At this time of year, I get a bit giddy with blogging excitement as I wait for the email from WordPress. It’s a kind of end-of-year gift and — at last — it’s arrived: a compilation of Nitty Gritty Dirt Man’s year in review.
I always enjoy how the stats are presented in an easy-to-understand format. One of my favorite aspects is the world map, which displays the countries of my blog’s visitors. It’s amazing that as I dig in the dirt and type on a keyboard, there are gardeners and readers in South Africa and India and elsewhere who are interested to know what’s happening in my garden. It’s also most humbling. Thank you, wherever you are.
This report also allows me to acknowledge those who have taken the time to leave a comment. As many of you know, I make sure that I respond to every comment — if someone has taken the time to leave one, it’s only polite that I respond. It’s how dialogues begin and bonds are formed in this digital world — and I equate that back-and-forth with those conversations between neighbors, the kinds that happen over the garden gate or, perhaps, while sitting on a couple of Adirondack chairs after a day of planting and weeding and mulching.
But I really must acknowledge the top five commenters, four of whom are amazing bloggers in their own right. It’s through their writing that I get glimpses into their lives. It’s through our comments to one another that relationships grow and thrive. I hope you take the time to visit their sites.
1. Alesia Blogs
4. Plum Dirt
Finally, the number 5 commenter is the only commenter in the top five whom I’ve met in person. She’s funny and fun, and someone I could always count on for advice and laughter — my Aunt Pat. While distance separates us, this blog has opened up another way for the two of us to stay in touch and to share.
Thank you, again — and may you all have a 2015 that is full of health, happiness, and bountiful blooms and harvests.
Here’s an excerpt:
The concert hall at the Sydney Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 44,000 times in 2014. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 16 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
loved the post and thank you for sharing 🙂
Hi Dana. Glad you enjoyed it — and have a Happy & Healthy New Year 2015!
I’ve never seen someone write a blog post on commenters before ~ so I thought it was really intriguing. I love blogging for that exact same reason – I get to meet people that I would NEVER come across in ordinary life from all over the world. And I feel like I know them through the Internet! I can sit by my toasty fire, cat close by, kids running around and talk to people that I wouldn’t see at the local grocery store. Adorable cat photo by the way =)
Hi Laura. I think when I started blogging, I never really considered how far-reaching my words could travel — nor from how far from me readers lived. Despite the distance, though, everyone felt nearby. That adorable cat is Muffola (Italian for mittens), our Ragdoll. Happy New Year!
Reblogged this on Gems favourite things.
Thanks for the reblog! Have a Happy New Year!
Sounds like you’ve written a sold out show! Happy New Year to you, Kevin. I’ve enjoyed the musings and wit and look forward to another year over the digital garden gate.
Hi PD — I wish you the best of everything! Be well!
The report was very interesting and I appreciate the “special mention”!! This has been a wonderful way to follow what’s happening in your neck of the woods and I look forward to each and every post! You know, I’ve ALWAYS been a big fan of your writing, so that should come as no surprise! Wishing you and Joe the Happiest and Healthiest of New Years!!! LOVE & HUGS!!!
Hi Aunt Pat. I wish you the best of everything in 2015! See you in cyberspace! 🙂
Congrats on impressive stats, Kevin! I always look forward to your posts on gardening and beyond. Wishing you a New Year of good health and dirt under your fingernails!
KAT!! Some dirt under my fingernails sounds good — but this warm weather gardening usually has me wearing sandals, and I get as much dirt under my toenails as I do under my fingernails. Too much information? Seriously, wishing you a wonderful 2015 and beyond!
It’s always a pleasure to visit Kevin. All the best to you in the New Year 2015!
And the same to you, Lee. Stay warm up there!
Kevin,
You put a smile on my face this morning. Thank you so much. You are an amazing blogger and your interview skills are wonderful. I must say above all you have become a friend. Happy New Year! Alesia
Hi Alesia. 🙂 Have a wonderful New Year!
How fun to look over your stats for the year. Impressive!
Hi Sarah. I really enjoy the way WP puts it together — because most of the time, I don’t even pay attention to the daily stuff. Wishing you a Happy & Healthy 2015!
Happy New Year to you both x
JANE!! And the same to you — and some hugs and kisses. 🙂
That’s one of the best thing about blogging – ‘meeting’ people from all over the world! What a fun report from WordPress. I wish Blogger did that! I hope you have a wonderful New Years!
Hi Indie. It’s been great fun — and a wonderful learning experience — to meet so many people. Have a Happy & Healthy New Year!
I filled 14 Sydney Opera Houses, and you were my fourth best commenter — Thanks!
Hi Cindy. Glad I could help. 🙂
I may be slow to come around, but you’re right, I do stop by! I am still playing a little catch-up from the holidays! Thank you for mentioning Breathelighter, Kevin. I have really enjoyed reading your posts this past year and experiencing a part of your life as you’ve transitioned from New York to Florida. Your move had so much to do with taking care of yourself, and I hope that 2015 is a particularly healthy and peace-filled year for you and Joe. And I love that one of your top visitors was a family member! That’s very special. 🙂
Like you, Debra, life has a way of intruding on the things we enjoy doing. Sorry that it’s taken me so long to get back to you. I hope the New Year has been kind so far — and that it will bring your part of the world gentle rain. 🙂
Happy New Year, Kevin. When I first started blogging, it took me a while to get the hang of commenting. At first, I responded to every comment and then I stopped because I worried that it looked like I always had to have the last word. Finally, I came to understand the norms of reciprocity that create community.
Hi Jean. I wrestle with the same idea — about always having the last word. 🙂 But I do appreciate the dialogue — and I for one would love to take a garden walk and talk with you. 🙂
That dialogue which evolves so naturally is one of the joys of blogging. It is such a pleasurable community to be part of, as people are so ready to share their knowledge.
Hi Hoe Hoe Grow! I think with each passing day, we need to establish that sense of community. It seems we need it now more than ever. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂