Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, June 15, 2009

Giveaway Today ONLY on my Blogaversary


On June 15, 2006, I started blogging. I knew that I enjoyed writing ---and I had always kept hand-written journals throughout most of my adult years (and even a 'diary' when I was young). I started my blog hoping that my grandchildren and great-grands in the future would know a little about my life. I have yet run out of something to say!!! ha...

I was so excited about blogging and had hoped that many of my friends and family members would jump in with me, or at least comment on my blog posts. This never happened much (except for my BFF Judy--who knew how desperately I wanted to receive comments). I was on Lightblog from 2006 until January of 2009.


In October of 2008, I signed up with Blogger and began finding people who had blogs with like-interests (birding, genealogy, flowers/roses/gardening, hiking, waterfalling, etc.). My very first Blogger friends were Dave Heiser and Tina Kellogg. About a week or two after that, I began hearing from Shelley, Leedra, Barb (BirdGirl) and Carolyn (NC Mountainwoman). I continued going to many blogs and leaving comments ---hoping to find more who would comment on my blogs. WELL---it didn't take long---although many bloggers had a very hard time commenting on my Lightblog site., which was very different from Blogspot.


On January 1, 2009---I made the switch to Blogger and haven't looked back. I cannot thank ALL of you enough for caring enough to check out my posts each day.. You have brought so much joy to my life---and I feel as if I have new friends for LIFE. It never ceases to amaze me that anyone would want to read my blogs---but obviously you do.. Thanks so much!!!!!



In honor of this blogaversary, I am offering a giveaway. The book (pictured above) is entitled Big Stone Gap--and is a novel about my hometown in Virginia. Author Adriana Trigiani grew up just as I did in Big Stone Gap. However, since she is much younger, I never knew her. But I love her books. She has written FOUR books in the Big Stone Gap series: Big Stone Gap (2001), Milk Glass Moon (2002), Big Cherry Holler (2004), and Home to Big Stone Gap (2006).


Since 1999, Adriana has written at least one novel EACH year. She has a huge fan-base---and listens carefully to what they want from her books. Critics from the Washington Post to the New York Times to People magazine have described Adriana’s novels as “tiramisu for the soul”, “sophisticated and wise”, and “dazzling.”





Pictured above is Adriana Trigiani. She now lives in New York City with hubby Tim Stephenson, the Emmy award-winning lighting designer of the Late Show with David Letterman.

I would love to give a copy of
Big Stone Gap to someone, along with a few other goodies. If you are interested in this book and would like to be entered, just comment on today's post ---mentioning the book. I will choose a winner tonight--and announce it tomorrow morning.

AND---since it is my Blogaversary today, I again thank all of you who have given me awards and tags. I have so many and they mean so much to me. Check them out on my sidebar. Because they are so special, I am passing them on to YOU. Pick one (or more) out and proudly put it/them on your blog. YOU deserve them!!!!


Thanks again for making my blogging such a joy!!!!
Go out and celebrate MY Blogaversary with me today!!!!! Okay?????

Hugs to all,


REMEMBER: Mention the book in your comment if you want to enter the Giveaway, AND be sure and take an AWARD on my sidebar!!!!! Happy Blogaversary to ME!!!!! Yeah!

65 comments:

Unknown said...

the Big Stone Gap does look like an interesting read. Congrats Betsy!! Your blog is entertaining and I love that your personality jumps off the screen at me!!!!

Kathy W said...

Well I would love to have copy of this book. This series has always sounded interesting to read. Congratulations on your 3 year mark. My 3 year mark is sometime in October.

Peggy said...

Happy Bloaversary!!

T said...

Happy Blogaversary!

The book sounds like a wonderful summer read - please count me in!

RA said...

Happy Blogoversary, Betsy! Wishing you even more joyful moments to share on your lovely blog. It has been my pleasure to become your friend in this Blogosphere. Your posts always add more joy to my days. What a great giveaway on your special occasion. I really think that Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani will bring a lot of pleasure to whoever the lucky winner will be. Have a wonderful week. Hugs and love from Indonesia :)

Adrienne Zwart said...

Happy Blogaversary, Betsy! I am glad I found your blog as I enjoy reading about your travels and your family. I especially enjoy the photos of birds and the waterfalls.

How fun to read a novel set in Big Stone Gap--the very town in which you grew up! I love to read, and I'm always excited to find a series. (I'm one of those types that always feels a little sad when I finish a good book. I just hate to see it end. But with a series, I can delay that a bit.)

Have a wonderful day!

Beth said...

Happy Blogoversary, Betsy! I'm so glad to have found your blog--I look forward always to reading about your latest adventure or new waterfalls you and George have discovered or what is blooming in your yard. Here's to another three years (and more) of happy blogging!

I have heard of Adriana Trigiani's books, but have never had the pleasure of reading them. They sound like my kind of books.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Hi Betsy, you, my friend are one of the most encouraging bloggers around...I always look forward to hearing from you...Congratulations on your wonderful blog and all of your endeavors...and the book giveaway is a perfect complement to a wonderful lady...

Sandy said...

Wow, she's beautiful...

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog, and your photos. I am going through the same thing.

I started my blog when I moved away in December, for friends and family to follow me. I've given my blog address to everyone, but so far only my parents and a good friend from Florida I haven't seen in 20 years follow me. Not one friend I just moved away from has emailed to say they are reading it- even the person I thought was my "best" friend admitted she's only been on it once.

Oh well, I will continue my blog for my own pleasure!! And that of my new blogging friends!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Congratulations dear friend.This sounds like an interesting book.I am so gald that I found your blog,I look forward to hearing from you each day.
Blessings,Ruth

Harriet said...

Congratulations on your Blogoversary! Always look forward to your Blog.

Susie said...

Congrats to you girlie!!! Please throw my name in the hat for the giveaway and thank you for such a great blog!!!

Arkansas Patti said...

Congratulations Betsy on your blogaversary, Time flies doesn't it? You so deserve your following.

I have read all of Adriana Trigiani's series and just loved them. Big dummy me never connected the two of you and the town. I mean how many Big Stone Gaps are there?

Keep the blog a coming.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I would love to read this book...there is nothing in it about squirrels is there???? :)
Happy anniversary. So happy to have MET you and George!

Joy said...

Hey Betsy, I'd love to read this book. If I dont' win. I'll check at my library and see.
Glad you're on Blogger too.


Joy

Shelley said...

happy anniversary my friend! You are a big corner of sunshine in this bloggy world!!! And please enter me in for a chance to win the Big Stone Gap book - it sounds like a great read!!

Pat - Arkansas said...

Happy Blogaversary, Dear Betsy! So glad to have found you.

Have a great day!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: So I get a chance for a prize and I get to read your blog also, how lucky am I. Thanks for being a friend.
BTW: Do I get an extra entry for beig so nice? I have a special post coming soon.

Dorothy said...

Happy Blogaversary! The book, Big Stone Gap, would be interesting to read. Have a happy day!

Mary said...

Happy Blogaversary! Isn't it wonderful to meet so many nice people while doing something you love? I started out with similar expectations and my blog evolved into something totally different. You have a wonderful blog and we are all glad to have "met you" through your writing and photos. Keep it up! Your joy spills out in everything you say...I can't imagine you without a smile. The books sounds great. I've read at least one of her books and think it was this one, so don't include me in the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogaversary Betsy. You are such a cherished blog friend to so many of us. I too would enjoy the book very much; it sounds like it would be great hometown reading. Have a great day.

Small City Scenes said...

BIG STONE GAP----there I mentioned the book. I would love to have and read the "Big Stone Gap" book.
BTW Happy blogging anniversary!!

Nothing like a giveaway to get new readers. Hahahaha!!

I have enjoyed your blog from the very first time I started reading it. Now you need to put all this in book form. MB

marmee said...

good for you! happy blogaversary to you. i missed mine in may, too busy to take note until it passed.
i am glad we found each other's blogs...you are so sweet to visit me and my sister's blogs. i love the energy and joyfulness that comes thru on your blog and your comments, thanks.
put my name in the hat for the book...always wanted to know more about big stone gap.

Deborah Godin said...

Congratulations to you, Betsy! I'm very happy to have discovered your blog, and always enjoy my visits here. The books you mentioned by Trigiani sound really intriguing, I'll definitly look them up when I'm at Amazon. Though I've not been there, I have a real interest in Appalachia, especially the traditional music. And you just made me remember one of my teachers from grade school - her name was Miss Wasserfallen! Neat, huh!

Janie said...

Happy Blogiversary! You've been at this a long time. I started about a year ago and also had no visitors to speak of until I started posting on memes. That made all the difference.

Snap said...

Congratulations on your Blogoversary. I just celebrated mine -- one great year. I'd love to win Big Stone Gap. I haven't read any of Adriana Trigiani's books and summer is a good time to read a new author! Thanks so much for including me in your give-a-way!

Diane AZ said...

I visit a lot of blogs each day, but yours is one of my favorites. I love your pictures, and the positive energy that shines through in your writing. Happy Blogaversary, Betsy!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the anniversary Betsy, you are a joy to "know" and read! I've already read the book so don't count me in the giveaway, I'll look and see if she has a website and add her to my list, I like her books:)

Carol Murdock said...

Congratulations Betsy!!! WOW! Who knew you'd been at it so long!
I love your blog and look forward to my daily reading.
Lately, I'm having a hard time keeping up with all that's going on around here!
I think you recomended these books
to me awhile back since you know I love " mountain settings " in books. Sign me up girl! I want to read Big Stone Gap!
xoxo & hugs,
Carol
ps...my family and friends won't comment either! They read it but won't comment!! Why is that ????

Cicero Sings said...

That book looks mighty interesting and it would be fun to read about your hometown.

Happy 3rd anniversary! I thought I did good making it to my 2nd. Most of my friends and family don't read my blog either and that is why I started blogging in the first place. Pictures and all, I thought it would be more interesting than emails but I guess not. Now, they don't get emails either ... if they can't visit the blog ... too bad. Okay, some do get the odd email. I'm way too soft.

Wow, I just glanced over at your followers and you have 94! I've 21 and think I'm doing well but I'm not blogging that much this year. Too busy with Mingus.

Have a fun day.

Oh, and I'm glad you got to meet Kelly and her husband. Too fun.

Dirt Princess said...

ooohhhhh! Well since my favorite dessert of all time is tiramisu....I think it is only fair that I get that book!!!LOL!!!

Connie said...

So many bloggers with simular similar stories. I too looked at blogging as a way to reach out to my family and friends in an effort to get to know each other better. One sister is a frequent visitor, and no one else. Friends are also a no-show. But I definitely feel a connection to my new blogging buddies. I love your blog posts and read every one. With so many recommendations I must read one of the books by Trigiani.

Snap said...

Hi Betsy,

Thanks for stopping by. We live near Rice University -- in between the rich places (West U and Southgate)! ;D

Kelly said...

Happy Anniversary! Congratulations on meeting this blogging milestone. I'm so glad I found your blog because it's always interesting, and I'm glad I got to meet you yesterday. You're going to have to keep an eye on my in-laws and make sure they stay out of trouble! ;-)

"Big Stone Gap" sounds like a great book. It makes me think of mountains and small towns, and I love series books. Just like Adrienne, I'm always sort of sad when a book is over, and I like series because the characters go on and on!

Jane said...

Congrats on your Blogaversary! Would love to read Big Stone Gap... would be a good break from prepping for anatomy this fall!

Jane and Gunny

Libby's Library said...

Hello - I saw your comment over at Smiling Sally's and decided to drop by.

I am a HUGE Adriana Trigiani fan, and have read all of the The Big Stone Gap Series. I'm hoping that there will be more to come...maybe about Etta, and her life in Italy.

I'm hoping that someone gives me a copy of "Cooking With My Sisters" for my birthday!

And speaking of special days... Happy Blogaversary - Hope you have many more!

SmilingSally said...

Happy Blogiversary! You and I started about the same time. I began blogging June 13th and just realized that my blogiversary has come and gone. I guess the move has kept me occupied!

I would ❤ to win the Big Stone Gap book! I've read one of the author's Big Stone Gap books before and loved it!

Rosa said...

Well, you sure have a lot of followers now! Congrats on your blogiversary! I'm so happy you are happy with your blog. Isn't that the most important? Thanks for your giveaway! Of course, throw my name into the hat!! Congrats! xo

Carol said...

Happy blogaversary. I couldn't possible take one of your awards. You earned them..you deserve them. Living in Big Stone Gap and then reading about it must have made it so real. The Virginia mountains can be beautiful.

Congratulations and keep blogging. I may not comment on each post..but I'll bet I've read it.

www.riverwildlife.blogspot.com

Allison said...

I've heard about this book in the past an did not know that she wrote a book every year! Happy Blogoversary to you! Stumbled on you via Journey thru Grace. Here's to many more years of Happy Blogging!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

A wondeful bloggy anniversary Betsy !!
I love reading your posts, all the beautiful flowers, and waterfalls, and even some sweet stories thrown in about you and your fella George, they make my heart flutter ;)
I'd love to read your book, and would even share it with other bloggers, if lucky enough to be selected.
So here's to many more years of blogging, and sharing your incredible life with us out here in this forever shrinking world of ours.
Congratulations bloggy friend !

Together We Save said...

Happy blogaversary!

Betty said...

Happy Blogaversary to you ect ect
Reading your blog is a gift in it's self, but i do like to read books about real places.

betty-NZ said...

I'm very glad I found you blog (Don't have a clue how I did it, tho!).
Your posts are always great reading!

Happy Bloggyversary!

Tina said...

Wow! Your Blogaversary, is that a word or a betsy word?? Well, Congratuations to you..I thought you had been blogging for a long time..never knew that Dave guy and I were your first buds!! lol!
When I finish here I'm going to check and see when I first posted.. I think it was in Sept!! I'm curious now!!
Yes I did get your e-mail! THANK U!!
Unfortunately, I can't book now..we have to wait to see about a show we might be attending down there..but I will definitely give it a shot if all his plans come together!! I do appreciate your help. Great post..I'm impressed with your young author, and the books you posted..how thrilling to have an author who writes stories based in your hometown.. That's pretty cool!!

Becky said...

Happy Blogaversary To you!!!!!!

I do enjoy your blog and I am loyal reader. You and George are such an inspiration.

Tammie Lee said...

Happy Blogaversary!!!
I am so happy that you (and I) have made so many wonderful friends in the blog world. Sometimes I feel enchanted with the sweet and meaningful connections that have happened here. Wishing you another wonderful year!

Diane said...

Betsy, Two years! Where does the time go? Happy blogoversarly!

Cassie said...

Happy Blogiverary Betsy! Big Stone Gap sounds like a hard place to grow up in. teehee. Blessings on you and many more years of fun blogging!

Unknown said...

Betsy-your blog is such a joyful place to visit everyday.Thank you for being a blogger,and Happy Anniversary!

Wendy said...

Congrats!! Your blog brings me joy too! I love coming here. I feel so good and happy when I do.
Sure would like to be put into the "draw" or whatever you do for a chance to win that book. It sounds like a good read - something you'd like to curl up with on a warm summer's night.
Happy blogaversary and I'm glad you joined Blogger.
Hugs

Connie said...

Happy Blogaversary, Betsy! Here's to many many more posts in the future. The book sounds like it would be a great read.

Thank you for sharing your world with us.
Happy Monday to you! :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Happy Blogaversary! Great give-away, but shouldn't we be sending gifts to you?!? hehehe

Neal said...

Well Betsy you know I would be interested in the book since I'm from that area and was actually in Big Stone Gap last year. It's been a great joy for me to get to know both you and George. Even though I've never met you I feel like I know you very well, especially since we've emailed each other quiet a bit. Keep up the good work....er, I mean good blogging. :)

GeneaDiva said...

Hi Betsy,

I love your blog and would love to have a copy of Big Stone Gap too.

Seriously, I enjoy reading your blog almost daily; enjoy your birds, flowers and especially your adventures.

Sincerely,
Margaret at GeneaDiva

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

The big stone gap sounds like a great book . What a great give-away...hugs...m

Marge said...

Big Stone Gap sounds like a great book and a wonderful giveaway! Congrats on your blog!

Rose said...

I found you through Neal...don't think I have skipped a post since...sometimes I don't get them read on the day they were posted but when I get here, I go back and see what I have missed.

I love your stories about your family best of all....but I think you know that. And I love your flowers and waterfalls.

I sure wouldn't mind winning the book....in fact, I might just have to get it from the library and re-read it.

Jen said...

Betsy,
Happy Anniversary to you!
Your blog is so full of life, I can't help but come and see what you have to say each day. Thanks for sharing all your joyful reflections of life. AND, if it's not too late to enter, put my name in the pot for the book, Big Stone Gap. I'd like to know what made you. :) Joy to you and George.

SquirrelQueen said...

What a wonderful story and congratulations on your blogaversary!
The book sounds fablous but since it is probably past bedtime on the East Coast I will check with Amazon.
Have a wonderful day,
Judy

Unknown said...

Here's to hopping I'm a winner! I have a 1 in 63 chance (if you're picking out of a hat!), or if you are selecting by other criteria, my odds may be higher or lower depending on how I rank. Blogger's been good to me too, and yes, it's opened my eyes to seeing the world in a new way ... and also kept me running a harried pace trying to keep up (with myself). That happens to bloggers ...

Leedra said...

2 years! Great. I am probably too late for the give away, but if not I would like my name entered for the book about Big Stone Gap. You know I love to read. Just finished John Grissom's latest. Another page turner.

SquirrelQueen said...

In honor of your blogaversary I have a little award for you on my main blog, The Road to Here.
Judy

Becca's Dirt said...

Happy blogaversary. I'm so glad I found your blog Betsy some months ago. You have such interesting post and include many topics on your blog.

Naturegirl said...

Betsy: I am coming by after your big celebration so sorry that I missed the actual date.
Congratulations on your Blogoversary!!It has been an absolute pleasure to come by and get to know a bit about you through your wonderful postings! It is like coming by and visiting a friend I've known forever..wishing you much inspiration in the coming year! hugs aNNa