Five years ago I started this blog to share my stories and adventures of my life in Hong Kong. I was headed overseas for a 4-month assignment and thought a blog would be a cool, inexpensive way to stay in touch with my family and friends. The blog was originally named “The Life of Leanne”.
me, Mike Hyland at Hong Kong Disneyland, 5 months before Grand Opening
I can’t believe 5 years have passed. Since then I’ve been back to Hong Kong for another 2-month stint in 2006, spent 6-weeks in Paris in 2007, toured Madrid and Barcelona in 2007, been to 4 Super Bowls (7 total) and so much more (WDW Moms Panel, Disney Parks Blog, Twitter, Facebook, and so much more.)
Super Bowl XL in Detroit and trying to look deep in thought in Paris 2007.
What kind of a mom would I be if I didn’t bring out the baby photos!?! (Please don’t click away – these are worth seeing and there’s not very many of them.)
This is one of my favorite pictures of Jefferson. Total action shot!!
Here’s a photo of Ashley- my very first dog. She lived to be 14 years old and was quite a girl! She was an awesome dog.
And then came Mikita in December 2007.
And following Mikita’s arrival was the re-friendship with Mike. 
I’ve had some really wonderful life moments shared with you here on the blog. I’ve been struggling lately trying to figure out where it goes from here. I have to be honest, I’m confused with all the advice I read on blogging and the “rules” they establish for bloggers and realize I don’t fit into this realm, based of what they consider the “right” way to blog. I blog about everything in my life – my dogs, my man, my friends, my work life, my home life… everything. Yet the “experts” say I should have a niche and focus. This thinking has me all confused and wondering if I should even continue on.
But I will. I enjoy this, even if it’s not what a blog expert says it should be. I hope you continue to read my blog. It will be what it has been for the past 5 years – a blog about my life. A blog about what I do, who I am, what makes me happy. I don’t write this for advertisements so I have no guiding light other than my heart. I hope you continue to stop by once in awhile and enjoy what you see.
Leanne,
Congrats on 5 years and all of your amazing adventures. Don’t worry about what the “experts” say. This is your blog do whatever you feel is right with it. Love ya!
Congratulations on 5 years!
I am love with the Mikita puppy pic! So cute!
And rules were meant to be broken!
Happy 5th anniversary! And don’t you worry about the “experts” and what they say, not everyone is in it to be a professional at it. I enjoy reading about your life
I miss you!
Happy blogiversary Leanne! Five years of blogging is quite an accomplishment.
And–for what it’s worth–the ‘expert’ opinions on what a blog should be are overrated. Of all the blogs I read, my favorites are ones that read like a conversation with a friend. And I learned something at Blissdom this year. I learned that blogs like yours (and mine!) do have a niche; they call us memoirists. So if you need to qualify your blog, how’s that for a focus?
Keep up the great work!
Hugs,
Darcie
Happy blogiversary! I prefer to read blogs with heart like yours. You gotta have heart, right? : )
Thank you for all your comments. It does help me to believe in myself and write what I want to – just stuff from the heart. Thank you all!
Happy Blog-o-birthday, Leanna. You seem very happy and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more!
Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary! I hope that you’ll continue writing for many more. I prefer your rule-breaking type of blog.
I write for much the same reason as you. I’m not looking for a large following, swag or advertising dollars. I write about myself, what happens to me, what I long for, what I fear and what I love.
Please don’t stop and please stay true to you!!
Congrats, Leanne! Forget the “experts!” Keep on doing you!
Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
Happy #5!
Keep blogging because you love to write and I love to read about it!
Beth
Hey girlie!
I am only now getting to your post! I love it! Good job, and I echo everyone above!
Have a wonderful time in D.C. this weekend; we will miss you screaming with us and singing, “I think I love you” at the #davidcassidytweetup this weekend!!!
Maybe we’ll make a “flat” Leanne to hold up in your absence!
Enjoy your trip!!!