A Year of Reflections, with Words and Photos
Wow, what a year this has been for me on and offline. I can’t imagine that 2010 will even compare but I’d be tickled if it did. When I first started blogging, I never expected to fall in love with it like I did. I never expected to find myself blessed with the opportunities that have come my way or to meet as many amazing people that I have. I truly have been blessed this year and am grateful for every bit of it.
I felt like all year, I remained true to myself. I represented myself in a manner that I’m proud of; whether that be personally, with my blogs, with other bloggers & friends, or with brands. I hope that they feel the same way.
THINGS I WANT TO SEE IN 2010
Blogging
- 1. Bloggers choosing quality over quantity.
- 2. PR folks choosing quality over quantity.
Me
- 3. So cliche I know but losing weight.
- 4. Expanding my community, successfully.
- 5. Staying organized.
- 6. Emails–replying in a more timely manner.
- 7. Spend more time with friends.
- 8. BE a better friend, mentor, mom, wife, sister, Aunt, and daughter.
- 9. Enjoy offline time a little more with my favorite things like crocheting, photography, family, and quilting.
- 10. Say thank you more.
THINGS I WANT TO SEE LESS OF IN 2010
Blogging(ers)
- 11. “top” lists. I hate them. They are high school and biased.
- 12. Copycats. Come on guys, get your creativity on.
- 13. Bloggers who see other niches doing well so they dive in and do it too, regardless of whether they love it or not. aka copycats I suppose.
- 14. Bloggers rushing to use their blogs to attack a company.
- 15. Lame PR pitches.
- 16. Less drama for crying out loud. Grow up already.
- 17. Whining–aka jealousy of what others get. You want it too? Work for it.
I have always been content with what I have. I don’t want to be famous, to be on the Today Show or a speak at major conferences. I just want to do what I love to the best of my ability. So aside from the few things I mentioned above that I want to see in 2010, I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing. Being me.
Now for a roundup of some of the more popular posts here at A Cowboy’s Wife.
BLOGGING POSTS
- Blogging with Cents: Bloggers, What Does Your Disclosure Say?
- Blogging with Cents: Avoiding Bloggers Debt
- Blogging with Cents: Tips on How to Buy a Domain Name
- A Blogger’s Will – Preparing Your Blog for Your Death
- Setting Blog Goals and Defining Success
- The Importance of a Demographic Survey for Your Media Kit
PERSONAL POSTS
- The Importance of “Real Life” Friends
- Just Said No
- Taking Five to Focus on Family
- My Biggest Fear Could Have Came True
- Believe
- Finding Faith – Believing and Reaching Out
MISC POSTS
- Not Quite an 8 Second Ride
- 1000+ Photoshop Actions, Plugins, Presets, Tutorials and Brushes
- The Many Looks of Lori
- Shaquille ONeal and A Cowboy’s Wife on a Plane, Together
- MY Fashion Favorite – FLIP FLOPS Cowgirl Style!
- Day 1 of Rattlesnake Hunting on the Ranch
- One of 25 Texas Social Media Award Winners
- Brooke Burke, Mel B in LA with Me and the Girls AND us on the Insider
- Hold on, Steers in the Yard
- No Longer a Starbucks Virgin
- Almost Wordless Wednesday: A Panasonic LIHD Family
FAVORITE PRODUCTS I REVIEWED
- Dyson, Oh How I Love Thee
- Why Do They Motivate Me So?
- Clarisonic Really Does Work!
- A Few of My Favorite Things
I had a blast attending Blogher this year.
One of my favorite events was with TJMaxx.
Had a BLAST at SeaWorld!!
Proud to be partnered with Lifetime and OfficeMax this year.
4 of my FAVORITE PHOTOS (don’t want to make the page load slowly but i have so many more I love.)
WHAT ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES MOMENTS OF 2009?
If you wrote a post, share the direct link here with us!
Oh my goodness I love those photos!!
I agree with your goals – quality over quantity….that is so hard to actually live out though. But yes, if I just said yes to the pitches that are worth my time I could do better reviews.
Here is to a wonderful 2010!
Lori, I love this post! And I love your lists! Those photos are beautiful… the hand in hand is my favorite.
And I have to admit… TJMaxx was my favorite, too. I will never forget how giddy we were running around the store – with the ladies saying, “Time is up!”
Lori,
Great post – probably my fav 2009 wrap up! I started blogging mid-2009 and have fell in love as well. I look forward to meeting more bloggers and getting to know you better!
Lori,
Great roundup of all your wonderful posts. Many of these I hadn’t yet had a chance to read, and a few I’ve read several times.
Looking forward to reading your blog in 2010!
Jenny
Lori, you’ve had an amazing year, with amazing posts, photos and food! I’m so glad I was able to “meet” you this year.
Cat´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Princess Party Planning
I love this!
I used to always enjoy the turn of the year overview and trend watch on TV but lately, the past couple of years I have found them so dated, washed out, trite. I enjoyed your points very much, so fresh!
Here is a link to a post I wrote about dreaming and making your resolutions happen! I would love to include photos like you did. Your photos are also so terrific!!!!
- Good times in 2009 to the end of time!
Andrea C
Andrea Cook´s last blog ..Planning Ahead for Next Year’s Resolutions
Whoopsies…. here is my correct twitter acct…. :)
Andrea Cook´s last blog ..Planning Ahead for Next Year’s Resolutions
I love this, those are some of my fav pics as well!
To Think Is To Create´s last blog ..The Tunnel
You had a great year, Lori! I am so thankful to have finally met you in person and to get to really know you. But, c’mon, you gotta admit that partying at La Deux was a pretty sweet memory, girl!!
I love how you included what you want to see less of in 2010. I agree with every single one too! I really hope that our community shows more support and exemplifies the true meaning of being a blogger, in general. There are so many great people!
The only thing I think you missed in your pictures are the shots of Toby and Tyler (that are in your header). I know you couldn’t include them all, but I really love those too!
Here’s to 2010!
Andrea @ MommySnacks.net´s last blog ..Reflection on 2009
Lori,
I love this post and I agree with everything you said and the pics you’ve posted.. love them.
I haven’t done a round up yet! That’s for tomorrow, sigh :-)
Cannot wait to see you in 2010!! xo
rachel-asouthernfairytale´s last blog ..Blackeyed Peas
Love this. And I heartily agree with 1 and 2 and 11-17. I linked up a meme that I did today. I know, memes are so last year. But I’m packing to go out of town and that’s the best I’ve got! :-)
Also, had a blast with you at TJMaxx!
Beautiful post! You have inspired me. I hope that 2010 brings you MANY good things, my friend! :)
Your #9 really hit me, because I’ve been struggling with that decision. I work full time, then I come home and work two jobs on the laptop. I spend all my time in front of a computer working, and I’ve recently realized that I’ve kinda ‘lost’ myself when it comes to the things I used to love so much like photo-walks, reading, crafts, etc.
Oh, and I really, really love those first and last photos!
Great post and I agree with everything but I won’t be doing more quilting – don’t know how :)
Katja of Skimbaco´s last blog ..The Story How Gary Vaynerchuk Saved My Life
[...] you’re up to it, you can see my recap on my personal blog and link up to your recap there while your there! What was your favorite memory for 2009 and what [...]
Nice walk with you down memory lane. I love everything that you had to say about what you want to see less of too. But there’s one thing I don’t think is possible – being a better friend and mentor. Lori, you’re there for everyone. No worries about that hun. Keep being you! Happy New Year and more of good things for you because I know how hard you work. (((HUGS)))
ConnieFoggles´s last blog ..Colgate Wisp Simultaneous Kiss New Years Eve
I agree with you on so many of the blog thoughts…aka copy cats. I do think best of lists (for books and toys) can be helpful for parents! I love the pictures and want to come back as your child. It must be so much fun and I love the horses. Happy and healthy New Year to you and your loved ones.
alyssa´s last blog ..Favorite Books From A Four Year Old Perspective
Totally agree about products Alyssa, I was referring to the all the top bloggers, top moms type of lists. ;)
Happy New Year, Lori!
Great List, too!
Dana´s last blog ..Crazy in Love with Michael Buble
That was such a wonderful, well thought out post. I would also love to see PR really do their research and work with people based on quality, not quantity. I agree on the top lists and don’t pay much heed to them. They are only one or a few people’s opinion and sometimes we care too much. I love the personal goals that you set for yourself, that’s always awesome.
And as for the photos, just beautiful.
Tiffany´s last blog ..Need for Speed Nitro for Wii – Review
Love this! You’ve been a busy girl this year honey! Here’s to a happy, healthy, and successful 2010, hope to see you soon!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, LORI!
Love ya. :)
I love, love, love these photos. Couldn’t agree with you more on all your resolutions and aggravations and triumphs for the year. I am so proud to call you my friend. Love you!!