A happy new year and third anniversary! In this article, I reflect on the past year accomplishments and future plans for the blog.
The New Year has arrived and that can only mean one thing. Well, at least one important thing for this blog.
We are entering into celebration mode because it is our anniversary.
Tanama Tales just turned three!
Three already! It is hard to believe. My baby has grown so much and I like to think it has a personality of its own.
Leaving the jocular tone aside, milestones like these make me think about the journey that has taken me to this point. A torrent of emotions rushes in leaving my mind blank. Due to that, you guessed it; I forget what I want to write. Allow me to abound on some topics that have been important during the last year.
On Travel
I like to describe this website as a lifestyle and travel blog. However, as you may have noticed, the travel part of the description plays a huge role in the existence of this site.
Last year there was an itty bitty situation that didn’t help to balance the equation. Except for two short trips to Mexico and a visit to Nevada, I didn’t travel internationally or out of state. In 2013, for the first time in more than 10 years, I wasn’t confronted with one of my longtime nemesis: the plane.
To add insult to injury, some of my in-state plans were ruined by bad weather and by a hard drive that blew up at some point while I was sleeping.
It felt like there was a conspiracy to wipe out my creative sources. As a result, my posting rate decreased and I had to rely on local places to keep the site going.
In other words, I had to live the philosophy of this blog every day. Remember what is my motto in here? You don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money to have a great adventure. And, what is the tagline of this blog? Exploring life’s off-the-beaten-path options.
Some personal struggles kept me away from one of the things I enjoy the most. But you know what, I didn’t settle and I didn’t stop exploring. I can say 2013 brought me a lot of new experiences, lessons, and places (read my recount here).
The experiences lived in the past year take me back to a post I wrote a long time ago: How would you feel if you could not travel anymore? In that post, I revealed my list of priorities: life, love, and travel. Even though the travel aspect may have suffered a bit, I believe that within my possibilities I have lived life to the fullest and loved the most important people in my life to the best of my ability.
So the ‘travel’ aspect of the blog may have suffered but the lifestyle I am preaching is there. And if I can do it, you can do it too.
On Change
It has been said that change is the only constant in life. Things have certainly changed a lot in the blogging community over the course of these past three years.
I do want to make several changes to this website (from the design to more useful posts). In order to do that, I know I have to get organized and make some decisions. I know, I have said the same in the past. But be patient with me, I have the drive to make certain things happen.
On Being a Blogger
Blogging is a time-consuming activity. I can go on and on about the negative aspects of it. By this point, if you follow blogs, you may be aware of the not-so-easy life of different types of bloggers.
Setting aside the horrendous face of blogging, and neither maximizing or minimizing the reality, I feel proud and happy to be a blogger. I guess this thing hit me on my soft spot. I cannot seem to get over the addiction.
On Relationships
I got a little bit into the dark aspect of blogging. However, all the grim stuff disappears every time somebody sends me an e-mail, a tweet, a Facebook message or leaves a comment on my site.
You guys have told me stories about your life, have invited me to your houses, have asked me questions in order to plan a trip, have used my posts to plan an activity, have wished me great things, etc.
There are so many beautiful people in this world and this blog has helped me to establish a relationship with some of them.
On Popular Posts
I still get surprised by the topics people chose as their favorite. Here are some of the posts that were popular last year.
Venice Beach Boardwalk: Total Madness and a Change in Perception
Los Olivos: Tiny Town with a Big Heart
Los Angeles’ Ethnic Neighborhoods: Little Ethiopia
On Favorite Posts
You guys know that I love you, right? So, excuse me. These are my favorite posts of the year.
Teotitlan del Valle: Surrounded by Rugs and Textiles
Hierve el Agua: Petrified Waterfalls Rising from a Valley
Stories of a Pirate Taxi Driver
Point Dume State Beach and Reserve
On the Future of Tanama Tales
Ahh, the future. I am not able to foresee what is coming but I have the desire to keep blogging and sharing my stories. Don’t worry, I don’t have plans to disappear from the digital sphere in the near future.
What else can I say?
We have arrived at the moment of truth. This is the point where I thank you for everything you have given me. I don’t want these words to have a hollow feel.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank one and each of you for stopping by, for taking a second to make me part of your life. I feel I don’t give enough if I take into consideration all that I receive. Your brilliant energy and love are what keeps me going.
Happy New Year! Happy Third Anniversary! Keep living, keep loving, and keep traveling.
P.S. If you like what you see in Tanama Tales, please help me to increase my readership by following me on one of my social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, G+) or subscribing to my RSS feed or e-mail updates. I appreciate greatly any help you can provide me!!
P.S.S. Feel free to contact me if you need to help or if you just want to talk.
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
Happy 3 Years, Ruth! It’s been a pleasure virtually traveling with you two. Sorry, of all the hardships this year but I’m glad you’re able to get through it and continue on. I have enjoyed your local adventures since they were great day trip ideas for me 🙂 Wishing you the very best in 2014!