3.09.2011

1 YEAR

Someone asked me to tell the story of my blog a few days ago. The truth is, (without exaggerating) that blogging has changed my life and I'm incredibly thankful and happy to have found such an amazing tool to express myself and share my life with you all! Today is Gypsy*Diaries first birthday and even though some of you know my story already, I felt fitting to tell it again today, because in some ways it is my own little fairy tale. :)

It was March 9, 2010. I just moved back to Hungary, I was extremely bored, lost and in general confused. I knew that the life I was living was not the one I wanted, but I did not know how to change things. I was working for a big multinational corporation, I had a good job, traveled a lot, was considered lucky by many yet I was extremely unhappy with my professional life. I never really knew what I wanted to be, I just knew that there is a creative energy bursting in me which I need to find a way to express. I always felt like an artist who is not talented in anything, cannot really write, cannot really draw what should I do with my life then? 

Anyhow, on March 9, after reading several blogs already, I have decided to start my own. (I did have another blog before but that was really just for experimenting, the real thing started with Gypsy*Diaries) Gradually I got more and more involved in the blogging community and I have read some amazing stories of inspiring and brave women who decided to turn their lives upside down by starting their own little store, business, whatever.  They were not afraid of change and they were not afraid to just go for it, ahhh their stories were so inspiring! Even though I wanted a change badly I thought it was already too late to start a completely new career. I did have two diplomas in business already and never would have imagined that I could work in any other fields.  

But back to the blog story... I became really engaged and enjoyed every second of meeting new bloggers, loved the thrill of finding new exciting blogs and I loved to have feedback on my silly, everyday life from you all (and I still DO!!!). One thing I recognised instantly was that for a good blog it's essential to have good photos, so in April I've purchased my first DSLR camera. 

It was like the last piece of the puzzle fell into its place. I always considered photographers the luckiest people on Earth, I thought they have the coolest job and even though I was intimidated by all the technical things one have to learn, my passion for photography emerged with amazing power and I realized it might just be the change I was craving so badly. I signed up to a photography school, to my surprise people actually liked my pictures and wanted me to take pictures of them. Finally in December 2010, (on my birthday :) I gave myself the best present one could ever get and I quit my corporate job to focus on my newly chosen carrer as a photographer and a blogger! Yes as a blogger! 

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All the way from March 9, till buying my camera, starting school and finding my calling :) the blog has played an essential part in my life. I would never have bought that camera if it wasn't for the blog and I would have never believed that I can do it if I wouldn't have seen the evidence that it can be done. THANK YOU! 

I remember when I started blogging I couldn't have imagined ever reaching a 4 digit follower base and now we are way passed that. I don't know what to say... THANK YOU! 

You've helped me change my life and helped me realize the potential in me. I have a million things to learn, a million things to do before I can call myself a photographer but I am on my way and I know this is the right way. Blogging and photography fills my life and brings me joy every single day. THANK YOU! 

Your comments make me smile and even though I dont always have the time to respond to each and every one of you, I do consider you my friends and it is my utmost pleasure to share my life with you all. THANK YOU! 

I hope you forgive me for this extremely long rambling, I just wish I could throw a giant birthday party and invite you all. THANK YOU. That's all I can say! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! 

You've changed my life and I'll love you forever for it! THANK YOU! 

I raise my virtual glass for the future, may it bring lot more years of Gypsy*Diaries, lots of travels, a new career as a photographer and a meaningful and fun blog which hopefully puts a smile on your face every now and then. Thank you! I love you!

P.S: I wanted to do something special for the blog's birthday so I teamed up with one of my favorite brands to bring you one of the biggest and nicest giveaways I've ever seen in the blogosphere! Be sure to check back later, believe me, you don't want to miss this! :)
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GYPSY*DIARIES!!!

Follow Gypsy*Diaries

83 comments:

  1. I love your story!
    Happy blog birthday!

    windeater.blogspot.com

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  2. I love your story!
    Happy blog birthday!

    windeater.blogspot.com

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  4. Happy blog birthday and a very inspiring story!!

    The doll on fashion

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  5. Happy birthday to your blog! Loved this story :) x

    Bows and Pearls

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  6. Happy birthday to your blog! I'm so glad that your dream and passion worked out for you - truly inspirational. :)

    -Evelina
    effervescentevelina.blogspot.com

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  7. Happy birthday to your blog. This is a really nice story, it reminds a little of my own. :) Your blog is really great and we are all happy you followed your dream and make it happen, you are a true inspiration.

    Keep on going!

    Love,
    B

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  8. Happy Blog Birthday lovely lady,
    You should be very proud of yourself indeed and good luck for the future.
    x

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  9. Happy Bday to your lovely blog!!

    Xoxo

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  10. congratulations!I really love your blog!!so go on!;)

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  11. Happy anniversary. Congratulations. Great story, great photos.

    Miss Bias
    www.missbias.blogspot.com

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  12. Such a great story! Your pictures really are beautiful. I found your story really inspiring to say the least. So glad, you found something you enjoy doing for a career!That is incredible. :)

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  13. Happy Birthday! Thanks so much for sharing your story and congratulations for having the guts to follow your dreams. Best of luck to you, Gabby!

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  14. Nice story!
    Happy Birthday!!!
    http://chiccastyle.blogspot.com/

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  15. Happy happy blog birthday!! I love checking your blog every morning and seeing what new you have posted out here ;) Good luck and may your all dreams and plans and goals come true!

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  16. What a lovely inspiring story lovely, happy first birthday to your darling blog!


    *following your blog*

    Eda ♥

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  17. wow Gabby! Happy Birthday for the Blog! I am sooo happy I've found You! Many more happy and succesfull years as a Blogger! Love, Johi

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  18. Insightful and inspiring story indeed:) You took a giant step to get where you are but i'm sure it's well worth it!I guess we just gotta believe in ourselves when we want something so badly:D

    Happy Birthday to your Gypsy Diaries blog and keep up the good work!!!

    Have a fab day!

    p.s. you do take great photos! lovin the balloon effects in this post too, so cute!

    Cinz
    http://cinzee.wordpress.com

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  19. wow!!!!! whtat an amazing story! I am wondering if some of you out there have been so brave to drop one life and embrace a dream... I wish I could do it and become a doctor.. :) was always my dream...

    Love your BDay pictures..

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  20. Congratulations lady! This is a lovely, inspirational post. I am so pleased that blogging has had such a positive impact on your life. Much love and best wishes. xxxxxxx

    alwaysxbeing.blogspot.com

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  21. Happy Blog Birthday! Your pictures are adorable!

    Martine :)
    http://undeniablymartine.blogspot.com

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  22. Happy anniversary!! Really like the pictures on your blog, I'm following ;) X.

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  23. THANK YOU for writing such lovely content and posting such lovely photos!

    www.blahblahbecky.co.uk

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  24. I think we should be raising more than a virtual glass! Happy Blog Birthday, so glad it's energised you and I can't wait to share the next year with you :) xxx

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  25. Congrats My dear :)) Love your blog so much!

    WWW.RENEBRAUN.COM

    Kisses!

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  26. Your story is so inspiring! Women like you are the reason I started my blog too! Congratulations! Keep doing what you love :) http://happylifeinnyc.blogspot.com/

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  27. inspiring story you have here, girl! you are one of those that inspires now..believe it! love your blog, so glad you started it and are continuing it :)

    Miyan

    www.miyan-overseas.blogspot.com

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  28. Congrats to you and your blog. And thank you for sharing your story.

    Many kisses from Madrid,
    Lizette

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  29. aww i love your story and the pictures are absolutely stunning! you look so gorgeous!

    congrats on the 1-year, love!

    xox Vicky
    Bikinis & Passports

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  30. Awww happy blog birthday to you my dear! & what a fab blog it is :) xxxx

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  31. so glad i stumbled across your blog! happy belated bday!

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  32. Congrats on the 1 year!

    www.fashionablecollections.blogspot.com

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  33. Congrats! I hope you have a great blog birthday.

    xo L.

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  34. wow, that's a really inspring story! I'm glad I found your blog and was able to read that :) happy 1-year!

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  35. happy blog birthday! blog birthday stories are always so inspiring. i also love your photos - woohoo for balloons!

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  36. Happy Bloggy B-day! This is so inspiring to me as I've started and stopped a few times. I'm just trying to find my voice, and although photography isn't my thing your words are very inspiring and comforting at the same time. Thank YOU!

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  37. Happy blogaversary Gabi!!!
    I like to read your blog and as I love photography myself I find it inspirational to follow your successes.
    Good luck.
    K.

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  38. Awesome post! A friend linked me in and I was impressed and inspired by your story. It encourages me since I just started my blog recently in hopes of self-discovert and growth. Congratulations of your achievements and happiness... I can tell you are enjoying this new adventure.

    Thanks for sharing!

    xoxo
    singwhenitrains.blogspot.com

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  39. Congratulations! your story is so inspiring, It's so admirable the fact you are so determinate to pursue your dreams and achieve happiness in your own terms, takes courage to do so! ... So happy you started it, your was one of the first I started following and have love each post of it, plus your pictures are always so gorgeous, here's for more years! xx

    <3 Cess O.
    http://blog.cessoviedo.com

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  40. HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY GYPSY*DIARIES!!! Such a lovely story, it's amazing the way life can change! So happy you have a blog and that you share so much of your life with all of us!

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  41. Congrats!!!


    Miranda
    www.indcfashion.com

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  42. wauw this is really really inspiring!!! Loved reading your story, and I hope one day I'll be able what I really want to do too!!
    Happy Birthday Gypsy Diaries :)

    xxx

    lifeisroyalty.blogspot.com

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  43. Your story is truly inspiring. :-) Happy birthday Gypsy Diaries!

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  44. Congratulations! What an inspiring story. I started my blog for some of the very same reasons--I wanted a creative outlet in my life that I felt was missing, and I have a passion for photography. I am excited to see how your blog will grow and evolve during this next year and beyond!

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  45. Congrats on one year, and here is hoping for one more (at least)

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  46. I am so happy for you, dear! Also because you've inspired me to aim for more. I am in my last year in university but I kind of have the feeling that it's not right for me. Like you I've been creative all my life but never excelled in something like some of my peers. Now I'm getting more and more into graphic/web desing and it totally feels like it's meant to be :)
    Good luck with your photography! Everything is possible..if you believe in yourself and work hard!

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  47. Your story is so inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

    xoxo

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  48. happy birthday to gypsy diaries!!! blogging has changed my life a lot too. that's so cool that you were able to quit your job and truly find an outlet you're much more passionate about.

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  49. Happy Birthday, Gypsy Diaries!!
    I love the photoshoot you did for the one year anniversary of your blog... it looks like so much fun!!

    AnUnrefinedGentleman.Blogspot.com

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  50. Gabby this was beautiful! I knew bits and pieces, but to read the whole story start to finish is so moving. In just a year you have become a go to blog for thousands of men and women and you are now inspiring others, as you were inspired. Continue to live this brave brave life and I can't wait to continue following your adventures!

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  51. Happy birthday!

    www.sceneofchangery.blogspot.com

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  52. Happy blog birthday! :)
    I love your blog and some of the posts are really inspiring...I wish you all the best, you deserve it! ;)

    www.sandra-thepuzzleofmylife.blogspot.com

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  53. happy blog birthday and GREAT photos!!!!

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  54. happy bday bloggie :) let´s celebrate!and all the best wishes to your bloggie mama Gaby
    Katarina

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  55. Happy blogiversary! I'm so glad I discovered your blog in the past few weeks. Can't wait to see what's to come in the next year.

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  56. Fabulous story! Filled with hope and inspiration. Happy anniversary/birthday! Wishing you a year ahead that is every bit as wonderful as this one was! Congrats :)

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  57. Happy Birthday to your darling blog! I love stories like this.

    We're just a budding little blog, barely a week in, and look forward to the brand new year ahead...

    Secondhand Star

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  58. This is such an great story! Stories like this inspire me to keep plugging away at my own little blog.

    Thanks for sharing & happy blogiversary... I'm looking forward to seeing your year 2!

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  59. This is such an great story! Stories like this inspire me to keep plugging away at my own little blog.

    Thanks for sharing & happy blogiversary... I'm looking forward to seeing your year 2!

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  60. yay congrats girl! Your blog is so great!! I love the way you have constantly improved it! So talented! My 2 year is at the end of March. Crazy!

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  61. Congrats and happy blog birthday! I've really grown to appreciate photography and may do outfit posts on the blog soon!

    Thanks for your sweet comment and stopping by the blog.
    I'm following now and hope you can follow too!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  62. i discover your blog on its birthdayy :))happy happy yearss:))

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  63. i discover your blog on its birthdayy :))happy happy yearss:))

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  64. Happy Birthday lovely Gypsy*Diaries! I love reading your blog and following you along the road to become what you always wanted to be! Thanks for inspiring me to follow the dreams that we all have!
    Liebe Gruesse, Kristina

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  65. Happy birthday!!!
    i'm a new follower :P

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  66. This is lovely and inspiring. : ) Thanks for stopping by my blog, because now I'm totally smitten with yours! following. xo

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  67. Happy birthday! How exciting to have only been on a year and have so many followers! You are too cute! :)
    http://www.dlynne16.blogspot.com

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  68. This is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing!

    XO,
    Catherine

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  69. Happy Blog Birthday! And thanks for the sweet comment on my polka outfit. :)
    I loved your story about how you changed your life by finding your passions. I'm in the midst of doing the same, so your story really boosted my spirits! Thanks so much for sharing.

    -Lindsey

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  70. Lovely pictures! more and more to come...!!!

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  71. Wow, Gabby, this is SO inspirational to me! I'm in a very similar situation as you and I just started my blog to do something fun and creative. I hope it will help me find my calling too!

    Lidi @ Eclectic Flair

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  72. Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this story with us! This is truely inspiring (especially for new bloggers). :)

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  73. hi Gabby I just found your blog and here I am to tell you happy anniversary and congrats with all your accomplishments! I find myself in a very similar situation and I am grateful to read your story and get even more courage to trust my instincts, so thank you for that! I am your new follower and I can't wait to hear more about your lovely journey!

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  74. This blog is so awesome, it's on fire!!

    Happy anniversary, mama!!

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  75. Happy Bloggoversary to you! I agree with you that blogging has changed my life for the better, and the best thing is meeting and getting to know bright and positive souls through blogging, people like you. I congratulate you on your success and see many more fulfilling years ahead. Salut! -Bella Q
    Enter to Win My Shabby Apple Dress Give-Away- the Citizen Rosebud

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  76. Happy blog birthday! What a sweet and genuinely thoughtful post! xxx

    Finley
    Mommy Chic

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  77. Aww I love this post! So happy for you and all your success... Great photos of you!

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