2007.9.8 – how i got here and where i’m going

2007 has been grim, at best. I’ve been so wrapped up in the day to day of this year that I totally missed my Backwash Anniversary.

Yes – on the 22nd of August, I would quietly celebrated my 5 year anniversary here at the ’wash. Around that time, I started to get interested in writing again. In an attempt to offer my services to this fledgling site, I emailed SubDiva – in the hopes that things could start anew. It must be something about the end of summer that brings me back to the computer. Back to writing. The thoughts of a long winter to come get me back into hibernation mode and, in turn, get the creative juices flowing. I realize that spring is actually supposed to do that to a person, but, in my case, it seems to be autumn that brings out the writer in me.

Since it has been a bit since my last post, I thought it appropriate to re-introduce myself through this column and take a little walk down memory lane to get reaquainted. So away we go…

Back in the day my polish wasn’t exactly sparkling. When I began writing for Backwash it was my first attempt at column writing, in general. I like to think I’ve come a long way since then, but you be the judge. Here is my first column where I delightfully extolled the virtues of romy and michelle’s high school reunion. Since I had just attended my 10 year high school reunion it was more than appropriate. Not exactly polished, as I mentioned, but the best I could do at the time.

Remember also, that Backwash was quite the place to be back then. In 2002, this place was humming with excitement. We were on the forefront of the online writing community. Essentially, the first online community to introduce the combination of journal writing with link placement. We intertwined our link ideas with our journalling ideas and it was really one of the great places to be at the time. Before “blogs” were a cultural norm, Backwash was on the “blogging” page, with a twist.

After a few months of writing here at Backwash I began to find my internet “legs” and wrote the following piece, Roe v. Wade turns 30, that talked about the 30 year anniversary of one of the most important events in women’s rights history. This article was truly a turning point for my Backwash career and got much feedback from the community of journalists and readers that frequented our space at the time.

Around that time there were also many other great journals being written here at Backwash. Here are a few of my favourites – How to be a Zine Queen by Bonnie of Grrl Gets the Goods, I am the Wind by Laura of Bewitching Vagabond, Sociology by Crazyapess of Outside of Society and Healing, Moving On, Yeah, You Betcha by GlamKitty of Eclectic GlamKitty Living Despite the Odds.

These are just a few of the myriad of writers that were active at this time in Backwash history. It saddens me to think that many of the original and even second and third wave writers here at the ’wash, have hung up their online writing badges. Some have moved on to bigger and better things – witness one of my very own mentees – Jessa Crispin of Bookslut, Media Junkie. Unfortunately, her Backwash column has been deleted, but you should know that she did get her start here before her bookslut site took off like a rocket!

Another former Backwasher who has taken off with her own blog is Jodi of Hawaiian Punch in Cocktail Glasses, who has moved on to blog fame with “I Will Dare”.

As you can see – Backwash has been a catalyst for many great writers along the way and it is truly a shame the shape it is in now.

Ringy – where are you when we need you?!?!?!

Anyway – continuing on my melancholy trip down memory lane – here are a few of my own favourite columns – What Became of the Jingle from February 2003, What Is Your Rush? from July 2003, Hug A Soldier from November 2003, The Bane of One’s Existencefrom July 2004 and so much to say… from April 2005. My only regret in sending you to these links is that the comments fro each article have been wiped out. It is unfortunate that you will not be able to take a gander at the remarks made toward me and on my behalf. Still – the articles hold up, as do many many others here at the ’wash.

Hopefully, we will get a renaissance. I can dream, right?

Peace, Hippiegrrl

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