Three Years and Counting

Three years ago today, I wrote my first entry on this blog. Since that time, I’ve published about 750 posts relating to the renewal of our neighborhood. I’ve written on topics including developments (planned or underway), great neighborhood businesses, calls to action about a variety of issues (e.g., vacant property, liquor license support, meeting attendance, and volunteer opportunities), musings about what I think would be neat additions to the neighborhood, promotion of events, real estate for rent or sale, business deals and specials, and design.

Although I've remained somewhat anonymous behind my "Shaw Rez" moniker, this blog has gotten mentioned in print publications including the Washington Post, Express, CityPaper and Washingtonian Magazine. OutsideIn cited this blog in naming Shaw the second bloggiest neighborhood in America in 2007.

Here are a few of my favorite posts over the past three years:

* Why Development Hasn't and Isn’t Skipping Over Shaw

* Thinking About: Improving Shaw Recreation Field

* Long View Gallery’s Exciting New Space on Ninth Street

* A Great Day Planting Tulips

* Design: Backyard Renovation

Added to the above list could be any of the several posts about Vegetate's struggle to get a liquor license. I think wanting to see Vegetate, a true neighborhood gem, prevail in its liquor license struggle was one of the main motivators to my blogging in the beginning. I am so happy that they were triumphant in early 2007 and that they've done so well since then. I still adore the restaurant and lounge and appreciate greatly what it adds to Ninth Street -- from the delicious seasonal menu to the inventive cocktail menu to their cool vibe.

Three years ago, I probably could not have foreseen how much I would enjoy living in Shaw and getting to know the area through this forum. Thank you all for reading, commenting and saying "hi." I hope in some way it's helped contribute to the renewal of our great neighborhood.

All to say -- thanks so much for reading!