Blogiversary - 20 years!

It all began in 2006. 

Never in a million years would I have guessed I would still be blogging TWENTY years after I first pressed Publish on my review for Barbara Kingsolver's Small Wonder. I'd been keeping a book journal since 1996, and after seeing a few friends create their reading blogs, I decided to give it a try. There have been a few years in which I took a break, but for the most part, blogging has been a part of my routine for two decades.

We lived in Lincoln, Nebraska when I started blogging. I was working at my dream job at Barnes & Noble. Now we live on the Oregon coast, happily retired and enjoying life (and not setting an alarm clock for 5 a.m., or anytime, for that matter!).

I'm so grateful to all of you, some of whom I've known since those early days, and some who are new this past year. I've also met a few of you in person, and am happy to call you dear friends. I love following your blogs, getting ideas on what to read (or watch), and sharing your joys and sorrows. 

I miss all those friends who have either stopped blogging for one reason or another, or who have passed away. Every now and then, when I look at a book review from years past, I enjoy reading the comments, remembering those who used to be a part of this special group of friends. 

I've posted various blogiversary thoughts over the years. Here are links to some, if you're interested:

Sixth Year Blogiversary

Seven Year Blogiversary (kind comments when I announced I was quitting)

Eighth Year Blogiversary (50 favorite books)

Tenth Year Blogiversary (history and some stats)

Thirteenth Blogiversary (retired life!)

Blogiversary!

These anniversaries seem to come much more quickly than in years past! Time flies even when you're retired.

2006 seems like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? When I began this blog, I never would've imagined I'd still be sharing my thoughts and photos with all of you for 13 years, but here I am! Now that we're settled into our retired life and daily routines, I have found my blogging groove and am enjoying it more than ever. My book reviews aren't nearly as detailed as in the early days, but I still like keeping track of what I've read and sharing my reactions to those books with anyone who's interested. I also enjoy blogging about new recipes that I've discovered either on the Internet or from the dozens of cookbooks I've accumulated over the years. I think one of the most fun things for me now, though, is posting all sorts of photo essays from our adventures in our RV. We have such fun exploring this country in our home on wheels. I've already met up with three blogmates since our move to Oregon and I hope to meet more of you in future travels. Thank you all for your continued readership, but most importantly I wish to thank you for your friendship and the conversations we share here in this little part of the blogosphere. I appreciate each and every one of you who stop by, whether you leave a comment or simply take the time to read my words.

For previous Blogiversary posts, click here. 

Blogiversary

Thanks to my blogging friend Andi, I was reminded of my own blogiversary which was last week (February 13th). I have been writing about my favorite (and not so favorite) books for 11 years! Every so often I decide to close up shop and put this blog to rest, but I can never stay away for very long, so I hope to continue with this little community of mine for many more years. Thank you all for visiting and leaving comments. I love hearing from each and every one of you.

For past blogiversary posts, click here.

Blogiversary!

They say time passes more quickly the older you are. I don't really feel any older, but more and more, time seems to be flying by far too fast! The other day I had to confirm my age on a document. I was certain someone had made a mistake, if only by one year, but no. After a quick calculation, I realized I was wrong and not the document.

It doesn't seem like yesterday that I sat down and started writing about the books I'd been reading (back when this was called Lesley's Book Nook, with its dull brown template), but I can hardly believe it's been 10 years! I've taken a few breaks (some very brief and a couple for several months), but I always come back, eager to talk about the books I've read, sharing a favorite passage or two, in addition to photos of my travels, near and far. I love the conversations we have in the comment section and it is you, my dear friends, that keep me coming back to this place; a place that has been such a big part of my life for the past decade. I could easily keep track of all the books I've read in a notebook, or on Goodreads, or not at all, but what fun is that? I love to talk about books and I love to hear about what you've been reading. So, thank you. Thank you for making this all worthwhile. And, most importantly, thank you for your friendship.

For those of you who enjoy stats, here are a few of mine from the past 10 years:

Posts: 1,214
Comments: 13,225
Page Views All Time History: 286,408
Highest Page View Post: Cowboy Lasagna (Trisha Yearwood) 18,904 views (go figure!)

For more Blogiversary posts (and shout-outs to some of my favorite bloggers), go here.

Blogiversary!

Vilma Reading a Book, 1912

Tavik Frantisek Simon

Today marks the 8th anniversary of Prairie Horizons (previously known as Lesley's Book Nook). On previous anniversaries, I talked about this wonderful community of book bloggers and how much I value my friendships with each and every one of you. I also talked about the books I've read over the years and offered gift cards to show my appreciation for your loyal readership. This year I was going to list my favorite book for each year of blogging, but as I looked back over my Top Ten lists, I realized that there is no way I can narrow that selection down to merely eight titles. Honestly! Could you?!

So, instead of giving you less than a dozen of my favorite titles, you're going to get a whopping 50. That's right. 50 of my favorite books read in 8 years. How's that for a recommendation list? ;) In no particular order, here they are:

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

The Exact Same Moon: Fifty Acres and a Family by Jeanne Laskas

Oh My Stars by Lorna Landvik

Dispatches From the Edge by Anderson Cooper

Lottery by Patricia Wood

Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos

In the Woods by Tana French

The Likeness by Tana French

The Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger

The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister (print & audio)

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

The Help by Kathryn Stockett (print & audio)

Mudbound by Hilary Jordan

Lift by Kelly Corrigan

Every Last One by Anna Quindlen 

Faithful Place by Tana French

World Without End by Ken Follett (audio)

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski (audio)

Room by Emma Donoghue

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

Stiltsville by Susanna Daniel

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (audio)

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (audio)

Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante

The Arrivals by Meg Mitchell Moore

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield (audio)

Gone by Mo Hayder

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Little Princes by Conor Grennan (audio)

Paris in Love by Eloisa James

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (audio)

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (audio)

The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus by Sonya Sones

Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan

Broken Harbor by Tana French

The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin (audio)

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Replay by Ken Grimwood

As usual, you can find my reviews by clicking on the links.

These are all amazing books, my friends. Some are very well-known and popular, but there are quite a few hidden gems that I hope you take time to read. Thank you all for your recommendations. Without you, I may never have discovered these fantastic books.

I'd also like to say thank you to all the remarkable authors who have taken the time to either send me private emails or leave comments on my posts. It's always a thrill to hear from an writer and even more so to have an exchange of messages over the years. Each and every one of you in the above list have left an indelible mark on my soul through your writing and I am so thankful for your talent, your wisdom, and your dedication to your craft.

I typically read 50 books a years, so maybe I should take a year off from all the new releases and re-read each of these books. I would certainly be guaranteed a year of fabulous reading, wouldn't I? Not to mention a year off from reviewing. ;)

7 Years!

I'm amazed that it's been seven years since I created this blog! And as most of you know, I have had my share of doubts, wondering if it's worth continuing. After my recent departure, I received some lovely comments and emails, which made me realize how much I truly enjoy this community of book lovers. Kind words such as these from Gerda in Holland:

I have never responded to anything, but I do read all your posts. So glad you decided to come back even in a different form. I live in the Netherlands and love your blog. Do it anyway you want to, but please, keep coming back, because reading your posts is big fun.
All the best!

and Lee:

I have been reading your book recommendations for close to 15 years now. Don't know what I would have done without them... 

and Deb:

Oh dear. I love to read your reviews (do you know how many books I've read because of you, Les?!)

and Anne:

I'm so bummed you are signing off! I have gotten many good book recs from your blog. I hope you will leave it online anyway as a reference of your past reads.

and Mary:

I've read so many book you have recommended, I've cried with you on sad anniversaries, and laughed with you at celebrations. 

and Janet:

I will miss your reviews, which have led me to some great reads and steered me clear of some not-so-great ones, as well as increasing the size of my to-be-read list.

Most of all, though, I'll miss the glimpses into your life through your photos and travel adventures. 

and Bill:

I'm sorry to hear that, Lesley. You were my #1 source for book purchase ideas for the Palmyra Library.

I had no idea! Each and every friendship I've discovered through this blogging world has enriched my life and brought me great joy and comfort throughout the years.

So, will I be here in another seven years? Probably! :) 

Thank you all for making it worthwhile.

6 Years!

Good friends
and
good books --
things
we want to
hang on to
forever.

Last Wednesday marked the 6th anniversary of Lesley’s Book Nook (now known as Prairie Horizons).

Really? Six years?!

When I first started blogging about books, I never imagined I'd stick with it for all these years. I have two other blogs that I no longer post to and my poor, pathetic cooking blog that is rarely ever added to. (And which is in desperate need of a makeover with all new photos!) Over the years I grew weary of the pressure to write reviews and got bored with my template, often considering ditching the whole thing for more time to read, but I could never bring myself to say goodbye to all the great friends I’ve made over the years. Andi, Heather, Nat and Nancy, you guys are probably the bloggers I’ve known the longest. We met on a couple of Yahoo sites prior to blogging and I think it was Andi who convinced me to give it a try. Since then, I’ve seen other online friends join in on the book chatter (Nan & Kay) and while some have left for good (if you’re reading this, please know that I miss your posts*), others have quit and returned (much to the joy of this reader). Many of you are like sisters to me (Bellezza, Wendy, Joy and SuziQ) and I hope we get a chance to meet some day. Some of you share my enthusiasm for travel (Stephanie & Iliana), cooking & photography (Pam), and many others are simply faithful readers, virtual friends with whom it's a pleasure to stay in touch, discussing whatever arises (Staci, JoAnn, Kelly and Kathy). And then there are bloggers whom I’ve recently met (Linda & Trish) who feel like kindred spirits. You all enrich my life every single day. What a great community of which to be a part! Why in the world would I want to leave? Especially now that I’ve found my blogging mojo with this new template and discovered how easy it is to change up my header and sidebar. Life in the blogosphere is very good.

Getting nostalgic as I started to compose this post, I glanced back on my previous blogiversary posts (somehow, I missed the 5th!) and thought it might be fun to repost a little bit from each.


Year One:

Today marks the one-year anniversary of this blog. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown since I first posted my review for Barbara Kingsolver's Small Wonder.

It's been quite a year of emotional healing. I owe a lot to all my new friends who share my joy of reading (and kitties, inclement weather, cooking, gardening and random musings). I love reading all your comments and visiting your blogs.

I'm thankful for the warmth of friendship I've discovered within the blogging community and treasure each and every one of you. I look forward to many more years of writing and fellowship.


Year Two:

It’s important to have a sense of place. To feel that you belong somewhere, to feel committed. For some people, place begins with another person and everything – from friends to the Japanese maple in the yard – grows from that. But sometimes, it works the other way. You find a place where you belong. And the people find you. Gathering mussels, picking beans, eating blackberry pie. (author unknown)

During the past two years, I have found a place where I belong. I love sharing my thoughts about the books I've read, the places I've visited, the beauty in nature, and the new music I've discovered. And, I've discovered so many new authors and books thanks to all of you fabulous bloggers. My life is richer since I began blogging and I've met so many intelligent, funny, and kind new friends. I simply can't imagine ever giving this up! So here's to many, many more years of friendship and books.


Year Three:

Blogging has been such a rewarding experience and, although there have been times when I've felt too busy to post, I can't imagine my life without my blog and blogmates. Thank you all for helping to enrich my life. I've enjoyed each and every enthusiastic comment, felt each tender virtual hug in times of need, and am grateful for every one of you.


Year Four:

I've been busy catching up on my book reviews and just realized that my blogiversary came and went (yesterday). Have I really been blogging for four years?? I had to double-check to be sure. The time has certainly flown by! I want to thank each and every one of you who take the time to stop by and read my reviews, leave comments, and hang in there when I get quiet.


Keeping with the tradition of blogiversary give-aways and as a thank you for your loyal readership and comments, I would like to offer a gift of appreciation. Leave a comment between now and February 29th, indicating you’d like to be included (you must include your email address), and I’ll draw a winning name to receive a box of a dozen gently used books (including one audiobook) from my shelves. Due to the size and weight of the box, I will have to restrict this give-away to the U.S.

Human beings are meant to connect.
Laughter and good wishes
are an appropriate response to new adventures,
and gratitude for what has been
often walks hand in hand
with joy in new possibilities.
Whether it’s a traditional house-warming
or a modern blog-warming,
the point is the same:
life is better in community.
~ Linda, at The Task at Hand

* the other Lesley, Marcia, Robin

Blogiversary Winners!!

No, I didn't forget. I simply haven't had time to announce the winners of my blogiversary giveaway. Thank you all for being patient with me. And now to the winners' circle...

Lee wins a copy of Mudbound by Hillary Jordan!!

Melanie wins a copy of The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn.

Tara wins a copy of Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg.

Sara wins a copy of Saving CeeCee Honeycut by Beth Hoffman.

I will get in touch with the four of you later this evening to confirm your mailing addresses. Melanie, I need your email address!

Congrats to all of you. I hope you enjoy the books!

4 Year Blogiversary!

I've been busy catching up on my book reviews and just realized that my blogiversary came and went (yesterday). Have I really been blogging for four years?? I had to double-check to be sure. The time has certainly flown by! I want to thank each and every one of you who take the time to stop by and read my reviews, leave comments, and hang in there when I get quiet. To show my appreciation, I'd like to offer a book to four (yes, you read that correctly!) visitors. Just leave me a comment with the title of a book I've reviewed here on my blog. I'll draw four names on March 1st and send you that very book! Be sure to include your email address so I can get in touch with you, should you be one of the lucky winners.

Blogiversary!

Yesterday marked the third anniversary of Lesley's Book Nook!

3 years

480 posts

180 book reviews

114,691 hits

2 spin-off blogs (cooking and photography)

Countless new friendships

Blogging has been such a rewarding experience and, although there have been times when I've felt too busy to post, I can't imagine my life without my blog and blogmates. Thank you all for helping to enrich my life. I've enjoyed each and every enthusiastic comment, felt each tender virtual hug in times of need, and am grateful for every one of you.

Good friends
and
good books ~
things
we want to
hang on to
forever.

If someone said to me,
how did you spend your life?
I'd have to say,
lying on the sofa reading.
~Fran Lebowitz

I still find each day too short for
all the thoughts I want to think,
all the walks I want to take,
all the books I want to read,
and all the friends I want to see.
~ John Burroughs

Two Year Blog Anniversary

And the lucky winner is... JACKIE!!!! Please send me your mailing address (via my email that is listed in my Blogger profile) and I'll get your Barnes & Noble gift card in the mail tomorrow. Congratulations and thank you for visiting my blog!

It’s important to have a sense of place. To feel that you belong somewhere, to feel committed. For some people, place begins with another person and everything – from friends to the Japanese maple in the yard – grows from that. But sometimes, it works the other way. You find a place where you belong. And the people find you. Gathering mussels, picking beans, eating blackberry pie. (author unknown)

During the past two years, I have found a place where I belong. I love sharing my thoughts about the books I've read, the places I've visited, the beauty in nature, and the new music I've discovered. And, I've discovered so many new authors and books thanks to all of you fabulous bloggers. My life is richer since I began blogging and I've met so many intelligent, funny, and kind new friends. I simply can't imagine ever giving this up! So here's to many, many more years of friendship and books.

As a big thank you for your loyal readership and comments, I would like to offer a gift of appreciation. Leave a comment between now and Sunday night and I'll have my husband draw names from a hat. The winner will receive a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Good friends
and
good books --
things
we want to
hang on to
forever.

Happy Anniversary!

Today marks the one-year anniversary of this blog. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown since I first posted my review for Barbara Kingsolver's Small Wonder.

It's been quite a year of emotional healing. I owe a lot to all my new friends who share my joy of reading (and kitties, inclement weather, cooking, gardening and random musings). I love reading all your comments and visiting your blogs.

I'm thankful for the warmth of friendship I've discovered within the blogging community and treasure each and every one of you. I look forward to many more years of writing and fellowship.

Cheers!