With disappointment, I look outside at the fresh layer of snow and sunny skies, knowing that cross-country skiing conditions would be lovely today . . . as I sit with stuffy head and achy body, struggling to open the darn childproof packaging of the Dayquil softgels, telling myself the holiday visit to New York City was worth the lousy cold/flu bug I picked up along the way. I have decided that sitting at the computer is a perfect sedentary activity for the day, since doing laundry last night about wiped me out. At least I can tackle one item on the year-end neverending organizational and decluttering list today . . . organizing digital photos. (I could sit at the computer for the next decade and probably still have digital photos to review and organize!)
While I was drafting this post, I read 3rdculturechildren’s post on statistics so have taken the liberty of adopting some of her format for my own post (just chalk it up to my stuffy head and runny nose, and forgive my lack of creativity!). As the year draws to a close, I reflect back on my first four months of blogging, starting with that first post: “The Pecorino of Pienza” which was published on August 10, 2012.
Since then, my little Travel.Garden.Eat. blog has seen 8,383 views with 1,177 comments. Visitors from 82 different countries have stopped by to take a look!
The top search terms that have brought people to my blog are:
| devils tower | 116 |
| italianate architecture | 19 |
| raspberries | 12 |
| bentleyville | 12 |
| bentleyville duluth mn 2012 | 11 |
The top 10 posts by “views” for all time (since starting the blog in August) are:
Since commencement of this blog, the top 10 most-commented posts of all time are:
I am grateful to each of you who take the time to comment, “like” and interact by replying to comments left on your own blogs. The blogosphere is a fascinating, illuminating community, and I look forward to our continued interactions in 2013.
Speaking of illuminating, though, before I turn to decluttering the computer, I need to express my gratitude for a couple of award nominations for the Illuminating Blogger Award from Cancer in my Thirties and The Serenity Space.
Cancer in my Thirties writes a blog about her ongoing battle with aggressive breast cancer with reminders to enjoy the little things in life along the way. Her posts often leave me reflecting on what is really important, and to remember to appreciate the moments along the journey of life, because we don’t know where or how long that path may go.
The Serenity Space reminds us to live a mindful life, and to continuing growing as we find or redefine ourselves throughout our lives. She also posts some beautiful images from life in Queensland, Australia. I encourage you to stop by both of these blogs when you have a chance, if you are not familiar with them.
Because I am planted in a sedentary position for the day, I actually searched for the origins of this award and found this post from Food Stories Blog: the Illuminating Blogger Award. Food Stories originally suggested the following response to an Illuminating Blogger nomination:
- The nominee should visit the award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/) and leave a comment indicating that they have been nominated and by whom. (This step is so important because it’s the only way that we can create a blogroll of award winners).
- The Nominee should thank the person that nominated them by posting & including a link to their blog.
- The Nominee should include a courtesy link back to the official award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/) in their blog post.
- Share one random thing about yourself in your blog post.
- Select at least five other bloggers that you enjoy reading their illuminating, informative posts and nominate them for the award. Many people indicate that they wish they could nominate more so please feel free to nominate all your favorites.
- Notify your nominees by leaving a comment on their blog, including a link to the award site (http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/).
Hmmm, one random thing about myself . . . I love planning travel almost as much as the trip itself sometimes! Researching the history of a destination, the cultural sights, hidden gems for dining and exploration, and insider’s tips for maneuvering the in-demand attractions.
My five “Illuminating Blogger” nominations go to some of my favorite illuminating and informative bloggers (although there are many more!):
- 3rdculturechildren ~ life of a globetrotting family of 5 in the U.S. foreign service
- The Choice ~ the N.Y. Times blog on college admissions and financial aid (essential for any parent and student in the midst of the college search process!)
- Peri’s Spice Ladle ~ for anyone interested in Indian cuisine and cooking
- The Green Study ~ the recent series of posts regarding volunteer work is a great way to kick off your 2013
- Backpacking Kids ~ her recent series discussing technology addiction in kids is thoughtful and well-done
I do believe it is time for another hot cup of tea. Cheers and blog on!
Ciao! ~ Kat
Travel. Garden. Eat. 
27 responses to “Year-End Statistics, Award Trivia, and More ~ This is What Happens When a Cold Bug Plants a Blogger at the Computer for the Day”
[…] you to Kat from Travel.Garden.Eat for this lovely […]
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[…] you to Kat from Travel.Garden.Eat for this lovely […]
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Great acceptance post – I love to plan travel, too 🙂
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The planning makes actually seeing the sights that much more exciting sometimes! ~ Kat
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I am surprised to discover you are so new to blogging. Your blog is always so well put together. A natural, clearly. 🙂
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Rachael, thank you so much, especially coming from a blogger with such a beautiful blog as yours! ~ Kat
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Congrats to all your achievements. More power and have a fun and creative blogging year ahead. Happy New Year!
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Cheers and Happy New Year to you, Rommel — thank you so much and I look forward to the Sophomore Slump’s 2013! ~ Kat
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Hi, Kat, good morning! I hope your cold is getting better, pretty please. Our daughter from NYC arrived with a cold, but Barry had also picked up a cold bug here, so we can’t blame her for the sniffles and achy bodies that they’re both experiencing. I feel on the edge of getting it but have thus far not succumbed. What wonderful blogging statistics! You’ve done really well this year. It is very hard to establish a successful blog and it looks like you’ve done so. Kudos! (And here is another kleenex if you need one…)
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Thanks so much for your continued support, Kathy — bloggers like you have made it such a joy-filled experience and fun new hobby! 12 hours of sleep last night seems to have helped turn the corner on the holiday bug — enjoy your family time! 🙂 ~ Kat
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Congratulations on your award and stats! 😉
Feel better too. 😉
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Many thanks, Eliz! ~ Kat
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Kat, you have wonderful stats for four short months. It’s because your blog is so inviting – and so are you. Congratulations on success, awards, and I hope you feel better soon.
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Maddie, I so appreciate your comment — it has been such a fun adventure so far, and I look forward to seeing what the next year brings. Turning the corner on this cold bug too! ~ Kat
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I am so very glad that we connected over the blogger miles! Every time I visit your blog, you welcome me with open arms. Congratulations on your well deserved award and congratulations to all those remarkable bloggers who received your nomination!!! I look forward to many more times that I can click the “like” button.
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Thank you so much, Rebecca — I am glad we connected through the blogosphere, as well! ~ Kat
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🙂
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Congratulations Kat, on the awards and impressive stats! And thanks for the nomination…
Hope you’ve got that nasty bug out of your way…you need to be in good shape to start the new year (old Indian adage!)
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Thank you, Peri — feeling better this afternoon and am certain I will greet the new year with good health! ~ Kat
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Hope you feel better soon. I always enjoy the views by country. Blogging is such a great community 🙂 Judy
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Thanks, Judy — turning the corner this afternoon and hoping we have more lovely winter days like this ahead of us! ~ Kat
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Pretty neat how much traffic your blog gets; hope you are feeling better soon!
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Hopefully one more good night’s sleep will move me back toward the land of the fully living! ~ Kat
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It is fascinating looking at stats and what the blogging community enjoys most on our blogs and in general. The simple pleasure of enjoying anothers world view and daily life and how each person appreciates the journey of life they travel. Well deserved award for your delightful blog 🙂 bright blessings for a wonderful year ahead 🙂
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Thank you, Jenn — keep up your inspiring posts! ~ Kat
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It’s amazing how generous the blogging community is. Never have I met so many people who shared their heart and gave me comforting words when I was at my lowest. God bless.
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You say it so well, I.T. — many happy blessings to you in the coming year! ~ Kat
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