Friday, May 1, 2009

Blog Party!

Joy at Cupid's Charm is hosting a Blogging party, and it's today. Click here to find out if it's a good idea for you to participate.



My son son and two blogging friends Mindy and Heather turned me on to blogging. I began June 13, 2008, and I've posted every day but one since. In the beginning, I posted a couple of times on a single day!  Obviously, I love meeting people from all over the world and finding out new things.



Mission Statement
At one point, I was challenged to write a mission statement. Here's my final product:
To share with my family and friends and friends-to-be the essence of me: the joy of living, the happiness of family, the fun of having a relationship with the God of the universe in the hope that some may choose to follow Him.

Comments
A big part of blogging is commenting. Cathy from Melodies and Hymnsongs recently gave me this loyal commenter award. I am truly thrilled with this award. I work hard to comment on all of my blogroll every day, as well as to everyone who leaves a comment on my blog. It's really nice to be appreciated for my efforts.

I've read posts where people ask how to get more comments. I've found that to get a comment, leave a comment. It's just like that old saying: The best way to have a friend is to be a friend. 

Most bloggers are polite, and they know that it's just good manners to respond when someone has taken the time to leave a comment for them. There's no big mystery to it.

Blogger Love
Terry at Lady Liberty Patriot gave me this neat Makes My Heart Smile Award award.


She said, "This little lady bug's smiles must be spread near and far they are too precious for just one garden. Blessings and hugs ya'll."

I'm supposed to share, so if you would like some Bloggie Love, please leave a comment and take this award for your blog with my blessings.

I have a book blog where I almost always have a book giveaway going on. Check my sidebars and click on over there if you're interested.


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38 comments:

  1. AprilMay 1, 2009 at 6:58 AM

    Just leavin' you a little comment love this morning! Enjoy your Friday and congrats on your awards!

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  2. GabrielaMay 1, 2009 at 7:06 AM

    Hello Sally,

    Great post, blogging is wonderful!



    ~ Gabriela ~

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  3. jeanneMay 1, 2009 at 7:39 AM

    Good morning Sally, I enjoyed reading about your blogging journey. I started blogging May 8,2008. We have come a long way since then, haven't we?

    Congtats on your awards. You definitely deserve them. You are very dedicated to commenting and I admire you for your faithful visits. I agree, if you want people to visit, you have to get out there and show some interest.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Hugs...Jeanne

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  4. Becky K.May 1, 2009 at 7:57 AM

    Good Morning Sally,

    You are a wonderful bloggy neighbor.

    I am glad to have found your blog.

    Becky K.

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  5. AnonymousMay 1, 2009 at 8:52 AM

    Hello Sally,

    A mission like that is what makes blogging enjoyable. Who wouldn't want to be surrounded with such wonderful people (whether in real world or here in blogland):-)

    Mizpah!
    Li

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  6. The Quintessential MagpieMay 1, 2009 at 9:00 AM

    And you are a wonderful commenter and deserve that award, Sally! It's true, to have a friend, you have to be a friend. Makes sense to me! :-)

    I'm glad you blog. Your Blue Monday is one of the first MeMe days in which I participated, and it helped me meet some wonderful friends. I owe you, girl!

    XO,

    Sheila

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  7. The Quintessential MagpieMay 1, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    And YOU are one of my favorite friends. Wanted to be sure and add that... although I hope you know it.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  8. BridgetMay 1, 2009 at 9:20 AM

    Your one year anniversary will be here soon. Congratulations and congrats on posting almost every day of your blogging career, that is quite an accomplishment.
    You are the greatest, we love you!
    Bridget

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  9. Marjorie (Molly) SmithMay 1, 2009 at 9:40 AM

    Sally, I have so enjoyed your blog, I only started in Jan. and find I still have so much to learn...but find it so enjoyable, your meme Blue Monday....was one of my first and I just love it.
    Thank you for being a friend. I love leaving comments and enjoy recieving them.
    It is sad that there are a few folks who blog, that I have left a comment on their blogs, but have never recieved a comment or reply. I guess they recieve so many comments already that they don't need a new friend..
    You my friend are one who always leaves a reply, you are a true Blogging friend.
    Thank you for being you.
    Molly

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  10. bjMay 1, 2009 at 9:57 AM

    You so deserve that award because your little name is all over Blogland, with the sweetest comments. We all love our Smiling Sally....and I am SO glad your son and friends got you to blogging...we get to reap the rewards!!
    hugs, bj

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  11. danaMay 1, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    Happy May Day!!

    You and I have been blogging about the same amount of time. YOU are much more dedicated about posting--I'm lucky to get 3 out a week! However, I too have loved meeting new folks and reading about their loves and interests and experiences. I am glad to include YOU as one of my blogging friends!!

    Congrats on your awards--have a great day! Dana

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  12. DebbyMay 1, 2009 at 10:20 AM

    Hi Sally,
    It has been wonderful visiting your blog today. So nice to meet new friends.
    Debby

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  13. SalmagundiMay 1, 2009 at 10:21 AM

    You are a most faithful commenter. Thanks. Sally

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  14. raxx a day in the lifeMay 1, 2009 at 11:34 AM

    Sally I love visiting your blog and of course I love it when you comment, remember you asked about my job, I did a post on it today.

    You post everyday? Amazing!

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  15. saraMay 1, 2009 at 11:42 AM

    you are not only a very faithful commenter and blogging friend, but you write very honest/good book reviews......and you host wonderful give aways!!! :)

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  16. ChandyMay 1, 2009 at 12:14 PM

    I agree with you Sal, I try to find time to comment on everyone that joins the same I'm in as well as check those that I may have missed. I'm often surprised and somewhat horrified when I realized I forgot a few!

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  17. Four Paws and CoMay 1, 2009 at 12:55 PM

    Congratulations on your oh so well deserved awards Sally! ☺ Diane

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  18. CharlotteMay 1, 2009 at 1:08 PM

    This is the third time I've tried to comment. Maybe third time is charm. (That's one of my mother's old sayings.)
    As I was saying, congrats on the awards. I think you may be the most loyal commenter I know.
    I'll try posting it with my Blogger ID this time and see if that works. I keep getting error messages with the Wordpress ID.
    Have a Happy Party Day!
    Charlotte

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  19. Musings of A MinisterMay 1, 2009 at 1:10 PM

    I agree with someone who said, "Most lurkers are just "tire kickers." YOU ARE INDEED GOOD ABOUT LEAVING COMMENTS. Three cheers for you!

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  20. JudithMay 1, 2009 at 2:04 PM

    Hi Sally - a truly inspirational mission statement and 'thank you' for all your wonderful comments that you kindly leave on my blog. Take care, Judith

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  21. Ashley ~May 1, 2009 at 2:18 PM

    Just sending you some LUV and happy blogging*! ((hugs)) _Ashley*

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  22. Diane of Crafty PassionsMay 1, 2009 at 2:48 PM

    Great post, I enjoy blogging very much so many wonderful people out there!!
    Diane

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  23. TaraMay 1, 2009 at 2:48 PM

    Hello Sally,
    Thank you for sharing what you love about blogging. I love to give and receive comments too. It's such a fun way to connect with people. Have a splendid day and enjoy this beautiful Friday!

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  24. Barbara H.May 1, 2009 at 2:53 PM

    You're absolutely right about commenting. I know some bloggers who never get visitors except maybe a couple of people whom they know in real life -- and they never or rarely visit or comment. We have to let people know we're out here or they won't see us.

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  25. artis1111May 1, 2009 at 2:56 PM

    Love the lady bug smile. You are usually the first to post so most times I get to read you early. Kathy

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  26. Betsy Banks AdamsMay 1, 2009 at 3:03 PM

    Congrats on the swards, Sally... And--enjoy the Blog Party!!!!!!

    Have a wonderful day and week. I'll post one more time in the morning--but then I'll be gone for about 9 days.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  27. TheresaMay 1, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    Happy Blog Party! Glad to meet you.
    Lady bug Love~ Theresa

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  28. xinexMay 1, 2009 at 5:54 PM

    Hi Sal, you are approaching your first year anniversary,. Congrats on the awards and keep blogging!...Christine

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  29. AnonymousMay 1, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    Dear Sally congratulations on your awards. I think your mission statement says it all. I love it ♥ It's been great meeting special people like you. I'm so glad and blessed to have you as a friend :>)

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  30. UnknownMay 1, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Hi Sally,
    We started blogging about the same time...I think I started in May.

    I'm glad that you are blogging....I consider you one of my best blogging buddies!
    :) Diane

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  31. Theresa @ Take A Sentimental JourneyMay 1, 2009 at 10:15 PM

    I'm so glad you started blogging ! You always make me smile, Smiling Sally !!

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  32. PamMay 1, 2009 at 10:58 PM

    I always appreciate your comments on my blog. I wish I could spend more time commenting. With a slower computer and a teen and pre-teen to compete with, it is hard to do! : )

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  33. Elizabeth-Plain and SimpleMay 2, 2009 at 2:16 AM

    You are very deserving of the awards. You have a great sense of humor and your posts seem to always make me smile. I also love your mission statement and I am very happy that you decided to start blogging. Thanks for sharing your humor and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
    Blessings,
    Elizabeth

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  34. Geralyn GrayMay 2, 2009 at 5:56 AM

    I had fun going through all of this page---liked the pool table best---Congratulations on your awards!!!

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  35. dragonflydreamerMay 2, 2009 at 9:10 PM

    Hi Sally, it's so nice to meet you and visit your sweet blog. It's so positive and uplifting and something about the blue side bars make me think of a relaxing waterfall. I loved hearing that your son helped get you into blogging, that's beautiful. I started blogging in Nov. or Dec. of 2007 (I think). I just started a new blog to try and separate all of my jumbled up stuff. Blogging has helped heal me and maybe even saved me, yes, I believe it did. A blogging friend of a blogging friend began to follow my struggles on my stardustmoonbeams blog and left me a comment to read a book titled THE SHACK. I'd heard that EVERYONE was reading it and although I didn't know what it was about, I decided not to read the trendy books anymore. Recently my best friend (IRL) mentioned it and I knew she was the messenger, but I still didn't know what the book was about. I picked it up in Walmart when I was getting a prescription filled and thought I'd read it after my surgery. It has totally changed my life and healed me in ways I've tried almost my whole life to do, but failed miserably. After I finished that book, I sobbed and cried for all of the lost years, for not trusting God, for all of the things that happened to me as a child, and for all of the things I've done that have hurt the people I love and myself even if I didn't do them on purpose or know why I did them. Blogging was there for me after I got in my car and drove it into a tree and lived (I've never shared that before). The loving people such as yourself helped me want to live and now want to thrive and touch others. I will surely be coming back to visit you. Sorry I showed up late for the party, but I'm so glad to have met you. Everything happens for a reason? Have a great weekend!

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  36. The Stylish HouseMay 3, 2009 at 11:38 PM

    Sally,
    Congrats on your award, you deserve it! I appreciate your attitude about comments. I have not blogged for very long, but I also like to get to know the other bloggers. ~Cathy~

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  37. Joy JonesMay 4, 2009 at 10:45 AM

    Hello Sally! I so agree with your comment about "comments"! I wanted to stop by and thank you for participating in the Beautiful Blogging Party!! I hope you enjoyed the event and also enjoyed meetings lots of new bloggers. Have a beautiful week ~ Joy

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  38. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageMay 4, 2009 at 7:37 PM

    Hi Sally,
    You're so right about leaving comments! BTW, I left one on your AM post after I got up this morning. When I entered Mr. Linky last night for Blue Monday, it was after 1:00 AM and I was getting pretty weary. Better late than never, right? Congratulations on your awards; you deserve them!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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Comments make me happy! I enjoy reading what you have to say. Please come back often and comment some more!

Sally