 

Last year on this very day, I launched an embarrassingly green (literally and figuratively) blog at <strong><a href="http://www.latebloomerdiary.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogspot.</a></strong>

I had no idea what I was doing, but I was extremely well-intentioned and needed a 40th birthday project to keep me from slipping into a full-blown mid-life crisis. 

It didn't work.

I plunged head-first into an existential crisis.  (I prefer "existential" over "mid-life" because it sounds so Kierkegaardian and cool.) 

Life kinda sorta got in the way.  You can savor the thoroughly melodramatic details by reading <a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/" target="_blank"><strong>365 or Bust. </strong></a><strong> </strong>

Anywho, life getting in the way is... well... <em>life.</em> 

I need to get a grip and get on with mine. 

So here we are.  One year later with fabulous new virtual digs (thank you, Shawn), a techie Svengali to teach me how to keep this puppy running smoothly (thank you, Svenny), and a frenetically fun mission:
<blockquote>To try one new/inspiring/interesting/uplifting/provocative/or curiosity-injected thing each day for 365 days. </blockquote>
This is the point where everyone asks, "How are you going to keep this up?"

Fret not and leave the "how" to me.  I am on a mission, and missions lead people to all things possible. 

I am sure that my daily espresso addiction will fuel this mayhem.  Right now I need two shots a day.  Let's see how much I'm consuming when all is said and done. 

More importantly, your support and encouragement will keep me revved up (and hold me accountable).  Please join me in this journey.  I am actively seeking cohorts to accompany me in whichever way they choose: 
<ul>
	<li>Leave a comment on an (almost) daily post.</li>
	<li><strong><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/talk-to-me/" target="_blank">Talk to Me.</a></strong>  What's on your mind, cupcake? </li>
	<li><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/submit-a-365-idea/" target="_blank"><strong>Submit a 365 idea.</strong> </a> Be creative.  Be nice.</li>
	<li>Friends in my fair city:  Pick a day and let's go!</li>
	<li>Friends in faraway places:  Bloom where you are planted.  And then please share your story!</li>
</ul>
If this post is your first visit to this blog, please check out <strong><a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/365-or-bust/" target="_blank">365 or Bust</a></strong> and <a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/about/" target="_blank"><strong>What Makes Me Tick</strong> </a>to gather a better understanding of the quirkiness behind this project. 

Join the inner circle of bloominess by <strong><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/latebloomerdiary" target="_blank">subscribing via email or RSS</a></strong>.  It's free, it's fun, it's easy, and it's the best way to keep in touch. 

Today I turn 41, and I am no longer waiting for Happy Ever After to show up.  I'm creating my own damn fairy tale. 

Who is joining me? 

Carpe Diem and all that jazz!