What's all this blogging about??

I was told at a writers' conference that it was a good idea to establish my internet presence by starting a blog. I have certainly heard of them and I had a vague idea what it was. From what I understand, people write things and supposedly other people take an interest what it is they have to say. Simple. So here I am and I'm hoping that I doing this the right way.

Now that I'm here, I not even sure what it is I have to share with the world except for the little thoughts that go through my mind from day to day. Like yesterday, I was sent an email from a travel agency promoting a contest they were having. Throughout the month of March they are giving away various European trips each day. Yes! All Month! For the contest you have to write which trip you want to take and why in 15 words or less.
I thought it would be fun to write one everyday this month as an exercise (and to hopefully win, as well.)

Here is my first entry to win a trip to Cinque Terre in Italy and learn to make pesto. I thought I'd try the sympathy tactic. Since I'm not off fighting in a war in Iraq or have any real bad stuff going on, I thought I'd
exploit my up-coming Empty Nest Syndrome that I may or may not get in the fall when my daughter goes to college. Syndromes always evoke great sympathy.

Soon finding my nest empty
Feathering my belly with pesto
Fills the space best-o

Not bad for my first try. I like the forced rhyming of pesto and best-o.
So today I took a shot at the Picnic in Provence trip.

How delightful a picnic in Provence
Immersed in French culture myself I'd ensconce.
There.

I liked this one but not as much. It felt forced. Then I got inspired and did one for the trip to Switzerland. See, it doesn' matter where I go, just that I go. Sure, I love Italy and I speak Italian, but I'm happy to broaden my horizons.
Out of Ricolas,
Swatch's on the fritz
Wanna go to Switzerland and drink Swiss Miss

Maybe the use of product names will get me in trouble, but I thought this one was fun.

I think that's enough for the day. Maybe I'll tackle Montenegro tomorrow.
Of course, once I DO win my trip, I'll report back here. First blog done.