Happy Monday Everyone!!!  This is going to be a very busy week and I won’t be on the computer much….ok…you can all stop jumping up and down with joy because you won’t have to listen to me chatter, gab, talk, ramble on since my fingers take the place of my mouth in bloggyland, but I have signed up for the Winter’s Respite Read-A-Thon this week (more info in this posting).  And then this weekend, my friend Gina, from Hott Books suggested told me I had to sign up for Bloggiesta…lol…she doesn’t realize the joke is on her…since, as everyone knows, that I am soooo computer illiterate, she just might have to drive 5 hours to my house to sit beside me to get me through this challenge….lol…Gina…hope you got a full tank of gas in your car!!!!  So my posts for the weeks are all drafted, my books are lined up and I will be checking in occasionally when I need a change in position or my eyes need a break from reading.

I hope you don’t mind but I would like to share some wonderful news I received, and for all you mothers out there, you will understand, what I am feeling.  And for those with little ones, treasure each and every moment, because the time goes by in the snap of your fingers.  It seems just like yesterday that I was being wheeled out of the OR after having a Csection under general anesthesia and the nurse placing a beautiful baby boy on the gurney with me and saying “meet Mark James”, our 2nd baby boy.  Well, Mark graduated last week from Eastern Kentucky University in a very specialized field, Fire and Safety Engineering.  Not only did he receive his B.S., but he graduated Magna Cum Laude and working a full time job throughout his college years.  My baby is all grown up.  His Dad and I are so proud of him, his accomplishments and the man he has become.  And add to this, his gf Jess, my reading buddy, who we absolutely love and adore!!

Jess and my youngest son, Mark

Questions:

1. Do you like your ice cream in a dish, waffle cone, pretzel cone, sugar cone or cake cone?
My first choice would be a cup because my favorite comfort food is a 5 scoop
sundae from Friendly’s , and my second choice would be a sugar cone with ice cream. 

2. Do you read the newspaper daily?
I used to but it seemed that the cost of the paper kept increasing but
the paper kept decreasing.  Now we only get the weekend paper delivered

3. Marinara or meat sauce?
Being Italian, we call it a meat sauce “gravy”

4. Last time you cried?
2 months ago

5. What word/phrase do you find really annoying?
The “N” word

I’m super excited…can’t wait for an excuse to sit around and read! I don’t care what needs to be done around the house (aside from my writing goals). I’m going to read, read, read! Here are the dates and times for the read-a-thon: Monday, January 17 at 12 am until Sunday, January 23 at 11:59 pm (adjust your time zone as appropriate…I’m on central time). As I’m pretty sure there are no other read-a-thons that week (I checked and double checked so as to not intrude on someone else’s event), we will be using #readathon hashtag on Twitter. I would really appreciate any help in spreading the word. Also, if there are any bloggers and/or authors out there who would like to host a mini-challenge/giveaway during the event, please email me at truebookaddictATgmailDOTcom. Also, please email me or leave a comment if you have any questions. You can sign up and participate at any time during the read-a-thon…this is a flexible event. I hope you will join me for a week of reading fun!
Want to join?  It’s not to late!!  And….what’s one more little challenge to add to all the ones you already have?  And if you join this one……then you should join the one that Gina and I are hosting….The Reading Challenge Addict Challenge  lol.

 

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
My husband has always called me Dolly (like Dolly Parton and I don’t mean her hair) and Caswell being our last name, several years ago when I set up my first email accounts it fell together to be Dollycas. When I first started the blog I didn’t have an exact direction but thought no matter where the blog took me it would include my thoughts on something or everything. Since starting the book review path, I have tried to leave my political opinions/thoughts on my Facebook page.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Book Reviews, Recommendations, Random Thoughts and Giveaways.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Mystery both cozy and thriller. I will read everything with the exception of books with vampires or werewolves, don’t need the nightmares, but I really love the cozies!

*How often do you post?
At least once per day, I try to skip Sundays for family time.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The people I “MEET”!!! That is the best thing of all!!

*What are some of the negatives?
Not enough time to read all the books I want to read, I have set my goal a little lower this year than what I actually read last year because I hope to be able to start making quilts again. If everything comes together right. God Willing.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I love It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? and my Enquiring Minds and I love hosting giveaways!

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Start slow and build, I started with books from my own collection and PaperBackSwap and some self published authors. Use Facebook as a tool to reach out to authors you love if they have pages. Always no matter what if you like a book, post about it on Amazon.com, but also send an email to the author telling them you enjoyed their work. The authors work very hard to get a book published that we read in a few hours and they love you telling them you enjoy their work. It can get awfully lonely behind a computer screen trying to hit their daily writing goals and it’s good for them to know people enjoy what they are writing.

*What draws you to follow some one’s blog?
   The content, are their tastes similar to mine, are they really putting in the work, actually reading the book or just copying from Amazon or the book jacket. If they are not showing some creativity I don’t really value their opinion.
   Is their blog pleasing to look at, I have told you Cheryl the comfort your blog brings to me just from the background.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Just one and I guess I already addresses it above. Bloggers not reading the books but offering reviews.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1. I AM OLD! I will be 50 in July or I AM YOUNG in an old body. I believe my life started over when I survived the auto crash in 2001.
2. I am addicted to High School Basketball and my youngest graduates in June.
3. I have a wonderful 3 year old grandson, Kaden.
4. I recently had to admit “I am a BOOK CHALLENGE ADDICT!” Fun
5. I watch Days of Our Lives EVERYDAY!!!
6. I have a wonderful and amazing family.
7. I spend way too much time at this computer and you will always know when I have been here too long and worked my left hand too hard because that’s when the typos start to appear.
8. THIS BLOGGING WORLD HAS SAVED MY LIFE LITERALLY and I truly appreciate each and every person who reads what I write, follows my recommendations, leave me comments and enters my giveaways!!!!

*Any other info you would like to share.
Cheryl, it is people like you that keep me going everyday, I am so glad we met in this internet world!!!

I hope everyone enjoyed getting to know Lori.  I think you understand why she is a Shining Star!  She has faced, dealt with and has overcome major obstacles in her life with a sense of humor and determination.  And always has a thoughtful word to say and a big heart as you can see with her advice to new bloggers about contacting authors.  Thank you Lori for the kind words you have said about me, they truly warm my heart.  And if it makes you feel better Lori…….I am older than you lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thank you so much for being my Shining Star, you truly are one!!!
P.S.  Not sure if she has the coffee on, but if you want to drop by and visit her place, click on her blog’s name at the top of this post, I’m sure she will offer you a cup of coffee or tea!!!

 

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
My husband has always called me Dolly (like Dolly Parton and I don’t mean her hair) and Caswell being our last name, several years ago when I set up my first email accounts it fell together to be Dollycas. When I first started the blog I didn’t have an exact direction but thought no matter where the blog took me it would include my thoughts on something or everything. Since starting the book review path, I have tried to leave my political opinions/thoughts on my Facebook page.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Book Reviews, Recommendations, Random Thoughts and Giveaways.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Mystery both cozy and thriller. I will read everything with the exception of books with vampires or werewolves, don’t need the nightmares, but I really love the cozies!

*How often do you post?
At least once per day, I try to skip Sundays for family time.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The people I “MEET”!!! That is the best thing of all!!

*What are some of the negatives?
Not enough time to read all the books I want to read, I have set my goal a little lower this year than what I actually read last year because I hope to be able to start making quilts again. If everything comes together right. God Willing.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I love It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? and my Enquiring Minds and I love hosting giveaways!

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Start slow and build, I started with books from my own collection and PaperBackSwap and some self published authors. Use Facebook as a tool to reach out to authors you love if they have pages. Always no matter what if you like a book, post about it on Amazon.com, but also send an email to the author telling them you enjoyed their work. The authors work very hard to get a book published that we read in a few hours and they love you telling them you enjoy their work. It can get awfully lonely behind a computer screen trying to hit their daily writing goals and it’s good for them to know people enjoy what they are writing.

*What draws you to follow some one’s blog?
   The content, are their tastes similar to mine, are they really putting in the work, actually reading the book or just copying from Amazon or the book jacket. If they are not showing some creativity I don’t really value their opinion.
   Is their blog pleasing to look at, I have told you Cheryl the comfort your blog brings to me just from the background.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Just one and I guess I already addresses it above. Bloggers not reading the books but offering reviews.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1. I AM OLD! I will be 50 in July or I AM YOUNG in an old body. I believe my life started over when I survived the auto crash in 2001.
2. I am addicted to High School Basketball and my youngest graduates in June.
3. I have a wonderful 3 year old grandson, Kaden.
4. I recently had to admit “I am a BOOK CHALLENGE ADDICT!” Fun
5. I watch Days of Our Lives EVERYDAY!!!
6. I have a wonderful and amazing family.
7. I spend way too much time at this computer and you will always know when I have been here too long and worked my left hand too hard because that’s when the typos start to appear.
8. THIS BLOGGING WORLD HAS SAVED MY LIFE LITERALLY and I truly appreciate each and every person who reads what I write, follows my recommendations, leave me comments and enters my giveaways!!!!

*Any other info you would like to share.
Cheryl, it is people like you that keep me going everyday, I am so glad we met in this internet world!!!

I hope everyone enjoyed getting to know Lori.  I think you understand why she is a Shining Star!  She has faced, dealt with and has overcome major obstacles in her life with a sense of humor and determination.  And always has a thoughtful word to say and a big heart as you can see with her advice to new bloggers about contacting authors.  Thank you Lori for the kind words you have said about me, they truly warm my heart.  And if it makes you feel better Lori…….I am older than you lol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Thank you so much for being my Shining Star, you truly are one!!!
P.S.  Not sure if she has the coffee on, but if you want to drop by and visit her place, click on her blog’s name at the top of this post, I’m sure she will offer you a cup of coffee or tea!!!

From her blog:
We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.

And now for the new meme:

Hosted by Yvonne from Socrates Book Reviews

From Yvonne’s site:
   I’ve wanted to start a meme like this for a long time. It’s “Anything Goes on Saturday”. It’s a chance to choose any topic you want and talk about it on Saturday – it can be about a book, TV show, movie, a recipe or just an update on your week. Whatever you choose.

   If you’d like to join in, take the button above and blog about it. Use the linky below to post your direct link to your post. Then, go and visit other blogs and see what’s on everyone’s minds this week. Enjoy!
Today’s Topic:  GR, LT, SHELFARI?
   I am guessing that most of us catalogue our books on GR, LT, and/or Shelfari. And I am also guessing that we also post our reviews on all these sites too. Around December, I stopped posting to Shelfari, as it seemed that it was just more work, took more time, more duplication and I didn’t see it mentioned as much as the other 2.

   So today’s questions are: Which sites do you use? Do you think it is necessary to use all 3? Do you just use the sites to catalogue your books or do you also post your reviews there?

From her blog:
We all leave our “footprint” on the world, in one way or another. We each, individually, do something or are someone that makes the world a little better just by being here. I created this weekly meme to get to know the blogging community I love just a bit better. To know what makes them tick, outside of books, that is. Each week I will post a question to be answered in the following week’s “A Bit of Me(Me)”. Check back each Saturday to get the info for next week’s post and link up with your current post right here.

And now for the new meme:

Hosted by Yvonne from Socrates Book Reviews

From Yvonne’s site:
   I’ve wanted to start a meme like this for a long time. It’s “Anything Goes on Saturday”. It’s a chance to choose any topic you want and talk about it on Saturday – it can be about a book, TV show, movie, a recipe or just an update on your week. Whatever you choose.

   If you’d like to join in, take the button above and blog about it. Use the linky below to post your direct link to your post. Then, go and visit other blogs and see what’s on everyone’s minds this week. Enjoy!
Today’s Topic:  GR, LT, SHELFARI?
   I am guessing that most of us catalogue our books on GR, LT, and/or Shelfari. And I am also guessing that we also post our reviews on all these sites too. Around December, I stopped posting to Shelfari, as it seemed that it was just more work, took more time, more duplication and I didn’t see it mentioned as much as the other 2.

   So today’s questions are: Which sites do you use? Do you think it is necessary to use all 3? Do you just use the sites to catalogue your books or do you also post your reviews there?

From An Island Life:
  In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My Question:

We have over a foot of snow outside and I am thinking of summer and BBqs so my question is: how do you like your hamburgers cooked and with what condiments.

My Answer:

Well done with cheese, mustard, ketchup and sweet pepper relish.

From Java’s blog:
Are you a blogger over 40? Yeah, welcome to the club!
Please join in the fun and get to know your fellow bloggers!!

  In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!
  The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don’t have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!
  Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
  If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

This week’s question comes from Barb who blogs at Sugarbeat’s Books:

“Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?”

My answer:

I mainly read Mystery/Suspense or Contemporary Chick Lit.  I think I enjoy the thrill and fast pace of a thriller, trying to figure out “who did it” even thogh if it is a good mystery, I never do.  And I enjoy the Chick Lit especially if the characters come to life as if I knew them personally, and I become part of their story, a story that I don’t want to end because I want to continue to follow the characters’ lives.

From An Island Life:
  In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, visit An Island Life answer the question and then post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

My Question:

We have over a foot of snow outside and I am thinking of summer and BBqs so my question is: how do you like your hamburgers cooked and with what condiments.

My Answer:

Well done with cheese, mustard, ketchup and sweet pepper relish.

From Java’s blog:
Are you a blogger over 40? Yeah, welcome to the club!
Please join in the fun and get to know your fellow bloggers!!

  In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!
  The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don’t have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!
  Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
  If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

This week’s question comes from Barb who blogs at Sugarbeat’s Books:

“Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?”

My answer:

I mainly read Mystery/Suspense or Contemporary Chick Lit.  I think I enjoy the thrill and fast pace of a thriller, trying to figure out “who did it” even thogh if it is a good mystery, I never do.  And I enjoy the Chick Lit especially if the characters come to life as if I knew them personally, and I become part of their story, a story that I don’t want to end because I want to continue to follow the characters’ lives.