Tuesday, May 4, 2021

It's My TEN Year Anniversary! Let's Party With a Giveaway!


Can you believe it? TEN years ago today, I started this blog when the Six LDS Writers and a Frog blog ended after five years. I've been blogging for fifteen years! Time has flown by.

To celebrate I'm going to be having a party for the rest of the month! I have some amazing prizes by award-winning authors, gift cards, swag bags, and there will be party games and scavenger hunts, it is going to be so fun! I hope you'll join me.

For the first party game, I want to talk to you about FIRSTS.

Here is my very first blog post on the LDS WriterMom blog, May 4, 2011:


 Getting Started

I'm so excited. And also a little nervous. I've been a part of the Six LDS Writers and a frog blog for five years and I've often thought about having my own blog as well, and here we are. It's sort of like moving away from home for the first time. Remember that? The tears at saying goodbye to mom, looking at her waving in the front yard as you drove away, then the smile as you walked into your own apartment for the first time, and the frown when you looked into the empty fridge. Did you ever wonder how many days you could live on Ramen noodles or counted out pennies at the grocery store till? (Not that I did that. Noooo.)

Anyway, this blog will be talking about things I've learned as a writer, a mom, and a few thoughts of a spiritual nature every now and then. I want to post writing tips, tell you about the new writing journey I'm on, and review some fiction that I'm reading. (Because everyone knows a good writer is also a good reader.) I hope you'll stop back often and leave a comment.

This is going to be fun. 


So, in the comments, I'd like you to tell me about a "first" in your life. Your first book, first pet, first love, first date, first kiss, first day at school, first celebrity crush, any first. And anyone who comments will be entered in the FIRST drawing for a $5 Amazon gift card!

Happy Blogaversary! Thank you for being here! 

99 comments:

Rachel Williamson DeVaughn said...

my first “adult” concert was Clay Aiken from american idol. i was soooooo excited!!

Emily M said...

My first pet was my brother's Chickie, Henry.

Karen said...

My first concert was the TRL Tour. I can say that I’ve seen Destiny’s Child in person! Lol

Emily M said...

Chorkie!

Kambria said...

The first time I became an aunt! I remember my brother brought me a gift and it was a t-shirt that said "Best Aunt Ever"

stitcher said...

My first grandchild was born and I didn’t get to see her in person for a few months. It was very hard and I was so jealous of the other grandmother who lived close by.

NaDell said...

First concert was Barry Manilow. My mom won tickets from the radio station and I went with her. I was 14. The music was fun, but not what I was used to listening to.

Laura Waltz said...

I just got my first pedicure yesterday as a gift! Happy Blogaversary!

LLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com

Getting Your Read On said...

My first car was a red Ford Escort. Stick shift. I loved it.

Bernice Kennedy said...

My first car was a 2-door Gold colored 1969 Mercury Montego. It was a tank but I loved it!

Becky J. said...

My very first crush was in kindergarten on red headed twin boys. I wasn't picky, I liked them both, and chased them around the playground incessantly. I thought it was only fitting, then, when I ended up with a red-headed daughter for my first born. I've always had a thing for redheads in my life. Anne of Green Gables was the first novel I ever truly loved, too.

Tammi said...

My husband and i adopted 2 of our grandkids 20 years after our kids were gone

Hawkp13@gmail.com said...

My first grandchild is the Apple of my eye.😍

Heidi Reads... said...

My first child! After all we'd been through with the adoption process, I couldn't believe they let us walk out of the hospital with her. It was wonderfully surreal. And of course I burst into tears as soon as we drove away.

Jon Spell said...

My first kiss was ... unexpected. Halfway through 9th grade, my best friend, Robert, had the last dance with this girl (Jen) and they seemed to be an item, but the next day, he told her she wasn't interested.

She and I were friends already - I'd been helping her with geometry. So I told her that if it wasn't working out for them, I'd go out with her. Very generous of me, eh? Well, four of us - the girl, the best friend, another friend (Gary) and me - were randomly wandering the halls of school waiting for the late bus. Completely out of the blue, she put her arms around me and planted one on my lips! The funny thing I remember is our other 2 friends making comments as they left the room.

Lisa Stillman said...

My first (and sadly only) successful pregnancy ended up being twin girls! I have to admit that the first couple of years are kind of a blur.

Trudy's Treasures said...

My first date was when I was 18. I was very nervous-and he was also. He was a returned missionary and he took me to a movie. After he paid for the movie tickets, we approached the concession stand. He told me to pick out a couple of things, then he said, "okay now pick out one. " So in other words I could have a drink, or a small popcorn, or candy. I thought that was rather strange. After that we only dated with others in a group. One time as he was taken me home he announced that in a couple of weeks he would be moving out of state to attend a university. He started talking about how he was wondering and praying about whether or not we should get married, so I could move out of state with him. He asked me to pray about it.. ( I didn't even have to -but I did anyway...and felt nothing. He felt the same and moved away and I happily went on with my life..

tutors463 said...

My first concert was Bon Jovi.

Erralee said...

Congrats on 10 Years of blogging! The first chapter book I read was Ramona Quimby Age 8 by Beverly Cleary and still an avid reader.

Lisa And Randy said...

My first car was a brand new Chevrolet Sprint. It was a hatchback. Loved that car.

Christi Flores said...

The first novel I read was Harriet the Spy when I was 6. It had been the one and only book my Dad had ever finished in his life and one trip to the library we checked it out and I devoured it. My dad completely freaked out that I read it as fast and as young as I did, and still to this day tells that story.

Unbeknownst to us, my grandmother had purchased a copy many years ago (first edition too!) because of my dad that we found when she died, and my dad gave to me. It is not in great condition due to the years and mishandling but it is still one of my most prized possessions.

April said...

My first date was a blind date to a high school dance. The guy was very nice.

Linda Marie said...

My first of 3 sons,
I was only 21 years old and a little scared. He is now almost 39😳 and always smiling.

Lori R said...

My first grandchild just turned 5.

Jan Tomalis said...

My first day of kindergarten was in a brand new school built in a field behind our house. Easy to walk to regardless of the weather!

CRYSTAL said...

I have several in my life but a first in my life was meeting the author Maya Angelou who I never thought I'd meet. It's partly because of her I tried to start writing for fun another first in my life because she always stressed to the people she spoke to NEVER GIVE UP.

Kari Lorraine said...

I remember being able to have my first birthday party when I was 7 and I was able to invite all my cousins and relatives, plus I got to have two friends stay the night for a slumber party. I didn't think it could get better than that.

Rachel T. T. said...

My first celebrity crush was Roy Rogers (1911-1989.) It was hard because I knew O would never meet him. But the legacy he lefted behind is a testimony to the impact he had on millions of people around the world.

Antoinette M said...

My first pet was a deaf white cat. She was the sweetest cat!

Rochelle said...

I drove one of those too!!

Beyond Comps said...

My first pet was a Cocker Spaniel called "Pilot" who was speckled black and white. He was actually "Pilot" the 3rd as mum had two previously.

hotcha1 said...

IT'S BEEN OVER 60 YEARS AND I DON'T REMEMBER NOW! LOL

April said...

My first nephew will be 22 this year. It seems crazy.

Unknown said...

My first day of virtual school, my sisters were being so loud during the first class that I couldn't hear a single thing, my second teacher forgot she had a class to teach(I don't even know how that could've happened!), and my third teacher tried to make us all talk to each other except we all just sat there and stayed on mute. ToT

Jennsenmom said...

My first grand child a granddaughter. My daughter was at my house when we were certain it was for "real."

Lori Smanski said...

Congratulations. I have had a lot of firsts in my life. I was the first born of five children. My first pet that was all mine was a Shorthorn heifer. I put her into 4-H. I could sleep against her side or read against her side and she wouldn't move a muscle until I did. "We" would read together almost every day. I took her to a number of shows. One of the big ones was a three state competition. CA AZ NV Burgandy Rose and I walked away with that trophy. At one fair, I fell asleep against her side. My three brothers where all happy to give a lot of information to a reporter. We had our picture in the papers with our names and some info.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

miki said...

my first gift from a boy was a white rose

Crazyaboutbooks said...

My first job was at a an outdoor fast food ace where we made gigantic ice cream cones with 12oz. of soft serve ice cream!

Crazyaboutbooks said...

My first job was at a an outdoor fast food ace where we made gigantic ice cream cones with 12oz. of soft serve ice cream!

Elizabeth Robinson said...

My first pet was a Welsh Corgi named Lassie.

Neesie said...

My first pet was a collie mix, brought to our house on Christmas Eve by my parents' friend who was a dog catcher. He knew I wanted a puppy and showed up with Rinnie, complete with a red ribbon around his neck. Mom was not happy, but my brother and I were delighted!

stitcher said...

My first car was a Ford Escort.

Lynette said...

My first pet was a cat named Alex.

Barbara said...

My first day of school was rather embarrassing. I was always called by my nickname (Babs) and never knew my name was Barbara. When the teacher took attendance, she asked for Barbara. Well, that wasn't my name so I didn't respond. I don't remember what happened beyond that as it was over 50 years ago.

Carolyn said...

My first and only love and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary this year!

nicolesender said...

My first pet was a German Shepard named Lady!

Unknown said...

The book Alive during summer my junior year.

mullin77 said...

My first pet was a dog named Skippy, my parents rescued him from the shelter. Cathy Truman

Sarah said...

This is my first time reading your blog! 😁

Karen said...

My first job was in a library. I loved being able to see all the new books coming in, and having so many choices at my fingertips was wonderful. I also loved interacting with the patrons and helping them find good books to read.

Sandra Watts said...

My first car was a Volkswagen Beatle

Kai said...

My first dog was an Australian Shepherd named Huntress.

PC said...

My first album (LP) that I bought with my own allowance was Journey's Greatest Hits.

Stephanie said...

My first pet was a cute Pekingese dog named Rocky.

Amelia said...

I made ice cream from scratch for the first time this week. It was so good!

Catrina P said...

The first concert I attended was Air Supply.

wen budro said...

My first pet was a dog named Duke. He was a good boy.

Insafeharbours said...

My first grandchild was a boy with beautiful big blue eyes. It was love at first sight! He’s 17 now and I have 10 wonderful grandchildren to fill my life with unending joy! ~ Carrie

Eileen L said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Eileen L said...

My most memorable first was our first foster child - Olivia was 4 months old and removed because her mom had a false positive drug test. I had to switch her from breast milk to a bottle. There was a lot of crying and whining from both Olivia and me.
Eileen

My other first is this is my first blog post and I can’t get my name to show!!!

Debbie P. said...

My first celeb crush was Shaun Cassidy. He played on the Hardy Boy Mysteries. One summer I read all the Hardy Boy books. I could not get enough teen magazines. I had posters all over my room.

Shelly Peterson said...

My first car was a VW Rabbit.

Natalya Lakhno said...

Hm...my first child was over nine pounds ;)

aprize said...

My first pet was Leo

Debby said...

My first grandson was Kane and now I have two.

susan1215 said...

My first concert was KISS (yes I'm that old). I remember being so excited!!!

bison61 said...

My first big concert was Neil Diamond

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

sunshinehdfan said...

My first dog was a basset hound I got from Santa. It was a great gift. the best.

Kara Marks said...

My first concert was Neil Diamond too!

Alyson said...

The first time I got a cell phone was when I was a sophomore in college.

megana said...

My first celebrity crush..Nick Lashay from the Backstreet Boys! My aunt took me and my cousin when we were six to our first concert and it was them!!!
Happy blogiversary!

Jodi Hunter said...

My first and only love, my incredible, amazing hubby.

Books Looks by Lisa said...

My first cell phone was purchased by my husband after the kids and I traveled 2+hours (one way) to your a cave since we were studying them in our homeschool studies.

Books Looks by Lisa said...

My first cell phone was purchased by my husband after the kids and I traveled 2+hours (one way) to your a cave since we were studying them in our homeschool studies.

Books Looks by Lisa said...

My first cell phone was purchased by my husband after the kids and I traveled 2+hours (one way) to your a cave since we were studying them in our homeschool studies.

tsreitnauer said...

My first pet was a Black Lab mix with a Springer Spaniel. Her name was Shiloh.

Dobie said...

My first pets of my own Two cats that were sisters and born four months apart. Sally Ashes & Bailey Ditty. Bailey Ditty crossed the rainbow bridge in 2019 at age 15 & sally Ashes just turned 17 in March

Amelia said...

My first pet was a golden retriever/black lab mix named Mittens. We grew up together, she was my best friend.

Karen said...

My first day of kindergarten, I wore a gingham blue and white dress with an apple on the front. It was an exciting day starting school!

Mara H. said...

My first grandchild (also grandson) back in 2006. We didn't get to see him until he was a month old and his parents moved back to New Orleans. He was born in Wisconsin because his mother is high risk and after hurricane Katrina we didn't have a lot of specialists in New Orleans for awhile.

Nancy said...

My Hubby of 46 years is connected with so many of my first's in my life. We were married when I was 19, he was 20. We traveled with him being in the military, we have two sons and three grandchildren. I sang for 49 years, mostly at church but a few weddings and other things. I crochet and I designed an angel afghan that I sold. Our song was My love by Macarthy with the Beatles. I could go on. But now I have MS, so I need to treasure all those first on a daily basis. When love is connected to those first's, it's so much more sweeter.

Mandy said...

My first dog was a dog named chewy, very appropriate.

Heather P said...

It was my second semester of college and I was able to get an on campus job working in the computer labs being on site to help with the printer and questions. For my first day I was told to show up in the morning on one of the lesser used labs and my supervisor would meet me there and show me what I needed to know. Ended up snowing that day and on my way down the steps outside my apartment I slipped and hit my tailbone so hard I almost blacked out from the pain. I hobbled back in my apartment to get ibuprofen for the pain and then slowly made it across campus to the lab. Ended up being late, but luckily my supervisor and others weren’t there yet. Hurt to sit for a week!

Heather P said...

It was my second semester of college and I was able to get an on campus job working in the computer labs being on site to help with the printer and questions. For my first day I was told to show up in the morning on one of the lesser used labs and my supervisor would meet me there and show me what I needed to know. Ended up snowing that day and on my way down the steps outside my apartment I slipped and hit my tailbone so hard I almost blacked out from the pain. I hobbled back in my apartment to get ibuprofen for the pain and then slowly made it across campus to the lab. Ended up being late, but luckily my supervisor and others weren’t there yet. Hurt to sit for a week!

Heather P said...

It was my second semester of college and I was able to get an on campus job working in the computer labs being on site to help with the printer and questions. For my first day I was told to show up in the morning on one of the lesser used labs and my supervisor would meet me there and show me what I needed to know. Ended up snowing that day and on my way down the steps outside my apartment I slipped and hit my tailbone so hard I almost blacked out from the pain. I hobbled back in my apartment to get ibuprofen for the pain and then slowly made it across campus to the lab. Ended up being late, but luckily my supervisor and others weren’t there yet. Hurt to sit for a week!

Debbie P. said...

The first pet that I picked out on my own was Lady. She was so small when I brought her home from the Humane Society. I wrapped her in a baby blanket. I took her into the mall where my Mom worked so she could meet her. She stayed a small dog her whole life. She was a great traveler. Such a sweet baby.

Elizabeth said...

I am the oldest child in my family. And on my first day of kindergarten, my sweet dad tried to get on and ride the school bus to school with me :) When he wasn't able to, he drove and met me at school to make sure I'd arrived safely and to wish a great first day! Love my dad!

Julie Carpenter said...

My first time playing the piano to accompany a big name was a musical number at church with Ryan Shupe. He played his fiddle, another girl played her cello and I accompanied them on the piano. It was pretty amazing. I was 21 at the time. We sat in a pew by Ryan every Sunday in sacrament meeting. He and my first born daughter shared fruit snacks. Lol.

Alyson said...

My first boyfriend's name was Brayton, I am really glad that one didn't work out! 😁

Lynette said...

My first pet was a cat named Alex.

Unknown said...

My first crush was a boy named Isaak way back in elementary school :D -Lily

Kari Lorraine said...

The first movie I ever saw in a theater was La Bamba, and I cried at the end. I didn't know the real life story, so I was shocked by the ending.

cmjeppsen said...

My first airplane flight was to San Diego for our 10 year anniversary. We went to Wicked and had a lot of fun!

Sunnymay said...

My first concert was John Denver at the Coliseum. My boyfriend and I got the last two seats but not together. We waved at each other and sat in the same section.

Danielle said...

my first country song i can remember hearing was Reba McEntire and she has been my idol ever sense

Katie W said...

My first airplane ride was a trip to Hawaii at the end of my freshman year in college with a good friend, her friend whom I didn't know well at all, and another acquaintance.

Nelst said...

My first country singer concert will be this summer!

L.C. said...

My first time on an airplane was just a little over a decade + a year ago!

Julie Coulter Bellon said...

I LOVED hearing about all your firsts! First pets, first concerts, first cars, first kisses, first dates. Some of them made me laugh out loud. Thank you all for being so willing to share!