J-land Anniversary Blog

Thank You From The Bottom of my Heart

2008-08-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody! It's me Waitressangel. I would like to express my gratitude to all of my friends here in Jland.

I would name all of you but then I know I would forget someone and you'd have to kill me.

Just kidding.

There are so many of you who have seen me from the very beginning of my journal. Alot has happened to me in the past 5 years....Let's see....There was my son's leaving home and then graduating from Chef school. My parents and all of the wonderful times I spent with them to unfortunately their passing this year. My little angel dog Tiny who was so well known here sometimes people would write for me to tell her Hello. And now we have Sadie Marie who livens up any crowd. I have had many ups and downs. Been through 3 jobs....and you were all there to see me through,

give me advice and just be there to listen. There is NO WAY I could tell you just how much that means to me....You know some people (who don't have journals) are clueless when it comes to the many bonds we have formed with people we have grown to love and trust...that we have never physically met before.

I have laughed with you

I have cried with you

I have checked in to see about you.

I have and will always love and adore you.

God Bless you my dear friends. xoxBarb

A Most Joyous Celebration

2008-08-24T04:12:00.000-07:00

It's not often you get to thank people you've never met for the open heartedness and generosity of spirit they've shown, now it's lo these 5 years. Amazing time. In looking back over my early posts I see how sadly serious I was about so much - writing about it and knowing people actually read those words made a big difference in my life. I'll always be grateful to this Land of J and hope never to stop tapping out my dreams and schemes. Love to all of you, Cathy

http://journals.aol.com/luddie343/DARETOTHINK/

Happy Anniversary J-land

2008-08-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hi, I made my first entry on the 22nd November 2007 and Eternity began. When I made that first entry I had no idea what journals was really about. Since then I have discovered this wonderful community of love and support. That night I "fell" into the journals chat room and met Guido, who along with many others have been my guiding light through J-land. J-land has become very important too me the freindships I have formed here have become and important part of my life.

I have 2 other "blogs" elsewhere and have not experienced the welcome, support and friendship I have here.

Thank-you J-land for being so special...

...raising my coffee cup.... here's to many more years of a wonderful community.

congratulations

mrs t (michele)

http://journals.aol.co.uk/mleppard06/eternity/

Happy Birthday

2008-08-23T03:11:00.000-07:00

I think this is wonderful that a community of people can come together and share their thoughts and ideas and lifes with one another! I myself have been blogging for over 2 years. My first journal for those who may remember it was At the base of the Mountains. I had to delete that one and now have my current one... Starting life over at 40 (adirondack country gal). I truly enjoy keeping a journal and find it very helpful to get my feelings out there and little bits and pieces of my life also. Thanks for all my friends and readers for being there for me!

Linda

Community Makes the Difference

2008-08-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

To everyone in the J-Land Community! I've been reading all the posts that were already here. And it occurs to me that "community" is the key to the whole "feel" of J-Land. How'd this occur? Maybe it was kick-started because at first it was for AOL Members only. The ease of recognizing a screen name and cultivating a relationship. Everyone had at least thier ISP and some software in common.

The fact that the "Notify AOL" button is close at hand works somewhat like the cop walking his beat thru a neighborhood. That AOL itself is somewhat like everyone's favorite yet often annoying uncle. Offering help when needed. And giving us all something to grouse about together. ;o)

But more than anything I believe it is those who came first to settle this frontier that set the mold. And overwhelmingly thier support and warmth has been passed on to each successive wave of entrants.

I can honestly say that I have not met anyone here that I do not like. And no one has ever made me to feel belittled or beleaguered nor unwelcomed.

May we be faithful to carry the tradition forward. To preserve this corner of the web in the pristine condition in which we found it.

Barbara

http://journals.aol.com/bhbner2him/LifeFaithinCaneyhead/

Anniversary Blog!

2008-08-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary J-land!!!! Thank you all for being a wonderful part of my life... for letting me whine, and share all the different parts of my life with you!!!

Joann

http://journals.aol.com/preciousone25/JoannsWeightLossJourney/

Wow~5 Years !

2008-08-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Anniversary AOL JLand!

My first entry was May 6, 2005, so I've just been around a little over three years. I got started because my daughter had a journal and she was always telling me about the great people she was meeting. Unfortunately, she has since stopped journaling.

But, I'm hooked! I only wish there were more hours in the day, so I could read more journals than I do now. Sometimes I find myself on overload when it comes to alerts....but I do my best to eventually catch up.

When I was a teenager I had several Pen Pals from different countries. I like to consider my JLand friends my "electronic Pen Pals."

I have met some very dear people since that day a little over 3 years ago. I've been privileged to be apart of their lives thru the good times and bad...the happy times and sad. We've celebrated births of grand children, and mourned the deaths of loved ones and friends. We've banded together when "nasty Nates" have left rotten comments. And we've welcomed new journalers into our midst.

My hope is that we continue to uphold each other at all times and remember that behind every computer keyboard is a living breathing person. Mom used to say "think before you speak." In this day and age we need to remember to "think before we type."

Happy JLand Anniversary~may there be many, many more !

Linda in beautiful western Washington state http://journals.aol.com/lsfp1960/LindasWorld/

Tags: 5 years AOL Journals/Blogs

Happy Anniversary

2008-08-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

WOW ! Time goes by when your having fun. I started my journal , A Couple of Nomads , on December 20, 2003, almost 5 years ago. I never imagined that so many people who didn't know each other would care

so deeply for each other. It seems we all have smiled with one another and sometimes cried. In times of need we pray together as we would for a family member. I guess that's why we feel like one big and diverse family. Happy Anniversary to all. Dawn

2008-08-21T21:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary!!'

Silly me, I just left a comment in the introduction entry. Then....I saw the entry button at the top here.

Anyways, my anniversary entry is here:

http://journals.aol.com/mleighin21st/iwasthinking.../

:) Leigh

And Many More!

I'm glad to be a part of this community

2008-08-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

I'm John. My AOL blog is too stubborn to die.

I have been writing a JLand blog for less than a year now, about which I have received many thoughtful and concerned comments. I knew two years earlier, however, that JLand was a caring community where people would take the time and go to the effort to support and encourage others who they had never actually met. Even before I had gotten my bone marrow transplant, I was receiving a great deal of traditional mail from JLanders literally around the world wishing me well and offering thoughts and prayers that my transplant would go well. My wife, Krissy, often told me about the outpouring of concern for both of us in the comment section of her blog, and would read aloud comments left there for me by JLanders.

After my transplant, while I was an inpatient at Hershey Medical Center, Krissy would bring to my patient room each morning a stack of cards and letters from JLanders inquiring about my health and wishing both of us well. At Hope Lodge, where Krissy lived while I was hospitalized, the staff would keep our abundance of mail at the lodge office and would jokingly ask her if we had a fan club. The warmth and affection generously offered by JLanders played a large part in keeping my spirits lifted during the long year I spent in the hospital. All of you have my most sincere gratitude.

I learned that JLanders represented the best that humanity had to offer. Your interest in others continues today, not just for my wife and me, but also for other JLanders and people in general.

Happy Fifth Anniversary, JLand! Your mutual interest and support for each other makes JLand a uniquely welcoming place.

Tags: JLand, 5 year anniversary, AOL blogs, blogplugs

~ What's the Buzz ~

2008-08-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Five years... congrats JLand! I had several entries for today written in my head. They were long and detailed. Well, as detailed as I get. Instead it can be summed up in a few words. I came to JLand about 3 years ago. It's been a roller coaster ride. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The big picture.. there are some great folks out there. I've made great friends. Had support during all the ups and downs. When life threw me a curve last year, and with my sister's passing in November you came in droves. You held my hand, held my head, and dried my tears. There are no words that can say what my heart feels, but know I appreciate your friendship. The good far outweighs the bad and I look forward to another 5 years.

The entries here are a testament to a great community. Hundreds strong, hundreds proud. I am proud to be part of all that is good here. Hope to see you all in chat.

Congrats to everyone!

hugs

Tags: anniversary

My Day and Thoughts

2008-08-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

On April 15,2004 I started my blog My day and Thoughts. I honestly did not think I would stick with it. Here I am almost 4 and a half years later still writing. It has been an outlet for my happiness and sadness. Through the journals I have met strangers that have become friends. Some friends that passed in the night, some that crossed into the light, and some that I have hugged with my arms. I will always cherish every moment I have spent here, even the painful ones.
Thank you for being here for me.

Free Comments and Graphics

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND

2008-08-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't journaled for five years but I've made some lifetime friends that without them I don't know if I'd even be here. You all know who you are. Every day for four years I've came to J-Land and visited you as well as wrote my daily life story. I've watched births, and deaths, through pictures and stories. I've seen your children grow up and go to school, some graduate and others get married. I've seem divorces and marriages and all because you write every day in that little journal and then leave it out in the open for us all to see into your heart. It is like getting to visit everywhere each day. Only a few of us have had the rare privilege to meet each other in person.
I am thankful I have gotten to share all of this with you and am looking forward to many more years of life with you all.

Congratulations, AOL for a successful outlet for people to develop friendships.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND!

Nelishia

http://journals.aol.com/nelishianatl/Prayingandbelieving/

Private Journal

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY #5 J-LAND~

2008-08-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

I made an anniversary in my journal From Here to There I've been part of the J-Land family for just under 4 years. My first entry was in response to my son John's Weekend Assignment on Sept. 16, 2004. I fell in love with J-Land that day and have been here loving it since then.

Tags: J-Land Anniversary

5 YRS OF J-LAND!

2008-08-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 5th ANNIVERSARY J-LAND!

J-Land has been a big part of my life since I started my first journal,
almost 3 yrs ago.
There are no kinder & caring neighbors than J-Landers,
I feel honored to have met (online) those who read my journals.
You have shared the ups & downs with me over these past few yrs,
& I honestly don't know what I would have done without you.
I feel privileged to have you in my life,
& honored that you've allowed me to be a part of yours.
I could have written a l-o-n-g entry,
but can sum it all up in this short post. ;)
May the good Lord bless each of you.

A LITTLE BIT OF SUGAR, PLEASE (private) about me
MY BELOVED FURR BABIES about my pets
SUGAR SHACK KEEPSAKES the graphics/tags I make
J-LAND PET MEMORIAL pet memorial for all our dear pets
African Memories my missionary trips long ago
Honduras & Philippines Remembered same as above

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY NO. 5, J-LAND!

2008-08-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to journaling through my then girlfriend, now wife, who has journaled for four of the five years that AOL has had journals. My journal is The First Amendment, Not Politically Correct, which I started July 7, 2007. I have been "hooked" ever since! For years I had wanted some type of vehicle to express my thoughts and post information that isn't seen in the mainstream news media in the U.S. I grew up listening to shortwave radio and noting the huge difference in the accounts of events between the BBC in London and the American press (the BBC has been regarded as long as I can remember as the most objective news source in the world). This was very frustrating to me, and I only had limited means, mainly word-of-mouth, to pass along what I learned. Now, amazingly enough to me, the technology exists where I can post something and people not only in the U.S. can access it and comment on it, so can people in other parts of the world, in just a few minutes!! No, I don't take Internet technology for granted, and I don't take J-Land for granted either!

Even though I don't get to make entries in my journal and comment in other people's journals as often as I would like due to time constraints, my time here has been very enjoyable. I have met some wonderful people here and had the opportunity to glimpse into their lives, through written word and photos. AOL has its problems with alerts and other things, but looking at other services, I don't see the same atmosphere as I do here. Maybe it's out there, and I just haven't run across it, I don't know. I thoroughly enjoy J-Land, and even with its problems, they are minor when one considers what is literally at one's fingertips and the opportunities that are here.

I look forward to another five years here, and hoping to meet many new friends.

HAPPY FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO ALL!

Dirk

http://journals.aol.com/tsalagiman1/the-first-amendment-not-politi/

Tags: AOL Journals Anniversary

Happy Anniversary

2008-08-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank AOL for the journal community and wish everyone here a "Happy Anniversary". I have been here since October, 2003. It has been possible to travel far and wide without leaving my chair. I have been able to know some well and some slightly but I treasure the friendship of everyone here. I miss the ones who are gone but that is the way it is in life. I hope j-land continures for many years to come and hope to meet more people in the future. Paula

2008-08-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

This is an exciting day! I wrote my first Journal Entry on August 28, 2003. That was just one week after the beginning date of the Journals. Today I made Entry Number 1504. I have had over 175,000 hits since I began writing my Journal. It is entitled "Dad's Tomato Garden Journal." Below is a copy of my very first Entry.

Thursday, August 28, 2003
7:58:00 AM EDT
Feeling Happy
Hearing Just myself singing

MY FIRST ENTRY

Good Morning:

Today is my first entry on my Journal. I feel like I know many of you. I have met you in Dads Tomato Garden. I have two web pages and working on another one It will be ready soon. It is about Roses and Song Birds. I will have links from Dads Tomato Garden to all my other sites.

Its a beautiful day here in East Tenn. At 7:50 the temperature is 73.4 High expected is 90.

I feel like this Journal will be a help to me in the things I am trying to do. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have to make this a better Journal.

Written by white6416r

(The "Dad's Tomato Garden" I mentioned above in my first Entry in my Journal is one of my web pages on AOL. So I decided to name my Journal, "Dad's Tomato Garden Journal."

Thanks to AOL and each of my very special friends in J-Land. I can't express how much the opportunity of writing a Journal and hearing from people all over the world has meant to me.

Bye-Bye

DAD

(Ray White)

Happy Anniversary

2008-08-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

Five years in J-land went by

ever so fast

Meeting new people, reading their

lives, making friends that last

Feeling so much empathy for

friends that we have not met

Sort of stops the theory of

a stone cold net

Imagine a place where your feelings

do matter and count

Somewhere that you can let it

all spill out

Never before have ordinary people

been able to express themselves

to such a degree

It's simply a wonderful place for

you and me

I think back to the beginning for me,

July 7th, 2004, never knew how much

I would be touched

Finding myself laughing, giggling like a

school girl so much

Friendships came and grew,learned to

love people that I hadn't met.

Two of the dearest Lahoma & Kim tore

at my heartstrings and still do yet.

No one can tell me that this is a cold

unfeeling place

May J-land continue to thrive and

grow with majestic grace....

Sandi

Happy Birthday J Land

2008-08-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday J Land

From a one-day old baby blogger.

I would appreciate any help, as I am a complete dummy at this.

All comments welcome.

http://journals.aol.co.uk/godolallie/pictures-within-pictures/

Why didn't I find this FIVE years ago?

2008-08-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

My only regret about this anniversery is that I didn't learn about J-Land and blogging five years ago!

Congratulations to all of those celebrating five years and to all those who just love J-Land!

Rosemary From Inspiration

Happy Anniversary to J-land

2008-08-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to J-land. I have been keeping a journal for over three of those years and have enjoyed it very much. I have met many friends through the journals. Some are not with us anymore and I am saddened with the loss of them.

J-land people has given me much support through the years. They have shared the good times with Ken and me and given us so much support during the times that have not been so good.

I wish for everyone a happy and a blessed day.

May J-land continue on many more years. Helen

Happy 5th Anniversary J land

2008-08-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

As you can see Below is the link & date of my First entry.

First post

Tuesday, July 29, 2003
8:57:00 PM EDT
Feeling Hopeful
Hearing IN my head one thing out of my head another LOL

Yes today is the anniversary date but there were some of us who signed on as testers and gave ideas as to what we liked and how it worked and the ease of use. My grandmother was dying and you will see that by Aug. 31 she had died. I made only a few entries that I kept up and posted for all to see. It wasnt long till the ease of use encouraged the posting of pictures. Took me a while to take off and make my entries more personal and interesting. It has been like stepping into someones livingroom from afar. I was #6 to start a journal here in J land due to being a tester. It sure has come a long way here with music and videos becoming part of the entries. I have seen friends come and go and I still miss many. Some thier lives changed so much they had to leave and did not have time with lifes obligations. There have also been many new friends who have come on the scene and I am grateful for those old and new.

We can share our laughter and our pain here and find comfort when we need it. In a flash there are people who come running when you need them and its an honor to be able to run to them also. Sometimes there have been gift exchanges or card swaps. Its so neat to get a card from a place you have not been or go on vacation to a place you havent been via some one who shares thier life and photos here and even share various faiths. There are stories here that allow you to see that we are all created differently yet alike in many ways. I cant wait to see what the next 5, 10 15 or more years brings to this community. This has opened up a whole new world for many of us. Its been intersting to see that some call an item for instance ..... what I call Pop Some would call Soda or Coke. Different areas have different terms and even ways of cooking. Its nice to share those recipes here also.

Im so glad I came here and have gotten to know each one of you and look forward to all the new additions both personal and fun things that will come our way via this wonderful community. With that said here is a song & lyrics below of a song and my wish for each one of you.

Lyrics to the song:

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
May you always have plenty
Your glass never empty
And know in your belly
You're never alone

May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
With every year passing
They mean more than gold
May you win but stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone

Chorus:
Never alone
Never alone
I¹ll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you¹re never alone

Well I have to be honest
As much as I wanted
I’m not gonna promise the cold winds won¹t blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Chorus

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
And when hard times have found you
And your fear surrounds you
Wrap my love around you
You¹re never alone

Chorus

My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone
www.onlylyrics.com

5 Today

2008-08-21T04:55:00.000-07:00

Today is the 5th Birthday of J-Land. Happy Birthday!

Being part of this community changed my life and helped get me through some really bad and difficult times.

I am grateful to all the friends that I have made, all those I have come to know and care about and all those who have supported me, kept me going when all seemed black.

So, once again Happy Birthday J-Land and many happy returns. Looking forward to seeing the 10th.

I send my love to all J-Landers, and my thanks.

Tags: blogplugs, fifth, anniversary, j land, aol, blogs, birthday

5 Years and So Many Friends and Memories

2008-08-13T02:12:00.000-07:00

I started blogging on AOL on Aug 3 2003. It started as a record of my homeownership journey. The start date was the date I closed on my first home.

What started as a journal to keep track of my homeownership issues developed into so much more. I met some fabulous folks that stopped by my journal to say Hi. Some of these folks I am still in touch with and consider them my good friends. J Land is unlike the other blogging sites and I should know. I blog at blogger and wordpress. But, for community and friends J Land is the place to be.

It was a sad day when some of our friends passed away. Blogger and Wordpress might not have noticed. But J Land noticed and J Land cared and J Land will never forget!

J Land is an awesome community and I will continue blogging and making friends in J Land.

Sure we have gripes and complaints about service and restrictions but it's really about the friends and support we all find in J Land.

Happy Anniversary to J Land and a big hug to all my J Land friends

Deb

http://journals.aol.com/dbaumgartner/MakingAHome/ This is the journal that started it all. Aug 3 2003 I made my very first post!

http://journals.aol.com/dbaumgartner/kitchenchatter/
http://journals.aol.com/dbaumgartner/hippiedreams/
http://journals.aol.com/dbaumgartner/TheCube/
http://journals.aol.com/dbaumgartner/barebones/

ps: As you can see I am all over J Land. Some journals are updated less frequently than others but I do keep up with all of them!

Also, Kitchen Chatter is a community journal for all the foodies out there. Come visit the kitchen and bring a snack :-)

Introduction

2008-08-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

On August 21st, 2003, AOL introduced Journals, now known as Blogs. The J-land community was born. This journal is intended to host entries from J-landers, celebrating the 5th anniversary in 2008. Feel free to write your piece here, or leave a link to your entry on your on blog in the comments section.

If you are monitoring this journal, make sure you engage both Entry and Comments alerts.