Why Blog Now? {Me}

Yes there is a little story behind why I decided to start my blog now.  Main reason for this timing is a contest.  I saw a blip on the news at noon telling viewers about a contest.  Normally this would sound interesting but I would forget about it momentarily.  Well this contest caught my full attention!  What do you think?

Are you The Merrier Shopping Expert?  Are you the kind of person who looks forward to the holiday season all year?  Is the holiday season a yearly exercise of your creativity and cheer?  Do people say to you, "Where did you ever come up with that idea?"  "You give the most unique gifts!"  "You have great holiday ideas."  "You are so creative, you should write a book."  In other words, do you have holiday spirit to spare?  Well we want to hear from you.

Well my ears perked right up on this one!  This is so me!  Just sign me up and you won't be sorry!  I definitely could be the voice of their shopper and be their Merrier Shopping Expert and share holiday decorating and party ideas!  They were looking for someone to help establish a national following and there was no experience necessary.  Winner would get prizes totaling $4500 and a trip to Chicago to their headquarters, along with local affiliated Mall appearance for the blog kick-off.  Winner would write a daily blog Nov. 1 - Jan. 1 that would go out to shoppers at over 140 Malls around the country.  So I got busy...

I wrote my terrific sample blog post just as they asked.  I already had ideas spinning in my head for future blogs related to all things Christmas.  I am the expert you know!  I also answered their questions including "Why are you the Merrier Shopping Expert?"  Here was my response to why...

     I believe that I am your "Merrier Shopping Expert" because I am!  Christmas is a magical time of year.  My three children were all born during the holidays so I learned twenty-two years ago how to start early, get organized and enjoy the holidays to the fullest (without missing out on birthday fun while missing out on all the stress)!  I started collecting Christmas ornaments and ideas when I was a girl.  I have always been very creative taking my first sewing lessons at the Singer Sewing Center in your Boulevard Mall when I was eight years old.  I was the Martha Stewart of my community long before I knew who that was!  I was a Home Economics Major in high school and college.  I still shop, quilt, sew, cook, bake, garden, read , exercise, and more.  I have had a strong desire to write for many years and am finally at the point in my life where I can begin that.  I have always been happy, spontaneous, positive, cheerful, outgoing, friendly.  I have a magnetic personality that others tend to follow.  I have taught many classes at church on Christmas ideas, family traditions, creative gift wrapping and gift baskets.  My home is magical at Christmas with a full size decorated tree in every room!  I have hosted many holiday parties and home tours.  I am an expert at shopping!  Those who have heard that I'm entering this contest have said "You are the perfect person for that job"!  I also know how to take advantage of everything your malls have to offer a shopper at Christmas!  Most of all I love to share with others and help people.  This would be a great opportunity and I thank you for considering me as your Merriest Shopping Expert.

Well today I received the dreaded email telling me that I was not chosen.  Thanked me for my interest and my entry...blah blah blah...  So I'm doing things on my own now!  Forget about that corporate giant!  Ha!

They said to get creative and post a holiday picture of yourself.  So there is the picture that I sent along with all of my paperwork.  You tell me.  Have you ever seen anyone that looks like more of a Merrier Christmas Expert than me?  I didn't think so!!!