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My blog site was set up by our oldest son in 2007. Where does the time go? It’s been a fun ride and a learning curve I’m happy for. GHP is published on WordPress and they send a report card for the site each December. It’s fun reading their summary, and always a little surprising on which posts drew the most interest.
My all time top 5 posts continue to be posts from 2014 and earlier. I believe the reason could be I’ve lately felt as though I’ve posted all that I can on topics related to gardening, home decor and entertaining/throwing a party.
I’m fighting this lethargy, and hope to pick up my once-a-week schedule again in 2016. I need to think outside the box. 🙂
The stories that continue to lead on my blog site are:
Cozy and other adjectives that describe home – {I’m drawn to smaller spaces, especially those that feel cozy and comfortable}
Were you born in a barn? – {There are some amazing barns that have been converted into beautiful living spaces}
Rooms that enjoy a neutral palate {inspired by my friend’s beautiful home ~ thank you, Glenys for always inspiring us}
Adieu Pierre Deux – {I still think of the time spent with a Pierre Deux catalog on my lap, a cup of tea on the table next to my chair and the dreaming that went with that}
Front Yards – {I will definitely revisit this topic in the coming months. Our drought will require continued ways to conserve water and our lawn will possibly need to go away}
WordPress suggests that I try revisiting these topics. Maybe I will. If you have topics that you’d like me to cover, drop me a line. My dear friend Linda suggested the Adieu Pierre Deux post…thank you, Linda. Thank you for reading…here’s the report if you’re interested and I’ve provided links to the top 5 posts.
I hope to write on some new topics in the coming weeks.
Here’s an excerpt:
The Louvre Museum has 8.5 million visitors per year. This blog was viewed about 190,000 times in 2015. If it were an exhibit at the Louvre Museum, it would take about 8 days for that many people to see it.
Garden, Home & Party 
Jayne on Weed Street said:
With writers who craft their work over longer periods of time, the reader isn’t always aware of the lethargy that strikes any writer at some point. The immediacy of a blogger’s writing highlights more of our ups and downs, don’t you think? It is not easy to always come up with fresh new ideas, and retain that enthusiasm of the beginnings…but the best survive! Go GHP! go!
Karen B. said:
Jayne, Too true. I forget that I’m always entertained by the blog sites I enjoy, I’m imagining they may suffer this issue too. I did feel much revived as the new year started and have some ideas that I’ve drafted ready to be polished and published. Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement. 😊 Karen
On Wed, Jan 6, 2016 at 6:02 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Cindi said:
I think you put too much pressure on yourself. We readers think of you as a friend. So think of us as friends. I’m always calling my friends to tell them if I found a great sale. Did they see the new spring line at Pottery Barn? You have got to come at see my new paint color! Friends always have something to say, even it’s small talk.
Be well my friend. We are here for you
Karen B. said:
Cindi,
What a sweet and supportive comment. Thank you so much, you’ve given me a little nudge to get going once again. I smiled at your topics with friends…I do the same thing.
2016 will be a fun year with friends, both blog and hard copy! 🙂
xo,
Karen
Linda Coble said:
Hi Karen,
I just spent a most enjoyable half hour re-visiting your 5 most popular posts. Each one reminded me of beautiful rooms, lovely table settings, whimsical collections, and inspired seasonal decorations. Thank you for never failing to provide me with a bright spot in my day. I’ll continue to be a faithful blog follower regardless of how often you post.
Karen B. said:
Linda, You’re the best, thank you so much! xo, Karen
On Wed, Jan 6, 2016 at 11:31 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Karen, I’ve heard the same complaint of feeling a little burnt out on blogging from several friends. I think it comes with the territory, especially if you put yourself on a schedule. As a writer by profession, I always have deadlines, so I deliberately avoided making any such promises with my blog, even though blog pros saying we MUST be on a regular and frequent schedule. I’m doing it for fun, not money, and I’ll set my own pace. There are times when I just can’t get started, and times when I have a post in progress, but I just don’t feel like writing that night. So be it. Of course, my blog didn’t get anywhere near 190,000 whopping views!! You’re doing great–write what and when you feel like it. You friends will still be here! –D’Arcy
Karen B. said:
D’Arcy, Wow, no wonder your posts are so entertaining. I didn’t know you were a professional writer. I do feel renewed energy and enthusiasm. I’m with you, I don’t write for money and I told myself that once it stopped being fun I’d quit. Each time a take a break I miss it. In part, because I do enjoy blog friendship as much as real time friends. 🙂 Thanks for your words of encouragement, my blog buddy. xo, Karen
On Wed, Jan 6, 2016 at 6:32 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Reviving Charm said:
Isn’t the “report card” a nice feature of WP. It’s a nice summary of the accomplishments over the past year. Sometimes, its nice to see everything in one spot.
I’m glad I found your blog recently. I have enjoyed reading through your posts, and continuing to go back through your older posts. Don’t feel discouraged. Blogging, like life, has its ebbs and flows. Keep up the good work.
Karen B. said:
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, I too am happy I found *your* site. I love the fact that I’m reading a fellow Californian’s perspective. I’ve gone back and read your older posts…that’s a very fun thing. Karen
On Wed, Jan 6, 2016 at 6:44 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Celia Becker @ After Orange County said:
Hello! I discovered your blog today from a comment you left on Design Chic. I’m pleased to discover your blog as I really like what I see. As a fellow Lifestyle Blogger (my blog is called After Orange County) I wanted to introduce myself. I’ll be following along in 2016. Happy New Year!
Celia Becker @ http://www.AfterOrangeCounty.com
Karen B. said:
Hi Celia,
I’m so happy you stopped by. Are you a former Orange County, California resident? We could have been neighbors. We have lived in OC all of our married life. I just subscribed to your site. I know it will be fun. I am always amazed that after a number of years blogging I can still meet someone that I’ve never seen before (blog site).
Thank you for visiting.
Karen
After Orange County said:
Hi Karen,
Yes, we used to live in Coto de Caza but now call home beautiful Lake Arrowhead. I am delighted you checked out my blog and subscribed! I agree, it is so nice to make new friends in the blogging world.
Warm regards,
Celia
Karen B. said:
Yes, I know Coto de Caza well. It’s a beautiful area. I love Lake Arrowhead. What a great place to enjoy nature and seasons!
Karen
Doré @ Burlap Luxe said:
I so agree with you on cozy spaces, and neutrals seem to speak volumes in a space as such. Love all you have inspired here. I too looked forward to the Pierre Deux catalog arriving in our post box to inspire my more rustic home with their heavy framed paintings that rest on the walls of my French rural rustic designs.
Was a beautiful visit here today.
Xx
Doré
Karen B. said:
Dore,
I’m so happy you came by and left such a sweet comment. I love your style and have seen your work on Etsy and maybe Instagram? I will definitely visit your blog site. It’s so nice to meet new friends via blogging.
Karen
Sheila Irwin said:
Karen,
I am so, so happy to have found your blog! I’ve been following you on IG for awhile now, but I had never popped over here! Well, I’m so glad I did:) I just went through your top posts and had so much fun reading and pinning(!) all the beautiful images. Though I’m a much newer blogger than you, I sometimes struggle too (I thought that was a sign I shouldn’t be blogging!) I think it’s common and I agree with Cindi, just write like a friend (and I’m going to take that advice as well!)
Thanks for a beautiful blog – so glad I found it!
Best,
Sheila
http://www.maisondecinq.blogspot.com
Karen B. said:
Sheila,
I’m so happy you stopped by. I’m heading over to your “place” when I finish answering your sweet comment. I didn’t mean to sound so insecure, but I’m touched by the kind encouragement from fellow bloggers (blog friends). I love that this little community is so supportive of one another. It really does give me a determination to soldier on! 🙂
Karen
debra @ 5th and state said:
i second cindi’s comments, you are a friend, to many, and your “voice” is a gift, whenever you publish, whatever you publish, is interesting & inspiring. it’s a karen love fest!
xx
now, i am off to revisit those posts
debra
Karen B. said:
Debra, You are the best…I didn’t mean to sound so pitiful. But I’m touched by the sweet and supportive comments that have come my way. I’ve dusted off my computer keyboard and started a list of new ideas for posts for 2016. Thanks for the support! xo Karen
On Fri, Jan 8, 2016 at 5:34 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Sharon said:
I’m always happy to keep visiting regardless of what you write about! Happy New Year – I hope its going to be a good one! x Sharon
Karen B. said:
Sharon, Thank you. I’ve been touched by the support of the blog community…I really didn’t mean to sound so pitiful. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Sat, Jan 9, 2016 at 7:40 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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laney said:
…write…and post…when your heart prompts you…we will be here…blessings…laney
Karen B. said:
Laney, Thanks so much. I have been overwhelmed and touched by the kind encouragement of my “friends/readers”. xo, Karen
On Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 9:46 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Maria Ljungström said:
What a cute page you have here 🙂 I just found it via another blog and I will come back for sure.
If you like Swedish decor check out my blog:)
Have a great weekend dear!
LOVE Maria Inredning – it’s Swedish for decor