Sunlit Pages Turns Two

Last year, I pulled out all the stops to celebrate Sunlit Pages' first birthday. This year, out of necessity, things will be simpler and quieter, but I didn't want the week to go by without at least mentioning the fact that I've been dedicated to my blog for a full two years. I'm patting myself on the back a little because it has been time consuming (and forced me to give up other things), but it's also been very rewarding.

As I end this second year and embark on year number three, I have a few thoughts to share with you all:

First,  I had to laugh when I looked back at the post from last year about my future plans for Sunlit Pages. I've been rather lax, it seems. Take a look:

• Join Twitter. Yes, I joined. And in the last year, I've tweeted 54 times. About once a week. You can tell, I've really caught the vision (haha). I'm still working at it, but if Twitter is your thing, feel free to follow me: @sunlitpages.
• Facebook and Google+. I set up my Facebook page and my Google+ profile . . . and I've done even less with them than with Twitter. You guys, maybe social media just isn't my thing. I keep trying though.
• New look. Sunlit Pages finally got a facelift in January, but it wasn't as complete as I wanted. Still a lot of tweaking to do.
• Learn to use Photoshop. No, not at all. I'm very disappointed in myself.
• Continue reading, writing about, and exploring the world of literature. At least I can answer this one with a resounding YES!!!

In spite of all my failures, Sunlit Pages still had an exciting year. Here are some of the things I DID do:

• Received review copies of several books. There's nothing quite like getting a free book in the mail. I think I was especially excited when Disney-Hyperion contacted me to ask for a review of Quinny & Hopper.  I also loved reviewing Blackmoore, Christmas From Heaven, and Number One Sam. I'm learning how to pace myself so I don't commit to too many reviews at one time. I never want to get so swamped I don't have enough time to read and write about whatever strikes my fancy.
• Wrote my first ever guest post. Last fall, Erica at What Do We Do All Day asked me to write a guest post. She is one of my favorite bloggers, so I was beyond flattered. I wrote about how to help young children love chapter books.
• Started a new series. Last summer, I decided to talk more about ways I was helping my kids develop a love of reading. Thus, the series Raising Readers was born. I try to post on the first Monday of every month.
• Connected with many readers across the country. Thanks for all your comments!

I try to write three posts on this blog each week (ideally on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). This doesn't always happen (as in the month of our move), but overall I've been fairly consistent. So here is a look back at some of my favorite posts over the last year:

Crafty: Art Worth Wearing (a fun project for Father's Day next month!)

Rant: Borrow, But Don't Read (in which I talked about my outrage over a $29.00 library fee--yikes!)

Nostalgic: An Early Christmas Present (My sentimental side took over when I saw that little train.)

Book Review: Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool (This was one of my favorite books last year, and I just re-read it this month and loved it just as much.)

Personal: How Do You Forget to Breathe? (I'm still baffled I could forget to write in my journal, but I haven't missed a day since.)

Meeting an Author: Starstruck Over Kate DiCamillo (I'm still so happy I got to hear her speak and talk to her in person. She's awesome.) 

Preschool: Walter the Baker (I still love that I was brave enough to let the kids create their own recipe!)

Holiday: Bah Humbug (Yes, I bashed Elf on the Shelf. Perhaps I should do another post about how much I despise the Easter Bunny.)

KidPages: Three Incredible Biographies (I always feel super proud of myself when I find an inspiring biography in picture book form. My kids always wonder why such books make me cry.)

Accomplishment: Reading Goals, End of the Year Report (I may not be able to accomplish all my social media goals, but when it comes to reading goals, that's something I can handle.)

Many thanks to all you loyal and faithful readers of Sunlit Pages. I write for myself but also for you.  I'd love it if you'd leave a comment so we can connect!