A Year Full of Flutters and Flails

One year ago today, I posted the first review on Flutters and Flails.  A whole year.  365 days.  12 months.  I can't believe I made it!

When I first started thinking about running a blog, I had no idea what it entailed.  I only knew that: 1) I read a lot of books and 2) I was already posting reviews on Goodreads and 3) I was constantly wanting somebody to talk about books with me.  Obviously, a book review blog sounded like a perfect fit.  And I'd say all in all, this year has been pretty awesome.

I've read some amazing books, I've read some not so amazing books.  I was able to meet some of my favorite bookish people and authors at YALLFest.  I've written reviews a week before my posting deadline, the morning OF my deadline and there was one unfortunate moment when I got my posting date confused and missed it completely.  But only once!  I've participated in blog hops and book tours and the occasional meme.  I've honed and perfected my procrastination skills.  My to-read list has almost doubled.  I've even fangirled. 

The most important thing I've learned over the course of the year, is that I am perfectly happy with my fun little blog.  I'm not the biggest or the flashiest or the one with the most giveaways.  I live in an area with very very few local bookish events and I get turned down for ARCs - though I don't cry as much as I used to.  I get way too excited when I get bookish mail and maybe a little jealous when I don't -- okay, a lot jealous but I'm working on it.  And, not gonna lie, there were more than a few moments where hurdles made me want to tear up all my reviews, stomp on them and throw myself a gigantic pity party.

But then I would remember a comment from a reader.  And the time another blogger offered to loan me an ARC that I really really wanted to read.  And the incredible day when I was able to participate in the cover reveal for a book written by a childhood friend.  And every swoony moment a bookish friend tweeted me a picture of Jon Snow just because she knows me that well.  And the fact that my 11 year old son and I started reading the same book this week and that he says he wants to help me write the review.  I mean...

 So yeah, I'm pretty much a ball of emotion today.  Much more than I thought I would be when I realized this blogiversary was coming up.  I set out last April with a heart full of "what-ifs and why-nots" and here I am today, still talking about the books I love.  To all my wonderful, amazing, stupendous, magnificent, fabulous readers: thank you for sticking with me while I continue to learn the ropes and I can't wait to see what this year brings.

 XOXO,

~Risbee