Follow Friday! and Book Blogger Hop

Welcome to Curling Up By The Fire!! 

I am participating in Follow Friday, hosted by Parajunkee's View, and The Blog Hop, hosted by Crazy for Books.   Both of these are great ways to discover new blogs, do the social network thing, take a look at some of the fantastic things that are happening in the book blogging world, and to discuss one of our favourite topics, BOOKS!

Today's question is:  How long have you been blogging?

I first started my blog at the end of December last year, but really had no idea whatsoever as to what I was doing.  I have been a book reviewer for several years, and just needed another outlook to promote the books, and the authors, and other interesting news in the publishing world, and this looked like such an interesting way to do it.  At first, I don't think I was really serious about it, mainly because I was unsure about how to approach things technically, but as the year progressed, I found I enjoyed it tremendously.  It also renewed my love for writing and I've been seriously considering trying my hand at story-writing again.  Unfortunately, I don't get to spend as much time on my blog as I would like as I have a really demanding job, and two young children.  Reading needs to take a back seat to the 'bread and butter', but I do what I can.  I am also hoping to spread a bit into product reviews as I really enjoy doing that as well.  Hopefully, I will enjoy many future years of book blogging, writing, and reading.



Question #2: Since Thanksgiving is coming up next week, let's use this week's Hop to share what we are most thankful for and what our holiday traditions are!

I am Canadian, so I celebrate Thanksgiving in October, but that doesn't mean I can't share what I am most thankful for.  I am always thankful for my family and friends.  My dad had a terrible year with another bout of cancer, and I am grateful he is still around to celebrate Thanksgiving with us.  My mom had a difficult time trying to take care of my dad, with all of the appointments and chemotherapy sessions, and so on, and I am so glad that is in the past and they can move on and enjoy their cruise in January with peace. 

I am always grateful for my wonderful and amazing hubby and two kiddies, who are the light of my life.  I am on my way home shortly to spend some time with them and have a family evening together, somethin we all enjoy very much.  I am also grateful for the successes I have had this past year, including the success of my blog, and to you, my followers, who have made it a success. 

Our typical Thanksgiving tradition is spending the weekend at our trailer (remember we're talking October here), as we spent out last weekend at the park with friends, and then we close up for the season.  We always have a big campfire and get-together on the last night.  It's a lot of fun and we have a fantastic time.  My extended family and I usually get together in the following weeks to celebrate Thanksgiving with some home-cooked meals, usually at our house.  It's fun, simple, and relaxing.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the United States!