“To toot one’s own horn is to sound the music of one’s journey. And today, my friends, the notes are jubilant, triumphant, unmistakably heartfelt, and wrapped in a little holiday cheer!”

–TheWiredResearcher (b. 1947; self-effacing educator, essayist, Green Mountain scholar, and Humourist—patiently awaiting long-overdue New York Times recognition.)

Beloved readers–of all ages and from all corners of the globe–I’m going to toot my horn proudly today!

At 11:22am today, my blog hit 15,000 views in 2024! Is that a special Christmas gift or what!

Let me pause and let that sink in: FIFTEEN. THOUSAND. VIEWS.

Can you hear the confetti cannons? Feel the glitter raining down? That’s the energy I’m channeling today. Because let’s be honest—this doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of showing up week after week, pouring my heart and soul into every post, and, most importantly, connecting with YOU, my remarkable readers.

If you’re like me, you know that milestones mean more when you see where they began. Let’s rewind:

● 2021: 3,940 views. A small but solid readership.

● 2022: 6,655 views. Growth doubling and momentum building.

● 2023: 7,313 views. Steady, heartfelt engagement.

● 2024: 15,000 views… and the year isn’t over yet!

From 3,940 to 15,000 in just a few years—this isn’t just growth. It’s a story of connection. It’s a story of us.

What Does 15,000 Look Like?

It looks like 140 countries—stretching from the United States’ plains and mountain ranges to Afghanistan’s rugged peaks, India’s vibrant deserts and Himalayas, and France’s vineyards, all the way to Zimbabwe’s sweeping savannahs. It looks like comments from faithful followers. It looks like early risers sipping coffee as they dive into my Monday morning musings. It looks like connections that transcend borders, reminding us all of the power of words.

The Greatest Hits (According to You!)

As we bask in this milestone, let’s revisit the top-ten posts that you’ve loved the most this year:

● “Glimpses of My Mother’s Hands.” A tribute to the tender, industrious, and spiritual hands that shaped my life and my memories.

● “Vermont’s Literary Daughter.” An exploration of the legacy of Mary E. Wilkins Freeman and my ongoing mission to keep her voice alive.

● “Confessions of an Editor.” A revealing journey of editing Freeman’s collected letters, complete with a never-before-shared self-review.

● “When Lilacs Meet Algorithms.” A dance between the timeless poetry of Walt Whitman and the cutting-edge potential of AI.

● “From Dusty Folder to Digital Ink.” A scholarly tale of rediscovery, dedication, and the joy of research.

● “From Stars to Soil.” A nostalgic return to childhood gardening and the realization that it gave me a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness and sacredness of all life.

● “My Mother’s Dress.” A story exploring how a dress that my mother made for herself included her hopes, her visions, her aspirations, and her dreams for her family and her world.

● “Sister’s Hands.” A celebration of decades of selfless love, compassion, and service.

● “My Taxing Review.” A humorous exploration of opening personal archives as a way to create a rich personal narrative.

● “Not Alone.” A triumphant tale of my own Coming Out.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Fifteen thousand views aren’t just numbers—they’re stories, connections, and a shared love of learning. Each one represents someone who paused in their day to engage with my words. Together, we’ve created a space where ideas flourish, where history meets memoir, where research mingles with creativity, and where we never stop asking the big questions.

The Future Is Bright

What’s next? More posts that inspire, challenge, and delight. More glimpses into the magic of the everyday. More stories that remind us why we love the written word.

To everyone who has ever clicked, read, commented, or shared—THANK YOU. You are the symphony that makes this blog sing. And as the music swells, I can’t help but toot my own horn just a little louder.

Because today, it’s not just my achievement—it’s ours.

Here’s to 15,000 views—and the countless stories and connections that brought us here.