Hallo-NaBlo-Versary

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Like my new word, but wonder what in the heck it means or stands for? Well, there’s 3 parts to it.

First - Hallo. This is for Halloween. So HAPPY HALLOWEEN everyone. I know most observed the holiday yesterday but when there’s a chance to eat candy two days why waste it. I mean the candy consumed during a holiday is a tradition, a must, a ritual and therefore couldn’t possible have any calories. Could it?

I’ve noticed more and more adults getting into the spirit of Halloween. Dressing up and being a kid for a little while is good for us. Gives us a chance to re-energize and let the ‘pretend’ part of our brain remember the fun of childhood imagination again.

Second - NaBlo. I participated in the NaBloWriMo challenge for October and today is the last day. I can say that I accomplished the goal of having a blog post everyday of this month. However, I must point out that I didn’t do it all on my own. I had a number of wonderful authors who were kind enough to guest blog for me during the month. This made reaching my goal easy and I got to know these guest authors even better. Thanks ladies and gents.

Third - Versary. With yesterday’s post I reached a mark that I would have never guessed that I would have. Again, this milestone mark was accomplished with the help of authors guest blogging. I definitely didn’t do this all on my own.

Yesterday was my 365th post - a full year of posting everyday and my first complete year of blogging. Halloween of 2009 was my first post, my first dip in the waters of blogdom and all the wonder that comes with it. Now I look and over 250 amazing people follow this blog making me feel grateful, amazed and a little scared. I hope I can continue to provide posts you enjoy.

I’d like to give you a little background here for those who may not know how this blog came about. I’ll try to make it short, but you know me.

I love coffee and anything to do with it. The Coffeehouse Mystery series by Cleo Coyle has been a favorite of mine for years. Through her newsletter I was fortunate enough to win an ARC copy of HOLIDAY GRIND in 2009. At the time my book reviews only appeared in the paper I work for.

In the e-mails back and forth with Cleo, we talked about blogs and the formation of the Mystery Lovers’ Kitchen blog. Cleo encouraged me to start my own blog as another place to post my reviews. I’m technology challenged when it come to venturing into blogdom, but I thought ‘what the heck’ and posted my first entry on Oct. 31, 2009.

Then I ‘met’ another wonderful author, Elizabeth Spann Craig. With Elizabeth’s help, advice, and encouragement I ventured out into blogdom visiting other blogs. She also explained the ins and outs of having a professional account on Facebook for my blog, in addition to my personal account. She introduced me to other friends and authors and also helped when I made my way to Twitter.

These two ladies are not only great authors, but incredibly kind and wonderful people. Though I’ve only known them in blogdom, I consider them friends and feel I’ve learned so much from them.

In addition, I feel I’ve been truly blessed with all the people I’ve come to know through blogging. I’m able to talk with people all over the US and throughout the world. I’ve learned about traditions and holidays I never knew, as well as so much interesting information about writing. I’ve learned that there is more than one way to look at a book and appreciate it (thanks Margot). In addition, I’ve come to realize you should never judge a book by its cover or the genre you think it is. From each of you that I have met, I feel I have learned and continue to learn each day. The friendship and support that has been shown to me, is overwhelming.

I listen closer to the news when something happens elsewhere because now I could know someone there and am concerned for their safety and well-being. I’ve cried when reading of other bloggers’ loss whether it was their family member, precious pet or a friend of their’s. I’ve laughed at the fun others have shared. I’ve been excited and thrilled when someone finishes their WIP, gets an agent, gets a book contract, and when their first (or latest) books is finally released.

I’m in awe of the books I’ve been able to review and the ones I have waiting to be reviewed. Knowing the authors makes each book that much more special. I’ve been thrilled that I can participate in the various giveaway programs giving others the opportunity to win great books. I’ve been overwhelmed by the giveaways that I have been fortunate to win.

I could go on and on, but I won’t. Let me end by saying I feel extremely blessed, honored, and fortunate to have met some of the most wonderful people in the world through blogging.

Thanks for making this past year a wonderful learning and memorable experience. YA'LL ARE THE BEST!!!