The Pitch

In the wanna-be author world, there are three things of utmost importance:

1. Great writing
2. A growing platform
3. A fantastic pitch.

I'm working on #s 1 and 2 daily, but #3 is one that only gets used when you actually have the opportunity to meet with Agents and Publishers. Since my last meeting with anyone in the publishing world was at She Speaks nearly a year ago, my pitch has gotten a little rusty.

Thankfully, Brooke McGlothin is having a little big contest that's making me brush-up my elevator pitch! (An elevator pitch is the short version of your pitch - about 1-2 minutes in length - that you can use when you bump into an Agent, Editor, or Publisher in public. Except not in the bathroom. That is a big no-no!) And how handy is it that Rachelle Gardner outlined a good pitch for us in her blog today?!

Imagine the put-together me standing next to you as we ride an elevator to the 15th floor, with one or two stops along the way. Here I am...

(Cue music to Aerosmith's Love in an Elevator, because that's the song in my head as I write this.)

Hi, my name is Tyler Rowan, and I am so glad I bumped into you because I am seeking an agent to represent me.

I'm writing a Christian non-fiction book that I'd love to tell you about. Do you mind if I walk with you for just a minute?

My book is called Mommy, Why Are You Angry?: Breaking Free From Anger, One Mother To Another.

By transparently sharing my own battle as a (former) angry mother to five, I hope to convey two truths every woman needs to hear: “You are not alone!” and “You can have victory over your anger!” With a Christ-centred and practical approach, Mommy, Why Are You Angry? will provide women with both spiritual and hands-on strategies to help them find freedom from their anger and become the mothers God intended them to be.

I've been blogging since 2008 and have a steadily growing platform that I'm very committed to. One of my articles was recently published in P31 Woman magazine, I have a number of articles pending with other magazines (including MOMSense, a MOPS publication), and my writing is being regularly featured on Family Life Canada's website (a division of Power to Change). I was also published in a psychological journal while pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in University.

May I leave you a copy of my one-sheet?

Thank you for taking the time to hear me. I hope that I've caught your interest and will hear from you in the near future!

Tell me what you think - really, honestly, tell me! Does it catch your interest? Do you want to hear more? Is there anything you'd change/delete/add? (To answer your unspoken question - yes, the book title really does appear in red, even when I'm speaking.)

And just in case you happen to know someone in the publishing industry, please be assured that you are more than welcome to pass my elevator pitch along! In fact, I encourage it. There may even be chocolate or wine in it for you...

Drumroll please...

...And the winner is...(according to random.org)...#8!

Lynne, email me at etrowan@shaw.ca with your prize selection and your complete mailing address.

Thanks to everyone for your help! You got my creative juices flowing.

Here I am, shamelessly bribing my readers...

Every ministry needs a tagline. Or so they say. (By they, I am referring to smart people who build brands for a living.) The tagline is along the lines of a purpose statement, but more along the lines of describing the value offered by the ministry to the recipients. Is this making any sense to you?! Because it barely is to me...

I have been stumped when it comes to tagline development. Which is where you come in, my friends!

You are the reason I come back here day after day and week after week. You encourage me and bless me, and for some crazy reason you keep on reading! Maybe if I understand why you keep coming back, what you get here that God somehow uses flawed li'l me to give...

So let's have ourselves a little contest! If I've learned anything from having kids, it's that a small amount of bribery can go a long way!

Each person who comments will be entered to win...and you get to choose the prize! Your options are:

1. Love and Respect by Dr. Emmerson Eggerichs
2. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
3. A $20 gift card to be used at the java joint of your choice
4. The Well-Behaved Child by John Rosemond
5. Have a New Kid by Friday by Dr. Kevin Leman
6. A $20 iTunes gift card
7. Make up your own prize (price limit, $20)

I would be blessed if every single one of you sweet women who read here took a few seconds to leave a comment with your answers to these questions...


I'll leave the comments open until Friday morning, at which time I will choose a winner. (Okay, I won't choose, but random.org will choose for me.)

Ready? Set? Go!

#1 - What are your favorite topics to read about on this here blogspot? (Try to be specific.)

#2 - What topics would you like to see more of?

#3 - What topics would you like to see less of?

#4 - Using three words, tell me what you hope/expect to find/experience when you stop over.

#5 - Do you stop by regularly (whether you subscribe or click to visit)? Or just occasionally?

And, the bonus question...

#6 - Got a tagline idea for me? Please share!

If I decide to use your tagline, you get to choose a prize, too!

Loot Bag Winners

I have to be honest - drawing names had to be one of the hardest things I've done in a long time! I would think, "Oh, I really hope she wins because she is a new reader," or "Clearly she is in love with this book, so I hope she wins it." Frankly, it stinks to have a limited number of prizes. I wish I could be like Oprah (not that I'm endorsing her, ahem) and tell you all that there is a fantastic gift waiting for you under your seat!

At the risk of sounding trite, I would like to remind you all that you do have a gift to open each and every day, and that's the Word of God. (I know, there is no way that it doesn't come across as a cliche, but seriously! His Word never returns void!) I just spontaneously asked God if He had a treasure He'd like me to share with you today, and one of my memory verses from last year popped into my head:

Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. ~Psalm 37:4-5, (emphasis mine)

And now, the winners of additional prizes...

#1 - Two copies of Lysa TerKeurst's Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl
Bobbie from 40 Shades of Pink

#2 - $29.39 gift card for Chapters/Indigo/Coles
Shauna of Shutterbugg Mom - That's Me!

#3 - One copy of Beth Moore's So Long, Insecurity: you've been a bad friend to us
Heather from the land of no blogs

#4 - An original photocard of your choice created by Danielle of Danielle Designs, in digital file
Jenny at/of The Wagner Family

If you are a winner, you will be getting an email from me asking for your mailing address and/or gathering other necessary details to get your loot bag into your hands. Thanks again for reading, encouraging, and playing!

I have a couple interesting observations/comments about this whole process...

First, you girls are too much fun! I must thank my mom for getting everyone off to a great start by commenting on the party post repeatedly - totally in the spirit I was looking for. Ironically, she did not win a single thing! LOL!

Those who don't know me personally might not know this, but the first three winners are all people that I know personally. I realize that makes the whole drawing process sound fishy, but I promise you there was no fishy-ness involved whatsoever!

Was anyone wondering about the odd amount of the gift card ($29.39)? I will proudly confess to re-gifting. There was a book purchased that was later returned without a receipt, and the poor little cash card has been sitting around just waiting for someone to love it. Since I seldom go to the physical store to buy books anymore, I figured someone else should have it. As well, Lysa's two books were mailed to me by Proverbs 31 Ministries as a promotional tool for women's ministry - re-gift. And though I had planned to buy someone a photocard created by Danielle, she offered to do it gratis! Does it get any easier to give stuff away?!

A few people managed to get their names entered four or five times, yet two of the winners only entered their names ONCE! I guess the whole theory of increasing your odds doesn't apply when you're drawing names from a hat child's plastic drinking cup.

One last thing... It really is better to give than to receive. I mean, I am beyond excited to get these prizes sent out to the winners! Each name I pulled gave me a little thrill for that person. Total fun!

Okay, I lied - just one more thing. But good golly! Does anyone remember me saying that one of the potential prizes would be a copy of my first public talk on Mommy Why Are You Angry? Yeah, I forgot, too. Obviously. Remind me of this a week or two down the road, and I'll see if I can't find an occasion for another giveaway. ;)

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

Welcome to my little space on this here world wide web! Grab your coffee, have a seat, and visit a while.

In honour of the fact that I have been here for the writing of 500+ posts, and especially the fact that there has always been one or two of you reading and cheering me on, I'm having a little party. I don't know about you, but one of my favourite things about parties (besides the non-stop visiting) is the party favours!

For the 500 post party, we'll be sticking with the theme of "fives" all the way through. I'll tell you my five favourite topics to blab blog about, there will be five fantastic party prizes to be won, and you will have the chance to get your name put in the draw five times...

So, without further ado, my five fave topics of conversation (in no particular order, and excluding my family - because they are absolutely, unequivocally #1)...

I love talking about marriage. In particular, how we wives can single-handedly change our marriages (from bad to good or from good to great) by giving our husbands the respect they not only desire, but NEED.

Many of my posts talk about ministry to women. I heart women! The unique way that women have of relating to one another, the need they have to be in relationship with each other, and seeing women using their gifts to serve God - these are just a few of the reasons I will never be able to not do women's ministry in some way, shape, or form.

If you've been around this place a while, you also know that I write about anger in motherhood. I wouldn't say that I "like" writing on this topic, but I don't believe I have a choice.

Though you've only seen it mentioned a few times, you can expect to hear more from me about Haiti. It's inexplicable, but Pat and I have discovered a love for the Haitian people that is unmatched by our love for any other people group of God's beautiful world. And unless God says otherwise, we hope to be a part of the blessing of that nation - both financially and through hands-on work - for the rest of our lives.

You will also find that a good portion of the posts I put up have to with how God is working in my life. I talk about the tough work He does on my heart and I chronicle the many ways I see His hand in our everyday experiences. I need to write what I live and learn, because it is through the recording that Truth and experience take permanent root in my soul.

I bet you're wishing I'd hurry up and get to the party favours...

It will be my great pleasure to give away the following five gifts to Y-O-U:
1. Two copies of Lysa TerKeurst's latest book, Becoming More than a Good Bible Study Girl;
2. A gift card for Chapters/Indigo/Coles in the amount of $29.39 (for my Canadian friends);
3. One copy of Beth Moore's latest book, So Long Insecurity: you've been a bad friend to us;
4. A photocard design of your choice - in digital file so that you can print it at your convenience - created by the fantastic and talented Danielle! (Just a note that you cannot place your order until after Easter, as Danielle is shutting down her computer for Lent.) (Just a new note to let you know that Danielle is still taking orders. And get this - SHE IS DONATING THE PRIZE!!! So you can see why I heart her.)
5. Three blog awards to be passed on to bloggers that I love!

You can be entered to win one of the first four prizes by simply leaving a comment letting me know which one you hope to win. This comment will get your name entered ONLY in the draw for that prize.

If you would like your name put TWO draws, leave a 2nd comment telling me your second choice of the prizes. But, there's a catch... Your 2nd comment needs to include the answer to this question: what topic am I writing a book on and speaking to women's groups about AND why? Hint - the answer can be found by following up on my five favourite topics.

But I really would love for you to be entered in all four draws. I mean, how much fun is that?! If you really want that, too, you just need to love me. :) Leave a third comment letting me know that you have subscribed to the blog feed from Titus 2:3-5 (or that you have added yourself as a "follower") OR that you have sent a few friends to visit and join in the party by linking to this post in one of your posts (don't forget to leave me the link in your comment). If you happen to do BOTH of these things to love on me, I'll love right back on you by tossing your name in a fifth time! I will add that one to your first choice, increasing your odds of winning the gift you really want.

Because I love to blog and I love to read blogs, I'd also like to send you to look at a couple that are near and dear to my heart. I will save that for a post later today, though, because we've been partying here long enough (I'm sure your coffee is either cold or empty by now) and I really, truly want you to go say "hi" to a bunch of great bloggers.

Thanks for celebrating with me! I can't begin to explain the impact that writing for my blog and getting to know a few of you from this blogging world has had on life. I'm hooked for good!

I'm Throwing a Party, and It Just Wouldn't be the Same without YOU!

Without so much as a nod of my head, I wrote and posted my 500th post in this little internet space. I am disappointed that I allowed a special moment (to me, anyway) slip by without fanfare. But, given that I seem to run a couple days behind my blog plans on a regular basis (birthday posts, The God Chronicles*), I have decided to hold a celebration.

So on Monday, in honour of you - the rockin' few who keep on reading my babblings - there will be a par-tay!

There will be a few "best of" posts going up; there will be some long-overdue awards handed out; and there will be prizes! You are welcome to bring your own coffee and snacks. :)

Clearly, I don't have 500 things to give away (oh, but I wish I did - wouldn't that be fun with a capital F?!). How about 1 prize for every 100 posts? Count 'em - 1-2-3-4-5 things for you to win. Just for F-U-N! Prizes may include Lysa TerKeurst's latest book (two copies), "Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl," a CD of my first (and so far, only) talk on mother anger, a gift card for Coles/Chapters/Indigo, and a few other things I'll think of over the weekend.

Therefore, you are cordially invited to attend my 500 post par-tay on Monday, February 22. Come prepared to visit too long, drink too much coffee, laugh (or cry) too hard, and win too many prizes.

* Regarding The God Chronicles... I have decided to give this blog carnival its wings and let it fly away. (Yeah, I'm not so great with the metaphor.) I think it's fair to say that my carnival suffered from chronic lack of participation. Don't worry - I'm getting over it. It just no longer seems reasonable to host TGC as a carnival, given that my heart breaks each month when no one links up. (I said "getting" over it, not "gotten" over it, okay?) I will still post the God sightings in my life under the tag for TGC, and you are always welcome to join in by posting your own TGC and putting your link in the comments. But it will no longer be a regularly scheduled event (no longer, ha, it hasn't been since October) on this here blog. For those who did participate in TGC this past year - THANK-YOU!!! I love you all just a little bit more than my other readers. Kidding. Sort of. ;)

Random Things I Like Care Package Giveaway Winner

Something just occurred to me - today is Wednesday! And I said I would choose a winner on Tuesday afternoon. Oops! I have been a bit distracted.

Mr. Random selected for me... number 11! (Someday I will learn how to make that little box appear on my blog so I can offer up some proof.)

Comment #11 -
Twincere said...
HaHa I could've wrote your post. I'm a Mom of 5 (+2 nephews) and I deplore laundry (cuz there is so much of it) and cooking is okay, if I must do it! Looking forward to your updates, and I grabbed your link from the BlogHop ‘09! Nice to meet ya!

Tanya, watch for my email so I can get your mailing details. Oh, and don't expect anything too soon - I am away for a few days and then have to actually find the time to go shopping with 5 kids home for summer, plus I'm an organized procrastinator. ;)

Doin' the Hop

I'm joining in on Blog Hop '09 at Pensieve this weekend. The purpose is to find a few new blogs I love and add them to my reading list (because I have all this free time and nothing to do with it, and I refuse to do housework), to have a few people find my blog and decide they love me, and to try to win some super giveaways!

Since I'm posting twice today, if you visit here regularly you may want to check out my post from earlier this morning...

So, who the heck am I?

Let's start with the stats:
* 31 years old
* wife
* mother to 5 (ages 11, 7, 6, 4, and almost 2)
* special needs mother
* women's ministry leader
* hopeful author

But here's the real grit:
* full-out follower of Jesus Christ
* I hate laundry and cooking (hahaha, God's funny giving me a big family)
* I love reading and writing
* I love singing (and if loving something made you good at it I'd be fantabulous)
* we are in a perpetual state of home renovation
* my heart beats to see other women find who they are in Christ
* I love being a mom, but struggle big time with being an angry mom
* I love my husband, but all too often let PMS rule our interactions
* I have the unique personality combination of organized procrastinator (???)
* I host a monthly blog carnival called The God Chronicles, so we can keep a record God's faithfulness in our lives (TGC is supposed to be on the 20th of each month, but I seem to be not completely on top of it - for those who are wondering, I have just now - July 24th - decided to take a summer hiatus from TGC; it will return on Sept. 20th)

And, what shall I be giving away for the Blog Hop? Hmmmm.... I always give away books, because I love to read. But I recognize that not everyone shares my passion. I know, I'll do up a care package of my favourite things! For example, my fave bubble bath, candle, lotion, book, corkscrew, socks, whatever. As I shop for some of my own faves, I'll just throw an extra in the cart for the lucky winner! I'll draw (via random.org) on Tuesday afternoon (that's July 28th).

To enter, just tell me one of your faves.

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Learning to Ride

In our family of five children, we've accomplished many milestones over the years.
5 first steps
4 potty trainings
3 first days of school
2 established readers (and one well on her way, I might add)
1 first time riding a two-wheeler (yes, only one)

Braeden (11) has cerebral palsy, and he's got a super-cool adapted bike to ride, and we don't really expect that his strength or balance will reach a point where he will be able to ride a "regular" bike.

Abbey (7) decided two summers ago that she wanted her training wheels removed. Pat ran behind her holding on to the back of her seat for about 30 seconds before she took off like a shot!
Shea (4) and Kai (1) will eventually need to learn, but that will come later.

We have one holdout on the bike-riding. Megan (6) simply has no interest in learning. We took off her training wheels this summer in hopes of helping her learn; instead she has been using Shea's bike. She doesn't like the unbalanced feeling. I also suspect she is not particularly fond of the amount of effort required to learn this new skill.

I'm honestly not very concerned about it (though I do find it odd to see a six-year-old with training wheels), and I don't feel the need to push, but when I saw this post offering the chance to win one of these running bikes - I just couldn't resist entering the contest. (And given the fact that we've got 3 remaining kids to teach, I am considering just ordering one if I don't win. Or at the very least, removing our kids' pedals along with their training wheels to get the same concept.)



I vaguely recall learning to ride my banana-seat bike without training wheels the summer before Kindergarten started. When did you learn to ride? What about your kids?

And the Winner is...

Feels like deja vu...

For the re-drawing of the Mother's Day Giveaway numbers 1 through 49 were entered, and this time random.org has selected #14.

Katherine said: my husband graduates from grad school this weekend -- what i'd REALLY like is a job for him, but that's probably asking a little much this week. i'd settle for some quality time with our families, who will all be here for the festivities.

Congratulations Katherine! Send me your mailing details and you will receive your copy of A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family by Mary Ostyn of owlhaven.

And The Winner Is....

Comment #42 -

trisha said...
I would REALLY love uninterrupted sleep. How about a day without kids bickering at each other or whining? Seems my 9yo annoys my 13yo and my 3yo all of a sudden thinks whining is ok.

Trisha, if you're reading this - please send your contact info to etrowan@shaw.ca.

Congratulations, and Happy Mother's Day!

P.S. For those who are now going into the comments to count, you will need to know that comment #9 does not count towards the drawing, which changes the comment count from 60 to 59. I counted backwards from 59 twice. :)

Mother's Day Giveaway

I recently had the great blessing of winning a book that I really, really wanted to read. You see, the book was written by someone I "know" (by knowing I mean: I read her blog every day and comment lots in the hopes that she'll like me *smile) and based on my "knowing" her I was certain her book would be chalk full of wisdom and handy tips for mothering.

Mary Ostyn of Owlhaven has recently released her new book, "A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family." And fyi - you sure don't need to have a large family to benefit by reading her book. It is g-o-o-d!

Here's the review I submitted to amazon.com:

Mary has written the guide of a lifetime! If you (like me) are struggling in any area of family life - from chores to discipline, from organizing to laundry - "A Sane Woman's Guide..." will have something for you.

Mary's no-nonsense, concise approach to offering up all the tips and tidbits from her years of experience managing a family of 12 is a quick and easy read. But do NOT mistake it to be your typical quick and easy read; this book is chalk full of information!

I set this book down encouraged that it really is possible to raise my family of seven (five little monkeys) AND keep my house organized and tidy AND not break the bank doing it all. If you are considering purchasing this book, let me tell you this - it will be worth every penny!

If you would like your very own, brand new (read: you're not getting my copy, I'm keeping it!), hot off the presses copy of Mary's book, leave me a comment! Not just any comment, though - tell me what you really hope to get for Mother's Day.

On a side note, I would be remiss if I didn't mention my best advice for getting the gift you want from your spouse for any occasion. So don't forget to stop by tomorrow; my WFMW post is all about getting the gift you really want.

You don't need to be a blogger to enter, just make sure you leave me an email address so I can let you know if you've won.

Here, I'll go first. What I really want for Mother's Day is the gift of total relaxation - 90 minute full body hot stone massage. Mmmmmmm...

* The fine print... No purchase necessary. You must leave a comment in order to be entered. If you would like to post about this giveaway, linking BOTH to this post right here AND to Mary's book (or her blog), your name will be entered FIVE times (plus another entry for your comment). Entries will close at noon (MST) on Friday, May 8th. Winner will be announced on Saturday, May 9th at 9am (MST). International entries will be accepted.

And the Winner is....

One of these days I'll get all high-tech and figure out how to take a "screen shot" of the winning numbers. I used Random.org and asked it to choose a number between 1 and 15 (inclusive) and the genie in the computer chose #11. If you look back, you'll see only 12 comments and you may wonder if I've forgotten how to count. I did promise the first-time commenters that I would give each of them two entries, though, so Michelle was #13, Rachelle from The Beys were #14, and Angie was #15.

Here's something funny for ya - comment #11, as you will notice, is from Louise. Louise lives right here in town, less than a five-minute drive from me!

Louise, to show you what you have won, heeeeeeeer's Vanna Pat!

(Insert deep, booming, game show voice.)
"Louise, you have won this fabulous prize from Casa Del Rowan."
(Envision perfectly manicured hands, holding up object, waving in front of object enticingly.)
"Look at your amazing prize..."



"It's your very own pair of the ugliest, most comfortable shoes ever made!"
(Host's eyes focusing right on the camera.)
"Louise, please send me your shoe size, along with three colour preferences (in case your first choice isn't in stock) in order to receive your prize in a timely manner. And folks, don't forget to have your pets spayed or neutered."
(Little side note here - I asked Pat to do this on video for me, but no amount of pleading would convince him to make a fool of himself on the www. Party pooper.)


Pat's initial prize choice was a pickle, so these faux fur-lined clogs are a massive step up. Pat hopes you will enjoy wearing yours around your house and yard as much as he enjoys his.


Thanks to you all for delurking and giving me some comment love!


And on a bizarre and interesting (and totally unrelated) side-side note, suddenly yesterday afternoon I began to receive emails informing me of comments. Hooray! So I will turn off comment moderation and bask in the glory of receiving an email theverysecond someone comments on a post. :) Happy me.

Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are!

Lurk - verb (used without object)
1. to lie or wait in concealment, as a person in ambush; remain in or around a place secretly or furtively.
2. to go furtively; slink; steal.
3. to exist unperceived or unsuspected.
4. Chiefly Computers. to read or observe an ongoing discussion without participating in it, as in an Internet newsgroup.–noun Australian Informal.
5. an underhand scheme; dodge.
6. an easy, somewhat lazy or unethical way of earning a living, performing a task, etc.
7. a hideout.

Lurker - noun
One of the `silent majority' in a electronic forum; one who posts occasionally or not at all but is known to read the group's postings regularly. This term is not pejorative and indeed is casually used reflexively: "Oh, I'm just lurking." Often used in `the lurkers', the hypothetical audience for the group's flamage-emitting regulars. When a lurker speaks up for the first time, this is called `delurking'.

My friend Jenni has informed me (via her blog) that it is National Delurking Week. What nation - I don't know! Nor do I care. Because this blog world is all very official-like, I now pronounce it National Delurking WeekEND here in Canada - that way I can justify my participation.

So, what are you waiting for?! Tell me who you are. Say "hi." Even if you are a faithful reader and commenter, say "hi" just for kicks. What's that? You need incentive??? Oooooh, incentive I can do. Comment on this post, and I'll put your name in the drawing for a super-duper prize. If it's your FIRST TIME leaving a comment, let me know and I will enter your name TWICE! Just because I want you to feel loved and welcomed.

And....go!

Oh, sorry, you want to know what the super-duper prize is. So do I. But I'm going to let Pat decide (you're free to make suggestions to him, but if he never listens to me I'd be surprised if he listens to you). :)

Happy National Delurking WeekEND!

P.S. Comments will be closed at my bedtime (around 10pm MST) on Sunday. You know, when the nationally recognized holiday ends.

The Earth is Square

It must be, because I have definitely fallen over the edge!

An explanation of my absence, in short version...

A group had booked our Church facility for their large women's conference. Twenty (or so) volunteers were needed to keep things clean and running smoothly. Those volunteers needed someone to coordinate what to do, when to do it, and the like. That was me. :)

It was a great blessing to serve, and the team of volunteers connected and had a lot of fun together. But man, my legs and feet ache. I am currently propping my eyelids open with toothpicks.

While I was gone, my man did dishes, made meals, and (drumroll, please) did laundry! (He even put it all away.) His homemaking skills totally trumped mine, and I'd like to offer him a new job with a much lower pay scale than he's used to. Thanks, honey! You rule!

Anyway, I figured you'd all be awaiting the big announcement. The winner of the 10,000 hits giveaway is (another drumroll, please).....

Lori from Panic! at the Refrigerator. Go visit her and say hello.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:14
Timestamp: 2008-10-20 19:29:33 UTC
© 1998-2008

Because I knew it would be way to difficult to choose a winner, I went with the tried and true Random Integer Generator. I asked it to choose one number between the values of 1 and 17, and it chose 14. (I debated making it only out of 16 comments, because comment #17 was entered at hit #10,001. But I always tell my kids that if they tell the truth above all else, the consequence I would normally give will be less, or not at all. So my cheating (but honest) Tante still got to play. LOL!)

Lori, I will email you for your address. Give me a week to read your blog so I can attempt to pick a prize you'll love.

You Likee My New Lookie?

This new look is courtesy of Judi at Doodlebug Designs. Isn't it amazing?!

Christie was hosting a weight loss challenge ("The Summer of Me") that I joined up for. Each week Christie was offering the awesomest of prizes. Hey, it's my blog and I'll use bad made-up words if I want to. One week, a new design was up for grabs. How my name got pulled I'll never know! But I cannot tell you how excited I was, because I have been desperate for a new look (unfortunately way too cheap to pay for it). :)

* Side note: Interested in blogging your weight loss and winning super-cool prizes? Join Christie's "Hot for the Holidays" contest.

So let me tell you about Judi. She is cute - adorable, in fact. I haven't met her, but I can tell by her picture on her profile and her voice that she's utterly adorable. Judi has the sweetest, most soothing southern accent. Let me tell y'all how much I just love them southern gals! Love 'em. You have no idea.

Last year at our women's retreat, the speaker was Shannon Ethridge. She also has one of these lovely accents. I followed her around all weekend swooning whenever she spoke. I'm in love with the southern accent like nobody's business, y'all! And apparently I've just been bitten by a bug that causes me to try to be a southern gal in writing (because unfortunately when I try it in talking I sound like a fool). Sorry, that was another side note.

Anyhooo.... The point was that talking to Judi reminded me of sweet Shannon, which made me love her even more!

Judi was such a joy to work with. She is so patient, and tried each and every one of my 'interesting' little suggestions, until I ultimately returned to what she had originally done. She never even said "I told you so." She is also fast! I mean, we talked one day, she had it done the next, tweaked it on the third, then put 'er up! Just like that. I've even got a favicon! Cool.

And this woman is a multi-tasking mom. She's got a hubby and some kiddos, an out-of-the house job, and her bloggy design job. I think, though, Judi would love to toss that out-of-the-house job...maybe we can talk her into it if you all (resisting the urge) get your beautiful bloggys designed by her, too!

Come on, I know you all want it. We all want it. The coveted designer blog. Just click here. Check it out. Reasonable rates...Professional design...Friendly AND adorable... Click here. Do it! Tell her I sent you. And while you're at it, would you mind commenting?! Seriously people - give me some love, give Judi some love, oooh and ahhh!

Thank-you, Judi! It's a masterpiece, and I love it!