Sunday, June 21, 2015

Blogging Milestone and an Informal Giveaway


It's hard for me to believe that I've been blogging about books for (7) years this month  Other than a few header changes over the years, I haven't made any significant changes to my blog. My focus is still mostly about books for adults and young kiddos, with some occasional posts about family and life.

Last year and again this year, I thought about giving up blogging, but deep down I'm afraid I might miss it if I gave it up completely. So, I decided to continue until at least the end of 2015, because when I retire next month, I should have lots more free time to post without feeling stressed about having to do so.

Yes -- just (11) more working days for me. Not counting part-time or summer jobs while in school, In my adult life I've worked (27) years - full-time and (8) years part-time. I've had several high-powered jobs and a few fun and sometimes mindless jobs as well over the years. I've worked with my share of wonderful people and one wonderful mentor in my early HR days, and I've also worked for a few insensitive jerks as well....but haven't we all?

People ask me, "are you afraid to retire, or is the idea of never working again scary?"  My answer is "no way!!" I've dreamt about retirement for years and now I'm there.  I do tell these same people -- what is scary for me is the question I keep asking myself -- "where did my life go"?

Plans -- spending time with my (3) - 1-3 year old granddaughters before they start school fulltime, some travel with my husband, trying lots of new recipes, joining a gym, volunteering at at animal shelter and of course, reading --lots.

As far as blogging and books, it seemed appropriate to do something bookish for my post today. I decided to share what I considered to be the #1, favorite book I read each year for the last 15 years.

Here's my list.  How many of my favorites have you read or enjoyed?
Giveaway
(US and International)


(I just finished this book and thought it was terrific. An extremely well-written psychological mystery. Just leave a comment stating you'd like to be considered for the giveaway (it's a trade softcover, like new). I'll draw the winner next Sunday.) I hope to post my review later this week. Definitely worth reading.

Have a Great Week Everyone.

85 comments:

  1. Have been eyeing the book you are giving away..would love to be in the running for it!
    dianamcdougall@gmail.com
    Thanks for the look back list , has given me several next book ideas!

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  2. Happy Blogaversary! Seven years is impressive, I hope there are many more :)

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  3. Diane, I'm so happy for you and wish you the best for your retirement! You'll stay busy and be more relaxed, plus all that sweet grandgirl time.

    I've read 4 of your 15 books above - 2004,5,6,9. All very good. That book you are giving away is one I've been hearing good things about. Toss my name in the hat, please. Oh and Happy Blogversary!!

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  4. The book is new to me so delighted to be counted in for this giveaway.
    All the very best on your retirement.

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  5. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement and your 7 year blogiversary! And - I love how you shared your faves from the last 15 yrs...I loved a lot of the same ones! For what it's worth, I do hope you continue to blog after your retirement!
    When I first started blogging, I remember you were one of the first book bloggers to comment on my posts and I felt so honored!

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    1. Aww, Sarah, that was so sweet of you to say that. Thank you. I love your blog and taste in books.

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  6. Happy Blogoversary!!! We do look forward to telling you Happy Retirement...doesn't sound scary to us either!

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  7. Wow, we started at about the same time! Happy blogiversary! I've read 9 of the books on your list. Carl retired last year and hasn't looked back - we wonder how he found the time to work!

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    1. Kathy 9/15 from my list says a lot about what we enjoy:) Thanks for being a loyal blogger buddy.

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  8. Congratulations on your blogiversary! 2008 was certainly a popular year to get started ;-)

    Your plans for retirement sound like pure bliss... you have many happy days ahead!

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  9. Huge congratulations on such an impressive milestone!

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  10. Excellent giveaway, this book is on my tbr list.

    Congrats on your anniversary, wow, good job.

    cenya2 at Hotmail dot com

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  11. Congratulations on your Blogoversary, and on your upcoming retirement.

    I love your list of favorite reads. Some of them I've read but the others I'll be checking out.

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    1. Thanks Vicki - hope you get a chance to try some from my list.

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  12. Congrats on seven years of blogging...I have had the same number of years, but my first year was forgettable...not much going on. LOL

    And retirement is something I dreamed about from my early working days, too. I love it! Except for the part that more years are behind us than in front of us...LOL.

    I have no problem finding things to do...and, of course, the blogging becomes easy to do.

    Enjoy your week...and I also loved some of the books on your list, like The Lovely Bones, Me Before You, and East of Eden. Now I must check out some of the other books on your list.

    Enjoy!

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    1. Laurel, It's nice to know that you understand where I am coming from regarding retirement. Thanks for being a loyal reader here.

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  13. I can't believe you've been blogging for seven years that's some achievement! I hope you really enjoy your retirement!

    oh and I'd like to enter the giveaway

    Amanda @ www.gobookyourself.info

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  14. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary Diane. I always read your book reviews, on your blog or at goodreads. When ever I am unsure about a book your review always helps me to decide. Wishing you a long, healthy and happy retirement.
    All the best, Jane

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    1. Jane, thank you. I know I don't comment on other blogs as often as I'd like, but I do try to keep up with my reading of posts with favorite bloggers like yourself.

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  15. Enjoy your retirement, you earned it!
    Happy 7th blogoversary too! Quite an accomplishment. I'm glad you decided to stay, you will be missed if you choose to leave.

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  16. Happy blogoversary! And happy retirement! I retired 3 years ago and I still find it amazing that I no longer have to work! I never lack for things to do!! I hope you keep blogging - I would miss it if you stopped!!

    Linda in VA

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  17. Oh, forgot to say, I've only read two of the books on the list - Snowflower and the Secret Fan and The Lovely Bones (which I'm re-reading right now)!

    Linda in VA

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    1. Linda, Thanks for the swwet sentiments above. I'm confident I won't miss working a bit.

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  18. Seven years is a milestone. I would love to win the book your giving away. We have similar tastes, so I know I will like it too. Oh, and by the way....your going to love retirement!!!!

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    1. Thanks Judy - I value the opinion of current retirees..LOL

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  19. Happy blogging! 7 years is a long time. Keep up the good work. From you best book list I also loved 'Cutting for Stone' and 'Water for Elephants', but not 'Life of Pi' (except the ending which was a surprise!

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    1. Cutting for Stone is one that warrants rereading in my opinion.

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  20. Happy blogiversary ... and may retirement be a joy!

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  21. Congratulations on your seven years of blogging! Also, congratulations and all the best on your upcoming retirement!

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  22. Happy Blogiversary! What fun to look back at each year's favorites!

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  23. Thanks Jill. It is fun to look back, but it also made me realize I am drawn to books that are "in" at the time --not necessarily a good thing.

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  24. Congratulations Diane! I always love your post. Might as well put me in for the book. It sounds good. Glad you've decided not to give up blogging just yet!

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  25. Congratulations & Thank You!!

    Count me in thanks.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  26. Many congrats on seven years of blogging! I enjoy reading about what you're reading, and have added numerous books to my own list, thanks to your reviews. I have read several of the books on your list.

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    1. (P.S. Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you, Diane!)

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    2. Thank you Susan. Even when we like our jobs ---time off is always better LOL

      Consider yourself entered in giveaway.

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  27. Happy blog anniversary, Diane! And happy upcoming retirement! Oh, how I dream of that day . . . LOL

    Middlesex and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan are among my favorite over the last several years too. I am glad you shared your list with us! Reminds me what books I need to read. :-)

    (No need to enter me in the giveaway.)

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    1. Thanks Wendy. I really loved Middlesex as well, and still recall the painful parts of Snowflower.

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  28. wow, congrats, and also happy retirement! I've only read 5 of your favorites, and enjoyed them as well. Thanks for the giveaway, I would love being included. Emma at Words And Peace ehc16e at yahoo dot com

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  29. Congrats on the upcoming retirement and the seven year anniversary. I'm coming up on six years blogging and wonder where the time went.

    Psychological mysteries/thrillers are favorites of mine so count me in.

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    1. Those blogging years really did fly by. Thanks for the well wishes.

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  30. Congrats On seven years. I have been retired for a long time and I love it. So much time to read!

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    1. Mel...always nice to hear from others who are loving retirement. thank you

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  31. Congratulations on your blogoversary and your retirement. I look forward to your posts and hope you have many more great years. I've read a few on your 15 year list. Thanks for the giveaway contest. Please count me in. Have a great week.

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  32. Congratulations on your retirement. It's great that you have plans - you'll get more out of it that way. :-)

    I'd like to be considered for the book giveaway. Thanks for the chance to in it!

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  33. Congrats, Diane on both blogiversary + retirement! glad for you and your upcoming plans - EnJOY!

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  34. I'd like to be considered for the giveaway.

    I, too, have read
    The Lovely Bones (which I liked)
    Middlesex (which I thought was OK)
    Snowflower and the Secret Fan (which I thought was OK)
    Water for Elephants (which I liked)
    Cutting for Stone (which is one of the best books I ever read)
    Me Before You (which I liked)

    Plus I have The Goldfinch in a to-read pile.

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  35. Congratulations on your blog anniversary and your impending retirement--two significant milestones! I dream of retirement, but at 34 years working as an adult (post-college), I still have a bit of time I want to work before I retire.

    You listed some of my favorite books in your best-of list--I still need to read Me Before You, but it's on the list!

    I'd love to be entered in your giveaway.

    Best wishes!

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    1. Jane - thank you. I took some time off (not much) when I had my two kids.

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  36. Congrats on seven years of blogging and I am glad that you plan to continue. Glad you are excited about retirement. I am still working (part-time) and if it interfered with time with my grandson I'd give it up in a heartbeat. I agree with wondering where the time has gone!

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    1. Nise, thank you. It's nice when other bloggers seem to understand.:_

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  37. This is such an amazing time for you! Seven years of blogging and your retirement coming up! Congratulations! Wishing you many more years of happy blogging.

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    1. thira - Many thanks and I must say you are in for your own excitement very very soon as well.

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  38. Hello Diane, I haven't been here for a while. You and I started blogging the same time. Wow it's 7 years already? Happy retirement and with book lovers like us, we look forward to reading lots in our retirements. I am still 20+ years to my statutory retirement age of 65 but not sure if I'll work all that remaining years. But I wish you all the best in the next phase of your life and enjoy it!

    JoV (www.bibliojunkie.wordpress.com)

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  39. Hello Diane, I haven't been here for a while. You and I started blogging the same time. Wow it's 7 years already? Happy retirement and with book lovers like us, we look forward to reading lots in our retirements. I am still 20+ years to my statutory retirement age of 65 but not sure if I'll work all that remaining years. But I wish you all the best in the next phase of your life and enjoy it!

    JoV (www.bibliojunkie.wordpress.com)

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    1. Thank you Jo. Your are still a young kid...LOL Yes, books will play an important part in my retirement plans.

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  40. Congratulations on the blog anniversary but especially on the retirement! I love that you have everything all planned out, re volunteering and such. That and reading will keep you sharp and busy! :)

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    1. Kristen, many thanks,,,,yes, I tend to be a planner, so I don't ever worry about nothing to do.

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  41. Happy Blogiversary! I find it so hard to believe that we've been blogging for so long but I too am blogging for 7 years. Like you I've thought of giving it up but I can't. I know I would miss it.

    I think you'll love retirement. You've got lots to keep you occupied and let's face it - at some point in our lives it's nice to sit back and just relax and enjoy.

    I just downloaded The Life We Bury from the library in audio. It does sound good. I wish I had more than one set of ears! lol.

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    1. We did start at the same time --several of us and it is hard to believe it's been 7 years. It's easy to remember as it is the month that my son got married when I did my first post.

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  42. The Life of Pi is an engaging book and a couple of the others on your list are on my to read list. I love being retired and you will too. Reading and grandkids are just the tip of the iceberg of fun things that will keep you busy.

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  43. I love your favorite lists! I find good books from them all the time. Retirement means more reading time. Congrats on your blog anniversary!

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  44. My book club read Tomato Girl and spoke with Jayne Pupek; such a lovely lady. I hadn't heard that she had passed away. The book had some stuff to discuss in it!

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  45. Please enter me. I hope I'm not too late!

    lag110 at mchsi dot com

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  46. Congratulations on retirement and blogging! I have thought many times about giving it up completely but something keeps me plugging along when I can. Mostly other blogger friends, like you, who I've met along the way. Enjoy retirement! I cannot tell you how wonderful it's been for my mom who retired and then moved up here last year. She sees Gage 5 times a week. They are like 2 peas in a pod.

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