Saturday, July 17, 2010

I'm One Year Old Today!


It's official, my blog is 1 year old today!  It was July 17th, 2009 that I decided to try my hand at blogging, and I haven't looked back since.  The year has been filled with a lot of fun and some hard work.  I'm not sure I knew what I was getting myself into a year ago, but I'm so glad I went for it.  Now I may end up rambling a bit in this post but please read to the end because there is going to be a giveaway buried in the gushing.

When I first started this blog, I had no idea what the heck I was doing.  All I knew is that a friend of mine on the Barnes & Noble book club page had started her own blog a while back and seemed to be having a blast, so I figured I would check it out and I've been here since then.  For those of you who don't know who I'm talking about, I would like to thank Deb of Bookmagic for introducing me to this fantastic world that I really never knew that much about before. 

I also owe a humongous THANK YOU to everyone in the book blogging community for making me feel at home and answering my questions when I didn't have a clue as to what I was doing. I wish I was able to list all of you by name but I'm not sure this post would ever be finished if I did so.  You guys are really the warmest and most welcoming group of people I know and I'm so proud to be counted amongst you.  Without really knowing it you guys have helped me through some rough spots this last year and for that I owe you more than I can ever express.  I'm looking forward to the years to come.

I was looking at my stats and I noticed that so far I've reviewed 89 books (I'm shooting for over 100 the next year), 13 DVDs, and even one CD.  Now this has been a year filled with some great books and some I wished I hadn't read, but even then I've learned a lot about what I look for in a book.  Before this blog, I could have told you whether or not I liked a book, but I wouldn't have been able to really go into the reasons behind it.  Not that I didn't know the reasons, but because I wasn't able to put my thoughts into words that anyone else would have understood.  Through reading the hundreds of blogs that I now subscribe to, by writing my own posts, and by having some terrific conversations with all of you, I think I'm finding my voice and making it stronger by the day.

I've also done 52 Favorite Fictional Character posts, one a week, where I talk about some of my favorite characters from books, TV, and Movies.  I even got a character from a poem into the mix early on in the series.  By doing this series of posts I've been able to revisit some of my old friends that I haven't really paid that much attention to at times.  I've been able to reconnect with them and have even bought books or DVDs based off the rediscoveries.  I'm only bringing this up because here is where the giveaway is going to come into play.

From now to the end of the month, July 31st, you will be able to enter into a giveaway to win a $20 gift card to Barnes & Noble or Amazon.  This will be open internationally so everyone will have a chance at it.

The giveaway will end at 11:59 PM CST on 7/31.  All you need to do to enter is pick your favorite character that I have posted about in my Favorite Fictional Character posts.  Just click on the link above to take you to the original posts.  In your comment please leave your preference between the two retailers, whether or not you want a physical or an electronic one, and your email address.  You must be a follower of the blog to enter.  After I pick the winner through random.org, I will email them and they will then have 48 hours to email me back or I will pick a new winner. 

I just want to say thank you once again to everyone who has made this last year special for me.  You will never know how much I appreciate the open arms and kindness you have all shown me.

46 comments:

Michelle Stockard Miller said...

First of all, happy blog birthday to you! I'm sending you extra special good wishes because you were the one who introduced me to book blogging. My one year is early next month so be prepared for some kudos!

You really made this contest difficult because you have picked SO many wonderful characters. I never thought I would pick anyone over Buffy or Angel, but I just could not live with myself if I did not pick Captain Jack (Torchwood). He is one of the most wonderful characters ever written and I adore him! So there is my pick and I'm not ashamed to say...I hope I win...LOL!

Thanks for the giveaway! Of course, you know I'm your most loyal follower. ;O)

miller4plusmore(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Oh, and Amazon (electronic) please. Thanks. =O)

Trisha said...

I didn't even have to look back for my favorite Favorite Fictional Character - Brainy Smurf! How can one not pick Brainy; although Captain Jack is undeniably sexy as all get out. Seriously yummy. But back to Brainy, the one who solidified my love of geeks at such an early age.

I prefer Amazon, I like electronic certificates, and I am a follower. My email is eclectic.eccentric[at]hotmail.com.

Happy blogoversary!

Jenny said...

Happy Blogoversary!!

I'm with Trisha, I didn't have to look back, lol... I like Samantha Stevens from Bewitched. I don't know what it is about those shows from that time, but especially that one, that I love. It brings back memories of watching all the re-runs when I was younger.

As for the contest, I am a follower. email: jennala(at)cfl(dot)rr(dot)com. B&N, electronic

Laurel-Rain Snow said...

Oh, happy blogoversary, Ryan. I had one yesterday on my Collections blog, but because I have SO MANY blogs, I'm not doing any giveaways on that one.

I love several of those fictional characters, but I guess my first choice would be J. C. Wiatt. I can't tell you how many times I've watched that movie. It's the kind of movie that makes me laugh and cry, all at the same time.

My choice would be Amazon, physical, and my e-mail is:

chezraine(at)gmail(dot)com.

Laurel-Rain Snow said...

Oh, I forgot to say that I'm a follower.

throuthehaze said...

Happy Blogiversary!

My favorite is tied between The Snorks and Jessica Fletcher.

My choice would be Amazon (electronic)

throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! I remember when you were a "new born" LOL! :D

Out of your Favorite Fictional picks I would have to go with Nancy Drew. I grew up with her solving crimes. She was one of the few that pulled me into reading.

I prefer Amazon :)

Thanks for the chance Ryan!

Zia said...

It's been so much fun getting to know you over the last year. I love coming here and reading what you have posted that day and all our great twitter conversations.

Trying to pick just one characters from that list is almost impossible but I will have to go with Grizzly Adams.

I think I'd prefer the Barnes and Noble one. Electronic would be fine. I don't really have a preference on that one.

I look forward to getting to know you better in the years to come.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Happy Blogaversary!!!

I'd pick Waldorf and Statler. Love those cogers! Always made me laugh. :)

Second place... Zorro! Always loved that character.

Cathy said...

I'm not entering anything... just wanted to stop by and say CONGRATULATIONS to one of my favorite bloggers!

Simcha said...

Congratulations on your first birthday! I'm been surprised to discover how many of the wonderful blogs that I follow have really only been around for a year. I love participating in your FFC post, and at this time it's actually the only meme that I do participate in. You've done some great post but I think U'll go with Simon from Alvin and the Chipmunks since that one brought back some great memories. Hope the next year of blogging will be just as enjoyable for year as this past one.

bookmagic said...

Happy Blogoversary Ryan! I'm so glad you started blogging and I think a million people would agree. Thank you for the mention, as always you are kind and classy, that's why your blog is such a hit!

Carrie K. said...

No need to enter me, but wanted to stop by and say congratulations on one year of blogging!

Oregon Kimm said...

Many congratulations, Ryan! My one year anniversary is somewhere around here too, but I'm not sure when exactly. You were one of the first people I ran across, both on here and on Twitter.

I may be pretty quiet most of the time, but always know that I enjoy following you (of course, not in a stalker like manner! lol) and seeing what you are up to.

Again, Congrats!!

DG said...

congrats! I am a follower via gfc as DG and I took a look at the list and would have to go with Brainy Smurf! Had a lot of childhood memories about that one :)

I would prefer amazon.com sent through email
thanks for the chance!

dreamzz12{at}aol{dot}com

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Happy Birthday to your blog, here's to another wonderful year :)

Cecelia said...

Congrats on a year of blogging! It's kind of amazing to go back and realize just how many things you've written about, isn't it? Keep on reading and writing!

Anonymous said...

Happy blogiversary, Ryan (my fellow newbie)!

Kristi said...

It is so hard to choose! I have to go with Samantha from Bewitched. I love watching that show. :)

I am a follower. I would choose Amazon.

kristisdeals1 at yahoo dot com

Literary Feline said...

Happy blog anniversary, Ryan! I am so glad you decided to start blogging. I have enjoyed reading your blog this past year and look forward to many more to come.

No need to enter me in the giveaway. I do wish everyone who enters luck though!

Staci said...

Happy 1 Year!!! Your blog is truly amazing and I've enjoyed reading your thoughts over this past year! It's fun isn't it and you're right the book blogging community is really generous and wonderful!!

Picking just one is so hard because there were so many from my childhood!!
Grizzly Adams for sure because I remember watching this show with my family every week. Bewitched..I wanted to be Tabitha!!Waldorf and Statler because The Muppets were a weekly staple in my childhood.All of the Christmas characters...my brother and I couldn't wait to watch these every year!!

stacijoreads@gmail.com

Shy said...

Oh.. how I love Flipper! Reading to that particular post of yours remind me back of that one show. And you were right, those boys who got the chance to work with Flipper were extremely lucky.

If I am to win this, I'd certainly choose a gift cert from Amazon =)

Thanks and Happy, happy, happy blogoversary to you!

Shy
shy8629(at)gmail(dot)com

Becca said...

Happy Anniversary/Birthday! So exciting! It is a big milestone. How funny that I began my blog in January 2009 but I thought you had started blogging before me! You're a natural!

As for the character, I'm going to have to go with Brainy Smurf. I loved The Smurfs growing up. I looked for Smurfs when I saw a wild mushroom one time. Funny looking back on it!

mycreativeimagination (at) yahoo (dot) com

Here is to another year of blogging! May it be everything this year was and more!

Erotic Horizon said...

Happy blogoversary - wishing you many more years on the web..

E.H>

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

Wow, it's only been a year?! It feels like I've known you forEVER! Congratulations on this milestone - I'm so glad you are a part of our community. :)

I love reading your Favorite Fictional Character posts. They are always fun blasts from the past. I think my favorites, simply for the unexpectedness of them, are the ones where you talked about Davy Crockett and Ben from Grizzly Adams.

(I'd love a shot at the Amazon.com gift card, but I'd have been commenting even if there wasn't a giveaway ... LOL)

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

Congrats!!! Happy Birthday!

I have been thinking I too am coming up on a 1 year birthday as well. :)

As for my favorite Fictional Character. That is hard to pick. I have enjoyed so many of them. But I guess I would go with Snorks as I had COMPLETELY forgot about them until you mentioned them. And I so enjoyed them as a kid. :)

As for where to get the card from... that one is hard as well. I think maybe Amazon. :) There is a book I would love to get that only Amazon seems to have. (Its by Glenda Larke in another series of hers.)

Thank you and Happy Birthday! :)

Alexia561 said...

Happy Blogoversary Ryan! Seems like you've been around longer than a year, as your blog is so well done!

Hard to choose which FFC was my favorite. Loved Wile E Coyote and Angel/Buffy and The Thundercats and Captain Jack, but have to go with Eeyore. Love that sad little guy!

I'm a Barnes & Noble girl, and prefer electronic gift cards so there's no postage involved.

Thanks Ryan!

alexia561@yahoo dot com

Stephanie said...

Happy Blog-Birthday, Ryan! :-)

Ryan said...

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You Everyone!

Karen Greenberg said...

Happy Birthday to your blog! I am new to blogging myself and can understand what a great accomplishment it is to come up with enough to say for a whole year.

My favorite fictional character that you featured is Brainy Smurf. Somehow I just related to that guy all through my growing years. Truth be told... I still do!

I prefer Amazon and would enjoy the electronic gift card. I am a follower of your blog, though I AM new to it.

Here's to another year!

Michelle (Red Headed Book Child) said...

Happy Blogoversary to you! I will have to go back and see which is my favorite of YOUR favorite fictional characters.
I am so glad you are blogging and that we found each other through the big bad blog land.
I look forward to another year and many more to come!
Congrats.!

Lydia said...

Happy Birthday! What a fantastic idea - so glad for your comment today on my blog or I wouldn't have found these posts and have been exploring your website for a good twenty minutes (.. and soon to be more) now!

Out of those listed I'd have to say Mary Poppins - I love the character and it seems as I grow older, I just come to love her even more.

As for if I win - I'd choose Amazon so I can feed my ebook addiction even more.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogoversary!!

I think if I had to pick a favorite character I have to go with Nancy Drew. She was everything I wanted to be, and I still love the stories.

Llehn said...

Happy birthday to your blog, Ryan!

My fav would be Cordelia Chase because she's come a long way from being a spoilt rich girl to a selfless kick butt heroine.

I would pick an e-card from Amazon if I won!

Oh, I'm a follower of course.

lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

Alyce said...

Happy Blogiversary! I love The Last Starfighter, so I have to say Alex Logan!

And I would choose Amazon.

akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

Bianca said...

Congrats on the one year of blogging!

I'll be honest, I wasn't familiar with a lot of your favorite characters but I LOVE Erica Kane from All My Children. My mom and I are big soap opera watchers. In fact, I was named after Erica Kane's daughter, Bianca. ;)

infinitemusic19 at gmail dot com

brandileigh2003 said...

Simon Sivelle

brandileigh2003@yahoo.com

I would prefer amazon, and an electronic is fine. Thanks so much!

Amy (ArtsyBookishGal) said...

Waldorf and Statler are fine fave fictional character choices. They're hilarious. Grouchy old men yelling comments. When I'm old, I hope to do the same. :)

Congrats on one year!

Amy S.
artsyrockerchick at aim dot com

latishajean said...

Congrats on your blog! Simon is one of my favorites of the three Chipmunks too I love him. Im a follower too and thank you :)
tishajean@charter.net

Kirthi said...

Happy Blogoversary!!! I'm glad you've gotten this far! Thanks for the giveaway!

I'd pick Brainy Smurf! http://wordsmithonia.blogspot.com/2010/04/favorite-fictional-charcter-brainy.html

I'd also prefer the online Amazon gift card.

I'm also an old follower ^_^

Sonia said...

Hi! I'm a follower!

My favorite fictional character would have to be Zorro :)

Sonia
rockypuppy@gmail.com

Okapi said...

Happy Blogoversary!!!
I'm a follower.
My favorite fictional character would have to be Mary Poppins. I adore her umbrella<3!

- Okapi
xicecreamsjx@aol.com

Alessandra said...

Happy blogoversary! May you celebrate many more :)

Favourite fictional character: Brainy Smurf. Oh, and Zorro, too. Can't pick.

I'd prefer the Amazon gift card, thanks.

Alessandra
outofblue1(at)gmail(dot)com

Chantel said...

My favourite character is definitely Samantha Stephens, I'm such a huge Bewitched fan!

I'd prefer an electronic Amazon gift card.

cwilliams127 at gmail dot com

Kristen said...

Happy blogoversary!!! :) I definitely am going with Zorro here! <3 him!

I'd love an Amazon GC! :)

May your blog have many more birthdays!

dragonzgoil at gmail dot com

Ceri said...

Belated Happy Blogoversary, hunny!!! :D :D :D Your blog is definitely one of my favourites and I hope you keep it up. :D