Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Gratefully, a Third Time Around the Blog



It's a bit dizzying to realize that the earth has gone around the sun three times and I've gone from being 61 to 64 since I first timidly clicked the 'publish' button on this blog.

It's also rather humbling to discover that folks from 129 countries have paid a visit - 53,672 visits to be exact - with over half of them this past year. Particularly since, out of the 75 published  posts, only 14 went up this year. While it would be nice to believe that quality has replaced quantity, I think a simple shortage of effort and focus on my part is the reason.

I've noticed this before (Lifeless or Just Leafless?), particularly at the end of this summer (Missing in Action). Despite a little flurry of activity in September, I seem to have made a fairly easy transition from aestivation to hibernation.

Do I suffer pangs of guilt thinking about the posts I haven't published? Definitely. Do I plan on going gentle into that good night? Definitely not.

Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stopped by for a read, and to the cybersangha for the generosity that has come my way in the form of kind social media comments, shares, +1's, mentions, RT's and likes, and of course, the thoughtful and encouraging comments left on the blog. Thank you so much.

Oh, and speaking of humbling, it's hard to describe the feeling I get when I check out a favourite blog and discover a link to lowly Snow Branches on the blogroll alongside my all time blog heroes. Perhaps a combination of surprise, grateful affection and apprehensive butterflies hoping I won't blow it and get deleted.

I just had a thought: It's not very Zen to express my feelings like this.

Then I had another thought: What a dumb thought.

Wishing you the very best for the New Year!

12 comments:

  1. My how times flies :) You were really going there for a while, with all those discussions going on over here this last year! :) Personally, I'm thinking of winding down. Am all blogged out! LOL Ah well, life is what it is... May you find what fulfills you in the New Year...

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    1. Thanks, Christine! Well, here's to more discussions. If the stats say anything, it seems that posting a bit less frequently won't cost you too many readers. Personally, I'm a bit relieved when a prolific blogger I follow slows down a tad, so I don't get 'blogged out' trying to keep up with my reading! Looking forward to reading you however often you post!

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  2. Happy Third BlogBirthday! I've always enjoyed your thoughts - whether you posted them or not. ;-)

    I've found slowing down the publication rate has been nice for me. And perhaps it go ours that we need time to process, digest, absorb the nuggets of information. Whichever way all this goes, it's wonderful that we've all connected with each other.

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    1. Thanks Lynette! Then I guess you know I'm thinking that I enjoy reading the fare over at 108zenbooks and that I'm wishing you a Happy New Year!

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  3. Happy new year!!

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  4. Happy, happy, David, from just down the road! I too blog much less frequently and even travel the blog highways much less. I think it's an evolutionary thing. Change happens. It's interesting to consider the why's of it too. I think this reflection is good.

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    1. Hey Carole from just down the road! Yes it's an amazing journey full of surprises. I wonder how it turns out... Loved your post on (spoiler alert) fun. Spot on! Happies to you too!

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  5. Wonderful that I've only just checked in after some absence to find this celebration! From the outset, my blog has always had permission to lie dormant without apology. I appreciate your sweet observations and enjoy sharing this connection and community.

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    1. Thanks Jomon - good to see you any time! Best wishes for the new year to you and Bansho.

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  6. Congrats David, Snow Branches is such a uniquely beautiful place. I'm grateful for it's third time 'round also. Do something nice for yourself to celebrate :) Happy 2014.

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    1. Thanks so much, Susan! Looking forward to the next time around. Happy New Year to you too!

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