CONGRATS TO ALL MY 12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS WINNERS! (They have all been contacted and replied)
Thank you everyone who played along in the 2023 12 Days of Giveaways! I know I say this every year but it was the best one ever!! Seriously, they just keep getting better because of you guys!
Merry Christmas (or happily holidays) and please stay safe!
Julie
DAY 1 Susan VanDusen
DAY 2 Colleen Jamison
DAY 3 Renee Henson
DAY 4 Sara Mikrut
DAY 5 Heather Blitz
DAY 6 Kimberly Morehouse
DAY 7 Denise Council
DAY 8 Laikeshia Abrams
DAY 9 Amber Johnson
DAY 10 Athena Graeme
DAY 11 Leslie Caruthers
DAY 12 Deanna Dodge
Welcome to my annual 12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS!
If you’re new to this – here’s how it works:
1. Each day from December 1 through December 12 I will put up a new giveaway HERE on my website with instructions on how to enter, a detailed description of the prize, and some stuff about the book or series. Each giveaway is different and each has ONE WINNER. MY GIVEAWAYS ARE ALWAYS OPEN INTERNATIONAL
2. Each giveaway runs UNTIL DECEMBER 13.
3. Winners are CHOSEN and NOTIFIED on December 14. I will be notifying winners USING THE EMAIL USED TO COMMENT ON THIS BLOG – and all winners will BE LISTED AT THE TOP OF EACH GIVEAWAY POST HERE ON MY WEBSITE on December 14.
4. Winners have 24 hours to respond, then another winner will be chosen.
5. ALL PRIZES WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 15. If I’m waiting on a winner to respond and they miss the December 15 mail date, that prize will be mailed when I get around to it. I live in the middle of nowhere so a trip to the post office is a “thing” for me. 🙂 So make sure you’re checking for winners on the 14th.
6. I will send newsletters announcing giveaways on December 1, December 6, December 12, and a Winner newsletter on December 14. I NEVER send this many newsletters in a month so sorry if that feels spammy.
7. You can also FOLLOW MY BLOG. I will also make a blog post HERE announcing ALL WINNERS on the 14th. If you want to follow this blog there will be a form at the bottom of each post to do that. Then you get an email when I POST HERE. I don’t do that often – December is the exception because of the 12 Days and my yearly “Wrap-up” post.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
THAT’S IT! I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY THIS!
The world is INSANE right now so I’m just trying to spread some cheer and give back to all of you who support me and enjoy the stories I create.
NOW LET’S GET ON TO THE FIRST GIVEAWAY!
DID YOU MISS THE OTHER GIVEAWAYS?
ENTER NOW AT THE LINKS BELOW.
DAY 1
DAY 2
IN EACH POST I WILL HIGHLIGHT A BOOK
TODAY’S BOOK HIGHLIGHT IS THE RO BRO!
IT’S AUTHORS GONE WILD, readers staging a revolt, booktokers, bookstagrammers, and a dream date planned by an AI concierge at the biggest romance event of the year! And the best part is… you don’t even need a ticket to attend!
Essie Smith-Scott, the author known as SS, has been the number one spicy romance writer in the world for the past ten years. Movie deals, merchandise, dozens of books on the New York Times bestseller’s list, and the founder of the biggest romance convention to ever hit the planet.
Scoring an invitation to the Sin With Us Romance Convention in Las Vegas is the ‘big break’ every romance author hopes for and Cynthia Lear’s name just made it to the top of the wait list. She’s in. And she’s gonna make the most of it. This is her chance to shine and propel her career into the stratosphere.
But then she meets Essie’s twin brother, Steve. Not only is Steve Smith handsome, and charming, and loves her work—he’s also… lying. To the whole world. Literally everyone.
Because his twin sister, Essie, isn’t the one who’s been writing all those super-spicy Master Choke books all these years—it’s Steve.
Written by New York Times bestselling author JA Huss and actor, author, narrator, Johnathan McClain—The Ro-Bro is a rompy feel-good adventure through the secret life of romance authors and the conventions they attend. Prepare to laugh so hard you pee your pants. This is a story that will make you smile every time you think about it.
(P.S. – If you’ve never been to the biggest romance convention in the world, well now you don’t even have to go. Because they all happen just like this.) 😉
READ FOR FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!
STANDALONE BOOK!
NARRATED BY:
JOHNATHAN McCLAIN
ANNE PEPPERIDGE
JULIA WHELAN
GIVEAWAY #3
THE RO BRO GIFT SET
WHAT’S IN THE GIFT SET!
1. SIGNED COPY OF THE RO BRO
2. PREMIUM STICKER SET
3. HANDMADE UNICORN ORNAMENT
4. THE LIBRARY OF FLOWERS FIELD & FLOWERS PARFUM
5. THE LUXURY BATHING COMPANY HAND & NAIL CREAM
6. THE COTTAGE GREENHOUSE JAPANESE PLUM & WHITE TEA DRY BODY OIL
7. FESTIVE FUZZY SOCKS
8. FESTIVE SCRUNCHIE
9. SATIN EYE MASK
10. $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD
ALL INSIDE A BEAUTIFUL AND USEFUL DECORATIVE GREEN BASKET.
AND HERE’S HOW TO ENTER TO WIN TODAY’S GIFT SET!
(1) COMMENT HERE on the blog (below) and tell me –
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCE OF 2023?
I went to the Book Bonanza signing for the third time last summer and each them have been amazing. But something really fun happened this time – there was a problem with my suite when I arrived. The door key was malfunctioning and it was a big, long, hot, sweaty hassle trying to get it fixed, but eventually they just couldn’t fix it and so they upgraded me to a presidential suite.
This room was massive. Like, it was probably the same size as the main level of my house. Maybe slightly smaller, but it was huge. So I got to stay in this enormous suite all week for the signing.
Also, the signing was lovely. I got together with lots of people I’ve known for a long time, Johnathan McClain was there with his beautiful, talented, funny wife Laura, so that was extra special because we hadn’t seen since each other since 2018, I think. (Johnathan is my co-author for The Ro Bro with me, the book I’m featuring today and his signature is included on this signed copy!)
And I met up with Erin Spencer, otherwise known as the voice of Ava Erickson in more audiobooks of mine than I can count. She’s one of my favorite people of all time and she’s the brilliant mind behind almost all the audiobooks that I produce myself.
Plus, my assistants, Nicole and Tim Alexander came with – and their son! Who crashed on my Presidential Suite couch for the last night after he spent a wild weekend partying with his bros for his big 21st birthday. 🙂
It was just a really good time. I’m not going to Book Bonanza next summer because I can’t get away from my farm very easily – my family has to take care of all my animals when I’m gone and it’s a lot of work. So I only usually go to one signing a year these days and next year I’ve decided to go to DarkStar Con in New Orleans instead – those tickets are on sale now and you can get INFO HERE.
I think Book Bonanza was the best experience this year, but honestly, it come a distant second to riding the horse. lol. I just don’t want to bore you with my #HorseGirlObsession two days in a row.
HERE’S A SHORT VID OF MY SUITE ON INSTAGRAM
View this post on Instagram
AND HERE’S ANOTHER PIC OF THE HORSE, BECAUSE #OBSESSED… WHAT CAN I SAY?
HERE’S A SNEAK PEEK OF TOMORROW’S GIVEAWAY!
BTW – THERE ARE FOUR FUN WAYS TO STAY IN TOUCH with me.
ONE – FOLLOW THIS BLOG – FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW and you will be notified via email whenever I put up a new blog post. I usually do this about once a month unless I’m having a cover reveal, or a new release, or something special like this 12 Days of Giveaways. This is not a newsletter list. It’s ONLY tied to BLOG POSTS.
TWO – JOIN MY NEWSLETTER – you will get an email when I send a newsletter. I don’t send very many. Maybe once a month unless I’m up to something special. But you will NOT be notified of blog posts.
DON’T FORGET TO CONFIRM YOUR EMAIL or it won’t sign you up.
THREE – or if you don’t like to get emails – YOU CAN JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP. This is where I hang out on the daily. We’ve got a nice group going with ZERO DRAMA. And if you ever have a question about something, you can tag me in there and I’ll answer you. I’m literally in there all day, every day.
FOUR – If you like more personal things, then my Instagram is the place to be. This is where I post everyday stories about my ranch and farm animals.
I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY AND NEW YEAR.
Stay calm, stay safe, and let’s have a great 2024!
WINNERS FOR ALL GIVEAWAYS will be chosen on December 14 and announced on my blog and in my newsletter. All gifts will be mailed on December 15th with priority mail, so hopefully you get them before the big day. ALL MY GIVEAWAYS ARE ALWAYS OPEN INTERNATIONAL.
783 Responses
I have a couple actually. The first has been a complete joy watching our first grandson grown and turn one. The second would be my husband getting his grand slam during his hunt this year. He got an elk, deer, bear and turkey.
The best part of 2023 was my daughter visiting for the Taylor Swift concert in Tampa. I think she mat talk her boyfriend into moving back.
I’m not sure if this is the answer but my best experiences are getting to go to the beach to watch sunrise and start the day fresh and happy.
Becoming a Mimi (grandmother) I don’t care what she ends up calling me. Lol Baby Salem could call me dirt and I’d still be happy. That little smile lights up a room .. She’s 4 months old now 🙂
My great experience of 2023 was seeing the birth of my granddaughter Aurora. I had a high risk pregnancy and c-section so I met my son after a few hours.. just seeing my granddaughter being born and the immediate bond between my step daughter and her child brought tears of joy to me.
The best part of 2023 was going on our first cruise. We went to the Bahamas for 5days.
I got the chance to do a river cruise in Europe on the Danube..went to Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Passau, it was amazing saw many historical cities, with beautiful architecture that I would never have gone to otherwise.
My daughter graduated from University this past April and I couldn’t be more proud. She had a tough go with the state of Covid and her being a transitioning female. I’m a very lucky mom of two great kids and I can’t wait to see them for the holidays! Thank you so much for the chance!
My favorite experience of 2023 was rescuing and saving 2 kittens. Onne was in January and the other one was in October. Watching them thrive is the best experience of all. I now have 9 cats and help tend feral cat colonies. If anyone can donate Friskies Cat food, I would be so appreciative.
The best of 2023 was going to see Ed Sheeran in Pittsburgh. It was an amazing concert, and it felt so right being in a stadium again. Great concert, great friends, and a great city!
My favorite experience for 2023 was the train journey my husband and I did in April as part of our holiday to celebrate our 30th Wedding anniversary in May. It was all included with a sleeper cabin, meals, drinks and entertainment for 2 1/2 days.
My favorite experience of 2023 was being able to see the Mendenhall Glacier and being healthy enough to walk out to the waterfall.
2023 has been a tough year. I think my favorite experience would be taking the kids to the Pumpkin Patch and my husband showing up and the involvement with the kids. That’s a long story but a big deal
My first grandchild was born on August 25th! She is absolutely perfect! My heart is so full!!🥰
My daughter graduating high school and starting college
I was lucky enough to get a last minute ticket for the Rare signing in Florence. This was my third time visiting this amazing city. The first was in 1995 with my sister, the second with my husband. Not only did I get to meet up with old friends, make new ones and say hello to wonderful authors, but I was also able to spend a day alone revisting places that I had been to before with people who mean/ meant so much to me. And eat pistachio ice cream on the Ponte Vecchio 💖💖💖
Horse riding for me 🥰 I want to hear about your obsession every day because it’s mine too 😂
YAY!!! lol
My favorite memory is all the time with my boys! Football games to baseball to vacations. Their smiles are the best!
My favorite experience of 2023 was I did get to meet an author that I like. It was awesome!
I still remember a specific time I was rocking my first-born daughter and felt little puffs of her breath on my neck. My favorite experience this year was rocking her baby, and my first grandchild, and feeling his little breaths on my neck. When it happened, I realized how little moments in time are so precious and stopped to just be thankful.
Aww…. 🙂
Meeting my “online” friends from Joe Arden’s Audio Attic in person. They’ve become great friends!
I don’t really have a new experience for 2023. But next year I get t meet a few of my favorite authors
My best experience of 2023 was riding motorcycle to Alaska and back to my hometown of Calgary Alberta. That is over 7,200 km’s! The scenery was fabulous, lots of wildlife and Anchorage was great!
Gosh, there were so many great experiences in 2023. Seeing the mountains and wildlife (including a grizzly) in Banff is up there. Thank you for the chance ❤️
My best experience is coming up at the end of December as I am going to NYC for 4 days for a Christmas tour ! I am going with my mom who is my absolute best friend:) we are going to have so much fun together as we love everything Christmas and I can’t Wait !
Winning in arbitration against government bullies, 4 levels of management removed…Sadly to new locations to cause hate and discontent elsewherr, and years back wages and benefits
Congratulations. I bet that took a toll on your mental health so good for you for even fighting. <3
My Daughter invited me to a fund raiser for her French Department at her College. I was able to take the day off work and spent the time experiencing a day in her life on Campus. That was my favorite experience this year.
Going on a cruise with my two brothers and sister in law, who I haven’t seen in 35 years.
Going to the zoo with my two kids
For me in 2023 my best thing would be getting my house completely remodeled. Thanks to my Dad!!
My favourite experience was our tour around the Gaspe Peninsula Quebec, it was amazing!
Seeing a deer on my property when they had never come this close before. Becoming a bird watcher and seeing and identifying all these great birds.
My favorite experience this year was meeting our first grandson (first boy). We have two daughters and two granddaughters. Since my husband is the only boy he’s been surrounded by girls who wreak havoc on his life so we were excited to finally have a little boy.
Not really a experience, just something great that happened with our rescue dog, when we got him he was very fearful of strangers, but this year he has really become more confident and friendly, it has been great to see him blossom and open up to meeting people.
It would have to be going to RARE in Florence with my daughter and having a week in Italy with 4 out of 5 kids and my son in law ❤️
My favorite experience was spending time with my boys and my parents. We recently went to Mexico and I had the best family bonding time with all of them.
Swimming with pigs! Made to the Bahama and checked it off bucket list.
Watching my daughter graduate High School with honors after dealing with bullying and cyber bullying her senior year of high school and everything she was able to accomplish with all of that going on!!
Celebrating 10 years with my boyfriend
This year was a lot about dealing with hard things. I would say my favorite experience was when I realized I can feel better. I found the right people to help me through some of my medical issues. I started 2023 in the hospital on my 40th birthday. Today I feel so much better and am so grateful for the experiences that got me here now.
My favorite part of 2023, is that I’ve been healthy! Taking care of my husband, home and rescue cats keeps me going!
My favorite experience of 2023 was probably working on a book that was in a reope I had never worked on before. I learned a lot about myself as far as where I stand on things and how I feel about particular situations. I always enjoy learning new things, even discovering new things about myself when new situations come up and I have to face them.
Going to nyc and seeing the big tree, broadway theater, shopping and hanging out with my two daughters. It was a lot of fun.
My husband and I went on a Tulip Time River Cruise in the Netherlands and Belgium last April. The canals were cool, the architecture was amazing, and the flowers were beautiful!
One of the best was my daughter had her second baby a boy. She named him Damon after my brother who passed away . ❤️
My baby boy turned 1!
When I met my 1st grandson after having 6 granddaughters.
I work with in the special education department at a junior high and my biggest accomplishment was witnessing one of our students attempt to speak for the first time. Myself and my co-worker did everything we could to not break down crying because to experience this child’s progress has been an amazing experience and being able to witness that moment is something I will never forget and will alway reminded me why I do what I do.
Gotta say my favorite has to be my husband retiring from the Army last week after serving for 23 years.
This year 2023 I have been trying to get my life straight I have been through a lot, so I favorite part of 2023 I’d the closeness my family has came together after a very hard 2022 love and peace
All my great favorite events in 2023 tie around my new grandbaby. He’ happy, funny, sill, and bossy and highly entertaining!
Meeting with my two best friends. We meet once or twice a month. We been best friends even before we went to grade school and we are now 77 and 78 years old. I hope we can continue this for many more years.
Hi Julie! My most memorable experience this year was teaching my 16 year old daughter how to drive. It was scary, exciting, nerve wracking, and one of the proudest moments all at the same time. She is now an officially licensed driver, but I am glad that I only have one kid and wont have to do that again.
Our middle grandson signed a commitment to play baseball at the college his mother got her degrees at. He is a left handed pitcher, a great 1st baseman and a centerfielder. So proud of him. His sister and his cousin are are both sophomores in college. So very proud of our grandkids.
My family loves to go to concerts together and we have seen all sorts of groups whether it’s groups our teen daughters pick or my husband or I pick as we all love different types of music. This year we saw Foreigner (hubby’s pick) and Janet Jackson (my pick). I can’t wait for this next June because my niece is flying here to AZ from TX so we can all go see NKOTB together.
Ugh, favorite thing that happened in 2023? Lol, I can’t think of anything. Oh, I take that back. Starting school again is a favorite. I do love it and the things I’m learning. I hope next December I can say my favorite thing in 2024 was finding my dream job.
Taking our first family spring break vacation. Even though it was rainy almost the whole drivedown to FL and back, it was worth it to witness my son see the ocean for the first time. It was love at first sight for him!
My father was cancer free after his last surgery.
Probably Indies Invade Philly Signing! Always a great time and everyone is so friendly
I got to go to my great grandson’s first birthday
Learning I will be a Grandma in 2024 was a top moment In 2023
Seeing my Dad turn 89, happy and relatively healthy.
I got to go camping and fishing this year
I worked double shifts for months becasue my co-worker uped and left, and we couldn’t find a replacement for a very long time. It’s when I found out that I work wery well under pressure and with twice as many chores, all despite being chronically tired. Looking back, I’m so proud of myself.
My husband and I rented a cabin with another couple and snuck off to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for a few days without the teenage children. We had a blast – went hiking, saw a cheesy dinner mystery show, sampled LOTS of moonshine, went axe throwing, went dancing, ate lots of great food, shopped and drank lots of spirits. Did I mention the banana pudding moonshine? We ended every night back at the cabin playing pool and laughing at each other or maybe they were just laughing at me. I’m not very good at that whole finger and stick thing when I’m intoxicated. It was nothing fabulous, but everything we needed and it prompted us to come home and convert our screened in back porch into a party sun room for shuffleboard.
My most memorable experience of 2023 was helping my husband with his business, and seeing it flourish!
I really hate to be redundant but moving our family of 7 from California to Arkansas has been bittersweet. It’s definitely been the most exciting thing in 2023 as we are still playing catch up on the move. You could say we all have a moving across country hangover 😂
But if you ask what the scariest thing in 2023 was, my answer is going to be the same. The move was more expensive than we expected and the logistics are a nightmare. Still, I have no regrets an no doubt we will live here the rest of our lives.
Umm 🤔 except we haven’t experienced our first winter yet so stay tuned 😂
Thanks for the chance 💕
My favorite experience this year was getting to take a family cross-country campervan trip. Not only did we get to see the country and spend the whole summer tech-free with our daughter, but we stopped and spent a week at my dad’s. That was really special because he died 2 weeks ago. We knew he wasn’t doing so well, that he had cancer and heart problems, but he’s always been this incredibly tough guy that we just couldn’t imagine something actually taking him down. Our daughter got to spend real time with him while he was still healthy enough and had a bit of energy for her. I’m so grateful we took that trip that we got to see him one last time. Grateful our daughter got a chance to get to know her grandpa.
Getting in the best shape of my life, losing 50 lbs, spending so much time with our granddaughter and many wonderful adventures with my husband.
Favourite: I would say my vacation to 5 countries in Europe . Wandering around the ancient ruins ,drinking margaritas in Mykonos and walking the streets of Nice. The weather was perfect the food was excellent Mmmmmmm
Going to Indies Invade Philly with my sister and book bestie.
Going to WW and HEA!!
My husband surprised me with an overnight trip to see my favorite play. He went all out, buying me a dress and shoes, front row center tickets, dinner reservations, everything. It was perfect!
Oops, I think there was a typo in my email address. The numbers should be 811 and not 812. Sorry about that!
RoBro is one of my favorite Huss/McLain books!! There were so many great things in 2023 but the highlight of my year was watching my son win the AAU Jr Olympics in discus and obliterate his previous PR by throwing 109′ Knowing all the hard work he put in and seeing him attain his goals!! His long term goals include getting to throw for the University of Texas and of course qualifying for the Olympics.
My favorite experience of the year has been being super active and involved in my dad’s cancer journey. It has brought an already close relationship with my parents even closer. I know I’m playing a vital role in his recovery and being his daughter makes me very proud.
My favorite experience from 2023 was seeing the looks on my children’s faces when we went to Sea World and they saw penguins for the first time. They had never been on vacation before and the feeling was really awesome, experiencing the joy through their eyes.
The best experience of 2023 for me was being able to witness the birth of my first grandchild. It was so beautiful and my heart just exploded with so much love and happiness.
My best experience this year was having my friend come visit with her family. They took me to Disneyland for.my birthday
In October, I went to Vermont for my 25th wedding anniversary. I’ve always wanted to go there for the fall foliage and it didn’t disappoint. Add to it a week of undivided time with the love of my life and I was in heaven!
In May I flew in a plane for the first time. I went to Utah to get my grandson for the summer. I spent the night in the hotel with my daughter and all four grandkids. We went out to eat then went back to the hotel. The next day my grandson and I was on our way back to Oklahoma.
Finding out I’m pregnant after almost 3 years of unexplained infertility…
Congratulations
My favorite experience of 2023 was watching my stepson become proud of himself. He was really struggling with life, and agreed military school was his best option. Not only has he thrived there, but he got his GED, a 3.98, achieved the highest ranking, and wants to join the Air Force. He was a kid with no hope and no purpose. Now, he’s on cloud nine.
My favorite experience was watching my eldest daughter turn 21!!!
My husband of 39 years died in 2023 so it was a tough year. My kids took me to a cabin by the river after he passed and we had a beautiful weekend. Oh yeah having Smarty Parties (smoking pot) and playing the 5 crowns card game with my brothers and their wives. We are old farts and have a blast!
I have 2, I retired from the Navy after 24 years and my son graduated high school this year
I would have to say, last week I had the perfect experience of being asked to join a phenomenal elementary as a kindergarten and grades 5&6 teacher. It’s a unique position, but a fantastic way to begin my teaching career.
PS I love your I Instagram
The Best thing that happened this year is getting my cat from a rescue and so sweet , also learning that my son has finally said he is getting married it only took him 12yrs to decide this 😂, so happy maybe there will be grand babies soon
My favorite experience was visiting Western Canada and getting to see up close and personal the magnificence that is Jasper and Banff. You couldn’t take a bad photo and I imagine that with you, Julie, living in the mountains you get to witness that every day. There’s nothing quite like it. Thanks!
My favorite experience is seeing my son growing into a young man.
It’s a bitter sweet one for me. My son is going out on his own to live and start his life with his girlfriend but I’m not handling it well. He’s going to be over a hour away but it’s not the same. So I’m happy I’m getting to watch him start his next adventure I just wish he could stay home. lol. Merry Christmas 🎄
I have two, actually, this year! In April, my best friend and I got to go spend a long weekend up at the Wisconsin Dells. A lot of places were not yet open for the season, but we had fun, anyway. The second was getting to go to a concert with my other bestie. We saw Collective Soul and Pablo Cruise (there’s a blast from the past, lol!). Thanks for the chance, Julie, and I wish you the best holiday season ever!
I saw Pablo cruise in 1972! The best thing this year was moving into our new house in April. We flooded in hurricane Ian.
I was so happy to be able to travel to see my nephew get married. I visited with family members I haven’t seen in a long time.
My 4th grandchild was born in March!!
Best experience this year was discovering some of my favorite authors and narrators doing regular interactive video chats AND having a number of my favorite boom series getting new releases this year. Some I have been waiting for a long time!
My absolute FAVORITE EXPERIENCE OF 2023 was taking a trip to Chicago with my 88 year old mom and really enjoying ourselves together!!!!!
My first grandchild will be born this month!
My family and I did a camping trip at the beach this year and it was a first for my kids. So it was fun watching them experience it
We had a wonderful anniversary trip this year…we went back to our favorite place, the place we got married and stayed three weeks. It was fun visiting again after 20 years
Picking out our live Christmas tree, I live in Florida so smelling the trees reminds me of home up North.
Camping glamping trips in the summer at some of the best areas in Alberta. A retreat weekend to Canmore Alberta and being able to enjoy the beautiful rocky mountains and hot springs at Banff National Park and other unique sights on that trip. Best part of the above all my kids and daughter in law were able to join us. That’s what makes them so special, spending with all the family.
Beginning retirement this year has meant so much less stress. So, that is all I really experienced different. But I am planning a big trip for next year!
My favorite was just watching and being with my 2 year old grandson, watching him grow and learn new things was just amazing.
My son by choice had baby girl. I bought a house. Went to Bonanza got to meet you and Johnathan and 1 of my other unicorn authors! It was so great!
My best friend from HS flew over to see me so we can drive down to Atlanta to see another one of our HS friend who’s been very sick. It’s been 30 years that we have not seen each other so we had a blast!!!
Went to a Rodney Carrington concert. It was a lot of fun and I plan to see NF in concert in May!!
Spending time with my four grandkids. They are the joy in my life.
Meeting my long-lost sister (thanks, DNA tests – I had NO idea!)
My favorite experience of 2023 was bitter sweet. My daughter moved out of our home to her first new home. I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished but sad to let her go at the same time. My husband and I are officially empty nesters,
Traveling to St Thomas with family and friends! The memories will be with me always!! Xo
My favorite thing that happened this year was my trip to Colorado with my husband. We never get to get away just us , I believe it had been 5 years since the previous trip without kids. He had to work a little while we where there but as I walked to the Safeway from my hotel in Vail I couldn’t help but think I might run into Ford😂 WE had an amazing time going to Pike’s Peak and Garden of The Gods and just having time together just us. We also stopped in Frisco and walked around the town and had breakfast at this amazing little cafe. It was just a much need perfect time away.
My favourite experience for this year would have to be moving into our new house with the massive back yard for my bullmastiff/staffy and the big front yard for my Chihuahua and the whole yard for my 4 cats and kids and the beautiful kitchen I get to cook in everyday in such a lovely area for us all.
getting a puppy! it was challenging and rewarding.
Spending the Summer reconnecting with my niece and getting to know my great niece. Also hanging out with friends that I haven’t seen since I was 21. Thanks for the chance
This may be a duplicate but I don’t see my response posted!
Traveling to St Thomas with family and friends! I will always hold the memories close! Xo
Hmmm .. I think one of my best/fav moments of 2023 was getting to see and listen to Julia Quinn on her Queen Charlotte tour!!!
Getting a loved one a diagnosis and proper help for their mental well being
Getting to spend more time with my family
This wasn’t a great year, my brother died, I have to have a neck fusion but the positive is I don’t have to worry about be paralyzed anymore. I also got closer to friends & found some peace in myself with my world. I’m finding my sense of humor & freedom again! Happy holidays to everyone!!
A fabulous vacation with family.
Helping my daughter decorate her apartment when she moved in to go to college.
Being able to walk again after an operation and therapy. Your books have been a lifesaver
My grandson started pre-K and loves it!
My favorite experience was seeing a friend from high school. I hadn’t seen them since a couple yrs before covid hit us.
Going to a ufc fight
My mom came down to visit for Thanksgiving, and we always have a great time together. I’m so grateful she could come to my place!
Mine was graduating with honors with my BSN in nursing
2 things because it’s difficult to choose just 1! Both are related to my sister, she got married this year so my first favorite experience was the bachelorette party I threw. It went off without a hitch, everyone had so much fun and they all enjoyed the homemade gifts I made as favors. I love when things go according to plan! The second favorite experience would be my sister’s wedding day! It was so great seeing all of my family again and being able to celebrate with everyone. This day too went off without a hitch, it was so much fun!
That’s a fantastic accomplishment. I’m a retired RN but never got my BSN.
THis year I attended the Readers on the River in Kentucky. What a wonderful time I had. Made new friends and met new authors. Now my reading list has increased, as if there weren’t enough already. But hey there is never enough to read. LOL
2 cataract surgeries were at the same time horrifying but then again wonderful experiences even if I didn’t get rid of glasses completely but I can read without them and that’s lovely! A change from -10 glasses to -1.75 makes a huge difference.
Because I used my amazing trip for day one, I will have to say meeting a couple of my fav authors
My favorite this that happened this year didn’t even happen to me!!!! I have a 17 year old daughter and we have been struggling with our mother-daughter dynamic for the last 3 years. This year we turned a corner and our communication is great. She spent the summer doing and internship at my clinic and was able to get into a program to spend 2 weeks in London. She is blossoming in to an incredible young woman and I’m so blessed to watch it happen. I wouldn’t trade her happiness for anything in the world.
Getting to meet Joseph Morgan and Jensen Ackles. Best part of my year!
Getting to celebrate two 50th anviersies over labor day weekend for an aunt and an uncle. It was the first time in many years that all of my dad’s siblings and the majority of my cousins were together.
I started helping coach my daughter’s hockey team and it’s been so much fun.
We live in Texas and got an opportunity to do a job in Tennessee. We have been here since May and the job won’t be finished until February. We bought an RV and have been living in it. We’ve taken a train ride (my first) through the Tennessee countryside. Of course, we’ve took our daughters to a show at the Grand Ole Opry, to see Ruby Falls and Rock City.
But I think out of everything my favorite experience was flying my Dad to Nashville and taking him to a Nascar race. He is an avid fan and it was on his bucket list to go to a Nascar race.
My favorite experience of 2023 was meeting my book bestie after Book Bonanza and running into most of my favorite authors while at brunch. One of unicorn authors is Pam Godwin and luck was on my side when I caught her leaving the hotel as I walked up. She is the sweetest, most gorgeous person in real life and she was so patient as I fumbled my way through our conversation because I was so nervous.
No contest for me here…my husband took me to see my DUDES, the KC Chiefs to see our Lions at their season opener in KC, flew there and stayed two days. My guys lost but, it was a win win since our home team won (I was so sad…and happy, lol!). It was a great experience! Happy holidays and, thanks for the chance 🎄
My grandson graduated from high school. Merry Christmas
Best of 2023! My middle son graduated high school. My husband and I celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary. I finally got to go back to seeing my patients full time after a year of injury, surgery and physical therapy
The best experience I had this year was watching my 18 month old get super excited to “meet” Mickey Mouse. He started blowing him kisses as soon as he saw him. It was the cutest most heartwarming thing I had seen him do.
Best of 2023. I’m getting a new couch next weekend. Went to the Readers on River book signing in Sept. I have went to all of them and I’m hoping the next one will be even better. Big plus Julie did her order form this and I was able to order 7 more books to add to my collection.
2023 was a rough year at our house. My husband lost both parents and I lost my mom in January… that set a tone for the year. My youngest moved out after being with us for several years after college. We have gotten back to being a couple after 24 years of marriage and it’s been a much better year than we expected.
I have ab3 year old grandson and I recently bought him his first pair of hockey skates and equipment! Can’t wait to see him skate!!!
I think my favorite experience of 2023 will happen next week when we go to see the Vienna Light Orchestra on December 9th.
I went out there Cancun with my husband for our anniversary.
I went on my very first cruise, this is a big deal for me because I’m deathly scared of drawing. So I am proud of myself.
Dang auto correct! I meant drowning..
One of my favorite experiences this year was getting to watch my three daughters perform in a musical. After months of practices three nights a week it was such a proud mom moment to see them up on stage together!!
Watching my son thrive in his first semester away at college!
My favorite experience in 2023 was going to Vegas with my brother and sister to see our nephew. We hadn’t seen him for 7 years and it was great spending time with him and his family.
My favorite experience was taking my hubby, who is a huge football fan, on a weekend adventure to see a home game at Virginia Tech. It was a bucket list item for him & we live about 3000 miles away. Something he wouldn’t have done for himself & we went for his 50th birthday. What a fun milestone!
My favorite experience was being gifted my dream dog, a Frenchie! She’s perfect & I will forever be thankful!
Seeing our business grow more, giving us many more hopes and dreams for the future
Hmm.. I don’t really have a good one now. I guess I was happy to get a medically necessary breast reduction. I’m not thrilled about it now, months after recovery because now I feel kinda flat and frumpy.
Seeing the weight scale continually going down when I stepped on it
I was able to take a week long trip with my entire immediate family and kids. It’s really difficult to get everyone together these days. It was a really fun and so glad we got to have that time together!
I’ve had a lot of great experiences this year. Watching my son graduate from Northeastern. Week long cruise with my best friend. Seeing Garth in concert (again). Next week I see Toby with two of my besties and my daughter.
It’s not a big event but we went to Waterton National Park to stay for a couple of days and – GASP – it wasn’t windy LOL! It was beautiful, and still holds onto that not-quite-discovered feel. Love it.
Retirement! After 36.5 years in education, I retired in January. Ready for new adventures…or just reading on the couch for days. Doing “nothing” is highly under-rated.
My favorite experience this year was taking my daughter to the pumpkin patch for the first time.
My favorite experience of 2023 was visiting Antigua right after thanksgiving for a mini vacation. Hubby and I celebrate our 25tj wedding anniversary later this month so it was an early anniversary celebration.
This tough year had a silver lining. I was able to be with my dad as he transitioned from this life. The silver lining was having my brother and sister with me, together. Then my best friend and cousin flew in and handled all the little, important things and were by my side for the cemetery and celebration events. It’s the little big things that meant everything.
My favorite experience of 2023 was a recent trip to the west coast. This trip was all for me (and ny husband a little bit). We started in Vegas with some R&R and seeing Billy Idol in concert (actual reason for going to Las Vegas)! Rented a car and drove to La Jolla, CA where my husband was the best man in a wedding on the beach. We then travelled to to Laguna, CA for more R&R. We reunited with friends and family in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach and had a blast! We lived in Huntington Beach for a short time many years ago and made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. They will never stop trying to get us to make the East coast to West Coast move again!
I have had a rough year, so not much good going on around here. Christmas will be dead – I lost my job, had a stroke and have no $$ – but, it’s just me, so no big deal right? Anyhoo, thanks for the chance! 🙂
My favorite experience in 2023 was snorkeling in Dry Tortugas National Park. It was breathtaking.
Me and my boyfriend of 10 years finally got to go on holiday to Greece where he asked me to be his wife
Wearing my grandson win his first race. He’s only 5 but it was pure joy on his face. Now he wants to run all the time.
The time I spent with my kids from all their sporting events to beach days to hikes. Love my time with my kids.
My favorite experience of 2023 was watching my daughter participate in her high school marching band! She’s a bit shy so watching her come out of her shell and make new friends was very exciting for me!
My favorite experience of 2023 was getting back into book events after three years of not going to any
Going on a week long vacation withy youngest sister. It’s been a hard year, with health issues that are just starting to get under control. It was good to get away from work and relax.
My favorite thing was the birds of prey program at my local library. My small town library puts on a fabulous summer reading program. I enter every year and try to encourage my friends and family to join also. Merry Christmas.
I went to Chicago this summer and was able to sightsee and visit family
My favorite experience was my oldest graduating high school, then moving 6 hours away to go to college. Proud mom moments!!
It took me some time to think this through. But having my grandson and daughter move back home would be a favorite.
My favourite experience was going for a hit air balloon ride!
All the family time I got this year.
Attending my 5-year-old grandson’s flag football games (yes, I’m that grandma). And the arrival of grand #4!
I honestly can’t pick 1 thing. it has been a rollercoaster of a year! but today I am happy my grandfather came through his heart surgeries this week and so far no complications!
Watching my youngest son adopt his 2 daughters and all the love that was shared that day !
My favorite experience of the year was the trip my family and I took for my birthday. We essentially took a road trip with several stops on the way for the day, had lunch at one of my favorite restaurants that we do not have locally, and just talked and laughed all day. Great memories with most of my favorite people! 😁
I had an excellent seat to see the 20th anniversary tour of Give Up and Transatlanticism by The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie! That was like the soundtrack of undergrad for me 😁. I also won discounted tickets to see MJ, Company, and Boop musicals in Chicago which were all awesome. I was close enough to read the title of the songs in the conductor’s sheet music for Company, and read the brand of taps on a dancer’s shoes for Boop! As a former tapper that was super cool to be able to figure out what shoes the pros were wearing.
Going to Riviera Maya, Mexico to celebrate my 50th birthday. It was an amazing trip!
I attended 3 wonderful book signing and meet truly gifted authors. RAGT, SASS, AAM
My favorite experience of 2023 was my first time planting a garden in buckets. I have never had a desire to grow a garden but this year was a first. There was some times I didn’t think it was doing well but with a littler help from my garden group I survived. I had more than enough produce to share with family, friends and neighbors. My husband didn’t think I know what I had gotten my self into and sometimes I thought that as well but I didn’t give up I kept plowing ahead and at the end of the season I had a bountiful harvest. I have to give those in my garden group a big hand because they really did answer questions when I had them. I can’t wait till next planting season.
My favorite experience was having my son in April. A close second was getting to travel within my state and see beautiful waterfalls.
My cousin who is also one of my very best friends and I went to Las Vegas to see Kelly Clarkson in concert. We enjoyed her show and spending time together.
My favorite experience of 2023 was my grandson being born. From around 9-10 weeks of my daughter-in-law being pregnant until her 8th month, we didn’t know if he was going to survive. Her placenta was detaching and underneath was a blood clot. She was on strict bed rest for her entire pregnancy and her Dr told my son to figure out if he wanted a funeral or not. It was horrible. Watching my son go through something like that and not being able to fix it was absolutely horrifying. Not to mention not knowing from day to day what was going to happen. Then at 8 months, they went to the dr and there was no detachment and no blood clot. Everything was fine. She still had to stay on bed rest but on January 23rd, my little Jude Lawrence was born and he’s been more than perfect ever since. He is by far my favorite of 2023.
My favourite experience this year was surviving the year. Due to my failing health I got to work for 25% for the past few months. That was pretty cool too.
I loved setting up the Christmas tree this year.
My husband & I finally had the chance to go away by ourselves and we went to Cabo. It was so amazing, the people friendly and welcoming. The weather and scenery epically beautiful. We enjoyed our time together immensely!
Watching my grandson graduate from kindergarten 😁
Meeting my new granddaughter, she was born in October. She’s my 5th granddaughter. She’s looks like her 4 cousins but has her own flair as they all do.
Cindi Knowles
msredk@aol.com
I loved spending more time with my youngest son. He graduated in May and when he’s not at work he spends quite a bit of time with me.
Love, Love the picture of the horse! I believe having our twin daughters give birth to their first child 6 months apart, and both of them difficult births, was our famililes most joyable accomplishment this year. Both moms and babies are doing excellet. One grandson and one granddaughter! We now have a total of 4.
I know this is silly not my favorite experience of 2023 was being able to go back to work in the daytime. Both of my kids are officially in school so instead of working evenings, where I never got to see my hubs, I can work during the day. Now I get to tuck my kids in at night and spend time with my husband afterwards 😉
Turning 65 and eligible for Medicare was my big deal this year.
My biggest accomplishment this year was starting on my weight loss journey. Difficult and slow going but my Heath became a priority.
Omg I love your horse!! 🥰
My best experience this year was having my daughters be part of a naming ceremony. My husband is Native American and this summer our daughters received their Native American names. It’s passed down through each tribe. It was beautiful and a once in a lifetime experience.
My favorite experience this year was attending 2 of my nephews weddings. They were the first 2 of my 18 nieces and nephews to get married. ☘️
My best memory of 2023 is after over 5 years of fighting, I was finally approved for disability. It’s such a relief! Thank you so much for the wonderful giveaways!
Getting my Whippet puppy, after moving to a new home. My daughter has been on at us to get a dog, my husband said the Autumn we could get one, but back in July, I found a puppy that my husband would like & we got it straight away for me !
My.favorite was watching both of my kids compete… and win at their first state and regional cattle shows this summer!
My favorite experience this year was our summer family vacation. We went to New Hampshire with our 3 kids, my parents and sister. I have memories of going there as a child and it was so fun to revisit and see my kids doing everything I enjoyed. We went to Santa’s Village and Storyland, but my kids probably enjoyed the hotel pool most of all!
Readers Take Denver 2023 was a blast. I also was able to attend a Passion Fix movie premier and I made a new friend at the event.
One of my favorite memories of 2023 was having the chance to meet Kennedy Ryan at a book signing!
I went to RARE Florence in September. I had been to book signings before but this was my first one where I went abroad. I had a week which I spent in Pisa and Florence. I even went on a sightseeing tour with Piper Lawson and Rebecca Zanetti and other readers. I sat at the same lunch table as Rebecca and her PA. I have never spent so much time with an author before, just chatting. So much fun. I had the best time and I met the most amazing and friendly bunch of women on the days of the book signing, it made queueing up so much fun.
My favorite experience this year is finding out grandbaby 14 will be here next year. That makes 3 grandsons and 11 granddaughters.
Going to state high school football championships.
My girls mini vacation in Arizona
I don’t really have a favorite experience for 2023. I guess mine would be the huge weight that lifted off my shoulders the day my attorney called and said “the judge signed, your divorce is final”.
I had my feeding tube removed & am determined to gain weight. It’s not as easy as people think. I have trouble swallowing solids. My accomplishment is getting to play more with my 3 great grandchildren. The oldest was born on my birthday and I got to be there. The next is age 3 & the youngest will be 2 in Jan. The oldest and youngest are red heads. The oldest tells me that her hair is orange. It’s wonderful spending time with them.
This is easy for me since it just happened last week! I kocked off something on my bucket list, got o finally go see Trans Siberian Orchestra live and in person. I got to take my visually impared husband and 10 year old son. I also was able to get tickets for my oldest 2 sons and their SOs. It was a magical night with beautiful music and a wonderful family event we have never done. ❤️
I was able to start up a portion of my dog rescue here where I liy
Best experience, was watching my granddaughter play soccer this year and score 6 goals in a single game. To say I was so proud is an understatement.
I snorkelled off the edge of an atoll along a thousand foot drop into the Pacific. It was scary and exhilarating and amazing.
My favorite experience was our trip to Aruba. That little island is amazing! Their motto is ‘One Happy Island’ and I can see why. It was our 2nd trip there. The first wasn’t so great because I got burned on the 2nd day there and it was an unusually hot week so I was uncomfortable a lot. But this last trip was perfect! We spent so much time on the beach and I had learned my lesson and use spf 50 and stayed out of the sun during the hottest time of day. It also was quite a bit cooler.
I so needed that trip. I had just been laid off from a job I’d been at 22 years and was crushed by that. I had loved my job and my teammates were like family. So the trip came at a time I desperately needed to get away. We didn’t think about the layoff the whole trip and had a fantastic time.
I love being a part of ARC team, reading books by my favorite author before they release and post my review on Amazon and GR and audible sites for other readers was one of my favorite experiences in 2023. Ro Bro was the most amazing reading experience.
Reconnecting with my last living brother.
Seeing my first grandson graduate preschool in the Spring and start kindergarten this fall.
I saw The Tenors in concert. That was pretty awesome.
I’ve been wanting a Cavalier King Charles for years and finally got one. He’s almost a year old and is the best puppy I’ve ever had, so easy to house train and is so cuddly. His name is Harry
My youngest child got a job this year. It’s an experience for us because for the 1st time in 16yrs, my husband and I are alone at home. We don’t know what to do with ourselves when all the kids are at work. House seems empty. 😭
My favourite experience of 2023 was when my nephew came for a visit. He was 10 months old, and wasn’t sure about me at first (my brother and SIL live 12 hours driving away- so I hadn’t seen him in 8 months) but he took to me quickly. At one point during their visit we went to the beach and he was SUPER tired but refusing to nap, so he and I wandered around in the park in the shade while I sang to him and bounced him. He fell asleep for me (and on me) for a solid hour. He is SUCH an amazing baby, and I adore him. Best moment of 2023- bar none.
I was finally able to make it to Nashville and May 2023. It did not disappoint!
My favorite experience this year was getting a kayak. It was so fun going out on the lake and watching the different wildlife. We have a lot of Eagles around and seeing them is always awesome.
My favorite experience so far was having Thanksgiving with my daughters’ family and seeing everyone ( especially my 2 year old granddaughter)
Thanksgiving with family
My best experience of 2023 was being able to spend my Mother’s 68th Birthday at home with her along with my brother & sister. My Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastic cancer a month before her birthday and 3 1/2 months later she took her last breath with all of us at her side. My Mom felt any day we were together was a Celebration, but knowing we were all with her on her Birthday and her last day gives me a little peace. 💔
My favorite experience was a predawn hike in Arches National Park and sitting under North Window Arch to watch the sunrise with my family. It was unbelievably beautiful, so peaceful, and experiencing it with my favorite people made the moment magical. I have an incredible photo of the silhouettes of my husband and kids perched on the boulders at the base of the arch with the sky just starting to lighten behind them, and I feel that same sense of peace whenever I see the photo.
I have two that I can think of right now. One was in January. I was working for the state of Oregon in Human Services on a limited-duration status. It was a year long contract that was up in February. A position in my department magickally opened up at the end of last December. I applied for it and was nervous as hell when I went through the interview process. Right after I was interviewed–it was on Teams and I was doing it in another office in the same building I work in–I took a minute to breathe and chill out my nerves. As I was going back to my office, one of my coworkers told me that Mike–the CPS supervisor–was looking for me. I went into his office, and he had one of my coworkers who was part of the interview process and my manager–they work in our Coos Bay/North Bend office, whereas I work in our small/cozy Gold Beach office–was still up on Teams on his monitors. He greeted me with a huge smile and told me in front of them (they were smiling as well) that I got the permanent position. It was a great moment. The second one was the email I got from the publisher who loves my story The Last O’Clery Witch and sent me an acceptance letter with really nice things said about the story and my writing. The contract is perfect for me. I get to keep the rights to my book(s) and have a voice in it. I could have went for one of the BIG 5 publishers, but I wanted to have this particular experience instead. I’m excited for more amazing things flowing into my universe.
My favorite experience was to have three Nieces get married this Summer and also wrote three and a half books for fun and two were for a series Iam writing for fun and no I’m not a published author.
My favorite experience was visiting the Mission Inn Festival of Lights 2023. I love all of the lights, decorations and creativity along with dedication that goes into creating such wonderful displays.
My favourite experience was completing a Transatlantic cruise. I loved being on the ocean with no land in sight for a few days. Gives you perspective our little place in the world
In 2023 I got to go to London for the first time. I also went on this trip with someone who has been a friend for about 5 years and really he is kinda like my little brother. We have done the normal friends things but for some reason taking this trip with him was kind of a big deal in my mind. Like what happens if we just do not get along. And we are in a different country living in the same space for 10 days. After the first day the nerves disappeared because I had THE BEST TIME ever. He was a great travel partner and we saw so many amazing things. Ate at some spectacular restaurants and the photos I have truly capture how much fun and how silly I got to be on this trip because this friend of mine really was a friend and made it enjoyable.
My husband and I went on a wonderful cruise to Bermuda.
I’m really thankful for time spent with my family. There are five of us and we are all 55+. We don’t go and do as much as we did in the past. Plus, we have trouble remembering what we did do. So it’s hard to answer this question about what was my “favorite experience.” 😂
One of the things that comes to mind is this year was the first year I’ve talked my husband into playing bingo with me at Mystic Lake casino. Who do you think won $1000? Yep, my husband. It was special for me because he takes me there for me to play bingo which I love, but that leaves him wandering the casino for several days which isn’t something he really loves. He does it to make me happy. I’m glad that he spent time in the bingo hall with me and that he won! It was fun watching his face as they counted his winnings out to him.
My best moment was going to my daughter’s graduation, she got her Masters in Mental Health Nursing, proud of her. After that it’s probably that I read Julie’s books every night ❤️
Spending summer holidays at the lake with my grandkids.
Since becoming emptynesters my husband & I have taken to traveling. We’ve been taking a couple of trips a year for the last 3 yrs. One of my favorite experiences of 2023 was our trip to Cancun. I think we enjoyed this one so much because we had more freedom. The other trips were pretty much confined to the resort. In Cancun we were able to get out and explore on our own. And although we didn’t venture too far from the resort we had a blast chatting with the locals, who were very friendly, tasting authentic Mexican cuisine (not the basic resort food) and seeing the beautiful scenery.
Always my favorite experience is being able to spend vacation time with my Mom. We go to the same place every year, but I know there’s going to be the day that I won’t be able to do this with her anymore. So I cherish the time!
Was able to spend time with my youngest niece and nephew that I had not seen for over a year.
My middle son who said he would never ever have kids (he’s 32yrs old) so was thinking it wasn’t ever going to happen. Moved across the country to be with a girl. They are now engaged, and they told me last month they are expecting. It’s a boy due in May!!!
My favorite experience of 2023 was to visit The Old Port in Portland Maine, went to the local shops, had a nice time taking in the Marina & the boats, then I went to The Great Lost Bear for a lovely meal.
My favorite experience this summer was taking my first mother and daughter only vacation. We went to Nashville in May to see Taylor Swift. My daughter was so excited to be able to get tickets for the concert. We stayed at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and did all kinds of things around the city for 5 days. It was a very special time together. ❤️
Hearing my daughter tell the story of how her fiancé proposed to her. I guess it really wasn’t my experience, but I got to experience it through her! 🙂
Haven’t done anything out of the ordinary this year. I guess the best thing was just the fact that I had enough extra income to purchase as many physical books as I have, including a few Kickstarter special editions. lol
We got to go to New Orleans for the first time this year! I fell in love. We were there the week leatup to Fat Tuesday. So we got to experience everything without being there for the big day. I can’t wait to go again. And of course finishing our addition on our house!
Finding out I’m getting another grandchild
My best experience of 2023 was my youngest granddaughter and last grandchild turned 1. Reese is the best seeing all the changes
A week at the beach with my family!
Loved spending time in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
My family and I spent a wonderful long weekend with our daughter and her girlfriend in Southern Illinois. We had a blast!
Having my sister come down for a long weekend and just doing sister things
My best experience of 2023 was also going to Book Bonanza! I was so happy to see you and Johnathan/Laura and Tim/Nicole there and get to spend a little bit of time with you guys at your booth. And during the lull I got to just stand and chat with Johnathan for a long time, it was so great!
We finally made it to Ireland! We spent a week there and it was amazing! I can not wait to go back!
I love my books in audio and my music LIVE! I had a wonderful Girl’s Weekend in Maryland with family and friends to see New Edition, Keith Sweat, Guy, and Tank. The next week, I traveled to Nashville to see Janet Jackson and Ludacris. Later this month I will go to Birmingham to see Pentatonix. And I purchased tickets to see Niall Horan in Nashville next year. My soul is happy!
My best experience was discovering a new to me author and getting to listen to a series of twenty one audiobooks before the new one comes out on Christmas Day!
Hmmm… My top moment in 2023 was taking a weekend trip with my kiddos to Ohio. A friend was down there hunting, and he offered to host us in his hotel suite so we could get away from “real life” for a bit. It was fun to explore a different city, and enjoy time with my girlies.
My husband and I got to experience the welcoming of our second grandchild. Our first was born in Korea and due to COVID, we did not get to physically meet him until they returned to the states when he was 4 months old. We got to hold our granddaughter within just a few hours of her birth and then had the pleasure of bringing her big brother to the hospital for their first meet.
My favorite experience of 2023 was the cruise we went on in May. We loved it so much we are going on another in Feb 2024!
Spending the day with my family in Door County, WI
My niece and me spending our birthdays together was a good experience. Our birthdays are a day apart.
Getting together with a lot of my relatives at our summer Powwow it was fun.
going to several concerts throughout the year so much fun
My favorite experience of 2023 would have to be listening to myself and walking away from people & things that didn’t make me happy in life. The experience of my personal and self love within has grown & gas impacted my family as well.
My favorite experience of 2023 was my son’s birthday party at the Trampoline park.
Making memories with my niece. Taking her to Universal Orlando. To several music festival and concerts.
I’ve got to travel a lot across the US this year for work and personal which has been a really cool experience. It’s the most I have ever traveled.
Watching my kids march at Disney World with their high school marching band
Fav was welcoming in both a great niece and a great nephew this year!
What you wrote about is surprising only bc my top moment was when I arrived at Canyon Ranch, my room was actually a suite, but just as you mentioned, the most enormous suite in the world (that I’d personally ever seen). As a published author, you’ve likely seen much more of the world then I have. It had a spacious foyer, with a small fridge (but of course) leading into a living room (?!) with large couch, desk, tv probably 100+ inches, with IDK what behind the couch, bc there were doors behind it, but I wasn’t strong enough to move the couch myself … so, using my imagination, sex dungeon or perhaps just small bedroom if you brought kids along on your your restful vacay. Then there was the bedroom itself which was beyond HUGE (tho I no longer like using that word) w a king sized bed, another enormous tv set (and impossible-to-understand remote which took me an embarrassing 2 days to figure out how to use) and for extras it led into a hallway with two large closets and TWO bathrooms. And, honest to God, if there is just one BR (that I could see), why on earth were there two BRs?? Was the idea that whomever came there was too cool to bathe with their companion and thus they both needed large sinks, showers/baths, etc. w extras to truly enjoy the holiday? That was seriously puzzling. Or there really was another bedroom behind the couch in the LR. But if so, they really shouldn’t have made it impossible to reach unless you have the muscles of Jack Reacher. [Sorry, I shouldn’t have referenced another author.] But I didn’t know his bks had become serialized PROPERLY until two days ago. (Tom Cruise. Really??!) In any case, other than my grandparents apartments or the odd holiday w my family when I was much, much younger, I had never stayed anywhere quite so posh.
A visit to an Alpaca farm! They are so gentle and followed us around in a line.
Watching a river barge parade at the Riverwalk in Texas – musicians and dancers all in costumes.
My MIL was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer earlier this year. I took my sons and spent a month in Texas with her. It was a great experience.
Hands down my favorite time was visiting with my sister. First thought was I that I was nuts for booking a flight to Florida in August. Had the best time with her, my sister-in-law and nephew.
Adopting three Maine Coon kittens (at two different times)!
My baby niece was born in 2023. What a happy time ❤️
One of my favourite experience this year was watching my niece celebrate her 16th birthday and turning into a lovely beautiful young lady. So proud of her!
Girls only weekend with 17 amazing women. It was my birthday weekend and we rented a house with zebras on the property and did a wine tour.
My favourite experience was going to the East Coast Comic con in Moncton NB.
Getting to meet my cousin and my aunt from my dad’s side of the family that I haven’t seen in over 20 years
Thus far, the best was ezperience wasseeing old high school friends up near Baltimore, MD last month (I live near Houston, TX) It was like we all never parted. Not only that but since the NFL Baltimore Ravens began, I’ve been a diehard fan. My friend scored 50 yd line 7th row tickets I had never seen them live. (they beat the Seahawks, Yay!) We had a blast. I also enjoyed perfect weather and was blessed with enjoying the fall changing of leaves throughout the area. (TX lacks in the the “feels like fall scenery) I hadn’t been back to visit in over 20 years due to various things like a loser now ex-husband, work ^ financial constraints and just recently cancer) Nothing like spending time with good friends to celebrate I’m cancer free now)
My best news this year, was buying tickets for my Fisrt Book Con, and knowing I’ll get to meet one of my top 3 FAVORITE Authors, EVER!! We bought the VIP tickets just so I don’t miss out meeting Julie at the Con! I’m beyond excited about going to the Con!!
Wonderful birthday trip to the mountains – so nice to relax and recharge.
My favorite experience of 2023 was seeing my brother become a dad for the first time- he’s the baby of the family and it was pretty neat seeing the changes in him and the love he shows to his son <3
I have 2! The birth of my two cousins, a week apart. For my twin and mine 40th birthday, we celebrated Golden Girls theme.
Seeing a moose
My favorite experience of 2023 was seeing my dad walking without any assistance.
Celebrating 12 years with my husband. Using my rock tumbler for yhe first time this year! Now I’m addicted!
Hands down favorite experience was the birth of my first grandbaby. Being a new NANA from 1700 miles away I depend on technology but I get to watch her grow. I got to watch the delivery and my son video calls me at least four times a week. I even got to watch her first crawl live.
My favorite 2023 experience was getting my new power chair and ramp, more independence!
Best experience was travelling 27 hours with my two sisters to eastern Washington to surprise another sister for her 70th birthday, to see her expression was worth every minute x
My siblings came to visit and discuss and came to a conclusion of what our father would want in moving on to eternity. My father is in the Veterans Hospital with dementia and bed ridden, two of his fears to end life with. We hadn’t all been together in one room in years. It made it even better that our spouses weren’t there. We talked and laughed and had the same energy as when we were kids.
My favorite experience of 2023 was taking a trip into the painted hills to start gold panning. I didn’t strike it rich (yet!) but it was a lot of fun and I did find a few tiny bits.
Best experience was going to the Grand Ol’ Opry with my dad and sister. He got to meet one of his all time favorite artists, it was such a joy to see him so happy!
I took a week off work and spent most of it curled up reading – loved it!
Spending time with my kids and grandkids are the best times of any year!!!
I haven’t experienced it yet but looking forward to going to St. Augustine, Fl with my sisters during Christmas to see the lights display.
Getting to spend a week with my son before he moved out of state
My husband deciding to go back to college for his Master’s degree!!
Went to Chicago for the first time and had a blast in the windy city with my husband and friends.
My favorite experience this year was my nephew’s wedding! It was on Lake Winnipesauke,NH,which is only an hour away,but we all stayed for the weekend-it was perfect weather and so much fun!
It has been such a rough year, as it was for so many, I found myself struggling to recall what was my best experience in 2023. I realized then I had so many great small moments like, sitting on the deck watching beautiful sunsets, working in my garden, conversations with my best friend,walks on the beach and so many more. This was a great question to bring me to the realization to what I perceived to be a very bad year was actually filled with a lot of joy.
Husband getting Masters degree!
Gong to my cousins wedding and getting to see so many family members that I hadn’t spent time with in years. Babies had grown up and it was fun to goof around with them. It was a fantastic evening. We lost an Uncle shortly after, so it was nice to have pictures of my Dad and all his siblings together that night.
My favorite experience was going to Spain and Italy and seeing all the different cultures and people and seeing how different and beautiful we all are.
Going to the Women’s World Cup in Australia. It was a wonderful family experience with my two adult daughters who both still play soccer. Also Australians are some of the nicest people in the world.
Going to see the Red Rocks of Sedona!! What a feast for the eyes! Would absolutely love to live around there….
Going on a road trip with my Mom and sisters to Northern Wisconsin. All back road driving – lots of corn fields and cows!
Spending time with my family
Going to Canon Beach in Oregon which was on my bucket list! It was gorgeous but a bit cold. Then again it is in the Pacific NW. Julie your horse is so HUGE and gorgeous I can see why you are obsessed 😍.
Taking a week of work for my sons 18 birthday
Meeting a new guy. And so far it’s a really good thing.
My favorite experience of 2023 was seeing one if our Beefalo cows give birth! It’s incredibly rare to see it happen. They usually hide out and calve. It was so cool to see it!
Getting to see so much live music this year. So many different and fun bands came through my hometown. Favorites were Heilung and Sleep Token.
My favorite experience this year was going to a friend’s house to make apple butter with a large group of people. A man I’m kind of crushing on was there and we got to know each other a bit better and I spent some time joking with him. Felt great after 20 years of a soul-sucking relationship where I thought I may never joke around that freely again.
My favourite experience from this past year was kayaking on the Rideau River with my best friend!
My trip to Texas was the highlight of my year. I did attend BB and was able to meet Johnathan and Laura. But seeing old friends in San Antonio was awesome!
My favorite experience was visiting my daughter & her boyfriend in Virginia in July. She moved away a year this October and we misse her sooo much.
Watching my baby graduate. She’s homeschooled through a charter school. So I got to see her walk down the aisle. She has really bad social anxiety and I’m so proud of her for accomplishing that and overcoming her fear and seeing the joy and accomplishment in her own face.❤️ It’s something I’ll never forget.
My favorite experience this year was riding down the Natchez Trace between Nashville TN and Tupelo MS in my 2005 mustang convertible, top down, sun shining, wind blowing I my hair!
The best part of 2023 for me is right now. I am in Siesta Key, Florida, at a girls weekend for my mother’s 70th birthday. It has been an amazing weekend.
I got to watch my niece sky dive! I’m thinking next year is my turn!
Probably the the best thing that happened in 2023 is I met my true best friend. I’ve had a core group of 3 friends, even considered them my best friends, but when I fell on some hard times I felt them pulling away. And then early this year chance brought Abby into my life. She gets me. She’s there for me, she encourages me and pushes me to keep going. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have her in my life. I have goals again and things I want to work toward. So hopefully by the end of 2024, we will have accomplished one goal and are working toward the next, together.
My favorite experience of 2023 has been spending a few peaceful, stress-free weeks in Peru and having my brother-in-law and his wife join us here.
It was Seeing my son graduate he’s the 1st in our family to and I am so mega proud of him. TYSM. HAPPY HOLIDAYS🎄⛄🤶🎅
My favorite experience was visiting my sister in San Diego.
This year through a series of very fortunate or unfortunate (I was very ill) events, was able to see some of my best friends and favorite people. In Spain three of my best friends came to visit (friends from different periods of my life) I hadn’t seen them in years and the visit overlapped each other. My friends visited from Hungary, Luxembourg and the UK. I was able to attend the wedding of a very dear friend of mine and my sister popped for a visit as she was in the country on a work trip. I also was able to welcome my oldest nephew and help him settle into his new life in Spain. All these people including my sister I hadn’t seen for at least four years so it was quite the celebration.
Another highlight was that my son began a new chapter in his life attending college. This is the first time we are not living together so it’s a big change for both of us but he is doing so well that my helicopter mom’s instincts are hiding somewhere deep inside.
hello…my best experience of 2023 was finding out i’m going to have a new grand baby to love!
This year has pretty much sucked but I did get one opportunity to go on holiday and explore Tasmania for the first time!
My favorite experience was this summer visiting my brother and his family in Spain where they live now.
I had the opportunity to participate in a documentary on TNR (trap neuter release) with feral cats. I learned over Thanksgiving that I will be in the trailer. 😱
MY favorite experience of 2023 has yet to come, got one month left to accomplish it! 🙂
My favorite experience was meeting my new grand niece.
Favorite experience in 2023 was hosting a cousin who walked across the US. His stories are incredible. From Delaware to LA February to October. Amazing guy.
My favourite experience was going to see Sir Paul McCartney in concert in Sydney, it was a night I will never forget. He was on stage for 3hrs, he was fantastic. As a young girl growing up in England the Beatles and Paul especially was my favourite. To finally see him perform in person was a dream come true.
My favourite experience of 2023 was becoming an aunt. I love spending time with her and shopping for her. She’s a little bundle of pure joy.
I had a 6 week paid sabbatical offered by my employer, so I took it for September/October. With that time off, I spent a week out west with my Mom and Brother & his wife touring/hiking/walking Yellowstone & Grand Tetons National Parks. Then after I came home, a week later, I took off for 3 weeks to France and Belgium with a group of friends and toured Paris (I have been there several times), castles in the Loire Valley (I had NOT been there), and visiting with friends in Liege, Belgium (I have been there several times) and Gent, Belgium (I had NOT been there before). When I finally came home, I had one week to recover before I had to return to work. Totally worth it!!!
My favorite part of 2023 has yet to come. On Christmas Eve we will host several family members for a delicious meal, have a small birthday party for my husband’s birthday, and we will get a visit from Santa. We have had the same Santa for over 15 years. Everyone gets a present. Santa told me that he loves coming to our house because everyone is so excited to see him and he has had the pleasure of watching my children grow up. It is a lot of work and costs us a bit of money, but it is so worth it. To see my step-mom’s face light up like a little girl when Santa comes and gives her a hug. No matter what bad things happen during the year, I always have Christmas Eve to look forward to.
This holiday season, my niece-by-love (my best friend’s daughter) plays Clara in the local ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. I loved getting to see her perform in the dream role of her young life <3
Going on vacation with just my husband to South Padre has definitely been a highlight. I love my kids but it is nice to get away.
My youngest son got engaged this year. I was able to go dress shopping with my future daughter-in-law.
I went to my first ever three Michelin star restaurant for my birthday 🥳
My favorite experience was going to the Candlelight Processional at Disney’s Epcot. It started with a candlelight processional up to the stage. A narrator told the Christmas story. There was a choir and an orchestra who preformed holiday songs. It was wonderful start to the season
My best experience this year was seeing my daughter graduate from high school.
We had a Fourth of July bbq with my family and neighbor’s family.We put on our own fireworks display that could rival the Gruccis
Well JA is has been a pretty crappy year. So my highlight was my husband and I attending the very last KISS show at MSG last night! Amazing show but so sad it’s all over….
I haven’t really done anything exciting but I did get a decent raise at work this year and that was pretty exciting LOL
My best experience this year when my daughter and my sister was cleared of breast cancer.
hooray!!
Best part has been going to a Marshall University football game. I have family that plays in the band. So proud of that kid. If he puts his mind to something, he is unstoppable.
My favorite was talking my kids to a water park.
I didn’t get to go out much in 2023, but my friend invited me to goto Calgary global fest fireworks vip experience which also happens to be my first time to this festival.
It’s been a pretty rough year but, every time my daughter smiles when she plays softball is pretty great.
My son is twelve and puberty came in like a wrecking ball for him this year. We’ve always been close but I always worried in the back of my mind that he might withdraw during this time. Instead, I was delighted that he confided in me some pretty heavy topics and struggles he was having. I am always proud of him but I’m also quite proud of myself for constantly being there for him so he could trust me when big things started happening in his life.
I had absolute zero good experiences in the past year.
I went to texas for my 30th birthday and celebrated with my sister, brother, her fiance and his girlfriend at my future brother in laws lake house!
The day my daughter told me she and her husband were trying to get pregnant.
Celebrating my daughter’s birthday at Disneyland 🥰 we love going for her birthday 🙏🏻❤️
What a question. What was my favorite experience of this year? I think I would say getting chickens (reluctantly). I hate change, so when my boyfriend impulsively brought me 4 chicks in April I was less than thrilled. But what happened is I started spending every evening sitting with them. I would sit on the ground and bring them snacks because as everyone knows the key to chickens are the snacks. I knew one was a rooster right away because he was tallest and the most friendly. He would come sit on my lap or jump on my shoulder. I live in city limits so having a rooster is a big no no and I was lucky because my neighbors were cool. I spent all summer with what turned out to be 4 boys. What are the chances?! But they were the best. Curious and funny. I would let them out to free range my yard every evening while I read they roamed around me. I eventually had them go off to my cousins to live where they could protect the ladies and have more room to roam. I sure do miss them!
My favourite day was visiting a cat re-homing charity and getting a beautiful little black cat called Coco. She is soooo cute and we’re glad we did it following the harrowing death of our previous cat.
Being able to travel with hubby again. He wasn’t sure he wanted to … but we went several places and enjoyed each one!
Going to Mexico with my husband and kids. We went zip lining, kayaking, cliff jumping in the Cenotes. I never thought I would ever but it so much fun
Turning 50 this year. Celebrated with family and friends.
I commented yesterday that I’d just wrecked my car and was actively searching for a replacement. Well, today the year’s best thing is that mid-search, I ran into old friends and spent over 3 hours catching up. It was wonderful in so many ways. Not earth shattering, but wonderful nonetheless.
My sister in law coming to visit from Spain!
The best was being able to go to the cottage this summer with the family and my best friend, it was the best most relaxing week for us all
Visiting Lion Habitat Ranch in Las Vegas and feeding a lion.
London was by far the best experience I had this year. It exceeded all of my expectations.
Week in Scotland hiking.
It may sound counterintuitive, but I got a cancer diagnosis. Pretty yuk, but it does give me a chance to move ahead and overcome some physical problems I’ve been having for the last couple of years. I feel like I’m making some progress here.
Becoming a grandma
My best experience in 2023 was our family vacation at the beach
I became a Nana in February and am so blessed with my new granddaughter, Kinsley. She is my world!
watching my daughter excel in her freshman year of college so far from home
Watching my son turn into the amazing person that he is. With our guidance and encouragement, he has done some great things. So proud and happy of him.
My favorite experience of 2023 was watching my daughter fall in love for the first time 💕
Learning to drive again after a spinal cord injury.
Going to the Canadian National Exhibition again for the 1st time in 4 years 🙂 Thanks!
My favorite experience i guess was knowing that I could really put in hard work to advance myself in my career. I passed the enrolled agent exams with the IRS this year. And you go ahead a horse girl obsess all you want to!!
Spending time with family on the lake. I finally slalom skied at 52!
This is gonna sound silly but being able to eat again!!! I have had a lot of tummy problems and ending up having surgery. I wasn’t able to eat without having pain. But now your girl can eat and I’m so happy 🙂
My favorite experience was my son being born.
My favorite experience of 2023 was seeing the play Wicked last night with my husband. It was so fun to get dressed up. The special effects was really amazing. The play did not disappoint my expectations.
We took a cruise to Australia and New Zealand. It was fantastic.
My son that has been deploying for his job found out he doesn’t have to anymore 😊
My favorite experience of 2023 is seeing my now 1 yrs old grandson everyday
2023 has been a rough one honestly. I’m not sure what the best part was or is at this moment.
How my family come together when one of us need help with anything. We have been hit with a lot on the past couple years and we keep fighting for each of us.
My favorite experience of 2023 was seeing the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia!
Honestly its been a rough year and I can’t recall having any good experiences so far,maybe December will bring something for me to enjoy…I live in hope.
Thankyou so much for the chance.
xx xx
now living with my son and DIL caring for my two grandsones
My favorite experience from 2023 was going to Paris with my husband and his family. It was really a once in a lifetime trip and was amazing because we don’t get to see his family that often since we live in different states.
It’s been a pretty rough year but I’m happiest about how my family has come together for each other.
My FAVORITE EXPERIENCE OF 2023 was when I found out that my mother’s seizures had subsided and that she was going to be alright. She had a stroke, a pulmonary embolism and seizures. It began out being a horrible year but has ended on her being ok. I am so thankful
Just found out we are having a grand baby. 🙂
Hi Julie, I actually mentioned my favorite experience yesterday. I retired and spent time with my husband most of the time since then. It truly has been wonderful so far. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your giveaway. Merry Christmas to All. 🎅🌲🎅🌲🎅🌲
Becoming a grandmother!
Like you, it was attending Book Bonanza assisting Kathy Coopmans. I hate that I wasn’t able to come see you.
So sorry I forget to mention above that I bought the Robro as soon as it was released. It was also my first audio book. I loved it!!!!l I am now trying to get audio for all the books of yours that I have already purchased.
My favorite experience of 2023 was camping with my son. The last time we had gone camping was pre-covid, 2019. So it was really nice to get back out there in the woods of a state park, roughing it in a tent, hiking, fishing, playing games & chatting by the fireside (with marshmallows on sticks)!!
My favorite experience of 2023 was our family trip to Colorado! Thanks for the chance!!
The best part of my 2023 was getting a new bed.
Going to Disney with the family and close friends this summer.
I FINALLY went to New York for the very 1st time. Made it a girls trip with my besties and it was everything I needed.
My favorite experience of 2023 was participating in our local cosplay group and having people come up to me for photos. I felt proud about my design.
My favorite experience of this year was the birth of my second granddaughter. She is now 6 months old and just amazing.
Watching my daughter graduate college with her associates degree in Mechatronics a year after graduating high school. Yes she graduated high school in 2022 and then college in 2023. How? She took college classes since her sophomore year of high school and I cannot be more proud of her.
Hubby and I took a two-week road trip (from Wisconsin) to the Grand Canyon in June. It was a first for both of us and it was INCREDIBLE!
Having the summer off with my kids!
I went to see Les Mis in London then took a cruise to the western part of Norway to see the Fjords
My oldest graduated from college. My husband retired. Three weddings,my mother inlaws house flooded. I bought my first ever car! My youngest son is turning 21. And I’m shook. 2023 has been good to us.
Without a doubt watching my oldest grandson walk the stage for his high school graduation. We raised him and it still feels like he should be in kindergarten.
Two really big events this year. One daughter got married and another had her fist baby. So exciting!!!
My hubby and I took a slow road trip to Texas taking in all the scenery and taking pictures.
Over the summer my family went on a camping trip tents cots everything we had the best time ever being out in the nature it was AWESOME.
HA! I’m going to have to bore you and mention for two days in a row my love of riding my motorcycle! 😂 Riding in my first motorcycle rally was definitely my best experience this year! I love long distance riding and adding the “game” of the rallies is bringing new challenges to overcome.
My country (South Africa) winning the Rugby World Cup! This single event brought together multiple different cultures, races, ages, social economic statuses in a country that is know for being divided on many issues! But for those 80 minutes we were a country united!
This past summer was my first Book Bonanza. It was a crazy few days but so much fun and great to meet Julie, Johnathan and Laura!
Going to see my sons band Ashes Reign play at The Southern. It was the first time I was able to go watch.them play live and they were great. It made me so proud to see him doing what he loves, playing the bass guitar in a band he’s been with for over 10 years. They had released an EP Album and two singles and now the band has been signed to a contract with Affiant Records and they are on several music stations and music venues and getting ready to release a new album next year and start touring. This has been the best and most exciting thing to happen this year for me.🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘
My favorite moment of 2024 was my sister’s wedding this summer. It was beautiful and chill and a wonderful time with family.
Watching my youngest daughter graduate from high school and then celebrating by taking a family trip out west. We had a wonderful vacation and a great start to the summer.
Adopting my 2 kids was my favorite experience.
My husband and I and our kids went to a family vacation in Tennessee and we hiked and explored and stayed in a cabin and saw some snow at the top of a mountain in October and it was the best experience ive had this year ever!!
The best experience I had this year was taking my son to his very first concert. We went to Nashville to see Ed Sheeran! It was hands down one of the best trips ever. Ed Sheeran is a genius and literally a one-man show. We also had so much fun going to the Andrew Jackson house, The country music Hall of Fame, The Parthenon, and getting to see studio b where Elvis recorded. We are so pumped for next year’s adventure though. We’re going on a cruise.
Celebrating my dad’s 98th birthday this year was special.
My favorite experience was getting to experience New Orleans for the first time after my family cruise.
My favorite experience was finally getting a new roof. It had been damaged from a hurricane and I was on a long waiting list.
In 2023 I got to attend a book event in my home province which is basically unheard of. I got to meet some amazing authors and narrators, and connect with book friends I met during the 2020 craziness. It was awesome 🙂
My favorite experience this year was having my daughter and youngest granddaughter visit me, from out of state, for Mother’s Day. We had an amazing time and lots of girls’ time while they were here.
My favorite experience was starting a book club with my friends. It has been so much fun and Bonus, more people who love your books. Win / win 🙂
My fav experience of 2023 was going to Portland with my brothers for a music festival weekend.
My favorite experience of 2022 was becoming an aunt again.
My favorite experience of 2023 was celebrating our 50th anniversary with my husband.
Getting to go to a book event and getting to meet a bunch of authors that I read books from
My favorite experience of 2023 was going to a concert to see The Dirty Heads. It was an awesome show and I had so much fun!
Favorite experiences in 2023 was watching my son graduate high school ,pass his road test and go to college
My favorite experience in 2023 was our family vacation. We enjoyed a 7 day Alaskan cruise with all the upgrades. My husband and I were celebrating being together for 20 years and married for 14.
My favorite experience of 2023 was a family reunion in Denver. 26/28 of us came in from 6 states to celebrate my dad’s 70th birthday! ❤️
My favorite experience in 2023 was getting engaged!
I enjoyed my cruise to the Caribbean. It was nice to have warm weather in February.
Experienced the Skybridge in Boyne Michigan with a girlfriend. It was raining but it was well worth the views, the pictures, and the girl time.
Best experience was going to Las Vegas with best friend crew
My favorite experience of 2023 was a weekend in a local mountain town with my hubby to celebrate our anniversary.
My favorite experience of 2023 was going to my first Anime / Manga Convention. It was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to go again next week.
I went out to BC (British Columbia)to visit my son and future daughter in law. First time there. Beautiful amazing country.
Attending Comic-Con and getting to meet a few celebs I’ve been desperate to meet 🩷
My beautiful granddaughter being born. Her name is Pixie Delilah.
My health is one great thing about 2023.
My favorite experience of 2023, was getting to celebrate my brother’s wedding with him in beautiful banff, alberta!
Getting to spend time with family that I rarely get to see.
Been a pretty boring 2023, everything considered. The most thrilling was winning a several thousand dollar hand in no limit poker. Kinda cool (and rare).
Watching my twin grandsons go to Kindergarten. 💕
My ER jobs & my new house!
My favorite experience of 2023 was my trip to Italy (Milan, Florence, and Rome), with 9 of my dance friends and our 2 dance instructors, My first trip across the pond – my first use of my passport – my first immersion in the Italian language – and a chance to dance with Umberto the heart throb star of Dancing With the Stars – Italy!!
My honey bee hives just started bee keeping!
Laughing with my husband. No matter what is happening in life, he’s my best friend. We laugh and joke around like we are kids, it’s great!
Locating some ancestors burial sites on my Grandfather land.
My favorite experience this year was the awesome girl trip I went on with my daughter and granddaughters — so much fun and quality time with my girls.
Becoming who I want to be. …
I can’t pick a favorite!
I was very lucky to meet my niece and nephew for the first time
Watching my middle baby graduate from high school.
I’m gonna be honest. I can’t really remember much of this year and nothing super amazing has really happened that i can think of right now. It’s been a year full of sickness and setbacks and frustration. Trying to remember anything besides that proves difficult, and as i said before, my goals have unfortunately gone unachieved this year. I’m just steadily trying to fix up rooms in my house so i can get started on certain projects or items to sell online. It feels like i’m moving at the pace of a 100yr old tortoise somedays, but at least i’m still moving, right? Hoping next year will be easier and I’ll feel better about things. I still want to travel and get myself back to some sense of normality. If anything this year has been spent doing a whole lot of self reflection and trying to let go of unrealistic expectations others have put on me. Try and get back to the things i love doing without feeling the pressure to do something spectacular with them. So much reflection with these questions, i love it. Happy Holidays! 🎄💕
my favorite experience hasn’t happened yet, and it’s a 2 parter. part 1 is my daughter turning 16 in 2 days. and part 2 is taking her to see her first ever musical—beetlejuice!
A overdue vacation – just me and the hubs- to Orlando and Universal Studios. Us adults got to be the kids for the week. It was fantastic.
Seeing some amazing concerts!
Honestly can’t think of any one experience.
I’m barely a football fan but I got to tour Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI this summer with friends. There is so much history as they have been there forever. Learning how they just added to it over the years. And that every seat is owned by a season ticket holder and that they can pass them on to their kids in their wills! Unheard of. If you are in the area, I highly suggest a tour even if you aren’t a fan.
I know this sounds kind of sad, but our annual Periodontal meeting this year was really good. It’s always worth the time and expense when you learn something relevant to you practice, and I learned a LOT at this meeting. I’ve been practicing periodontics for over 25 years, so it is so refreshing to learn a lot at a four-day meeting.
(And yes, you all want all of your dental and medical professionals constantly learning things!😉)
My favorite experience of 2023 was going to Lori Foster’s Readers & Writers Get-together and meeting many of my favorite authors.
Seeing my youngest son graduate with honors from Highschool!
A wedding in the mountains of New Hampshire.
My favorite experience was adopting a puppy we named Bailey.
Oh definitely getting to meet Author EL James at a book signing.
My favorite experiences this year was hearing my kids laughter. It always brightens my heart to hear them break out in rolling around, knee slapping, laughter. Whatever age but there has been more of it again.
My first born graduated high school and then just turned 18! My favorite was looking through old photos, seeing my and his life and how much it has changed these last 18 years! I feel too young to have raised this wonderful human!
Took my 8yr old to see the ocean for the first time. It was magical!
My favorite experience was seeing Zach Bryan in concert in Tulsa with my husband and daughter. It was so fun and to get to experience it with the family was awesome!!!
My 3 youngest out of 9, have all brought their grades in school way up. I delivered my grandson in our car. He was excited to meet me I guess. We were almost there. Pop, out comes his head.
How much the family has come together.
My favorite experience was floating in the pool with my husband. It is an above ground pool, but it is relaxing!
Day three. I went to see Pink in concert for the first time. It was a blast. Some new and old friends got together to go as a big group. Sooooo much fun!!
My favorite experience of 2023 was getting caught up on some cleaning and throwing away old papers. It was a nice experience to clean out some clutter. It was very freeing to be rid of old books, papers, and clothes that had been sitting around.
going walking regularly
My favorite experience in 2023 was watching two of my children qualify for and compete in three world championship ballroom dancing competitions – one standard, one latin, and one ten dance (being one of two couples to represent the United States at each one).
My favorite experience was a close friends wedding
My favorite experience was a week long trip to the ocean with my hubby, just the two of us.
Spending time with my boys – my dad, husband, son, and two grandsons.
My favorite experience this year was seeing my favorite niece (my mini-me) get her Associates of Fine Arts Degree and then head out on her own as a young adult visiting South Korea then moving from Nashville to Minneapolis to follow her dream of furthering her education at a prestigious art and design college.
Teaching my boys about Horses! Also teaching them about building a house as we watched ours being completed. It took a long time
The beach days and road trips with my husband and our nieces!! We made a lot of amazing memories!
My favorite experience was going to a Toto/Journey concert and Neal Schon throwing out a concert Journey t-shirt to us fans and hitting me right in the face. I definitely teared up! Lol😂
My favorite experience of 2023, so hard to pick so I’m going to list my top three. 1. Got to go to the cotton bowl in January with my husband and our three kids. Got to see the Tulane Greenwave win the cotton bowl. 2. Watched everyone of my son’s football games. They didn’t have a single point let alone a first down scored on them all season long. Well that was till the championship game. They won the parish championship 27-13. And the third best thing this year is I bought a new truck. My old one I had for 16 years.
Walking my son across the football field for his last year of high school football as he’s a senior. It was bittersweet, emotional, and I was so proud of him. Best moment! Best mom moment 🥹🥹
My favorite experience was getting to host all of our first holidays in our new home!
My favorite experience was seeing my family .
My favorite part of 2023 was going Apple picking in the fall
Getting rid of old junk
It will be happening this coming Sunday. We are taking our 5 year old little girl on a trolly ride with Santa for the very first time. I can’t wait to see her light up.
I absolutely love going to the guinea pig rescue that I suppport annual fall fundraiser. Who doesn’t love a PIGnic?
My favorite experience of 2023 is going to the library. It’s just so simple & relaxing. I only get to go once a week due to work but I cherish that time.
My favorite experience was this past weekend I got to go to the SEC Championship Football Game in Atlanta Georgia to watch my favorite team Alabama Crimson Tide play. I took my 18 year old nephew and my brother and sister in law went. We had so much fun and we won!!! Roll Tide🐘🐘
My highlight of 2023 was my youngest son graduation from middle school and starting high school. Seems like just yesterday when he was born so I can’t believe he’s 15 already!
The best part of 2023 is having my son and his fiancé finally back from China after his teaching stint and staying with us.
My favorite experience of 2023 was spending a week in a friend’s beachfront house in Florida with my brother and his family. We spent the week relaxing on the beach or deck with cool beverages, watching the glorious sunrises and sunsets, soaking up the sun, counting dolphins, listening the oldies radio station, reminiscing, and stuffing our faces with seafood. We had tons of fun and grew even closer as a family.
My favorite was visiting my son in the Navy and having the whole herd together.
My favorite experience of 2023 has been spending a long weekend in Knoxville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg TN. My husband and I are from there, and since we don’t live there anymore, it was a great visit. And of course, the scenery is stunning.
My daughter graduated from high school and we celebrated by taking a fabulous vacation out west.
My favourite experience was seeing Guns N Roses live in concert for the first time, having been a fan for more than 30 years.
Definitely visiting my nieces in the midwest! It had been a long time. Thanks for the chance at this awesome giveaway
So at 34 years old, I had never been to Disney World. At the beginning of the year, my cousin and I planned the trip for October. It truly is a magical place and I can’t wait to go back!
Getting my new car
My favorite personal time in 2023 was when I was invited to compete at Stone Mountain Highland Games. I had such a great time, I got to meet some amazing women, The day was beautiful and the temperature was perfect. I will cherish the memories of that day.
All the trips!
I braved the fact that I don’t like people to go to a summer outdoor festival to see Imagine Dragons and Green Day on 2 different nights. It was a great show though.
My favorite experience was pride! My son graduated from college. I am so proud to be his mom. It took longer than expected but, the world kinda imploded for a bit there. I didn’t expect that all encompassing feeling, it was wonderful!
One of my favorite experiences this year was with my daughter, Cass. We rode the Coaster train to San Diego and walked all around while enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of downtown THEN had a blast at a San Diego Padre baseball game!
My favourite moment of 2023 has been spending the day at a place called beeilder Wood with my family it was a stunning nature day
Getting to attend my class reunion and reconnecting with classmates. Was so much fun.
I was able to take my kids on their first cruise and it was a great experience!
Celebrating my daught getting engaged to a great guy and getting to know his family.
My favorite experience of 2023 was getting the all clear to remove my port. I no longer needed it which in a way says I am done with the breast cancer.
Thank you again for this opportunity to possibly be chosen.
My favorite experience of 2023 has been watching my daughter flourish this year. It’s her senior year of high school, she’s been taking an afterschool vet course program after school for the past four years and she’s rocking both! She has applied herself in this last year in a way that I have never seen, she’s absolutely determined and fearless as she’s pushing herself beyond her comfort boundaries (she’s very shy) and she is ready to take on the world! It’s been such a privilege to watch her grow this year, I’m so proud of her.
I had a lot of things going on this year. My dad was recovering from a mysterious illness at 87, we visited my 93 year old father-in-law for his birthday shortly before he passed, I lived with my elderly parents assisting them with everything after they were in a car accident, and we moved. While some people might think of these things as challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to really connect with family members and to start a new chapter.
My best experience this is was in November I got to see Queen in concert. I know Freddie wasn’t there in person but he was there in spirit and it was an amazing show, would not have missed it for the world.
My Best Experience of 2023 was going up to NJ to Celebrate My Dads 98th Birthday with all of my family. I come from a large family so there were so many people there and we did so many Great things together. I’m thankful my Dad is in such get health for 98 years old we took him to rooftop bar in Manhattan with the Empire state building in the Backround the whole bar sang Happy Birthday with sparklers going off. Lots of great energy. Boat rides. Playing games , having BBQ’s, swimming.
Just for the record…. I don’t think anyone gets tiered about your storys about your horses and donkeys
Attending a music concert and having a great time.
Being at the Sprint Car Nationals in Knoxville, IA this summer watching my cousins car on the four wide. Then being lined up in the pits between Kyle Larson & Rico Abreu. I’ve been around Rico before, but really had no idea who Kyle Larson was. I was right next to him had exchanged small talk since we were so close and I thought he was just part of the crew. Then he put his race gear on and I realized who he was. No wonder there were so many photographers around🤦♀️. It was crazy how many.
My favorite experience of 2023…finding a lot of new authors that I’m excited about reading. I hope that counts…my 2023 was incredibly dull 🙂
My favorite experience of 2023 was the integrate seminar with Donald Epstein. It has enhanced my ability to be a better chiropractor!
My favorite experience in 2023 has been buying our dream home and updating everything to exactly how we want it. Its been a dream come true!
My biggest was getting our own place .
This has been a rough year for me, My mom died, my husband made plans to meet a female friend out of town behind my back, and some of my adult children are struggling. It’s been a lot. But, a positive and favorite memory is visiting my eldest daughter in NYC for her birthday. She works an 80-hour a week job, but she took a few days off. We had a nice dinner one night and went to a comedy club another, but the best part was the hours spent hanging out and talking. Quality time!!!
I think the highlight of the year for me was a three day getaway to Orlando last month. It was the first trip in over three years. I did not go to any theme parks, but I did go to ICE at Gaylord Palms. This year’s theme was A Charlie Brown’s Christmas.
I’ve had a few favorites experiences this year! One was seeing the great pyramids in egypt and the second was traveling w my brother. Its hard to spend time w your loved ones and I am trying to make time for family
Meeting my newest granddaughter who was due on my birthday and visiting family in West Virginia and NC.
Best experience this year was meeting the actors that play Michael Myers and Art The Clown (Terrifier). I’m a big Halloween Fan. Also, went to a cool convention met cool people from Jay & Silent Bob.
My favorite experience of 2023 was going to Paso Robles with friends for a weekend of wine tasting.
The best experience I had this year was 2 fold. This past year has not been a healthy year for neither my husband nor myself. Fortunately, we did not let this depress us. My husband has 3 major illnesses that will eventually kill him. Two of these illnesses went into remission this past August. Thank you dear Lord. Even though we know these 2 illnesses will come back full strength, we are grateful for the break he will have before the next round will start. And no we don’t know the time frame; it could be 4 years, 6 years or 1 year.
Secondly, after almost a year of testing and trials and errors I can say that the Doctors finally got my heart problem under control. I have to be careful, but I can live an active life. TWO GREAT EXPERIENCES!!
This year we finally bought a caravan and have made sure we holiday as often as we can in our beautiful country. This was 2 years earlier than we planned but we realised life is just too short and we should live for today, everyday.
My favorite experience has been uprooting my entire life and moving to a new country.
I have met so many beautiful souls and I feel that this is part of my spiritual journey to grow as a person.
I am so greatful for the point in my life where I currently am. Wouldn’t trade it for the world🌎🙏
My favorite experience of 2023 is going out on the lake in a boat and soaking up the sunshine.
The best thing about 2023 was getting through college classes and coming closer to graduating with a criminology degree.
We took a long awaited family vacation this year!
My sons starting to become more engaging!
Being with my grandson is my favorite.
Completing 25 years of teaching.
Youngest child graduated college and we took two week vacation to attend graduation and move him across the country. In our travels we reconnected with friends and family from afar. Was great to see and visit with people we haven’t seen since COVID began.
My aunt waking up an hour before the plug was pulled! I drove 2 and a half hours the day before the meeting knowing it maybe the last time I see her I spent four hours holding her rubbing her talking to her the doctors spoke with us and said they have no indication she is still in there so if the family wanted to keep her alive she would need a trach and tube feed. We get a call the next day that they would be taking her off life support and an hour before they did she started following instructions she couldn’t the night before she would open her eyes and lift her brows when I would talk but they said it was involuntary she proved them so wrong and hour before she was to be removed from support
Getting to know and spend time with my new granddaughter.
My favorite experience of 2023 is finally having a “real relationship” where I feel loved and cared for.
Watching the man I love become a father and also witnessing the bond he has with my daughter.
Blessed 🥹
My family visiting our ancestors land and discovering some amazing facts about them.
My daughter’s wedding in New Orleans. My youngest daughter officiated the wedding and baked the wedding cake. My oldest daughter made her wedding bouquet, in fact we all helped with the floral decorations. I had an event planning business back in the states. So, the talent runs in the family. This wedding truly was a family affair, and being the blended family that we are this truly made my heart happy. The daughter that got married is my stepdaughter, but the word step really isn’t used on our family. The second line experience after the wedding was so much fun! I had always wanted to experience that; little did I know I would do just that with my daughter’s wedding.
my favorite was getting to redecorate my home – finally
May is my birthday month and this year was pretty epic! It started with Bats day at Disneyland! Thats when the Goth community all shows ip and then a quick weekend in Joshua Tree National park and finally ended with The Cure in concert 30 years to the month after I first saw them! Lol ya im a bit older! Thank you for doing these fun goveaways!
One of my best experiences in 2023 has to be when my family was surprised by my step son by showing up at our home after not seeing him since he was 16 and he is 28 now. Now it’s like he never left.
My niece’s lovely wedding
We went to Acadia National Park in ME this summer and hiked all around it. It was so beautiful and quiet. Can’t wait to go back next summer.
Honestly the best thing I experienced in 2023 was the freedom to be myself without judgement. Part of this includes my partner because they are first person that truly understands and that I never feel I have to hide parts of me.
It’s a totally new experience for me.
My favorite experience of 2023 (so far) was keeping myself and my family mostly healthy.
Favorite experience is watching my toddler grows and developing his own personality and likes/dislikes
In 2023, my husband and I got to go on a European river cruise which was educational and very enriching!
I dont really have an exciting favourtie, but I did love finding new favourtie authors to listen too.
My brother and his wife came up to visit for my birthday… such a great time!
My best experience this year was seeing two of my nieces go to college and university. Seeing them become the young women they are has been a gift!
Got a new car
For me, it was getting the keys to my new place – it took a year of planning to move out of state and get settled.
I didn’t any memorable experiences this year. Nothing happens to me.
Going to see Ed Sheeran in concert in August. He has been on my bucket list for years!!
In December of 2022 my last granddaughter came into the world. 2023 has been a rough year for my family but my granddaughter just makes everything a little better! Her first steps has to be my favorite thing this year. She walks like a drunk monkey! She is the absolute best!
Spending time a the beach with my family.
My most favorite experience of this year was my anniversary weekend with my hubby! We got to go away and it was amazing to spend time with out any children or work!
I went to my 50th High School reunion. over 200 people show and it was such a blast.
My best friends are from California. They visited me in 2023. Hadn’t seen them for 10 years.
My fav experience in 2023 is going to Disneyland with my kids! We all had such a great time and now have wonderful memories!
Road trip my husband and I took, visiting the longest yard sale in the US. We drove from Alabama up into Tennessee picking from various yard sales and antique places.
OMG I am so boring! honestly my favorite experience in 2023 is probably the fact that it is already December and we only had 1 day of snow so far this season (albeit it was a decent amount at the time) and it already melted (knock on wood)
You know, I really don’t know. So many things but I just can pinpoint one in particular.
I got to feed giraffes this year. It was awesome!!
My favorite experience of 2023 was going to Mexico a work event. I was in charge of planning the decor for 3 events. (Welcome Reception, Top Producers Circle of Excellence Reception & Then an awards gala. Only to have the whole thing get mashed into 1 event because of a Hurricane. Despite that craziness the event went off beautifully. The coolest part was the next morning when we ran into the CEO and his wife at breakfast and they just raved about how they loved all the decor and appreciated all the extra work we did to pull it all together. That was something really amazing to be personally recognized like that.
Didn’t have one in particular but seeing my kids and the new babies in our extended family was great around Halloween.
My husband and I sort of rekindled our bedroom activities. I would like to say it was in part to reading all of Julie’s hot books!
I visited Washington DC for the first time and was lucky enough to take a tour of the White House. Thanks for the chance. Happy Holidays!!
Turning 60 on 9/11 my birthday !
Another one of my favorites from this year is setting up my patio garden. Its sleeping right now for winter but I have many plans for it next spring based on my experience this year.
Going on a trip
My favorite experience of the year was seeing my family on the holidays
I turned 50 this year and my adult daughter had a surprise birthday dinner with some family members waiting at my house when I got home from work. She had the house decorated with British theme decorations since she knows I like British history.
My favorite thing that I experienced this year was my daughters wedding. It was so simple and beautiful and just a moment I am so glad I got to be there for. I lost my mom at 22 and she didn’t get to be here for any of that so this meant the world to me in ways that no one knows.
Thanks so much for the chance.
My favorite experience was taking a trip to Durango last January. We were covered over with snow and it was so beautiful. And we rode the train up the mountain and it was breathtaking.
This year has been truly amazing for my family and my circle, my favorite experience from 2023 was meeting Qveen Herby. A group of us were able to get VIP meet and greet tickets to a show she played in Los Angeles! She is probably one of the most underrated artists out right now. She is fully independent and has no label to support her but she is amazingly talented.
I went with a good friend as VIPs to the US Open golf tournament in CA. I know nothing much about golf but it was a fantastic experience and trip!
My favorite moment this year was hard to pick. But watching the musical Jagged Little Pill with my best friend was up there. Her and I are both sexual trauma survivors. It was such an amazing musical. It felt like telling our young selves we’re okay. We made it!! Look at what we have accomplished.
My favorite experience for 2023 was visiting New River National Park.
My daughter took me to Vermont to leaf-peep. It was wonderful.
I went to New York City for the first time and it was wonderful!
Meeting my new grandaughter who was due on my birthday
I went to see Les Mis in London (!) and then went on a cruise to the Fjords of Norway. Spectacular.
My favorite experience of 2023 happened a week ago. I ran into some family friends and got talking–for FOUR hours! We got talking about my family and my childhood, which were pretty awful, and they made comments confirming my experiences. It was incredibly affirming, if not a bit sad from an outside perspective. I am mostly house-bound, so having this interaction was a real treasure.
My favorite part of 2023 was going to Galaxycon Raleigh. I LOVE cosplaying, but my life has become so busy, I rarely get to go to cons anymore.
My grandsons birth. My daughter has graced me and her dad with being present for all four of her sons births and they are always the highlight of that year.
My favorite experience of 2023 was watching my oldest daughter graduate from college then visiting her when she interned at Hopewell Cultural Center National Park.
Visiting my sister who lives several states away.
Learning to do things , for myself in my wheelchair. That way I don’t depends on people
Getting to go back to Disneyland after having multiple surgeries
Becoming a Mimi in 2023.
I was invited to the premiere of a music video and song for one of my favorite singers (olivia rodrigo) i took my sister and we had so much fun!
We had a few work trips- a camping trip and Las Vegas to bond away from the office
My favorite experience was finally paying the $50 required to join the Chattanooga public library. I’m outside the city limits so there’s a charge but I was able to download the Libby app and gain access to hundreds of free audiobooks.
This summer my husband and I went to Scottsdale and we were able to take our dog. She died a couple weeks ago, so we were so grateful we had that one last adventure with her.
I went on a Disney cruise with my 12 year old daughter on spring break and I did not get the internet package so we had no phone distractions other than picture taking. What an amazing time just the two of us.
Vegas trip with my husband
Backcountry camping trip with my friends
I had to clear out my childhood home. As my children still live at home and we have everything we need I had to decide what to do with all my parent’s belongings. So I found 2 ukranian families who got all the furniture and lots of household stuff and several other people who took clothing and all the little things. I was so happy because I didn’t have to throw the stuff away and it will be used by people who really need it.
I recorded a 10 minute audioplay with Teddy Hamilton and Jason Clarke. I know, right?
My Granddaughter had to have surgery at 4 months old. I was able to be at the hospital and stay with her and my daughter. It really was THE best feeling.
Going back home to visit and getting to spend time with my Nan who has dementia. That time with her was greatly needed.
Attending a work conference for the first time in years (previous ones were cancelled due to COVID).
Shelling on Navarre Beach in Florida on vacation.
Watching my daughters bond and build a relationship, by far
on my list to read
Traveling to Ireland for two weeks.
Wedding dress shopping with my oldest daughter.
Going to San Diego with a couple girlfriends. I hadn’t been since I was very very small and doing it with besties made it even better.
My favorite experience was having a family reunion at my cousins house.
My favorite experience of 2023 was getting my memorial tattoo in honor of my 2 dogs that passed away (1 in 2022 and the other in 2023). It took 3 sessions, but it’s now done and I’m so in love with it. I feel so comforted to have them inked on me. Now their beautiful faces and spirits will be with me forever and beyond.
My sister took me to Batemans Bay for my birthday. We had a great time at the beach and went on a kayak tour of the oyster farms.
My favorites part of 2023, finding my new job and wondering if I am messing up teaching kids. Lol good lord take the wheel!
My best experience was celebrating my 91st birthday with my family in our new home in North Las Vegas.
I got to see Gene Watson in person in August. I love to hear him sing and seeing him was a highlight of my year.
I went to FL for the first time and attended Halloween Horror Nights at Universal on Friday the 13th
My favorite experience of 2023 was planning my granddaughter’s wedding and officiating it.
Having my Mom and Sister come down to our house, for a week long visit
My son is 6 and started kindergarten this year. He is such a character! Its been fun watching get to experience other kids his age. My daughter is 16. We took her to Tampa to see Taylor Swift. For myself, I am looking forward to Christmas lights with my family, hot cocoa, and Christmas day !
My favorite experience in 2023 was my daughter getting engaged. Being a part of her excitement has been a boon to my heart. From shopping with her to already picking the venue; it’s been so amazing!
Watching my granddaughter grow and experience new things, she turned 2 in November and watching her make everything worthwhile
we did a girls trip with my daughter (8) and my best friends neice (9) and drove from iowa to the coast. we visiting 12 states in 14 days our favorite was New Yrok City and Maine (whale tour).
We did a summer trip to Seattle with my husband, kids & my mom. We did a Mariners game & Seahawks pre-season game and did all the touristy things. We were able to meet up with some college friends and it was wonderful to share those memories with my mom.
My son’s high school graduation.
Went on a cruise to Alaska
Getting to reconnect with old friends at a conference in Denver.
My moms first scan after cancer treatment coming back good 🙂 Happy Holidays too you!
I was so proud to be a part of the idea committee on our local Horticultural Society, to pick and then plan a new idea for community beautification. I cannot wait for spring to see the results of the hard work that all of the volunteers put into it!
Holiday on Crete
Traveling to France, England, and Scotland!
My favourite was going to stay with my sister for two weeks in the Cook Islands. It was awesome!
My favorite experience of 2023 was seeing my best friend graduate with her bachelors degree! She just got accepted to her graduate program to get her masters and I could not be more proud of her!!
Seeing my husband start to feel more like himself after battling physical and mental health issues.
Having some pretty pleasant weather this year! Enjoyed more fresh air!
My favorite experience this year was our family trip to Colorado. We stayed in Grand Junction and from there we hit five national parks. Our favorite was the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Awesome views! It was a fun and relaxing trip.
After my baby girl, my dog of 16 yrs, passed I got a two yr old dog. And Toby has brought back life to our family.
My favorite experience this year was seeing my niece graduate from high school. Best day ever!
Loved taking my niece and nephew to Disney this year.
I would have to say watching tm Matilda’s going all the way to the semi finals in the women’s World Cup! Especially as it was Australia and New Zealand hosting, they inspired the next generation of girls to play Soccer ⚽️
My baby granddaughter was born in May is def my fave thing to happen in a year of lots of good things. I had a right time right place Lucy Score signing in Florida so that was super cool. My
First signing. My son got married on Friday the 13 in October In Salem Mass that was also up there 2023 was truly an awesome year
It has been a pretty dark year for me. The one (only?) highlight was the 4th of July. It was the first live celebration that we had here since 2019 and I’m on the planning committee.
My husband finally got to retire thus year and we got together with 12 of our friends and had a really nice party/dinner to celebrate. It was wonderful to celebrate that way.
My favorite time in 2023 is when I got together with my family for family gatherings. Not everyone can always be there and this year we actually had everyone together.
Going to Disney World with my two youngest who had never been before. They had such a blast, and not just at Disney, but at the beach and meeting family they had never met.
Taking Thanksgiving to a friend that had to work.
Traveling to different places with my family! Making memories that last a life time!
My favorite experience will always be time spent with my adult kids! <3
A month long road trip with my sisters and furbaby. We drove from Southern California to Hershey, PA with stops at Evermore (the gamer park); Santa Claus, IN; Blue Earth, MN; Mount Rushmore; Chief Crazy Horse Monument; all the way to Amish Country and chocolate town. It was great fun.
Returning to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
My favorite experience was getting to go to Book Bonanza with my sister. We even met you there!
My family were great this Thanksgiving. They knew that I was busy, so they bought us a Thanksgiving meal to our home. It was wonderful.
My great nephew was born in January and my great niece in February.
This year’s family get-together.
My favorite experience was my first day of tutoring. It’s been 6 years since I taught due to my TBI.
Seeing my son (via face time) win his first for money ( a very tiny amount🤣) tennis tourney in France!!
Each day was something new to experience 😊
My favorite experience of 2023 was succeeding in getting my 62-years-young body ready to be challenged by a very difficult hike in Alaska. I wrote about it in detail in yesterday’s entry, so I won’t rehash it. It was a lot of work with workouts 7 days a week (one day was only a long walk; that was my rest day), and using a treadmill at a 19% grade and running and walking in hiking boots with a loaded backpack on that treadmill. I should have gone up to the 30% grade maximum, but it took me till July to work up to 19%, and I ran out of time. Anyway, it felt good to know that I could still do that sort of trip. I didn’t let my age stop me. My husband is 6 years older than me and he did it too!
Favorite experience this year was seeing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the bleachers on Columbus Circle. The weather was perfect and it was lots of fun.
My husband and I finally went on our honeymoon (had to postpone it due to Covid), and we spent a month in Kenya & South Africa not working, and spending time just the two of us (and lots of animals of course).
To finally take my son and daughter-in-law on a family vacation – the first they have been able to take with their boys because they are clean and sober!!!!
My vacation which I am actually on right now. I really needed some time away especially mentally.
My husband, and I was able to participate in more of bike charities/rallies. My favorite one was Flight 93 memorial ride, I loved seeing all the bikes and catching up with old friends. Maybe next year I will get to ride on my own Harley if I ever pass the course,lol. Merry Christmas to all!
My favorite experience of 2023 was a trip I took on St Patrick’s Day to see a bunch of my cousins that I haven’t seen in years. It was so much fun.
Going to Las Vegas to see Garth Brooks live with hubby and seeing Trisha sing alongside him.
My favorite experience in 2023 was that I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my brother and his family.
Visiting Iceland, I highly recommend it.
My best experience of 2023 would probably be my son’s parents evening. He had a rough year last year and was getting into all sorts of trouble so we were dreading parents evening this year. It turns out we didn’t need to worry, his teachers couldn’t say enough nice things about him and how much progresshe has made.
My best experience was being able to swim with stingrays this year. It was an amazing moment and they are beautiful creatures.
One of favourite experiences for 2023 was taking a trip to Italy with my husband and our middle son and getting to spend some quality time with him before he left home in September to start his four years at University.
My favorite experience this year was walking in Memphis
We took a 2 week cruise for our 40th anniversary!
Celebrating my granddaughters first birthday.
My best experience of 2023 cannot be defined as one specific moment. It’s every time I get to spend time with family, especially my 90 year old mother-in-law. She still laughs at us & at life in general. I also got to meet my stepdaughter’s second child & first son (Dad is so proud). Getting together with family & close friends makes my day (& I hope it makes theirs too).
Mine was going to RARE London and meeting lots of authors that I have read for ages.
Taking my daughter to another rock concert that she wanted to go to. It was a way for us to bond and every time we are able to do a concert together, it just makes our bond even more tighter.
I had quite a few great experiences this year, but I would have to say that watching my daughter marry the love of her life was the the best out of all of them.
Taking a vacation with my two daughters. A “girl’s trip” was a bucket list item for us all.
The best experience this year was me, climbing outside of my comfort zone, my comfy little box. I don’t really leave home. This summer, my daughter needed her dog moved out west to the Rockies. We took a six day journey stopped in appreciated Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, all the cornfields, forests, all of the tree graveyards from the terrible fires and then of course, pure joy spending a month with my two daughters, who moved across the country a few years ago. It was a joy being able to spend that much time with them. And then my best friend flew out and we drove home together which consisted of a lot of stops to sightsee take photos and laugh a lot. Probably one of the best years of my life.
I went to Scotland, my first time off the US continent, and I spent a week on an Outlander tour. It was so neat! Got to see lots of places that I saw on the tv show, as well as learn history and fall in love with Scotland. Plus I made some great friends on our tour group as it was small, only 10 people!
We had a new grandson bless us this year and we have been very active in helping our son and daughter-in-law while she finished her master’s and our son was deployed.
I rescued two little kittens from the street. They were in bad shape, they had a long way to go. But now these are healthy and I adore them!
My husband and I celebrated 10 years of marriage.
My favourite experience in 2023 gotta be taking part in my first sports day along with my 3 year old daughter. We had so much fun and even won the MVP of the day 🙂
I took my kids on vacation to my home state. It was nice to show them where I grew up.
The best part of 2023 is deciding it was time to make a change and move on from my relationship and my home. As I begin the search for my forever home it has been a joy exploring towns, cities and the suburbs talking to potential neighbors about the area, the town, the people, etc. I can’t wait until I am able to announced I found my forever home…Coming Soon!!!
The favorite parts of 2023 is when I was able to get away with the family and enjoy wherever it was we went. I try to go visit different waterfalls in the area and when we are able to get there it’s a joy.
I have two favorite experiences this year. One, I performed with a group of flamenco dancers in Miami and had a girls weekend… My first since having kids. The second, would be our first road trip as a family through the smokey mountains. It was breath taking!
My favorite experience of 2023 was coming out of an 8 hour surgery and being told I don’t have cancer. City of Hope is an amazing facility and I am forever grateful for the incredible care I was given.
Best experience, not sure I have one.
My favorite moment of 2023 was wedding dress shopping and finding the perfect dress for my daughter
Got to attend Book Bonanza for the first time.
1-week trip back to my hometown with adult son, riding serious roller coasters while we were there!
Taking a day off from work to spend the whole day with my daughter.
Hiked at Mt. St. Helens!
Seeing Queen live for my birthday
Our summer vacation in Eureka Springs. We went ghost hunting at the Crescent Hotel. It was my youngest’s choice but we all had a lot of fun.
I’ve been learning to stand-up paddle board
This year our granddaughter turned 13. She was born 2 mo. Early. We were told she would probably not live.but, here we are 13 years later.
Moving to south Georgia to be closer to my mom
I loved your posts from BB! That suite was amazing!! I was supposed to go but I was going through chemo so I had to give up my ticket so I was following you virtually.
The best part of 2023 for me was our month long trip to Italy. It was my dream trip for years and it did not disappoint. We drove all over the country and saw everything I had collected pictures of. I made it through a mastectomy, chemo and radiation with that trip as my light at the end of the tunnel.
My favorite experience was going to Cape Cod again with my daughter and 2 grandsons. The beach, the lighthouses, the bays, and Pirate mini-golf were all shared experiences. Then, 2 months later, stayed with grandsons while parents went to San Francisco to buy a home for a job transfer., When parents returned, had to sell home in Massachusetts in a week, pack up a pod, send cars on to California and they (2 parents, 2 kids and 2 cats) moved across the country. This past week they moved into a Town House. It was quite a whirlwind of activity.
Even though it did not seem like it at the time, about 6 weeks ago a kitten came walking up to my dad outside my house. He claims he tried to keep it outside but it ended up on his shoulder on the couch. I did not want another cat. Little man had other ideas, he loved it inside. We took him to the vet to get checked out, he was small and the vet said he had been on his own for a little bit. He mostly checked out healthy, which he can live with. He had gone from 1 1/2lbs to 3 1/2lbs. Now instead of my dad’s shoulder, he stays on mine. I did not know I needed him; he would be my year’s best part.
I loved seeing my son who is high functioning autistic overcome fears and grow. His friends encouraged him to play football and at first it was a lot of stimulation for him. But with the support of his friends, his continued efforts and the extra push from mom & dad… by the end of the season he was doing great! Taking hits and making tackles. The pride he felt… made this momma so proud!!
Favourite experience(s) this year is everytime I was being reunited with my long distance boyfriend… Long distance relationship is hard
Hi Julie
I went to my first book signing at RARE London. I met a lot of like minded folk and had the pleasure of volunteering.
My favorite experience of 2023 was taking my kids to the beach. I’d love there if there were decent jobs or I was suddenly wealthy.
My husband and I bought an RV! We spent so many weekends camping with our 2 dogs and it’s been amazing.
We stayed the weekend at Great Wolf Lodge in October for my daughter’s 3rd birthday. We rented the kids cabin. My daughter and niece had a blast at the water park, and enjoyed the Halloween activities.
Leaving a job I hated and moving to a job I love!
My favorite experience was going to see Carrie Underwood in concert. I won tickets to the show last year. I took my friend and we had a blast. She puts on a great show.
My favorite experience is our St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Good time, good food, and good music.
My first cruise to the Bahamas…epic!
Turbo Kick finally returning to my gym.
My best experience was going to a Chris Daughtery concert.
I visited my sister in Colorado and we spent a 4 day weekend in the mountains. She took me to a casino and I won a huge jackpot! Awesome holiday!
Had one of the best weekends of my life visiting my best friend in California. He and I went to Disneyland, saw Les Mis, and Duran Duran all in one weekend. Oh, yeah, that’s all while the first hurricane to hit California in 84 years was hitting! Probable my favorite experience of the past decade, not just the year.
My best experience this year was just having my dog with me. I got her last summer but I feel the first few months was a lot of the work with not as much of the joy. This year has been great though – I’ve loved walking her, training her, hanging out with her…
My hubby and I went to a small book signing in Naperville this summer. I have gotten to see Jennifer Hartmann several times and these types of events. But at this particular one there was bad weather and a tornado warning. We ended up in the basement of the ( independent)book store . We were fine but the weather was bad in some of the surrounding areas. We definitely had a memorable time .
Reconnecting with an old friend from high school.
Visiting Myrtle Beach for the first time with my husband and three boys. Thanks so much for the awesome giveaway!!!
I got to beta read and receive ARC from some of my favorite authors this year, I am very happy about that.
There were lots of little special moments throughout 2023, but my favorite was just this month. My friends and I are big fans of the sci-fi tv show Doctor Who. The show hit its 60th Anniversary with special episodes that had us throwing a party to celebrate….food, wine, and costumes made for tons of fun!
Thanks for the awesome giveaways and Happy Holidays!
The Scarf Princess
My favorite thing was getting to fly to Texas and spend Thanksgiving with my grandchildren and Kids one of my kids I have not had Thanksgiving with in probably 8 to 9 years 🥰
Bioluminescent kayaking, near Cocoa Beach in Florida.
Took my kids to visit Poland
Vacation on Oregon coast and it was fabulous!
Moving back to the part of Chicagoland were I am originally from.
My favorite was getting married and buying our own place !
2023 was a really difficult year for me marked with sadness and loss
Visiting the holocaust museum in Philadelphia. Wow, it was amazing.
My favorite experience of 2023 was basically any time I spent with my adult son.
My Favourite experience of 2023 has to be stepping out of my comfort zone and changing jobs. So glad I did learning new skills meeting new people and making new friends. Love it 😀
Going to the women’s World Cup in Australia. I went with my two daughters who both played soccer, It was an amazing experience and I love Australia. Australians are nicest people I have met outside of the US. Just amazing.
My favorite was becoming a grandmother for the first time. I have always loved being a mom but when I held my granddaughter for the first time I knew that being a grandmother was just as wonderful. She already has me wrapped around her tiny finger!
My favorite experience was correctly predicting an event.
Saw Fall Out Boy in concert!
I had lost something of great sentimental value, so my favorite (more like, unbelievable) experience was finding it, totally by accident, hidden away in a drawer that I rarely use/open. I thought I had lost this treasured item forever, so yeah, it was just an awesome experience, finding it, when I wasn’t even looking for it (I had opened up the drawer looking for something else). It was meant to be.
Getting to meet many new people and develop new relationships.
Spending time with my nieces and nephews
Thanks for the chance!
Finding out I’m gonna be a grandma in May.
My favorite experience of 2023 was buying my house. I had been living with my parents for the last couple years because of health and mobility issues. Getting better made me want to go out on my own again, so I sold my old house and bought a new one near my parents, a much better and safer city than my previous.
I went to a college reunion and had so much fun catching up with old friends and making new ones.
I think going to Norway for the first time with my husband, our kids and their grandparents going through the Fjords and into the Arctic Circle
I went to Norway with my husband, our kids and their grandparents, we went down Fjords and into the Arctic Circle
Spending so much time with my toddler outside. He loves to explore, is a camping addict, and certified beach bum. (He would almost qualify as an expert frog hunter but he is terrified to actually touch them. But he sure can spot them!)
My favorite experience in 2023 was experiencing the Taylor Swift Eras Tour! As well as seeing people finally appreciate her. Been a fan of hers since her Country era (17years) & never been able to see her. Almost didn’t get tickets but last minute I got a pair for face value. Lived in the moment & it felt surreal. Took my 13 year old niece & it was such a special core memory
We went hiking in Acadia National Park in ME and it was so beautiful. The views, the fresh air, the wildlife, everything was perfect.
My favorite experience was giving birth to my first baby. She is a girl, she just turned 5 months her name is Diamond.
Nanny for my infant niece
Hi Julie,
Best experience every year is Halloween. Shopping for the items, decorating the place, having a blast handing out the candies and checking out the cute costumes. I love Halloween!
I’m a stroke victim and live a very sheltered existence. So, I have to say “Bama taking Georgia in the SEC championship.
The best part about 2023 for me was watching my son graduate from high school! We had some really, really difficult difficult times with him growing up, so it was a huge achievement for him and our family as a whole!
Thank you so so so so so much for the years and years of enjoyment you have given me through your books!! And thank you for the chance to win!
I hope you and your family have the happiest of holidays!!!!
I went to Sonoma and San Francisco with my mom and sister.
My best experience of the year was a trip to Europe with my son. It was his first visit there and it was more expensive than I had planned. But he enjoyed it so much the extra cost was worth it. I had been there before and if I had gone alone I would have chosen different places to visit so it wasn’t quite the trip I would have chosen on my own. But I also think part of my thinking was affected by my overall negativity during the past year or so. I have to work on improving that.
My favorite experience of 2023 was graduating college and receiving my Bachelor’s Degree.
A nice experience this year has been going to Acadia National Park nearly every day because I now live so close to it. Always a beautiful place, no matter the weather. It’s often even more thrilling when there is a storm. Huge, spectacular waves against the rugged shore.
My favorite experience of 2023 was Easter lunch with my family.
Going to readers on the River signing. I’m hoping someday I can go to a really big book signing
My favorite experience was the Beetlejuice play
I spent several days with my mom vacationing o. CATALINA ISLAND. It was so much fun
My favorite experience was paying off some debt and being able to get a brand new car.