I didn’t even mention previously that we’re having prizes here on THLG this weekend. We are. Truth is, you’re ALL winners, but I only have two prizes. So please keep reading to see if You Are The Prize Winner today.
Something mega exciting happened here last Tuesday evening while my family was quietly (?) sitting around the dinner table slurping up finishing the last delicious spoonfuls of Hearty Italian Sausage Soup.
The freezing rain pelted down hard outside, rivulets froze on the dining room window panes. And then at 7:23 p.m. on the dot, drum roll please, the 5,000th person subscribed to Through Her Looking Glass. Yes, 5000.
So woot woot. Party time! I think this is worthy of a celebration, a party for 5,000. And prizes too.
Are you someone who never wins prizes? Then you’re in good company with me. My oldest son, who claims he never wins ANYTHING, just won a $100 gift card to a sports store last month. He entered a contest on FB (or maybe Twitter) and was recently notified he was the winner. Hopefully everyone gets to win something along the way, because it’s exciting! Especially when it’s unexpected.
The biggest prize I ever won took place last year. And interestingly, it was for someone else. I was honestly so incredibly happy for her. Because she has a heart of gold. Many of you know our youngest son Hudson (7) has Down syndrome and autism. He also has learning delays, uses a speech device and wears pull-ups.
Thankfully he’s able to communicate in other ways besides words and brings us all great joy. He’s been a big unexpected blessing in our family. He’s also lucky (as are we) to have a wonderful teacher at school, not to mention a whole slew of dedicated therapists and assistants cheering him on.
One of my fave pics of Hudson when he was three, taken by my friend Linda. And here’s one of my favorite posts about Hudson: Hudson & the Little Yellow School Bus
One morning last year I was visiting my buddy Shashi’s blog and she was running a contest by Smithfield (the pork people). You entered by naming someone in your community who makes a big difference and telling how. It took all of a nano-second to think of Hudson’s teacher, Mrs. Livingstone.
If anyone makes a difference in our world and Hudson’s, she does. And other special education teachers we’ve encountered along the way too. I wrote a few choice words about Mrs. Livingstone in the comment section – about how blessed Hudson and his classmates are to have her for their teacher. I never thought of it again.
Then a month or so later, I got an e-mail from Smithfield saying Hudson’s teacher had won the prize. At first I wondered if it was a hoax. But she got an e-mail too. And then she got the prize — a $1000 gift card to Walmart. Figures. I finally win something big and it’s for someone else. Lol.
But truthfully, I couldn’t have been happier that she won. Of all people, she deserved it. It seems our culture celebrates the sports and movies stars, but the crucial people, those often selfless individuals who educate, shape and mold our most precious assets, our children, not so much. That’s why I was so thrilled she won the gift card.
So back to the prize today on THLG. Even at a virtual party, someone should get a real PRIZE. Don’t you think? But who? You can’t exactly beat a piñata or pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey virtually. Or if you can, I don’t know how. So I thought long and hard about WHO should get the prize. And finally it came to me. Two people will get prizes today.
Prize #1 goes to the very first reader who ever subscribed to THLG and is still a reader here today. Because she had faith in me, even when I didn’t. And that subscriber is, drumroll please…. Carrie W. of Easley, SC. Woot woot!
And Prize #2 goes to the reader who has left the most comments here on THLG since it began in late 2014. And that would be Susie M. of Columbia, SC. Congrats m’aam – and thanks for all the time and energy you’ve graciously spent being so supportive here!
I thought the prizes should be baking related, since it’s the Brick Street Chocolate Cake and other baking recipes that seem to bring in the most readers.
So the prizes today are $50 gift cards to King Arthur Flour Store in Norwich, VT. My favorite haunt for quality baking supplies.
I wish it was a larger gift card ladies, but in the food blogosphere, I’m still relatively tiny. (If only we were talking waist size.)
So hint hint folks: DO recommend THLG to your baking friends, so the prizes will be bigger next time. Lol.
Have fun shopping Carrie and Susie – I’ll e-mail you soon to confirm your snail-mail addresses. (And so glad King Arthur ships, because you’re not exactly a hop, skip and a jump away from Norwich, VT.) Maybe some day you’ll visit King Arthur in person – and I could come along for the ride. Not that I’m inviting myself along or anything. (Well, maybe.) I do love a good field trip as much as the next girlfriend, and it would be an adventure for sure.
Wish I could send you all a prize. Some of you are mousie quiet and drop in to read. Thanks for dropping by! Some of you kindly share your favorite recipes to give me ideas. Thanks! Some comment. (Which lets me know someone actually reads my posts, and thanks for the kind words.) And some of you e-mail behind the scenes with encouragement or share your own poignant life stories with me.
It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. Because what’s the use of living, learning and growing if we don’t pass on what we learn along the way? Sharing our stories is therapeutic (at least for me!) and reminds us we aren’t alone on the journey.
And while I can’t send gift cards to everyone, I do wish you all a restful, joy-filled weekend.
Louise Achor says
Wonderful idea!
Allie says
Thank you Aunt Pinkie!!! Fun milestone. xo
Julie Hipke says
What a kind gesture…just like you. Congrats on 5,000!! A dream become reality-it’s been a treat to watch it happen for you, friend. xo J
Allie says
Thank you friend J – have so appreciated your encouragement and listening ear along the way. xo
Sheryl R. says
Congrats to Carrie and Susie! I love when I see a post from Susie because she’s an awesome person and is so encouraging and uplifting! She deserves a prize. So happy she won! 😀
Susie Mandel says
Sheryl, you are so sweet! I just love reading Allie’s THLG blog–don’t need a prize for doing so but thrilled to get one. 🙂
Allie says
Sheryl – I completely agree!!! Always a pleasure to hear from Susie! xo
Mike says
That’s a fun post. My prize is knowing and loving this blessed Taylor family. Thank you for being such a wonderful presence in the lives of the Dennehy family.
Allie says
Mike – Thank you, and feelings are mutual. We are VERY GRATEFUL for your family.
Monica says
Good to hear you are doing well!
Allie says
And good to hear from you too Monica, thank you!
Carolyn V says
Allie,
I second all of these posts. Love reading your blog & trying the recipes from time to time (I’m not exactly an enthusiastic cook 🙂 but your recipes do inspire me.)
Love your family & especially look forward to your “musings”
Take care.
Carolyn
Allie says
Awww… thanks Carolyn. You and your family have been so encouraging along the way. Thank you for that wonderful gift. xo
Nancy says
Wow!! 5000 Congratulations. I love your blog about recipes and musings. I am happy for you that your blog has come so far. Keep it up girl and enjoy.
Allie says
Thank you Nancy – you’re a gem. Always love hearing from you. xo
Susie Mandel says
OH MY GOODNESS!!! I’M STUNNED!! Thank you SO MUCH, Allie! I don’t win prizes often, either, and this certainly brings a bright spot to the rather sad week I’ve had, so thank you, thank you, thank you!! I’m so excited to shop, even from a distance, at King Arthur, and I’d really love to shop in person…with a side trip to a certain town in NH. 😉 Okay, time to calm down–at least Julia was awake so I didn’t scare her with my screaming, LOL!
Allie says
Oh yay Susie!! You were surprised! I was hoping you would find out from reading and not someone texting you etc. I’m sorry to hear about your sad week and I hope this coming week is better. Enjoy browsing the site. King Arthur has especially good chocolate – chocolate chips, chunks, real chocolate jimmies, etc. Also some great baking mixes and specialty pans. (I have a biscotti and doughnut pans from KA.) I often buy their sparkling white sugar, which is nice for sprinkling on pound cakes and muffins before baking. It’s sparkly, crunchy and doesn’t melt in the heat of the oven. Also, if you sign up for the KA e-mail list, they’ll send offers of $3.95 shipping for the whole order, or sometimes even free shipping. They have a great cafe with homemade soups, breads, pastries etc. in case you’ll be in the area any time soon. Enjoy!
Tracy says
Congratulations Allie! Hip Hip Hooray! You have worked so hard and it has paid off! I’m very happy for you! What an accomplishment. And what a great way to spread the joy with prizes. Great idea. Your readers are very lucky to have found this wonderful blog….and you! So again congrats my friend😘
Allie says
Tracy – thank you so much my friend. It’s been a journey and a labor of love. I’m so grateful you’ve been along for the ride and cheered me on when I needed it. xo
Denise says
It is so nice to drop in here, read a story, be encouraged, hear how you are doing, and find a new scrumptious recipe! Congratulations on reaching so many readers!
Allie says
Hi Denise, So great to hear from you and THANK YOU. Thrilled you dropped by and many thanks for the kind words. Love to all your beautiful family. xo
Miriam says
Congratulations, Allie! I love reading your blogs…always so uplifting and encouraging. We love y’all and hope to get up to see you sometime!
Allie says
Thank you Miriam – I loved hearing from you. Great to see your family pics. on Facebook throughout the year. Please tell Jeff hello from Jon and me. We’d love to see you when you are up this way. xo
Denise Q. says
Congrats on reaching 5,000! You’ve worked so hard. I love all the stories and recipes. I also love that I can be in the grocery store and pull up a recipe for dinner from your blog. It makes making dinner so much easier.
Allie says
Thank you my friend for all the encouragement along the way. It’s been a journey. Couldn’t have made it this far without super supportive friends like you. XO
Kathy says
Congratulations on 5,000 subscribers, Allie!!! What an awesome accomplishment, and so glad I’m one of them. 🙂 I look forward to reading some of your past posts!!
Allie says
Oh Kathy – you’re a gem. I’ve so enjoyed getting to know you across the miles through our blogs. Thanks for sharing in my joy. I always enjoy visiting your space and seeing what you and Mac are up to too. Hope 2018 is a wonderful year for you all. xo
Barbara Child says
Great idea! You do the work and others benefit! Congratulations on 5000 subscribers!
Allie says
Thank you so much Barbara!!! It has been a journey for sure. xo
Frances says
Congrats Allie. You are such a blessing to so many. It was fun to recognize the names of your two winners. Two amazing ladies who also bless others.
Frances
Allie says
Thank you for the kind words, Frances. Great to hear from you. I’ve followed my heart here, and I’m grateful it’s been a blessing to some along the way. Love to all – pls. tell C I said hello. xo
Carrie Albright says
So sweet! Congratulations, girls! You’ll enjoy browsing through what King Arthur has to offer.
And congratulations to you, Allie, for 5000 subscribers. You go, girl!
Allie says
Thank you Carrie – loved hearing from you. In this crazy world we live in, it’s fun to have something positive to celebrate and prizes to dole out. Happy New Year and much love to all your family. xo
puja says
Congratulations Allie. I am so happy for you. 🙂
Allie says
Thanks for sharing in the joy Puja!!!
Dot says
Allie, Wow! Congrats on 5,000! So happy for you and you and you’re family are such a blessing to all of us!
I love your post and you make time in the kitchen fun! Woo woo… so proud of you! Xo
Ps I remember the day of stealing your recipes from your your little tin box, now you can share your yummy treats with the world! We are all blessed!
Allie says
Hi Dot – Thank you! I sure loved hearing from you! I DO remember that little incident of thievery, now that I think about it….Lol. Good memories, good times. Miss you and thank you for the love. Lots back to you and Molly. xo
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
What a nice thing to do to celebrate your 5000 follower. I’m sure both of the lucky winners couldn’t be happier.
Liz says
You have such a big heart, Allie! What a nice treat for two of your dedicated blog followers. And I love, love the story about Hudson’s teacher winning that fabulous prize. We were lucky, too, that Katie had the best of the best teachers and therapists to get her through high school!!! xoxo
Allie says
You so sweet, Liz. I know you get it about what a blessing it is to have wonderful teachers and therapists. Have a super week! xo
Shashi at SavorySpin says
You are so so kind to your readers – speaking of which, congrats sweet friend on 5000 subscribers!!! I remember Hudson’s teacher winning last year all because of YOU – and like Liz said – now 2 of your subscribers are winners too – thanks to YOU! Happy Monday, sweet friend! I’m catching up on your blog today 🙂
Allie says
It’s not hard to be kind to my readers, Shashi. They’ve been nothing but wonderful to me. It was also fun that Hudson’s teacher won the prize from YOUR contest on your site. So we were all in this together and so grateful how it all worked out to benefit a very worthy recipient. Wishing you the best week ever my friend, full of joy and productivity. XO