I know I have visitors from other "animal" blogs.....from family, some friends and of course I know there is a scattering of village readers that drop in to check on my news and that of everyday life in the sleepy quiet of Trelawnyd....but who are the others and why do they take the time to put fingers to key board and type in "Going Gently"?
I would like to think that my inherited sense of humour (my mother could be wickedly curt and sharp at times) that draws in the punters... but I guess this year's animal storylines which included Maddie's death, the arrival of the emotionally needy goslings, Red the quail's traumatic entrance into this world and Constance's flatulence, which really captures the imagination
I love reading other peoples' blogs. Diary sites, like mine, do have the narrative draw which sucks you in and keeps you wanting more, especially if they are animal led...Polly's goat traumas ( Polly's Path), the retirement home for aging golden retrievers ( Life at Golden Pines), the shifting menagerie worries of AJ (A little Farm with a big heart and Ruth's isolated mountain existence over at Life Through The Cracks ( as well as a score of others) give just a tiny flavour of the diversity of small holding life......which can be terribly addictive.
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| Tom Stephenson's drawings |
There is another type of blog which I find fascinating, and that is the "eclectic talk show type of blog"....funnily enough most of these type of blogs are penned by blokes, are often bitingly funny (or/and informative) and can be incredibly interesting..... Tom Stephenson's musings from Sunny Bath, the Sheffield based Yorkshire Pudding with his wry view of the world, Pittsburgh chatter from Another Mile Marker and Australian mega Brain John over at Tok,Tok place all provide me with an alternative view of life....with its many twists and turns!
"Life style Blogs" with some emotional romping are vital reading for me too!
Maria's wonderful essays into self awareness make for a cracking read (Just Eat Your Cupcake)...as does the life of an ex cop now running an American Diner (in Eric's Don't shoot Your Meatloaf).The Diary of expat Tom in Angola ( A Hippo On The Lawn) is sporadic yet amazingly well written and I must not forget the best of the home making/ allotment and foodie blogs such as Razzberry Corner, A Texan's Blog, The Cottage Gardener, The Dykes Edge Allotment and Maura's gentle Lilac Lane Cottage
Then we come to the mixed bag type of blogs.........film and Theatre reviewer Alex Ramon Boycotting Trends sits nicely alongside Dia's essays on death and the experience of dying in acuriouscure......and I absolutely love flitting through Dan's slightly geeky All That Comes With It or Murphyfish's welsh country Blog if I have a spare moment!
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| Alex's blog |
The list of my favourite blogs does not stop here....and I must apologies if you have not yet been mentioned!
To Sharon, old favourite Cassie, Craig, Greg,Amy,Chickadee,Mark's "Tales of the sissy",The Halperns,Angus,Ted and Bunny,The Idiot Gardener,Piggies heaven,Lori Skoog,Tennesse Brit, Randy ( Sheffield Diane!!!) Gill, Isobelle,the benign Canadian Jim,Joanna,Christine, Louise and Melody, the potty minded Tracey,big hearted homeschooler Mal.Terri, Ina,Gardener Rob,Sue, little mouse,Knat,Bad Penny, Party goer Brighton David, cat......I never miss having a look at what's going on in your lives!Oh and to newbees Judith, Razzmataz,Beverly,Jacqueline,Kate,Rich,Andrea,Jennifer,Iris, Nancy, Ferris Jay,Linda, Inger, Tiger,Gail, Hopeful,Shetlands,Sheila,Jo,.......it's lovely to have you on board!!!!!
I know what you mean about it being mainly males who do the sort of chat show blogging. I guess it is because the females spend too much time reading romantic novels, eating cup-cakes and choosing wallpaper (or is that stereotyping?) It was a shock, seeing my rat staring out at me from your site.
ReplyDeleteI love stopping by and checking out whats going on with you John. I do love your sense of humour, and your animals, and I also like the way that when I witter on about Sheffield, you know what I mean! xxx
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog because not only of the animals, but the fact that you live across the pond. A peek into your country's dialect and habits are different and fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy reading the blogs from people who have professions that are different from my own (cops, nurses and teachers especially) and those with children.
I'm going to peruse some of the blogs you linked today. Thank you! :)
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteI always read your blog, I never know what is going to be on your mind! It's always interesting, not matter the subject and ahem,you seem like family.
I will say, that getting all those links had to be a monstrous job, I had thought about doing it, and thank heavens I am too old to tackle that, would have taken me all day! (Maybe two!)
Wow, you do have a lot of readers! I don't know if I could handle all that, as I comment on all the posts, still. Even if I can't watch the all the videos. It's nice to know that people are interested in what you have to say, isn't it?
Have a nice evening now, even if you can't go see the ballet, you have a lot of love there, to keep you warm and cheery!
Thanks for the mention, bro! I might actually get the chance to *do* some more regular blogging now that teaching's over for this term...
ReplyDeleteSeen any new films, btw?
x
I live about five miles away, so love your blog because you're local.
ReplyDeleteI lie, I love your blog because I'm downright nosey :) I love your sense of humour and your style of writing. I am passionate about dogs too, I grew up with Welsh terriers. I just don't know how you fit everything into your hectic lifestyle and have time to blog about it too!
Hubby works in the Farm and Pet Place so you'd probably recognise him. I blog so my grown up kids who have flown the nest know what I'm up to. It's not an interesting blog to anyone else.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas.
"Eclectic Talk Show blog" LOL! I like that, nice grouping! Not sure about being a 'Mega Brain' - just the outpourings of reflections on life!
ReplyDeleteHi - I read your blog every time you update it - because you're interesting and have an interesting life
ReplyDeleteHey John, the pleasure is all mine, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteJim
I found your blog through Lori Skoog's blog - so have followed you for a few weeks now. I admit I love allt he animals in your care but you have a wonderful style of writing which I enjoy reading. Blessings and wrap up warmly. From Jo, South Africa
ReplyDeleteWe love you because you show your beautiful kind heart in your words and life, a treasure well worth checking in on. Peace
ReplyDeleteps thanks for the link :)
I like to read your blog coz it reminds me of home and more importantly - you make me laugh.
ReplyDeleteSue
I always read your blog. I love the way you write and your sense of humour.
ReplyDeleteI love stopping in and visiting with my blogging buddies. It always feels like we`re having a nice sit-down with a cup of java and catching up after a few days.
ReplyDeleteReal neighborly I suppose. And in this day and age it`s nice to have neighbors even if some are virtual. =)
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteI've only just started following your blog (and blogging more myself).. I recognized you from some nice comments you made on my blog a while back.
With having decent internet for now I'm looking forward to stopping in more regularly (and knowing you've so many hens and ducks too - watch out .. I could be coming to you for advice now and again!)
I do love reading blogs and getting to know other peoples worlds.
Hi John, thanks for the mention! I remember when I first showed up on your blog--I don't know how I got here, but I was hooked from the start! Yours and several others are the 'must reads' for my day!
ReplyDeleteYes I must admit I come here 'cos I like your wicked sense of humour! And of course I enjoy reading all about your animal antics! Sue x
ReplyDeleteI must in turn, tell you that reading your blog, starts my day with a smile :)
ReplyDeleteNot only do I hold the upmost fondess of memories for Wales, and anything that reminds me of all those holidays we took as a young family in the campsites and holiday camps of Prestatyn and Rhyl, but reading of your daily escapades down on the farm, leaves me giggling like a giddy teenager.
Thank you for sharing, it's my little fix of 'home' everyday.
Hugs,
Jo
x
Very good post, I don't know how you manage to keep up with everyone. I found you via a kind message you left on Angus' blog. You touched my heart then & still do. I always enjoy your animal family stories, and your kind heart. Merry Christmas to you! xo
ReplyDeleteI have been checking in on your blog every day for months now. It is one of the first things I do each morning. I think I would love to be your friend if we lived closer (I am in New England USA) I love the animal stories, your sense of humor and your very obvious kindness.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work, I would miss you if you stopped.
We all love you, that's why we come here. from Potty Tracey xxx
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through comments on Tom's and clicked on your title. I read it because if I could wave a wand, I would raise animals. I grew up partly in England and my happiest days were when my grandparents sent me to help the farmer up the road on summer holidays.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is also honest and real. While I love design, I don't like only the frou frou things. Your humour and theglimses into another country....lots of things. I think that bulldog caught my attention initially as I had just lost my dog.
I love your blog not because I know what you're talking about with all your bird talk... but because you care about every little thing... whether it's a flower, a bird, a patient, a movie, a cause, a neighbor, a friend, Chris, a dog, etc. etc. etc. etc. You invest and empathize with everyone and everything and that makes you special.
ReplyDeleteBesides, when would I ever have a friend in Wales if it weren't for our blogs? Truly, one of the great exceptions in the way that people have become less communicative with the invention of the internet.
I must admit that I overheard two people talking about the snowstorm in Europe and I immediately thought about you and the chickens getting buried in snow. Hope you're (all) ok.
Yes, we read your blog for the animals, but it's you John, that's the real draw.
ReplyDeleteI just love the way you write John...it's as if you can't help but let the caring pour through.
ReplyDeleteJohn - I suppose it must be odd, wondering who is popping in each day. I "met" you through Nancy at "A Shepherd's Voice". I "met" her through a Backyard Chicken Board, and then met her in real life last Christmas when I delivered her precious Sable puppy to her. (We have quickly become fast friends over the past 2 years, and I am lucky enough to be able to pop down to her place rather frequently.) I start my day with blogs: Nancy's Shepherd's Voice, Kim's Golden Pines, Tracey's Crafty Scraps, Wandering Gecko way to the north of you, and your Going Gently. I feel connected to the world through my computer, especially on the "bad" days when I cannot quite manage to deal with the world face-to-face. Even though I generally just lurk, I have gone back on each of these blogs and read from the beginning to present. Thank you for the gift of your stories and vingettes. They are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteKatie in Minnesota, USA
Hey, thanks for the mention. I'm glad you enjoy reading my blog as I enjoy reading yours. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI'm particularly fascinated by Constance's flatulence.
ReplyDeleteLovely to be here!
ReplyDeleteNot only do I enjoy your blog, but I have found my way to other great blogs via yours!
ReplyDeletewell done on that amount of people popping by.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing all your stories, but you know that already,
Gill in Canada
A kind heart and a wicked sense of humor. A combination you can't beat. Oh, and you spin a good yarn, too!
ReplyDeleteSporadic. OK, I get the hint!
ReplyDeleteI may be too busy to post, John, but I always find time to catch up with rural Britain. I can't get the Archers in Angola but I don't care, you are a lot more interesting and post some real gems. Those Welsh speaking ladies taking the micky, a real classic.
That post gave me some wicked ideas on how to deal with particularly obnoxious clients:
Client: Please tell the Minister how grateful I am to be granted an audience after six month's of waiting.
Me translating: The Gentleman asks if we could open the window of your office because you smell.
Ah dear, it's a pity you didn't post the 'Dear Old ladies' before I retired!
Your blog is excellent and I read it every morning supping on my cup of tea. You still haven't convinced me about this Matt Cardboard bloke you keep banging on about, though.
It is just a thought, but have you considered recording your post? A sort of Alistair Cooke's 'Letters from America' type thing (only in your case: 'John Gray's Scribbles from Wales... Hang on Sec', the Bloody Starlings are Back), a broadcast your millions of readers could download and enjoy as a bit of bed time listening?
Imagine, thousands of children round the world...
OK, kids, it's bedtime, do you want a story?
And instead of them jumping up and down saying, yes please Daddy, tell us a story! They'd say, Has John Gray, that Welsh Northener posted again? Hurray!!!
Audio files are so easy to upload and take up so little space. A lot less downloading than links to You Tube videos. Just one click on a link at the bottom of your post would give us access to our own radio programme. You remember radio, John? After all, you have both good taste and still write cheques by hand (no doubt with a fountain pen). Old School?
Go on John, give it a try. You never know, with the speed the established media are going through presenters recently, you could be the next X Factor of the Easy Listening world.
134 followers and over 50,000 readers John? You owe it to your public, your fans.
We want more.
I don't know about all those other lovely readers of yours out there but, wouldn't they just love an audio letter from John every now and again?
I am sure that being an intensive care nurse managing sometimes very stressful situations, you are not embarrased by the sound of your own voice...
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAngola tom
ReplyDeleteand you balked at my comment "sporadic"
i COULD enjoy your writings daily!!!
thank you everyone for your kind comments
ReplyDeleteI appreciate them!
It's interesting what a small world it is. I follow a couple of those blogs you mentioned. But didn't know we had them in common.
ReplyDeleteAlso, you get about double the amount of visitors than me. You swine.
Ok, I agree I am pretty lazy when it comes to posting.
ReplyDeleteBut what about the Radio JG Wales idea?
You'd be a flaming hit.
I've been reading your blog for months now...you are funny, thoughtful, interesting, kind, write well...and on and on.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being you and sharing your life with us.
Betty in Massachusetts
I meant to write this last night. I found your blog on someone's list. I check in twice daily to read the heartwarming stories from a place I've only read about in books. I love your compassion for animals (and people!), your wit and your sense of humor. You are a very interesting person. Thanks for sharing your life and your pics from me too. I've only commented once because it never acceps my username/pword. I'm trying extra hard for this one.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love to be on board of your blog! You had me at "hello"! Ever since I came across your blog (thanks to "That British Woman"), I haven't missed a day of it. I follow about 25 blogs daily, ranging from fasion advice, a lot of interior decorating to feeding chicken (that would be you John). I am so glad that you blog so frequently and on such a large range of topics. The unique set-up and development of your "plot" just below the village graveyard with its interesting population of birds, the record of sudden and unintentional burst of air (of both canine and human origin) keep me spellbound. You often hit the nail right on the head when you're angry, and you express what your readers are thinking, too. You have quiet and reflective musings and you possess thankfulness. My little visits into your acreage of blogland enrich my day! Hope you have a good one!
ReplyDelete