My entrance into the world of blogging.

Hello world of blogging/bloggers. You are now reading the premier of Old Woman Stokdyk's blog. While I love to read and write, the determining factor in establishing a blog was whether or not anyone would want to read what I have to say. Nevertheless, I decided to plunge feet (and fingers) first into this genre.

It has been interesting to read several blogs since first being introduced to my nephew Christopher's in early 1996 by my now deceased (and sorely missed) brother, also known as my hero, Bruce Claude Stokdyk. My mom always wanted me to choose journalism in one aspect or another as a career, but as I told her many, many years ago, "journalism is my hobby, not a career." Who knows mom...maybe someday I'll actually have something that will make you proud of me (even though you, too, are in Heaven with Bruce rejoicing at the feet of our Lord).

Another deciding factor in starting a blog was to offer reviews of books I have read. Thomas Nelson (who are publishers of my most recent favorite author, Colleen Coble) has offered books if you're willing to provide a 200-word review of one of their offerings on a blog. Hence, the birth of "There was an Old Woman." Later on I'll explain the choice of a blog title.

That's it for now. I'm off to work on tree decorating. Yeah, I know it's not even the middle of November, but this is the first year since mom has died (11 years and counting) since I've been so completely filled with the spirit of this season. Usually I endeavor to embody the spirit of Christmas (and thereby the Holy Spirit in giving and sharing) all year 'round, so I am embracing the fact that I'm excited about the upcoming Christmas for the first time in quite a while.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned.