the flag of sarcasm be held ever high. And may the inner circle be cherished forever and ever. Ah…Men!
Comments
Damn you girl! You made me cry like a baby. For me it was love at first sight. And when I love something, I want to share the joy with everyone.
Darling, you are a gifted writer. When you touch new heights, I’ll be there to applaud you.
Awwwwwww……muah! Now you know why I wanted a build up before tomorrow 🙂
But you will always remain my lucky charm…and yes I am grateful for that!
AKG, I don’t know of any other way than being straight forward. The circumstances were unfortunate, but hats off to you for giving it a conclusion. For that you earn my respect and more.
CONGRATULATIONS !!! “MANY HAPPY RETURNS BLOGWATIG”. WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY GROWTH .
I AM A SILENT READER/OBSERVER OF YOU. EVENTHOUGH I WOULD NOT CONTRIBUTE , VISITING YOU IS ” MY CUP OF TEA”.
WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST
And as long as you keep having your teapot full, I won’t complain Indira 🙂
It is strange that it is one year. It seems like so much longer!! Must we wait till tomorrow? Let the party begin. Congratulations! And thanks for filling in a few things that I had missed. I will now be looking out for all the masala that slipped through the cracks of the internet. Blogging really does create true communities. All the best, B-jee!
I feel the same Subho and it makes me feel very blessed. I have been partying since forever…:) True, blogging is a window to the soul like no other.
Wow Happy Bloganniversary !! Enjoy…this is one more reason to celebrate – apart from birthday and wedding anniversary…! Yaayy for you !
Thanks so much Anita….quite happy myself 🙂
This calls for celebration…and you will host the party. Congrats n jappi n pappi. ..Cheers to many more years of blogging. BTW, the feeling is mutual.
Pucca….pucca…I’ll host…but won’t cook 😛 Muah!
Well, you must be the ‘charmingest’ Ma Durga around!
All your friends conspired to celebrate this special day with you…and I did nothing 🙁 All I can do to make up is, plant a long-distance peck on your right cheek and say – Happy Birthday! You may only be one, but it feels like I have known you forever! Looking forward to seeing you in Mumbai sometime soon this year!
Lots of love,
Rickie
Bas pagle……rulayega kya? When you come down….I’ll take the gift sudh samet 😛
Happy B’day BlogwatiG!
Thank you so much Suresh……long time…no see. Glad you dropped by.
Lol, you know the lazy me na…..but will visit soon 🙂
Ah! THAT feeling is mutual 🙂 Long time no see 🙂 Though I hv been here and off unseen 🙂
Happy Birthday to BlogwatiG 🙂 Here is a hug all the way from Delhi Muaah !
Thank god you started blogging and then started indiblogeshwaries – nahi to main tujhe kaise milti 😛
Aur nahin toh kya? Warna wakai main tum kaise milti?
So that is how the journey began… I am glad to know you BlogwatiG
Yup that is pretty much it. And yes, happy to know you too. Your reaction to the American Bikini is something I will never forget Farida 🙂
Happy Birthday BlogwatiG. Hope you see many more 🙂
I remember that infamous blogging contest and the jerk who got on your nerves with what he thought was perfect grammar. In fact it was Rickie who informed us all about that. Whatever happened, good or bad, I think each one of us learned something from that contest. My learning being not to ever get involved in something like that;-)
Then Indiblogeshwaries happened, and I must say it is the best online forum I’ve been a part of. I don’t even remember who added me but maybe, that is the beauty of it all.
Love
Akanksha
Awwwwww Akanksha…..I think it was destiny that was conspiring to get us together. Muah!
Although we met during unfortunate circumstances (read forgettable bloggers league :D) but I have always admired you for your courage and straight-forwardness. Hope you always remain the same. Here’s wishing the iconic Blogwati G a very Happy Birthday in advance. Let the flag of sarcasm fly high, always. 🙂
Happy birthday once again! And happy birthday to mine! 😛 Particularly loved the balika vadhu usage for Janaki!
Kindly visit
http://www.rinzurajan.blogspot.in
as and when time permits!
Thank you!
Thanks Rinzu and well congrats to you too. You should write more often….I liked what I saw 🙂
Congrats! I never noticed you are only a year old here..:)
Keep smiling.. keep writing.
Well, I guess the anti-age cream does work after all 😛 Thanks so much Makk 🙂
Wow, Vinita! Great to see your journey from your eyes. Yes, you are all those things you say you are and I love your writing. I remember that tweet from Purba which brought me to your blog :). I have really no idea about the controversy you wrote about, but I remember catching your FB update at the fag end of that day. Even though we haven’t met, it is almost as if I have known you long through your writing, the group Indiblogeshwaris, your sense of humor, and of course your larger-than-life persona! Keep writing and keep having fun!
Lots of Love and happiness always,
Rachna!
Thanks Rachna. Yes, we are known by our writing and more. It is like the window to our soul. And women can pretty much size up things from a distance. I am glad we connected and yes, have Purba to thank for a lot of people in my life. 🙂
Just one! Like an earlier commenter mentioned, it seems like ages. Congrats and here’s wishing you more to come.
And thanks for starting Indiblogeshwaris . . . are we having an anniversary party for that soon?
Cheers and wishes for many more years of blogging and humour.
Joy always,
Susan
Indiblogeshwaris should be a year in June, love. And thank you for your wishes….they mean much 🙂
I remember reading ur first post after Purba tweeted about it and , boy, how intrigued was I by the “veiled” blogger ! You were brilliant from day 1 and you have lived up to the expectations. You are an inspiration…
Live Long and Prosper! 🙂
Prateek, I remember you as one of my first readers and it makes me so proud that after a year, you are still here. That means I am doing something right. Believe you me when I put up this post with a picture, you were the one I thought about…..considering the veiled bit. 🙂
Thanks…good to know! I actually do believe that you revealed yourself a little too soon. I love the idea of being anonymous and being known by only your body of work. But anyways, it doesn’t matter as the quality and the ensuing fame has only gone up…
More of BlogPatiG this year please!
Well, I did not intend being a masked crusader. It was only fair that people know who they were dealing with, face to face….lol. My initial reaction was to test the waters. Once I knew I could swim, I let go of the floaters 🙂
Ah, BlogPatiG is giving me a hard time with copyright issues. Let me see if I can work around that 😛
This has been my inspiration behind the whole idea of the “caped crusader”…
Happy anniversary 🙂
I love reading your blog posts, they are full of life 🙂
Bhavana, my posts might be lively, but you bring the breath of fresh air wherever you go. I do hope to meet you someday. You are one of those blessed souls that I hope to encounter. Hugs.
🙂 I would love to meet you one day as well..
Cheers..
Happy anniversary! 😀
Thanks love 🙂
Happy waala Birthay Vinita 🙂
I love to read your blog 🙂 The indiblogeshwari group is a boon to so many of us. I am not been too active these days, but that’s where I arrive to feel better and get some confidence boosters. You are an inspiration to so many of us!
Cheers!!!
Anuradha, it makes me happy to see that IB connects with so many. Thank you for your wishes. It is because of all of you that it rocks. Hugs.
What the *#@$! Ok, it is your blog’s birthday and all….but why did you have to defame me?
Anyway, will get my revenge on the day you give the treat. Revenge, they say, is a dish best served on a huge platter, with the best Wine and Caviar.
Awwwwwwwwww mera baccha! You have no clue what you are in store for……just come to Bombay 😀
Happy birthday to your blog Vinita. Thanks to IndiBlogeshwaries that I found you… Loved the sum up of the year… a wholesome one 🙂
-Jaspreet
Thank you and I am so happy you dropped by 🙂
Happy Blogversary. Keep writing and charming the pants (or skirts as the case may be) off everyone around you! 🙂
Awwwww Shail, that is the best compliment I’ve got all day. Pants or skirts, bring them on I say 😀
As usual,missed this gem !Read through,till the last line and my eyes were wet. Pushpa….. I HATE tears!!!
Bunking those few Saturdays at work to be part of the madness that we have,has become an important part of my life now 🙂
You bring laughter wherever you go BG and that is what makes you special.<3 <3 always..
My dear Zarmila………………..I zove you too! Muah!
Congratulations on completing a year. 🙂
Thanks so much Saru 🙂
BTW,aint I too RAW for CIA !!??
Oooooooo my mind went in another direction 😀
Strange how i missed your blog for one full year.Anyhow Happy Anniversary to you !I love your style!
And thanks for introducing new bloggers whom i intend to read up.
Indu, do read them………………….they are fab 🙂 And thanks for the wishes.
Such
an amazing child.
Born of the words,
gurgling in sentences,
spitting out little gems
with wide toothy grins,
the milestones are amazing
and completely
out of whack.
Learning to fight
before turning over,
trying to stand up
before doing a tentative crawl,
words cascading out
in all their glory,
amidst
indulgent
sister,brother, sakhee types,
with a loud protest cry
and ear-splitting yell
at the sight of an unclish someone.
The party is on,
the blogcake preens in its
imposing height,
as the child rises up
to enjoy the sweetness of it all.
Its just that,
even at this age,
the child follows the
customs of Lent.
No, it isnt giving up
cakes,
guts,
friends,
fun,
and competing.
It has decided to give up walking,
because,
now
it will simply be RUNNING !
On your first bday, wishing you an amazing blogrun always …
Love it Suranga! Thank you so much, will cherish it forever 🙂