Tomorrow my blog turns five years old.  Considering that I spent that length of time as a classroom teacher this feels like a rather big milestone to me.  Usually I wrote about other people and other places, but tonight I am feeling a bit reflective.  So hopefully you will indulge me in letting me share all of the blessings that five years of Odyssey Through Nebraska has brought to my life.

Five Years of Odyssey Through Nebraska has brought about … almost 800 blog posts.  From the beginning, my theme has been “The places and people of Nebraska, both past and present.”  I have shared about Nebraska history, places to travel and even personal connections to the state.

Five Years of Odyssey Through Nebraska has brought about countless trips across the state.  Before I started my blog, I had hardly traveled anywhere in Nebraska.  Now I can honestly say that I have crossed the entire state.  While I still have more trips that need to happen before I have been to every county, I do think that might be one of my next goals.

Five Years of Odyssey Through Nebraska has brought about opportunities to write for other publications.  The L Magazine has allowed me to write more stories about the people and places of Nebraska.  Getting to be a regular columnist for the Lincoln Kids Newspaper has been such a privilege.

Five Years of Odyssey Through Nebraska has brought about the opportunity to meet many new people.  Although my topic of covering one state may seem narrow sometimes, my world has definitely widened.  Thankful for the other people that have met across the state who are proud of their places!

Five Years of Odyssey Through Nebraska has brought about a book.  When I started this blog, the idea of a book deal never crossed my mind.  So thankful for that opportunity to get to write Detour Nebraska.

Five Years of Odyssey Through Nebraska has brought about travel with my family.  Due to budget and time limitations, big vacations have not really been possible for our family.  This blog gave me a purpose and a reason to explore with my family.  Many memories have been made that I will hold on to tightly.

Thank you SO much for all of your support and encouragement.  Can’t wait to see what the next years of Odyssey Through Nebraska will bring.

Author: neodyssey

My name is Gretchen Garrison. I started this blog about Nebraska in 2013. So far, I have written three books about Nebraska and Lincoln.