But no matter what those numbers say, my blog gave me more joy in 2025 than in any previous year for a few reasons.
* The number of offline conversations connected to something I mused about here was satisfying. This included an instance when a new friend and sometimes reader used one of my posts as a prompt at a writing workshop and another instance when a few of my Mt. Rushmore entries and goyim journeys into Yiddish ignited a conversation with several people during an extended hike.
* Though the number of comments received in 2025 were about the same as in years past, the insights were uniformly richer. In addition, several new readers became frequent commenters - online and off - and the number of anonymous comments published here increased enough to be noticeable. Though I recognized some of those "anonymous" folks, there were just as many I couldn't identify. That's kind of fun because it allows me to harmlessly fantasize that someone I don't know stumbled across my blog somehow. Even better - and just as harmless - maybe that new reader will hang in there for a while?
* My joy was most enhanced by the unwavering support of people who have been by my virtual side now for years. I can never thank any of you enough. During a recent phone conversation, I was overcome with gratitude when one stalwart supporter said how much he appreciated me "... putting yourself out there all the time ..." I hope all of you know how your support sustains and energizes me.
In the meanwhile, wish me luck with those analytics. If it sounds at all like I'm licking my wounds early in 2026, forgive me.
Pat, you make me laugh! I too admire your ability to "put yourself out there." To me, that indicates a willingness to reflect and potentially grow. That is meaningful. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteInes; Needless to say, you are among the people I'm referring to who have been by my virtual side for years. Thanks - again - for that and for your laughs and for this gracious comment.
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ReplyDeleteYou host here on your blog a way to think and to connect and what is better than that? You don't sound like you're licking your wounds--you sound like every other writer I know in real life or through my reading life.
Always Be Writing is a good answer to the sales-y Always Be Closing. Wishing you a Happy New Year and looking forward, as always, to reading what you write!
Regina; Thanks for the kind comment and for your support throughout 2025.
DeleteHey Pat. Very glad to hear that your Blog gives you such joy. It does for me also, and from reading the comments that are offered, it is easy to see that it gives joy to many others as well. And, as I have said before when discussing your classes to those who ask about them - It's not just the subject, it's the enthusiasm that you bring. Keep doing what you're doing, Pat. 'If it ain't broke ... 'Be well,
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Hey Bob; Like Ines above, it's folks like you who have hung in with me for years that helped bring me that joy in 2025. And, in your case, the additional support you give me by attending my classes is something I never take for granted. Thanks for that, this comment, and, in general, for being such a mensch.
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