Wow! 9 years. 9 years ago today I decided to launch my own page on Facebook. I thought that I might as well start cataloging the info and resources I was finding along my mission to find the best & safest products on the market, that were also made in the USA whenever possible. If you’re newish to my journey, here’s an article from way back in 2013 that discusses what launched me on this path, my interview with American Made Insider.
What I really want to say today is what a great joy it has been to connect with so many of you over the years. Some of us go WAY back. My Son was 1 when I started my site, meaning he’s going to be 10 years old next month (say what!?). When I first began sharing my research findings with the online world I made a point to keep my personal life out of my posts. I desired to stay anonymous, and also not to have my kids childhoods be made public. But over time I could feel small connections being made with the conversations that were taking place daily in my group. As time went on, I learned more and more about your family, and felt safe and happy to share about my growing family too. The result of this is that we’ve truly grown into a wonderful community. I have actually met a few people from the group in real life, which is an INCREDIBLE experience. And I yearn for a lot more of that. But the fact remains, most of us will never meet. But it doesn’t diminish that I feel like we’re friends. I’ve asked for support over the past few years, both for my father, my friend with her struggling orchard, and many of you have stepped up big. When I posted yesterday about a Mama in the group whose 3 year old daughter is undergoing chemo for a rare type of cancer, several donated immediately. Stranger to stranger. That is something I will never take for granted. I firmly believe that human connection is more important than ever, and do know that feeling can be alive & well even in an online community.
I whole-heartedly started my blogging journey altruistically, wanting to connect with others who shared similar values. And I’m so proud of the path it has taken me down these past 9 years. And I’m eager to continue to follow this path and see what doors open next. As I get burned out and turn my back in one area, a door opens with new, exciting possibilities to pursue. And I will never, ever get tired of discovering new made in the USA products and companies. Each time I learn about something new (to me) my heart literally feels like it skips a beat.
So, thank YOU for being a part of my community. Thank YOU for continuing to vote with your dollars and considering the impact your purchases have on our communities, our families, our planet. Here’s to many more blogiversary posts in my future 🙂
Eco-friendly baby/family products MADE in USA 