Joyeux Anniversaire, Le Blog !

Cher Blog. Dear Blog.

Three years have gone by since that first story, inspired by a fun evening with my French students. 

Le temps passe. Time flies. 

3 years. 176 posts. Over 535,000 pageviews. Close to 1,000 Followers (my most faithful readers,) here, or on the blog's Facebook page. Many comments - and just as many replies from this French Girl. International friendships, developing over time, and more to come, I hope.Merci, le Blog. In 2013, I neglected you on occasion. Life caught up with me, and I did not always have the time to research, and write the stories that have become your trademark. But like a true friend, you understood. You stayed by my side, always ready to offer a break; a few hours of escapism, and peace. For when I am with you, I forget all that is unpleasant, or sad. And I keep coming back for more, every so often, enjoying every minute of the writing process; looking for the perfect photo to illustrate my story. Then I hit the "Publish" button, and in the morning, I discover my readers' comments, with the same enthusiasm I felt three years ago, when we embarked on this adventure. My readers: I am grateful to each and every one of them, and thankful for their support. Oui, Joyeux Anniversaire, le Blog !I could not have done 2013 without you. While visitors' comments provide qualitative feedback, a closer look at Blogger's statistics section confirms what stories have been the most popular; what posts have inspired the most reactions. Follow me, my readers, as we revisit stories you may have missed, or forgotten...Le blog's all time five most popular stories (in pageviews):1. Zaz, a rising star in French music (March 27, 2012) If you do not know Mademoiselle Zaz, it is time to look her up. Great voice. Catchy tunes. An electric personality. She made the headlines again this year with a new album and a sold-out tour. 

2. La ballerine Repetto. The Repetto ballet flat (May 3, 2012)This may very well be the world's most popular shoe. One of many stories I wrote for the "French Icon series." 

3. Searching for the Perfect Salade Niçoise (August 8, 2011) A story inspired by a solo trip a favorite French city, Nice. I have since written several travelogues about Nissa la Bella. 
4. The incredible French waiters (February 26, 2011) An oldie, and a goodie. A humorous look at the often-misunderstood French waiter... and valuable travel tips. 
5. La Marinière. The French sailor shirt (October 30, 2011) Audrey Hepburn liked it. So did Brigitte Bardot, Marion Cotillard, and the rest of us, when spring returns. Another popular story in the "French Icon series." 

Le Blog's 2013 most popular posts (in pageviews)
If you have been following this blog for a while, you know I love movies. Cinema is my oldest friend. In 2013, more than ever, my favorite movie characters came to the rescue and provided entertainment, strength, and inspiration. In the spring, I was honored to review several new French movies for the Seattle International Film Festival. But my most popular stories were inspired by movie Classics...1. Scarlett O'Hara, they don't make them quite like you, anymore (February 27, 2013) Scarlett. Need I say more? 2. Revisiting Classics: Sleepless in Seattle (October 3, 2013)I moved to this area 19 years ago. It was good to be reminded about the film that started my (and everyone else's) infatuation with Seattle, so long ago.

3. What if Jay Gatsby had lived in Paris? (May 12, 2013)A new version of the Great Gatsby was released this year, and I loved it! But this post was just an excuse to poke fun at Parisians.

In 2013, my readers also gave the thumbs up to stories about the French way of life. Trying to steer clear of stereotypes, I pointed out trends in French culture that may be surprising to some...4. Don't speak French? Speak Franglais (March 20, 2013) Find out why you do not really need to speak French when visiting my homeland...5. Mieux vaut en rire. Laughter is the best medicine (November 6, 2013)It's all about the Am-Ba-Ga (and kale!) in Paris, these days! So many new readers found French Girl in Seattle on Facebook this year! They say teenagers have moved on to other social media. Maybe so. The French Girl in Seattle community on Facebook keeps growing, and growing. We started 2013 with fewer than 200 Followers. Today, we have over 640... Build it, and they will come... 

I can't post on the blog every day (mostly because I research my stories and need time to write,) but it is much easier to keep in touch with friends on Facebook. This year, I have enjoyed sharing news, trivia, and photos about la Belle France and the French with all the community members. 

French Girl in Seattle's Facebook page.Most popular photos:1. "Le Tout Va Bien" brasserie, Rueil Malmaison, France (posted on September 7, 2013.)Over 6,000 people saw that photo, *shared* generously by the French Girl in Seattle community. Apparently, everyone enjoys the idea of a restaurant named: "All is well."

(Photo by French Girl in Seattle) 

2. Alcohol... (posted in July 2013.) This photo, captured on a walk in Notting Hill last July, reached 2,500 Facebook members. Hmmm... I wonder why...

(Photo by French Girl in Seattle) 

3. "Je porte bonheur" (I am your good luck charm.) My readers - many are francophiles - are always interested in learning more about French traditions and holidays. On May 1, I reminded them that my countrymen offer un brin de muguet (Lily of the Valley) to their loved ones to bring them good luck. This post reached over 2,000 Facebook users.

(Author unknown.)

4. Le 14 Juillet (Bastille Day.) This photo, taken in Nice, France in July 2012, was a big hit with the French Girl in Seattle community last summer. It reached over 1,800 Facebook users. 

(Photo by French Girl in Seattle) 

5. Food, food, and more [French] food...Chez French Girl in Seattle, we *love* French food. The next best thing to eating it? Looking at it, of course! Over 1,200 Facebook members saw that photo posted during my European travels last summer.

(photo by French Girl in Seattle) 

It is the Holiday season, and everyone is busy, busy, busy. I hope you are enjoying the time spent with relatives, and friends. Yes, the little blog that could has come a long way, and it will continue to entertain you - and me - in 2014. Je croise les doigts. Fingers crossed. Please join me in wishing Le Blog a resounding: "Joyeux Anniversaire !" 
To you, mes amis, I wish "Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!" Stay tuned in 2014...
A bientôt.

Pike Place Market, December 2013
Le jour... (Day....) 

... la nuit (and night...)
(both photos by French Girl in Seattle) 

All photos unless otherwise noted by French Girl in SeattleDo not use, reprint, or Pin without Permission.