I made it! The balloons are hung, the cake has arrived, grab a party hat on your way in and join in on the fun!!!
If you follow this blog you probably know the story of how I began so I will try to just give the bullet point details:
- I did blog before June 9th but did not know I was blogging. Thought I was journaling. June 9th 2009 is when I discovered book blogging and never looked back.
- There are wonderful bloggers out there and if it were not for them I probably would have stumbled and fell, but I read a lot of blogs, found what I liked and didn’t like, and tweaked my own. If I didn’t know how to do it, I asked. And tweaked… and tweaked.
- After a few months I had picked up my own style, tried different themes and meme’s – worked the kinks out, dropped what I didn’t like and kept what I did.
That is the short version of my year in blogging memory lane. I have said it before, and I will say it again, last year about a week after I came out of my blog cave (I have this vision of me stepping out like a caveman and discovering other book bloggers was like discovering fire)…
… Natasha at Maw Books held the first Bloggiesta. I read up on everything I could and participated to the fullest. The Bloggiesta was (and is) all about improving your blog, learning how to do new things, organizing your reviews, etc…. Timing could not have been more perfect for this newbie. I mention it now not only because it was a huge help to me in the early days, but because as timing would have it, the next Bloggiesta is this weekend and if you have any time to participate – I highly recommend it. My blog looked completely different last year after the Bloggiesta.
Anyway – let’s get to the party. I really would have nothing to party about if it were not for you, the readers who pop in and read my reviews and leave your comments. I really do look forward to chatting with you when I can and am so happy to see how that has really developed over here. I like the feel that you can stop in anytime and hang out for as long as you want. My goal is to have created a warm inviting atmosphere where hopefully you are finding good content and honest book reviews that make it worth your while.
And when I throw a party, the gifts are for you! Readers I have 4 giveaway packages that you can comment here to sign up for. This giveaway will run starting now until Thursday evening – a little over 24 hours. Be sure to read at the bottom of this post on how to sign up for this one. 🙂
Gift Package 1: A beautiful hard cover copy of The Air Between Us, See’s Chocolates, A book-plate for Little Bee signed by author Chris Cleave and an EBook of Chosen by Chandra Hoffman.
Giveaway #2: A copy of Stand The Storm, A bag of Amaretta Coffee from my winter trip to Honduras, a book-plate signed by Chris Cleave, author of Little Bee, and an EBook of Adam and Eve by Sena Jeter Naslund.
Giveaway #3: The cozy package. Three cozy mysteries, a journal, Footnotes (sticky notes), chocolate rocks from Minnesota, a book plate from Chris Cleave, author of Little Bee, and an EBook: Djibouti by Elmore Leonard.
Giveaway #4: Enjoy a couple Darcy books, a box of Lindt chocolates, and an EBook of What Happened On Fox Street by Tricia Springstuff.
To sign up to be entered for a chance to win one of these packages, simply leave me a comment here. If you want to get creative I would love to know how you arrived at the party and what you brought (IE. You flew your personal jet and brought an avocado dip to die for).
Winners will be chosen using Random.Org and announced either Thursday evening or Friday morning
Thank you to all of you who take time to read my crazy meanderings and discuss books with me. I truly enjoy our discussions and look forward to many more!
Sheila
Book Journey 
Happy Blogiversary! What brought me here? I am a long time reader. Great prizes. My favourite is #1 as I adore See’s chocolates, something I cannot obtain here. May today be a good one for you. Thank you for having such a fun blog to visit.
knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Thanks Jennifer – hope you hang around and meet some people.
I heard that that was great coffee being served at this party so I just had to drop everything, jump on my personal jet and head over here. Can’t miss out on a good cup of coffee!
Please count me in
Teresa – only the best coffee of course for such an occasion 🙂 Thanks for bringing the jet. It looks lovely on my front lawn. LOL
i wake up to diet coke (no coffee sorry!) and morning meanderings!
Thats ok Dawn – there’s plenty of appetizers so enjoy!
Happy blogoversary! Even if I have only been here a week, it’s been good to get to know you and before that on twitter. 🙂
No need to sign me up to win anything – I’m still overwhelmed by the BEA books! On the other hand, I think I will come to the party by airship, bringing a batch of tamales. A blogoversary deserves a day in the kitchen for making tamales, right? 😀
Yum Amanda! I will definitely have a tamale and a recipe on how you make them too! 😀
Happy blogiversary!
I got here via Google reader where I read every day via RSS. In real life, I would definitely come in a limo where you would find me in the back sipping champagne that I would share with you along with some big, juicy, sweet California strawberries dipped in white and dark chocolate, along with other fresh fruits all displayed beautifully on a giant platter! There’s nothing more refreshing on a warm summer day!
#1 appeals to me.
BTW, I have a giveaway over at Colloquium until midnight, June 15, 2010: A copy of “This One is Mine” by Maria Semple. I loved it and gave it a very enthusiastic review.
Have a wonderful party!
JHS
Colloquium
Thanks JHS – love the Limo!
Happy Blogiversary!! I have been blogging about 6 months, love your blog (thanks for making my TBR pile so high!).
It a wet rainy day here, so I will make some yummy choc chip cookies to go with that coffee 🙂
Thanks Margaret – cookies are perfect – its a little overcast here today.
Happy Blogoversary! Here’s to your first and to many more! What brought me here? My bowl of cereal and your twitter shout out – I couldn’t resist cheering you on in this milestone. Package 4 looks delightful (amusedbybooks@gmail.com). Hope you have a fabulous day!
Thanks Amused – I appreciate you stopping by! 🙂
Happy Anniversery and Congrats.I saw the ballons and where there’s balloons there’s cake.Love cake!
Thanks for stopping and enjoy the cake 😉
Happy Blogversary!!!! (has anyone figured out how to spell this word??)
What a great year it’s been, and how generous you are to offer such great prize packs to your readers – we should be the one sending YOU gifts!
Have a great time, and cheers to another fun year!
Alison I think I change the spelling each time I write it. It really should be in the dictionary by now dont you think?
Happy blogiversary, again! You definitely know how to throw a party!
Thanks Hannah. 😀
Happy Blogaversary! I just had my two year last week. Oh how time flies when you are having fun. I’d love to enter your giveaways. I came to the party in a limo after just leaving a speaking engagement where I was the keynote speaker ( I am an expert on Social Media) and I brought a huge bag of Double Double Dark Chocolate candies I bought from Candy Bouquet (I can’t help it, I;m addicted to those damn things).
Have a great day Sheila!
Thanks franticmommy – how fun of you to stop by and with chocolates – YUM!
I was brought to the party on a palanquin (ancient sedan carried by many people) and I brought Toffee Cake…yum!! I love finding Morning Meanderings in my email box…can’t wait to find out what you are reading about and doing! Thanks!
Dawn I love it! Your mode of travel has me cracking up!
I took a luxury train to the party (all the way from California!) and brought veggies and hummus for everyone!
Happy Blogoversary! You’ve had such a wonderful year; here’s to even more. Packages 1 and 3 look the most like me 🙂
hcmurdoch (at) gmail (dot) com
Helen – love hummus – come on in 😀
I was brought here because I have enjoyed your blog and hope to continue to celebrate with you! I have brought along a couple of my close friends ~ David Baldacci and Johnny Depp.
I wish you many more happy and healthy Blogaversaries..
Cindi
Cindi I like the company you keep 🙂 Lori Barnes came on the Black Pearl. Dis you two happen to ride together? 🙂
I can’t believe you have only been blogging for a little over a year! Congrats to you!
I would love to be entered for gift pkg 1.
Since I’m actually not that far from you living in Northern Wisconsin, I decided to take a little road trip in my vintage sky blue Mercedes convertible. I also picked some fresh rhubarb and baked a rhubarb crisp.
JO-Jo…. it has been a whirlwind of a year but so much fun. I like the convertible!
Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday and Happy Blogging-I still remember your first comment on my blog. Enjoy your day you deserve it. I rode my bicycle over and brought some fresh croissants for us to enjoy over breakfast. Of course my basket is filled with books and a lemon tart for later. We cannot forget some doggie treats for Elmo and Bailey.
You have some serious stashes of chocolates.
I love good chocolate Esme. Thanks for popping in 🙂
Well, Sheila, I feel as though we have this thing in common…beginning to “book blog” at approximately the same time. I learned a lot from you, seeing you come through your first bloggiesta…and then you did a fabulous guest post with me and an author chat.
You have been my blogger guru, teaching me how to meander through the Word Press sites.
Congrats on a fabulous blogoversary!!!
Laurel – always so sweet 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! What brought me here was your email in my inbox and a slow mule, and I brought the coffee. Please enter me. Thanks!
By mule Anita? Thats awesome! And coffee? You complete me….LOL
Happy Blogiversary!
I get your post sent to me email
enter me
greendaygirl2009@gmail.com
Thanks for visiting Jessica 🙂
Congratulations!
I only found your blog this week, but I’ve perused your backlog and think its fantastic!
I brought some fabulous gluten free brownies to share – chocolate for breakfast is the best way to start the day!
Welcome sleepingaurora! How fun to have you here! 🙂
Happy blogoversary Sheila 🙂 Congratulations on hitting the one year book blogging mark. I arrived at the party through google reader, but I brought my cats along (hope you’re not allergic!). I don’t need any more books so don’t bother entering me in the giveaway, but very awesome that you have so much to give away 🙂
Amy the cats are welcome, they can play with my dogs – they are shih-tsu’s so not scary at all – LOL
Hi Sheila! Happy Blogiversary!! How exciting. Here’s to another wonderful exciting year. Cheers!
Would love to enter the giveaway too.
Thanks!
Natalie :0)
Thanks Natalie 🙂
Good Morning to you and congrats i found my way to your party recieving a email about it because i subscribe to your blog : ) Lucky me i had my laptop with me on the Black Pearl and ask Jack to take me by the party and i am bringing some freshly mixed Bahama Mama’s for everyone : )
Love the prize pack #1
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
LOL Lori – I love this!
Happy Blogversary. You don’t know about my power, I closed my eyes and when I opened them, I was here to celebrate with you.
I love your Spoiler Button Discussions.
I would love to be entered for Giveaway #1
marceblogspot(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like your power Marce – how handy! 😀
Thanks about the spoiler button – I really like it too!
Happy Blogiversary! I’m bringing the cupcakes…because it’s not a party until the cupcakes arrive 🙂
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Raelena, Cupcakes are always welcome 🙂
Sheila, you are truly amazing!! I’ve loved finding your blog after I came back to blogging this year. I love your morning hellos and I love your book club posts.
I’ve come to party flying Southwest Airlines I think, but lugging a big bunch of Texas BBQ and some wildflowers that may have wilted. You can’t imagine the trouble I had getting all that on the plane and through the scanners at the airport!! 🙂
Throw my name in that hat. I couldn’t possibly turn down chocolate or books in any form!
Texas BBQ Kay? Come on in! And the flowers are lovely! 🙂
Congrats Sheila on a great year!! It’s been wonderful to get to know you through your blog and then meeting you in NYC was icing on the cake!
Can I be entered for pack #1. I rarely enter giveaways but I can’t resist this one. Thanks! And congrats again.
Thanks Natasha – it was so fun meeting you too! 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! I’m so glad to b\have been invited to your party. I came on a cruise ship, brought many friends with me. And the ship’s at our disposal. We can party here and eat lots of food. We’ll be sailing again tonight.
I’d love to win. Fingers crossed!
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Love the cruise ship Benita – I will let everyone know to hop on board 🙂
Happy Blogaversary!
I too started in 2008 with just throwing my reviews up on a blog. It was a one sided affair, just to have them all in one place more than for interacting with other readers.
Then the site that I usually posted my reviews on for the interaction went through a ton of changes that didn’t work for me. I already had a decorating blog, so why not jump in and build up Chew & Digest? That is when the monster was born:)
Cheers!
chewdigest – exactly – it was nice to have all the reviews on line and handy.
Congrats as well to a fun blogging time 🙂
Happy Blogiversary!! I too started my book blog not long before a Bloggiesta (although it was the Jan Bloggiesta) so I know how incredibly helpful it was when I was a newbie too!
I sailed over here on a yacht with some rum punch to share (it is afternoon here, at least). And I’d love a chance to win giveaway #2. Thanks for being so generous!
Julie, ooh a yacht and a cruise ship here too? Nice. My neighbors are going to talk 🙂
Happy Blogaversary! 🙂 I can’t remember how I initially found you, but I’m a subscriber so I found this via Google Reader. However, if you want me to be creative …
I came via helicopter with the best beer bread you’ve ever had.
(If I can pick, I’d love Giveaway #4.)
proudbooknerd(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks ham1299 – glad to have you here.
Happy blogiversary, Sheila! You have such a great blog!
I came by bicycle, the Netherlands’ national vehicle. It took me some time, though and I won’t have any space on my carrier for a giveaway pack. 😦
But I did bring a DVD: Mama Mia by ABBA, so we can watch the movie, sing along, and dance the night away!
Now I’m off to find Dawn, to try some of her Toffee Cake.
leeswammes – by bicycle! Impressive! Love the DVD (you know I am a fan!)
Happy Blogiversay Sheila…
I always enjoy reading your postings…and your book reviews 🙂
I came via my private limo…and brought drinks for us all to enjoy 🙂
Would love to be signed up for package number ONE.
thanks,
karenk
Hi Karen, thanks for stopping in – feel free to park by the other limo!
Whew–got up early and headed up the backroads through Iowa to get to Minnesota in time to celebrate with you! I would have been here sooner but driving = coffee = many bathroom breaks. Happy Blogiversary!
ooh I hear you Lisa – glad you could make it 🙂
W00T! I l0ve a g00d party! I h0pe there’s cake! Rich, dark, decadent cake. And sparkling lem0nade, cause that’s my fav0rite fancy drink.
Yes hippiechrissey – always cake – I mean it is a party 🙂
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!! I enjoyed how you came to be a blogger and how fortunate that you had help to make your blog what it is. You go girl!
I came by way of the train(my wish to some day take a train trip) and brought my famous Rhubarb cake made from scratch.
Have a great day and I love the prizes.
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
Hi Robyn – a train – that is awesome! Glad you liked my blogger story. I wrote it quite early this morning and looking at it now I am thinking I could have wrote it better….LOL – thats just me though 😉
Happy Blogiversary! I brought some salsa and chips from Texas. I enjoy your post and love the book revews.
Wishing you continued success.
Hi Cindy – I have been meaning to stop in and see you but time has been so short lately! Thank you for popping in to see me. And – I love salsa! 😀
Happy Blogiversary. Your great stories, posts, and wonderful coffee. Love this giveaway.
Thanks Diane 🙂
Hey, Happy Blogiversary, Shelia! May this coming year be your best blog-year ever! 🙂 Thank you for all the entertaining posts, guest spots, and giveaways….
Speaking of giveaways, if I could pick, I’d like the giveaway #4 goodies, please. (hope those e-books work on PDF)
Anywho, again, congrats on the anniversary, best wishes and hugs.
Julianne
email: sistertyme-at-yahoo.com
Thank you Julianne for your kind words. It will be interesting to see how year two is. 🙂
Happy Blogiversary!
I came on my son’s bike that has been sitting in my garage forever even though he is married and has his own home! It wasn’t easy but I manged to carry my favorite chocolate chip cookies without crashing into anything!
I would love to have Giveaway #3: The cozy package.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Another bike Carol – I am so glad! That is my favorite way to travel. Glad the cookies made it safely! 😀
Happy Blogiversary! I’m bringing my Doritos and Dr. Pepper, all the prizes look great! tWarner419@aol.com
Thanks Teresa!
Congrats! I supposed I ended up driving to the party, since Brainerd isn’t THAT far away from Madison. And I brought homemade chocolate chip cookies 🙂
I’m not sure if we had to pick a prize pack, but if we do I’d chose #1 or #2 — yum, chocolate!
Hi Kim! 😀 Glad you could make it to Brainerd! Love chocolate chip cookies – my favorite kind!
Hi Sheila- mentor & friend, Happy Bloggiversary! What great giveaways you have! Thanks for your encouragement in my recent blogging foray. I’m relatively close so I rollerbladed to your party and brought stuff for the Bloody Marys!
Have a great day!
Thank you Angie! I forgot you rollerblade! We should really connect on that some day – I love to blade and am always looking for people to go with 🙂
Time flies when you’re having fun!
I adore your blog!
I arrived at your party with the speed of a Cullen vampire, courtesy of the “spider monkey” on Edward Cullen’s back. Ahhh! The perfect date!
Edward and I brought red apples. 🙂
Thanks Mary S1 LOL – that is fast!
Happy Blogiversary! I’m a recent reader. I found my way here via a friend’s blog who played along to What Are You Reading. Now I’m addicted. I think since finding the memes, my blog has changed a bit. Plus I’m opening my eyes to new books too.
Have a great day!
Oh good Andrea! That is the beauty of the Monday meme – I love to promote other blogs and I enjoy it when others visit them too and maybe pick up an idea, a book, or a blog to follow 🙂
Welcome!
Aw! Happy blogoversary! Are you taking part in Bloggiesta again this coming weekend? 😀
Kristen, I didn’t think I was going to be able to as I was suppose to be out of town this weekend but that kind of fell apart with other commitments. So now I think I am going to get in when I can because – well – I am always up for learning something new and my blog always comes out the other side of Bloggiesta looking better 🙂
Happy Anniversay !!!! I would sing for you but trust me..you wouldn’t want me to. I found you via J Kaye’s when you took over Its Monday, What Are You Reading. I just read your bio…and honestly, didn’t realize that this blog was under a year old when I found it. It looked like and sounded like a very experienced blog. So Happy Anniversay and to a lot more
CMash
If by some slim chance I win..I would take door #3
Hi Cheryl – J Kaye was actually one of the bloggers that was a big help to me. She was patient and willing to help and I have tried to pay it forward when people ask me for help too. Book Bloggers I have found to be the most wonderful helpful people 🙂
Happy Blogiversary!!! I arrived by a big coffee cup boat full of delicious coffee ( hey, I had to have something to drink on that long trip) and brought a big batch of my moms home made cinnamon rolls:) I hope you have a wonderful day Sheila. Your blog is amazing and I am going to sign up for Bloggiesta because I could use some inspiration!
Bobbie – I am picturing a large coffee cup shaped boat filled with coffee. How very Alice in Wonderland of you! LOL Ooh and cinnamon rolls? perfect to go with coffee! 😀
I am so glad you are joining Bloggiesta!
What fun! Congrats on the anniversary. I would never have imagined you’ve been blogging for just a year. You’ve done a marvelous job!
Thank you KM! My husband will tell you that I am a big overachiever and I guess he is right. If I am going to do something – I really want to do it to the best of my ability. 🙂
I’m here in costume (dressed like a huge coffee cup so you would be at your Most Welcoming!) and I brought rum cake so we could all have an excuse to get a little tipsy in the afternoon! If I win, I would like either 1, 2, or 4! :–)
Hi Jill! LOVE the costume! And rum cake too – LOL. 🙂
You make the world a better place – you blog everyday, wow and every post is so positive. Congratulations on this blogging milestone. I can’t justify signing up for the giveaways with the move in two weeks (I’m trying to move as little as possible) but they all look so good!
I will be have later tonight 🙂
Hi Mari – wow what a sweet comment! 🙂 I just like to write and my blog fills that need. 🙂
I hope the move goes easy on you! Keep me informed – I am only a click away 🙂
You have been busy with comments! YEAH You 🙂
I came by hot air balloon bearing tiramisu!
Freda – very classy and yummy! Glad to have you here 🙂
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for the invite, I really like your cozy mystery package.
Congratulations on your anniversary and I hope
many more to come.
I really love having coffee with you in the morning.
Hi Marjorie – me too, as I am sure I talk about a lot – I have coffee every morning….. its my thing 🙂
Sorry, I’m trying to get my wind back…..rowing up the Mississippi in a white brich canoe can be a little tiring, esepcially since I decided to start in New Orleans. Then the overland trip to Brainerd, once I got far enough North, really took it out of me.
First let me say Happy Blogoversary! You were one of the first bloggers I met once I started on this journey and you only showed me kindness, so thank you for that.
I’ve been racking me brain trying to figure out what I wanted to brin to the festitivities and while I was in New Orleans I started to figure it out. I brought Crawfish Poor Boys for everyone to enjoy as well as some Elderberry Wine for a fantastic winery here in Kansas. I hope you enjoy it.
If I were to throw my hat in the ring for one of your generous prize packages it would have to be for #3, as I can never get enough of a good mystery.
Happy Blogoversary once again!
Ryan – you never cease to amaze me! I am telling you – you have a gift – write a book! Love how you have arrived and I bet you are tired!
Crawfish poor boys? Sounds yummy!
Hey Sheila! Congrats on your blogiversary and a smashing party!! Your blog is great- I love it- and although I may not always leave a comment, I show up and read regularly:)
So, I’m basically here for the party, brought a nice bottle of Champagne to celebrate. No need to enter me for the giveaways (which are great BTW)- I’m just here for the fun and to celebrate your wonderful blog:)
Hugs,
Lucy xo
Hi Lucy thanks for stopping in and champagne too? Wow! 🙂
Sheila – HAPPY HAPPY! Wow – I would have thought your blog was much more than one year! I will be celebrating my one year next month!
Thank you so much for the invitation that slid in from GoodReads. I would have liked to get here by cruise but since you are a bit inland I came in by teleport. to save time. (Okay – if we’re making it up I figured I’d go all out LOL). I brought with me a cream cheese coffee cake to share – my DH makes these and they are yummmm!
I love package #3 but if we get to enter for more than one #4 would be a second choice. :o)
I wish you many more years of happy blogging and being a good inspiration to many of us! You are impressive.
Teleport? Awesome – can I try?
Cream Cheese coffee cake? Oh come on in – right to the kitchen and let me grab a fork! 😀
I was brought here by a Water Bomber in case that fire Chuck started got out of control and threatened to burn him and Wilson as well all the Palm Trees and coconuts.
I brought hot dogs and marshmallows to roast over the fire.
Love finding your Morning Meanderings in my inbox. They are a great way to start my day.
LOL Vicki! Ooh a camp fire – thats perfect! 🙂
Hi, and congrats on your 1 year mark! I found your blog when you took over the Monday “what are you reading” from J. Kayes Book Blog.
I would love to be entered for any of the packages.
Hi Jody – I did pick up some readers because of J Kayes generous transfer of Its Monday What Are You Reading into my hands. I had big shoes to fill as she did such a wonderful job. I really enjoy doing it. 🙂
What a great Give a way…Happy, happy!!!
Thanks Gram – I still have to get back to you on your question – I have just been beyond busy 😉
Happy Blogiversary! Even though I only recently discovered your blog, I’ve already fallen in love with it :).
If I arrived at the party, I would bring with myself a huge cup of coffee. It would be vanilla cappuccino for it’s the best one in my opinion. Also there would be a hand-made apple pie and lots of new and amazing books from all around the world.
Yummy apple pie and reading material too? YAY! Thanks Barbara!
What brought me here? Why you and your blogoversary of course. Funnily enough I couldn’t access you via my blog but got here thanks to Facebook.
A great giveaway, personally I’d be delighted with any single one of your packages.
As for what I’d bring you, a really nice candle I think and of course a stottie sandwhich – a stottie being a flat bread that is traditional here in the north east of England. What filling would you like?
Petty Witter, I know you travel a long way and I appreciate it 😉
I love candles! The traditional stottie bread would be something new to me to try but I love trying new things!
Happy BLOGOVERSARY! A VERY important day to celebrate. 🙂
Thanks Care! 😀
HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY!!!! 😀
You have so much fun here. Hope you have many, many, many for blogoversaries. 🙂
Always love stopping by to say hello and read about what you are reading.
Melissa thanks for stopping in 🙂 I wish I got around to the blogs more than I do, one of these evenigns I am going to catch up on visits. 🙂
Well, Sheila you just keep on blogging! You are fantastic!
I told Mark I needed to go to your party and I should go by cruise (he didnt know where you live so I jumped on the ship). You can imagine I have been traveling for a little over a week. Once I hit the port at the end of my cruise I just jumped on Obama’s Airforce 1(he’d been checking out this oil situation) and he dropped me by. Rough trip let me tell you. LOL
I don’t drink much so I brought a cheap fruity wine at which the real wine drinkers will turn up their nose, and some diet Dr. Pepper. I also brought some brownies. I am a sucker for brownies. Oh I have to share them with you guys??? Hmmm….
OOH I like diet dr. pepper – one of my favs! 🙂 I like brownies too (actually anything chocolate) so you are welcome to stay as long as you like. Or at least until the President has time to come and pick you back up in Minnesota. 🙂
Happy blogiversary, Sheila! Even though I don’t have a blog, I always enjoy checking out the reviews, etc of bloggers. And I love the contests!
Always enjoy your blog. Best wishes for many more years of happy blogging!
Margie I am glad you do – you certain,y do not need a blog to come by and read reviews, giveaways, and chat 🙂
Happy Blogiversary, Sheila—congratulations, and many more! I arrived here via an email from you.
Package #3 most appeals to me, but it would be a thrill to win any one of them. Thanks for having this very generous giveaway!
skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
YAY Sheila! So glad you came by! 🙂
I did the limbo on the way in and brought – what else? – chocolate!
Happy anniversary and so happy I met you. I think you can probably guess I’m drawn to package #1 because of… well, what else?
xoxo
Sarah! I love that you stopped by! And the limbo? You rock! We will be chatting soon, I have interview questions for you just have to get myself organized 🙂
Congratulations on your Blogiversary—I hope you enjoy the heck out of it!
If the Randomizer smiles favorably down upon me, I would love to win the Cozy Package (#3)! Thanks!!
dlhaley[at]hotmail[dot]com
Hi Donna! The randomizer? LOL – sounds like the terminator., or some sort of super hero. 🙂
Happy Blogoversary! I’ve only recently discovered that there is a such thing as book blogs, just finally got around to getting internet. I never knew there were so many people out there that loved books the way I do! Your blog is one of my favorites that I read every day. Thanks for the great blog and the great contest.
Melanie – we need to talk – LOL. The book blogging community is so big and wonderful. Glad you found your way over. 🙂
I am so glad you enjoy stopping by!
Felicitations on your Blogiversary!
I arrived riding a rainbow, clothed in a gown formed of clouds bearing a large golden pot full of gold foil wrapped chocolate coins. But true to form I tumbled head-over-heels down the last slope and the golden pot flew from my hands and the chocolate coins showered over the entire party,plopping into the guacamole and ice-cream, the expressos and tequila, the humus and buffalo wings, and now I’m sprawled on the Twister mat with my head inside the golden pot and the heat of my blush evaporating my gown.
Joy Renee that is an awesome entrance 🙂 LOL – I am still laughing – but you know it really isnt a party until something gets broken right? 😀
Oh my gosh, did I MISS anything?! I just got my invitation and couldn’t find anything to wear.
But I made it. Dug in my closet and found some cute cropped pants and a top with the tag still on. My transportation? My unicycle, of course. And I brought more balloons in case those on your post POP!
And don’t worry, besides the balloons (remember, you don’t need hands to ride a unicycle) I brought a tray of blue margaritas. Uh huh. Picture that.
With all the adult beverages everyone’s bringing, we’re going to need lots of coffee tomorrow.
Lynne! There you are! I thought maybe your invight got lost in the mail 🙂
Love the crop pants and very appropriate for unicycle riding (you do not want to get your pant leg stuck in the spokes – believe me!)
Blue margaritas delivered on a unicycle? Awesome. 🙂
Happy Blogoversary! I brought some chips and dip to celebrate the festivities and am ready to dig in! Also brought some wine, so let the party begin!!!
Yummy Colleen – I love chips and dip! I am going to have to work out extra hard tomorrow after all these snacks 🙂
Oh Happy Happy Anniversary!!! Got your invitation from Goodreads and of course I follow you and have almost from your beginnings. Just got back from vacation myself in time for the party. All the way from the Galapagos Islands, does that mean I traveled the farthest to get to the party? Still have my safari clothes on and am a bit jet lagged…..
I love package numero Uno or #1 for most of you. So role out the party hats.
CCQ, turtles, blue footed boobies and marine iguanas at your service.
Thats a great question CQDesigns…. Petty Witter came in from England – I am going to need a map…. 🙂
Woo! Woo! H A P P Y B L O G I V E R S A R Y!!!
What a big party! So many people! It’s…hard…to…squeeze…into…the…room….Oh, but I’m glad I did! Look at all the readers! I can’t remember when I’ve been in a crowd of so many who love books!
I am happy to have stopped in!
But now I must head back to my own little quiet reading nook at home….See you at Blogista (I hope)!
Take care,
debnance at readerbuzz
P.S. I had an invite to the party. That makes me feel very happy, too!
Yay debnance – so glad you came! Thanks for squeezing in too – it is a bit crowded but I am loving all that chatter and wow- the food! 😀
Thanks for popping in and enjoy The Nook… that is something I am considering getting as well…… hmmmm… Blogiversary gift to me?
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!
After being formally invited, I teleported here, bringing tapas (dates stuffed with goat cheese and nuts, wrapped in prosciutto) and a bottle of tequila. and limes.
I’d like to be entered in the first package drawing.
Here’s to another year of the Journey (clinks shot glasses, and gulps a shot of tequila).
Hi JT – thanks for the toast! It has been a good year and I am happy to share it with all of you! 😀
Happy Blogiversary! I found out about your party through the invitation you sent from GoodReads and I’m certainly glad you did! What wonderful prize packages and how thoughtful of you to give presents to others on your big day!
Thanks for coming LuAnn! The readers are what makes blogging fun for me LuAnn – I love having book conversations and you all feel that need for me 🙂
Glad to celebrate with you!
Awesome giveaways! Happy Blogiversary! What I’m enjoying the most is meeting authors new to me. What a fun party!
Thanks Wendy! 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! What great giveaways! I don’t know which is better…the chocolates or the books…mmm. This is a great idea though. If I am half as popular as you and the other great loggers out there by my time next year I will definitely have to do something like this as well…
bookjunkiemom09, Chocolates and books go well together! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Congratulations on your first year! I just discovered your blog via Goodreads.
Thanks for coming Michele – hope you like it here and meet some other fun bloggers. 🙂
Happy blogoversary, Sheila!
Thanks laughingstars!!! 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! Here’s to many more! I brought the party horns. You know, the kind they had when we were kids that rolled out when you blew, then curled back up. Honestly, I don’t recall how I ended up here many months ago, but I’m sure glad I did! Your words are nice to wake up to in the mornings before work. Congrats!
Jill – oh yes! Party horns! I knew we were missing something 😉
I am glad you found me too Jill! Love chatting with you 🙂
I am a new blogger and I love your blog and I had no clue what a blogbirthday was like…but I love it here and now that I am here I think I will stay for awhile…or at least until you cut the cake!!!
Hi Patty – I kind of like to go over the top on the Blogiversary. I dont know why…. other than it gives me a reason to celebrate with all of you. I think I am mostly excited because a year ago I would have never dreamed I would be as active as I am in blogging – and I certainly would have never dreamed that I would go to New York and experience BEA and meet other bloggers too. 🙂
Cake is cut and the first piece is yours Patty – stay as long as you like 😉
Thanks…I will be here for a while…hopefully next year I will be at BEA…I can’t stand not going now!!!
MMMMM…cake…mouth full…yummmmmy….icing….mmmmmm….more, please!!!
I arrived at your party wearing a bikini, my pineapple/coconut drinks offered at the buffet table, after parking my jeep with my wind-surfer on top. I am wearing flip-flops and a cute beach cover-up. Thanks for all the memories. Kaydi
Kaydi I think you should wear that to book club next month – LOL 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Blogiversary, Sheila! I discovered book blogs almost a year ago and Book Journey was one of the first blogs I followed. I receive your Morning Meanderings each day in an e-mail and also in Google Reader. I’m taking a limo up to Brainerd for the party and bringing some Leinie’s Summer Shandy to toast your blogiversary. Congratulations!
I would be interested in #3, and #2 would be a second choice.
Hi DarcyO – another limo? I am going to need valet parking! 🙂 Come on in – I have a feeling we will be going late into the night!
Miss Sheila, my book buddy, Happy bloggerversary and many many more!
I don’t have any fancy mode of transportation, so here I come hobbling in dragging the biggest batch of spicy Texas nachos I could manage and a big bouquet of roses from my garden for you!
Hope you have a fabulous day and here’s to another year of reading and fun!
Sharon – spicy nachos???? YUM! I am so happy about that! And the roses are lovely! Thank you! 😀
Happy Blogoversary! I ended up here through a goodreads invite from you (so no, I did not crash the party this time though I’ve been known to do so in the past). I did, however, figure I could mooch off everyone and instead of bringing anything I could share, I brought my baby girl along!
Pam – you can crash anytime – the door is always open! Come on in and baby girl too 🙂 There is way too much food already.
I always love a GOOD PARTY! Thanks for the invite via goodreads. I’ve been out of town and just got home and am so happy to be able to POP in and wish you a very happy Blogiversary!
Your blog was one of the first book blogs I found last year. I love your reviews. I can’t remember if I ever won anything on your blog but if I could win anything right now I”D LOVE #4! I’m a huge Darcy fan!
Keep on bloggin’
@susieqtpies
Thanks SusieQ! Glad you could make it! 🙂
Happy Blogiversary Shelia! Can’t believe it’s been a whole year! You have put together some great giveaway packs, thanks so much for the chance to win for your party!
Julie H – I know right? A year! 🙂
Happy Blogiversary!
Was flying over in the hot air balloon and saw the HUGE party.
Couldn’t resist stopping by. Brought some rhubarb slushes with – so tasty this time of year! Love your morning meanderings!
Thanks for the chance to win prizes!
Ladybelle – love it and see you up there 🙂 Rhubarb slushes? Sounds like something I need a recipe for!
Awww…..congrats on your celebration! I love your blog and am looking forward to reading it far into the future!!
Hi Julie thanks 😉
I don’t remember how I found your blog, but I know it was through somebody “It’s Monday! What are you reading?” Everyone’s post looked a lot like what I was trying to do, so I jump on board. Thanks for organizing it, and Happy Anniversary!
Your giveaways look lovely, but I think the one with the Cozies is the coolest.
Good luck in your continued blogging.
Glad you joined in amcatoir! 🙂
wow…175 comments so far!!
I made my way here by horseback, conquering raging waters, mosquito infested nights, and really bad drive-thru food..have mercy on me and draw my name!!!
Staci – glad to see you made it alive 🙂
I Arrived At Your Party Via A Private Helicopter. I Brought With Me A Seven Layer Been Dip With Tortilla Chips And For Desert I Brought A Triple Chocolate Cheesecake. Congrats On Celebrating Your One Year Blogiversary. Here Is To Many Many More Awesome Years.
Raquel – woo hoo – triple chocolate cheese cake. And by private helicopter? 🙂
I just recently discovered book blogs and am slowly following more and more of them. I love your blog! I put on my red and blue spandex and tried flying over, but I think the spandex broke. So I tried flying on a broom, but some girl named Cinderella wouldn’t share it. Alas, I’m at your party via astral projection. Pretty cool! Happy anniversary.
Cathie
lovemybabysquid@yahoo.com
Cathie – thank you for making so much effort to attend the party 🙂 I am impressed with your determination and astral projection abilities 🙂
Happy Blogoversary Sheila!
Sorry I’m a little late to the party, but I missed my flight and had to come by bus. Unfortunately, all of the ice cream melted, then I ate the cake at around the 7 hour mark….it’s a loooong way from Jersey to Brainerd! 😉
Looking forward to seeing what Year Two brings, as your first year was amazing!
Well I am so glad you made it 🙂 We have plenty of cake and ice cream is over rated so no worries 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! Looking forward to reading many more great posts.
Thanks Kah!
Wow, friend… a whole year! Congratulations! It is so exciting to watch your dreams come alive with the words on every page in every book! May your blog be filled with many ramblings to come!
Oh by the way… I was going to take my private jet to get to this shin dig, but I heard there was a Gilmore reunion. They needed to use my jet to gather all their peeps! Better luck next time! I would use my amazing stretch hummer limo, but the travel would be too daunting for me at this time! I’ll suffer down here by the beach and think of you while I look at the brilliant blues in the ocean.
Enjoy your Blogoversary to the fullest! You deserve it for all the hard work you have put in!
Love you girl!
Sarah
Sarah! Thanks for stopping by! I love surprises! Gilmores huh? Very cool of you to remember my weakness of that show (guess whats playing in the background right now?)
Miss you and hope to see you soon!
Congratulations on your Blogiversary! You certainly have been doing something right. We are on vacatiion in Key West and send you the weather, cut down a bit. Blue skies and sunshine, but not as warm and humid as here (96 and 89% humidity today. Better than the last two days.). I have only been following you blog for a few months, but have been enjoying it greatly. It is a nice combination of ideas, reviews, giveaways, and general chit-chat. Hope there are many more years to follow this one. Giveaway #4 looks good. Actually, they are all great.
Pat, the gift of good weather is always appreciated. 🙂 Thanks for stopping and hope you are enjoying your vacation to the fullest!
Wow! I finally made it. I borrowed my neighbors horse team (Clyde & Dale) and buggy to bring me here. Sounds like it’s been an awesome celebration!
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!! WOO!! HOO!!!
Smiles,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Cindy! Horses! Excellent! You are the first to arrive by animal. Very clever 🙂
Happy Blogoversary!! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Thanks for coming Angie!
Happy blogaversary 🙂 You have come so far and I am sooo glad I found your awesome blog! It has helped me in growing my book blog! So thankyou so much for that 🙂
lrn.mcghee@gmail.com
Loren – I am so glad that you stopped by and happy to know I helped in someway with your blog! 🙂
Happy Blogaversary!!! I love the loot that you’ve prepared for your readers!!! That’s amazing!
Thanks LR!
Holy macaroni Sheila! Answering these comments will be a full-time gig for about a week. Congrats on your anniversary. I take inspiration from your story. Your blog has a warm, charming atmosphere, very welcoming. That’s why I skated all the way from South Carolina on imaginary ice. Good thing I brought this canteen full of hot coffee! All the best!
Lisa! Skated! Excellent! And what a great work out 🙂 Thanks for stopping!
Happy Blogaverysary!!! I love your blog and read it faithfully. You also have the greatest prizes.
I am getting to the party by dog sled using my brother’s and nephew’ dogs, Toomo and Talon as the lead dogs. It is a little harder now that there isn’t any snow on the ground, but someone loaned us some wheels. These added wheels make it easier for the dog team.
I am bringing food from the northern slopes to tantalize the taste buds of the party goers.
Thanks for this great opportunity to be creative.
Barbara – dog sleds! I am loving all the different transportation here! Best party ever I am sure and man my neighbors are going to go nuts with all the parking. LOL 🙂
Happy Blogaversary! Enjoy the rest of your day/week and continue to provide us with your wonderful reviews!! You’ve been a huge inspiration to me and my blogging as well as others that I know! 🙂
Thank you Julie J! 🙂
Happy Blogaversary! I came here via Twitter!
Thanks Aik! 😀
Happy Blogaversary, Sheila. Iso glad to “read” you for the last 6 months and then to meet you at BEA. I’m learning from you so thanks so much. Ciao.
Thanks for coming by Barbara! 🙂 I am glad I met you too and hope we meet again next year! 🙂
Happy bloggoversary, Sheila! Congratulations on your milestone and your success – you deserve it! Your blog is one of my favourites to follow and that’s partly down to you being so welcoming and engaging with your readers 🙂
What a fabulous giveaway – all those packages look absolutely sumptuous! (Not sure if I can be entered as I am in the UK?)
I have arrived at your party in my private jet where I had a 10 hour flight across the pond (complete with jacuzzi, chocolate fountain and library with thousands of books I haven’ read yet). I have brought you a proper English tea (the best tea with scones with jam and clotted cream – YUM!)
Book Whisperer so glad you made it – next year I think I do need a door prize for whoever traveled the farthest 🙂 You would be in the running that’s for sure!
I like your private jet because seriously, is there any other way to travel? And complete with a library? Nice touch!
Congrats on all the successful blogging 1 year is awesome keep it up.
You brought me here actually or an email of yours did lol
Package 1 looks fun * HINT* ; )
jessica(at)fan(dot)com
Jessica – oh good – you got my invite 🙂 Glad you stopped in!
Congratulations on your first year blogoversary. I came over from Melbourne (though I normally reside in Sri Lanka) so its a looong trip. Tired! wouldnt mind a cuppa though!
Mystica stay and relax a while you did have a long trip and there is plenty of coffee – always. 😀
I am arriving late to the Blogiversary in a jeep filled to the brim with soft drinks, especially Root Beer, Strawberry cheesecake and Ice cream. after the trip I might need a cuppa Joe.
SHEILA, WHAT A GREAT MILESTONE! CONGRADS!
I love your blogs, they make my day.
God Bless You!
Rebecca – I like what your jeep is packing. You are like an ice cream truck – you need a little bell on your jeep! 🙂
Thanks for coming!
Happy Blogoversary!!
Got the invite through my email. I have arrived at the party on horseback. Alas, I bought no dessert…the only thing I bought with me is Colin Firth…hope you don’t mind? 🙂
Thuy, you and Colin are welcome…. in fact – I think most everyone here is glad to see Colin. 🙂
Love the horse, you can leave him by Barbara S’s dogsled and someone else came by horse as well but I cant remember who…. 🙂
Happy Blogiversary!!! Im a little late because the rough Hawaiian waters slowed down my canoe!
Etirv – well – Aloha! And thanks for making it! 🙂 You can put your canoe next to Ryan’s.
Happy Blogiversary Sheila! I have brought you a lovely hostess gift of a bag of Dunkin Donuts coffee (I’ve heard it’s divine)and a journal and bookmark with coffee cups on them. Enjoy! (wish we really were in person…then I would really give these to you…LOL!)
Thanks for the giveaway!
Michelle – lovely of you to come and I like your gift ideas – those would all be things I enjoy! 🙂 You are right too, Dunkin Donut coffee is delicious!
Hi Sheila !
Sorry I’m late in wishing you but I was ill for the past two days and just got up from my ‘sickly slumber’ ( yuck did I just type that ) and the first thing I did was to get on my computer to wish you ; better late than never……….happy blogiversary.As to how I got here, lets us just say that the peace and serenity I get while exploring your blog I get nowhere.It was your humble, down to earth and so way out way of making books come alive that brought me here now just to wish you. How much I wanted to be the first to wish you…..but any case that was not meant to be.MAYBE NEXT YEAR !!!!
You seriously rock Sheila ! Have a great year ahead !
Fiza – so glad you came and so sorry you have been sick! Help yourself to my emergency stash of homemade chicken soup I keep an extra container in the freezer for just such a thing!
Thanks for the well wishes! 😀
Congratulations on making it this far. ‘I didn’t know I was blogging’ – that’s sweet! I have a blog, been doing it for three years and have met loads of lovely people that way.
Helen
Helen – thanks for saying it was sweet 🙂 I am looking back now and doing the mental head slap thing and thinking, “Hod did I not know this all existed?” LOL
Hi hon..
Please dont enter me for any of the contest..
I just wanted to say – it has been a great few month having coffe with you in the mornings…
Thanks for all the book rec’s, the adventures you take us on and the people you introduce us to.
Happy anniversary dear and keep on doing that thing you do well…
E.H>
Thanks E H – thanks for stopping in this morning, as yo can see we are still trickling in and out of the party – thank you again! 🙂
Happy blogiversary! I would love to be entered in the contest. I arrived on my Magical Flying Carpet, which has gotten rather difficult to control lately and probably needs to be taken in for a tune-up. (THUD — ouch! — these unpredictable landings have gotten to be a bit too much.) Since it’s hot these days in the southern parts of the United States, I have brought lots of iced tea for the crowd you have attracted to this gathering — and I want you to know that none of it spilled when I crash landed.
Bonnie that is exactly why I don’t travel by magic carpet… I am not sure if I could figure out the controls and so afraid of carpet burn.
😉
LOL – couldn’t resist that one! Thanks for coming and I love iced tea – its a must have during the hot summer days!
Happy Blogiversary! I love a great party. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks Terri! 😀
well I just simply hopped on over on the back of a kangaroo… with damper, pavlova, coffee & a sleeping bag (its a long trip) in my kangaroo’s front pouch – so thanks for the party.. it was well worth the slightly uncomfortable & bouncy trip – smile
Helen – the back of a kangaroo? That’s fantastic! I have never had my coffee quite so shaken before but it is really yummy!
I drove the 10 hours (?), listened to The Poisonwood Bible on the way, and brought you a lovely onyx and coin pearl bracelet that I just made yesterday.
Kay it is beautiful! Glad you could make it!
Happy blogoversary!
I just love your morning meanderings and your obsession with coffee 🙂 You were one of the first person who inspired me to take blogging seriously. So thank you!!
Thanks kavyen! Glad you came by! 🙂
Hi Sheila!Happy Blogoversary!Sorry a bit late of wish, I just happened to be very busy these past few days.. I’m so happy to share the day with you and maybe a cup of dark coffee (my fav) and you fav coffee with a few slices of different cakes, maybe choclate, brownies, cheese or blueberry cake..LOL. Hope you’ll have many happy years ;p And if you are giving the giveaway to international reader, package 4 would be delightful *wink*
Thanks and congratulations!
Darlyn, chocolate is always appreciated – LOL! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for the chance!
six_one_nine_girlie86 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Thanks Jenna!
I rode in on horseback a little late but I brought homemade snickerdoodles! Hope you had a great blogoversary (mine’s coming up soon!) and what a great giveaway!
Hey its ok Ladytink – I am still cleaning up. How did cheese dip get on the ceiling? Seriously….
Ooh and love Sniskerdoodles
🙂
I came in on foot and collected some “wild edibles” on my way. (My husband has been making me watch Survivor Man episodes with him constantly.)
It really comes through how much you enjoy blogging. Your blog has a lot of life to it and it is great that you are celebrating your first year. Congratulations!
Than you Jeminia – I really do enjoy it 🙂
Happy blogiversary!
–Anna
Thank you Anna!
I am dropping back by here to say “Thank You” for your Giveaway #4: the Darcy books, box of Lindt truffles, and EBook of “What Happened on Fox Street,” which arrived this morning at my house.
YAY! Thanks for letting me know Bonnie 🙂
Happy Blogiversary and many more to come.
I enjoy my coffee with you each morning.
The number 2 giveaway would be a super gift for me.
I live in Canada, am I eligible to win.
OOPs Marjorie this is last years post…. tomorrow the new one will go up for this year 🙂
The simple horoscope deals only with twelve sun signs
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what’s going to happen to you during the day or the month. Indeed but there is nothing wrong in believing on something as long as it didn.