I am always amazed by the fact that people are interested to read the things I write about. I know that some bloggers will have had hundreds of thousands of visits over the years, but I am excited to reach 50,000. I knew that the milestone was approaching, but as luck would have it I was on line at 49,998. I cheated, refreshed the page a couple of times while Tim focused up.
Over the past 3 years it has been a privilege and pleasure to read a lot of really interesting, informative and thought provoking posts about fascinating topics. I now know more about the history of the Touraine, its chateaux, pretty villages, churches, flora, fauna and culture. I have picked up recipes for delicious dishes, have a long list of restaurants to visit and wines to taste. I am more aware of social etiquette and reputable tradesmen. I have tried out a few delicious recipes, and would know who to ask about a carte gris or a carte vitale.
I’ve even been taken for a ride in the famous Celestine!
I've learned more about the lives of those who have chosen to make the Touraine their permanent home and others, who like me, have a more occasional residence. It has truly been an education. I’ve been welcomed into your homes, enjoyed your excellent hospitality and gratefully received some wonderful home-grown, home-made or home-crafted gifts. I have been tempted to start a potager and ‘grow my own’ when the time is right.
It doesn’t stop there. The blogging community is worldwide. I’ve met up with bloggers, both here in the UK and in France and viewed some beautiful photographs and wished that I had taken them! I’ve been trusted with personal information about your lives and have felt your support, via comment or email, when life has ground me down. I’ve followed the brave journey of some blogging friends through treatment and into recovery from life threatening illnesses. I have rejoiced when wonderful things have happened in your lives and been sad when they haven’t. You've made me laugh and you've made me cry - thankfully not in equal proportions!
So a big thank you to everyone who has helped with all of this by writing so well and taking the time to read and comment on my less than captivating prose.
Long may it continue!
So, to sum up and pay tribute to all I’ll use my favourite phrase to describe blogging which is like
Wikipedia, but with SOUL….
Hi Gaynor, Let me be the first to congratulate you! I'm very happy to have found you and your blog ... It was great fun meeting you last year at Susan and Simon's and I hope we'll meet again this year!? Have a nice day! Martine
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 50K! We are always amazed that people are interested in what we write too, and we've met some really wonderful people via the blog (you and Tim included).
ReplyDeleteKeep well, have a good May Day on the Sixth...
ReplyDeleteyou are missing nothing here...
we are currently playing host to a good slice of the Med...
4mm of which has fallen in the last hour!!
Just to dampen everyones Mayday do's!!
6mm now!
DeleteOne full inch since sundown on Mundi...
And still coming down in stair-rods!!
I'm going to make some porridge, go back to bed and read!!
And sulk!!!
Congratulations Gaynor. I know exactly how you feel, and I am only approaching the 20,000 mark. It feels amazing to know how many people we can connect with through blogging. What has surprised me is how quickly you feel you really know the people with whom you connect. I love reading about your dual life, and look forward to doing so for a long time to come. Congratulations again. Jxxxx
ReplyDeleteWikipaedia on the number 50k is very interesting. Your analysis of how reading a blog can develop learning is a very valid one. The interest, intelligence, knowledge, talent, creativity and diversity of blogsite and website makers is surprising. Going global, going public can be daunting but your positive, open personality and kindness brings you personal reward. Felicitations!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! :-) Totally agree. We're also amazed that people like reading what we write. And .... yes you do meet lovely people ... like yourselves! :-)
ReplyDeleteHere's to the next 50k.
Well done Gaynor, it amazes me also how many people read my blog and how I feel as if I have so many new friends and toured parts of the world I have in fact never been to. Keep up the good work I love your posts even if I do not always leave a comment Diane
ReplyDeleteI agree with every word you have written, Gaynor. Congratulations on your 50,000 - and for capturing it! At the time of writing this, you've notched up another 143 reads, so on it goes.
ReplyDeleteAll the best.
Axxx
I agree with every word too ,, Congratulations, long may it continue :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your kind words,reading lapetite-presse and comments over the past couple of years.
ReplyDeleteMost of you blog and I enjoy catching up with your blogs when I can. Keep up the good work. Although we probably write for ourselves, it's so much more worthwhile if there's an audience.
Very best wishes
Gaynor x