Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Top 25 in 2024

Poetry, photos, information on peace, nature, dementia, or prayer. Where should I focus my future posts?

As we enter the second half of the year, I wanted to look at the top posts on Midwest Mary before continuing to write new ones. I cover various topics in reference to my tagline, “Finding the Extraordinary in Ordinary, Everyday Life.” I also post material based on the books I’ve written.

The number of “Likes” that posts receive should offer some indication as to what readers prefer. However, we also understand those “Likes” do not always mean the reader loved the post.

Posts are liked for a multitude of reasons. The reader may have interest in the information, appreciate the style of writing, like the blogger, or be interested in the general topic. They also may understand the effort the blogger put into the post.

On the other hand, the lack of “Likes” does not necessarily indicate a poor post. It may not get many likes because of the time or day when it was posted rather than a dislike of the content or writing style. The blog may also not have a wide readership.

All of that aside, I do believe that we can look at our overall numbers and assume that the higher numbers from our total posts are due to preference.

I compared the top 25 posts out of nearly 100 posted this year on my blog. Of those posts, it appears that Midwest Mary readers search for happiness and enjoy fun stories such as the series on Elmer.

What Makes Us Happy was number one by a landslide. Both The Return of Elmer and Elmer’s Got a Girl were close to the very top. Other top posts included eight poems, three Friday Photos, and topics on life issues, nature, dementia, and faith. In addition, three posts include digital art by Kevin (The Beginning at Last), and three include excerpts from one of my books.

Here are the top 25 posts and the number of “Likes” thus far for the first half of 2024.

  1. What Makes Us Happy, 232
  2. The Return of Elmer, 214
  3. 70 for 70, 200
  4. Poem—Where Do I Belong, 180
  5. Poem/Haiku—Misty Veil, 174
  6. Elmer’s Got a Girl, 172
  7. Personality Changes and Dementia, 168
  8. Many Thanks, 167
  9. Poem-Transitions, 159
  10. Accept the New Normal, 157
  11. Dazzling Daffodils, 156
  12. Double-Crested Cormorants, 155
  13. Poem/Haiku—Parent like Geese, 151
  14. Poem—Near but not Here, 149
  15. Four Reflective Poems, 142
  16. Friday Photo—Blue-fronted Dancer, 139
  17. The Infamous Zheng Yi Sao, 136
  18. Poem—Storm Show, 136
  19. Photo—Peace Feathers, 131
  20. Duck for the Goose, 130
  21. Why I Love Jesus’ Mother, 130
  22. Peace and Prayer, 128
  23. US Excitement Over the Eclipse, 125
  24. Friday Photo—Sparkling Water, 123
  25. Poem—Peace Meditation, 123

Please tell me your favorites or topics you’d like to see more of. After all, I write for you.

*Photo by Mary K. Doyle, Chicago Botanic Garden

©2024, Mary K. Doyle

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Responses to “Top 25 in 2024”

  1. balladeer

    The poetry items are my personal favorite.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Balladeer. I appreciate your feedback.

      Reply
  2. Maranda

    I have ADHD so I like a good variety and I have somewhat of an interest in all the categories you mentioned. I do love good photos and art!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Maranda. That is helpful for me to know.

      Reply
  3. Looking for the Light

    I like to read all of your post but from this list The Return of Elmer was a great story. I do question the lack of likes sometimes, the number of reads can be high but the likes low. That’s just blogging I suppose. I have noticed posting less gets more clicks. It’s all good for me since I’m not counting any longer. It’s about engaement for me, and I’ve loving that. I have several close relationships, like our as a result of commenting more and taking more time commenting back. Great accomplishment. Take good care.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Melinda. You’re right about finding a balance on how much to blog. If we don’t blog enough, we get little response but then if it’s too much, people can’t keep up. Posts are emailed to me, so now I get about 1,000 emails a day in just my one email address. Bloggers who post multiple times a day are harder to actually read all of their posts. I try to read the ones I like the most, like yours, but I have some that post 10 times a day. Mostly, it’s fun, though. I do love meeting everyone and making friends, such as with you,

      Reply
      1. Looking for the Light

        I no longer get any post via em, I read everything thru Notifications. It’s easier for me and I am reluctant to share my em after the stalking and data breach.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Understandable!

          Reply
  4. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Writing is such a personal thing. I think there is nothing wrong with posting where your heart takes you on any given day, what brings you joy to offer, and you offer variety and depth. To me, the Likes are secondary, or less.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for your important guidance, Dorothy. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  5. Willie Torres Jr.

    I was relatively new to your Page, so everything I have read, I loved and enjoyed. But I must say that Elmer really got lots of attention and affection.

    Can’t wait to see what you bring to us in the days, weeks and months to come.

    Have a Blessed Day..

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Willie. I’m amazed at the interest in Elmer. It began as a fun little post.

      Reply
      1. Willie Torres Jr.

        Yes, Elmer became an overnight celebrity. 😂

        Reply
  6. luisa zambrotta

    What a great list, dear Mary! I found all of them beautiful 🌷❣️🌷

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Luisa.

      Reply
      1. luisa zambrotta

        You’re most welcome 🙏🤍🙏

        Reply
  7. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Mary, readers can be very fickle. As you point out, “likes” can mean so many things. I find the number of views of more interest. Most of the visitors/readers to my blog comes through Google Search. This year, a post published in August 28, 2011, on hunger in America has been trending on my blog. To date, it has been viewed 2.3K times. It has garnered only “3 likes” and you are one of them.
    Write about what matters to you. They are your best posts. Like me, readers will connect with you and value what you have to share 🙂 ❤

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That is very interesting, Rosaliene. I would have thought so many views would result in numerous likes. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      1. Rosaliene Bacchus

        You’re welcome, Mary. I’m not sure how it works, but, for those who don’t have a WP account, I think you have to sign in with some other account to click the like button.

        Reply
  8. Nancy Homlitas

    Photograph’s and animal stories lure me in-and you’re good at that! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Nancy. That’s helpful!

      Reply
  9. Dawn Pisturino

    I like all of your posts. Truthfully, I don’t worry about numbers and statistics. People will either like what I post or they won’t. C’est la vie.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      True. Thank you, Dawn.

      Reply
  10. KC

    That’s a fabulous photo. Try not to get too bogged down by stats.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, KC. I appreciate your solid advice.

      Reply
  11. Michele Lee

    Gladly joining you recently, I will enjoy clicking through and reading more. Happy 4th to you!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Michele. I’m happy to read your posts, as well.

      Reply
  12. Kym Gordon Moore

    Mary, write what you want to write about…what pours out of your heart. 💖 Do not worry about the Likes or lack of, or even how many followers you have. If you have one like that touches someone in an intimate way, then that’s what counts and matters my friend. Be YOU and do YOU! 😍🥂😁

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That seems to be a common response. Thank you for your guidance, Kym. I appreciate you.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        No problem and my pleasure my dear. Do you girlfriend!! 🥰💖😊

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Love you, Kym!

          Reply
          1. Kym Gordon Moore

            Awwww…love you more Mary dear! 🤗💖🥰

          2. Mary K. Doyle

            🙂

  13. Drops of Ink

    You know me, I’m partial to poetry. 🫂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      OK! I’ll keep writing poetry. Thank you.

      Reply
  14. Dawna

    I like the variety in your posts. I think you should write what you are feeling for that day. One thing I do especially enjoy is your artwork. I love the detail in your portraits. Hugs.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Dawna. That’s good to know!

      Reply
  15. Pooja G

    Those are a great amount of likes, I always enjoy your posts.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Pooja. I enjoy your posts, as well.

      Reply
      1. Pooja G

        You’re very welcome and thank you too.

        Reply
  16. capentalc

    I always enjoy your colorful garden and nature photos. I like your posts on Alzheimer and what you were going through because I am going through some of those with my mom’s dementia issues too. I don’t often make comments on your posts because I think you have enough comments to keep you busy!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! Your feedback is important to me–any time. I welcome hearing from you.

      Reply
  17. Edward Ortiz

    I agree with Rosaliene. Write about what matters to you. We will be here, reading and supporting your work.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Edward. That means a lot to me.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        You’re welcome. 🙏🏼

        Reply
  18. arlene

    Would love to read your earlier posts Mary.🥰

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Arlene. I didn’t post often in earlier years, so I had few followers and therefore, few readers.

      Reply
  19. jeanvivace

    Let your creativity decide your post topics, then they are genuine🌺

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Good advice, Jean. Thank you.

      Reply
  20. Monkey’s Tale

    As others have said, I think that because you write from your heart is what draws in your readers, not necessarily one specific topic. Although I did love the Elmer posts 🙂 Likes are also difficult; as you’ve said sometimes posts get missed because of other people’s busyness, time of day etc, not because of the subject matter. Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Maggie. I wondered if I was too diverse, but it seems it’s ok. I appreciate your comment.

      Reply
  21. mistermaxxx08

    Your self reflective posts hit, how you combine nature hits, you are versatile and a creative gumbo of different blends, I say wherever the day takes you and it’s the words and emotions which will flow, we are thankful for a strong creative mind as yourself who shares God given talent and moves alot of souls. Peace

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mister Maxxx. I appreciate you and your guidance.

      Reply
      1. mistermaxxx08

        I’m touched by you

        Reply
  22. Anonymous

    Wonderful collection of posts ❤ I admire your appreciation for nature’s beauty 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I sure do love the natural world. I can get lost in it.

      Reply
  23. KK

    You have made a list of 25 posts, but all of your posts are well thought and thought provoking too. Given a choice, number 1 and 3 are my top two.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kaushal. I appreciate your feedback.

      Reply
  24. SiriusSea

    Mary ❤ … I love all your posts !! I’m biased ~ lol 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ahhhh, Thank you, Siri!

      Reply
  25. Laura

    Your photos and poetry are always beautiful, Mary. 😊 I think you should post anything and everything you want!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Laura. You are so kind!

      Reply
  26. The Mindful Migraine Blog

    I tend to think that when you write about what’s important to you, you reveal a sense of who you are – that helps readers resonate with who YOU are and what makes you you-nique. If you go too narrow in your approach, or too repetitive in your posts, we might lose sight of the fact that you are such an interesting, multifaceted person. Linda xx

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Linda, thank you for your sound advice! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

      Reply
      1. The Mindful Migraine Blog

        Always a pleasure being here! xx

        Reply
  27. Hitasakhi

    I love to read ur all posts

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Hitasakhi!

      Reply
  28. Amy

    Hi Mary, Its always a pleasure reading your thoughts and stories.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, friend.

      Reply
  29. Don’t Lose Hope

    I think writing about what is on your heart at the moment often resonates most with readers.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you.

      Reply
  30. usfman

    I’ve learned Mary to keep organized religion and today’s politics out of my blogs to keep my readers happier.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m sure you are right, Usfman. They can be volatile subjects hitting hot spots in conversations.

      Reply
      1. usfman

        And much safer!

        Reply

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