Another year has come and gone. How insane is that?
I took a look at my stats for the first time this year. No, scratch that. (Did you believe it, though?) I looked at my stats again this morning, and realized that nothing changed – I still had fewer views this year than I did last year. February 2018 was my all-time high. Even though I definitely wish for more readers next year, I am content with what I have achieved. While 2018 has the highest of highs, it also has the lowers of lows. If you look at my stats from that year, it looks like a roller-coaster track. Up and down and back up again. 2019 was a lot more stable. Consistent. And I think that is good.
During this year, I managed to write more posts than last year. Moreover, I managed to bring up my “Average Words Per Post,” which I am happy about. My average “Likes” per post are visibly lower than in 2018. Even though I wrote a lot more posts this year, I received a lot fewer likes overall. How sad is that? Only slightly, because my comment average remains pretty much the same. That is because of YOU. Thank you for all that. Your feedback truly means a lot to me.
A special “Thanks” goes to TheGirlWithAPawPrintTattoo, who gifted me with the Sunshine Blogger Award. Thank you!
This Holiday season was a decent one. I managed to get some time to myself (although, not nearly enough), I wrote a bit, and I was productive in other areas as well. Not working full-time does wonders for your mental health and your ability to achieve other things. I hope that you managed to relax a little as well.
Now that you are all caught up, let us focus on this month’s award ceremony.
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The award I received during the month of December is:
(As per usual, please click on the page numbers at the bottom of this page to view the rest of this post.)
Congrats on the award. I enjoyed your non-binary answers. May 2020 bring more writing and awards.
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Same to you! Health, peace, and creativity!
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Wait, I won? That’s awesome!! Thanks. ☺
You can call me what you want. My (real) (first) name isn’t really a secret anymore… So, that would work fine. Or WIR. Or Writer. Or Willow Irvine Redwater. Whatever you’re most comfortable with. 😜
And before getting totally stunned and delighted and having to check three times whether that was my blog or just another one with a very similar name… I was going to applaud both your answers and your questions — the first of the latter, especially. I wonder: how much do *you* write like you think? And, how vast is the difference between how you think and how you speak?
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Yes, you have. I was happy to see that happen. You’ve been so close most months, too.
It’s not? How is it not a secret anymore? Willow Irvine Redwater. I like that!
I totally write as I think. I do try to stay away from contractions in my NROP pieces, because I want them to have a more serious tone. Other than that, I totally write as I think. It is my belief that my writing is more accessible that way. While I do like learning new words, I don’t particularly enjoy poetry that has a word I have to check in every line. It’s mostly artificial.
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Heh… A long time follower observed that she didn’t know my name, and that she wished she did. So I granted her wish and added my name posthumously to that last award post I did. Easily missed, considering I did it after everyone had already read it… But, the act of me putting it out there made it not a secret anymore. Although, I kind of like “Willow Irvine Redwater” too…
Makes sense. I’m inclined to believe that I mostly write as I think, too. Or at least, I try to.
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I think I saw someone mention your name here and there, but I didn’t want to jump on that train, since I didn’t know if I was privy to it. Glad to be in that VIP club now, Willow.
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I figured as much. Welcome aboard!
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I definitely think differently than I speak. I think in shortcuts. It’s actually how I talk sometimes, too. However, I am very aware that most people do not follow my jumps, so I have to explain and elaborate. I need to take people on a journey from point A to point B and show them the sights. I cannot just start at point A and teleport to point B. It will leave them confused.
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I get that. I actually think Holmes has a conversation with Watson in one of the stories, in which they discuss something similar, about making jumps in your mind and having to explain them and all that. Personally, I think the subconscious mind is a wonderful thing: It can give you understanding at a glance, or in a second. And then, you open your mouth to explain it… And you’re at a loss. Because how do you translate something like that? Seems like most of it would just get lost in the process, and that seems such a waste. And people wonder why I never speak my mind…
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That’s why I try to associate with people who drive crazily just like me (driving here means thinking).
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Maybe the lower stats were because of my absence 😉
I am still not super active on the blog and therefore find it a bit hard to read all of the post.
But I am super grateful that you put some much time in it!
The first question you answered exactly like Jasper would and it makes me groan.
I can probably come up with 50 other names I’d rather have 😉
Q2: So you want to go back to a time without internet?
I’d say I want the same, but I remember how bored I used to be.
Q3: I wanted to ask about the character in the book you’re writing, do they have a bit of you in them or are they completely different from you?
Q6: Can I play the main role in the movie ? 😉 always wanted to be an actress.
P.S. Your description of my blog is spot on. And also, October is my favorite month.
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You know what? I think you’re right. Another person suggested that people come and go. I definitely lost a lot of readers in 2019 who just quit blogging/ took a break. Good to have you back. Even if it’s part-time.
Yes, a tme with no Internet. It would definitely be different. However, I find myself bored WITH Internet sometimes, too. I might get more writing accomplished if I went back in time now. I’d know what to do with my boredom. I read a lot. Now, I’d write more.
Good question. I think that every character we write about has something from us. Because we are the ones that write it after all. Mostly, though, the main character does not have much to do with me.
Yes, I think you might definitely be a strong candidate for the role of the main character of my book.
October is your favorite? I think you’ve said it before. Because of it being cooler and such? I’m glad I reflected your blog accurately. I struggled with some of the descriptions, unsure if the author would agree.
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Thank you 🙂 much appreciated
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Stay golden!
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I’m so proud of being a part of this list. I love your little write up on me, made me smile. Thanks, friend. Stay golden!!!
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I’m glad you didn’t shun me for it. After all, what I see on someone’s blog might not be what they themselves envision.
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Shun? Never…I thought it was awesome!
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Congratulations Ash. I too, am glad to be a part of this list. It is an honor. Goldie is the best. Stay Golden yourself, my friend. Keep up the good work! 🙂
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Thank you, means a lot and I see I am in good company. Congrats too, and here’s to an inspired 2020!! Team Gold!!!
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You are very welcome and thank you too. Team Gold! I LOVE it!
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🙂
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Good company indeed!
Never settle for less than GOLD!
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You two, stop. You’re making me blush.
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Congrats on the award!
Happy New Year!
What’s up with this Stormer’s award? I think I’ve missed it in the past few months that I wasn’t here.
Thanks for the mention. I find that this was a great way to give a shout out to some amazing bloggers. I’ll check them out when my weekend starts.
Btw, that sam “Goldie” kirk looks cool. I like it!
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I started my own award earlier in the year. It goes to the person that engaged with me the most in the comment section of my posts.
Thank you! Good to hear.
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Sounds interesting! Thoughtful of you to promote conversation and engagement. Have any other bloggers joined in to nominate their readers?
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No, they have not. But it’s also not something that I encouraged. It’s not a chain award. Picking the winner takes quite a bit of time (going through all the comments, adding them for each person, reviewing, etc.), so I’m not sure if everyone would like to do that. Of course the award could be modified (as long as award creation credit is given to me). Good idea!
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Oh yes, it’s time consuming. But just imagine: one day someone tags you for the most engagement on their blog. You award being given to you! Sounds so cool. Ok, my imagination is wild.
If you’re worrying about award creation credits… Why not add you name and blog url to the logo of the award? That too in such a way that it’s can’t be cropped out 😉
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It totally sounds cool!
Hmm… Great idea. I will have to think about it somehow.
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Yeah sure 🙂
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Congrats on the awards. I’m glad to hear that you got time to rest during the Holidays. It’s definitely what everyone needs, especially if they have been working their cells at 200% on a daily basis! 😀
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I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the opportunity to rest until the last second. And still, during Christmas time, I knew it could end at any given time. Thankfully, I did not have to react, so I remained calm.
Aha! Yes. Overworked Anonymous meet every Friday night over here.
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A heartfelt congratulations on the award. Your answer for number eight is definitely what I would say!
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Thank you, Sarah!
What is your current WIP about?
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Whoops. I just realized I forgot to thank you for the kind words about my blog.
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No need to thank me. I’m simply pleased to have you aboard.
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Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!
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ROFL. Too funny
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Wow! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!
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It is a great theme. It allows me to do what I want to do. Do you have a new blog?
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This blog is worth everyone’s attention. How can I find out more?
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Thank you.
Feel free to browse through various sections from the menu on top. My latest posts show up on my Home page. You can follow me and/or subscribe by email.
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Heartiest Congratulations..
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Thank you..
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