Bloggin' 'bout Books: 02/21/10

2026 Literary Escapes Challenge

- Alabama

- Alaska

- Arizona

- Arkansas

- ~~California~~ (4)

- Colorado

- ~~Connecticut~~ (1)

- Delaware

- Florida

- ~~Georgia~~ (1)

- Hawaii

- Idaho

- ~~Illinois~~ (1)

- ~~Indiana~~ (1)

- ~~Iowa~~ (1)

- Kansas

- ~~Kentucky~~ (1)

- Louisiana

- ~~Maine~~ (2)

- ~~Maryland~~ (1)

- Massachusetts

- ~~Michigan~~ (2)

- ~~Minnesota~~ (2)

- Mississippi

- Missouri

- Montana

- Nebraska

- Nevada

- New Hampshire

- New Jersey

- New Mexico

- ~~New York~~ (2)

- North Carolina

- North Dakota

- ~~Ohio~~ (2)

- Oklahoma

- ~~Oregon~~ (1)

- Pennsylvania

- ~~Rhode Island~~ (1)

- South Carolina

- ~~South Dakota~~ (1)

- Tennessee

- ~~Texas~~ (1)

- ~~Utah~~ (1)

- ~~Vermont~~ (1)

- ~~Virginia~~ (1)

- Washington

- West Virginia

- Wisconsin

- Wyoming

- Washington, D.C.*

International:

- England (6)

- Ireland (1)

-Scotland (1)

Sticking My Neck Out

1:00 AM

Wow, February's just about over. I can't believe it. So much has been going on that I've barely had time to breathe. I did somehow find time to read 7 books, so I guess I haven't been that busy. Since I may be MIA for the next week or so due to family stuff and my thyroidectomy, I thought I should catch up on a few (actually, a lot of things) here on BBB. Let the randomness begin ...

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First off, I have some winners to announce:

Jessy won a copy of Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison

Kelly and Jennii both won copies of Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison

Jenna and Sarah won signed bookmarks

Congratulations, ladies! If you will email me (blogginboutbooksATgmailDOTcom), I'll get your books out as soon as I can. Thanks to everyone for entering the giveaway.

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I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to attend BEA this year. I really want to go, but with all the money it's going to cost and all the time away from my family, I just don't know ... Neither my husband nor I have ever visited NYC, so I'm going to be dragging him along. Every time I ask him, "Sooo, you really want to go to New York?" he answers, "How many times do I have to say yes?" So, yeah, I think I'll be there. Who else is going? Anyone want to give a newbie some advice?

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I'm already registered for LDS Storymakers in April. I'm excited about attending. There's still time to join me - you can get more information and sign up here. If you are attending, you might want to check this out. I'd love to meet all you Utah bloggers and writers - shoot me an email if you want to get together.

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I've received a couple of blog awards in the last month or so that I haven't acknowledged yet. Sorry about that. Thanks to Jody and Rae over at With A Good Book for the Blog Monster Award and for the other person who gave me one (I'm so, so sorry, but I can't remember who it was). I appreciate the awards and kind words.

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The talented Jeri Huish has been busy desiging buttons for me, so I can debut some new features. I've already talked about Baby Steps to Understanding. The other buttons will identify:

Arizona Authors (writers who currently live in my state):

LDS Authors (writers who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whether their books are geared toward LDS readers or general audiences):

Stories for A Sunday (books that are not necessarily religious in nature, but that are gentle, inspirational, faith-promoting or otherwise appropriate for Sabbath Day reading):

Clicking on the buttons will take you to databases on my supplemental book blog, More Bloggin' 'bout Books, where you can see all my reviews in the categories listed above. I'm still in the process of creating them, so be patient with my works-in-progress.

Be sure to stop by Jeri's website. She's a talented photographer and graphic designer. She's responsible for the design on my blog as well as all the buttons. Her prices are very reasonable - check her out!

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I don't usually review non-bookish items on this blog, but when Sarah from LuShae Jewelry offered to send me a piece of jewelry to review, I couldn't pass up the offer. Usually the only accessory I utilize while reading is a soft blanket, but why not some bling, too?

Sarah offered me my choice of pieces. This pendant caught my eye because of its simple beauty and because I wear lots of brown. It's a white gold rhodium drop pendant featuring a multi-faceted brown topaz briolette in silvertone. Pretty, no? Although the company is based in Australia, jewelry is shipped from its warehouse in Brea, California. I literally had my pendant within three days of ordering. It's a lovely piece - eye-catching, but not overwhelming. It goes with everything and I absolutely love it.

Be sure to check out all the loveliness at LuShae Jewelry. The company offers pendants, rings and earrings. Also, find out how you can win jewelry, here.

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Speaking of my neck, I check into the hospital on Tuesday for my thyroid procedure. Hopefully, it will go smoothly and I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone. I will be checking my email, but may not be able to get back to you right away. Thanks for your patience.

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Have a great week. Happy reading!