**12/21/12 Note: Updated with winners listed at the end of post
Six months ago, I decided to step out of my secluded non-social-media box and start a blog. In all truth, I only had a vague idea of what a blog even was. It terrified me, and I figured that was a good sign I was about to grow! The writing bug nipped me many years ago, but because I thought I had nothing to offer, I squished it.
I squished it!
courtesy: community.wikia.com
Or I thought I did. Then I found myself at a writer’s conference this May and that bug came sneaking back to life!
It’s Back!
courtesy: georgemmoser.blogspot.com
Thanks to all of you and your marvelous comments, encouragement, follows, likes and newfound friendships I am thoroughly enamored and emboldened by the blogging world! It has exceeded any and all hopes or expectations. Partly because of this wonderful experience, I’ve joined a writer’s group and am contributing to my church’s online newsletter. My NaNo novels aspire to be published and my memoir is screaming a little louder to be set free from my mind!
Memoir Wants Freedom!
courtesy: tumblr.com
I’ve been thinking of a way to thank all of you and decided in the spirit of Christmas, I’d like to give you a gift of appreciation. What is the gift you ask? A new car? A week-long vacation to the tropics? Alas, I must admit all I have to offer are gift cards. I’m holding a drawing for a $50 card and a $25 card. Everyone who has engaged in my blog this year gets their name in the hat. For those who engage between now and the drawing date of Dec 21, 2012 I’ll add your name again. Winners choose between Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, Regal Cinemas or Target.
My Gift to You…
courtesy: camcommerce.com
Drawing was held Dec 21 2012 and the winners were:
$50 Susie Landau at http://susielindau.com/
$25 Shannon Moreno at http://revelationsinwriting.wordpress.com/
Thank you all for inspiring, encouraging and amazing me! My life has been incredibly touched by each one of you!
inspired2ignite 
Dec 23, 2012 @ 12:45:04
Welcome to the blogging world! It truly gives people a platform for what they really want to say – without having to go through a subjective newspaper or magazine editor for approval.
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Dec 23, 2012 @ 16:46:41
Thanks, Alejandro! So true! 😉
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Dec 21, 2012 @ 20:44:04
How cool are you?
When I first started playing tennis I thanked my team for putting up with me by having a luncheon. Over the years 8 women became 48! But no gift cards!
Every day I am inspired by bloggers like you. I have learned more about myself in a year than I have learned in a lifetime
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Dec 21, 2012 @ 23:53:38
Hi Susie!
Congrats on winning the $50 card! So glad you are someone I’ve met in this wonderful blogging community!
I, too, have learned so much about myself by connecting with people like you.
Your blog is so fun, and I love your adventurous spirit!
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Dec 12, 2012 @ 10:52:30
What a unique, thoughtful, generous idea to express your gratitude. I hope you know, though, that your readers support you and read your blog routinely because you have a beautiful, warm, genuine spirit and an easy touch with words. I always look forward to your posts. (Even though I’m sooo far behind on my blog reading!)
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Dec 12, 2012 @ 11:49:52
Thank you so your support and encouragement!
Your blog has been a wonderful model for me of humility, generosity, and authenticity. (not to mention excellent writing!)
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Dec 10, 2012 @ 13:18:54
Denise, your opening sentence to this post grabbed my attention, because it reminded me so much of myself.
Up until a little over a year ago, I had absolutely no social media presence whatsoever. By siblings and children kept telling me I should start using FaceBook, and I resolutely refused.
When I did finally start, I jumped in with both feet, starting a blog, a FB account and a Twitter account all in the same week.
It’s been fun! =^o
The best part has been all the new friends I’ve become acquainted with…such as yourself…
I’m glad you started writing, and I’m glad we’ve become acquainted!
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Dec 10, 2012 @ 14:57:12
Hi Joe! That does sound similar!! I’m so glad you listened to your siblings and kids! Your blog is a great inspiration…though I haven’t commented for a bit (sorry!)
I’m going to jump off the social media cliff and start a FB page in 2013. Yikes! I hope I can say it’s fun afterwards!! 😉
This blogging community is incredible -I am truly amazed with all my new friends! People like you just slip into my life and I am forever blessed!
On a side note…I wrote something for our church newsletter yesterday and was thinking of posting it here -the crazy thing is how incredibly similar it is to your post from 12/1 I just now read. The theme this month at church is Charlie Brown’s Christmas and yesterday’s message was on “Good Grief”. You and I think much alike on the topic!
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Dec 13, 2012 @ 03:44:23
FB and blogging have both turned out to be a lot more fun for me than expected.
FB is a great way to keep up with friends and family. My family is large enough that FB actually turns out to be a very practical way of keeping up with what’s going on in each others lives.
Blogging has aided me in getting acquainted with a whole new group of friends…friends who like to dig beneath the surface…and then write about it…
Looking forward to seeing your article on “Good Grief”!
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Dec 13, 2012 @ 04:39:23
Hi Joe! That’s great how well FB has worked out for you! I’m guessing I’ll enjoy it more than I think once I’m on it! 😉
Blogging has had the same effect for you and me, isn’t it wonderful?!
“Good Grief”…coming very soon! 🙂
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Dec 10, 2012 @ 05:05:14
Hi Denise,
As you know I am very new to the blog world and you were one of the first people to read and like my blog. I was/am so appreciative and find your writing very inspiring 🙂 It is so sweet to do a giveaway to your supporters! (An idea I’ll tuck away and may borrow). Thanks for your support and for sharing your words with us!! Kudos 🙂
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Dec 10, 2012 @ 05:16:56
By the way, I meant to say I love the images you choose for this post!! Especially the birds flying from their cage. Very nice 🙂
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Dec 10, 2012 @ 05:40:12
Hi Arlene! I found a treasure when I found your blog! You have so much insight, and a great sense of humor to boot!
Thanks for your support of my blog, too!
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Dec 10, 2012 @ 04:33:14
Denise ~ what a lovely thought! So happy I’ve found you ~ and so, I am nominating you for http://misifusa.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award/ Please accept and spread your wings even wider to fly higher my friend! Hugs to you! xo
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Dec 10, 2012 @ 05:33:43
Now that sounds like an amazing sisterhood! Thanks so much! 😉
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Dec 12, 2012 @ 04:57:51
You are more than welcome! You’re an inspiration! xo
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Dec 09, 2012 @ 16:42:05
I wanted to write something the thought, wait, she might think it is to be put in the drawing 🙂 but that is not the reason,I just had to comment or as those know me would say I like to put my 2 cents in. I liked what you write, because it comes from your heart. I feel a kinship with you, or as Anne of Green Gables would say, we are kindred spirits and like Anne I am finding that there are more out there than I had ever thought possible. My life has exploded with kindred spirits and I thank God you are one of them. I admire you and what you are accomplishing, keep up the good work and as long as you write I will be reading!! Blessings – Patty
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Dec 09, 2012 @ 16:58:20
Hi Patty! I’m so glad you decided to go ahead and write -I think I know you well enough to know the drawing isn’t why you would write! 😉
Oh how I love your reference to Anne of Green Gables! She is a favorite of mine! I know you saw her ‘home’ this summer on your trip, too! How fantastic!
My life, too, has exploded with kindred spirits such as yours…I love reading and connecting with so many such as yourself. Thanks for being part of my blogging world!!!
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Dec 09, 2012 @ 17:09:20
God bless you Denise! 😀
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Dec 09, 2012 @ 14:09:55
You are a shining example what Christmas is all about. life is raw at times and people like you bring joy into the world and sculpt your kind ideas into something beautiful. God bless you during this christmas season.
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Dec 09, 2012 @ 15:23:10
What an incredible compliment…thank you so much! I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas as well.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to share your thoughts.
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Dec 09, 2012 @ 04:56:14
Unfortunately, I am far far away, a gift card would do me no good but all I have to say is thank you for stopping by my blog and many congratulations to your new adventure. Oh, by the way, I just followed. Best, Jenny
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Dec 09, 2012 @ 07:17:23
Welcome, Jenny! I loved your sense of humor on your blog! 😉 The banana split joke was really funny!
Thanks for stopping by and for the ‘follow’!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 17:47:14
Great post, Denise! I’m so glad I happened upon your blog. It’s been nice to meet you this year! Merry Christmas! 🙂
And I’d still love for you to share a travel post when you have time! ttyl 🙂
Morgan
http://www.pensonaworldmap.com
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 18:00:10
Hi Morgan! My travel-through-you–vicariously-friend 😉
It’s been nice to meet you, too! I am honored to guest blog for you -will be in touch after the holidays! Thanks for the invite!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 16:41:17
This is such a generous idea, Denise! You really are wonderful and it’s always a pleasure to come over and check out your blog – I’m so glad you’re enjoying it! 😀
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 17:58:49
Dianne! You are such an inspiration and wonderful role model in the writing and blogging world. I’m so happy we’ve crossed paths!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 16:21:14
What an incredibly kind and generous thing to do, Denise. That’s why you write so well. You’ve got the heart that is needed. 😉
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 17:57:37
Thanks! Your genuine spirit and thoughtful words have touched me many times. I look forward to being in line to buy your memoir!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 16:06:26
The writing bug bit me at age 15 and over the next 4 years I wrote over 200 poems. I’ve been a medical writer for almost 20 years and allowed my career to place my personal writing on hold. Then my mom died and I HAD to write to deal with all that I was feeling. I have several book ideas screaming in my head. Maybe it’s time to let them out. I love your writing and I am so glad I came across your blog. You inspire me to do more with my personal writing. Thank you.
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 17:56:30
Writing about your mom’s death must have been very healing. It comes across in your blog writing. I’d be interested in hearing more about your book ideas! I hope you do choose to pursue writing more! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 13:34:48
Holy catfish. I don’t expect to be in a drawing just for commenting. I enjoy your blog and keep coming back. And I have subscribed and quit a lot of blogs, but yours is under my skin now. That said, would love a gift card! 🙂
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 17:55:06
😉 Hi Karen! You, my friend, have been an amazing coach and cheerleader! Thank you for everything!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 12:07:08
I’m commenting not for the gift (albeit, very generous). but because I feel the same way about blogging and writing. It’s just an awesome feeling… thanks for your insights… I’m smiling!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 12:52:14
My own smile’s a bit wider because of your comments! Here’s to blogging and bloggers!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 11:57:58
Denise, You’re wonderful. I’m one of your biggest fans. I cheer every time I see your name come up in my reader. God has big plans for you, and He has already used your blog to help set others free, including myself. May you rest your head on your pillow at night knowing how deeply you touch and inspire all of us, and may that knowing be the gift that heals and redeems every moment of fear, every year of pain you undeservedly endured, and every tear you’ve cried. I pray that when God’s storehouse of blessings are emptied into your life, you are left only with joy as you walk in your giftedness. Thank you for all the encouragement and love you pour out through your beautiful blog and your comments of support you’ve given to me personally. Every word counts. Love to you…
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 12:51:23
Awww….you have truly, truly touched my heart in so many ways. I love it when I see your name on my reader, too! (or my email!) God really pulled off a good one when He connected us!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 19:54:59
Yes, He sure did! What a beautiful surprise…:)
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 11:49:01
I’m glad to “meet” you, Denise. I hope you have many incredible successes and a lot of fun on your journey as a writer.
Russ
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 12:49:55
Hi Russ! Welcome and thanks for your encouragement!! Looking forward to getting to you know you soon. 😉
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 10:43:40
Denise – I love your ‘bug creatures,’ they are great fun. You have wonderful information and moxie to add to our wonderful world of blogging. I look forward to seeing your name come up for a read. I know you’ll always have something new and informative plus fun to think about. Keep us the good work.
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 11:27:29
Thanks, Sheri! I truly appreciate your thoughtful encouragement! Your blog is a reader’s treasure trove and has led me on more than one trip to Goodreads to add books to my list!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 10:29:23
Good for you for getting ‘out there’ with your writing! It’s scary to be so exposed to the entire world, but that’s how we grow. I’ve been putting my fiction on one of my blogs for a while now, and that is really, really, scary, but oh, so worth it!!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 11:24:28
Hi Ruth, yes you have been one of those to (maybe unknowingly!) encourage and inspire me to be more brave by sharing your own writing! Thank you!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 13:04:16
Aw, thanks. :$
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 10:06:49
Denise, God has given you a gift. Remember that whenever you’re having just too much fun writing and figure it must therefore be sinful to dream. You say something good in a beautiful way so keep it up!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 11:23:44
Thanks, Winney! You are an inspiriation and wonderful example of making your dreams a reality!!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 09:49:22
I need no gift certificate I just wanted to say CONGRATS! I love your blog and I am so happy that visited me the other day. AND I am glad you got back on that horse!!!! HI HO SILVER!!!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 09:52:39
Thanks Jasmine! And back atcha for continuing to work on your music career! You are an inspiration!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 15:37:26
Oh your so nice! And your a GREAT blogger!
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Dec 08, 2012 @ 17:55:22
Thanks, Jasmine! 😉
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