Turquoise Compass’ First Birthday

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Turquoise Compass

This month marks Turquoise Compass’ first birthday. It’s hard to believe that I have been blogging for one year already and that I embarked on my 14 month sabbatical from teaching to travel the world. I am 11 months into my gap year, and have 3 months left, yet I am surprised how quickly the time has gone. Throughout my travels thus far, I have visited 15 different places and I have more to go! Starting a blog when I started my travels has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Documenting my experiences online allowed me to open up to others, while learning more about myself.

My blogging journey has been a positive and enriching one. Connecting with other travelers has been the best part throughout the journey! I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my loyal and turquoise loving followers. Thank you so much for supporting me and encouraging me throughout my trip around the world. I can’t thank you enough! Each and every follow, like, and comment means the world to me. Keep liking, commenting, and following my journey.

Here is a look at my journey over the past 12 months:

1. About Turquoise Compass
2. How Turquoise Compass came to be
3. I started receiving awards and being recognized by other bloggers in my second month of blogging

4. More and more people started liking my posts

5. Turquoise Compass’ theme and focus on turquoise travel became more apparent.

6. I started writing and guest posting for other websites

7. A photographer offered to provide me with a photo shoot for Turquoise Compass

8. Turquoise Compass became a way of life for me

9. Throughout my travels I have visited my childhood turquoise dream destinations: Australia, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico among others.
10. My social media sites started to grow Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest
11. I connected in person with other travel bloggers
12. Other bloggers started sharing my story

13. Turquoise Compass traveled to 14 destinations.
14. The name Turquoise Compass grew to have significant meaning to me
15. And finally, Turquoise Compass is currently in the process of coming up with a logo!

This year marks Turquoise Compass’ first birthday, yet the journey is just beginning. The blogging road has taken me to so many new and exciting places (literally and metaphorically speaking). I’m eager to continue my search for turquoise destinations, while living my life to the fullest. I know the world has big things in store for Turquoise Compass and I am currently only seeing a glimpse of what’s to come (and that glimpse is bigger and better than I could have ever imagined). Each and every day I learn more about blogging, networking, and making the most of my travel.

Although I only have 3 months left of full time travel, my traveling will not come to an end when I go back to the classroom. My students will be the beneficiaries of my abroad travel and real world experiences. I hope to inspire my students to be future explores and to be in charge of their own destiny. As the quote on the top of my blog states, you are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” C.S Lewis. I will still be looking for every opportunity that comes up to travel, experience, explore, and check off my bucket list items in this wonderful (and large) world we live in. I’m constantly dreaming a new dream and searching for new places to see and new things to do, whether locally or abroad.

Thank you again and Happy First Birthday Turquoise Compass!

73 thoughts on “Turquoise Compass’ First Birthday”

mihrank on June 2, 2014 at 6:04 am said:

Happy Anniversary – Wish you always the best of success!!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:05 am said:
  
  Thank you so much! I can’t believe it has been a year already. I am enjoying the process and it’s already successful just the way it is. Thanks for your ever support.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Uncle Spike on June 2, 2014 at 6:05 am said:

Happy Birfee!!!!!!!!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:06 am said:
  
  Can you believe it? It’s a year already! We found each other shortly after I started the blog. Wow, time flies when you are having fun.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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  - Uncle Spike on June 2, 2014 at 9:19 am said:
    
    I guess so 🙂
Sarah M on June 2, 2014 at 6:16 am said:

well done! Amazing to think that all this is just one year.

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:09 am said:
  
  Thank you so much. Your support is appreciated. Yes, just one year, I can’t believe it! I look forward to blogging in the future and continuing the process. So fun connecting with people too!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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theworldonmynecklace on June 2, 2014 at 6:19 am said:

Happy Anniversary! I hope that I am still blogging after a year as well 🙂

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:10 am said:
  
  Thank you sooo soooo much! It’s very exciting. I’m sure you will be. The blogging community is so positive and uplifting, something to look forward to, and almost addictive. haha I hope you are too!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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  - theworldonmynecklace on June 2, 2014 at 9:55 am said:
    
    Thanks Jessica, it has been a fun ride so far 🙂
The Rider on June 2, 2014 at 6:25 am said:

Happy Birthday! Many more…

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:13 am said:
  
  Thank you so much…and many more. How many have you had? We found each other in the beginning and it is nice that we still support each other one year later.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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ksbeth on June 2, 2014 at 6:28 am said:

congrats and happy birthday, i’ve enjoyed it )

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:17 am said:
  
  Thank you so much! I’ve enjoyed it as well. I’m glad you have enjoyed reading about my journey throughout the past year. Many more posts to come.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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wisemonkeysabroad on June 2, 2014 at 6:36 am said:

Happy Blog Birthday Jessica!!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:17 am said:
  
  Thank you so much! Can you believe it? Wow, time flies. How long have you been doing it now?
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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  - wisemonkeysabroad on June 2, 2014 at 4:39 pm said:
    
    Publicly?? Just over a year now 🙂
  - Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:09 pm said:
    
    Great! That’s awesome. It is so much fun isn’t it?
    Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Sha on June 2, 2014 at 6:37 am said:

Happy anniversary!! 🙂

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:17 am said:
  
  Thank you so much! I’m glad you have joined my journey!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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ywwp on June 2, 2014 at 7:00 am said:

Make a little jump and say – I am flying. Happy anniversary dear.

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:18 am said:
  
  Thank so much. Ironically, I will be flying to today! Off to a new destination!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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purpleraysblog on June 2, 2014 at 7:34 am said:

Happy Anniversary! Quite a surprise; always feels like Turquoise Compass has been with us for years! Cheers and keep up the great work!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:19 am said:
  
  Thank you so much for the thoughtful and sweet comment. I feel as though I have been doing this for years as well. I look forward to more writing, traveling, and meeting incredible people like you.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Anne Lene on June 2, 2014 at 8:04 am said:

Happy anniversary, sweetie 🙂 your such a turquoise sunshine in our lives. Here is to many more years to come… (Now if I could only have added a champagne salut, this would be perfect 😉 )

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:20 am said:
  
  Thanks a bunch! I’m happy to be the turquoise sunshine in your life. Yes, I hope for many more years of happy turquoise blogging. Ohhhh, champagne would have been nice.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Sandra on June 2, 2014 at 9:01 am said:

Happy Anniversary Jessica! Enjoy the rest of your time on sabbatical!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:21 am said:
  
  Thank you so much. It’s hard to believe that I only have 3 months left Sandra.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Tanya Antosik on June 2, 2014 at 9:12 am said:

Happy anniversary!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 2, 2014 at 9:22 am said:
  
  Thank you so much. The year came and went so quickly. Hoping for many more.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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todessakane2013 on June 2, 2014 at 9:25 am said:

Fantastic story! Awesome blog! Incredible Pictures!! Wonderful new friend 🙂

Thank you and God bless you for sharing this wonderful journey that both inspires and uplifts me 🙂

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:20 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much and for your kind words. Although I am nothing close to a photographer, I love taking pictures of beautiful places.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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  - todessakane2013 on June 20, 2014 at 8:14 am said:
    
    You do it very well and I enjoy your work very much 🙂
surfandfitnessjourney on June 2, 2014 at 9:49 am said:

Happy Blog-Birthday! So happy that you’ve discovered blogging and you’ve really run with it. Your blog’s successes and themes are themes are inspirational but not as inspirational as you are as a person. After meeting you, I booked a ticket on a plane to travel BY MYSELF because you motivated me and reminded me that I can do anything I want. Thank you for being a loyal reader, and friend; keep blogging sister! Much love xoxoxox

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:20 pm said:
  
  THANK YOU AMY! I’m so happy I discovered blogging too. I have been on some kid of wild and crazy marathon sprint–not sure in what direction I am actually moving though! Thank you for your kind words. You are incredible and you continue to touch my soul. You make my heart happy. I’m so glad we were brought into each others lives and we will be friends for life. I’m tearing up here knowing that I inspired you to do something scary and exciting! Know that YOU CAN do anything you put your mind to! Where are you flying? Talk soon.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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surfandfitnessjourney on June 2, 2014 at 9:50 am said:

Argh my keyboard died for a second there. Technical glitch. Ignore the themes are themes bit HAHAHA

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:17 pm said:
  
  Don’t you love technology? And it’s supposed to enhance our lives, not make it more difficult. Like you, sometimes I am unsure.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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International Cowgirl on June 2, 2014 at 10:14 am said:

Happy Birthday!
🙂

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:16 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much International Cowgirl. I appreciate your support.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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worldjourneysdiscover on June 2, 2014 at 12:34 pm said:

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Turquoise Compass!
Happy Birthday to you!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:13 pm said:
  
  Thank you! I can ‘hear’ (i.e. imagine and envision) you singing Happy Birthday to me! 🙂
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Sas on June 2, 2014 at 1:11 pm said:

Penblwydd Hapus is Turquoise Compass! (that’s ‘Happy Birthday’ in Welsh :))

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:21 pm said:
  
  🙂
  
  Reply ↓
Sas on June 2, 2014 at 1:12 pm said:

Sorry, that should read Penblwydd Hapus i Turquoise Compass – I’m a bit tired!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:12 pm said:
  
  Thank you for the Welsh Birthday wishes! How creative of you!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Indah Susanti on June 2, 2014 at 1:27 pm said:

Happy anniversary!!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:11 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much! I looking forward to a future of fun filled blogging and travel.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Adventures of a Peach on June 2, 2014 at 2:09 pm said:

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary :))))

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:10 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much! Where has the time gone? Well I know, but it is still surprising.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Surya Bhattacharya on June 2, 2014 at 2:38 pm said:

Congratulations on one year!! You have come a loong way and that’s amazing! Here’s to many many more!!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:10 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much. Yes, I have come a long journey to get where I am today. I am looking forward to more years of blogging.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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gingerlovesmakeup on June 2, 2014 at 10:35 pm said:

Congrats!

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:09 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much! I am very excited!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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TTP | Travel Tips and Pictures on June 3, 2014 at 5:51 am said:

Happy birthday to you!! 🙂

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:09 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much! It is hard to believe how quickly a year has gone by. How long have you been blogging?
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
  Reply ↓
Packing my Suitcase on June 3, 2014 at 2:10 pm said:

Congratulations!!! You have been doing an amazing job, I really love your blog and all your stories. Im sure its only the beginning! Happy first of many more!!! 😃😃😃

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:22 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much for your comment and ongoing support (and comments). I’m glad you love my blog and stories as much as I do. As crazy as some of them are…it’s just me sharing a part of who I am with the world. Yes, many more!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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  - Packing my Suitcase on June 12, 2014 at 1:00 pm said:
    
    Awnnn you’re welcome!!! I do love your stories and learning in every post a little bit of your life 🙂
  - Turquoise Compass on June 12, 2014 at 5:49 pm said:
    
    I’m learning to be more open the more and longer I wrote.
    Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  - Packing my Suitcase on June 12, 2014 at 5:54 pm said:
    
    Writing is really a process, we begin to change and to improve with time, and thats a great sign! 🙂
  - Turquoise Compass on June 12, 2014 at 6:51 pm said:
    
    Yes we do.
My Little Rio Journal on June 3, 2014 at 2:13 pm said:

Happy Anniversary!!! You deserve the best!!! Your blog and experiences inspires lots of people like myself!!! Keep blogging and congratulations for your good work!! Your students are really lucky ones!! ; ) Cristina

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- Turquoise Compass on June 11, 2014 at 4:23 pm said:
  
  Thank you Cris. You have supported me from the beginning and I appreciate that. You have seen everything I have gone through and you are a special friend. I’m so blessed to know that my blog inspires you (and possibly others). Thanks again. Yes, I will be seeing my students again in September!
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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thebritishberliner on June 9, 2014 at 7:37 pm said:

Congratulations Jessica!!!
You’ve done so much and you’ve worked really hard so you deserve all the good things that you have received or will continue to receive. You’re also a lovely person as you were one of the first bloggers to reach out to me as a newbie in October last year. Thank you and more grease to your elbow. 🙂 🙂

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- Turquoise Compass on June 10, 2014 at 3:26 pm said:
  
  Thank you so much. Can you believe a year has come and gone? I know that I can’t. I really have put a lot of time and effort into my blog and it’s really taking off. I’m so proud of everything I have accomplished. I’m glad that I could help you during the beginning of your travel journey.
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
  Reply ↓
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Cristin's Adventures on June 30, 2014 at 4:52 pm said:

Happy Birthday! Love you new cover photo 😉

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- Turquoise Compass on June 30, 2014 at 5:00 pm said:
  
  Thanks! I’m glad you like the featured photo I chose for that post. 🙂
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
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Cristin's Adventures on June 30, 2014 at 4:53 pm said:

YOUR new cover photo 😉 Hahaha! Very awesome!

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psychologistmimi on July 1, 2014 at 8:47 am said:

Congrats!

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- Turquoise Compass on July 1, 2014 at 12:37 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much! It’s hard to believe it has been over one year already. How long have you been blogging?
  Jessica, Turquoise Compass
  
  Reply ↓
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