Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Blogoversary & a give away!

Happy Blogoversary to me! Hard to believe it's been a year since I started this little bloggity blog. I have officially been blogging since I started An American Girl in France back on June 3rd, but it would have been kind of silly to celebrate that blog's anniversary since that blog is on hold until my next trip to France - hence, no updates are posted to it and no one is reading it anymore. And really the only people reading that were pretty much my mom, my brother, and my aunt (thank you, my faithful readers). This blog has a much more diverse readership - which I am so thankful for! Especially when you comment - my fellow bloggers are probably nodding in agreement, it really means the world to us when we get comments on our blogs. So keep 'em coming.

Anyways, I feel like I have come quite a ways since that first book review post. By the way, if you haven't checked that book out, you really should. Especially if you like quotes and inspirational little poems. I am pretty sure something from that book will make a cameo in my maid of honor speech next month at Abby's wedding.

I have hashed out alot of topics on this blog. I've lamented about what it's like to be single and 28, I've blogged about some vacations, I've faced down the ghosts of boyfriends past, and I blogged about the passing of my Grandfather, who was one of the most important men in my life.

Some downs, but as many, or more, ups. I've made progress. Personal progress is a funny thing. When I compare my life today to my life a year ago, everything is the same, but nothing is. Not sure if that makes any sense. This blog has definitely helped - it forces a person to be a little bit more self reflective than I would have been otherwise. I've met some great new friends through this and have grown closer to my aunt & cousin who also blog. I know some of my family and friends probably scatch their heads and wonder why in the heck I do this, but they'll have to continue to wonder because this blog is not going away.

So, in honor of my one year anniversary of being a blogger, I figured it was time for a little give away. The initial reason for this blog was to review books, so it seems only right that my give away involve a book. Comment on this blog post by Monday, July 20th and you will have a chance to win one of my favorite travel memoirs!




Without Reservations, by Alice Steinbach is an awesome travel memoir. As Steinbach writes,

"I had fallen into the habit of defining myself in terms of who I was to other people and what they expected of me."

So what did she do? She takes a sabbitical from work and travels around Europe with stops in cities such as Paris and Milan. It's a page turner and will definitely make you want to drop everything and take a trip to Europe.


So come on all your lurkers - come out of the dark and leave a comment! I'll use the random number generator on Tuesday to select the winning comment!

15 comments:

Anais said...

Happy Blogiversary!!!! That's so impressive, blogging for a year...I definitely wonder if I'll be able to sustain that at times :)

Sounds like a great giveaway too, seeing as how I've been meaning to read that book for ever!

Ashley Gerner said...

Oh my gosh Lisa, I love your blog! In the time it took me to read this post I've wanted to buy a new book, I've smiled and I've cried! I've always respected and admired you as a person being your "little cousin" and reading your blog has allowed me to get to know you even more and I love that and the person you continue to become. Don't ever stop blogging!!!

aimee said...

happy blogoversary!! i'm so glad i stumbled upon your blog one day. i have enjoyed reading it and getting to know you!

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

I clicked the link and read the review of that first book, sounds amazing. I will have to look that up. Without Reservations is another I've been meaning to pick up too!

Lisa-Marie said...

Happy Anniversary! I, for one, am glad I have been able to read your blog for the time I have, and hope to be doing so for a while yet!

Unknown said...

What a great idea to see who will come out of the lurker closet!!! I haven't read Anna K. for a couple of days. I need to get back at it!

I have enjoyed your blog so much, Lisa! It has become a wonderful way for us to bond. And you were my inspiration to start blogging myself! Happy blogoversary!

I sure hope everyone who reads responds! I love the comments!!!

Joey said...

Happy Blogoversary. I'm not sure when I stumbled upon your blog (but I'm glad that I did). I love the book reviews!

Amber said...

Happy Blogoversary!!!

Your blog is by far one of my favourites!!

That book looks great! I need something new to read other than Jodi Picoult :-)

Jess said...

Happy Blogiversary!! How quickly a year goes by. I am happy I found you on here. You've been one of my favourite bloggers and a great blog friend!!

The book looks good too :)

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your blog very much, although I only comment anonymously. If I win the book, pass it on to another, since I already totally know what it's like to travel with an independent woman.

Lady Jane said...

Happy Blogiversary!!!! And definitely put me in the drawing for the book! You rock, my dear

Marlys said...

Happy Blogiversary! I haven't checked blogs lately - seems another event is taking up any spare time I have, but am feeling confident that all will go well!
Better bring your peace lily to the cabin this weekend if it survived, but they do make miraculous recoveries! See you tomorrow night!

Julie anne said...

Lisa, I love your blog but hate your toothpaste! (Lisa leaves her Cortizone 10 out and hides her toothpaste)! Thanks for our hot date and letting me crash last night - and most of all thank you for your honestly and candor when you write-it's refreshing and inspiring!

Cousin Julie

Erick Carlson said...

Happy Blogiversary! This is Julie pretending to be Erick to get two chances to win! - Is that cheating? I read you blog to him!

emily said...

I love reading your blog and I feel like I am living a special part of your life. I just wish I had more time to read because you sure have read some great books. Happy Blogiversary!!!!