I Know You Want This...

I love my little blog (and my even littler one, Cooking Nick's Books). Not many people read it, and I don't have many followers; I rarely get comments in my comment box. I've never put any ads in my sidebar, and I generate zero income from this hobby of mine. Occasionally I find myself wondering if I shouldn't just quit and find something more useful to do with my time--like folding laundry, vacuuming, or mailing Christmas cards. But I love blogging; it's a way for me to connect with people and share my faith and put some of my thoughts into words. It's my way of journaling, I guess. And when I see that someone in Brazil or somewhere has looked at my post about The Seven Sorrows of Mary, or when someone leaves a comment about how much they like a photo I've taken, I know my time is not wasted. That's why, as a thank-you gift to my readers, I'm offering my copy of Our Lady of Kibeho, signed by Immaculee Ilibagiza.

Lots of other bloggers have giveaways. They're usually the bloggers with LOTS of readers, ads in their sidebars, and sponsors (is that the same thing?) Maybe they're really good at knitting or crafting, and they'll give away something they've made. Many have Etsy shops where they sell their creations. Or, if it's a book that's the prize, it's one they've written, and maybe even self-published. I don't do any of those things, and when I decided to host this giveaway, I think the devil started whispering in my ear, telling me that I'm a fool for doing so. Nobody will enter your stupid drawing; what's the point? And you spent good money on that book; isn't there someone you'd rather give it to than some random person you may never meet? I'll bet you can make some dough if you sell it on ebay. (Heaven forbid. I've bought signed books on ebay before, but I don't think I would EVER sell one.)

Well, this is MY blog, dang it, and if I want to spend a few bucks every year or two for a prize for my fabulous readers, by golly I will. So take a look at my last post, leave a comment, and share it with your friends. (Heck, I'll even take comments on THIS post.) And don't forget to follow my blog if you aren't already! I've got a cute little reindeer mug (actually, it's pretty hefty, more like a tankard) full of green slips of paper, and I'd love to add your name to it. I'll keep the drawing open until midnight on Friday, an announce the winner over the weekend.

Can you tell I took these photos with my phone? I do get lazy on occasion. I know you don't mind, because I'm sure you're all as busy (or busier) than me. So thank you, my friends, for taking time to read my little labor of love. You rock.