One Year To The Day.

Thursday, Aug 6, 2009

One Year To The Day.

I Can Hardly Believe It’s True…

One Year Ago Today, My Life As A Blogger Began!

Lisa never told me a year ago that within 365 days I would have:

A website with 578 Posts on 15 Pages

3698 Tags to those Posts within 6 Categories

5,891 Comments on those Posts (my favorite stat!)

Received 20 Awards from my fellow bloggers

165 Links to other blogs/websites

Written 20 polls in which 1,139 votes were cast

Reviewed over 150 books

Completed 4 reading challenges

Wrote 32 news articles

Ranted and raved in 82 Entertainment Posts

Exposed my soul in 176 articles

and

HAD 172,915 VISITORS!

I never imagined that I would have ever experienced any of these amazing things nor that I would call myself a “Blogger” today. But, alas, I AM! I love my blog and the outlet it has given me in one of the darkest periods in my life. It has been my TOTAL passion! I love writing about my experiences with books, movies, television, news and my personal zoo (aka “The Menagerie”).

Something that I’m equally grateful for is YOU! I have over 200 blogs on my Google Reader that I, in fact, keep up with. I love your blogs, reading your reviews, seeing pictures of your families, and overall just getting to know you. There are some of you who I truly consider my friends!

I wanted to give a special shout-out to my biggest commentors:

Kathy (Bermudaonion’s Weblog) – 217

Alyce (At Home With Books) – 154

Shana (Literarily) – 131

Anna (Diary of an Eccentric) – 123

Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) – 102

Lisa (Books On The Brain) – 98

Darlene (Peeking Between The Pages) – 94

What has been even more unreal is some of the generosity of the comments that I’ve received from you all! Because of you, I was:

* Able to help increase prayers for Lainey Grace’s cancer

* Reassured that I was a good person, just the way I am today

* Given tons of laughs and smiles on your comments on my television review posts (mostly on The Bachelor/Bachelorette posts!)

* Able to start a small bookmarks business with my girls

* Encouraged to keep writing because I might have some talent in there!

* Not feeling so alone in this world!

* Able to keep on writing and feel a sense of joy and pride for this blog

THANK YOU… TO MY NEW READERS & YEAR-OLD READERS!

THANK YOU!

To thank you all for what you’ve meant to me, I’m hosting a BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY! I’m giving away a copy of some of my favorite books in the past year that I would have never read if I hadn’t become a blogger:

This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper

Snow Flower & The Secret Fan by Lisa See

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

TO ENTER:

* The contest is open for the entire month of August!

* You can stop by and enter as many times as you like. Every comment is an entry!

* If you just want to win one or two books out of the bunch… that’s fine. I’ll give away the others to another winner.

* If you’d rather have a $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com… you can choose that option!

* Contest is open to US & Canada, only, unfortunately due to shipping costs. However, if you want to enter and your international, if you win, I can substitute it for an Amazon.Com electronic gift certificate in the amount of $25.

GOOD LUCK!

76 Comments

| Posted in Contests

76 Responses

Trin

August 7th, 2009 at 12:13 am

Congratulations Sheri! I love your site and I hope to see many more.
.-= Trin´s last blog ..A Romantic Contest =-.
Mary

August 7th, 2009 at 3:45 am

Happy Blogiversary, Sheri! I always enjoy reading your reviews, etc. Here’s to another great year!!
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Welcome – Terry Kate from Romance In The Backseat =-.
Pam Rivera

August 7th, 2009 at 5:16 am

Happy Blogoversary! Great collection of books there! I loved Snowflower and Life of Pi. Haven’t read the other 2 yet!
Literate Housewife

August 7th, 2009 at 5:42 am

Congratulations!!!! You have certainly done so much with your first year. I can’t wait to take part in your second year.

I’ll be thinking about you today. It’s almost better than a birthday, isn’t it?
.-= Literate Housewife´s last blog ..#186 ~ The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo =-.
drey

August 7th, 2009 at 5:48 am

Happy Blogiversary, Sheri!! And here’s to many many more!
.-= drey´s last blog ..Giveaway: How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holquist… =-.
Amanda

August 7th, 2009 at 5:51 am

Happy Blogiversary! No need to enter me into the contest. Keep up the great blogging!
Kathy

August 7th, 2009 at 5:52 am

Happy Blogiversary! I can’t believe you’ve only been doing this for a year because you are such a pro! I’m in awe of you and your lovely blog! I hope to be reading A Novel Menagerie for years to come!
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Literary Road Trip with Elise Blackwell =-.
Jenny

August 7th, 2009 at 6:04 am

Congratulations on your blogoversary!!
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Booking Through Thursday =-.
Rebecca Cox

August 7th, 2009 at 6:10 am

Congratulations! I love your blog and read it almost every day. It is in my top 5 blogs. Keep writing!!!
Heather

August 7th, 2009 at 6:39 am

Congratulations girl!!! I agree with Kathy, I was so surprised that it’s only been a year! Here’s to many more!
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Forgotten Fridy – Drums of Autumn =-.
Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)

August 7th, 2009 at 6:42 am

It seems like it has been more than one year since I’ve know about you and your blog. I’m so glad to be one of the first readers and a dedicated commenter because I’ve watched your blog evolve into its current format and the reviews have improved over time as well.

I would love to be entered in the giveaway for Snow Flower & The Secret Fan by Lisa See! I keep hearing you rave about her writing and I have yet to get ahold of one of her books.

Keep up the great work, and here’s to many more years of blogging.
.-= Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)´s last blog ..Interview With Amanda Grange, Author of Mr. Darcy, Vampyre =-.
Heather J.

August 7th, 2009 at 7:13 am

Congratulations on all that success!!! You’ve done a wonderful job with your blog and I always enjoy reading it.

(No need to enter me, I’ve got enough book waiting to be read as it is!)
.-= Heather J.´s last blog ..Friday Finds 08/07/09 =-.
rhapsodyinbooks

August 7th, 2009 at 7:48 am

Happy Blogoversary! It is hard to believe someone so talented has only been writing posts for a year!

No need to enter me, just wanted to say Congratulations, and may you have many more!!!!
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog ..Review of “No One You Know” by Michelle Richmond =-.
lissa

August 7th, 2009 at 8:04 am

and wow, what stats – when I have one first blogiversary – I did not have that many visitors or comments

congratulation! and I hope many more wonderful posts to come
.-= lissa´s last blog ..Speaking of Love =-.
Softdrink

August 7th, 2009 at 8:10 am

Congratulations to you and your beautiful blog!
.-= Softdrink´s last blog ..Mudbound =-.
Alyce

August 7th, 2009 at 9:07 am

Happy Blogiversary! You’ve done a wonderful job with your blog, and made great contributions to the world of book blogging in just one short year!
.-= Alyce´s last blog ..The White Queen – Giveaway =-.
Jo-Jo

August 7th, 2009 at 9:35 am

Congratulations on your first Blogiversary Sheri! Your blog is just so amazing that it’s hard to believe that you have only been doing this for one year. I wish you many more to come!
.-= Jo-Jo´s last blog ..Friday Finds-Aug. 7 =-.
Wendy

August 7th, 2009 at 10:23 am

Wow, has it only been a year? It feels like you’ve been part of this community forever, Sheri! Congratulations on all those wonderful stats too (look at those visitors!!!!!! Amazing!). No need to enter me in the giveaway I just wanted to stop by and give you a shout-out!
.-= Wendy´s last blog ..Mystery Read-A-Thon THIS WEEKEND! =-.
Sandy

August 7th, 2009 at 10:49 am

Wow! You have it all going on for someone only a year old! I’m impressed! I would love to sign up for This is Where I Leave You…a review just doesn’t get any better than that! Happy Bloggiversary!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Hello Goodbye – Emily Chenoweth =-.
Susan Helene Gottfried

August 7th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

One year? Are you SURE?? You’re a natural, Sheri.

It’s been a pleasure getting to know you this year. I hope it continues and that we’re both at this for a long time.

No need to enter me, as always. I’m dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I’ve got this posted at Win a Book for you.
.-= Susan Helene Gottfried´s last blog ..Blogiversary goodness! =-.
Jessica

August 7th, 2009 at 12:27 pm

Wow congrats on the great blogging. I’m quite pleased as I am getting my first comments and a follower so my blog doesn’t seam so sad and lonely anymore. Maybe a year and I too will have a killer giveaway. jessica(at)fan(dot)com
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Mail and the UPS guy. Part 2 =-.
elizabeth

August 7th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

congrats! that is so inspiring, I recently started my own book blog and it’s so nice to see how kind the world of online book addicts is. I am very happy you have had a rewarding experience and hope you will continue to do so in the future.
Florinda

August 7th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

Happy Blogiversary to you! I’m glad to have gotten to know your blog – and YOU! (SoCal book bloggers totally rock!) I didn’t realize you’d only been at this for a year, though – you’re a natural. Your reviews are informative, your giveaways are generous, and I enjoy your “writing” posts.

I just hope my dog gets more votes if you host the “Beautiful Baby Contest” again next year !
.-= Florinda´s last blog ..TBIF Bonus: The BBAW Meme =-.
Ti

August 7th, 2009 at 2:10 pm

It’s so hard for me to believe that your blog has only been around for one year. I remember when Lisa announced your blog on her blog and that is how I first came to know you but that seems like ages ago.

Well, happy day to you! It’s definitely something to celebrate.
.-= Ti´s last blog ..Friday Finds: Of Bees and Mist =-.
Monica

August 7th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

Happy Blogiversary!! After only 1 year you’ve certainly become popular!! I’ve been blogging since 2001 (albeit not in the same place) and I don’t even have half your # of comments! Congratulations!! What a feat!!
.-= Monica´s last blog ..Book Blogger Appreciation Week & BBAW Meme =-.
Mozi Esmes Mommy

August 7th, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Congrats on all those stats!
.-= Mozi Esmes Mommy´s last blog ..Fashion Friday =-.
amandasue

August 7th, 2009 at 7:35 pm

Congrats on your year, and of course all the other wonderful things that have happended for you on this blog over the last year.
Marie of The Burton Review

August 7th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

SHERI!! AWESOME STATS there.. Totallllly cooool YOU ROCK
Only a year? It seems like you are such a pro that it would have been longer than that. You have a fantastic blog and I love reading it.. and even the posts that I wouldn’t normally read anywhere else, I read yours, because you have such an organziational style that is great. Smooches and hugs to you, Congratulations to my Bestest Best Blogging Buddy 4EVA! =)
.-= Marie of The Burton Review´s last blog ..Book Review/Reaction: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen =-.
Book Buzz « A High and Hidden Place

August 7th, 2009 at 10:05 pm

[...] of giveaways, Sheri at A Novel Menagerie is having a celebration for her one year blogiversary by giving away four books. Congratulations [...]
Amanda

August 7th, 2009 at 10:32 pm

I really enjoy your blog! Keep it up!
Carrie K.

August 7th, 2009 at 10:39 pm

You are so good at this blogging thing I never would have guessed that you only started a year ago! Congratulations on your blog’s anniversary- here’s to many more!
.-= Carrie K.´s last blog ..Favorite graphic novels and memoirs =-.
Menagerie

August 8th, 2009 at 1:34 am

I am overwhelmed by the “BLOGGY LOVE,” guys! Thank you so very much!
WordLily

August 8th, 2009 at 6:10 am

Happy blogiversary! Sounds like it’s been a great year.
.-= WordLily´s last blog ..The Last Ember by Daniel Levin =-.
WordLily

August 8th, 2009 at 6:14 am

Oh, and do you know that your link to Literarily goes to a blank page? Her domain has expired.
.-= WordLily´s last blog ..The Last Ember by Daniel Levin =-.
Robin of My Two Blessings

August 8th, 2009 at 9:04 am

Happy Happy Happy Happy Blogoversary to you!!!!!

Virtual hugs!
.-= Robin of My Two Blessings´s last blog ..U.S. Presidents Reading Project =-.
Menagerie

August 8th, 2009 at 12:41 pm

So sad. I miss Shana!
Llehn

August 8th, 2009 at 7:21 pm

Congrats on ONE WONDERFUL year! Let’s toast to many more years to come!
Bobbie Crawford-McCoy

August 8th, 2009 at 8:15 pm

Congratulations Sher!
What an amazing first year you’ve had! You’re a delightful person to know and you have a really engaging blog that’s always on the edge of what’s going on in the entertainment world.
What a delicious pile of stats; I’m so happy for you!

I’m so glad that we’re all part of the same wonderful group of book bloggers!

((((((HUGS))))) & Happy Blogiversary!

-Bobbie
.-= Bobbie Crawford-McCoy´s last blog ..Poll – Do you like images in posts? =-.
Rebecca

August 8th, 2009 at 11:31 pm

Congratulations, Sheri! I had no idea your blog was only a year old! It is so well-loved and your reviews are so well-written and interesting. I am really happy for you! I can’t believe I have been blogging for 7 months already myself. It has been so wonderful to become a part of the book blogging community, hasn’t it? Really, congrats and here’s to still another year to come!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..TSS: More Book Covers I Love =-.
Sara M

August 9th, 2009 at 7:38 am

Congratulations! I love your blog. Great theme, great writing, lost of honesty in your reviews. Keep it up.
Melissa @ Melissa's Bookshelf

August 10th, 2009 at 3:01 am

Congrats and happy Blogiversary! I can’t believe you’ve only been doing this for a year. I wish you many more happy years of blogging… I love your blog! Thanks for welcoming me into the book-blogging community when I got my start earlier this year
.-= Melissa @ Melissa’s Bookshelf´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon (08.09.09): Short & Sweet =-.
Anna

August 10th, 2009 at 8:22 am

Congrats and happy blogiversary!! I can’t believe it’s only been one year. I love your blog, and I hope you stick around for many more years.
.-= Anna´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday — August 10 =-.
Kelly B

August 10th, 2009 at 10:19 am

Congratulations!!!!! A very happy blogiversary to you! I am absolutely amazed at your blog, and only a year! WOW! You are impressive! I would really love to win Snow Flower & The Secret Fan by Lisa See, but really I have to say that I am so happy for you. Your blog is quite nearly as wonderful as you are (not quite though you are much better), and you rightly deserved each and every award.

Congrats, Sheri!!!!!

PS I wanted to put your button on my blog but there was no linky.
.-= Kelly B´s last blog ..And The Winner Is….. =-.
Darlene

August 10th, 2009 at 1:04 pm

Don’t enter me Sheri. I just wanted to say Happy Blogiversary(sorry I’m late) and I hope there will be many more years. You’re a great person and I love your blog! I’m so happy I met you this past year!
.-= Darlene´s last blog ..Book Review: Scenarios 1: Truth or Dare by Nicole O’Dell =-.
Gaby @ Starting Fresh

August 10th, 2009 at 5:21 pm

Congratulations! I love your blog – hope you have a wonderful year.

gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
.-= Gaby @ Starting Fresh´s last blog ..Book Review: Damas, Dramas and Ana Ruiz: A Quinceanera Club Novel by Belinda Acosta =-.
Julie H.

August 10th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

Congrats on your one year blogiversary!

I’m enjoying catching up on some of your reviews!
Lisa

August 10th, 2009 at 6:42 pm

Congratulations on your blogiversary! I’ve only just started and you’ve really set the bar high for what can be done in one year.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Sunday Salon =-.
nfmgirl

August 10th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

Congratulations on your blogoversary! You’ve been a busy girl!
.-= nfmgirl´s last blog ..Winners! Into the Beautiful North and The Chosen One =-.
Mary D

August 11th, 2009 at 2:02 am

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU While I am pretty new here to your site (very nice btw!), I think that is extremely generous of you to make a giveaway for blogoversary, and thank you for the chance to win a good book or two!
Wishing you MANY more Successful Blogoversaries in the Future ~
Brenda Rupp

August 11th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

I’ve just discovered your site! Enter me in your contest!
Wrighty

August 12th, 2009 at 12:44 am

Happy anniversary! I can’t believe it’s only been a year for you! Your blog has the look and the content of a blog many years older. You’ve accomplished so much and you do an amazing job! You should be very proud and I admire all you’ve done. I started my blog only a few weeks after you did and I haven’t done nearly as much as you have!

Please include me in the giveaway and thanks for all you provide here. Your efforts and hard work shows!
Wrighty

August 12th, 2009 at 12:49 am

Thanks for sharing your beautiful family with us!
.-= Wrighty´s last blog ..Free copies of hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick =-.
Wanda

August 12th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
bcteagirl

August 12th, 2009 at 10:20 pm

Happy anniversary! That is quite an accomplishment in just one year!
Amy

August 13th, 2009 at 1:10 pm

Congratulations Sheri! You’ve reached a wonderful milestone. You have a fantastic blog. I aspire to have my blog half as good as yours!
I’m sorry for not posting sooner to congratulate you. I have difficulty getting onto your blog sometimes. I’m not sure wht that is.

Thank you for hosting another great giveaway!
Amy
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Wonderful World of Books! =-.
Mystica

August 14th, 2009 at 9:56 am

Congratulations and may you go from strength to strength.

Please count me in.

Mystica
.-= Mystica´s last blog ..Work, quilting and friends =-.
Julie H.

August 14th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

I forgot to post that I was impressed with all those stats! The year I got a new washer, I kept track of how many loads I did….love stuff like that!
Trin

August 15th, 2009 at 12:40 am

I always wanted to read I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, I wonder why I didn’t
.-= Trin´s last blog ..Dancing with Ana =-.
Carol M

August 15th, 2009 at 1:13 pm

CONGRATULATIONS! I really like your blog.
mittens0831 At aol.com
nomadreader

August 15th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

I’d love to win an amazon gift certificate! I really enjoy your blog. Congratulations on your blogiversary, and cheers to many more!
Amy

August 17th, 2009 at 4:52 am

Good morning! I wanted to stop by and wish you a Happy Monday! Sometimes it’s hard to get going on Mondays, especially hot, humid, sticky ones like it is here in NY. When it feels that way at 6 a.m. you know it’s going to be a doozy of a day!

Let’s enjoy it anyway! Happy reading!
Amy
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Mad Men Sunday! =-.
etirv

August 18th, 2009 at 10:46 am

Congrats, Sheri! Please count me in!
Libby

August 18th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

Well Happy One Year Blogversary!

Wishing you many more.

libneas[at]aol[dot]com
Amy

August 19th, 2009 at 4:28 am

In re-reading your blog post, I just clued in that you said you have a small bookmark business. Do you have a page I can go to to see the bookmarks? I adore bookmarks not to mention without on I lose my place in the book I’m reading! Please let me know about it when you have a chance!

I hope you have a nice Tuesday, Sheri!
Amy
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Introducing Amy World! =-.
Amy

August 20th, 2009 at 3:06 am

Sheri, I was wondering what’s one of your favorite books? Mine is Crossin to Safety by Wallace Stegner. It’s about 2 couples, their relationships and their friendship, the ups and downs. Both husbands are teachers at a small college and the wife of one becomes ill which adds to the complexities of the relationships. It’s a beautifully written story.

Have very musical Thursday =o)
Amy
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Amy Rants! =-.
Nancye Davis

August 20th, 2009 at 6:08 pm

Happy Blogiversary!!! Congrats on your First Year in the land of blogging!!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis

August 20th, 2009 at 6:09 pm

I love to read! I would be happy with just about any book you send me. One book, 2, 3, 100, it doesn’t matter! Gift cards are nice too!!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Nancye Davis

August 20th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

I would like to win a book!!!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Amy

August 21st, 2009 at 4:44 am

Sheri, thank you for coming by my blog and telling me about some of your favorite books. When I read your response to my question, I was mortified! I asked you about some of your favorite books in a post that is all about, and let me just quote you here for emphasis and (to heighten my well-deserved embarassment) “some of my favorite books in the past year “. I totally experienced a brain fog, clueless moment. Thank you for being so sweet and answering my question so kindly. If I do something like that again, you have my permission to ‘bonk’ me on the head and wake my butt up!!

I’m going to blame my mis-firing synapses on the heat and humidity which has been making me very tired.
Have a great Friday, Sheri!
Amy
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Amy Rants! =-.
Wrighty

August 22nd, 2009 at 12:32 pm

It’s been a crazy summer and no where near as relaxing as I had intended it to be (yeah, right!) and I am so far behind with my comments to other bloggers. Although I’m not here as much as I would like to be lately I LOVE your blog and all of the fun, information, help and support you provide. You were one of the first people I “met” when I started last year and I’m very grateful. Keep doing a wonderful job and thanks for all you do! You rock!
Sharon Walling

August 22nd, 2009 at 6:53 pm

Congratulations on your 1st anniversary. Many more. Wish you all the best.

I have to mention that my nickname is Sheri. LOL!! Just thought I would share.

I also like the selection for your giveaway!!

sharon54220@gmail.com
Allison

August 24th, 2009 at 11:35 am

Thanks for all your hardwork and generousisty in the pasy year and congratulations on your accomplishments!

Best,
Allison

allygotts567 at hotmail dot come
etirv

August 26th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

Happy Blogiversary again! Love your blog!
Lisa Garrett

August 29th, 2009 at 7:24 am

Happy anniversary!
Book Buzz | Capricious Reader

June 15th, 2010 at 5:08 pm

[...] of giveaways, Sheri at A Novel Menagerie is having a celebration for her one year blogiversary by giving away four books. Congratulations [...]
Shelby Bodwell

April 25th, 2011 at 7:24 pm

Don’t let people tell you that you can’t write, you are awesome. Thanks!