One of the first textbooks I opened in university was for an online writing course. I had just bought the book at the campus bookstore, was walking back to my residence, decided to pull it out of the bag, and read the first page.
On the first page, it talked about blogs and how they were short entries that shared personal thoughts and ideas.
I don’t know why that memory exists in my head, but if the story of our life is told backwards, then perhaps that moment was just a dot, waiting to be connected.
Four years later, The Captain’s Speech was born. Dot = Connected?
As I sit here, six years after starting this blog, I don’t really know what to say that I haven’t said before.
To all of you who read this blog – you’ll never know how much you mean to me. Seriously, I won’t tell you.
Thank you for giving me an audience. Thank you for going along with all of my jokes, even the ones you don’t understand. Thank you for being so kind.
I never expected any of this. Not this blog. Not any of you. Not the things that come out of my head and appear on the screen in front of me. All of it has been a wonderful surprise.
Blogging does not require you to fool anyone. You don’t have to “try to be”, you just have to “be”. I spent so many hours trying to provide a perfect, wise voice for this commemorative post and everything I wrote didn’t sound right because I forgot to “be”.
So, I deleted it.
This blog has been such a joy for me and I hope I never run out of ideas with which to infiltrate your Reader.
I’ll end with a poem, just because I like telling myself to do things I’m unprepared for, apparently. Thanks, self.
Blog posts are read
comments are too
leave one for me
and I’ll get back to you.
Wow, I am just too good. That’s what you get for putting me on the spot, SELF. In yo/my face.
Now is the time when you all tell me what you love about me and my blog.
🙂 A happy sixth blogging anniversary to you, Paul.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 You are welcome, Paul!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We love Paulo, Samwich, Italy shaped omelettes, Pandas and brotherhood of the orange jumpsuit. You’re also one of my OGs and me LOVES your blog. I even read those hockey posts I don’t understand at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for all the support, Sooch! Paulo appreciates it. One free Italy shaped omelette coming your way! I really need to bring Paulo back soon don’t I?
LikeLiked by 1 person
NO OMELETTES. OMG. I WANT A DONUT!!! Yes you need to bring back both Paulo and cameraman Sam. 😿
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Blogiversary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Paul! 6 years is AMAZING! I’m super happy that we somehow stumbled across each other’s blogs a while ago. How else would I have gotten to know the great and amazing Chef Paulo?! Or learned so much about sports other than hockey when I read the first few paragraphs and then scroll through the rest? Or cared about basketball finals? I don’t think it would have happened without your blog.
Happy blogiversary!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha so you’re saying I’m forcing you to read things you don’t care about? PERFECT! Thanks for all your support, you’re always so positive and willing to comment on not only my blog, but other blogs as well. We can all learn from you. (Notice how I just turned this compliment around? Very Canadian of me lol)
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL forcing me to learn about things I normally wouldn’t! You are expanding my horizons!
And yes, very Canadian of you! Hehe
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats! This means you’re old now.
Six years is an accomplishment. Think you have six more years in you? haha. I look forward to your posts, and I’ve learned so much (or maybe nothing) about the Bachelor/Bachelorette.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Becky! Definitely old. My blog is starting Grade 1 and needs new shoes every school year. I think I have at least 6 more years in me, just because I don’t think I’ll ever run out of things to write about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Bloggaversary Paul! Time flies doesn’t it? Thank you for your constant insight and humorous views on everyday life/things. You make my mornings unexpectedly cheerful, especially as grumpy as I can be without coffee sometimes, lol. Btw, I nominated you for a blog award 🏆
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sure does fly! I’m so glad I could add some cheer to your mornings! That’s one of the reasons why I like posting in the early morning – it lets people start there day with something good. Now I’m just tooting my own horn lol
LikeLike
Happy Blogiversary. The world web is better with you in it. Keep on blogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tony! Means a lot coming from you!
LikeLike
Hmmm, You put yourself on the spot and others too. Okay, I love your show reviews and your sense of humor. Happy 6th year of blogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t thank you enough for supporting those Bachelor review posts, as well as my other posts!
LikeLike
Happy blog anniversary!!! I’m so glad you started your blog! Xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Easily one of the best decisions I ever made.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Anniversary to you!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Michelle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your blog turning 6! Love your blog and it’s been a joy becoming friends through our writing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sarah! You’re a bright light on a sometimes dark internet. I still remember you giving me words of encouragement many years ago regarding my driving test. Really appreciate your support!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my, thank you so much for such kind words Paul! Yes I totally remember that too! I think you had replied to my post on perfecting my reversing skills. 🙂 The feeling is entirely mutual and am very grateful for the friendship! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: My Blog Turns 6 — The Captain’s Speech | Ups and Downs of Family History V2.0
According to the all knowing Google, there are 3 possibilities of gifts for a 6 year anniversary and since I’m such a generous follower I will gift you one of each. First is a cast iron skillet for your US based iron gift. Not only are they good for cooking some delicious dishes with, they make a handy weapon (just ask Rapunzel). Second, from the UK, is candy and my favorite sweet treat from the far away land is a Crunchie bar (if you haven’t tried this, you should; it’s amaze-ballz). And lastly, the modern gift theme (whatever that means) is wood, so I gift you a pencil. Why a pencil? So if you’re away from your blog, you have something to write down your thoughts to share with us peons later. I would also include some paper with that gift since it meats the criteria of wood, but I can’t just hand you everything. Gotta work for some stuff, right? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve truly outdone yourself, wow! Now I’m going to have to find a way to use all three gifts at the same time and if I can do that, maybe I’ll have earned the paper. Does that sound like a deal?
LikeLike
I think I can rub 2 pennies together and figure something out for ya…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! wow, 6 years! That is a huge accomplishment 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Hayley! 6 years have flown by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations! Here’s to many more!!! 🎂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Ariel!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“To be”. Those two words are the answer to many problems with humans. I love it. I do it – when I realize I’m not – it sadly takes many years to know who we are to be.
Thank You for being you.
Cate B
LikeLiked by 1 person
It truly does take a long time. Thanks Cate!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations for your six year blogging anniversary! That is an impressive accomplishment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ann!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Blog Birthday to you. I enjoy your sense of humour and the randomness of the posts. It’s like a box of chocolates … (Linda)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy to hear that, thank you Linda!
LikeLike
Congratulations on your 6 year blogging adventure! It’s been only recently since I found your blog, and I’m happy I did! Wishing you lots more blogging fun to come. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the kind words!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
i love the simplicity and the fact that you remain warm to the core! Congratulations and enjoy your happy anniversary .
LikeLike
Congrats, Paul! I can’t believe how ancient you are!! Just kidding 🙂
I don’t remember how I came across your blog, but I’m so glad I found it. Your “Bachelor Viewing Notes” are always a treat to read, especially because I don’t know anyone else who watches this trash tv show. I really hope Chris Harrison sees your dedication for the show. Maybe you could write a script for an episode where Hannah tells Luke “Bye” or something crazy like that.
Keep on doing what your Canadian self is doing. Here’s to 6 more years yahoo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I am ancient!
Haha oh man, if I could write a script for this show it would focus on about three people and by the end of a 2-hour episode you’d know their whole life story. We’d just edit out characters like Luke, to spare the audience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The jokes are great, especially the punny ones! I guess you’re just keeping it real and have a great sense of humour which is a great combo to read 😊 congratulations on 6 years 🎉🎉🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!! Glad you enjoy the jokes!
LikeLike
I missed your bloggaversary!!! Welp. I’ve missed everything but I’m coming back. NO MORE NONSENSE. Congrats!!!!!! You’re on my top 3 reasons to keep writing in my blog. The other 2 are TBD lol 😂 so happy you’re still here and hope you never stop or quit like I have.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please come back to blogging, I need some entertainment on my Reader haha I don’t think I’ll ever leave this place, I have too much to say!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to get back up on my feet.
Or my… ehhhh… fingertips? I’m not sure where this is going. Lol 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy (late) blogiversary Paul! Thanks for never failing to make me smile and laugh
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for being a loyal reader!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: The Captain’s Speech – Featured Blogger of the Week October 29, 2021 | Ups Downs Family History