Your Top 10 Favorite Posts of 2017

Anyone who follows me on social media knows I love blogging.  It gives me an outlet, a reason to leave my warm, cozy house, a reason to share the gazillion photos I take, and a fun activity to share with my hubby.  Since I began the blog in April of 2014, I've written a lot of posts....85 in 2014, 102 in 2015, 82 in 2016 and 75 in 2017.  That's a lot of words and more pictures than I can count.  It still surprises me which posts get the most attention, but I'm always excited to shine a light on people and places that might not otherwise be so popular.  Last night I sat down and did a little research and I've put together my top 10 posts of 2017.  These are the posts, the top ten of 75, that you all loved and shared the most. If you missed one, here's your chance to easily read it now.  Don't forget, you can always go to my blog Directory and read all my old posts.  So beginning with the most popular.....

1. Bailey Wind (http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/08/bailey-wind-finding-tenacity-to-rebuild.html)  Finding the Tenacity to Rebuild a Broken World.  This post, about a most inspiring young woman, will probably always be my number 1 post and the post I'm most proud of.  With 11,021 reads to date, Bailey continues to be someone so many look up to and admire.  It was such a humbling experience to meet her and get to share her story.
   
2. Easton (http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/01/exploring-back-roads-of-snow-covered.html) Exploring the Back Roads of Snow-Covered Easton Part I.  Easton always draws a ton of readers and it's no wonder.   Since we first discovered this gorgeous area, it's become a repeated, frequent destination of ours too!  Easton is also one of my most blogged about destinations and most photographed.  In fact, 4 Easton posts appear in the Top 20!  This particular post was read 3995 times.
   
3. Amsterdam - (http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/10/the-birthplace-of-benedict-arnold-and.html) The Birthplace of Benedict Arnold and Cabbage Patch Dolls.  The popularity of this one took me by surprise and caused a little friction with one reader.  I found I can't use a play on words because someone was quick to point out that I wasn't referring to "the" Benedict Arnold and that Cabbage Patch are no longer manufactured in Amsterdam.  But....the beautiful and scenic countryside of Amsterdam garnered 3950 reads just the same.
   
4. Buskirk - http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/03/roamin-back-country-roads-of-buskirk.html - Part I) Roamin' the Back Country Roads of Buskirk Part 1. Who knew Buskirk was so popular?  Probably the folks who live there..... This post filled with old barns and back roads (like so many of my posts) captured the hearts of many readers - 3731.
   
5. Under the Nose - http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/10/discovering-treasure-right-under-nose.html) Discovering Treasure Right Under the Nose - This was a piece about a fabulous little shop at the trailhead of Vrooman's Nose, a popular hiking spot in Schoharie, NY.  In all the years I've been visiting Schoharie, I didn't know about it but thanks to the post's popularity, I think it's not such a well-kept secret anymore.  Read 3499 times.
   
6. Little House - http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/08/the-little-house-that-love-built.html The Little House That Love Built.  It doesn't surprise me at all that this post made the Top 10; every post I've written about the Speckled Hen goes crazy!  This piece about a cozy little cottage built with love by Maureen's husband.  Ahhhh.....I'm not sure what people loved more - the cottage or the love story....3105 reads.
   
7. Mom & Pop's Cafe - http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/04/mom-pops-cafe-where-great-food-family.html. Mom & Pop's, Where Great Food, Family and Friends Come Together. Named in my favorite businesses in 2017, Mom & Pop's Cafe is a great little, hometown destination for fresh meals made like grandma would have cooked.  Not only a great breakfast and lunch destination, Mom & Pop's does delicious catered food as well.  We found that out when we used them for Katie's baby shower.  2509 reads.
   
8. The Speckled Hen - http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/11/the-speckled-hen-where-christmas-spirit.html  The Speckled Hen, Where Christmas Spirit Comes from the Heart. This favorite shop always rocks the stats and is a much loved destination for shoppers and primitive decorators.  Not only can shoppers find the perfect accessory, Maureen spins a web of magic helping shoppers create the perfect vignettes for their home.  Actually a lower number than normal, the Speckled Hen Christmas blog garnered 2164 reads.
   
9. What a Hoot - http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/06/what-hoot-owls-of-coxsackie.html - What a Hoot, The Owls of Coxsackie Part 1.   So much talent, so many owls.  For the second year in a row, the beautiful, painted owls impressed.  Each one unique and beautiful. 1605 reads.
   
10. Friesians of Majesty - A Story of Hope & Forgiveness - http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/06/what-hoot-owls-of-coxsackie.html. Overcoming Tragedy & Loss, A Story of Hope & Forgiveness.  Featuring the Friesians of Majesty's devastating fire, this story of loss and forgiveness was another story I was honored and humbled to tell.  1285
    

My blog isn't a big deal, it's not sponsored and I don't advertise on it or make any income from it.  So it's not your typical professional blog.  It's simply an outlet, a place to share my photos, businesses I admire, everyday people I meet and the beautiful state I live in.  These numbers are certainly not significant to the average blogger, but to me they are reassuring.  They tell me that people who read my blog are interested in humanity and the simplicity of the breathtaking world we live in.  If you were one of the people who read these posts or regularly read or share my blog, I thank you - for giving me a source of joy and satisfaction.  If you missed any of these posts, please use the links provided to check them out now.  I hope you'll take time to read my end of the year post, "Best Business of 2017" featuring some of my favorite local contractors and businesses, http://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2017/12/best-of-2017-sharing-my-favorite.html Thank you for allowing me to share my world, for almost 4 years.  Here's hoping 2018 is filled with peace, joy and good health and many, many more stories to share.