Four years ago today, we launched our website and blog, announced it to all our friends, and held our breath. Would people come? Were we wasting our time and money? The answers surprised us and we're tickled to be here today celebrating because yes, people did come and no, we weren't wasting our time and money!So much has changed since our very first blog post. Of course we shoved Problem Child out front and made her go first in her role as ceremonial canary in the mineshaft. When she didn't croak, we each took our turn. Since that time, with guest bloggers we've posted about 1300 blogs. 1300! We've posted over 150 industry interviews, articles and book recommendations, too. Who knew we had that much to say? Well, we not only had things to say, but we had people to listen, too. A huge Playground thank you to everyone who shows up on the blog and the website, comments, and makes us feel like we're doing something worthwhile. You're really special to us. We (heart) you guys.
Ack. I refuse to get misty! (::world peace, world peace::) One sure cure for the sappiness is cabana boys! Let's get this party started. It wouldn't be a Playground birthday without our favorite drink - the Teeter Totter, petit fours from our local bakery, a chocolate fountain, and of course - our crew of highly...uh, talented... and scantily clad cabana boys here to indulge your every desire. Scratch that... most desires. We're not running that kind of joint.
So, have Raoul bring you a drink, give you a back rub and let's celebrate four great years! Today, please share how long you've been hanging out with us and your favorite part of the Playground. One commenter will receive a fabulous prize featuring an assortment of books, a DVD, tea, Vera Bradley notepads, fuzzy socks and other goodies in a tote bag.
SP
89 comments:
I be the first to comment and maybe I will get a Cabanna boy for the day!
Congrat to the playground gals for four years!
To be honest I am not sure how long I have been hanging out here but I know its been a year or two. I must be getting kind of old and my memory is not as good as it use to be. I love the playground and I usually stop by on most days and read the post. I may not always comment but I come by and check on you gals. Its a great place!
Happy Birthday to the Playground. I been hanging out at the Playground for over a year. I love reading posts about what's going on with the Playfriends in their personal lives and their writing. I ready to place my drink order with Raoul.
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!! You gals have done a lot to add some sparkle to my life and I really appreciate it.
Have fun with the Cabanna Boys. :-)
Happy Birthday! I'll have a massage and a teeter totter, please. :-) Raoul is going to be busy today!
Morning everyone! Some of you guys started partying pretty early. No complaints here, just don't wear the boys out too soon. :)
I think I'm going to have a hot chocolate with mini marshmallows to go with my petit four. Breakfast of champions.
My favorite part of the last four years has to be my ladies. I can't even imagine my life with out you guys. <3
Yay!!! It's our birthday!!
I'm all misty-eyed. I can't imagine how I went so many years before I had my Playfriends -- and that includes you Honorary Playfriends too!
Party On!
Happy 4th Birthday to the Playground! I've been visiting here for a little over 2 years(found you thru the Soapbox Queens) and love coming by each day.
Think I'll start off with a peppermint hot chocolate and a petit four. Of course a massage would really make my day start off great too. Did Raoul bring some sexy friends to help out today?
It's like 35 degrees here and I hope Raoul has a nice pot of hot tea and maybe a bagel and cream cheese? I'll start off the day with that and progress to the other stuff for lunch.
Oh Raoul! I'm ready for my massage now!
I <3 all the Playfriends. I don't know how I would have made it through the last year without you.
In case the rest of you don't know this, never ever underestimate the value of good girlfriends.
It's a known fact, the reason women live longer than men is cos they have better friends!
Happy birthday ladies, I love your blog.
BTW that Raoul's pretty fiesty..
Good morning! Getting misty eyed at 8:30 AM wasn't exactly on my agenda today but I think it was inevitable. I don't know how I ever made it through my life without the sisters of my heart I've found here - the Playfriends. You guys inspire me and humble me and lift me up when I need it most. I love you guys.
Happy Birthday! Now where is that Raoul?
Instigator
Happy Birthday, Playfriends! Wow, four years! I remember hearing Kimberly talk about this idea that y'all had for this website and it sounded like such an undertaking. Well, my glass of champagne is raised to y'all this morning because you have made this place a fabulous success. I've loved watching the five of you grow in your writing careers, reading the blogs, reading the articles, etc. This is a happy place to hang out:-)
I'm proud to be
PC's CP
Happy Birth-Day, Mr. Prezzzzideeeeeeeeeeeeent. "What?" "Oh!" (snicker) I thought you were Jack! Jack! Why is the rum always gone?
(Poked in shoulder) Oh, yes. Sorry. This has been the most fabuloussss of all placesss to come for 4 years, my talented friendsss. Between us, you serve tasty rum and luscious cabana boys, but I've only got eyes for Jack, and sometimes Pam's hubby. (Oops did I say that?) I meant Jack, me cap'n. Cap'n of the palms. And rum. Where's be the rum?
I digress. Hmmm... Must be the rum. I toast you with a petit four and nibble on me rum in celebration. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else, especially when your serving rum. Did I mention I like the rum?
OOps, me white dress just flew up past me netherregions. (giggle) Jack, you sly dog....
Happy Birthday! I love the Writing Playground. I have been coming here for a couple of years.
I enjoy all the posts about your writing journey, the guest posts and the contests.
You ladies are going to wear Raoul out. Ernesto! Carlos! Miguel! We need assistance, mijos!
Woah!!! Kathy's hitting the rum early. We might want to assign her a special cabana boy to keep her out of trouble. :)
4 years. I really can't believe it. The Playground is a great place, if I do say so myself. Not only do I get to bond with my sisters, but I have made some great new friends and learned tons along the way.
I think I'll go with hot chocolate too! But petit fours are a must. Keep the cyber food coming all day, boys! And have a bite or two to keep up your strength. I believe Carlos has a nice pair of hands.... Oh Carlos, a massage please!!!
Angel
I think I found you a few months after you started and I realized I was moving to Alabama. :) I've been blogging a little longer than y'all (I think July 05 was my entry into the blog world), and I've probably been coming here since about Spring of 06.
It was great to know there were friendly writers who were waiting in Alabama, and y'all didn't disappoint when I arrived. :)
So hand me some of that hot chocolate (too early for alcohol yet) and how about a lovely neck rub? Many congrats on 4 years!
Happy Birthday Playground and Happy Anniversay! I enjoy your posts which are interesting, uplifting and unique. What a great place to hang out. Best wishes and may all your dreams come true.
Congratulations for a sucessful four years and Happy Birthday! I'm sad to say I've never visited the playground before today, but happy that I've found you now, which of course led me to Raoul. Speaking of...just a tad to the left, sweetie, aaah, yes. That's ths spot...uhm, sorry, I got distracted for a second. Where was I? Oh yeah. Thanks for having this party and I look forward to visiting the playground more often. After all, who doesn't like to play?
June (one of Danielle's Ruby sisters)
There just something alluring about a man with a foreign name, isn't there? Why do the cabana boys always have a foreign name? Where's Giuseppe, Guido, and Liugi? ;)
And where's Jack?
Angel, a pirate wench can hold her rum. But the biggest trick of all, is to make others believe your besotted with more than a hunger for cabana boys.
And apparently I can't spell today. Must be the rum....
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!!!! I found the blog about 3 years ago and I have loved every minute of it. You girls are great and many thanks to you for your inspiration over the years.
Now...on with the party. First, I won't some of whatever Kathy has gotten hold of and then a nice soothing massage from one of those fine looking cabana boys!
Happy Birthday, all! It's no small task starting and keeping up a successful blog. Great job!
Congratulations on four fabuous years! I enjoy reading about your road to getting published, your successes, your guest authors and just everyday observations.
Happy Birthday/Anniversary! One of your talented writers on the Playground needs to write a blog about your the five of you met and formed this fabulous group. Thanks for ALL of the support you have given to your Playground Monitor.
Happy Birthday! It's been a joy to watch you all play and grow.
Ohhh Juan, I'll have a chocolate martini and a massage, please.
Joyce
No need to enter me for anything. Marilyn dropped me the link to this party (happy birthday, btw!) and asked me to post it for you at Win a Book.
We'd love to post more for you. I promise not to bite if you send us links!
Happy Anniversary,
I enjoy your blog! I have been visiting for the last 2 or 3 months.
Happy Birthday to a genuine Destination Blog and a bunch of extremely talented, delightful,fun writers. I'm kissing Raoul for all of you!
xoxo
Rocki
Congratulations!!!!!
Gee I've been coming here from the beginning. I can't remember when this wasn't the first blog that I went to everyday. My favorite part is the interaction and how everyone talks to each other and the variety is wonderful too. Bring on the margaritas :)
Hello Lurkers and new commentors! It's so good to see you! Our cabana boys are the best...
It's been a fab 4 years. So many new friends, so much fun. And I do remember my first post. It was very short. I think eight people read it :-)
And we're all about sharing the linky-love around here. We love having folks over to play, and we're always up for a play date!
Happy Birthday, Danniele and friends. Lifting a cup to many more.
Happy 4th Birthday Writing Playground Ladies! Woohoo!
Raoul, please pass me some champagne. Thanks! A big toast to all the ladies for the super, duper, blog!
If memory serves me right, I have been visiting the Playground, off and on, for about 2 1/2 years. It is so wonderful discovering new authors here and reading about their books.
The Writing Playground is a great place to catch up on all your favorite authors, discover new ones, make new friends and have fun!
"POP"!!! Another toast to all the ladies for an awesome job!
HAPPY FRIDAY 13th!!!
Happy 4th Birthday!
I've only been blogging/checking out different sites and forums for about three months and it's hard to keep up sometimes. You girls have kept this up for four years and I'm impressed.
Did you know each other before hand? How did you meet? Why the playground theme? I love what you're doing here and the background would generate more interest, perhaps. Maybe it's already here somewhere and I just haven't found it yet.
In that case, just point me in the right direction...but let me stop off for a massage first. The beach looks heavenly, the cabana boys...divine. Keep up the good work girls.
Just learned about this blog today because of one of the Harlequin blogs, but should have found it myself before since I love Kimberly Lang's books! And nothing like a cabana boy to make the day great. Happy birthday, Writing Playground. Many more to come!
Happy Birthday! I started coming to your blog a few months ago, I love reading about authors and their books.
I think I've been here for about 2 years now, just lurking . . . lurking . . . lurking.
Your blog is fab. I've learned alot and Problem Child's posts have made me laugh at just the right times.
Here's to many more years (and books!) ahead.
Oh, and is there someway I can request a naked cabana boy, preferably Spanish? To me, half-naked means only half the fun.
Okay, back to my hole . . .
Barbara
Usurped by a mere cabana boy? It's a crime and I shall have to dull the sting of rejection with a thimblefull of rum. Or perhaps several thimblesfull.
Happy birthday!
Your formerly obedient servant,
J. Sparrow
Happy anniversary!
Every time I've hung out here, I've had a ball. I'm the Swot, remember? :)
My favourite part of the blog is the author interviews. I love discovering new authors and checking out their books.
Now Raoul, my drink needs a top up and my feet are in desperate need of a rub...
Congratulations on 4 years!! I actually just found you guys earlier this week through a friend's blog. And I've been lurking every since. I look forward to future visits.
Happy Anniversary!
I'm really not sure how long I've been hanging out with you. A couple of years, at least.
Also my favourite part of the blog is the author interviews.
Congrats on your 4 year anniversary, and wishing you many more years!! What a great giveaway!! Nice of you to throw Raoul in for all of us too!!! Thanks, Sue
Happy anniversary! Or birthday! Or whatever! HAPPY! :)
Congrats on four years! I just found you but will be returning often...hopefully this is just the beginning!
Oh *hello* Raoul! Happy birthday, Writing Playground! Congratulations - four years is a big deal!
Love your newsletters. :X Now if only I could be better about visiting the blog...
Hullo! I don't know when I discovered you, but I stop in every once in while. Happy, happy birthday!
I'll have a Fuzzy Navel, please. :)
WOW, look at all of the people here wishing you a Hapy Birthday!
This has been such a fun place to visit the past four years. I've enjoyed your posts especially when you all go to Nationals because I've never been able to go and you make me feel like I'm there along with all of you!
Happy Birthday ladies.....Cheers!
YAY!!! A very Happy Birthday Playground. I just found you today thanks to a blog on I Heart Presents. So I guess that makes me the new kid. I’ve read through everyone’s comments and you all sound like a friendly and welcoming bunch, I’m sure I’ll feel right at home in no time.
So I’m going to place my order for a rum ‘n’ coke and try and persuade Kathy to share Captain Jack…possibly enter into a discussion on time-sharing…Hmm Captain Jack…drool…
Oops, where was I? Oh yes, so now that I’ve found you, I need to check out all the neat playground equipment and make friends with you all so I can be here next year to wish you Happy 5th Birthday…and many, many more :-)
Happy Birthday...I just recently stumbled over to your blog...it's great. I visit often ;)
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Wow! What a great bunch of party girls!!! I'm so glad to see all of you here. And thanks to my Ruby Slippered Sisters (Golden Heart finalists of 2009) for chiming in. Waves!!!
Shame on all you ladies who lurk! We can't have fun all by ourselves (well, actually, we can, but we don't want to). Throw us a comment every now and then to let us know you are visiting!
And to all of you who expressed how much you like the author interviews, don't forget we post one every month on the main website in the Sandbox.
And starting on November 30th we'll have a whole Guest Blogger week! From Monday to Friday we'll have a different author each day for y'all to meet. I'm sure there will be prizes given away too, so check back in each day.
How did the Playfriends meet?
Through our local RWA writers group. Instigator and I joined first (we were the first to join that group with small kids, we even were pregnant with our last children together), then the other girls came one by one. We just all happened to click.
You know how you meet some people you just automatically connect with? We were like that. Though we are different ages, write different genres of romance, each have a unique voice, and are in a few different stages of life, we felt a close connection that transcended those things.
Aaahhh, now I'm getting verklempt...
Angel
Does Raoul have anything left to drink?
I've been out most of today, trying to get ahead on my words for NaNo since tomorrow is our RWA chapter meeting and I won't get to write. I've also done a little Christmas shopping. I might actually be finished before December at this rate. ::gasp::
Thanks to all of you for sharing Raoul... er... our birthday with us. And do come back again cause you just never know what we might have up our collective sleeves.
Why a Playground theme?
The five of us have the priviledge of being nicknamed the "Children" by our Mavens and Mentors--Beverly Barton, Linda Winstead Jones, and Linda Howard. These women have taught us more than I could have ever imagined, and encouraged us on our writing journeys.
When we decided to put together a website, we wanted to play off the Children theme, and what better place to play than a Playground? From there, we brainstormed all the various parts of our online world, from the Sandbox, Library, School, Roll Call, and the locker room (have you visited yet? There are hunky guys!). :) It was so much fun!
And in January we'll be doing a revamp of our main website, hopefully to make it even more fun and user friendly. Can't wait to unveil that!!!
Angel
Don't even talk to me about NaNo count, PM!!! I'm so far behind... Only 1300 today so far.
I think I need a drink. Teeter Totter!!!!
Angel
Pass the tissues, please. Yes, the five of us just seemed to click. I'm not quite sure when PC, SP and I joined the RWA chapter in relation to each other. But it was pretty close in time I think. I still remember when the other four asked me if I would be interested in a group website. I was so excited to be invited to join the cool kids. :-)
We're the cool kids? I've never been a cool kid. :-)
I'm so happy to see everyone celebrating with us today! We love when our lurkers come out to play (ahem...you should do it more often :-) We promise not to bite. Well...unless you want us to). And we always love meeting new people. And sharing our journeys and lives with you guys.
I think Angel pretty much covered the story of our beginnings. But what I think I love the most about these women - aside from their unwavering and unconditional support - is that we all seem to fill in the gaps for each other. Where I'm weak someone else is strong. Where I"m strong I can help one of my other sisters. We just seem to fit together, like the pieces of a puzzle.
Instigator - who isn't talking about words today. I haven't gotten a single one so far. Although I'm turning off the internet and opening my doc as soon as I hit send. Seriously. I swear.
Congratulations guys on your 4th birthday!
I guess I have been around since your playground monitor (M)sent me the invite when you started. Doesn't seem that long ago, i guess time does fly when you are having fun.
It has been fun hanging around with y'all in the sandbox. Nobody got worms or anything (hehe).
Here is to the next year.
I predict a year of lots more sun and fun in your playground.
Now send Raoul over to my lounge chair so I can get a Teeter Totter and some of the petit fours, I am famished and thirsty.
Don't forget to check in Monday for the winner of today's prize pack giveaway!!!
Angel
Raoul. Raoul. Raoul. Where for oust thou Raoul? There be a finer gent to be had in Cap'n Jack Sparrow, wenches.
Come here lovey. (I say to Jack) I'm not through with you yet. Mary, won't get a chance to offer you more than a thimbleful of rum. My goblet is quite full and tempting. ;)
Well, we've sung to presidents. Oops, my bad. We hailed your birthday/anniversary. To be sure it is a blessed event. Jack and I have had quite a time on the teeter totter. Rum makes the world go round on the merrygoround and Jack has a mighty awesome Schwing!!!! Ooh, I've enjoyed myself emmensely.
Can Jack and I crash your partays for four more years?
Oops, Daniele, I'm late for the party. Happy Birthday all of you, terrific job!
Well clearly Raoul has hopped it with Juliet and Kathy is still hogging the rum AND Captain Jack…*pout*…so unfair, the new kid never gets to have any fun on her first day…
But wait! Who is this masked stranger charging in on his trusty steed? Can it be? Yes…yes it is—it’s Zorro and he’s come to snatch the rum from Kathy’s death-like grip and sweep me off my feet…sigh…
Bye Captain Jack…
Thanks for the rum, Kathy, I’m to party with Zorro…*waves and swoons in Zorro’s arms*…
LOL, Mary…
Wow! Zorro?!?! We've just got all kinds of hero-types hanging around today, haven't we? :)
Well, I'm off to bed. The liquor has made me quite sleepy. I'm not telling which cabana boy I'm dragging with me, either... Yummy, yummy! :)
Angel
Okay, I'm back. Mercy, what a day. I need a drink. And Raoul.
So many new faces on the Playground! Welcome! We're so glad you're here! However you found us, we're happy you did, and we hope you'll continue to visit.
I think Angel answered most of the posted questions, but if any got missed, just let us know. We're not shy when it comes to talking about ourselves. (That's why most folks around here know far to much about my underwear issues...)
I know I've been gone awhile, but wow. Lampshades on heads, people passed out under tables with cabana boys... Must've been one heck of a party.
I say we sleep if off and party the rest of the weekend!
Congrats on 4 years!! Break out the champagne cocktails and Here's to 4 more!
I just started following your blog but have popped in a time or two in the past couple months.
If you are telling all, explain how each of you got your playground names. I understand "Playground Monitor" and "Angel" but "Instigator","Smarty Pants" and "Problem Child" need explanations.
Been lurking, reading and learning for the last year.
Love the author interviews and live in hope that one day it will be me.
Meantime I'll have the handsome man, some harlequin books to read and a strawberry daiquiri........
Raoul/Growl - see it rhymes! Happy Birthday Writing Playground! Here's to the next 4 years and more... Take care. Caroline x
Our names, well... our alter egos aren't really that "alter."
Our Angel really is an angel -- very sweet, often my moral compass, doesn't stir up trouble, and tries to peacemake and make everyone happy.
Instigator -- well, she instigates stuff, often trying to lead Angel astray.
Smarty Pants is truly a smarty pants. She's our computer guru and resident techie, but she also has a dry sense of humor that's often sarcastic. So the moniker fits in more than one way.
The Playground Monitor looks after us all.
And Problem Child? I have no idea why they gave me that nickname... ::Grin::
Morning everyone!
As for names... Instigator always cooks up trouble then gets Problem Child to do it and get in trouble. Smarty Pants is pretty simple... I'm a geek and all around know it all.
I need a bloody Mary and another petit four. Miguel? Necicito una bebida!
Happy Birthday!!
I've just discovered The Playground this year and it's WONDERFUL!! Major congratulations to the ladies of the The Writing Playground and I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you!!
Happy B-day to the Playground. Congrats on 4 great years. Hope you have many many more....
I'm new to the playground and plan on playing for as long as the grounds are open. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.
denwal1@aol.com
Happy (hic) birthday to you...but what are you doing serving alcohol in a playground!?
First visited this site as a guest earlier this month...you're such a friendly bunch. wish you many more successful years,
luv,
annie burrows
Just found you guys - crashing the party!
Congratulations on four years!
I found the blog about 4 years ago from another blog.I enjoy reading all the blog post.Please enter me in the giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.
I have been a visitor for a couple of years now. It is very informtive and easy to navigate. I also like the contests
Happy birthday, ladies! Boy, is that chocolate fountain a sight for sore eyes! Raoul gives awesome shoulder rubs.
Congrats on the fourth birthday!
I have been hanging around for about 2 years now.
I love the comments and support from this group. I tend be hiding in the background but I am around!!
thanks!
The Playfriends have been off at our chapter meeting today, but we're glad to see we still have some hearty folks partying on!
We won't pick the winner until Sunday night, so keep speaking up (and, I've been so excited about all our new friends and lurkers coming out of lurkdom, I'm going to toss in an extra prize!)
great 4 yours been here about 2 years
keep it going ladies
keep teh dirinks an dboys coming
great hangout thanks
kh
Wow! You guys have really made this an awesome party!
I'm in serious need of a buttershots spiked hot chocolate this morning to kick start my brain into functioning. I'm about to banish myself to the writing cave and I've instructed Zilla (my wonderful husband for everyone who's new) to barricade the entrance until I've finished with these chapters.
Anyone else have questions for us though? I'm really enjoying this stroll down memory lane. :-)
Instigator
I'm still not functioning well after being gone all day yesterday.. I mean, partying so much. :)
Yesterday was our local chapter meeting, where the playfriends tend to laugh, joke, and talk our way through. They have a hard time keeping us quiet. It doesn't help that PC is the president.
Waving at all the visitors I missed! Thanks for dropping by.
Angel
What a party! That Raoul is quite the guy, isn't he?
We were asked about our nicknames. Mine probably came about because when we went to a conference together for the first time (I think Angel missed that one) I told them in a kind but motherly tone that if they went out clubbing I would not bail them out of jail. LOL! They declined to go out, stayed at the hotel and behaved and since then we've all bailed each other out of lots of jams, none of which include jails or law enforcement officials.
I was introduced to the Playground at a local writer's workshop a couple of months ago. If a remember correctly, PC and Instigator were two of the speakers while Angel and SP facilitated the workshop.
Anyway, I stop by often now. Since the workshop and daily visits here, I even got up enough courage to enter by first ever writing contest. Happy Birthday!!
It's never too late to congratulate a group of people on their fourth blogging anniversary and although I've been unable to get here before now I do want to congratulate you. I've been hanging out here just about a year or maybe less and although I don't always get here on the day of your post I try to make it often. And sometimes I don't make a comment but I do read your posts. Hope you have many more years of blogging.
So I've finally finished partying with Zorro. He turned out to be one of the Cabanna boys in disguise...naughty boy...(VERY naughty boy *g*)
(Hope Kathy had a blast with Captain Jack...)
We drank all the rum, danced the night away...I think I might have gaven him a display of my version of the River Dance!!! It was bad! I was drunk! We won't talk about it ever again.
BUT...I had a great time at your party, and hope you invite me to the next one *big hopeful grin*
I'm pretty sure I was here at the very beginning. I seem to have been a bit lost this past year and can't seem to find the time to show up on time. I'm usually here days after the post has appeared to peak in on weekends. I've enjoyed reading all the posts!
Please enter me in this giveaway. walkerd@primus.ca
Post a Comment