– photo courtesy of quandun.com
A year ago today I sat in this very seat, laptop balanced carefully on my, well lap of course (*grin). Quite frankly I wasn’t sure what would transpire with my newly acquainted blog. Little did I know what absolutely phenomenal people I would encounter along the way.
I am in awe of the talent that has found its way to WordPress blogs. From intriguing photos to poems that have literally shifted my thinking, I cannot begin to tell you all how much I appreciate you and your gifts. What a collegial community we have here in the, ‘blogosphere’ (I certainly didn’t make this word up, but I wish I had)!
I started my blog due to the prompting from others on Facebook whenever I’d mention something rather strange or bewildering that occurred that day here in the, “Windy City”. It was the take-off point from which I now find myself one year later writing this wee anniversary post.
Thank you to everyone who stops by The Chicago Files. Without sounding too much like a canned speech from someone standing on the rickety steps of a well-worn community hall, I appreciate your comments and kudos immensely. Truly writing is my passion, and to have it acknowledged by you is what makes my heart sing.
– photo courtesy of boscobel.com
Please stop by The Chicago Files anytime; it is because of you I am filled with the joy of writing.





Congratulations on the year Cher! I am so happy that I found your blog and that you are still blogging so beautifully, bringing so much positivity and joy into our lives! Here’s to many more years of your blog! Love and light.x
Well blessings to you my dear Laura! Thank you soooo much for your support, your kind words, and YOUR awesome blog! Muchly appreciated!! Love and light to you, Cher xo
Happy Anniversary Cher!!! 🙂
I can’t wait for another year and another, keep those posts coming! 🙂
Thank you for blogging and being part of our online life. 🙂
Big hugs!!! Congrats! xo 🙂
Thank you so much, Donna! You are the most amazing supporter and I am so hugely grateful!! YEAY and yes, the posts shall keep on coming as long as you don’t mind stopping by!!! With hugs, Cher xo
Congratulations Cher.. Happy Anniversary… xx <3 Hugs Sue
Thank you so much, Sue!!! Hugs, Cher xo
Congrats on the blogaversary!
Thank you, Norm!!! I appreciate that!! Cher xo
Congratulations. The blogosphere is better off because of you.
Awh, Bruce! Thank YOU so much for that! Wow, I sure am a lucky person!! Cher xo
Congratulations ,-) xx
Thank you, my dear! Cher xo
Have a great 2015, Cher! 🙂
Thank you my dear! I can’t wait to read more from you!!! cher xo
Ditto!
YEAY!!!! 🙂
…and I’m looking forward to saying Happy Second Anniversary!!
I’m literally grinning right now! Thank YOU so much!!! I look forward to it!! Cher xo
Congrats on the year, Cher, may you have many more! Hugs from Vegas. 😊
Ah, bless! Thank you so much, John!! Hugs from Chicago back to Vegas!!! Cher xo
congrats & well done!
Thank you so much, Cindy!! I really appreciate it!! Cher xo
Congrats!!! WOW a year goes by quickly!
Awh, thank you so much, darlin! You gave me some superb advice right from the start and I took it to heart (and yes, I rhymed this intentionally)! Love, Comack & Brickey!! ;-P Cher xo
Has it really been a year? The time has flown. To repeat a well-worn phrase: “Time flies by when your having fun.” And fun, indeed. I, and your many followers, have reaped the benefits of your enjoyable stories and critiques of touristy attractions in the Windy City. xo
My dear Carol, you are the most inspiring, thoughtful, and wonderful individual ever! I am so grateful for you, your blog, and for following The Chicago Files. I appreciate all of your comments and wonderful words. Thank YOU, Carol!!! Cher xo
Well done hen.
Ach aye, dear Ronnie! Thank YOU! Cher xo
Congratulations for your first anniversary and many, many thanks for your support too. I agree that there are so many wonderful people in the blog world and the diversity is astounding. Very best wishes for your Year No2.
Well thank you so much! I really appreciate that! Oh yes, it is an amazing ‘place’ and I too agree the diversity is truly astounding. Thank you and I look forward to your posts equally!!! Cher xo
Congratulations!!!! Yay!!! (see confetti falling)
Yay! Thank you, neighbor!!! Cher xo
Woop! Woop! And Timmies for everyone 🙂
YEAH! That’s what I’m talking about!! Thank you, my dear!!! Cher xo
I got a Timmies gift card for Christmas – IT IS ON!!!
YOU DIDN’T!!!!!
DH did good! 🙂
I’d say!!! 🙂
Happy BlogAversary 🙂
Thanks so much, Amber!!! Cher xo
Big Hugs <3
And to you, too!!! <3
Congratulations on 1 year here! I hope this next year is even better.
-David
David, thank you so much!! I really appreciate it immensely!! Cher xo
Congrats Cher. Here’s to many more
Thank you so much, David! And let me just note there will be at least one donut reference (or two) this year. I’ve been rather quiet on the subject, don’t you think? *biggest grin* Cher xo
Happy Anniversary 🙂 Yours is a blog I always look forward to reading. I’m glad to have found it. Thanks for sharing all that you share on your blog.
Well how sweet of you to say! Thank you so much! You have just made my day!! Cher xo
You’re most welcome my friend 🙂 🙂
🙂
Keep on writing, Cher! Congratulations and thank you for sharing … 🙂 Love, Iris.
Ah, my dear Iris! Thank you so much!!! Love, Cher xo
You’ve only been going one year? Wow! I love your blog – shows me aspects of Chicago I never would have known otherwise, taught me geography (still can’t get over that Chicago has a river and it runs green on St Patrick’s Day) and just generally enjoy your comments. Congratulations, Cher – born to blog, Darl! xxx
*LOL* Ah, Mo! Thank you so much for your words! What a crazy little town, this Chicago is, what with water of green and all that! Hahaha!! Blessings to you, my dear! Indeed, you and I ARE born to blog!! Big hugs, Cher xo
Congratulations for the one year anniversary, and many more years to come.
Blessings to you, my dear! Thank you so much for your words!!! Cher xo
You’re welcome
Congratulations of your one year anniversary of your blog…..
Time has flown by and here it is one year already! Congratulations on so very many wonderful posts.
enjoy another fine year ahead, Eddie
Bless you, dear Eddie! I am so grateful for your kind and thoughtful words. I utterly love your blog, and I am looking forward to lots more from you, too!! Cher xo
Congratulations! Great accomplishment 🙂
Hey, congratulations on your One Year Blogging Anniversary! How fun is that?! It is indeed a milestone and one to be celebrated! And what a great way to start a new year. I enjoy reading the Chicago Files. Wishing you many more years of successful blogging!
Thank you so much, my dear! I am extremely grateful for your kind words! 🙂 Cher xo
Thank you for visiting my blog and liking one of my posts. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
Thank you, Natalie, and blessings to you as well!! Cher xo
I started July 2010. I too am so enriched because of the people I have met and a few of us communicate email about our challenges, joys and disappointments. Thanks visit my blog and wish you continued success.
Ah, bless! Thank you so much, dear Carl! I send you the best for continued success as well! Cher xo
Please allow me to congratulate your on your elegant and wonderful post – I am deeply touched when you post and share about Chicago, this was of the schools I was trained for my blues and Jazz – Bravo!!
I am so incredibly grateful for your generous words. Thank you so much!! I am thrilled to know you have a musical connection to this incredibly vibrant and energetic city! Truly, blues and jazz are part of the fabric of Chicago! Thank YOU!!! Cher xo
Thank you Cher – We perform many concerts in Chicago – This is a multi cultural city brings culture, languages and respect together:) Bravo!!
Wonderful! As a Canadian, I am thrilled to live in such a multicultural environment. That is a Canadian distinction that I am proud of, and it’s fantastic to have a similar situation here in the Windy City!! Ah, you perform concerts here! Brilliant!!! Cher xo