ON BOOKS ~ Better Than A Yankee Swap...

So I signed up to participate in this Book Blogger Holiday Swap I'd been seeing here and there amongst all of you book bloggers. I felt a little guilty because, after all, we aren't exactly a book blog. I talk about book related topics several times a month with reviews scattered here and there. Books are only a piece of the pie. But the book blogging community was the first to welcome us with open arms in the blogosphere so I saw the BBHS as a way to continue to meet a few new book bloggers and give a little something to one of them in the process. And of course, the chance to receive a small gift in the mail is always fun.

Through the BBHS I was introduced to Jenn of Jenn's Bookshelves because I got to go shopping for her. I hate shopping for gifts. I never have good ideas. But the BBHS allows participants to provide some insight about themselves and I did some poking around at her website to get a better feel for her as a blogger, and a person. I felt like a sneaky detective and was eager to go to the store to fulfill her wishes and contribute a few personal items as well. When she received her gift package she sent me a nice message of thanks and I was so relieved that my ideas for her were well received. I am not sure how I had not already come across her blog before as we share some common connections with others. So I thank the BBHS for nudging my introduction to her along and into my Reader. And also for getting me excited about holiday shopping and gift giving. That helped me get a jump on all my presents!

I was not expecting my Secret Swapper to spoil me by any means. I had suggested they send a book off of my To Read list on Goodreads that they had enjoyed themselves and would recommend. When I came home one night this week after a very long day at the office and Christmas tree needles lovingly scattered by Lucy & Tedy all over the floor, I was instantly delighted to find a box waiting for me - my gift from a stranger - just because.



Woooweee! Look at all that loot! A journal, decorative snowflakes, message pad, bookmark and a book from my list - The Housekeeper & The Professor by Yoko Ogawa. But wait - there's more! Just like on Christmas morning, there was a stocking filled with small treasures - pen and pencils, samplings of tea, cider and hot chocolate, along with candy and chocolate. And finally, some personal touches from the fabulous Cindy of Cindy's Love of Books. Cindy is from Montreal, a city that we visited several summers ago and enjoyed immensely. She shared with us a pretty Montreal postcard and a magnet that promptly went on the fridge to help hold all of those Christmas photos we've been receiving of little nieces and nephews. But best of all was a handmade card - one that I would have paid extra for at Hallmark.

The personal touches - that I tried to provide to Jenn and that Cindy gave to me - are what I feel is the real soul of the blogosphere. That ability to connect with people from all over the planet and build relationships with them on a personal level. Thank you BBHS for creating a perfect forum for friendship, sharing and appreciation. And thank you Jenn and Cindy for putting up with a Bumble. Book blogger or not, I support this community that has given so much to us.