I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

It’s that time again when we all get together, have some coffee, tea, soda, eat some dessert, gab, catch up with what’s going on with every one’s lives and get to know each other a little bit better.   Since starting this event with Lori aka Dollycas’s Thoughts, her husband calls this “our hen party”…well Lori and I have since told Jeff this is the “the Hot Chick’s Get Together!!!”   Men!!!  What do they know!!  Today’s guest (and hot chick), I am sure is another blogger that most of you know.   So it will be a treat, I know it will be for me because there are so many things that I want to learn more about her, and I hope you feel the same way.  Today’s SUNDAY’S SHINING STAR is LAUREL-RAIN from CREATIONS BY LAUREL-RAIN SNOW

*When and why did you start blogging?
I started blogging in April 2008, at the suggestion of my publisher, who thought it would be one of several ways to market my books: developing an online presence in addition to my website. I had only the one blog, Creations by Laurel-Rain Snow, for another year. Then I started a second one called Reflections, which I later combined with another site (now called An Interior Journey).

About this same time, I joined another social network called Book Blogs, and met other bloggers. At this point, I realized that the blogging community was huge, and that connecting with them through various “memes” and by visiting and commenting on others’ posts felt, for the first time, as if I had connected with others.

The name of my first blog derived from my own pen name, and was also a slight derivation of my website name, Laurel-Rain Snow Creations.


Long story short: joining Book Blogs helped me connect with another blogger, Sheila, whose site was on Word Press. In experimenting with that platform, I went a little crazy-obsessive with the blogs, and at one point, had TWENTY. Since then, I’ve deleted some and merged several to total fourteen. Still a lot, I know, but better. LOL

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
In the question above, I explained my blog name choice for the first one. Subsequent blogs were named after whatever I happened to be spotlighting, like Potpourri for all those quirky tidbits; Explorations, for the process of learning and developing in the blogging world (now An Interior Journey); Curl up and Read, for my journey through my TBR stacks; Snow Connections & Impressions, named for my personal connections in the world and in the blogosphere, and my impressions about my life in general.

To chart my journey through the development and naming of my various and sundry blogs, including how and when I merged, etc., check out My Blogging Journey.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Several of my blogs are primarily “book-related,” like Curl up and Read, Rainy Days and Mondays, An Interior Journey, Going out on a Limb….Then there are the writing blogs, like Creative Moments, and the five blogs dedicated to each of my five published novels: Miles to Go, Chasing Stardust (Stardust Dreams), Embrace the Whirlwind, An Accidental Life (Accidental Moments), and Web of Tyranny Chronicles.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
My book choices are eclectic, but I prefer contemporary fiction, literary fiction, mysteries, and occasional historical fiction. I also read a lot of memoirs, especially those written by writers. Some celebrity memoirs find their way onto my shelves, too.

*How often do you post?
I post something on one or more of my blogs every day. Sometimes I post “memes,” while at other times, it’s a book review or my thoughts about family or life stuff.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I really enjoy connecting with other bloggers, through visiting their sites and participating in the various events that they join.

I also love playing around with the themes, the backgrounds, the headers…and I’ve been known to change titles, too, like my recent moniker change from Explorations, Reflections, and Meditations to An Interior Journey. Now the former title is the tagline of the newly named blog.

When I blog, and then receive a comment or two or more, I feel as though my writing (which is the main reason I started blogging…I love to write!) is not falling into a vacuum.

For the first year of blogging, before I started “connecting” with others, I truly did not think anyone was reading my posts. They probably weren’t!

Networking my blogs on Facebook was another way to connect. And another way to see other bloggers’ posts.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?

Memes, book reviews, movie reviews, rants and raves (LOL). I also love changing things up, with new headers, backgrounds, and themes. I especially love participating in the “memes” that bring in a lot of traffic, because then I can visit many potentially new (to me) sites.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
As you visit other blogs and see things you like, don’t be afraid to ask “how-to” questions. I certainly did. And there are still things I might not know how to do, so learning is an ongoing process.

I also think it’s important to comment on others’ blogs, to connect with the blogger in some way.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
The content and appearance of the site…if they read books that I have enjoyed or would like to read, or if the posts about life strike a chord with me.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
One thing comes to mind: if the comments are one or two words, followed by their own link, I wonder if they’re at all interested in connecting. But then again, they might just be in a hurry. I try not to let myself be annoyed by other bloggers, because I am having so much fun “meeting” them.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I am retired, after more than three decades as a social worker specializing in child welfare cases;

Toward the end of my social work career, I started writing, combining personal and social work experiences into fictionalized works that now are published novels;

I am currently working on a couple of WIPs, and have participated in some writing challenges, like NaNoWriMo, etc.;

I have four grown children and seven grandchildren;

In my younger days, I was a bit of a radical, participating in sit-ins and other protests;

I attended consciousness-raising groups at the onset of “second wave feminism” in the early 1970s;

My life these days is all about reading, writing, blogging, and connecting with family and friends.

Thank you Laurel-Rain so very much for sharing with us today.  I hope you had as much fun as we did.  Ever since finding a “couple of your blogs”, I was amazed at how you not only could keep track of all of them but to keep them up to date.  Also I was so impressed that you have written books that are in print, they are in my personal tbr bucket list pile and hope when I get caught up with my requested review pile that I will be able to sit, get comfy and and enjoy your books.  It sounds like you have led an unlimited energetic life including a personal life (having 4 children,  7 grandchildren),  professional life of being a social worker (the norm of a social worker is being overworked and most times, underpaid) and author and a social minded person participating in issues you believe in.  To me, and I think others will agree, after you have shared your thoughts with us,  that you truly are a SHINING STAR!!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Today’s guest is someone else that I am anxious to get to know a little bit better.  We met through this wonderful community of book blogging, not exactly sure of all the details but remember it had to do with an email about our last names being very similar (more about that later).  Her blog is absolutely beautiful and pristine as you will see, when I hope you all stop by and visit her.  Oh, and one more thing before I introduce her which I am excited about, I had read a review that she had written, not normally a book that I would have picked up, but it touched my heart that I had to enter the giveaway and WooHoo, I was one of the 5 lucky winners of  Little Princes.  Everybody ready?  Today’s guest and Sunday’s Shining Star is ELIZABETH from SILVER’S REVIEWS

I just began blogging in July of 2010. I started to blog because I wanted to share my reviews with others and I also kept looking through blogs, and it looked like so much fun. I am very happy I decided to begin…..I have met a number of really great people.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
My e-mail is silversolara and I just slid the beginning part of my e-mail into my blog that I was going to use for my reviews….thus the name: Silver’s Reviews.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
My main content would be reviews of the books I have read.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Historical fiction, fiction, mystery, women’s fiction, female protagonists

*How often do you post?
I would say probably every day.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The Tuesday Teaser days are fun for me, but I love visiting blogs to see the designs and book reviews.

*What are some of the negatives?
I spend too much time on the computer. 🙂

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I loved posting my photos from Scotland and listing my favorite books.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Not really…just have fun.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
A neat, uncluttered design…bright and cheerful…..and of course the book recommendations.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
One is when you have to jump through hoops to sign up for a giveaway. I like a simple, list your name, blog address, e-mail, and leave a post.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I am a business teacher.

I am 100% Italian.

I love to bake and cook.

I taught senior citizens how to use the computer this past summer.

I have 7 siblings…that makes 8 when you count me….and most interesting is that we have 4 boys and 4 girls.

I have visited Italy (Rome, Florence, and Venice), Spain ( Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona – just “had” to go there to find the places from THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon), England – London, and spent three weeks in Scotland last summer visiting my son. Spent three days out of the three weeks in the Isle of Skye. That is where my photos came from. Loved the place.

I want to thank Elizabeth for being my guest today and allowing all of us to get to know her a little better, I know I did.  After that initial email, Elizabeth and I started emailing back and forth one night, teasing each other about our Italian heritage, things we have in common (one being we both have a son named Mark).  The more we talked (emailed) the more we got to know about each other and one of the things we learned was that a few generations ago, there was the same family name.  I have to dig out the family tree to see for sure but in the meantime we have decided that we are “cousins”.

Her blog is beautiful, with well written and honest reviews.  I was drawn to it not only for those 2 reasons but for the professionalism that comes through her reviews.  And when you visit, please, make sure you scroll down all the way, or you will miss the absolute breath taking pictures of Scotland from when she visited her son.  Once you visit her blog you will see why I think she is a SHINING STAR!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I was told when I first found this community of book blogging that “book bloggers were the nicest bloggers there are” and I have never forgotten those words. And over the past year, I have truly met the nicest people. I also believe, even though we live behind a screen, a bit of our personality shines through. That is one of the reasons I am having so much fun with this weekly event, and hoping you are too, because we are getting to know those “nicest bloggers” around and about bloggyland a little bit better.

Today’s guest is someone else that I am anxious to get to know a little bit better.  We met through this wonderful community of book blogging, not exactly sure of all the details but remember it had to do with an email about our last names being very similar (more about that later).  Her blog is absolutely beautiful and pristine as you will see, when I hope you all stop by and visit her.  Oh, and one more thing before I introduce her which I am excited about, I had read a review that she had written, not normally a book that I would have picked up, but it touched my heart that I had to enter the giveaway and WooHoo, I was one of the 5 lucky winners of  Little Princes.  Everybody ready?  Today’s guest and Sunday’s Shining Star is ELIZABETH from SILVER’S REVIEWS

I just began blogging in July of 2010. I started to blog because I wanted to share my reviews with others and I also kept looking through blogs, and it looked like so much fun. I am very happy I decided to begin…..I have met a number of really great people.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
My e-mail is silversolara and I just slid the beginning part of my e-mail into my blog that I was going to use for my reviews….thus the name: Silver’s Reviews.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
My main content would be reviews of the books I have read.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
Historical fiction, fiction, mystery, women’s fiction, female protagonists

*How often do you post?
I would say probably every day.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
The Tuesday Teaser days are fun for me, but I love visiting blogs to see the designs and book reviews.

*What are some of the negatives?
I spend too much time on the computer. 🙂

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I loved posting my photos from Scotland and listing my favorite books.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Not really…just have fun.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
A neat, uncluttered design…bright and cheerful…..and of course the book recommendations.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
One is when you have to jump through hoops to sign up for a giveaway. I like a simple, list your name, blog address, e-mail, and leave a post.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
I am a business teacher.

I am 100% Italian.

I love to bake and cook.

I taught senior citizens how to use the computer this past summer.

I have 7 siblings…that makes 8 when you count me….and most interesting is that we have 4 boys and 4 girls.

I have visited Italy (Rome, Florence, and Venice), Spain ( Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona – just “had” to go there to find the places from THE SHADOW OF THE WIND by Carlos Ruiz Zafon), England – London, and spent three weeks in Scotland last summer visiting my son. Spent three days out of the three weeks in the Isle of Skye. That is where my photos came from. Loved the place.

I want to thank Elizabeth for being my guest today and allowing all of us to get to know her a little better, I know I did.  After that initial email, Elizabeth and I started emailing back and forth one night, teasing each other about our Italian heritage, things we have in common (one being we both have a son named Mark).  The more we talked (emailed) the more we got to know about each other and one of the things we learned was that a few generations ago, there was the same family name.  I have to dig out the family tree to see for sure but in the meantime we have decided that we are “cousins”.

Her blog is beautiful, with well written and honest reviews.  I was drawn to it not only for those 2 reasons but for the professionalism that comes through her reviews.  And when you visit, please, make sure you scroll down all the way, or you will miss the absolute breath taking pictures of Scotland from when she visited her son.  Once you visit her blog you will see why I think she is a SHINING STAR!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I didn’t really give it much thought because it was really just for me in the beginning. It was originally called One Persons Journey Through A World Of Books and boy do I regret that now! WAY TOO LONG! SO last April I dropped it to become Book Journey, yet I see that many bloggers still refer to it as the old name.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
I mainly do book reviews but I also do book discussions, giveaways, author chats and of course the Morning Meanderings that bring in a lot of readers.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
That’s tough as I am really a prolific reader. I enjoy many genres such as mysteries, literature, non fiction, YA, mysteries, dystopia, fantasy, Christian fiction… (see how hard this is for me…LOL)

*How often do you post?
Pretty much daily.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Community. I love to chat with other readers!

*What are some of the negatives?
Hmmm…. it is a commitment. That isn’t really a negative – just a fact. Blogging, commenting, improving, updating… all takes time.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
1. Morning meanderings: Morning post s which are pretty much just me unplugged. They can be about funny life happenings, work outs, weekend plans, whatever…. I try to keep them fun.

2. Author Chats: I do “chats” with authors once I have read their books. We discuss the book, their own love of books, how they take their coffee, whats next, etc…

3. The WHERE are you reading map. Every time I review a book I link it to a world map so you can see where I have read this year. I run this as a challenge and encourage others to join me….

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Ask questions! If you see something you like on someones blog ask them how they did it. I asked a ton of questions when I first started and everyone was so kind to help me out. Be careful what you start…. really be sure you will be able to follow through. I started a few memes in the beginning that fizzled fast…. I would advise you to really watch the bloggers you admire and see how they do things. Don’t get too crazy on all the sidebar stuff…. too much, too busy – is a distraction from what you are really trying to do.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Interesting posts, informative but not overdone. I also like funny. If they kid around and make you feel like they are chatting with you – I will be back. I like keeping it real.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
The comment or follow exchanges – emailing and asking people to comment or follow their blog and they will do the same for you. This isn’t high school…. (ok, I take that back – for some it may be) but really – make your blog your own…. you will attract like minded readers.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
*Any other info you would like to share.
1. I am an avid bike rider and do long distance bike rides Spring – late fall

2. I live in Central Minnesota

3. I have been to Honduras 9 times and work on teams their with street kids

4. I absolutely love to read and listen to audio

5. One of my all time favorite books is Summerhouse by Jude Deveroux – there are many reasons I would love to be one of the female characters in that book

6. If I could figure out a way to make chocolate healthy I would be a rich woman.

7. With a little luck – I will have written my first book by the end of 2011.

First and foremost I want to thank Sheila for being my guest today and sharing herself with us.  I really enjoyed reading all her answers and learned quite a bit.  On a personal note, Sheila amazes me!!!  I get a visual of a very energetic, kind, caring, personable, genuine, honest, fun and family oriented person.  Not only if she could make chocolate healthy, but if she could bottle her energy, she definitely would be a rich woman.  And with a little luck, and begging lol, she will let us all read and review her 1st novel.  Good Luck in your writing career, Sheila.  I think I can speak for a lot of us bloggers, that we wish you the best of luck with your writing career.  I am now anxious to know more about it, the genre, a little synopsis, etc, etc.  We just might have to have a Sunday’s Shining Star sequel to find out these answers!!!!!  I think you will all agree with me,  Sheila is most definitely a SHINING STAR!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I didn’t really give it much thought because it was really just for me in the beginning. It was originally called One Persons Journey Through A World Of Books and boy do I regret that now! WAY TOO LONG! SO last April I dropped it to become Book Journey, yet I see that many bloggers still refer to it as the old name.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
I mainly do book reviews but I also do book discussions, giveaways, author chats and of course the Morning Meanderings that bring in a lot of readers.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
That’s tough as I am really a prolific reader. I enjoy many genres such as mysteries, literature, non fiction, YA, mysteries, dystopia, fantasy, Christian fiction… (see how hard this is for me…LOL)

*How often do you post?
Pretty much daily.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
Community. I love to chat with other readers!

*What are some of the negatives?
Hmmm…. it is a commitment. That isn’t really a negative – just a fact. Blogging, commenting, improving, updating… all takes time.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
1. Morning meanderings: Morning post s which are pretty much just me unplugged. They can be about funny life happenings, work outs, weekend plans, whatever…. I try to keep them fun.

2. Author Chats: I do “chats” with authors once I have read their books. We discuss the book, their own love of books, how they take their coffee, whats next, etc…

3. The WHERE are you reading map. Every time I review a book I link it to a world map so you can see where I have read this year. I run this as a challenge and encourage others to join me….

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
Ask questions! If you see something you like on someones blog ask them how they did it. I asked a ton of questions when I first started and everyone was so kind to help me out. Be careful what you start…. really be sure you will be able to follow through. I started a few memes in the beginning that fizzled fast…. I would advise you to really watch the bloggers you admire and see how they do things. Don’t get too crazy on all the sidebar stuff…. too much, too busy – is a distraction from what you are really trying to do.

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Interesting posts, informative but not overdone. I also like funny. If they kid around and make you feel like they are chatting with you – I will be back. I like keeping it real.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
The comment or follow exchanges – emailing and asking people to comment or follow their blog and they will do the same for you. This isn’t high school…. (ok, I take that back – for some it may be) but really – make your blog your own…. you will attract like minded readers.

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
*Any other info you would like to share.
1. I am an avid bike rider and do long distance bike rides Spring – late fall

2. I live in Central Minnesota

3. I have been to Honduras 9 times and work on teams their with street kids

4. I absolutely love to read and listen to audio

5. One of my all time favorite books is Summerhouse by Jude Deveroux – there are many reasons I would love to be one of the female characters in that book

6. If I could figure out a way to make chocolate healthy I would be a rich woman.

7. With a little luck – I will have written my first book by the end of 2011.

First and foremost I want to thank Sheila for being my guest today and sharing herself with us.  I really enjoyed reading all her answers and learned quite a bit.  On a personal note, Sheila amazes me!!!  I get a visual of a very energetic, kind, caring, personable, genuine, honest, fun and family oriented person.  Not only if she could make chocolate healthy, but if she could bottle her energy, she definitely would be a rich woman.  And with a little luck, and begging lol, she will let us all read and review her 1st novel.  Good Luck in your writing career, Sheila.  I think I can speak for a lot of us bloggers, that we wish you the best of luck with your writing career.  I am now anxious to know more about it, the genre, a little synopsis, etc, etc.  We just might have to have a Sunday’s Shining Star sequel to find out these answers!!!!!  I think you will all agree with me,  Sheila is most definitely a SHINING STAR!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I started blogging my guess would be in 2007. I started blogging for my own entertainment, and that is why I blog even now. My first blog was Ann’s Quotes and Things. I started it because I love to collect quotes, and it is much easier to save them on a blog than always writing them in My Little Book Of Quotes. Next came Ann’s Moody Blues blog, I’m a bit moody, so thought this a good blog to keep my daily thoughts on. It has since became my Daily Photo blog. Then followed Ann’s Reading Corner. Since I love to read I thought this would be a good place to keep track of what I read with brief reviews. I’m not much good at reviews, I just like little reminders about the book.

Just a little tid-bit about My Reading Corner:
Saturday, June 27, 2009
My “Reading Corner” I’M BACK!
I decided to delete you on June 7, 2009, when I made my new blog “Butterflies and Candles” I noticed a week ago, (unbeknown to me until then) I could have you back if I wanted you. Therefore, I welcome you back…but I think I will probably keep my posting to one or two times a month this time. I’ll see. I’m also thinking about keeping you private. After all you are not a very interesting blog…Come to think of it, none of my blogs are very interesting, not like everyone elses. Oh well, you are just for my entertainment as is all my blogs…Anyone who cares to read and be bored along with me. WELCOME! (Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2009,) My Reading Corner was back.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I wanted a blog to keep track of what I was reading, therefore, this blog became, Ann’s Reading Corner. Most of my blogs each have there own theme.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Along with keeping track of the books I read, I enjoy the book memes each week, and I get to meet many more book bloggers.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I like light cozy romance, cozy mysteries, memoirs, biographies, chick lit, and poetry.

*How often do you post?
5 or 6 times a week, usually don’t post much over the week-ends.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love being able to visit other bookies and notice what books they are reading, and if I think I would enjoy reading them. Therefore, my TBR list keeps growing and growing. This year I made a goal to read more library books, in hopes of saving some money. But, it’s not working each time I’m near a book store of any kind, I come out with a book or two.

*What are some of the negatives?
I think for me spending to much time blogging and visiting other blogs.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I like posting my reviews, even though they are just reminders, I love Monday Musings. and Booking Through Thursdays, memes.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
I would say do it for fun and entertainment for yourself first. I never worry about whether I have 1 follower or 100 followers, or no followers, have fun with blogging. If you want followers, than you need to visit others, and leave comments, otherwise, they will never find you. I have my own blogger etiquette I try to follow, if someone visits and leaves me a comment, I try to visit their blog and leave a comment. So be careful what you wish for, if you want 50-100 commenters, remember to visit them and leave a comment, also. Just sayin’.

*What draws you to follow someones blog?
I follow blogs that are interesting to me, what may interest someone else is of no consequence to me, so have fun with blogging.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I don’t know if this is a “pet peeve” or not, but the follower thingy, I don’t understand what it’s all about. I notice a lot of bloggers want as many followers as they can get, now if they never return and visit my blog again, how can they be a follower?

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1.Well I think it goes without saying I love to read, but, I also love to play SCRABBLE. I almost never win at SCRABBLE, however, I keep trying. Maybe that is why everyone doesn’t object to playing with me. I think karaoke is fun, I can’t carry a tune, but I can sing loud.


2. My first date with my husband-to-be was on Friday, December 13, 1957. My husband and I were married on Thursday evening, July 3, 1958. We had a double wedding. When we were taking our vows the minister asked my husband if he would take Susan to be his wedded wife, my husband replied I take Ann to be my wedded wife. The minister got the brides names confused. We other three stood and giggled.


3. We had 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls. I now have 10 Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Grandchildren.


4. Almost 13 years ago (May 18, 1998) we retired from farming, in Maryland, and moved 850 miles away to retire in Iowa.


5.. On August 1, 2005, we bought the house we were renting an apartment in. It is just a house with 2 apartments in it. So now we are Landlords, the American Dream come true. tee, hee.


6. We have a toy poodle, his name is Joey, he will be 11 years old in April. We also have a cat, Miss Molly, since she is getting up in years, but I don’t know when she was born, I say she is 11 years old also.


7. I am trying to learn to write poetry, therefore, my blog “Shadows Of My Mind” is my poetry blog.

I virtually met Ann not too long ago but instantly loved her attitude on life in general.  Tells it like it is and says what she means.  I never know what I will find when I visit her blog(s).  LOL  One day, like she says, she is condensing them, the next day, there are 15 (maybe a little exaggeration but there are lots of them).  Her photography blog is beautiful!!  I feel I can take a little credit with a few of her blogging items.  I remember wanting to follow her, I just loved her blog but she didn’t have a GFC thingy so I emailed her and she put it back up and they say the rest is history.  And I do owe her husband, Tony, an apology.  She needed to write a review and emails went back and forth with some humor thrown in and I asked her if Tony had the job of “editor”, and the answer was yes and we laughed.  Well….after writing her first review, she was on fire and has been cranking those reviews out and I had this funny feeling after getting to know her that, poor Tony…yup….He’s Fired!!!!  Thank you for being my guest today and giving us the opportunity of getting to know you better!!   I hope you all stop by and say hi, there is bound to be at least one of many blogs that you will find interesting.  Not only is she a Blogging Shining Star  but to have 5 Children, 10 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren, she is truly a SHINING STAR!!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.

I started blogging my guess would be in 2007. I started blogging for my own entertainment, and that is why I blog even now. My first blog was Ann’s Quotes and Things. I started it because I love to collect quotes, and it is much easier to save them on a blog than always writing them in My Little Book Of Quotes. Next came Ann’s Moody Blues blog, I’m a bit moody, so thought this a good blog to keep my daily thoughts on. It has since became my Daily Photo blog. Then followed Ann’s Reading Corner. Since I love to read I thought this would be a good place to keep track of what I read with brief reviews. I’m not much good at reviews, I just like little reminders about the book.

Just a little tid-bit about My Reading Corner:
Saturday, June 27, 2009
My “Reading Corner” I’M BACK!
I decided to delete you on June 7, 2009, when I made my new blog “Butterflies and Candles” I noticed a week ago, (unbeknown to me until then) I could have you back if I wanted you. Therefore, I welcome you back…but I think I will probably keep my posting to one or two times a month this time. I’ll see. I’m also thinking about keeping you private. After all you are not a very interesting blog…Come to think of it, none of my blogs are very interesting, not like everyone elses. Oh well, you are just for my entertainment as is all my blogs…Anyone who cares to read and be bored along with me. WELCOME! (Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2009,) My Reading Corner was back.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
I wanted a blog to keep track of what I was reading, therefore, this blog became, Ann’s Reading Corner. Most of my blogs each have there own theme.

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Along with keeping track of the books I read, I enjoy the book memes each week, and I get to meet many more book bloggers.

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
I like light cozy romance, cozy mysteries, memoirs, biographies, chick lit, and poetry.

*How often do you post?
5 or 6 times a week, usually don’t post much over the week-ends.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
I love being able to visit other bookies and notice what books they are reading, and if I think I would enjoy reading them. Therefore, my TBR list keeps growing and growing. This year I made a goal to read more library books, in hopes of saving some money. But, it’s not working each time I’m near a book store of any kind, I come out with a book or two.

*What are some of the negatives?
I think for me spending to much time blogging and visiting other blogs.

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
I like posting my reviews, even though they are just reminders, I love Monday Musings. and Booking Through Thursdays, memes.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
I would say do it for fun and entertainment for yourself first. I never worry about whether I have 1 follower or 100 followers, or no followers, have fun with blogging. If you want followers, than you need to visit others, and leave comments, otherwise, they will never find you. I have my own blogger etiquette I try to follow, if someone visits and leaves me a comment, I try to visit their blog and leave a comment. So be careful what you wish for, if you want 50-100 commenters, remember to visit them and leave a comment, also. Just sayin’.

*What draws you to follow someones blog?
I follow blogs that are interesting to me, what may interest someone else is of no consequence to me, so have fun with blogging.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
I don’t know if this is a “pet peeve” or not, but the follower thingy, I don’t understand what it’s all about. I notice a lot of bloggers want as many followers as they can get, now if they never return and visit my blog again, how can they be a follower?

*Would you please share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1.Well I think it goes without saying I love to read, but, I also love to play SCRABBLE. I almost never win at SCRABBLE, however, I keep trying. Maybe that is why everyone doesn’t object to playing with me. I think karaoke is fun, I can’t carry a tune, but I can sing loud.


2. My first date with my husband-to-be was on Friday, December 13, 1957. My husband and I were married on Thursday evening, July 3, 1958. We had a double wedding. When we were taking our vows the minister asked my husband if he would take Susan to be his wedded wife, my husband replied I take Ann to be my wedded wife. The minister got the brides names confused. We other three stood and giggled.


3. We had 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls. I now have 10 Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Grandchildren.


4. Almost 13 years ago (May 18, 1998) we retired from farming, in Maryland, and moved 850 miles away to retire in Iowa.


5.. On August 1, 2005, we bought the house we were renting an apartment in. It is just a house with 2 apartments in it. So now we are Landlords, the American Dream come true. tee, hee.


6. We have a toy poodle, his name is Joey, he will be 11 years old in April. We also have a cat, Miss Molly, since she is getting up in years, but I don’t know when she was born, I say she is 11 years old also.


7. I am trying to learn to write poetry, therefore, my blog “Shadows Of My Mind” is my poetry blog.

I virtually met Ann not too long ago but instantly loved her attitude on life in general.  Tells it like it is and says what she means.  I never know what I will find when I visit her blog(s).  LOL  One day, like she says, she is condensing them, the next day, there are 15 (maybe a little exaggeration but there are lots of them).  Her photography blog is beautiful!!  I feel I can take a little credit with a few of her blogging items.  I remember wanting to follow her, I just loved her blog but she didn’t have a GFC thingy so I emailed her and she put it back up and they say the rest is history.  And I do owe her husband, Tony, an apology.  She needed to write a review and emails went back and forth with some humor thrown in and I asked her if Tony had the job of “editor”, and the answer was yes and we laughed.  Well….after writing her first review, she was on fire and has been cranking those reviews out and I had this funny feeling after getting to know her that, poor Tony…yup….He’s Fired!!!!  Thank you for being my guest today and giving us the opportunity of getting to know you better!!   I hope you all stop by and say hi, there is bound to be at least one of many blogs that you will find interesting.  Not only is she a Blogging Shining Star  but to have 5 Children, 10 Grandchildren and 5 Great-Grandchildren, she is truly a SHINING STAR!!!!

I would like to explain how this came to fruition. Hubby and I were having a discussion about the old days, (for the young’ens reading this..a little history lesson) but before the dark age. When Sundays were special and had traditions and rituals. Sunday mornings Church, come home to a big gravy (sauce) cooking on the stove, a big Sunday dinner, then either off to visit relatives/friends or wait for relatives/friends to drop by. We would spend the afternoon sitting around the table, talking, catching up, having coffee, pizza, calzones, etc etc, dessert. And now, how sad, all those traditions are gone. And then I got to thinking, why not have something similar here on my blog. This past year, I have met so many amazing and wonderful people (some I now call friends) through blogging, and how I am in awe of what they do and accomplish. How much respect I have for them, for their honesty, integrity, credibility and so enjoy when a bit of their personality shines through. So every Sunday, here at my place, the coffee will be on, the dessert is on the table and friends will be stopping by. And I will be rolling out the red carpet for my Sunday Shining Star Blogger guest.



I started blogging in April 2010. A friend of mine mentioned that he had a blog and also that I should check out his daughter’s blog. I did and then started snooping around the blogosphere and found a whole bunch of book blogs. I decided it would be a great way for me to keep track of my reading–log the books and actually review them so maybe my aging brain might better remember what I read. The main point was a personal reading journal.

*How and what made you decide on the name of your blog?
Well, I’m a reader and a wanna-be writer (first draft of a mystery novel done…but needs lots of work), so I was looking to do a play on “writer’s block” while also indicating that I was reviewing the books (putting them on the chopping block, so to speak). I planned to call it just “Reader’s Block” but some guy had already claimed it. What’s really irksome is that he claimed it, posted like 2 or 3 times several years ago and then abandoned it. So, I stuck a “My” on it. Ta-da!

*What would you say is the main content of your blog?
Reviews. And challenge-related posts. Can’t forget the challenges. Afterall, I am a Challenge Addict and proud of it!

*If books, what genres do you mostly read?
My first love is mysteries–particularly vintage mysteries. I’ve loved them since my mom gave me her 1950s set of Nancy Drew books (5-6books). I had a long affair with science fiction from about 12 years old through college and a brief flirtation with romance novels, but in the end I come back to mysteries. After mysteries, my second long-lasting love is classics 18th Century through WWII and mainly British. Not a big American Lit girl and a more modern novel really has to grab my attention for me to read it.

*How often do you post?
At least once a day and often as many as three times a day.

*What are some of the things that you love about blogging?
1. Keeping track of what I read in more definite way. I actually knew how many books I read in 2010. I never had a number before. This also makes my husband happy because he’s a numbers man and loves it when I can give him number data of any sort.

2. Meeting so many lovely people out here in the blogospher. It’s nice to know I’m not the only crazy book lady who’s addicted to challenges. LOL. But, seriously, I have made so many great virtual friends. It’s better than any pen pal system I’ve ever known.

*What are some of the negatives?
Hmmm. Probably that it takes time away from reading (or possibly other things I ought to be doing. Surely I don’t need to dust right now.)

*Name 1-3 favorite items/postings that you have/do on your blog?
1. Reviews. I love getting my thoughts about the books down where I can go back and read them.
2. Challenges. (bet you couldn’t guess that) Some of them have gotten me to read books that I never would have otherwise.

*Any advice you would give to new bloggers?
1. Be yourself. Do it your way. Don’t worry about whether your blog is as pretty as someone else’s or if you do as many posts as others.
2. Don’t worry about the numbers. Yeah, it’s nice to watch the number of followers go up, but if you do something that’s unique and makes you happy, the followers will come.
3. Join in on memes. It’s the best way I’ve found to get to know your fellow bloggers. And there’s some really cool people out there!

*What draws you to follow someone’s blog?
Interesting posts. Particularly about books. Doesn’t even have to be a genre I love, but if the posts are interesting and make me think, then I’ll keep coming back. A sense of humor is also a big draw. I love bloggers who can make me laugh.

*Do you have any “pet peeves” that other bloggers do?
Leaving comments that only say “I was here.” or “I’m following you. Please follow me back.” I’m shy, I want to get to know you before I make a commitment like that. 🙂 And it would be nice to know why you decided to follow me. Was it my cute little button designed by my son? Was it the great review I did on Book X? A little feed back would be good.

*Would you plase share 5-7 things about the person behind the screen so that we get to know the “real” you!!
1. As mentioned above, I’m a writer wanna-be. First draft of an acadmic mystery done. It needs a lot of polishing. A whole lot.


2. My life-long dream is to make a trip to England. I’m saving my pennies…maybe I’ll make in the next couple of years. There’s a web site I’ve got marked that offers mystery lovers tours. Now that would be ideal!


3. I’ve mentioned this before (for award requirements): I’ve sung with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir twice. In 2008 and 2009, I attended their annual choir convention. Particpants attend classes, practice sessions, and then sing (on the platform) with the Choir during one of the Sunday services. One of the coolest experiences ever!


4. I am the proud mom of an Eagle Scout (I bet you knew I couldn’t resist saying that again). I’ve been a Scout Leader ever since he was a Wolf in Cub Scouts.


5. Last summer I went with the scouts for Kyle’s final scouting trip to the Boundary Waters (between Minnesota & Canada). We canoed and camped out in the back of beyond for 5 days and four nights. Toting our canoes and gear in between lakes. It was a wonderful experience. I’m glad I did it. I’ll never do it again. LOL.


6. For the last five years I’ve played softball with my husband on our English Department’s co-ed softball team. Us old fogies with a bunch of graduate students. It’s been a blast…but I think I’m approaching retirement. May not be putting on the cleats this spring…will have to see.


7. I own over 2000 books. Over half of those are mysteries. I don’t see how that can be possible–I don’t think our house is big enough. But spreadsheets don’t lie. Do they?

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Bev, I know I did.  When I first visited her site, I am going to be quite honest, I was at first, a bit intimidated when I read her bio and saw the type of books that she read for “pleasure” (the classics, historicals, vintages, Austen, etc, etc…you get the picture).  But then after getting to know her, that intimidation then turned into a very high respect and awe.  When I think of the Classics, I think of being in HS and mandatory reading, not pleasure reading.  And then there is her ability to read so many books in a week.  In my eyes, she is truly amazing, and definitely has my respect, the respect that she TRULY deserves?  And one heck of a sense of humor!!!  Did I read that right?  2000 books?  2000? And I bet she has read every single one of them!!!!  Bev is positively a Shining Star!!!!