Well… what a year!
Blogging-wise, I have had a totally EPIC year!
As I write this post, the stats tell me I have;
- written over 2700 posts since I started my blog three years ago
- over 250,000 views on here
- nearly 80,000 visitors!
- over 5,100 WP followers
- almost 1500 extra followers on Social Media
Er, WOW!
Challenges;
- I completed Sacha’s 52-word #Writespiration challenge – a fiction piece every week for 52 weeks.
- I’ve not missed Sue’s #WritePhoto challenge each week either, and the last few weeks have developed into the continuing story of Barbie and Ken!
- I’ve haiku-ed every week with Rononvan Hester’s Weekly Haiku Challenge
- I have streamed my consciousness with Linda every Saturday, and one-linered each Wednesday
- I started to learn new poetry forms via Colleen and her weekly Poetry Challenge on a Tuesday
- I was introduced to Charli Mills and her Carrot Ranch, and was proud to have entered all her #FFRodeo challenges in November. I then went on to stretch my creative brain with her 99-word weekly prompts for flash fiction . And humbled that I was given an honourable mention in the last TUFF contest!
Then Spidey has played a part each and every Sunday – finding me amazingly inspirational quotes to share and discuss with you all.
I started my year deciding to take part in Linda G. Hill’s #JusJoJan, where she provided us with prompts (actually we provided her with prompts to them provide to the rest!) for each day in January.
I enjoyed the daily post so much that I set up my own month of posts for February, entitled #Lovuary.
This ended and March arrived with another idea…#MusicalMarch!
After three months of posting each day, I made a silent pact to myself… I would try to post something
EVERY DAY of 2017…
That was sometimes a bit of a struggle, but I managed it! And I was inspired by Lucy of Blonde Write More, who did this a couple of years ago. I was in awe of her!
Hearing everyone writing about #NaNoWriMo made me think. That age-old WIP was gathering dust and I wanted to do something about it. November is not a good month for me, work-wise so I devised my own month of creative writing – #RiNoWriMo – in August – a time when I could devote a few hours a day to writing – and I managed to write over 50,000 more words! It’s still not finished… but getting there!
I have been a member of a fantastic group on Facebook, started by the amazing Suzie of Suzie Speaks. It’s called Big Up Your Blog, and has helped me engage with [even] more bloggers and allowed my posts to be shared across so many more social media platforms…
I should also mention here bloggers who have been epic at sharing more or less all my posts since they followed me! Steven, of The Militant Negro, Michael, of Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung, and Robbie of Robbie’s Inspiration.
I was even interviewed on radio by the most amazing blogger and creative poet, Annette Rochelle Aben. It’s the most wonderful experience to talk to someone you have been following for a long while – the connection was immediate!
A HUGE achievement for me has to be what happened in June… at the Annual Bloggers Bash.
There I was, quietly baking away, to bring some nibbles to the event, enjoying the anticipation of getting to meet some wonderful members of my Blogily, when the awards were announced, and I was voted Best Overall Blogger!!!!!!
Now I am looking forward to the 4th Annual Bash… tickets already paid for! May 19th – if you are interested!!!
And, for my own bragging rights, (and thanks to you that downloaded the book…) my poetry book, Poetic RITUALS, hit #1 in the Amazon Kindle chart! If you are interested, you can get it by clicking – myBook.to/PoeticRITUals
And I can only offer my heartfelt thanks to all of you out there who have tirelessly read my posts, taken the time to comment on them, and some of you have featured me on your blogs as a guest, and even popped over to have a cup of virtual tea with me too!
You truly are an extension of my family each and every one of you – my Blogily 💖
If I was to mention everyone, this would be a novel sized post, so I’ll leave it at this – you know who you are, and I appreciate you very much, my blog sisters and brothers!
And what has this blog got to offer you, my Peeps, my Blogily, next year?
Well, you’ll have to tune in tomorrow to find out!!!!
Wishing you a wonderful New Year celebration!
I hope you end your 2017 with many positive thoughts, and may your 2018 be filled with plenty more!
But I Smile Anyway... 
Jan 06, 2018 @ 07:05:51
Congratulations to a great blogging year. Keep up the good work. It’s always nice to read your blog 🙂
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Jan 06, 2018 @ 07:16:39
Thank you Anna! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Jan 06, 2018 @ 07:20:05
Happy new year! May it be another great blog year 🙂
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Jan 06, 2018 @ 07:21:09
Hear Hear! 😀
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Jan 04, 2018 @ 14:24:41
You are Awesome, Girl! Amazing! Congrats! And you have time for little ol’ me and my words? I am so honored by your visits/views and likes!!!!
Chuck
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Jan 04, 2018 @ 14:37:43
Bless you Chuck! and Thank you for your support over the last year!
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Jan 03, 2018 @ 15:46:30
Aww Ritu, you certainly have had an epic blogging year, and so thrilled for your honourable mention in Charli’s TUFF contest. Loved your story and the process to get there. Loved meeting up with you again at the BB and so much looking forward to the next one! You deserve all your accolades, and many more. Happy New Year to you my friend, I hope 2018 brings you another epic year across the board! 🙂 ❤ xxx
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Jan 03, 2018 @ 16:08:21
Thank you so much Sherri! Roll on the Bash this year!!!!! Hope you get all you hope for this year too. Xx
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Jan 03, 2018 @ 16:38:36
Thanks Ritu…and I just read that it’s in May? Yikes, I’m so out of the loop. Guessing I need to head over the BB FB page? Hope there’s still a ticket left for me…! xxx
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Jan 03, 2018 @ 16:41:34
There are Sherri! If you get it now you get the early bird price! Xxx
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Jan 03, 2018 @ 16:46:37
Great, thanks Ritu…phew!!! Heading there now 🙂 xxx
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Jan 03, 2018 @ 16:54:01
😄
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Jan 01, 2018 @ 20:12:52
Wow you’ve been busy Ritu. Impressive indeed. All the very best for a sparkling 2018 and so looking forward to seeing you and all the lovely peeps at the bash in May. 🙂 xxx
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Jan 01, 2018 @ 20:14:33
Thank you Marje! A very happy New year to you and yours too!! Bring on May!!! 🎉🎊🎉
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Jan 02, 2018 @ 13:35:53
Yes can’t wait… It will be a blast. 🙂 xx
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Jan 01, 2018 @ 18:55:35
Wow! Wow! Incredible achievements, such an inspiration this is! Here’s to an even more happier and successful 2018! Much love!
http://www.aditispen.com
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Jan 01, 2018 @ 20:07:15
Thank you Aditi! Happy New Year 🎊🎉🎊
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Jan 01, 2018 @ 12:26:42
Another year of great achievements. Don’t know how you manage to blog every day, work, and be such a great mum and wife. I have a feeling you’re the real Superwoman, Ritu. 😀
Happy New Year to you. ✨
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Jan 01, 2018 @ 12:51:03
Aw thank you Hugh! Huge New Years Hugs to You! 🤗🎊🎉
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Jan 01, 2018 @ 03:05:34
Wowza Ritu! That really was an epic year!
Happy new year…I hope 2018 will be similarly amazing.
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Jan 01, 2018 @ 10:02:39
Thank you Josy! It was a crazy year! Let’s see what 2018 holds! Happy New Year 🎉🎊
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 22:43:41
Big cyber hugs Ritu
Have a happy and a healthy
As Sheldon Always
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 22:59:46
You too Sheldon!!!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 20:36:46
So happy to have befriended you! You deserve all the awards and recognitions you received in 2017! I am grateful of your support of my blog and I hope you have an even better 2018!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 21:15:20
Thank you so much Lovely! It’s been my honour getting to know you and all out awesome blogpals!!!! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 20:33:35
Happy New Year, I’m definitely going to tune in tomorrow on your blog!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 21:14:22
Bless you Ivy! Happy New year 🎉🎊🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 19:48:37
Happy New Year, Ritu! And congratulations on an amazing 2017 🙂 See you at the Bash, if not before x
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 19:55:54
Thank you so much Helen! Look forward to seeing you again! Happy New Year 🎉🎊💜
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 17:31:43
Wow, Ritu! You have had an amazing year! Can you be my mentor, please? 😉 I’m so very happy for you and your successes. Congratulations, and Happy New Year!!!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 17:34:23
Thank you so much my Lovely ! Happy New Year!!!!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 17:12:59
Ritu, you are totally phenomenal! I struggle to write and keep up with all the demands of social media. Here you work and have a family too! OMG! Hugs and love to you! ❤
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 17:22:17
Thank you Colleen! Happy New Year 🎊🎉💜
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 16:26:54
What a fantastic year you have had, Sis. I am really pleased for your well-deserved achievements and awards. I look forward to seeing what you get up to next year and will be following you all the way! (Not in a stalkerish fashion of course)!!
Happy New Year!!! 💖💖🥂
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 16:45:55
Ha Ha! I wouldn’t mind you as my stalker sis! 😉
Thank you for all your support over the last few years! Love you lots! 💜
Happy New Year🥂🎉💜🎊
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 15:39:39
What a lovely year! You’ve done such a nice job of being truly yourself and supporting others. I’ve enjoyed reading all your various forays into fiction, poetry and just details on everyday life. Cheers to 2018!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 16:44:23
Thank you Angela! It’s been manic at times but I wouldn’t have done it any differently! Happy New Year 🎉🎊🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 15:29:27
Happy New Year dear Ritu, Thanks and Love, nia
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 15:31:32
Happy New Year Nia 🎊🎉🎊🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 15:07:36
wow! Impressive! Are you sure you are just one person? 😉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 15:25:54
Lol!!! Shh! No one can know about the clone! 😉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:34:09
Congrats on an epic 2017 here’s to an even better 2018!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:34:44
Thank you Lisa! Here’s to a great one! 🎊🎉🎊
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:36:11
🙂
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:29:38
let 2018 be more amazing!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:33:58
Hear Hear!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:03:25
Congratulations on your EPIC year!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:22:20
Thanks Denzil! Happy New year 🎊🎉🎊
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:24:58
Same to you Ritu.
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 12:47:52
Congratulations seem appropriate, as well as wonderful wishes for 2018. Happy New Year 🙂
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 13:55:52
Thank you Dan! Best wishes for 2018 to you any yours too! 🎊🎉🎊
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 12:37:53
Congratulations, Ritu, a wonderful year for you in so many ways. Here’s to a fantastic 2018!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 13:55:00
Thank you so much Robbie!!!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 12:33:26
Wonderful stats. Congratulations, and best wishes for a great start into 2018, to all of you. Michael 😉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 13:54:43
Thanks Michael ! Happy New Year 🎊💃🏽🎊
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 12:32:42
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 11:28:47
That was quite a busy blogging year for you, sis! Thanks for being here with us. Have a great New Year’s Eve and a blessed New Year!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 11:30:49
It was a crazy year sis!!!! I’m lucky to have you here in my life 😚
Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:22:30
Aw, thank you! I feel blessed that I have you in my life, my dear sister! Yes, Happy New Year 💖
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:22:48
🎊🎉🎊🎉💜🎊🎉🎊🎉💜
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 14:28:46
💖💖💖
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 10:54:18
Happy New Year Ritu and congratulations on all of your AMAZING achievements. Fingers crossed we meet next year xx
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 10:57:46
Thank you, Hayley! Here’s hoping hey!!!!!!!!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 10:15:27
Have a great new year Ritu – may meet you at the Bash when I’ve decided if I’m coming or not 😀
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 10:39:37
That would be awesome!!!!
Happy New Year David!!!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 10:07:42
What a fabulous year you’ve had, Ritu! I hope 2018 brings you everything you could wish for and more. See you in May xxx
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 10:35:44
Thank you so much Shelley! Its been a killer in many ways too, but my blog and words in general have kept me floating!!!!! Happy New Year! And roll on the Bash!!!!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:57:01
What a fulfilling year on the blog front! Many congratulations on the accolades and the consistent blogging, Ritu! You rock. May 2018 be even better 🙂
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 10:34:35
Thank you so much Shailaja! It has been mad, but so fulfilling!!!! HAppy New Year!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:51:31
Thankyou for being such a supportive, sharing and caring blogger. It’s been great to get to know you this year. Will be great to meet you at the bash – need to get my ticket 😀
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 10:33:53
Aw! Thank you Lauren for being a wonderful Blog Pal! I am so excited of May the 19th! You’d better get your ticket ASAP! Happy New Year!
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Jan 04, 2018 @ 22:32:27
I’ve got my ticket now 😀
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Jan 04, 2018 @ 22:49:45
Yay!!!!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:26:38
I’m in awe of how many challenges you’ve kept up with! I just about managed NaBloPoMo! Here’s to an epic 2018! x
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:39:30
Thank you so much! It’s been mega crazy!!!
Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:11:30
Truly a phenomenon. Go Ritu
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:38:07
Aw fanks His Geoffleship! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 07:06:45
Your 2017 is certainly goals when it comes to writing. Participating in all those challenges? That’s really challenging.
I hope your 2018 is better and fulfilled 🍻
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:37:08
Thank you Esther! It was a crazy year… but I did it! 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 06:55:39
🙂
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:36:35
🎉🙂
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 06:12:26
Cracking year bravo!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:35:06
Thanks Michael! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 06:02:42
Wow for a year, as you have had Ritu 😀
Happy New Year.
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:34:46
It was a crazy one… but fun! Happy New Year! 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 10:44:35
Thank you, Ritu 🙂
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 04:11:50
What a year full of achievements, and well-deserved! You are an inspiration, Ritu! 🙂💛Congratulations!
All the best to you and your family in 2018!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:32:09
Thank you Tonya! It was a mad but exciting year! Here’s to 2018! 🥂 Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 03:52:39
An amazing year for you Ritu, congrats on all you have achieved, look forward to reading more in 2018. Best wishes.
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:31:17
Thank you so much Michael! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 02:47:32
I’m happy to have been mentioned in such good company. 🙂 Thank you, Ritu!
And wow, have you been a busy girl this year. I wish you all the best for 2018, blog-wise and life-wise! Cheers, my dear! ❤
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:29:37
Thank you dear Linda! May your new year be full of words and book sales too! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 02:36:26
You deserve it all😀❤️
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:28:47
Thank you Shivangi! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 15:24:26
Happy New Year Ritu💐💥
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 02:35:27
You are such a dear! I had a blast having you on the radio and it was MY pleasure, to be sure. You have had a glorious 2017 and I know that 2018 will knock your socks off! xoxo
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:28:29
Thank you so.much Annette sista! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 02:30:07
Hats off to you, Ritu,
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:28:03
Thanks Jennie! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 12:40:08
You’re welcome, Ritu! 🎉🎊
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 02:24:33
You are an inspiration, Ritu. God bless you and wishing you a very happy and prosperous new year.
Susie
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:27:40
Thank you Susie! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 02:09:36
you had amazing and great of 2017 – When the New Year starts with colorful fireworks, let them light up your life like a candle in the night and may they color your year like a rainbow. Happy New Year!
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Dec 31, 2017 @ 09:27:17
Thank you so much Mihran! Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉
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