Farewell 2011

It is with a mix of sadness and exhilaration that I bid 2011 farewell. The year began with tons

of snow, seven storms in seven weeks where I live, and a new course for Chief 187™Chatter. Rather than four days a week of free-style offerings and the Friday Music Blog, I introduced the formula of the following daily categories: Monday Movie Blog, Simple Joys, Free-style Wednesday, Tantalizing Thursday, and the Friday Music Blog. The set days provided me a guide, a schedule, and a known program for my readership. From the beginning of 2011 my readership began to steadily increase. Thus, 2011 started brilliantly.

Throughout the year I began working on getting Chief 187™ trademarked, a task that was long, arduous, and ultimately worthwhile. I also worked hard to share my work. Thanks to key individuals during the year I learned to spread my brand, expand my reach, and promote my work more effectively. Through Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and the kindness of my readership my pageviews at this site went from a sluggish few a week to upwards of 1000 views per week. At the end of the one year anniversary Chief 187™Chatter had realized 25000 pageviews; now, 3 ½ months later, the site is on its way to 42000! Now, with my name trademarked, I even have merchandise for sale at cafepress.com/Chief187 that carries my image and my brand.

Many eras ended in 2011 for me. Oprah Winfrey, my favorite talk show host for the last twenty-

five years, walked gracefully away from her top-rated talk show in May. That departure prompted a blog from me that is one of my personal favorites from this year. In November another favorite talk show host, Regis Philbin, retired from his self-titled program. Although I never watched

either show daily, they were a big part of my life throughout my adulthood and formed a lot of my beliefs, personality, and style. I am saddened by their disappearance and feel the void occasionally. But I have realized that by writing about these entertainers, I have become the entertainer for some.

Loss was forefront this fall when IndyCar Series driver Dan Wheldon was involved in a season-ending race crash in Las Vegas. Death was the result and deep sadness settled across the field when the information was released. As a casual viewer I was horrified by the loss; as a race fan I was prepared for the news, and, as a Dale Earnhardt fan, I suffered anew when the news came of his demise. So, as a writer I wrote about the accident and death of this athlete. When I was still grieving along with the rest of the race-loving world, I wrote another piece about death entitled “Disassembled”. That piece and subsequent response from my readership showed me that my voice matters and that was eye-opening.

I was humbled this year as well. While waiting for a big break with a wealthy, successful, and charismatic businessman who was enamored with my writing, I was lulled into thinking I was valued. It turned out I was simply being used for my talents but not being paid. The break never came and I lost a lot of confidence in myself inwardly. I privately licked my wounds and quietly continued my workload. Finally I found the courage to write about the incident which did much to heal me. In the piece “I Know” I recounted what I had learned about myself.

As 2011 comes to a close I look back fondly on a year of growth, milestones, and friendships. It’s always hard to say good bye, but I do so look anxiously to the future. 2012 will bring slight changes to Chief 187™Chatter; the Monday Movie Blog will be replaced by the Monday Media Blog. But mostly I’ll continue to provide the content you have grown to appreciate. I have no idea what 2012 will offer in terms of opportunity, milestones, or experiences, but I am feeling most anxious to find out! Mostly I fervently hope that the friendships I have forged will remain and new ones will grow. I am so very grateful for your readership and look forward to providing more interesting, informative, and entertaining content for you to enjoy. I hope you feel encouraged to return daily and comfortable to leave your comments as they cheer me to no end!

What were your favorite parts of 2011 both personally and on Chief 187™Chatter? What was your least favorite? What are you looking forward to in 2012? How often do you check in with Chief 187™Chatter? Leave me a quick note; I look forward to learning more about you!

Wishing you and yours a very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, Adventurous, and Joyful New Year in 2012! I hope we can spend the year together here.

Please join me tomorrow for Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter.