365. This is IT!

On midnight, December 31, are you going to cease posting every single day? The world wants to know!

Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
--------------------------------------

365, but really 425.  That's number of days in a row blogging. (I did a 60-day warmup leading up to 365, to see if I felt I could keep up the momentum, and apparently I can.)

Fess up Norma! What are you (and the blog) going to be doing the day after tomorrow? 

Posted by: Felicia

I don't know if I'm out of control, I'm on a roll, I simply don't know how to stop, or I'm a train wreck, but I thank and appreciate those of you who come here every day to tune in.

Oh, gosh. Can't people find a hobby?
:D
LX

Posted by: sandy

It's proved to me a fact that I think I already knew, and that I have mentioned before:  That the real hobby here is the blogging itself.

I want to hear more about your personal affairs.

Posted by: Roxie

Not every day's entry is profound.  Most are certainly not.  Not every day is entertaining.  Not every day is enlightening or educational or sincere.  But on the whole, it's been a worthwhile exercise for me, and I hope that this crazy soup of whatever it is you get here has been fun for you. 

In order to maintain your happy life, it is probably necessary for you to continue to post every day. I know that if you did so, you would contribute to my happiness.

Posted by: Adelaide

It's fun (with several exclamation marks) for me.  It's easy and natural.  I'm not sure if it's improved my writing, or whether it's just maintained consistency in exercising the writing muscles, or whether I am just plain an exhibitionist.  I do believe it has improved my powers of observation and my ability to find something interesting in my day, each and every day, to write about.

Never a dull moment 'round here...

Posted by: Vicki

It makes me happy. It never, ever feels like a chore to me. It keeps me from getting down, or even if I am down, to find something worthwhile (I hope) about the "down" to write about: 

I would like to request that your life continue to give you shit. It's so damned entertaining for the rest of us. ~ kmkat

I have immensely enjoyed the comments and emails asking whether I will continue, asking me to please continue, and the fact that if anyone has left, they've left quietly, without telling me I'm a hopeless bore or a self-centered idiot or that they can't stomach me any longer because of the profanity or exhibitionism or Narcissism, or that my blog lacks focus and cohesiveness. 

Oh yes, things could get so much worse. If I had your life I'd burn mine. Oh wait, that isn't how it goes..anyway.

Posted by: margene

The Bloglines subscriptions have decreased.  At one point I was concerned because the number was going down quite precipitously, and it seemed that I was either wearing people out or boring them to death, so they were leaving in droves.  (or so it seemed to the hypersensitive blogger in me)

Obviously you need to go back to the Museum of Sex and make a gift-shop purchase. Or at least line up another massage. ;)

Posted by: Kristen

But the Bloglines number stabilized and has remained constant for what seems like forever (no growth!  What's up with that?  But at least no further losses) and the number of overall readers has increased by quite a substantial number. I'm a bit confused by that, because when I look at some of my peers' blogs who are in the same sort of numbers category as I, I notice that their Bloglines have gone up and up and up, and mine have, at best, remained stagnant.  I know there are several other feedreaders, and the blog can be read through Ravelry, but that would be true for my peers, as well, so that's not the end of the analysis.  I'm not sure what it all means, but I don't spend too much time thinking about it. 

Honey, you always kick ass. Are you going to do another 365? Might be fun for you. I know it would be fun for us.

xo

Posted by: Cookie

One thing that has suffered in this exercise is my ability to respond to comments as religiously as before, and to visit other people's blogs.  I'm sad about that, and I have tried to do better lately.  I think it has less to do with the daily blogging and more to do with what else is going on in my life, which, compared to Martha Stewart or Tina Fey or Oprah is maybe not much, but compared to many other 49-year-old women, I think, is quite a lot.  I appreciate the loyal commenters, and the occasional ones, more than you know.

Oh no. Only a week of Norma-every-day left? But... but I'm hooked! I NEED my fix!

Posted by: Joan 

Ditto on the 365-blogging for 2009. I need my daily dose of Norma AND Sandy.

Posted by: Diane T 

Thank you for the 2008 / 365 blogging! I love it. Would a lot of bribery be needed for a 2009 / 365?

Posted by: Beebs

It is so nice to know you are out there, and that something I have written has touched you in some way -- be it your funny bone, something I've taught you, something you take issue with, or some conversation I've inspired.  Hopefully there is some usefulness, rather than just emptiness and drivel, in at least some of what I write.

I thank you for supporting all the causes I put forth, be it the Red Scarf Project, voting for a book from my author friend (Martin tells me he is hard at work on his next Mrs. Hudson book, which will feature an American femme fatale in honor of me!), saying happy birthday to a friend of mine, voting for a budding soap opera actor, or sending warm clothes for a clothing drive. 

So, the verdict:  Didn't that test I took the other day predict this?  "Relative happiness."

Congratulations on making it to 365! Are you rally going to take a year off from blogging now? Rumor? Who started that rumor? Wasn't me. I had nothing to do with that. And, are you really moving to New York to go back into whatever it was you did in England all those years ago? And what about all those other rumors???? Huh?

Posted by: Dave Daniels |

I don't have a plan, I make no promises, but I foresee myself not being able to get off the track for a while more.  Surely the letters coming out of the keyboard which form words and thoughts cannot pour out infinitely and indefinitely, but for now, I guess you're stuck with me.  Or not.

Someone has to set a bad example.

 
(From Anne Taintor.)

So now I have a Happy New Year's gift to give you.  Leave a comment to this post, and I'll put your name in a drawing for a nice surprise package. I won't tell you just what's in it, but I will guarantee it's good and will include some things from my beautiful native state of Vermont. I will tell you ONE thing that's in it.  Well, I'll give you a hint.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!

 

Comments

[Leslie]

Keep on blogging AND swearing, Norma--I love both! ;o)

[Therese]

Ooooh, Vermont goodies! You've lured me out of silence. I don't think I've ever commented here before even though I'm one of the somewhat regular readers - once a week or so I'll stop by to see what's up. I do absolutely enjoy reading your blog. Your posts about your work are entertaining and informative. I think your best post of the year was the one about working in a medical class.

And, yes, please keep it going!

[Kristen]

Congratulations on making it to 365 (425)! I'm so happy to have stumbled upon you all those years ago. You definitely do make a difference in my little world--I laugh, I get teary, I send money I don't have to charity, I swear, I nod in understanding... All in a days work for the Fabulous Norma! Thank you for being out there (multiple meanings intended).

[kt]

Go, girl, go! Don't leave us hanging!

[Mary]

Where did the year go...I'm glad you made it...I wonder if you'll suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop posting daily? Will it be like that story about those women who would stop in the middle of their day feeling like they'd lost or forgotten something only to realize they're going a wee bit mad because they didn't go to prom...or something?

Okay, I know I think too much...moving on.

[(formerly) no-blog-rachel]

Your blog was one of the first I found when I started knitting over 3 years ago and it's one of my very favorites. You're not only fun as hell to read, you bring Vermont to me when I can't be there. So for my own selfish reasons I hope this has become so much of a habit for you that you continue to post often.

Mwah! Happy and Merry to you!

[mamamagda]

I have enjoyed your blog for quite a while now, as I said before, knitting, gardening, recipes, your work, all interesting to read, also your comments & observations on life's little quirks.
Write on Norma,you have a steady loyal following who would miss your company as we drink our coffee.

[Adrianne]

Oh Norma, you set the best bad example of them all! You have the perfect recipe for irreverent and informative hilarity. Thank you for sharing, every single day dammit! That's quality. Happy New Year to you too!

[Cookie]

When my numbers go down, I blame my commenters for not being funny enough. I mean, it can't be my fault. I think you do a wonderful job of managing it all while still being likable. I would never want to crank call that Oprah person, ya know. Janice Norma, you're fabulous. Please keep up the posting and kindly find out why our Sandy is linking to her dead blog.

xo

[Sharon]

Pretty please...keep on blogging! I work the night shift and know at 12:01 I can come to the computer and be totally entertained by your posts! Your photos, your humor..just you being you is the best!

[Sarah]

I wondered what would happen at the end of the 365 adventure, but was afraid to ask. I am glad you are going to keep going for as long as it is enjoyable for you. I have enjoyed the ride, and look forward to seeing what happens next. I like you, Norma.

[Cathy in Va.]

I've visited intermittently, and there's always been something unexpected and entertaining. I've also contracted an unreasonable lust for a hood-less CPH, thanks to you. :) Happy New Year!

[Debbie]

I hope you continue blogging, I have had bad days when you made me laugh, I have had things to think about, I have learned to not take a sip of ANYTHING before I start reading. I have no problem with swearing...I just add it to the list of things I'm going to hell for! I am down in MA and I go up to VT at least 2 times a year for vacation! I go in the Spring, shortly after mud season and then I try to make it up again in the early Fall and I always enjoy myself! I have said that I would like to move there. I love Patrick Lahey, I actually get his newsletter.

[Ingrid]

Love the diversity of your writing, and now Mr. Jeffries too - good reasons to look and read !

[Sandee]

Keep on blogging! I love the daily posts from you and Sandy and wouldn't know how to survive without them! You are so entertaining in a positive way - laughter is great for the soul! I've so enjoyed hearing about Mr Jeffries! Keep it up! PLEAZ!!!!!!

[Rachel]

Happy new year full of blog posts pretty please :)

[Cindy (maxfun)]

I admire your tenacity. Whether you post daily or not, I'll be reading.:)

[moiraeknittoo]

Congrats on an entire year of posting! Well done. :)

[Lisa R]

I love my daily dose of Norma! I would be very sad if it were to stop.

[AnnaMarie]

Dear Abby, the Weather Channel and Norma. I need these three things every morning to know all is right with my world. Well, those and a cup of tea but seriously, I love reading your blog. It does help that you are a fellow Vermonter and that you are a knitter but honestly, even if you lived somewhere else and didn't knit, you are a really fun read!

[Beccaie]

I'm definitely one of the infrequent commenters, but I love finding something new on your blog every day. I'm glad that you're still enjoying it enough to keep posting often, if not daily.

[Kristin]

Congratulations and Happy New Year to you Norma! I've been reading your blog for a long time and I'm not on any of the blog readers. I just check it every day and of course, now for 425 days in a row there's been a post. Your blog has been such a source of laughter and incredulity over the years. I look forward to being surprised each time. Whatever you choose to do, thanks for all the fun so far!

[nancyh]

Now Norma Knits: come for the knitting, stay for the profanity, exhibitionism and Narcissism. Many thanks, Norma, for a fantastic year-plus (not always fantastic for you, but your rants make for great schadenfreude!). Eagerly awaiting the pee-stop tour of 2009...

[Collette]

Every day we've been here--you know, the toddler bouncing on my knee and me. Although I suppose he wasn't even close to being a toddler when you started the year...

[Walden]

Well, I have enjoyed your blog since I found it. I think it's nice that some bloggers find time to blog every day, it makes the readers feel like they know that person better. I hope you continue to blog regularly, if not every day in 2009.

[Ruthie]

Don't despair...there are a lot of us lurkers who don't fit into any analysis of readership. I have been one of them for the last 45 days or so; wish I had found your blog earlier. You are a true example of the average, ordinary (or maybe extraordinary?)knitter who has a life above and beyond knitting. Glad to read that your daily blogs will continue, at least for a while. I look forward to reading your blog every night just before going to bed.

[jenn]

Have you checked your Google Reader stats? They look decent (well, at least to me)

Feed URL: http://nownormaknits2.typepad.com/now_norma_knits_2/atom.xml
Posts per week:7.2 Subscribers:369

I know a lot of people who gave up Bloglines for Google Reader this year, so that could be one reason your Bloglines numbers went down.

Funny - as I was typing this comment, the local (NY Metro area) news featured a brawl in a mall in VT. Somehow, that seemed appropriate. VT isn't usually on our local news. =)

And I do hope you keep on blogging. It seems like I'm not in the minority on this, either.

[Kris]

Congratulations on making it to 365! Love your posts - please keep it up! Happy New Year!

[Krista L]

Norma, I read your blog every morning with my coffee and always appreciate the humor and the honest way in which you approach life.
Keep on blogging!!!

[Marika]

Happy New Year, Norma! Keep on blogging, it's been a good year!

[Gail Lucille]

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Please, don't quit with the daily blogging, I love to read all your goings on, and the knitting is such a bonus..Keep up the good work, Thanks. ;0)>>>Happy New Year!!!
*********************************************

[Adelaide]

I couldn't start the day without my dose of Norma. I've definitely become addicted. Keep it going, kiddo.

[gayle]

Glad to hear you're going to keep on rolling. I'd be lost in the morning with my Norma!
Yours was one of the first blogs I found when I stumbled over blogdom years ago. Yours is definitely the first blog I ever commented on.
You're my favorite imaginary friend...

(My daughter works at a mall in Burlington, where there was a fist-fight in the middle of her store last week - right in front of her. Ah, the joys of Christmas shopping...)

[Barbara]

I know that I would miss you for sure. Looking forward to '09.

[Leslie]

Norma, you're one of the first things I read each morning; one could say you're as habit forming as coffee :) I can't tell you how happy I am that you will continue blogging at least a bit more.

May you have a happy, healthy 2009 surrounded by those you love. (And the same to all my fellow "Norma" readers.)

[Kate]

I hope you do keep blogging - I enjoy reading your blog every day. And lately there's even knitting! I hope that your tendenitis continues to get better.

[Mikell]

Hi Norma, I'm another early morning reader. I think I came for the knitting and stayed for everything else. Thanks for the year of posts. Wishing you happiness in the New Year.

[Susan]

Wake up, let the dog out, feed the cats, go see what Norma has to say today. I don't often comment..for one thing I'm a bit intimidated. After all you're NORMA! But I do read and I do support Red Scarf Project (thank you for that!) and I have a bulky hat on the needles for the homeless. So you really do play a rather large part in my life. That might be scary :-)

[Mali]

Norma, I start my day off with a good cup of tea and a read of early morning blog posts like yours. Love your blog, you sound like a long lost cousin. I have a feeling we're kindred spirits - I already own the 'nothing says "hello sailor" quite like ruby red lipstick' cosmetic bag. Couldn't imagine anything else for toting around the bare minerals!

[Lynn]

You have to keep on blogging, you're a national institution. Besides, I enjoy it. Even though our lives are not really all that differrent, yours always seems to be much more exciting!

[Nora]

My daily dose of Norma is right up there with my Metamucil and vitamin D. Necessary for smooth functioning throughout the day.

xo

[DebbieB]

I'm so glad you've been here every day. I read, though as you know I'm a hit-or-miss commenter. (BTW, Bloglines is a mystery to me - I read you via bookmark in my browser.)

Happy New Year, dear Norma.

[Lisa H.]

Please keep blogging - you crack me up - not to mention introducing me to things I've never tried, like ginger-flavored vodka! Keep it goin'!!

[Angela]

I'm usually one of those lurkers, but have enjoyed your daily quips. You usually make me smile. Or downright laugh out loud...and occasionally even think about things.

Looking forward to following Norma's adventures in 2009,
Angela

[Libby]

I'm one of your googlereader lurkers...keep it up!

[Kelli]

I must confess. My day is not quite right until I read your blog. I find it informative and quite funny. Congrats and Happy New Year. ~ksp

[Angie]

I dearly love your blog and kvetching. You have inspired me to garden more in 2009.

[Laurie]

Well, I can't stand all these daily blogger farewells. Makes me sad. So I'm glad your words will continue to flow out the fingers. Happy New Year!

[Carole]

I can't even picture you not blogging every day. I'd miss my Daily Dose of Norma way too much if you stopped. Happy New Year, my friend.

[judi]

I just found your blog recently and love it! You can at least keep up the posting a few days a week :-)