Today's featured blogger is Mandy from In Mandyland.
1. Tell us about yourself: I always have a hard time with this question. What do I say that’s not going to come across like a personal ad? Do I mention that I love long walks on the beach? What about candlelight and wine?
I’m a 35-year-old wife and mother of two who lives on the Central Coast of California. I don’t mind saying I’m 35, because, while I’m still in denial, a part of me is in awe that I’m an adult. My children are four and 18 months. They have red hair and blue eyes even though my husband and I both have brown hair and brown eyes. Cue mailman jokes.
I’m pretty much who I appear to be on my blog. Just with more recipe disasters and not quite as organized. And shorter. People always say I'm shorter than they expect. I have a pretty good sense of the absurd and choose to look at life as a cosmic comic adventure. One of the greatest compliments I’ve received was from my husband when he said, “You can really laugh at yourself.”
Self-deprecating humor? I’ve got it down.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: I like to say there’s a little something for everyone In Mandyland. I write about my life, which is chaotic and varied and filled with amazing people who don’t mind if I blog about them. I’ve been called a humor blogger, a mommy blogger and a food blogger. I was once called a garden blogger until someone actually read one of my gardening posts and realized that I kill virtually everything in my garden.
3. What are you doing when you are not blogging?: I’m usually doing things that I’ll later blog about. I work part-time, have two kids, a husband and a dog that keep me busy. I garden, can, craft, knit, sew, pretend I know how to cook, dabble in photography, camp, meet with friends, read, watch movies, throw popcorn at reality TV, tweet like a mad woman, play video games and sometimes, when the moon is full, make jewelry – none of it very impressive.
And just so you don’t think I’m trying to be Martha Stewart, please realize that I never do two things at once. This means that the kids eat dinners of Kraft mac and cheese on the nights that I’m obsessed by a sewing project. And when I’m reading a really good book? Pizza is on speed dial.
4. Who is your favorite literary character?: I had such a huge crush on Atticus Finch when I was younger. Okay. Who am I kidding? I still have a huge crush on him. What’s not to love? He’s smart, he’s dedicated, he stands up for his beliefs and values but isn’t so idealistic as to be unrealistic. I could (and have) read To Kill A Mockingbird so many times, I’m going to need a new copy soon. And every time I finish the book, I give a little sigh and swoon. Well, I don’t really swoon, but I do close my eyes for a moment and smile.
My husband knows all about my secret crush. For some reason, he’s not too worried.
5. What brought you to TRDC and what is your biggest goal in writing?: I kept seeing The Red Dress Club button on some of my favorite blogs. I was a little (a lot) intimidated by the writing the first time I looked through a link up. But then, one night, after drinking a glass (or two) of wine, I decided to jump in with both feet. I’m so glad I did!
My biggest goal in writing is, of course, to be published. Who doesn’t want that? I’ve been held back by a bit of fear, a dash of insecurity and a smidge of procrastination. What I love about TRDC is that it makes me less afraid. It pushes me to write on a deadline. The prompts challenge me and make me a better writer. And, best of all, it’s boosted my fragile ego to the point that I now walk around the house telling everyone to call me Mommy, the Greatest Author of All Time.
No one is listening. Yet.
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, what would it be and why?: That’s the Kobayashi Maru of blogging! (Trekki alert.) But if I absolutely had to, I’d cheat and save two posts – my children’s birth stories. I blogged them immediately after I came home from the hospital and put as much detail as my muddled, sleep-deprived brain could remember. I’m so glad I did! Now, when I re-read them, I’m taken right back to those days, with all the thoughts and emotions that were tumbling through my head at the time.
Joseph's birth story
Elizabeth's birth story
Showing posts with label featured blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label featured blogger. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Featured Blogger - Rathi (Ratz!) from What can I say
Today's featured blogger is Rathi, better known around these parts as Ratz, from What can I say. Rathi has been with us almost from the beginning and we're thrilled to learn more about her.
1. Tell us about yourself: I will be hitting 23 soon and I just cannot wait to get over it. I find it hard to describe myself but if I really have to, I’d go with “I am a bit of every possible emotion/adjective/noun that exists on this earth”. I am a student. I am bit nerdy and perfectionist when it is the right subject else I am just above average. I cannot stay at home for long for the fear of going crazy or bringing others to the verge of killing me. I love to explore and discover new places and someday I’ll travel without having to settle. I’d tell you that I have a crush on laughter. This thing I know for sure, one day I will adopt a baby girl and I will name her Zest. One day, I want to work with the UNDP and the UNICEF. And, I am on my way to make that happen... one step at a time. And, you guys know me by Ratz but it is actually Rathi and I am from New Delhi, India.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: You will find the most irrelevant things here. What Can I Say! was a desperate attempt to speak up rather than dying of brain death, to release my voice into the universe, believing someone would listen. My blog reflects my moods and swings. Hmmp... But mostly, it has become a place where I could be my best self- the person which I intend and try to be. You will find happy things, sad things, and some of my darkest secrets that once scared me to death. Now, they are just words from my past - a sign that I am working to get over them. In all, this blog is a bit of me, if I were words.
3. What are you doing when you are not blogging?: Mostly I'm at the library - the one place which gives me solitude whenever I want it. I am preparing to take an entrance for MSW. I also read a lot while trying to learn to write better. On good hair days, I will be out roaming around the roads of Connaught Place looking at buildings and people being "the single girl living in a big old city". I enjoy doing that and I enjoy visiting places I have never been to before.
4. Who is your favorite literary character?: There are two actually.
The first is apparent - the ever beautiful and fiery Scarlett O’ Hara because I used to have a Rhett Butler in my life. But, mostly because I learnt so many things from this character when I needed it the most. She will be my favourite for this: Tomorrow I'll think of some way . . . after all, tomorrow is another day...
My current favourite is Fanny Price for saying Run mad as often as you choose but do not faint.
5. What brought you to TRDC and what is your biggest goal in writing?:
I think I was browsing through a blog and that’s where I saw the TRDC button... I think TRDC was the only best thing that happened to me in 2010. I cannot tell how much I have evolved since I first began. I have learnt to appreciate and learn from criticism (which I was really bad at before) and I have learnt to keep the cuss words as they are in my stories. ;-)
My biggest goal in writing is to carry on with it and not lose it at any cost, not for anyone. I would want to use this power for my future dreams when I work with UNICEF or UNDP. And, if I let myself wildly loose, I would love to write for Oprah.
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, what would it be and why?:
I keep a copy of all my posts for situations like these but if I had to, I will save Fall on me Like the Sunshine. Because, it is my virtual rebirth story.
1. Tell us about yourself: I will be hitting 23 soon and I just cannot wait to get over it. I find it hard to describe myself but if I really have to, I’d go with “I am a bit of every possible emotion/adjective/noun that exists on this earth”. I am a student. I am bit nerdy and perfectionist when it is the right subject else I am just above average. I cannot stay at home for long for the fear of going crazy or bringing others to the verge of killing me. I love to explore and discover new places and someday I’ll travel without having to settle. I’d tell you that I have a crush on laughter. This thing I know for sure, one day I will adopt a baby girl and I will name her Zest. One day, I want to work with the UNDP and the UNICEF. And, I am on my way to make that happen... one step at a time. And, you guys know me by Ratz but it is actually Rathi and I am from New Delhi, India.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: You will find the most irrelevant things here. What Can I Say! was a desperate attempt to speak up rather than dying of brain death, to release my voice into the universe, believing someone would listen. My blog reflects my moods and swings. Hmmp... But mostly, it has become a place where I could be my best self- the person which I intend and try to be. You will find happy things, sad things, and some of my darkest secrets that once scared me to death. Now, they are just words from my past - a sign that I am working to get over them. In all, this blog is a bit of me, if I were words.
3. What are you doing when you are not blogging?: Mostly I'm at the library - the one place which gives me solitude whenever I want it. I am preparing to take an entrance for MSW. I also read a lot while trying to learn to write better. On good hair days, I will be out roaming around the roads of Connaught Place looking at buildings and people being "the single girl living in a big old city". I enjoy doing that and I enjoy visiting places I have never been to before.
4. Who is your favorite literary character?: There are two actually.
The first is apparent - the ever beautiful and fiery Scarlett O’ Hara because I used to have a Rhett Butler in my life. But, mostly because I learnt so many things from this character when I needed it the most. She will be my favourite for this: Tomorrow I'll think of some way . . . after all, tomorrow is another day...
My current favourite is Fanny Price for saying Run mad as often as you choose but do not faint.
5. What brought you to TRDC and what is your biggest goal in writing?:
I think I was browsing through a blog and that’s where I saw the TRDC button... I think TRDC was the only best thing that happened to me in 2010. I cannot tell how much I have evolved since I first began. I have learnt to appreciate and learn from criticism (which I was really bad at before) and I have learnt to keep the cuss words as they are in my stories. ;-)
My biggest goal in writing is to carry on with it and not lose it at any cost, not for anyone. I would want to use this power for my future dreams when I work with UNICEF or UNDP. And, if I let myself wildly loose, I would love to write for Oprah.
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, what would it be and why?:
I keep a copy of all my posts for situations like these but if I had to, I will save Fall on me Like the Sunshine. Because, it is my virtual rebirth story.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Featured Blogger -- Carrie from Views from Nature
Today's featured blogger is Carrie from Views from Nature.
I'm married with 2 girls (ages 2 1/2 and 4 1/2). We also have a menagerie of sorts in our house: 2 kittens, a leopard gecko, dwarf aquatic frogs, fire bellied toads, and numerous goldfish. Our house is in constant chaos from kid-related insanity and half done renovations. I thankfully get to escape this all and go to my full time job everyday ;) I'm trying to rediscover my writing passion and realizing it's not as easy as it was when I was younger.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog:
Views From Nature is all about me: my writing, my views, me me me! It's where I share my creative attempts and my progress towards completing an actual novel. I try to keep my family on the edges of this blog (they have their own space elsewhere) but occasionally they will sneak in.
3. When you’re not blogging...what are you doing?
I'm working, I'm chasing my kids, I'm cuddling with kittens, I'm attempting to de-stress with yoga. Mostly I'm sinking into my couch with exhaustion.
4. Who is your favorite literary character and why?:
Scarlett O'Hara from Gone With The Wind. This is one of my favorite books and movies. I could watch/read it over and over. I love her passion, I love her energy, I love her clothes! She's clever, she's beautiful, and she's relentless.
5. What brought you to the Red Dress Club and what is your biggest goal with your writing?
I saw a post linking up to it on someone's blog and it reminded me of my earlier creative writing when I was a teen and then a young adult. I thought I'd give the prompt that week a go (I believe it was to do with an inanimate object) and I was hooked. I think I have only missed one or two prompts since then. My biggest goal is to take at least one of the 2 novels that have begun to grow and develop from the prompts into an actual publishable novel. I'd like to finish (first draft) by my birthday in August. We'll see how that goes.
6. If you could save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?:
Argh! Just one?? Really? Okay, after much angst I would choose Promise. This was my jumping off point for Elle's story and it seems to be the novel I'm most enjoying developing. Also, this particular piece is a re-creation of a short story I did as a teenager. I quite enjoyed ramping up the emotions with my more mature, adult perspective.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Featured Blogger - Angelia from Living, Loving, Laughing
Today's featured blogger is Angelia from Living, Loving, Laughing.
1. Tell us about yourself: Mom, step-mom, wife, friend, travel agent, amateur photographer, heart writer, giver, taker, amazed and blessed by the people that love me. Early in life, I took the hard road, made a ton of mistakes. I struggled through the dark pain of abuse, when I found the light again. I learned about myself. I learned about a savior. And I learned that it's okay to be happy.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Living, Loving, Laughing is all about my life. Living life to the fullest. Celebrating each day with joy. Loving myself, my family, and all the fur kids. Newly married with three girls and three dogs in a family blender. Life is never dull. Past or present happenings, I write to entertain and record. I blog for the mirth of writing, sharing my life, and learning to flourish in all I do. That's my word of the year - flourish. This year is all about growing into my photography business and taking time to learn new things. I write about it all.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: Frodo from Lord of the Rings. He accepted his duty with honor and integrity. He faced battles with courage and faith. His unwavering loyalty to complete the task, no matter how big with a spirit no one could taint. I'm scared like him, but willing to not turn back on my adventures.
4. What kind of tree would you carve your initials on and why?: A redwood along the central coast of California, right off Highway 1 in the Big Sur National Park. Why? So I could go there and do it (okay, I would just use my finger, no defacing here). It's my favorite place in the world. There is magic on that coast and in those trees.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: A Saint Bernard. He is big, lovable, endearing, and a rescuer at heart. He will do anything for anyone with a big happy smile. Plus, he wouldn't mind having a nip of whiskey around his neck. Heh.
6. If you could save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: I don't even have to think about this one. It would be I'm a Creep. I'm a Weirdo. The story of meeting my husband. It made the front page of Wordpress. It warms my heart to read it. It never fails to make me smile. I would NOT want to lose this post and the all memories and comment love with it.
1. Tell us about yourself: Mom, step-mom, wife, friend, travel agent, amateur photographer, heart writer, giver, taker, amazed and blessed by the people that love me. Early in life, I took the hard road, made a ton of mistakes. I struggled through the dark pain of abuse, when I found the light again. I learned about myself. I learned about a savior. And I learned that it's okay to be happy.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Living, Loving, Laughing is all about my life. Living life to the fullest. Celebrating each day with joy. Loving myself, my family, and all the fur kids. Newly married with three girls and three dogs in a family blender. Life is never dull. Past or present happenings, I write to entertain and record. I blog for the mirth of writing, sharing my life, and learning to flourish in all I do. That's my word of the year - flourish. This year is all about growing into my photography business and taking time to learn new things. I write about it all.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: Frodo from Lord of the Rings. He accepted his duty with honor and integrity. He faced battles with courage and faith. His unwavering loyalty to complete the task, no matter how big with a spirit no one could taint. I'm scared like him, but willing to not turn back on my adventures.
4. What kind of tree would you carve your initials on and why?: A redwood along the central coast of California, right off Highway 1 in the Big Sur National Park. Why? So I could go there and do it (okay, I would just use my finger, no defacing here). It's my favorite place in the world. There is magic on that coast and in those trees.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: A Saint Bernard. He is big, lovable, endearing, and a rescuer at heart. He will do anything for anyone with a big happy smile. Plus, he wouldn't mind having a nip of whiskey around his neck. Heh.
6. If you could save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: I don't even have to think about this one. It would be I'm a Creep. I'm a Weirdo. The story of meeting my husband. It made the front page of Wordpress. It warms my heart to read it. It never fails to make me smile. I would NOT want to lose this post and the all memories and comment love with it.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Featured Blogger - Amanda from Rage against the (washing) machine
Today's featured blogger is Amanda from Rage against the (washing) machine. Amanda is a great support for parents of bipolar children, and runs an online support group at My kid's bipolar, now what?. She still finds time to join us in our creative writing endeavors.
1. Tell us about yourself: Ooh, a chance to talk about just me? I am not your average anything. I was a teen mom, but I was a teen mom who breastfed and co-slept and attachment parented (even though I had never actually heard that term). I have been with my husband since I was 16 (and he was a lot older) and we have 3 kids together. I molded the minds of mini minions in the hope of world domination (read: taught preschool) up until this past fall, when my daughter had to begin receiving her schooling at home due to her illness. So now I am a SAHM for the first time in 12 years! I am taking this time with her to further my own education as well. I just started college classes 2 weeks ago and I'm taking a prep math class (gag), Communications and (drumroll...) Creative Writing. I have put a lot of time and effort into learning about my daughter's condition and also volunteering for the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation. Somewhere along the line I realized I have a passion for psychology and now I am working towards a degree in it.
I run an online support group for mothers of children with bipolar disorder and try my best to provide them with relevant resources and support. I am so proud of the growth that the group has had over the last few weeks and I really feel like it is warm and understanding community that I can turn to as well.
When I'm not schooling my daughter or myself, blogging, working on my group or my book or tweeting? You can usually find me cooking, cleaning, reading or scrap booking!
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: "Rage Against the {washing} Machine" is my excuse for not doing the laundry. Wait, what was the question again? Oh, right. You know how when you go to see your shrink and they tell you to find your happy place? (No? Just me? Ok then.) This is it. This is the place I turn to after spending endless hours with a child (whom I adore) who can go from 0 to psycho in 3.2 seconds and her teenage brothers who torment her. I use snarky humor to relate the sometimes scary but often embarrassing situations we find ourselves in. I like to share bits and pieces of myself in the form of recipes, projects, and samples of my fiction writing.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: Oh, this one is easy! Scarlett O'Hara. Was she always likable? No. Did she always make good choices? Negative. But dammit, she did what she had to do to save Tara. I can never hear the words "As God is my witness...." without thinking "I'll never go hungry again!"
4. What kind of tree would you carve your initials on and why?: Definitely a Weeping Willow. This is my favorite tree (that's normal right? To have a favorite tree?) not only because of its beauty, also because there is so much mythology and symbolism surrounding it. As a hopeless romantic my favorite is that some say that the weeping willow once stood upright and strong, but the death of star crossed lovers so touched the heart of the trees that they bent in abject grief and were never able to straighten themselves again. (sigh)
5. What animal does your husband look like?: This was hard but I would have to say my hubs is a wily coyote! His clever plans don't always pan out, but they're entertaining to watch! He's social, but only in smaller inner circles. He's very territorial and super protective of his family. Oh, and sometimes he's annoying. You know, like all that howling?
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: This would have to be my Letter to my 16 year-old self. This letter is full of things I wish I had known, things I would have figured out sooner if I had believed in my voice back then as much as I do now. My 16th year was probably as angsty as they get but I survived it!
1. Tell us about yourself: Ooh, a chance to talk about just me? I am not your average anything. I was a teen mom, but I was a teen mom who breastfed and co-slept and attachment parented (even though I had never actually heard that term). I have been with my husband since I was 16 (and he was a lot older) and we have 3 kids together. I molded the minds of mini minions in the hope of world domination (read: taught preschool) up until this past fall, when my daughter had to begin receiving her schooling at home due to her illness. So now I am a SAHM for the first time in 12 years! I am taking this time with her to further my own education as well. I just started college classes 2 weeks ago and I'm taking a prep math class (gag), Communications and (drumroll...) Creative Writing. I have put a lot of time and effort into learning about my daughter's condition and also volunteering for the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation. Somewhere along the line I realized I have a passion for psychology and now I am working towards a degree in it.
I run an online support group for mothers of children with bipolar disorder and try my best to provide them with relevant resources and support. I am so proud of the growth that the group has had over the last few weeks and I really feel like it is warm and understanding community that I can turn to as well.
When I'm not schooling my daughter or myself, blogging, working on my group or my book or tweeting? You can usually find me cooking, cleaning, reading or scrap booking!
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: "Rage Against the {washing} Machine" is my excuse for not doing the laundry. Wait, what was the question again? Oh, right. You know how when you go to see your shrink and they tell you to find your happy place? (No? Just me? Ok then.) This is it. This is the place I turn to after spending endless hours with a child (whom I adore) who can go from 0 to psycho in 3.2 seconds and her teenage brothers who torment her. I use snarky humor to relate the sometimes scary but often embarrassing situations we find ourselves in. I like to share bits and pieces of myself in the form of recipes, projects, and samples of my fiction writing.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: Oh, this one is easy! Scarlett O'Hara. Was she always likable? No. Did she always make good choices? Negative. But dammit, she did what she had to do to save Tara. I can never hear the words "As God is my witness...." without thinking "I'll never go hungry again!"
4. What kind of tree would you carve your initials on and why?: Definitely a Weeping Willow. This is my favorite tree (that's normal right? To have a favorite tree?) not only because of its beauty, also because there is so much mythology and symbolism surrounding it. As a hopeless romantic my favorite is that some say that the weeping willow once stood upright and strong, but the death of star crossed lovers so touched the heart of the trees that they bent in abject grief and were never able to straighten themselves again. (sigh)
5. What animal does your husband look like?: This was hard but I would have to say my hubs is a wily coyote! His clever plans don't always pan out, but they're entertaining to watch! He's social, but only in smaller inner circles. He's very territorial and super protective of his family. Oh, and sometimes he's annoying. You know, like all that howling?
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: This would have to be my Letter to my 16 year-old self. This letter is full of things I wish I had known, things I would have figured out sooner if I had believed in my voice back then as much as I do now. My 16th year was probably as angsty as they get but I survived it!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Featured Blogger - Jessica from Adventures with Three Girls
This week's featured blogger is Jessica, from Adventures with Three Girls. People? She has three girls under five!!! She must be Wonder Woman....
1. Tell us about yourself. I'm a mom to three little girls, ages 4 1/2, 2 1/2, and 1. We live in Los Angeles. I gave up my glamorous job as a veterinarian for the equally glamorous job of staying home with them. I spend my days potty training, changing diapers, and feeding small children with hollow legs. My husband is also a veterinarian. We have 3 cats, one dog, some fish, and a tortoise, all of whom make occasional appearances on my blog.
I hope, one day, to be comfortable calling myself a writer. I participated in NaNoWriMo in November and have the first draft of my first novel waiting for some, okay, a lot, of editing. I've heard to let it rest for a while, so it can settle or something. I'm hoping while it rests, it will settle into less of a hot mess. Kind of like my two year old. Maybe all it needs is a good nap.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch of your blog. Adventures With Three Girls started as a place for me to write. I wanted, really, needed that outlet after my third child was born. I started writing down all the funny, crazy things that happen in our house and it helped me see the humor in it when I was ready to pull my hair out. It's evolving right now into a place for me to write about whatever I want. There are still funny stories about the girls, but sometimes I write about green living, or tips for organizing, or a recipe I like, and sometimes I write fiction. It's becoming my place to just be me and I expect some big changes in the coming year. They're percolating right now.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why? My favorite is Puck from A Midsummer Night's Dream . I love how mischievous he is. I like how he has a little fun, makes a couple mistakes, kind of apologizes, and life goes on. I also love fairies and fantastical creatures and he fits that well.
4. If you carved your initials in a tree, what kind of tree would it be and why? A pine tree. I grew up in Minnesota and we had a lot of pines in our backyard. Whenever I smell pine, it reminds me of home. I also liked to climb trees, so I climbed the pine trees. It was a sticky and somewhat uncomfortable endeavor with all the needles. I think I earned a little carving into a pine tree, they certainly have left some marks on me.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why? A chimpanzee for sure. He's lanky like a chimp and his arms are a little on the long side. But mostly I chose a chimpanzee because of his monkey toes. They're really long. He can spread them wide like a hand. He uses them to pick things up. I've even caught him using them like an extra set of hands to hold something so he can use both hands. Like he'll hold two parts, one with a foot, one with one hand, and use his other hand to screw them together. It's weird. Also, he can pinch with his toes. Really hard.
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, what would it be and why? If I had to save one post, it would be Bon Apetit. This was my life with a newborn, a toddler, and a preschooler. It was exhausting, but I don't want to forget the mayhem. I'm already starting to forget. I think it's a survival instinct. Although not my very first post, this was the story that started the blog. I was relaying this story, in tears, to my husband, and he was cracking up. Not helpful. He told me I should write this stuff down because it was hilarious. And so a blog was born.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Featured Blogger - Sara from Our Urban Village
This week's featured blogger is Sara from Our Urban Village, who moved from a tiny town to the big city. She chronicles her new life in her blog.
1. Tell us about yourself: I am a stay at home mom to two boys, who are in school 5 days a week. It’s for everyone’s sanity sake. I recently finished my Masters in Library Science and am using that degree to volunteer in a library. I am happy to be volunteering in my kids school library, and someday it will nice to get a paycheck for all my master knowledge. I am still in baby making mode, as I have two, yes two, baking in me now. Who knows if I will ever work again, but I am seriously looking forward to our twin girls arrival in March. I am also scared silly, but hopefully it will all work out. In the meantime, I am the a top executive in our household, cooking, crafting, entertaining kids, and bossing everyone around most days.
2.Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Our Urban Village came to be when we moved from a college town to the giant, urban city of Houston. After a year and half, two kids, and trying to navigate the blogging world, I am proud to say I am a mommy blogger. We are the “21st Century Tribe” seeking to create community both locally and virtually. Blogging provides an outlet for thoughts and writing that I otherwise wouldn’t create time for. It also allows me to document the trials and tribulations of our family in the city. Throw in some food, crafting, books, kiddie-tainment, Judaism, and writing workshops, and you have a better idea of the variety show this mommy is trying her best to manage.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: Right now, my favorite literary character is Lisbeth Salander from Stieg Larsson’s Millenium Trilogy. She is smart, savvy, independent, intelligent, and kicks butt. She is also socially awkward. She is memorable to me now because she is not a character I’ve seen often when reading. I’m a Lisbeth Salander wanna be, I wanna learn how to kick butt and protect my family, sans the social awkwardness and violent story line.
4. If you carved your initials on a tree, what kind of tree would it be and why?: I would carve my initials into a Giant Sequoia tree. I think they are amazing trees, long lasting, and impressive in size. I have yet to see one, and I can only imagine. I am blown away by the photos. I think my initials would have some chance of survival through time on this tree.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: I started off thinking that when we first met I thought my husband looked like Tim Curry, but he is not an animal, and my husband doesn’t like to think of himself as Tim Curry the “sweet transvestite.” Ultimately, I’ve always thought my husband looks like a lion. When his hair gets long, it frames his face in an impressive, all natural mane. He also has this tendency to stick his chest out in a proud manner, king of his domain, until I start bossing him around.
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: Wow! This was hard to firmly decide on because I feel like I’ve been a stumbling blogger, and that a lot of what I have written has been total rubbish, unfocused, blargity blar. For now, I would save Transformation, which I wrote last week for The Red Dress Club. It is where I would want to restart my blog if it burned down in a fire. The journey I am on is mommyhood, and I would want to continue on that journey knowing where I have been and where I would like to go as a mother. I wish to continue to weave a tapestry of my families’ life, including the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. This post seems like a good point to restart after I cursed the fire that took away my memories!
1. Tell us about yourself: I am a stay at home mom to two boys, who are in school 5 days a week. It’s for everyone’s sanity sake. I recently finished my Masters in Library Science and am using that degree to volunteer in a library. I am happy to be volunteering in my kids school library, and someday it will nice to get a paycheck for all my master knowledge. I am still in baby making mode, as I have two, yes two, baking in me now. Who knows if I will ever work again, but I am seriously looking forward to our twin girls arrival in March. I am also scared silly, but hopefully it will all work out. In the meantime, I am the a top executive in our household, cooking, crafting, entertaining kids, and bossing everyone around most days.
2.Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Our Urban Village came to be when we moved from a college town to the giant, urban city of Houston. After a year and half, two kids, and trying to navigate the blogging world, I am proud to say I am a mommy blogger. We are the “21st Century Tribe” seeking to create community both locally and virtually. Blogging provides an outlet for thoughts and writing that I otherwise wouldn’t create time for. It also allows me to document the trials and tribulations of our family in the city. Throw in some food, crafting, books, kiddie-tainment, Judaism, and writing workshops, and you have a better idea of the variety show this mommy is trying her best to manage.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: Right now, my favorite literary character is Lisbeth Salander from Stieg Larsson’s Millenium Trilogy. She is smart, savvy, independent, intelligent, and kicks butt. She is also socially awkward. She is memorable to me now because she is not a character I’ve seen often when reading. I’m a Lisbeth Salander wanna be, I wanna learn how to kick butt and protect my family, sans the social awkwardness and violent story line.
4. If you carved your initials on a tree, what kind of tree would it be and why?: I would carve my initials into a Giant Sequoia tree. I think they are amazing trees, long lasting, and impressive in size. I have yet to see one, and I can only imagine. I am blown away by the photos. I think my initials would have some chance of survival through time on this tree.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: I started off thinking that when we first met I thought my husband looked like Tim Curry, but he is not an animal, and my husband doesn’t like to think of himself as Tim Curry the “sweet transvestite.” Ultimately, I’ve always thought my husband looks like a lion. When his hair gets long, it frames his face in an impressive, all natural mane. He also has this tendency to stick his chest out in a proud manner, king of his domain, until I start bossing him around.
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: Wow! This was hard to firmly decide on because I feel like I’ve been a stumbling blogger, and that a lot of what I have written has been total rubbish, unfocused, blargity blar. For now, I would save Transformation, which I wrote last week for The Red Dress Club. It is where I would want to restart my blog if it burned down in a fire. The journey I am on is mommyhood, and I would want to continue on that journey knowing where I have been and where I would like to go as a mother. I wish to continue to weave a tapestry of my families’ life, including the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. This post seems like a good point to restart after I cursed the fire that took away my memories!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Featured Blogger - Cristina from Not Quite Crunchy Momma
Today's featured blogger is Cristina from Not Quite Crunchy Momma. I just learned she was born in Angola and grew up in Portugal. I know this because I found this cool post!
Tell us about yourself: Let's see... I'm a wife and a stay at home mom of two boys, Uno who just turned four and Kai who is two. Being a mom is really awesome, right? There are certainly days I want to run away, and definitely doubt some of my decisions. But I'm really laid back and have learned to trust my instincts, so being a mom comes fairly natural, most of the time. The whole housewife thing though? So not for me. I'm a hater of all domestic activities :)
My husband is a freelance illustrator and works at home, so as a family, we spend a lot of time together. It's really great, for the most part. I have a masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and pre-kids I worked with families with children with psych issues. Reading and writing have always been my passion. Since starting blogging just a few months ago, my passion for writing has resurfaced and it's been truly awesome.
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: I started my first blog not quite crunchy momma earlier in the summer when a friend introduced me to hers. I thought, hey this is fun, I want one too. It was a fun way to record and share my family's daily life. Then, I came across the Red Dress Club and really got into writing fiction. Eventually, I decided I wanted a place just for my fiction and created Once Upon a Time ... this is my "I'm a writer" little world.
What literary character would you be and why?: Oh boy, I have been trying to figure this one out ever since you guys have been featuring bloggers. I have two picks: Clare from The Time Traveler's Wife, I'm a hopeless romantic and what's more romantic than meeting your husband when you are five? and he time travels.. that's way cool. And then I think I would want to be Katniss Evergreen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy. If you haven't read the books, GO read them. She is resourceful, brave and kicks butt.
If you could carve your initials on a tree, which tree would it be and why?: Definitely a fig tree. My grandparents had a fig tree in their yard and I remember climbing it with my cousins and eating figs. Great memories.
What animal does your husband look like and why?: Seriously, I have never compared my husband to an animal, so I had to ask him. He said wolf. His reasons? He has canine teeth like a dog, he comes from a family where men like to be the alpha males and are aggressive (not in a physical way) but they get what they want and.. the best reason... he doesn't like people touching his food, just like a wolf! HA! he's crazy!
If you could only save one of your existing posts in a fire, which would you choose and why?: I think I would choose the first piece I wrote for Red Writing Hood. Blogging has really become about developing my writing skills and I remember the excitement when I wrote No Show. I felt like a 5 year old waking up to find Santa had stopped by Christmas Eve. I knew then, writing fiction was what I am passionate about.
Tell us about yourself: Let's see... I'm a wife and a stay at home mom of two boys, Uno who just turned four and Kai who is two. Being a mom is really awesome, right? There are certainly days I want to run away, and definitely doubt some of my decisions. But I'm really laid back and have learned to trust my instincts, so being a mom comes fairly natural, most of the time. The whole housewife thing though? So not for me. I'm a hater of all domestic activities :)
My husband is a freelance illustrator and works at home, so as a family, we spend a lot of time together. It's really great, for the most part. I have a masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and pre-kids I worked with families with children with psych issues. Reading and writing have always been my passion. Since starting blogging just a few months ago, my passion for writing has resurfaced and it's been truly awesome.
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: I started my first blog not quite crunchy momma earlier in the summer when a friend introduced me to hers. I thought, hey this is fun, I want one too. It was a fun way to record and share my family's daily life. Then, I came across the Red Dress Club and really got into writing fiction. Eventually, I decided I wanted a place just for my fiction and created Once Upon a Time ... this is my "I'm a writer" little world.
What literary character would you be and why?: Oh boy, I have been trying to figure this one out ever since you guys have been featuring bloggers. I have two picks: Clare from The Time Traveler's Wife, I'm a hopeless romantic and what's more romantic than meeting your husband when you are five? and he time travels.. that's way cool. And then I think I would want to be Katniss Evergreen from "The Hunger Games" trilogy. If you haven't read the books, GO read them. She is resourceful, brave and kicks butt.
If you could carve your initials on a tree, which tree would it be and why?: Definitely a fig tree. My grandparents had a fig tree in their yard and I remember climbing it with my cousins and eating figs. Great memories.
What animal does your husband look like and why?: Seriously, I have never compared my husband to an animal, so I had to ask him. He said wolf. His reasons? He has canine teeth like a dog, he comes from a family where men like to be the alpha males and are aggressive (not in a physical way) but they get what they want and.. the best reason... he doesn't like people touching his food, just like a wolf! HA! he's crazy!
If you could only save one of your existing posts in a fire, which would you choose and why?: I think I would choose the first piece I wrote for Red Writing Hood. Blogging has really become about developing my writing skills and I remember the excitement when I wrote No Show. I felt like a 5 year old waking up to find Santa had stopped by Christmas Eve. I knew then, writing fiction was what I am passionate about.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Featured Blogger - Sara from Unofficial Mom
Today's Featured Blogger is Sara from Unofficial Mom, where she writes about lots of stuff, especially her daughter. Also, I'd say she's pretty official, but that's just me.
1. Tell us about yourself: Oh how I wish I had some clever, pithy answer to this question. I totally don’t. So I’m stuck with the basics. I’m a daughter, sister, wife, etc. But this year has been all about my daughter. We adopted a perfect, little girl in January of this year. She has been my tunnel-like focus, and like so many people, the reason I started blogging. Well, my daughter in particular probably isn’t the reason anyone else started blogging…but you never know…she is awesome.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: I’m a mommy blogger. There, I said it! My name is Sara and I am a mommy blogger. {Hi Sara!} I know mommy blogger is often looked down on, like chick lit, but I think both are valid. And it’s totally not because I write both of those things either. I’ve wandered away from the point. I write about a little of everything. It’s started out about my daughter and our open adoption, but has evolved into that, plus writing, plus things that entertain me. I hope it entertains other people too.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: This one is so tough. But I’d have to say Roxane from Cyrano de Bergerac. Despite being distracted by appearances she ultimately falls in love with true beauty. Cyrano is not an aesthetically pleasing guy, but he has wooed Roxane for his entire adult life, giving her beautiful, longing, soul satisfying words. And at the end of his life, when Roxane realizes it has been Cyrano writing her all along, his appearance is of no consequence. She loves him because of the way he made her feel. I like that.
4. What kind of tree would you carve your initials on and why?: An oak. I’ve talked about this a little before, but it’s a very full circle tree for me. I fully intend to get an oak tree tattoo when I find the right design. I was born in Royal Oak, Michigan and then later discovered that the oak tree is symbol of good luck in fertility. See? Full circle.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: According to some gay friends he’s a total bear. Heh. But I’ve always associated him with an anteater. When we first started dating I was struggling with how different we were, how differently we had grown up. He said to me one day, “It doesn’t matter how different we are, we’re supposed to be together. If I was an anteater and you were an ant, I’d just carry you around on my nose all day.” Cue the awwws.
6. If you could save one post in a fire, what post would it be and why?: Another tough one, but it would certainly be one of the Pie {my daughter for any new readers} stories. I think ‘I Do Not Remember THAT From 8th Grade Health’ though. It’s the details of the day my daughter was born. I know as the years go by, some of the minutiae will get fuzzy and I would hate to lose any of it.
1. Tell us about yourself: Oh how I wish I had some clever, pithy answer to this question. I totally don’t. So I’m stuck with the basics. I’m a daughter, sister, wife, etc. But this year has been all about my daughter. We adopted a perfect, little girl in January of this year. She has been my tunnel-like focus, and like so many people, the reason I started blogging. Well, my daughter in particular probably isn’t the reason anyone else started blogging…but you never know…she is awesome.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: I’m a mommy blogger. There, I said it! My name is Sara and I am a mommy blogger. {Hi Sara!} I know mommy blogger is often looked down on, like chick lit, but I think both are valid. And it’s totally not because I write both of those things either. I’ve wandered away from the point. I write about a little of everything. It’s started out about my daughter and our open adoption, but has evolved into that, plus writing, plus things that entertain me. I hope it entertains other people too.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: This one is so tough. But I’d have to say Roxane from Cyrano de Bergerac. Despite being distracted by appearances she ultimately falls in love with true beauty. Cyrano is not an aesthetically pleasing guy, but he has wooed Roxane for his entire adult life, giving her beautiful, longing, soul satisfying words. And at the end of his life, when Roxane realizes it has been Cyrano writing her all along, his appearance is of no consequence. She loves him because of the way he made her feel. I like that.
4. What kind of tree would you carve your initials on and why?: An oak. I’ve talked about this a little before, but it’s a very full circle tree for me. I fully intend to get an oak tree tattoo when I find the right design. I was born in Royal Oak, Michigan and then later discovered that the oak tree is symbol of good luck in fertility. See? Full circle.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: According to some gay friends he’s a total bear. Heh. But I’ve always associated him with an anteater. When we first started dating I was struggling with how different we were, how differently we had grown up. He said to me one day, “It doesn’t matter how different we are, we’re supposed to be together. If I was an anteater and you were an ant, I’d just carry you around on my nose all day.” Cue the awwws.
6. If you could save one post in a fire, what post would it be and why?: Another tough one, but it would certainly be one of the Pie {my daughter for any new readers} stories. I think ‘I Do Not Remember THAT From 8th Grade Health’ though. It’s the details of the day my daughter was born. I know as the years go by, some of the minutiae will get fuzzy and I would hate to lose any of it.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Featured Blogger - Kate from Sluiter Nation
Today's featured blogger is Kate from Sluiter Nation. She is a woman after my own heart because she's as much of a grammar police as I am.
1. Tell us about yourself: I hate this question. Seriously. I swear this is the reason so many of my past job interviews have gone amok. I just don't know what people want to know. So here I go guessing what you want to know. Well, my name is Katie. Most people call me Kate. I am married to an awesome guy I have known since elementary school. I have an 18 month-old who has my personality and his dad's stunning looks. I teach high school and college. I blog here and there. I tweet a bit. I enjoy Pearl Jam, reading, and running amok.
2.Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Since I have three blogs do I get 90 seconds? My "main" blog is Sluiter Nation. Like most people, I started my blog for family and friends not knowing there were many blogs out there. Since this spring, Sluiter Nation has become my "mom blog," I guess. I write about my family, what it is like to be a working mom, and all the stuff in between.
This summer I started Katie's Bookcase as a place to review all the millions of books I read. When it became clear that people wanted more than one post a month (because I can't read much faster than that with all I do), I took on a team of readers and writers. It's a pretty happening place if you're a bookworm. And recently, I started Exploded Moments as a place to do all my "me" writing. It's more my creative outlet. I usually do my Red Dress Club posts there, but sometimes you'll see them on Sluiter Nation.It's where I can try new things (like...gasp...FICTION) that really don't go with the niche I've created on Sluiter Nation.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: Honestly, I have been thinking about this question since the very first time I read a featured blogger here. I have no idea how to pick! My favorite period is the American ex-pats of the 1920's/30's, but most of those characters make me crabby (in a good way, if there is such a thing). I would have to say right now it's a tossup between Owen Meany from A Prayer for Owen Meany and Pi Patel from Life of Pi. I like characters that have to overcome great odds. Who have to prove society wrong. Who stick to their convictions. And I like screwed up stories. So Owen and Pi fit nicely.
4. What kind of tree would you carve your initials on and why?: I don't usually go around carving my initials in things...ok, that is a TOTAL lie. In college I consistently carved my initials (or the words "Pearl Jam") into the trays in the cafeteria. Anyway, if we are talking about a tree, I would probably go all classic with an oak tree. Once carved in it will last the longest there. And I like to think that I leave a lasting impression on people.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why? I don't know about look like, but Cort most resembles a sea horse. The male sea horse is the one that cares for the young while the female goes out of the "home" for provisions. That is the case in our house. I work a TON (too much if you ask some of the ladies who hang 'round these parts) and Cort stays home with Eddie since being laid off over a year ago. This isn't by choice, but it's what our life is right now. And he probably won't admit it, but he is really good at this child-rearing thing.
6. If you could save one post in a fire, what post would it be and why?: The post I would save probably seems randomly chosen at first glance. It is called The One Where I Tell the Truth and it is the first time I told the world of my postpartum depression. And it is the first post where anyone in the bloggy world (that I didn't already know in real life) came and left a comment--actually 25 of them...which was like an explosion to me. Who am I kidding, that kind of turnout is still massive to me). It is the post that I think of as when I *really* started blogging. It is when I found the power of writing. When I realized what kind of outlet this blog thing was and what sort of people are out there--people like me. In fact, I met my blogging bestie--my etwin, Miranda (of Not Super Just Momof ). That post brought me all the way to here...as a featured blogger on The Red Dress Club. Something that I am beyond honored to be.
1. Tell us about yourself: I hate this question. Seriously. I swear this is the reason so many of my past job interviews have gone amok. I just don't know what people want to know. So here I go guessing what you want to know. Well, my name is Katie. Most people call me Kate. I am married to an awesome guy I have known since elementary school. I have an 18 month-old who has my personality and his dad's stunning looks. I teach high school and college. I blog here and there. I tweet a bit. I enjoy Pearl Jam, reading, and running amok.
2.Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Since I have three blogs do I get 90 seconds? My "main" blog is Sluiter Nation. Like most people, I started my blog for family and friends not knowing there were many blogs out there. Since this spring, Sluiter Nation has become my "mom blog," I guess. I write about my family, what it is like to be a working mom, and all the stuff in between.
This summer I started Katie's Bookcase as a place to review all the millions of books I read. When it became clear that people wanted more than one post a month (because I can't read much faster than that with all I do), I took on a team of readers and writers. It's a pretty happening place if you're a bookworm. And recently, I started Exploded Moments as a place to do all my "me" writing. It's more my creative outlet. I usually do my Red Dress Club posts there, but sometimes you'll see them on Sluiter Nation.It's where I can try new things (like...gasp...FICTION) that really don't go with the niche I've created on Sluiter Nation.
3. Who is your favorite literary character and why?: Honestly, I have been thinking about this question since the very first time I read a featured blogger here. I have no idea how to pick! My favorite period is the American ex-pats of the 1920's/30's, but most of those characters make me crabby (in a good way, if there is such a thing). I would have to say right now it's a tossup between Owen Meany from A Prayer for Owen Meany and Pi Patel from Life of Pi. I like characters that have to overcome great odds. Who have to prove society wrong. Who stick to their convictions. And I like screwed up stories. So Owen and Pi fit nicely.
4. What kind of tree would you carve your initials on and why?: I don't usually go around carving my initials in things...ok, that is a TOTAL lie. In college I consistently carved my initials (or the words "Pearl Jam") into the trays in the cafeteria. Anyway, if we are talking about a tree, I would probably go all classic with an oak tree. Once carved in it will last the longest there. And I like to think that I leave a lasting impression on people.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why? I don't know about look like, but Cort most resembles a sea horse. The male sea horse is the one that cares for the young while the female goes out of the "home" for provisions. That is the case in our house. I work a TON (too much if you ask some of the ladies who hang 'round these parts) and Cort stays home with Eddie since being laid off over a year ago. This isn't by choice, but it's what our life is right now. And he probably won't admit it, but he is really good at this child-rearing thing.
6. If you could save one post in a fire, what post would it be and why?: The post I would save probably seems randomly chosen at first glance. It is called The One Where I Tell the Truth and it is the first time I told the world of my postpartum depression. And it is the first post where anyone in the bloggy world (that I didn't already know in real life) came and left a comment--actually 25 of them...which was like an explosion to me. Who am I kidding, that kind of turnout is still massive to me). It is the post that I think of as when I *really* started blogging. It is when I found the power of writing. When I realized what kind of outlet this blog thing was and what sort of people are out there--people like me. In fact, I met my blogging bestie--my etwin, Miranda (of Not Super Just Momof ). That post brought me all the way to here...as a featured blogger on The Red Dress Club. Something that I am beyond honored to be.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Featured Blogger - Grace from Arms Wide Open
Today's Featured blogger is Grace from Arms Wide Open. Grace writes about appreciating motherhood, especially as a survivor of PPD.
1. Tell us about yourself: I am a 29 year-old wife of 7 years and mommy to a sweet 2 year-old boy. My husband and I have lived in Mexico since 2006 to fulfill a life-long dream of immersing ourselves in another culture and language. I love to write, swim, travel, run and cook. I am somewhat of a self proclaimed sun-worshipper, but always an Oregonian at heart!
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about what your blog is about: My blog is a public journal of my struggles with postpartum depression & my subsequent journey of healing. I write my personal thoughts on marriage, mothering, and the challenges of living thousands of miles from "home." I strive to write with authenticity and truth in the hope that my words will resonate with (mostly) women who thought they were alone in their struggles. On a light-hearted side, I also post gorgeous pictures of Mexico and my adorable son, recipes and beautiful things that I drool over on the internet.
3. What literary character would you be and why?: I would love to be Anne from Anne of Green Gables. She is bold and fiesty and lovely and brave and intelligent and strong. This was my absolute favorite childhood story. I love most that she overcame rejection, fear and insecurity to become successful in life AND love.
4. If you could carve your initials on a tree, what tree would it be and why?: It would be a huge tree on the shore of the Puget Sound in Seattle's Discovery Park where my husband proposed to me 8 years ago. It is a magical, magical place.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: Good grief I have sat here for about five minutes racking my brain and cannot come up with a worthy animal. I suppose I will have to settle on a buffalo because he is quite hairy, stocky... and stubborn!
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: The first post I thought of would be this one: Thoughts on Bonding. The post represents a huge turning point for me in my postpartum journey, when I truly began to love motherhood (or at least realize I did!) and feel confident in myself as a mother to my son. The memories that inspired this post are unforgettable and still fresh in my mind and heart. (the sweet comments were lost in my switch to Disqus :( ...)
1. Tell us about yourself: I am a 29 year-old wife of 7 years and mommy to a sweet 2 year-old boy. My husband and I have lived in Mexico since 2006 to fulfill a life-long dream of immersing ourselves in another culture and language. I love to write, swim, travel, run and cook. I am somewhat of a self proclaimed sun-worshipper, but always an Oregonian at heart!
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about what your blog is about: My blog is a public journal of my struggles with postpartum depression & my subsequent journey of healing. I write my personal thoughts on marriage, mothering, and the challenges of living thousands of miles from "home." I strive to write with authenticity and truth in the hope that my words will resonate with (mostly) women who thought they were alone in their struggles. On a light-hearted side, I also post gorgeous pictures of Mexico and my adorable son, recipes and beautiful things that I drool over on the internet.
3. What literary character would you be and why?: I would love to be Anne from Anne of Green Gables. She is bold and fiesty and lovely and brave and intelligent and strong. This was my absolute favorite childhood story. I love most that she overcame rejection, fear and insecurity to become successful in life AND love.
4. If you could carve your initials on a tree, what tree would it be and why?: It would be a huge tree on the shore of the Puget Sound in Seattle's Discovery Park where my husband proposed to me 8 years ago. It is a magical, magical place.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: Good grief I have sat here for about five minutes racking my brain and cannot come up with a worthy animal. I suppose I will have to settle on a buffalo because he is quite hairy, stocky... and stubborn!
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: The first post I thought of would be this one: Thoughts on Bonding. The post represents a huge turning point for me in my postpartum journey, when I truly began to love motherhood (or at least realize I did!) and feel confident in myself as a mother to my son. The memories that inspired this post are unforgettable and still fresh in my mind and heart. (the sweet comments were lost in my switch to Disqus :( ...)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Featured Blogger - Jackie from With Just a Bit of Magic
Today's featured blogger writes about her insanely busy life at With Just a Bit of Magic.
1. Tell us about yourself: Hello! I'm Jackie and I work full time as a product manager at a small software development company in Michigan. It's a great company to work for and very family oriented. And as most people know I'm also a wife and mom to four great kids; Caitlin (14), Natalie (11), Lauren (8), and Andrew (9 months). And it all keeps me busy! I would love to be a stay at home mom or just work part time, but it's not in the cards right now! I love the time that I'm able to spend with my kids and family and make the most of it.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Life is full of surprises, twists, and turns! You may as well enjoy the ride! I'm a mom to 4 kids, a wife (to my 5th child sometimes), and I work full time and it takes a bit of magic to keep my sanity and things running at my house. You may find things here about family, kids, work, cooking, or just about anything. It's my life.
3. What literary character would you be and why?: The first character that came to mind was Elizabeth Bennett from Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. Now, I'm not sure why she came to mind either. It's one of the books that I really love and have read within the past year and one that I suggest that anyone read if they haven't yet. Elizabeth is a strong and independent woman that many can identify with. One that I can identify with as well.
4. If you carved your initials on a tree, what tree would it be and why?: It would have to be a huge old oak tree with large arching branches that seem to go on forever. The old oak would be the kind you can't reach your arms around, you can build a really cool tree house in, and spend an afternoon lounging underneath it in the shade reading a book.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: This is kind of funny! The first thing that came to mind was one of the circus monkey toys with the cymbals that it claps together! And I thought this because of a joke at work when we still worked together. But that's really not him. He's more of the big, warm, cuddly teddy bear. He's always there no matter what with open arms and an open heart.
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, which one would it be and why?: his is a tough one. I like many of them and at the same time there are some that are just crappy. But I selected one that isn't all that old. It's titled 10 Things I Believe.
1. Tell us about yourself: Hello! I'm Jackie and I work full time as a product manager at a small software development company in Michigan. It's a great company to work for and very family oriented. And as most people know I'm also a wife and mom to four great kids; Caitlin (14), Natalie (11), Lauren (8), and Andrew (9 months). And it all keeps me busy! I would love to be a stay at home mom or just work part time, but it's not in the cards right now! I love the time that I'm able to spend with my kids and family and make the most of it.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Life is full of surprises, twists, and turns! You may as well enjoy the ride! I'm a mom to 4 kids, a wife (to my 5th child sometimes), and I work full time and it takes a bit of magic to keep my sanity and things running at my house. You may find things here about family, kids, work, cooking, or just about anything. It's my life.
3. What literary character would you be and why?: The first character that came to mind was Elizabeth Bennett from Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. Now, I'm not sure why she came to mind either. It's one of the books that I really love and have read within the past year and one that I suggest that anyone read if they haven't yet. Elizabeth is a strong and independent woman that many can identify with. One that I can identify with as well.
4. If you carved your initials on a tree, what tree would it be and why?: It would have to be a huge old oak tree with large arching branches that seem to go on forever. The old oak would be the kind you can't reach your arms around, you can build a really cool tree house in, and spend an afternoon lounging underneath it in the shade reading a book.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: This is kind of funny! The first thing that came to mind was one of the circus monkey toys with the cymbals that it claps together! And I thought this because of a joke at work when we still worked together. But that's really not him. He's more of the big, warm, cuddly teddy bear. He's always there no matter what with open arms and an open heart.
6. If you could only save one post in a fire, which one would it be and why?: his is a tough one. I like many of them and at the same time there are some that are just crappy. But I selected one that isn't all that old. It's titled 10 Things I Believe.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
featured Blogger - Stephanie from The Scoop on Poop
Today's guest poster is Stephanie from the often funny, sometimes touching, but always real blog, The Scoop on Poop.
Tell us about yourself: Hi. My name is Stephanie. I’m a stay at home mother to a 10 and 3 yr old. I am a wife, a daughter, a healer, a taxi driver, a coach, a cheerleader, a short order cook in a 24/7/365 kitchen, a maid. I am a loyal friend, a playdate, a teacher, an artist, a daydreamer…of George Clooney, a clean house, well-behaved children, a million dollars, and seeing my name in print on the New York Time bestseller list.
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: It’s a daily account of the sometimes ordinary, always dramatic, never dull adventures in my crazy-happy life.
What literary character would you be and why?: This is a hard question from me as I love to read. There are many characters I used to wish to be (or play in a movie as an aspiring actress as a kid), but when it all comes down to it, there is one character I would want to be above all others. Her name is Meggie, and she is the child heroine of Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart. If I were Meggie, I wouldn’t have to dream and wish about being a part of this story or that one. I could just read myself in and out of them---the girlfriend Mark Twain never got around to writing about for Huck Finn, or traveling with a star on a Wrinkle of Time, or surviving a long, cold winter on the prairie with Laura and Mary Ingalls. I would have the ability to write and read in to the stories the bits and pieces that are missing that I always longed for.
If you carved your initials on a tree, what kind of tree would it be and why?: It would most definitely be a weeping willow tree. Every single one of my daydreams has a willow in it, with its long branches reaching out to snuggle you in, providing a place of warmth to feed your imagination underneath. I have escaped to places called Narnia, chased unicorns, and flown in fairy dust underneath the willow tree. I have built sanctuaries, and dreamed of kissing my Prince Charming, all under the boughs of the willow tree.
What animal does your husband look like and why?: When I think of this question, a picture of my husband comes to mind, followed by a picture of Donkey, from Shrek, when he is smiling. My husband has a personality like Donkey too, with his quirky sense of humor, and always positive nature. Like Donkey, he’d give you the shirt of his back, he married a dragon, and he has a huge affection for sweets.
If you could save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: I’m going to have to go with the cliché’ and say my very first post is the one I would save. It isn’t particularly interesting. It isn’t even particularly good. It is funny, but it’s where I started; the beginning of the wonderful world I found myself in, full of friendly faces, supportive backs, and hearty handshakes.
Tell us about yourself: Hi. My name is Stephanie. I’m a stay at home mother to a 10 and 3 yr old. I am a wife, a daughter, a healer, a taxi driver, a coach, a cheerleader, a short order cook in a 24/7/365 kitchen, a maid. I am a loyal friend, a playdate, a teacher, an artist, a daydreamer…of George Clooney, a clean house, well-behaved children, a million dollars, and seeing my name in print on the New York Time bestseller list.
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: It’s a daily account of the sometimes ordinary, always dramatic, never dull adventures in my crazy-happy life.
What literary character would you be and why?: This is a hard question from me as I love to read. There are many characters I used to wish to be (or play in a movie as an aspiring actress as a kid), but when it all comes down to it, there is one character I would want to be above all others. Her name is Meggie, and she is the child heroine of Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart. If I were Meggie, I wouldn’t have to dream and wish about being a part of this story or that one. I could just read myself in and out of them---the girlfriend Mark Twain never got around to writing about for Huck Finn, or traveling with a star on a Wrinkle of Time, or surviving a long, cold winter on the prairie with Laura and Mary Ingalls. I would have the ability to write and read in to the stories the bits and pieces that are missing that I always longed for.
If you carved your initials on a tree, what kind of tree would it be and why?: It would most definitely be a weeping willow tree. Every single one of my daydreams has a willow in it, with its long branches reaching out to snuggle you in, providing a place of warmth to feed your imagination underneath. I have escaped to places called Narnia, chased unicorns, and flown in fairy dust underneath the willow tree. I have built sanctuaries, and dreamed of kissing my Prince Charming, all under the boughs of the willow tree.
What animal does your husband look like and why?: When I think of this question, a picture of my husband comes to mind, followed by a picture of Donkey, from Shrek, when he is smiling. My husband has a personality like Donkey too, with his quirky sense of humor, and always positive nature. Like Donkey, he’d give you the shirt of his back, he married a dragon, and he has a huge affection for sweets.
If you could save one post in a fire, which would it be and why?: I’m going to have to go with the cliché’ and say my very first post is the one I would save. It isn’t particularly interesting. It isn’t even particularly good. It is funny, but it’s where I started; the beginning of the wonderful world I found myself in, full of friendly faces, supportive backs, and hearty handshakes.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Featured Blogger - Jane from Aging Mommy
Today we are very excited to feature Jane and her thoughtful, inspiring blog Aging Mommy.
Tell us about yourself: I'm a 47 year old stay at home Mom with a 3 year old daughter. I spent 22 years building my career in finance and business management mainly within the Telecoms Industry, climbing the corporate ladder. I am a transplanted Brit who came here from England via Belgium and Ireland six years ago when I was offered what I thought was the job of my dreams as a Director of Sales Operations at the Global HQ. I never thought I would be a Mom, I was too busy having fun, traveling the world and living a very self centered life. But then at the age of 43 I found myself free falling from that ladder into the very different world of Mommyland. I love good food and eating out, good wine, photography, keeping fit and hiking. None of which are especially compatible with life with a 3 year old unless you class pasta and pizza as good food. Life now is certainly very different but I honestly would not want it any other way.
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Hmmm....when I started my blog in February I wrote in my bio that I was looking to poke my head over the parapet of Motherhood out into the world again and was also hoping blogging would suffice in lieu of some much needed therapy. I had no clue about the blogosphere when I started blogging, so for me the biggest surprise was finding this amazing community of fellow bloggers. The therapy became a very real attainment as I found myself talking about my experiences of Motherhood, the highs and the lows and realized there are so many fellow bloggers who have had similar experiences and "get" where I am coming from. Also blogging reignited a love of writing which I had parked at the school gates some 30 years ago. So what started out as a place to record my thoughts and experiences as a Mother has become a place where I do that but also now I am increasingly posting photos, stories and even poems as I try to figure out where I want to take my writing and photography.
Tell us about yourself: I'm a 47 year old stay at home Mom with a 3 year old daughter. I spent 22 years building my career in finance and business management mainly within the Telecoms Industry, climbing the corporate ladder. I am a transplanted Brit who came here from England via Belgium and Ireland six years ago when I was offered what I thought was the job of my dreams as a Director of Sales Operations at the Global HQ. I never thought I would be a Mom, I was too busy having fun, traveling the world and living a very self centered life. But then at the age of 43 I found myself free falling from that ladder into the very different world of Mommyland. I love good food and eating out, good wine, photography, keeping fit and hiking. None of which are especially compatible with life with a 3 year old unless you class pasta and pizza as good food. Life now is certainly very different but I honestly would not want it any other way.
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Hmmm....when I started my blog in February I wrote in my bio that I was looking to poke my head over the parapet of Motherhood out into the world again and was also hoping blogging would suffice in lieu of some much needed therapy. I had no clue about the blogosphere when I started blogging, so for me the biggest surprise was finding this amazing community of fellow bloggers. The therapy became a very real attainment as I found myself talking about my experiences of Motherhood, the highs and the lows and realized there are so many fellow bloggers who have had similar experiences and "get" where I am coming from. Also blogging reignited a love of writing which I had parked at the school gates some 30 years ago. So what started out as a place to record my thoughts and experiences as a Mother has become a place where I do that but also now I am increasingly posting photos, stories and even poems as I try to figure out where I want to take my writing and photography.
What literary character would you be and why?: Alice in Wonderland - wouldn't you just love to go to the Mad Hatters Tea Party and meet all those amazing characters. Of course, if the Mad Hatter turned out to be Johnny Depp in disguise then that would be even better :-)
If you could carve your initials in a tree, what tree would it be and why?: Those of you who already know me know that I am a lover of nature. So it will come as no surprise to know that I love trees. I think they are beautiful and awe inspiring accomplishments of nature. So I really could not bear to carve my initials into any tree. But I wouldn't mind having a tree planted above my grave. My favorite tree is the Acer, so one of those would be just perfect.
What animal does your husband look like and why?: I had absolutely no idea how to answer this question as after almost 17 years together he just looks like my husband to me. So I thought I would ask Mirabelle. Her first answer was pooh pooh diaper and her second was wee wee (toilet humor is a big thing around here at the moment). Her final answer was a growly silly bear. I think that is a pretty good answer although I think if my husband does resemble anything other than a basic homo sapiens then it is definitely a Hobbit.
If you could save only one post in a fire, which post would it be and why?: There are lots of posts that mean a lot to me for many different reasons - be it because they are about Mirabelle or my experiences as a Mother or about getting to grips with PPD and finding myself again. This is a really tough one to answer. I know the most popular post of all time was my Thankyou For Being a Friend post, about a play date that went horribly wrong. But I would have to say my favorite post is Will you still need me when I'm 64.I submitted this post to Write for Charity along with a couple of other posts and it was accepted for publication in the anthology recently published entitled From The Heart. The stories I submitted represent my first ever appearance in print and all profits from this publication go to Children's hospitals. Seeing something I had written in a book was almost surreal. This particular story was about the ways in which parents embarrass their children and I included some stories from my childhood. I blog anonymously and none of my friends or family know about my blog. A few weeks ago on a skype call with my parents I told them about the book and they asked me to read one of my stories to them. As I read about my father wearing long wool socks, short shorts and Jesus boots to cut the grass in summer my parents laughed. As I read about my Mom coming to pick me up from school when I was, in my opinion, too old for such nonsense, my mother said "I remember that day, it was raining and you had just a thin cotton summer dress on and no coat." My mother is not one to heap praise on anyone. Ever. As a child I wrote stories and poems all the time. Throughout my life my mother has repeatedly said how she used to love reading my stories and that I should write a book some day. As I grew older it used to annoy me - it seemed like such a ridiculous and impossible notion. But she persisted. When I finished reading my story to my parents my mother said "that's a good start but now you need to write a book." So I guess I'd better get on with doing just that.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Featured Blogger - Amy from Never-True Tales
Please welcome Amy from Never-True Tales.
Tell us about yourself: Holy open-ended question, Batman! Let's see: I'm Amy. We'll start there. I'm a thirty-something wife and mother and early reading teacher in the beautiful state of Oregon. I'm a distance runner. I'm a Search and Rescue volunteer and a wilderness EMT. I'm a daughter and a sister and a classroom volunteer and a soccer mom. I'm a writer. I edit and administrate a successful travel website and have published poetry and essays in obscure literary journals that no one reads. I finished my first novel two years ago. I'd like to run a marathon. I'm still working on the Great American Novel, alongside everyone else. I'm Type A to the core. I can be obsessive. I love TV and books and ice cream. I'm happy. Side note: It's telling how, when asked this question, we peel back the layers of ourselves like the skin of an onion, isn't it? It takes us a while to get to the heart of it (and there's sometimes tears involved).
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: The Never-True Tales is all about superheroes. Ok, not really. But sort of. It's all about us: mothers, fathers, writers, bread winners, kids, babies, brothers and sisters. It's about the roles we play. It's about being a hero to the people we love in our corner of the world, saving the day, every day. It's about the happy ending. And the not-so-happy. And either way, it's about meticulously recording the tale in both the broad brush strokes and the minute detail.
What literary character would you be and why?: I have so many favorites, but this question isn't about favorites, is it? Who I would be is much tougher. I know who I wouldn't, couldn't be: Scarlett O'hara. Tess d'Uberville. Rebecca de Winter. Katniss Everdeen. Who I could, possibly be, maybe, in another life: Anne Shirley. At least I like to think so. She was a dreamer. A writer and reader. She had life goals, that girl. Some were fulfilled, and some were not. And that was ok. In the end, she had her imagination. She had her family. She had her Gilbert. And I have mine.
4. If you could carve your initials on a tree, what tree would it be, and why?: This question is hard, because I can't quite get past the fact that I'd never deface a tree in this way. When I was a kid, I scraped my initials into a wooden picnic table outside our local frostee freeze on impulse, and felt guilty for a week. And that was a picnic table. With gum stuck to the bottom and sticky soft serve hardened on the top. If I must answer, I suppose it would be ponderosa pine, because that's my favorite tree in the world. (So why would I do such a thing to my favorite tree? Nope, can't get past it. I'll have to take a pass on this one. Can I do that?)
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: This one I can do. My husband is a dog. Now, before you get all up in arms, trust me when I say my husband will know this is the highest of compliments. I love dogs. Adore them and every doggy trait about them. I also know he'd like to think he's a cat, lazing about and not caring what anyone thinks, but he's not. He's entirely too loyal for that. Too hardworking. Too quick to jump on board of a good time, a laugh, a moment, any moment, with the people he loves. So yes. Dog. Definitely.
6. If you could save only one of your blog posts in a fire, which one would it be, and why?: Oh, evil, evil question, why must I answer you? I think, if such a Sophie's choice came to pass, I'd have to save my very first blog post. My first post is not my best crafted (not even close). It's not my most poignant or insightful or humorous or heartfelt. But it's the one that began it all. But if you asked which one I am most proud of, which one speaks the most of my life and what my blog is all about, I'd have to pick this one.
Tell us about yourself: Holy open-ended question, Batman! Let's see: I'm Amy. We'll start there. I'm a thirty-something wife and mother and early reading teacher in the beautiful state of Oregon. I'm a distance runner. I'm a Search and Rescue volunteer and a wilderness EMT. I'm a daughter and a sister and a classroom volunteer and a soccer mom. I'm a writer. I edit and administrate a successful travel website and have published poetry and essays in obscure literary journals that no one reads. I finished my first novel two years ago. I'd like to run a marathon. I'm still working on the Great American Novel, alongside everyone else. I'm Type A to the core. I can be obsessive. I love TV and books and ice cream. I'm happy. Side note: It's telling how, when asked this question, we peel back the layers of ourselves like the skin of an onion, isn't it? It takes us a while to get to the heart of it (and there's sometimes tears involved).
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: The Never-True Tales is all about superheroes. Ok, not really. But sort of. It's all about us: mothers, fathers, writers, bread winners, kids, babies, brothers and sisters. It's about the roles we play. It's about being a hero to the people we love in our corner of the world, saving the day, every day. It's about the happy ending. And the not-so-happy. And either way, it's about meticulously recording the tale in both the broad brush strokes and the minute detail.
What literary character would you be and why?: I have so many favorites, but this question isn't about favorites, is it? Who I would be is much tougher. I know who I wouldn't, couldn't be: Scarlett O'hara. Tess d'Uberville. Rebecca de Winter. Katniss Everdeen. Who I could, possibly be, maybe, in another life: Anne Shirley. At least I like to think so. She was a dreamer. A writer and reader. She had life goals, that girl. Some were fulfilled, and some were not. And that was ok. In the end, she had her imagination. She had her family. She had her Gilbert. And I have mine.
4. If you could carve your initials on a tree, what tree would it be, and why?: This question is hard, because I can't quite get past the fact that I'd never deface a tree in this way. When I was a kid, I scraped my initials into a wooden picnic table outside our local frostee freeze on impulse, and felt guilty for a week. And that was a picnic table. With gum stuck to the bottom and sticky soft serve hardened on the top. If I must answer, I suppose it would be ponderosa pine, because that's my favorite tree in the world. (So why would I do such a thing to my favorite tree? Nope, can't get past it. I'll have to take a pass on this one. Can I do that?)
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: This one I can do. My husband is a dog. Now, before you get all up in arms, trust me when I say my husband will know this is the highest of compliments. I love dogs. Adore them and every doggy trait about them. I also know he'd like to think he's a cat, lazing about and not caring what anyone thinks, but he's not. He's entirely too loyal for that. Too hardworking. Too quick to jump on board of a good time, a laugh, a moment, any moment, with the people he loves. So yes. Dog. Definitely.
6. If you could save only one of your blog posts in a fire, which one would it be, and why?: Oh, evil, evil question, why must I answer you? I think, if such a Sophie's choice came to pass, I'd have to save my very first blog post. My first post is not my best crafted (not even close). It's not my most poignant or insightful or humorous or heartfelt. But it's the one that began it all. But if you asked which one I am most proud of, which one speaks the most of my life and what my blog is all about, I'd have to pick this one.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Featured Blogger -- CDG
This week, we're featuring CDG* and her lovely, whimsical blog, Move Over Mary Poppins!
Tell us about yourself: You don't start with the easy questions, do you? I'm a thirty something Mama, a wife, a nanny. I'm an aspiring romance novelist. I've studied culinary arts, music, writing. I'm passionate about all of them, though I do none of them professionally. I knit. I read. I'm by turns shy and extroverted. I'm irreverent and sarcastic, fierce and loyal. I am an Aries.
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Move Over Mary Poppins! began nearly five years ago as a place for me to ponder life as a nanny in the days of Louise Woodward and The Nanny Diaries. My nannying life was nothing like that. It was more like being a SAHM - in someone else's home. Over the years, the blog has evolved with me into a place to share a glimpse of my work life (names changed, of course), my home life, and for the last few months, my writerly life. It's equal parts fiction, haiku, memoir, food, parenting/nannying, moments with my two year old son, and the slow renovation of our home.
What literary character would you be and why?: Kind of an obscure one. Her name is Mireille, and she is at the center of Katherine Neville's The Eight, which is my favorite novel in the history of ever. She lives a remarkable and challenging life amidst adventure and danger and loss, loves passionately and without regret, and is a redhead! I really want to be a redhead.
If you could carve your initials on a tree, which tree would it be and why?: When I was a dreamy teenager, there was a beech tree in the woods behind our house that was all knobbly and twisted at the roots, a really huge, old tree. I used to wish for a boyfriend to kiss me under that tree. It never happened, but still. That would be the tree.
What animal does your husband look like and why?: I'm not sure he'd like the comparison, but a Bullmastiff. He's solid and warm. He's big and fierce looking, but in truth? Strong, gentle, loyal, protective. He has a serious face that just lights up when he smiles.
If you could only save one of your existing posts in a fire, which would you choose and why?: Oh no... No. No. No. I have well over seven hundred posts. I've been blogging for five years. One post? Right now, it would be Swamped at the Library because it's such a perfect snapshot of my son captured in time.
*To retain her privacy, she chooses to go by CDG.
Tell us about yourself: You don't start with the easy questions, do you? I'm a thirty something Mama, a wife, a nanny. I'm an aspiring romance novelist. I've studied culinary arts, music, writing. I'm passionate about all of them, though I do none of them professionally. I knit. I read. I'm by turns shy and extroverted. I'm irreverent and sarcastic, fierce and loyal. I am an Aries.
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Move Over Mary Poppins! began nearly five years ago as a place for me to ponder life as a nanny in the days of Louise Woodward and The Nanny Diaries. My nannying life was nothing like that. It was more like being a SAHM - in someone else's home. Over the years, the blog has evolved with me into a place to share a glimpse of my work life (names changed, of course), my home life, and for the last few months, my writerly life. It's equal parts fiction, haiku, memoir, food, parenting/nannying, moments with my two year old son, and the slow renovation of our home.
What literary character would you be and why?: Kind of an obscure one. Her name is Mireille, and she is at the center of Katherine Neville's The Eight, which is my favorite novel in the history of ever. She lives a remarkable and challenging life amidst adventure and danger and loss, loves passionately and without regret, and is a redhead! I really want to be a redhead.
If you could carve your initials on a tree, which tree would it be and why?: When I was a dreamy teenager, there was a beech tree in the woods behind our house that was all knobbly and twisted at the roots, a really huge, old tree. I used to wish for a boyfriend to kiss me under that tree. It never happened, but still. That would be the tree.
What animal does your husband look like and why?: I'm not sure he'd like the comparison, but a Bullmastiff. He's solid and warm. He's big and fierce looking, but in truth? Strong, gentle, loyal, protective. He has a serious face that just lights up when he smiles.
If you could only save one of your existing posts in a fire, which would you choose and why?: Oh no... No. No. No. I have well over seven hundred posts. I've been blogging for five years. One post? Right now, it would be Swamped at the Library because it's such a perfect snapshot of my son captured in time.
*To retain her privacy, she chooses to go by CDG.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Featured Blogger - Elizabeth Flora Ross
Elizabeth is hard at work on a non-fiction book about becoming a mother. It is a topic to which most of us can relate, especially the transition from career woman to stay-at-home mom. She is very interested to the art and process of writing and you can read about it here.
Tell us about yourself: Hello! I’m Elizabeth. Wife. Mom. Writer. The order those titles take depends very much on the day. But they are the roles that most define me. I’ve been a writer the longest, close to 20 years. Was a communications and marketing professional prior to becoming a mom. Also wrote in my free time. I am a nonfiction writer. I write about my own experiences as a way of connecting with and inspiring others. You can learn more about my past & current projects on my website: www.efloraross.com.
I was a bit of a late bloomer in the other areas. I met my husband on Match.com and got married when I was 38 years old. One month after my 40th birthday, our precious daughter was born. She is now a very active, independent, challenging yet sweet toddler. She is freakishly long and lean, so I refer to her as SB, for String Bean. She’ll be two in December. Everyone told me the time would fly by. They were not kidding!
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: The Writer Revived started out as a way to detail my writing journey. Shortly after my daughter’s first birthday, following a long hiatus, I rediscovered my passion for writing and jumped in headfirst. I developed an idea for a book, wrote a proposal and began querying literary agents. My proposal is currently with two agents for consideration.
As the blog evolved, I also began to write about motherhood. It became a great release for me to share about my experiences as a new mom. It also connected me with tons of other moms and enabled me to develop a great support system. And it is the subject of my current book, so it made sense to take the blog in that direction. At this point, about half my posts are about being a mom, and half are about writing.
What literary character would you be and why?: This one was really hard for me to answer. I struggled and finally settled on Griet from The Girl With the Pearl Earring. Griet grew up innocent and sheltered, and was thrust into the real world unprepared. She was, however, intelligent and perceptive well beyond her years, a very keen observer of people and situations. Griet is calm and gentle and full of longing. She has an innate artistic ability that she was never able to unleash. She becomes the woman she is meant to be when given the opportunity to explore and express her creative side.
If you could carve your initials on a tree, which tree would it be and why?: This one was easy – a live oak. Here in the south, they are everywhere. Big, beautiful, strong trees that have stood for hundreds of years. Their curvy branches reach up toward the sky, dip down all the way to the ground, and then shoot upward again. They are amazing. Just the other day my husband and I took our daughter to a local park, and we walked by an impressive live oak tree draped in Spanish moss. My husband said, “I bet that was standing here during the Civil War.”
What animal does your husband look like and why?: I don’t know how he will like this, but I am going to say a gorilla. My husband has big, beautiful brown eyes and a very expressive face. Very much like this good looking fella he took a picture of at our local zoo:
Although my husband is not quite this hairy. ;)
Tell us about yourself: Hello! I’m Elizabeth. Wife. Mom. Writer. The order those titles take depends very much on the day. But they are the roles that most define me. I’ve been a writer the longest, close to 20 years. Was a communications and marketing professional prior to becoming a mom. Also wrote in my free time. I am a nonfiction writer. I write about my own experiences as a way of connecting with and inspiring others. You can learn more about my past & current projects on my website: www.efloraross.com.
I was a bit of a late bloomer in the other areas. I met my husband on Match.com and got married when I was 38 years old. One month after my 40th birthday, our precious daughter was born. She is now a very active, independent, challenging yet sweet toddler. She is freakishly long and lean, so I refer to her as SB, for String Bean. She’ll be two in December. Everyone told me the time would fly by. They were not kidding!
Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: The Writer Revived started out as a way to detail my writing journey. Shortly after my daughter’s first birthday, following a long hiatus, I rediscovered my passion for writing and jumped in headfirst. I developed an idea for a book, wrote a proposal and began querying literary agents. My proposal is currently with two agents for consideration.
As the blog evolved, I also began to write about motherhood. It became a great release for me to share about my experiences as a new mom. It also connected me with tons of other moms and enabled me to develop a great support system. And it is the subject of my current book, so it made sense to take the blog in that direction. At this point, about half my posts are about being a mom, and half are about writing.
What literary character would you be and why?: This one was really hard for me to answer. I struggled and finally settled on Griet from The Girl With the Pearl Earring. Griet grew up innocent and sheltered, and was thrust into the real world unprepared. She was, however, intelligent and perceptive well beyond her years, a very keen observer of people and situations. Griet is calm and gentle and full of longing. She has an innate artistic ability that she was never able to unleash. She becomes the woman she is meant to be when given the opportunity to explore and express her creative side.
If you could carve your initials on a tree, which tree would it be and why?: This one was easy – a live oak. Here in the south, they are everywhere. Big, beautiful, strong trees that have stood for hundreds of years. Their curvy branches reach up toward the sky, dip down all the way to the ground, and then shoot upward again. They are amazing. Just the other day my husband and I took our daughter to a local park, and we walked by an impressive live oak tree draped in Spanish moss. My husband said, “I bet that was standing here during the Civil War.”
What animal does your husband look like and why?: I don’t know how he will like this, but I am going to say a gorilla. My husband has big, beautiful brown eyes and a very expressive face. Very much like this good looking fella he took a picture of at our local zoo:
Although my husband is not quite this hairy. ;)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Featured Blogger - Natalie from Mommy of a Monster
Today's featured blogger, Natalie, can be found running around like a crazy person after her three little kids over at Mommy of a Monster (I mean toddler) & infant twins.
1. Tell us about yourself: Hi everybody! I'm Natalie, a 36 year-old stay-at-home mom to three. I have a 3 year-old son who goes one hundred miles per hour from the time he opens his eyes in the morning until the time he closes them at night. I also have 1 year-old twin girls who are as different as night and day, usually run in opposite directions to cause trouble, and keep me on my toes.
I'm a shy, quiet, reserved woman until you get to know me; then I'm loud, outgoing and I talk non-stop! I love everything about reading, gardening, cooking, my kids, my large, extended family, and wine! Since I stumbled into the world of blogging back in March, I have realized that I could never again live without writing. Though I'm far from calling myself "a writer", I'm working on it, one baby step at a time.
Prior to having kids, I worked in several managerial positions, specifically in human resources. Although some days I miss working outside of the home and the adult interaction, I wouldn't trade staying at home to raise my children for anything! This stay-at-home mom gig is the hardest job I've ever had, and in my last job, I worked for a boss we referred to as "Satan" working 65+ hours a week. These kids are much tougher to deal with than he ever was!
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Mommy of a Monster(I Mean Toddler) & Infant Twins started as a place for me to capture the day-to-day chaos that comes with raising three kids under three to share with family and friends. It slowly has developed into my private retreat...a place for me to write about anything and everything. From being a mom to watching the kids grow and develop to memories of my childhood and family, nothing is off limits. I occasionally blog about my struggles with infertility and my battle with depression. I've been told that I write from a humorous angle. Well of course I do! If I don't laugh, I'll cry! Being at home with three young kids all day is enough to drive anybody crazy!
3. If you could be any literary character, who would it be and why?: This one is easy...Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyer. Although very tied to Rochester, she's strong and complex. She's courageous and bold (traits I admire). And she always wants and tries to do the right thing while also retaining her independence. She had flaws and was not always confident in herself, but that's what makes her so real and relatable.
4. If you could carve your name on a tree, what kind of tree would it be and why?: If I ever carved my name in a tree, I would want to carve mine and my husband's name (Natalie + Jason), but I guess that's beside the point. I would carve our names into a Japanese Maple. Although slow growing, the Japanese maple is beautiful, graceful and elegant; similar to the way our love has grown. But its trunk isn't always smooth and it does have some bumps, just like all relationships.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?:
I wouldn't say he looks like one, but the animal that reminds me the most of my husband is a dolphin. Before you laugh, let me explain! He loves the ocean. Dolphins are free-spirited, strong, intelligent, and love to be in groups (like a family). They always seem happy and carefree. Now I'm not saying my husband skips around with a big goofy smile on his face singing "Kumbaya" all day long, but he is a pretty laid-back guy!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Featured Blogger - Nancy from Away We Go
Today's featured blogger can be found - with her papal son - over at Away We Go.
1. Tell us about yourself: I am presently a stay-at-home mother, although I call myself a "writer" when filling out school/medical forms. I was born in Arizona, which makes me the only person I know who dreams of a dirt-brown Christmas.
Presently, I live in Maryland with my husband and two boys. We're a ten minute walk from the Chesapeake Bay. Despite my older son's pleading, I refuse to let him bring home dead fish or partially decaying Blue Crabs. I'm mean like that.
When I'm not herding preschoolers, I enjoy running, yoga, reading, writing, and consuming coffee.
2. Give us a 30-second elevator pitch about your blog: Away We Go is my place to ramble about motherhood, creativity, friendship, and food. It's funny, lovely, goofy, and imperfect---much like life itself. I don't blog to earn money or to develop an army of followers---I blog because there is nothing more joyful than living a perfect moment twice--in person, and on the page.
3. If you could be any literary character, who would it be and why?: Besides Jessica Wakefield from Sweet Valley High? I suppose I am partial to Penelope from The Odyssey. Yes, she waits for Odysseus all those years, but she also keeps all those suitors in line without ever, ever, letting them gain control. She's crafty. Even when her long-lost husband returns, she makes him jump through a few hoops for her. I like that in a woman.
4. If you could carve your name on a tree, what kind of tree would it be and why?: I'm from Arizona, and therefore do not know the names of trees. Maple, Oak, Poplar? Couldn't tell the difference. So, I'll just say I would carve my name into a cactus, because a wise, prickly tree that has survived war, drought, lightening, and rednecks with rifles would certainly endure my pathetic, furtive carvings.
5. What animal does your husband look like and why?: Oh, this is easy. My husband is a marathon runner. He looks like a stork. A lean, fast, prison-legged stork. I outweigh him on most days, and I weigh 138 pounds.
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