Good morning friends! And happy weekend! If you read one THLG blog post this summer, I hope it’s this one. Because there are some changes coming behind the scenes here and I want you to be the first to know. I’m getting all my Ducks In a Row for fall. Many of you who come in and read on the weekends have been here since day 1 of THLG last November (2104). Thanks so much for sticking with me, there sure have been a lot of changes along the way.
Some people hike. Or bike. Get a pedi or mani. Even read to recharge and relax. And some people write. It’s certainly cheaper than therapy. (!) Blogging has also been more work and more fulfilling than I ever dreamed.
And quietly, very quietly, this blog hit 100K page views last month… 🙂
I know. I feel like we should par-tay or something. You know. Party hats, streamers, blowers. Cake! Thanks for being such a big part! You’ve been such incredibly supportive readers. And it means the world to me. Thank you. (Wish I could send a bouquet or whip up a blueberry pound cake for each of you.) I visit other blogs all the time and am often reminded of the kind, gracious readers here that leave such encouraging comments. Because not every blog receives so many nice comments. The comments are vital because they confirm to new blog visitors that there are actually people who come in and read it!!! And that helps it grow. So thank you for doing that. I know life is busy and it takes extra time to comment.
We were out walking around the nearby pond last Sunday night, came upon the Ducks In A Row pictured above. They were so serious, all in a row, bills pointed. Steadfastly observing the sunset as I quietly approached to snap their mug. It was almost surreal.
I know people follow this blog for different reasons. You might be a personal friend or family member wanting to help. You might enjoy the creative writing aspect, seeing life through a different lens. Or maybe you like new recipes. But for whatever reason(s) you follow, I’m so appreciative. Thank you.
I started this blog for a couple of reasons:
- #1 – I have a genuine passion to write, communicate, share and connect with people.
- #2 – Our family needed a second income with flexibility for our situation. (Four boys, and our youngest, Hudson (5) has Down syndrome. Often sick, he has lots of doctor and therapy appointments to work around.)
I’d always wanted to write, but truthfully, feared I might fail. In faith, I finally picked up my pen (keyboard) last year and started. One post at a time. What a learning journey it’s been. I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way. Initially I planned to write poignant and humorous stories about life and family, with a recipe or two thrown in for good measure. Because my true passion was creative writing/expression. But as I continue on this journey, I’m also developing a new passion for food blogging. It’s become clear that the recipe posts bring in the majority of the site traffic. My feeling is that more time spent on food posts will open more doors long-term, helping provide for our family through advertising and other writing opportunities. So going forward, I’m including more recipe posts and fewer writing posts. I wanted to give you a heads up because I know this may come as a disappointment to some. And I’m sad about that.
I also hear a voice in my head. The voice of my dad, a true Mainer:
“Allie, you can please some of the people all the time and all the people some of the time. But you can’t please all the people all the time.”
Truth.
And I hear his other quotes too ….
“Don’t stick your head out too far, you might come home in another car.”
Or following a hearty cough…
“It’s not the cough that carries you off, it’s the coffin they carry you off in.”
Cheery. Let’s move on before things degenerate….
Back to the blog and getting my Ducks In A Row. Here are the numbers. Thought you might be interested. The most popular blog post to date is Blueberry Pound Cake with over 4K views. The next ten most viewed posts are all recipes too. The 12th most viewed post is a writing post Can’t Buy This, read nearly 1K times. So the numbers speak pretty clearly.
So I’ll be concentrating more on recipe posts in the coming days. Truth is, I’m kind of excited. I’ll continue my other writing, there will just be less of it. And I wanted you to know first. Getting my Ducks in a Row here, charting a little different course.
Might even take flight… that’s the hope.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Maybe you’re getting your Ducks In a Row too? I’d love to hear where you’re headed…
Be sure to tune in tomorrow. I’ve got a funny story for you: Still Working On our Manners
Alyssa @ Sweetly Tattered says
I think it sounds awesome! I enjoy all of your posts so I definitely won’t be disappointed. 🙂 I look forward to reading more and following along on this journey! As for my ducks, I’m still trying to find the right direction for my blog. I have grown to love writing so much since starting and have also greatly enjoyed getting my toes wet with photography. But I don’t know yet what I want it to be. For now, I’m just writing about our family adventures and having a blast doing so. So I guess that’s good for now! 🙂
Allie says
Dear Alyssa, thank you so much for the kind words! I have loved following your blog also and learning about your sweet family. Writing can be addictive I think. Not a bad addiction to have. 🙂 You are doing such a great job!
Denise says
I’m thinking in your spare time, (ha), you can write a book of all your stories. I do love your recipes too! We make Allie’s dip, Allies’s chicken,, etc…
Allie says
Dear D – I just sit by the phone, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for that publisher to call. And the thing is, it just never rings….ha ha. But thanks for the vote of confidence. Thanks so much for being on this journey with me….xo
Julie says
I, for one, am so happy you picked up your pen! And wherever the journey is taking you next…it’s delightful to be along for the ride 🙂
Allie says
Thank you dear friend, what a journey it’s has been, no? Speaking of, I need to hear about YOUR latest journey. Can’t wait!!!! XO
Susan says
Thanks for sharing that , Allie. I’m up for whatever direction you take!
Allie says
Thank you Susan! XO
Lisa Arlen says
Allie, I enjoy all your posts but many nights those recipes come to my rescue when someone yells” What’s for supper Mom?” Need to make some of those delicious desserts too. So keep those recipes coming but keep some of your funny stories too. They’ve given me a chuckle .
Allie says
You so sweet Lisa, thank you. I’ve sat at the kitchen counter at 2 a.m. laughing, writing stories. All by myself. XO
Paula says
Allie,
I certainly understand your decision… I am a little disappointed. I enjoy your stories and most particularly the way in which I feel transported into your life for a little while. I understand the need for you to redirect your focus but I will miss reading about your fortunate and unfortunate happenings. That being said. Bring on the yummy recipes !!!!
Allie says
Thanks so much for the kind words Paula. I absolutely love writing the stories. I’m really going to miss that too. It’s like I go to another place, try to communicate exactly what I’m seeing/feeling etc. I have no doubt I’ll be able to focus on the stories again someday. And I have some that aren’t published yet, so there are still more to come…I’m so glad we got to spend some time together in June and sorry I missed you at Gunstock….
Bresca says
We love your recipes and your stories. Thanks so much for both!
Allie says
Thank you so much Bresca! XO
Barbara Child says
Love recipes, so your plan sounds great to me! Keep up the wonderful writing and sharing!
Allie says
Thanks so much for the kind words Barbara! XOXO
Aunt Pinkie says
Have loved your blog, Allie- every part of it! Reading your funny stories, loving the happy and poignant ones, and loved your marvelous recipes- so will be happy with whatever you do down the road! Keep up the good work!
Allie says
Dear Aunt P – you are so kind. I love that several of my posts have included you along the way. Sunday Morning Breakfast Surprise comes to mind. Thanks so much for following along, encouraging me, spreading the word and commenting. Love you.
Karen says
Please continue to keep us up to date with Hudson, Allie. He is so dear and I love reading about his progress and successes!
Allie says
Thank you so much for loving Hudson, Karen. It’s such a joy to share his unfolding story and I fully intend to continue writing about him…
Leslie says
Oh my goodness!!! No one can fault you for going in any direction especially one that is working out so well. I’m thinking maybe I quit my job and start learning to cook. Nah, not gonna happen. ?
Allie says
Many thanks friend. I think you would be greatly missed at your day job. But if I remember correctly, you are already quite the fun funfetti pancake maker….
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
Allie,
I love that I found your blog (after you found mine). I do love the family stories and updates on your family life. That being said, now that I’ve found your blog I’m certainly not going away. I’m always looking for something new to cook and I’m going to be pinning and trying out your recipes.
So happy that your blog has been successful. I completely understand going the the direction that brings the most views.
Happy cooking!
Karen
Allie says
Thank you Karen, have so enjoyed sharing life with you across the miles through our blogs. Seems there is always an adventure On the Banks of Salt Creek and I love following from across the miles….
Rosemary says
Yes, we made a version of the blueberry pound cake for the Fourth, and it was a new favorite. However, I think Kevin’s fav has been the cherry Garcia ice cream!
I love the stories too, though.
Thanks for your sharing and time. My ducks will endlessly be misaligned, I think!
Allie says
Not YOUR ducks Rosemary….correct me if I’m wrong, but seems to me they are all marching to Clemson…:) XO
Susie Mandel says
Allie, first of all, a heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I read your exciting news to Jac as he walked through the room while I was reading and whooping and hollering. We are so very happy for you…maybe not that surprised, as you are so talented and gifted…but because you are doing what you love and doing it for those you love. While I certainly enjoy everything you write, your stories may be a little bit more dear to me, but you can do whatever you want–I absolutely adore your stories and love your recipes. You are such a great cook and baker that you need to share your treasured recipes with the world. Oh, and your photography is stunning. You are the complete package. Keep on keepin’ on and God bless you, dear friend!!! Love and big hugs, Susie
Allie says
Susie – there’s something so beautiful when someone truly has joy in the happiness and success of others. I’ve always appreciated that quality in you. Thanks for being you and for your very kind words. I know you know this has been real faith journey….and you have been here every step of the way. Thank you. XOXO
Tracy says
Hooray! This news of hitting 100k makes my day! I have to say that I have enjoyed your recipes and your stories both tremendously! I have made quite a few of the recipes that have become family favorites! I will miss the stories but I so looked forward to more delicious recipes! If you post it I know it’s good! That is the relationship you have built with your readers. I think that as new people figure this out your blog will grow out of site! I think we should be throwing you the party! Thank you Allie!
Allie says
Tracy, thank you my friend. You are so kind. Thankful for your encouragement on this journey from day 1. XO
Linda Jenkins says
Allie, you know I love the recipes, for I print off copies, and I have enough to make a scrapbook. I have to admit that I love the stories best. They make me smile, laugh, sometimes cry, and provide inspiration and “food” for thought. That being said, I trust in God. If He is nudging you in that direction and providing all these signs, then He has blessed that direction for you. God always leads us to the things He has blessed. I have every faith that you will be successful, and I will remain a loyal follower forever. Looking forward to partying when you reach your next blogging milestone. Much love and success.
Allie says
Dear Linda – thank you so much. So blessed to have a friend like you, and your support and encouragement all the time. Thank you for the love and the prayers. Means the world to me. Hi to Jack. XOXO
Daniella says
Congratulations Allie ! so happy that your hard work is paying off. Wherever God is leading you I will follow you (sounds like a Christian song!!!). Your stories make me smile, your recipes make me salivate and your beautiful pictures are a delight for my eyes. See… hard to be unhappy with whatever you will give us. Great job Allie, love
you.
Allie says
Dear Daniella, thank you so much friend. It gives me joy to think that even though we see each other rarely these days, we have this little connection, and that you are smiling when you visit here. I trust our days will not always be so full and there will be leisurely cups of tea in our future once more. Love you back. XOXO
Carina Spring says
Dear Allie, Congratulations on the success! What joyful news – I am so genuinely happy to hear it. It is so great when good things happen to wonderful people like you. I have loved your stories, and will miss them, but I also love your recipes, and the unique way that you present them. It seems like a wise decision to be flexible and allow your blog to evolve in the direction that feels right. I wish you continued success and look forward to reading along, whatever direction your beautiful blog takes. ?
Allie says
Thank you so much Carina, so blessed to have your friendship. Have so enjoyed getting to know you through your lovely blog http://www.homehurrah.com this year. An amazing journey we are both on. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement. Means a great deal…XO
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Many congratulations Allie! 100k is just WOW! !That’s an awesome news. I love your beautiful stories are amazing recipes. I think this sounds great , Allie! 🙂
Allie says
Thank you so much for the joy Anu! I’m loving following your beautiful blog also. Cheers!!!
Laura Cook says
Dearest Allie~
I am “ALL IN” or make that “ALL THROUGH” HER LOOKING GLASS (YOURS), wherever God leads you to focus.
Love you oodles & as my Gramma Lucy used to say, I think you and your blog are just DUCKY!
Allie says
Dear Laura, felt like I spent an evening with you, reading all your nice and funny comments along the way yesterday. Leave it to you to bring Gramma Lucy and DUCKY into it. Ha. Boy do I miss you and your sweet family. Thanks for being a great friend across the miles. Miss and love you very much. XOXO
nancy mcmahan says
Allie I love your blog and will follow whatever it is that comes up on it. I don’t cook a lot but I love to send one of your recipes along to friends that i know would like them. If i could get hubby to think beyond pasta and meat I might get him to make a recipe or two of yours. lol
Allie says
Dear Nancy – Thank you so much. Have so enjoyed getting to know you through this past year. Feel like I have a new friend, and Hudson does too. XO