Hi Sweethearts!
You know who the bravest people in the blogosphere are as far as I am concerned?
The personal blogger.
This is my love letter to you.
Darling personal bloggers,
I love you. This is a love letter after all, and I see no reason to hold back on the important things in life.
Do you know that you have made my life a happier one?
I didn`t know that you were out there when I took a deep breath and started my blog. I didn`t know you are friends that I had not yet met. I didn`t know that I would think of you in my life outside the bloggersphere. I didn`t know that you would change my life.
I didn`t know it was possible to type in a webadress and to feel at home. Do you know why reading your blogs mean so much to me? Do you know why I keep coming back? When I visit your blog I get something that I can`t find anywhere else. I get to be with YOU. Wonderful, voulnerable, strong, honest, generous, opinionated, stylish you.
You are brave, you know that? You dare to believe that you have something to offer. You are a linedancer, balancing your personal life and your honesty, your shyness with your spunk, your self doubt with your confidence.
You reach out, you connect, you support, you retweet, you are in it with intention, not a savage blogger but a gentle one.
You inspire me. Your outfits, your book reviews, your thoughts, your replies to my comments. You make me feel good about me. When I visit your site you make me feel that I matter, that we are equal, never mind if I am a blogger or not. When I am reading your blog it does not matter how thin/fat/popular/lonely I am, when I am reading your blog I am hanging out with you, knowing that you are hanging out with me too.
You keep posting, spending hours writing your posts, taking your pictures, feeling voulnerable and not sucessful at times, and yet you keep going. For you. And for me. You keep at it, staying true to your self, not getting caught up in the whirlwind of popularity. No, you hold on to your blogging balls and you don`t give up. And eventually I find you and am happy you did not give up on blogging.
Darling personal bloggers, you are impacting our culture, our trends, our lives, me. Thank you for that.
Inclosed in this letter is a big kiss. Can you feel it?
I would love to connect with you!
anikack@gmail.com @AnikaByAnika Facebook
{ 107 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: KimberleeVDW
June 7, 2011 at 9:11 pm
Aww we love you too!
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Aw, Kimberlee! Mwuah!
Twitter: OhtoBeaMuse
June 7, 2011 at 9:14 pm
Anika! that was Amazing! <3 <3 <3 you–i send this love letter back to you for being such an awesome personal blogger too!
Oh to Be a Muse recently posted..Movie Review- X-Men First Class Class Act
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Thank you so much! I am feeling the love and blowing you kisses. <3
Twitter: annembray
June 7, 2011 at 9:16 pm
MWAH!
Yes, sometimes I feel like I’m just talking to myself. But that’s OK too. I find myself pretty entertaining.
ALWAYS happy when I see a new post of yours has come up in my Reader feed.
anne recently posted..Friend Friday- vacation!
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 8:01 pm
And a big MWUAH to you too Anne! I know that feeling, sometimes blogging feels so lonely. I find you pretty and entertaining too ;D xoxoxoox
Twitter: kirstinfoley
June 7, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Anika, that was the sweetest, most heartfelt letter. I love you back!!! You are amazing, and i feel so lucky to have “met” you thru here.
Xo
Kirstin Marie recently posted..Rachel Roy Event
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 7:59 pm
I feel the same! I am so glad you enjoyed my letter to you. xo
Twitter: _micshi_
June 7, 2011 at 9:24 pm
WE LOVE YOU TOO!!!
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Wow! Thank you so very much
That is simply lovely. I couldn’t agree more – this is why I love blogs so much – I feel like it’s an actual conversation, not just that someone is talking at me. Beautiful!
Kristen recently posted..Ms Brightside
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 8:09 pm
I know, isn`t that amazing when it becomes a conversation. After I began approacing blogging as such I found such a wonderful community. xo
Twitter: MJ_Beauty
June 7, 2011 at 9:31 pm
I LOVE THIS!! This was beautiful and I’m so glad I met you! Who knew you would have two bloggers toughing it out in life and writing about it on the same day??! Love yah back!
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 8:55 pm
I am so glad we connected! Mwuah!
You are amazing! x
LittleRus recently posted..Jean Shrimpton
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Thank you xo
I can feel your kiss, and I am kissing you back.
I so agree with you. Anybody can talk about fashion, but stand out there and be counted in the croud is not easy.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
SACRAMENTO recently posted..June Feature- Ari Seth Cohen- The Man Behind the Camera
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Such true words Sacramento. Thank you for your wisdom. xo
crowd!!!
SACRAMENTO recently posted..June Feature- Ari Seth Cohen- The Man Behind the Camera
Så nydelig Anika, tusen takk! Og takk i like måte!
MyFavouriteThings recently posted..Slouchy
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 8:57 pm
Nå ble jeg glad kjære deg. Klem!
Twitter: made2travel
June 7, 2011 at 11:20 pm
Aw Anika, LOVE YOU! Thank you for this love letter…it is completely inspiring and I’m sending it right back to you. I feel your love all the way in NY.
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Thank you so much for that my lovely. I will be in NY in September! *wink wink*
Twitter: made2travel
June 9, 2011 at 8:30 pm
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!
Anika ~ you warm my soul with all these thoughtful posts! The blogging world needs more people like you! You’re absolutely amazing and so inspiring
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:01 pm
My heart is warmed by your words. Thank you so much Pheobe!
Twitter: Mode_Plus
June 8, 2011 at 12:10 am
“Hanging by my blogging balls”, your writing skills reach me to the bones Anika.
So glad you’re here and in my life. Love and a huge hug!
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Girlfriend. I am blessed to know you. I adore you. And your bones!
Twitter: fashnlvr9
June 8, 2011 at 12:26 am
Sweet face Anika! You deserve all the love you receive as you spread joy around the world. I can feel your love and friendship all the way across the oceans and the continents. So happy we found each other and I can sincerely call you “friend”!
Fashnlvr recently posted..Bloggerhood of the Traveling Scarf- Kickoff Post
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:06 pm
I am also grateful that we are friends. You know how much I love you
Thank you for your kind words!
This is seriously the most amazing post ever. Thank you for writing this!
Natasha recently posted..Borrowing From the Boys
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:07 pm
I am so glad you enjoyed it! xo
Awww I love u too Anika
faye recently posted..What is Google1
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:07 pm
I love you too!
Twitter: any2ndnow
June 8, 2011 at 2:22 am
That literally made me cry. What a sweet sweet homage to your fellow blogger, Anika. You are truly inspirational in the way that you can just put yourself and your heart out there. YOU are the brave one, and I know you are greatly loved and appreciated.
xoxo
Cyrillynn
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Oh sweetheart! You made me cry
Thank you, I feel so humble reading your words to me. Hugs to you.
Twitter: gritandglamour
June 8, 2011 at 2:52 am
I feel it! And I love you right back, and I love this post something fierce. Gah, cannot WAIT to meet you in person, Anika. You are so deep and daring, and damn delicious, I may well eat you up!
This is the best post I’ve read all year. Tweeting pronto.
GRIT & GLAMOUR recently posted..Spring 2011 Favorite Things
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Yum! A portion of la bomba with a side of sweetheart coming right up! Thank you for your support. To think that you are my friend! Wow! <3
Twitter: mariedenee
June 8, 2011 at 2:56 am
I have already told you, but I love you… seriously.
Marie Denee recently posted..My trip to the Avenue- MY experience
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:10 pm
You just keep on telling me honey lol. I love you right back, you know I do. Mwuah!
Twitter: couturepetite
June 8, 2011 at 3:02 am
Omigosh, thank you so much for posting this, sweetie! I needed to hear all of it today. You have truly inspired me to be myself today, and I love you for that! <3 <3
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:11 pm
Oh, then that alone makes me so glad I wrote this post. Keep believing in your self my lovely, I am rooting for you! xo <3
Twitter: Avggirlsguide
June 8, 2011 at 3:20 am
Love this and you for writing it even tho we don’t know each other yet.
Alyson — http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:11 pm
What a lovely way to connect! Love, Anika
Twitter: ConsiderMeLuvly
June 8, 2011 at 3:32 am
THIS IS THE BEST POST EVER!! I so feel the love, and I can relate to everything you’ve written. All bloggers are important, but it’s something about personal bloggers that let me into their world that makes me want to be their friend in real life! One day lovely Anika, you shall come to the states or I shall fly across the ocean to you and we shall have a good time! *hugs and smooches*
ConsiderMeLovely recently posted..Busy Bee
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 9:12 pm
Hon, I don`t know if you could be any cuter! You rock my socks! I second everything you said. We are so meeting. I will be in NY in September, any chance of a hug then?
Twitter: ConsiderMeLuvly
June 8, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Aww, thanks darling! Oooo I’m hoping I can be in New York for IFB too, I’m going to price things and check my grad school budget…if I am there, you will get lots of hugs! *fingers crossed*
Twitter: beautifullyinv
June 8, 2011 at 3:38 am
OMG. Here I am tweeting like crazy about my TF-find, and here you are posting THIS. You put me to shame, in a good way. An excellent way. An AMAZING way.
This… this is… I have no words. This is so heartfelt. So selfless. So beautiful… I can’t say anything to really do it justice.
I feel the same way, and would shout this letter from the rooftops if I could. Much love to all of the personal bloggers out there, and much love to YOU. I can’t wait to hug you in person ljubavi!
Beautifully Invisible recently posted..LINK LOVE with a TWIST- June 7- 2011
ABSOLUTELY adorable love letter! XOXO. I’ve met soooo many wonderful bloggers who I now call my friends and extended family. It’s amazing isn’t! Thank God for social networking!
Ty
http://gorgeousingrey.com
Ty @ GorgeousInGrey.com recently posted..GUCCI FALL 2011 LOOK BOOK
Very nice. Very sweet. The warmth is reciprocated.
Shybiker recently posted..Dear Ally
Twitter: 1
June 8, 2011 at 8:33 am
You are tooo cute!! xoxo
Twitter: gabdolceamore
June 8, 2011 at 9:47 am
i feel the same love. blogging has given me friends all around the world and, when moving to a new city, has allowed me to make friends almost instantly. when i have opened up on my blog recently about personal matters, i was so astounded by the support others gave me. i truly was not expecting such love being sent my way. thank YOU, and youre welcome!
xxoo
http://www.paperplanesandmaryjanes.com
Gaby recently posted..thank goodness
You wrote the sentiment of many of us! Blogging has change my life as well; I used to have many pen pals as a young girl and no one in my family understood why I needed to write to people far away from me or why I used to called them my friends. For me blogging is my new form of pen pals!
I had learned about fashion, other countries, personal history, foods, architecture, movies and acquired so many personal and soulful connections that I can say with certainty has better my life.
And of course (my adopted latina-sister from another country) I meet you and thru you I had meet so many others like Ambu and Nefferth that I enjoy reading and sharing my personal points of views and fashion style.
Ofelia recently posted..Dinner and a movie
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
June 8, 2011 at 5:25 pm
Darling, I want to retweet something you said here, what is your twitter handle? Big hugs and kisses.
Ps, will reply properly later. Love you.
Anika recently posted..A love letter to personal bloggers
Such a lovely letter, all what you said goes right back to you lovely!
xo
Twitter: VanessaLocke
June 8, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Beautiful.
Vanessa, Take only Memories recently posted..Style Muse- Cy Twombly
This gave me goosebumps. and I never thought I had blogging balls haha! Thank you Anika, I love this post so much and love you more <3
LuAnne recently posted..Haters don’t have to hate
Twitter: sheblog
June 8, 2011 at 5:16 pm
You are seriously one of the sweetest people! This makes me cry! XOXO!
Twitter: dresscourage
June 8, 2011 at 5:24 pm
What a great post. I only just started reading your blog (found you through Twitter) and continue to be impressed by your sincerity, honesty and intelligence. This post is a beautiful reflection of the support and community I feel as a blogger. Thank you for putting into words what so many of us feel.
Elissa recently posted..Outfit Post- The myth of overthinking
So wonderful and so true! I love reading my beloved blogs and getting inspired every day. Women are amazing!
Laura Connell recently posted..Links I Love- Jagger- Bowie & McQueen rules the runway
Twitter: ladyofashion
June 8, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Dear beautiful Anika, What a touching love letter… I feel this so much & love you darling… Angel of hearts you are & an uplifting diamond, sooo looking forward to seeing you one day soon my dear! I read this with tears of joy.
Love,
Madison xxoo
Twitter: citizenrosebudz
June 8, 2011 at 6:40 pm
This sentiment couldn’t be said better or felt more keenly. You are amazing, Anika. Thank you for being the heart of the blogger community.
I love you, too! xo. -Bella Q
Bella Q recently posted..Pillbox Moxie
you are sooo amazing!!! Thank you for writing this! You said it best and it really is like that! i am so glad to have come to this personal blogger world and reading this is just amazing cuz i know other bloggers feel the same way! youre great!!
xoxox
A_Riot
anita recently posted..Urban Jungle Heart
Twitter: WendyBrandes
June 8, 2011 at 8:31 pm
This is so sweet!
WendyB recently posted..Rihanna- Lady Gaga and Parents Who Fail at Parenting
Thank you for this post – it’s something that so many people feel, but so people feel free to express. I used to be so scared to be a personal blogger, in case I gave too much of myself away, but now I feel proud – thank you.
Amy (Australasia Dreaming) recently posted..Now THATs what I call a castle!
Twitter: rosie_posy
June 8, 2011 at 9:55 pm
this is the loveliest of lovely posts ever <3
xxxxx
Hello –
Saw your Ode to Fabienne (she is fabulous, isn’t she?), thought you were both gorgeous and sweet and wanted to stop by. So glad that I did. You’ve just confirmed my inital thoughts that you are gorgeous inside and out. You are lovely, your blog is lovely and this post was amazing.
Please count me as a fan and a follower.
Gracey
Gracey at Fashion For Giants recently posted..Running Through the Jungle
You are just too much, sweet Anika. Really, your cup runneth over with sweetness. I feel so bad, lovely, because I’m so scattered lately with company here visiting and off-the-internet stuff going on, and I feel like I can’t get my thoughts together to leave the proper, heartfelt, special comment that this post (and you!) so deserves. But know that I felt it (so much!) and that I appreciate this post more than words I could ever write would express. And that I adore you. I’m sitting here in my overstuffed rocking chair in my leopard pajama pants (lol) thinking about what my reaction will be when I meet you in September (it will happen!) and wondering if I’ll be shy and aloof or if I’ll scream and jump up and down and hug you to bits. I think it might be the later – what do you think?
Twitter: Stylish Thought Media
June 9, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Anika, this is so beautiful, just like you! The feeling is mutual, I love you too lady!
Fajr | Stylish Thought recently posted..What I Wore- The Fancy of Fashion
Twitter: orchidgrey
June 9, 2011 at 3:26 pm
this is incredibly wonderful, and we love you too! I think this is a sentiment that so many of us feel (hopefully ALL of us, but who knows) that really doesn’t get expressed enough. so thank you for putting to words what all personal bloggers should.
Absolutely lovely letter, well said!
This was lovely. It put a feeling that I had into words!
Erin recently posted..Hanging Rock
this post is perfect in every single way. I often struggle to find the meaning behind the shallowness of blogging, and you put it in to words perfectly. You rock.
annebeth recently posted..Frida Kahlo
You are so sweet – thank you for writing this, it really made me smile and feel good.
And thank YOU for being such a positive force in the blogosphere! When I get overwhelmed by internet drama and snarkiness, I come read your blog for a breath of fresh, sincere, and uplifting air!
Was this inspired by Curvy Canadian’s recent post? I felt the same way and do every time I read your blog as well.
xo
Adrienne recently posted..3 Things You Can Do Right Now to Appear More Confident
what an amazing letter. i relate so much to your words. =)
Twitter: 514 Cedar Ct
June 10, 2011 at 1:48 am
Your letter was very touching. I see myself as one of the people you describe. I have found blogging a great stress buster and have met some pretty incredible people. They push, encourage and make me laugh! Thank you all for welcoming me to your world.
silverstyle recently posted..Inspiration Monday with the Two Birds and Brooklyn Decker
Just had to say how much I loved this post! So true, I feel it evrey day but could not have said it as well as you did. Thanks! Paula
Paula recently posted..One Accessory
Twitter: theloudermouth
June 10, 2011 at 5:31 am
Anika, you’ve brought me to tears. And I’m pretty sure that every single person who has read this has fallen madly in love with you.
THE-LOUDMOUTH recently posted..New look- same great taste behind-the-scenes work on new layout part two!
Wow, this post is beautiful. Your writing is amazing, and what you wrote is totally true!
xo
Renée recently posted..Pink twice
I only just met you and I adore you… what a lovely letter.
Thanks – so days it is so important to find people online (& in life) spreading happiness!
Idstyle recently posted..Fit of Inspiration- Mad Love
Love this post- I posted about it on my own blog
thank you for your honesty.
AWESOME!!!! That is exactly why I started a blog!! I am an ACCOUNTANT – and definitely needed more from life, BLOGGING has been so rewarding!!! Thank you for your love letter!!
Love,
Maryam
http://athomewithmaryam.blogspot.com
Maryam recently posted..SUMMER SHORTS
Love this! Inspiring
Sandra recently posted..Quote of the week
Twitter: lady_bella
June 11, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Anika, this blog post is so sweet, it can only have been written by you!
How lovely! Big kiss to you, friend!
Anika you are so REAL !! Thank-you for writing one of the most sincere, uninhibited blogposts I’ve ever read. You make me feel worth something, and I do feel very much at home here. I’m sending everything you wrote right back to you girl, you deserve a love letter too.
Lots of love,
Meag xx
Meagan Morrison recently posted..Start With What You Love
just came across your blog and this is so inspiring! what a lovely letter & post. I feel the same way about other blog/bloggers & this was definitely well said! xxo
A very generous and beautiful post… but of course! I would never expect anything less from you.
Dusk recently posted..Me Deep
I’m a little late to the game, but I just read this letter and I adore it. Thanks to you, too, for being inspiring and always offering yourself up. I am routinely amazed by the friendships I have found online and the quality of people out there.
Sarah recently posted..Happy Friday!
Twitter: ClothesCamerasC
June 12, 2011 at 4:43 pm
I’ve just found you via IFB – and I’m so glad I have! This is so heartfelt, so beautifully expressed. And not only is it brilliantly written, it reaches out and it says what so many of us feel. Thank you for articulating what it is that makes personal blogging so special.
Roz recently posted..Simple pleasures
Woooow!! I feel like crying… this is so sweet Annika
I loooove it and I agreee with you.
A big hug for your from Spain.
Twitter: bestofpalmbch
June 13, 2011 at 12:43 am
Thank you for this! You are truly amazing and I appreciate you soooo much!
Veronica
Best Of Palm Beach recently posted..Vintage Find- Versace Briefcase
Lately, I feel like I am just talking to myself and I don’t know if I still in the mood for my blog. This post is inspiring and touching! You are so special!
DC
xx
http://dentelleetchocolat.blogspot.com/
DC(K) recently posted..FLARE
Aww this is such a beautiful post! What a heartwarming letter to the blogosphere – I love your choice of pictures too. Big hug to you!
Veshoevius recently posted..Friend Friday- Summer Trends
Words really don’t seem like enough, so just take my heart <3
Barbro Andersen recently posted..IFB Links à la Mode- June 9th
What a lovely post, you are altogether lovely .
elise recently posted..What I Wore
This was just lovely. I never thought about blogging in that way. Thank you so much for the inspiration and for the words although not directed particularly to this humble blogger , nonetheless they helped enormously.
What a beautiful way to write what so many of us know and feel.
Terri recently posted..Gemini Chic
AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL post! I’m feeling really happy about being part of this amazing online community, I’m super proud. Your words are stunning, that’s all I can say
Jessie at Fashion Limbo recently posted..Malaga Nightlife & a relaxed outfit
Thank you!
Susan Tiner recently posted..I Don’t Regret My Neck!
Wow – my first post of yours & it reaches this level of perfection.
Thank you – so much. This sums up exactly what I love about the blogs I follow & what I hope to achieve with my own.
Thank you – thank you – thank you.
I really liked this post! I’ve enjoyed reading personal blogs but never thought about doing a more personal approach to blogging myself. I think it’s fascinating to think of it like a conversation or a real glimpse into a person’s life, rather than just articles or tutorials. And it definitely requires some level of bravery to put yourself out there!
I followed a link to this post from Not Dead Yet Style. I love this community, too. It’s made me brave enough to post daily outfit shots even though I’m over fifty and far from slim. It’s made me creative enough to wear a dress as a skirt, a belt as a necklace and a dress as a top and petticoat. It’s given me a community of people just like me…others looking for a place for creative expression. I love your blog! Debbie http://thriftygirlvintage.com
Debbie Baker Burns recently posted..Day 8 But what about the birds
This letter touched my heart. Thank you so much.
Kathleen recently posted..From pastel toElectric!
Anika,
You are truely inspirational. I have been looking for something to give me a purpose to write a personal blog and this love letter is it.
Thank you.
Twitter: AnikaByAnika
August 12, 2011 at 9:24 am
Wow sweetheart. Now I am blown away. Thank you. Leave me a link, will you? Love, Anika
The letter really is a very beautiful.. I really had fun visiting your site.. Keep up the good work! I really admire your taste of fashion..
Sally Thompson recently posted..walmart oil change
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