Loving the Dream to Life

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Today's guest post is from our fabulous Blogger of the Month, Sandi of Deva Coaching. I usually share  more to introduce, but I don't want to take away from her beautiful words.



February. The month of love.

At least that’s what we’ve been conditioned to think, and I’m good with that.

I love thinking about love. Last year, my husband wrote something he loved about me on heart shaped post-it notes for the entire month. He left these little love notes around our home for me to find.

I saved them all. I’m a softie like that.

I love love and I don’t apologize for it.

In her introduction, Kelly shared that I made her think and share her dreams. That’s my passion, it really is.

• I love hearing what people want in life, what’s important to them.

• I love helping them go after it.

• I love reminding them of their dreams when they forget.

Because they usually do.

You do, you know. You forget your dream, you forget why it’s important and you file it away in a someday-maybe part of your brain.

Then? It’s my work to remind you.

Some people though? They don’t forget and how they pursue their dreams is inspiring. My BFF is like that.

I can still picture us at the cafe a few years ago. She was humouring me by working through a coaching exercise together. It was a thought provoking exercise on values.

I think values are like your fingerprints or DNA, so knowing what they are and living your life true to them makes a difference. For example, my core values include curiousity, integrity, fun, love, creativity and freedom.

Friends would say those are pretty accurate words describing who I am. Life works when I honour my values. I am 100% sure of that.

So there we were at the cafe, working through the values exercise and my BFF is suddenly moved to tears.

     Me: “What’s wrong?”

     BFF: “I think I want to be a mother.”

     Me: “Are you sure?” (not my finest coaching question, but I was flabbergasted!)

     BFF: “Yes, really, really sure. And I’m scared.”

The fear was palpable, but so was her sudden clarity.

It wasn’t an easy road for her to become a mother. She’d had cancer at 30, leaving her unable to bear children. Her partner would not commit to either marriage or a child. Her ovaries stopped working. Her dream could have easily gone the way of many dreams, disappearing into the ethers.

And then one day she woke up.

She ended her relationship, unwilling to live with the uncertainty and lack of commitment any longer. She began taking the necessary steps. Each of those steps was shaped by her values. When things got tough, she remembered how much she wanted to share her love with a child.

Her dream of being a mother seemed impossible at times. But she loved that dream to fruition. She made difficult choices. She invested her time, energy and money.

And it was worth it.

The adoption has been finalized, and she’s coming home with a baby. Bringing him home to a new, loving partner, to a family and circle of friends already in love with this child.

Your dream?

Is worth it too.



During this month of love, how can you love your dream just a bit more into reality?

 
Thank you Sandi for such a lovely post! So happy for your BFF!!
 
Please be sure to share your comment love today with Sandi!
 
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MGB-Blogger of the Month:: February!

It is February 1st and time for us to meet a new Blogger of the Month!

I thought this would be the perfect month to showcase this special blogger, because well, she is so full of energy, love and possesses such a beauty in both mind and soul that she shines. And shines bright! When putting together my introduction I thought of the song "Let the Sunshine In" by 5th Dimension. According to Wikipedia, the lyrics "were based on the astrological belief that the world would soon be entering the "Age of Aquarius", an age of love, light, and humanity..."

Please welcome Sandi of Deva Coaching!

Love

I met Sandi while participating in a month long ProBlogger Challenge of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog. We connected through the Blog Frog community, but mainly on Twitter, where we exchanged tweets and got to know each other through laughs and support. I fell in love with her writing after the very first entry that I read. It made such an impact that I had to read it, absorb it and come back before I could leave a comment. I loved that she made me think when I read her posts. There was something about Sandi that drew me to her. We connected. We have had many a long talk on the phone where Sandi put her listening ears on and let me share my dreams. She asked me questions that made me reflect inward and gain confidence through my answers to continue to strive for my dreams. I love her for this.

Light


February 1st falls under the sign of Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) and the meaning behind this zodiac symbol personifies Sandi so well.

I looked on Astrology.com and found this:

"Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer. In much the same way that the Water Bearer brings that precious liquid as a gift, Aquarians shower the world with their thoughts and new ideas. Luckily for Aquarians (and the rest of us), they are at a near-genius level, so their minds churn out some amazing things. Their thought process is also inventive and original. Aquarians are happy to bestow these ideas as a gift with no strings attached"

Sandi brings out the light in all who interact with her. It is her passion and she is amazing at it. Her writing is so strong and thought provoking that you can't help but feel the warmth and sincerity in her words. She wants the best for you and that shines through with each and every post on her blog.

Humanity

Sandi is a trailblazer. She is determined to make the world a better place and to help everyone she can along the way. She will challenge you to be the best you can be and to hear her joy when you have that "a-ha" moment, well, is just what makes her world go 'round.

I know this is a bit long, but Sandi is so worth it! I hope you enjoy our Q & A and that you will visit her amazing blog Deva Coaching!  

 MGB:  You are a professional coach. What drew you to this line of work?


DVC: Before I became a coach, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. So, I tried many things, including photography. I discovered that what I loved were the conversations I was having with people while taking their photos. This would help them relax, which would show up in the photos, often surprising them. It was an awesome feeling to help people show up at their most natural best!

Around the same time I got into personal growth, taking courses to help me figure out what I wanted in my own life. This lead me to the profession of coaching, and as cliche as it might sound, it felt like I'd found my home.

MGB:  How long have you been blogging and what do you like about it?

DVC: I launched my blog in May 2010 after reading two books: Linchpin by Seth Godin and The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Between them, these two books inspired me to give writing a chance. It was something I'd wanted to do for a long time, but my lizard brain had successfully talked me out of it. Once I got over the initial fear, I began to realize it was much the same as coaching. My words and thoughts could help people in the same way as the conversations I was used to having.

Another piece that I really enjoy is the role of social media. Launching my blog got me to try Twitter and that has made a huge difference. I have connected with some amazing people at a level I never thought possible via the Internet. It still kind of blows my mind!

MGB:  Do you have a favorite post? Why is it your favorite?

DVC: After a recent death in the family, I was inspired to write Starbursts, Sirens and Siriously Shining. Part tribute to my father-in-law, part rallying cry to stop waiting for some day and start living the life you want NOW.


MGB:  You encourage so many to follow and grab hold of their dreams. What do you dream of?

DVC: I dream of reaching more people, waking them up and inspiring them to go after what they want in life. On a less altruistic level, I dream of a home by the ocean where I can write to my heart's content :)


MGB:  What do you hope to see for your blog a year from now?

DVC: Currently, the blog is a platform for me to share my thoughts and experience after ten years of coaching. A year from now? I'd love to see it become more fully a part of my business. Not even sure what that would be like at the moment, but I know it's possible. I'd also like to be known as much for my writing as my coaching. I'd love to think there's a book in me burning to get out, so stay tuned!
 
 
 
Sandi Faviell Amorim is a straight-talkin', relentless instigator, willing to urge, provoke and incite you to shine. She writes for Deva Coaching as well as The Juicy Life.
 
 
What makes you shine? Let Sandi know in the comments below!
 
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Top Five Pet Peeves AND Favorite Things

Today's guest post is from our fabulous Blogger of the Month, Alisha of Musings of a Manic Mama. I cannot believe that this is her FIRST guest post! I am absolutely honored that she is debuting on Mom Got Blog...and I know, positively, without a doubt, this will be the first of many that she will share with the blogosphere!!

Kelly asked me to guest post on her blog today. This is my first guest post, so I hope it won't be something awful and plague her blog with some sort of Blog Pox. I apologize in advance for any Blog Pox, Kelly. (I solemnly swear I have not been reading Harry Potter this week. **lie**)


I've been thinking lately about my Top 5 Favorite Things, and along with that thought comes the Top 5 Pet Peeves.

So, we'll start off with the Top 5 Pet Peeves, just so we can wind the post up with a positive note of the Favorite Things. And these aren't your typical things such as “pizza,” “my family,” “God,” or anything else that is a given.



Top 5 Pet Peeves (in no particular order, just things that make me make up my own curse words, such as “doody-fee”, “poopa-caca” and “for the love of Peter Pan Peanut Butter”)

1. People Who Don't Signal While Driving – O.M.G. I'm from the country; manners have been tattooed in my bone marrow. So, how stinkin' hard is it to click the blinker when you're going to dart across several lanes of traffic in front of my car with my children in it? You're a lucky dog that you're going 60 mph. I can't run that fast.

2. People Who Don't Do What They Say – Be it just someone not following through with their plans to come over and we've busted our buns to make the house look presentable, false-friendship, or even worse in my book, hypocrisy. All of these are written on my Black List. Leaving that one alone, since it's a sensitive issue and I don't want to explode on someone else's blog.

3. When My Husband Gets Sick – Yeah, I know, I'm nice. A regular Florence Nightingale. I have 3 boys (4 if you count JD), and I can take a full blown flu epidemic in all of my kids, but when JD gets sick... **wall-rattling sigh** Get me outta here! Pretty much he whines and begs me to do everything but chew his food and sleep for him. And then he tells me he wants me to sit by him, pet him, scratch him, make him feel better, and it's all I can do to NOT get sick. I love you so much, honey, but I really don't want to breathe your infected air, thankyouverymuch. **waves from outside wearing haz-mat suit**

4. People Who Live to One-Up Everyone – You know the kind. The ones where you can say anything from “I love cookies.” to “My dog died suddenly.” and they have some sort of one-uppance to lob at you. Such as: “Oh yeah? Well, let me tell you about MY cookies that I got a letter from the President and the Dali Llama proclaiming them to be the only source of world-wide peace.” Or “Yeah, my dog died, too. My dog was actually the first dog to go into space. I wound up with him because my grandpa worked at NASA, and after rigorous testing and space-walks, they decided he should retire and live out a good dog's life with an owner. So NASA hand-picked my family to take on this dog because we fit all of the requirements for a retired space dog owner.” I have an unexplained feeling to whack someone in the face with a skillet after that.

5. Dutch Ovens – And I'm not talking about the kind that PW gives away and I. Never. Win. We're talking the whole farting under the covers and then trapping a person inside with it. Yeah. I am NOT a fan. Why? Well, partially because it's gross. Yeah, that's a given, but the real irritant is that I'm not strong enough to reciprocate! There's no way I can hold **ahem** SOMEONE under the covers with my Eau de Roses when they're that much bigger than me. We'll pretend we never spoke of this. I do apologize.



Top 5 Favorite Things (In no particular order)

1. Music – If you know me in the blogosphere or in real life, you'll know music is what makes me go. I have a 6th Sense about music that I can't explain. I hear it sometimes and it literally stops me in my tracks and I gasp and MUST learn to play it. There's always some tune in my head, feet always dancing, tapping out a little drum-ditty on my desk. Music is me. I'm designing a music tattoo right now, but don't tell my mom!



2. Reading – I love books. Books are my vice. If there are books for 25 cents somewhere, you can guarantee I will be tossing little old ladies out of the way so I can dive in the pile. I'm drooling over the Kindle right now, but secretly (Shhh! I haven't told my Kindle dreams yet!) I'm thinking about saving up (for 50 years) for an iPad so I can have the Kindle app on it AND get the piano app and other coolio things such as reading my blogs , or checking out one of my fave shows, Ghost Adventures, all at work! My life will then be complete. (This portion of Gadget Lust is brought to you from the person who doesn't even have a SmartPhone, a data package on her phone, but yet works for a well-known cell phone company.) Of course, there are some books I will never do away with owning the actual book. Such as my Little House set and my Anne Of Green Gables set I've had since I was a kid. And Little Women. But I'd like to have all the In Death series all in one place, among others.. And I know poor JD would like to stop tripping over stacks of books in nearly every room. Books are my crack.


3. Sweets – Cookies, candy, brownies, gum, cake, for the love, don't forget the cake! I LOVE sweets. The smaller, more tote able the size, the more I love it. Here is a huge guilty pleasure: I love cookies for breakfast with coffee. I'm sorry, I should go to Food Hell, but I love it. I love cake and coffee. Chocolate is its own food group for me. And if you want to bribe me to help you hide a body or something of that caliber, go for either Lindor Truffles (the red ones) or Sport Bars (the Butter Biscuit kind) or heck, I'll even take a box of Hershey's Pot of Gold. Don't worry, you'll get your money's worth. I'll eat it before we go to jail.


4. Laughing – I love to laugh. Usually it's at myself, but I have this dumb sense of humor that loves the things my kids say, the Marx Brothers, Monty Python (when I'm feeling ornery), Weird Al, and stupid newspaper headlines. I love a good spoof, be it a song, movie, or book spoof. I love to laugh at dumb things. And I snort when I laugh. And then I laugh harder. And snort more. And then laugh at the people laughing at me laughing and snorting. It's a vicious cycle. Poor JD, he has a constant headache from facepalming at the things I laugh at. And I apologize for laughing. “I'm sorry, but that was funny!” And then I laugh more. See, it’s a good thing you don't know me personally. Your head would hurt, too.

5. Friends – The kind that have been there from nearly the beginning. The ones that know way more about you than you'd like, but vice versa, too. The kind that come along later in life that feel like you've always known. Just the little hit-and-run relationships you come across that might be important at some time and flicker and fade out. I love meeting people, getting to know them. I feel like some of the chancy meetings people have that might be discarded when you think about them later. Maybe they weren't supposed to stay in your life, but you put something out there, the both of you, and maybe added something to the others life that you may never know or will find out about later. There's something magical about that.

 
What are your top Pet Peeves & Favorite Things?
 
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MGB-Blogger of the Month:: January 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

It is January 1st and time to introduce a new Blogger of the Month!

I found this blogger last April while participating in The Ultimate Blog Party and this is what I said way back when....

"Musings of a Manic Mama: Get ready to laugh! Alisha is from Texas with an obsessive family dream of moving her homestead to Alaska! Quite a contrast! Her blog draws you in right away and you feel that you are along for the ride as she spins her quick wit around her adventures. From catching a fish to glamour shots channeling Evel Knievel, I find myself going back again and again!"


I have continued to go back to Alisha's blog and I have to say that she is F-U-N-N-Y!!! I love how she makes me laugh with her stories, from her bet with friends to compete in their own Biggest Loser competition, taking out a big snake on the porch (boots and all) to stories from her new job (you have to read it to believe it....and she is living it) she will have you snorting in laughter!

I am so excited to start out 2011 with such a fun Blogger of the Month! Please join me in welcoming
Alisha of Musings of a Manic Mama!!

MGB: How long have you been blogging?

MMM: I started blogging back in July of '09. A couple of my good friends had been talking about their blogs and said I should give it a try, since I've always written here and there, and I thought, "Oh, gosh, WHAT is interesting enough in my life to actually TALK on the internet about?" **snorts** Little did I know my life is perfect for oddball blog fodder. Between my kids, my own craziness, and now my job, I have unlimited fodder, only limited time! But I'm a "by the seat of the pants blogger," meaning, I don't pre-plan. It's all off the top of my head, baby! I obsess over planning and I think it takes the fun out of it. I might say, "Oh, I need to blog about that!" and just note the subject matter or a phrase or 2, but I don't write rough-drafts. I think it takes the "me-ness" out of it.

MGB: What do I love about blogging?

MMM: I love being able to have my own space to say my own thing and let loose with my own feelings and then have feedback saying, "You're not the only one that feels that way!" I LOVE the blogger community! It's like a whole new family all over the world. I have met some of the most amazing people that I am so blessed with their friendships and having them encourage me. I know I wouldn't ever have met them otherwise. I have always had issues with feeling accepted due to my quirks, and it's so nice to know that there are people out there who can overlook quirks and see there's a worthwhile person in there. The blogging community really has shown me that. It's nice to know someone has your back when they've never seen your face.

MGB: You recently went back to work, which has been giving you GREAT subject material! Do you find it hard to balance working, family time and blogging?

MMM: Well, so far it isn't that hard with the family aspect because my husband and I work it the way we need to that fits our family. And if you follow my blog, you will see my blogging has really taken a hit with the work. I might blog once a week, or it could be once a month. And I hate that. I face blogging issues of "Do I really want to blog about my real friends at work? Or will that endanger our friendships?" and "Whoa... is that interesting or **ahem** appropriate enough to add on my blog?" LOL, usually the most interesting things aren't really that appropriate. One thing I've gone back and forth on adding to my blog is the occasional rant. I mean, I really don't want to just gripe and moan on there and toss out negativity, there's enough of that out there already. But I believe it takes from the "realness" of the blog. I know I appreciate seeing the bloggers I believe are their own little June Cleavers in their little Wally and the Beav world, seeing them get PO'd and screw up from time to time. It's nice to know they're human.


MGB: You played and sang a beautiful holiday song for your readers! Have you always played the piano?

MMM: Hahaha! You WOULD bring the music part up! Honestly, I can't remember a time in my life that I didn't play the piano. According to my mom, I would come in from church or VBS when I was around 2 or 3 and say, " Hi, Mommy! We learned this song today. Do you want to hear it?" And I'd run over to the piano and play it. It would kind of freak her out. I did take piano lessons when I was about 7, but the teacher got so mad at me because I went home and taught myself to chord to "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie" over the weekend before my next lesson, and since I didn't do it "her" way, she told my mom that I could either learn it the "right" way or just quit. So, I quit, and I play strictly by ear now. Music is an important part of my life and the singing part is fairly new (as in about 2 years or so). I never thought I was a very good singer and JD (the hubby) snuck in and heard me one day and I was so embarrassed! And he said I should sing for people. And I didn't want to. So to make a long story short, I secretly recorded myself one day and listened to it and well, the dogs didn't howl, so I figured I'd just post it on my blog. I still pop one up occasionally, but there really needs to be a techno upgrade for those videos, lol. I don't prepare a whole lot and it's obvious, but it comes from the heart. And I was given these gifts for a reason (one which I still don't know why, (maybe to entertain myself and the blog world, lol) but I know I enjoy it. It's like it's own emotion for me. Excited? I play. Stressed? I play. Mad at the world? I play. It's a nice way to vent. My poor piano! Lol!


MGB:  Do you have a favorite post? Why is it your favorite?

MMM: Oh gosh... off the top of my head, I'd have to say this one, because I'm pretty self-deprecating in my humor. I mean, if you can't laugh at yourself, you have no business laughing at anyone. It's probably my favorite because I enjoyed laughing at myself while I wrote it and I really enjoyed the reader reaction. And I really liked this one and this one because I love the whole reader-interaction thing. It's nice to see people pitch their two cents in.

MGB:  What would you like to see for your blog a year from now?
 
MMM: Well, lol, hopefully, more followers! And that would require more posts from me. And I'd like to kind of reveal the real, too. I've been sticking my toe in the water here and there, but the "OMG! What will they think!?!" thing pops up from time to time about the rants and the real thoughts I keep locked up in my head for the most part. I mean, there are people in my community that read my blog and I know they'll be whispering about it and it could all blow up, but heck, if you can't say your opinion due to fear of "Them," that's not a very free way to be. And I am a pretty opinionated person. But, we'll see. I'm still hemming and hawwing over it. Can the Blog World take anymore Alisha?? We'll see. Probably. 



Go visit Alisha. Follow her. Laugh with her. You will be glad you did! :)

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Visions of 2011 and New Beginnings

Today's guest post is from our Blogger of the Month, Laurie of Taking the Long Way. I do hope you have stopped over to her blog. It really is a fantastic place and I know you will enjoy her photography as much as the words that enhance the story behind the image. Read her post below, and you will see what I mean! She is one heck of a woman and I am so honored that she was here for December!

Five days. Count 'em. There are five days left in 2010. I'm writing this as I fly against the sun's grain to the east coast. The clouds are white, like a blank slate. The horizon is pink and the sky is bluer than I've seen in months (hailing from Portland, Oregon will do that).

I realized as I took off this morning in the dead of night that I haven't had a moment to reflect on the past year or more importantly set a vision for 2011. My guess is you haven't either. But there's time - five days if you want to hit the ground running and more if you want to ease into your year's journey.

Last year at this time Kelly and I had both received rather disappointing news. We would not be traveling to Vancouver, British Columbia to blog from the winter Olympic games. I was crushed, we both were, but at the same time the moment felt ripe with possibility. The possibility that comes from doors opening and new years beginning. Pretty powerful stuff if you ask me.

I set some goals in that heady moment - a map for my year. I didn't follow the road exactly. (what fun would that be?) But the process and the vision that resulted made all the difference. So I plan to spend the next several days, as I celebrate the old year and ring in the new one, harnessing the power that new beginnings can offer. 2011 is going to be one beauty of a year - filled with love, adventure, grace and blessings galore.

As I set a vision for 2011 I know I owe a great deal to the community of writers and creators I've met in the blogosphere. Kelly is at the top of that list and she's joined by Susannah Conway, Danielle LaPorte, and the reverb2010 project - whose process of living life to the fullest is a continual inspiration and one I drink up at this time of year. So thank you Kelly and cheers to 2011!
 
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MGB-Blogger of the Month:: December!

It is December 1st, and that means it is time to announce our new Blogger of the Month!

I met Laurie last year- we both entered an Olympic Blogging contest through Microsoft Office and were named two of the five semi-finalists that were vying for THE ultimate prize- a chance to blog behind the scenes at the Winter OLYMPIC GAMES in Vancouver! Through months of waiting and writing and schlepping for votes we began emailing each other and commenting on the other's blog to offer support. If I did not win this contest, I was really hoping that Laurie would. Her blog is not only well written, it is choc-full of the most amazing photos I have ever seen. I knew that if she were to win, it would be such a treat to see the Olympic story told through the lens of her camera.

Last December (Christmas Eve in fact) we learned that neither one of us had been chosen to go to Vancouver. I will be honest. It sucked rocks. I did not win the contest, yet I still won. I gained a new friend,  a place to visit and catch up with a very talented woman! 

Please welcome Laurie, author of Taking the long Way!


Taking the long way

 MGB:  How long have you been blogging?

TLW: First of all let me say how honored I am to be featured on your blog. I'm continually inspired by you and what you're doing on Mom Got Blog. I've been blogging for a little over three years since the summer of
2007 when I was getting ready to move 3000 miles from Boston to Portland, Oregon. I was just emerging from a year of incredible highs and lows and realized the journey I was on was both unique and universal.

MGB: Why do you blog?

TLW: It started as a way to document my journey (literally and figuratively) and keep in touch with friends who I was going to miss dearly. At its core it remains that - a place to share what is unique in my experience and simultaneously universal to all of us. I am most in love with its ability to stretch conversations across tens,
hundreds and even thousands of miles.

MGB: Every photo you share on your blog evokes emotion when I see it. What photo has touched you?

TLW: Thank you! The photos that touch me the most are the ones when I capture people in moments that are unguarded and tell a story about them or that instant in time. The funny thing is that I don't post those on my blog nearly often enough.

MGB: Do you have a favorite camera to use?

TLW: My favorite camera is the always the one I have with me. I kick myself when I come upon something breathtaking - a particular quality of light, a color, a moment - and don't have anything to record it with. I bounce between film and digital cameras. I have a major crush on my iPhone 'cause it's always with me and is so versatile. I am at the beginning of a love affair with my Nikon D5000. We are still getting to know each other, but each thing I learn makes me love him even more. I'm trying to make up with my vintage Polaroid cameras. We had a bit of a falling out and are seeing if we can still be friends. The love of my life was the Canon G9. Though I lost him in a creek he was the best combination of ease and power and graced me with many of my favorite shots.

MGB: What do you see for your blog in the next year?

TLW: I'm constantly tinkering with its look and functionality and will continue to do so. I have a few ideas up my sleeve which I'll launch over the winter and early spring. One I'm most excited about is a link between my etsy shop and my blog. Stay tuned...

MGB: Do you have a favorite post?

TLW: Yes, and it's one that goes full circle to the adventure we shared. It took me a long time to build up the courage to write it, but when I did it flowed from my fingers like water. I had always heard writers talk about moments like that, but had never before experienced that level of ease and creativity. The challenge was to communicate a difficult story and do it in a way that wasn't cruel. Tricky for sure, but the Wizard of Oz metaphor came in to my head and worked beautifully. Here is the link to that post:  http://takinglongway.com/2010/02/06/behind-the-curtain/

I invite you to visit Laurie and stay a while. Take the long way around her fabulous blog. You'll be glad you did.

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Mom Got Blog is Taking a Road Trip!

Have you ever been to NYC? I have been a few times and have always had fun exploring new places.

Well, this time I am switching it up a bit and will be meeting a friend-we plan on taking the city by storm and blogging about it!

I am going to meet our Blogger of the Month, Lisa of Generating Heat! I can't wait! Anything I should put on our list to check out? Favorite places to visit or grab a bite to eat? Let us know in the comment section and we will check it out!

I'll be back on Monday....with a really fun announcement! Stay tuned!

MGB-Blogger of the Month:November!

Today's Gilligan Island: Chicago Series post will run on Tuesday due to today being November 1and the announcement of our new Blogger of the Month!

MGB Blogger of the Month is Lisa, author of generating HEAT, (a journey back to myself). I met Lisa through the wonderful sport of speedskating. We became fast friends (no pun intended!) and we haven't looked back. If I had to pick one person that squeezes every bit out of a day, life for that matter, Lisa would be my choice, hands down. Not only does she throw herself into everything, her family, her work, her art, her skating, her coaching, one thing is very clear: she is giving. She gives her time, knowledge, patience, encouraging word, and most importantly herself, without asking anything in return other than you to listen and be present in the moment with her.  With every conversation we have, I always learn something new about her that I didn't know before. A couple of years ago, I learned that Lisa kept a blog so I started to read. Her written word pulls you in to an adventure every time! Simply wonderful, as is my friend Lisa. Grab a cup of coffee and join me in welcoming Lisa as our new Blogger of the Month!


generating HEAT (a journey back to myself)

 MGB- Why did you decide to start a blog?

GH- I started blogging about 3 years ago. I had taken a class on how to use WIKIs, blogs, news feeds, podcasts and other technology in the classroom over the summer at St. Thomas University in St. Paul. I was actually working on the course content for that class while attending another class in Philadelphia at UArts. I was also trying to train for my first marathon. I was living the life of a business traveler that week. I would go to the studio in the morning and go back to the hotel and write for the other class. I would squeeze runs in during the morning and evening. Part of my classwork included writing a blog and getting 3 responses.  After that week in Philly, we headed to the beach in Delaware, where I broke my foot running on the sand. I never ran the marathon and really gained weight. I started the blog shortly after that. It was supposed to be a motivation to loose weight. It didn't work, but it evolved into this thing that satisfied the need to write. I have always written about my adventures, just never had the ease of one click and it was published, that thrilled me.

MGB- You are a wife, mom of 4, teacher, artist, athlete- how do you find the time to fit it all in?


GH- How do I manage it all? I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, like I am trying to swim the length of a pool on one breath. By the way, I feel that I cannot be one without each of the other components.


I used to be really uptight and I think depressed. I became a mother way before I was ready to give up my studio time, vacations, dreams... I got so caught up in the small stuff that I was completely over-stressed, ready to crack, not myself. One day when I was having a near meltdown over something easy to fix, my husband's grandmother told me to pay attention to what I was reacting to. Since that conversation I have re framed my dreams and have tried not to sweat the little things. I choose my battles wisely so that when big important things come along I can say NO. It's a balancing act, but by practicing it over the years it has allowed me to relax when I have time for myself. It helps that I have a husband who is so supportive of me as a person as well.
Being an artist and educator I am in love, no, make that passionate, about learning. I prove this to myself everyday. I can often be found in the studio at school after the end of classes each day, one hour to help my students and one hour to work alongside them. I learn more from my students (and kids) than I could ever do on my own. I almost think its kind of selfish quest on my own part. It encompasses every part of my being. I observe, perceive, create, reflect on a continuum. I cannot seem to separate myself from it.
As for an being an athlete and coach, well, if you look at my attitudes toward learning you would understand why I have this passion as well. I guess I am in love with challenges; of the heart, the mind, the body and the soul.

So, to answer your question; I compartmentalize when I need to, I find time to relax often, I budget time, I multi-task, I am very persistent (sometimes to the point of being a bulldog), I walk a tight-rope without being afraid of falling (failure only makes for smoother facets on that diamond we call life). I am continually learning to put life in perspective and to continue to let things roll. I also try to enjoy it.

MGB- What is one of your personal favorite posts? Why is it your favorite?

GH-Oh that is a hard one. I think it was this incredibly short one called Dancing in the Dark. I wrote it last year when I had taken this incredible leap of faith and biked to school in the dark of morning. I saw the sun come up on my way. I can still see that morning and I can still feel the rush of confidence I gained from it. You can find it here: http://hopeloveandspeedskates.blogspot.com/2009/09/dancing-in-dark.html

MGB-This was one of my favorite's too!

MGB- What would you like to see for your blog a year from now?

GH- Hopefully with a boatload of antics and a ton of insight into this "Big Old Goofy World" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZACwVOJXpn0




Please be sure to check out Lisa's blog throughout the month of November! Leave comments, let her know that you visited!

Halloween and Upcoming Events

To test my bloggy speed, I am going to try to tell you as much as I possibly can in 10 minutes, since I decided to watch Modern Family last night rather than write this post. I know, bad! Oh, well...I have been under the weather for the past three days and believe it or not, I just needed to relax.

Halloween is upon us and a fun weekend is about to begin! We are having our annual pumpkin carving party on Friday. We invite some friends over and the kids go to town with their gourds...have a few snacks and many laughs. When all is said and done, we line up the Jack-o-Lantern masterpieces and light 'em up. It looks awesome! The kids ooh and ahh at the final product. I think this year, we may have a judging contest with prizes.

Pumpkin Parade 2009

Not sure how my son will top his creation from last year.....



Yes, a Puking Pumpkin

But we will see!

I am also going to participate in a weekend long Halloween Contest by the SITS Girls....The prize is a sweet new fancy camera...one that I am drooling over. I love to add pictures to the blog and I have a little Nikon, that takes some sweet shots, but the prize camera, well, if I win, wait til you see *those* shots! Look for my Halloween themed posts on October 30, 31 and November 1. This would be such a cool prize, because what you may not know is....I am a Halloween Baby! That's right! So this could be the best birthday ever! :)

November 1st is also the day that we meet our new Blogger of the Month! I hope you have enjoyed our October Blogger of the Month, David! If you haven't visited yet, please check out his site. I think you will be quick to follow him!

The Chicago Series is about to wind down...we have met The Professor, The Movie Star, Gilligan, Skipper and Mr & Mrs. Howell so far. Next week meet Mary Ann! We will then have a recap party, Chicago style! I have had so much fun writing this...and I am glad you have enjoyed it too.

Since the Chicago series has been so well received, I decided to run a "I am Thankful For......" series in the month of November. Look for Thankful Thursdays, which will be written by guest bloggers sharing their story! Can't wait! Speaking of guest posts....

Nirvana Mamma wrote a guest post to kick off Blog it Forward!! Did you see it? Well, hop on over to www.blogitforwardnow.com to check out her fabulous post! You can find the first task announced at the bottom of that post. Join in! It's a good thing!

Ok. Ten minutes are up! Hope I didn't miss anything!

Have a great day!

The Wonder that is Halloween

To celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday, today's guest post is from our Blogger of the Month, David McGrievey of An Illustrated Life. I hope you have had the chance to visit David's blog to enjoy his witty banter and beautiful illustrations.

I recall the scent of fallen leaves crushed under my feet as my sister and I went door to door screaming 'Trick or Treat" at weary married people. Aside from the few healthy apples dumped in our pillowcases, we were never disappointed. We grew up in a neighborhood with emphasis on neighbor.

Nobody gives out treats in NYC.

Luxury high rise condominiums are closely guarded by uniformed doormen who do not let annoying costumed children in.

My apartment building is not that fancy, no doormen, so consequently, my first year living in this city, a lone fat Asian kid knocked on my sixth floor door and said "Trick or Treat." Dumbfounded, I gave him a piece of sliced Wonder bread, it was the only treat I had.

I dropped the pathetic slice into his colorful 'Trick or Treat" bag knowing full well it was not a treat, I felt bad.

Turns out the kid lived downstairs and he was the only English speaking person in his family. He gave me the stink eye while passing in the hallway for a year after the sliced bread incident but we later became friends. I believe NYC gave birth to the phrase "Never take candy from strangers," which is why I give out Wonder bread.

Please enjoy this fall image of mine which appeared in The New York Times. It is of the Guggenheim Museum and looks like sliced bread, no children allowed.

MGB-Blogger of the Month: October!



http://www.davidmcgrieveyillustration.com/




I started blogging in June of 2009 with no more than 5 followers (one being myself)! There was one follower though, David McGrievey, that signed on right away and would email supportive comments and other blog suggestions (whether to check out style or just to read a good site) on a very regular basis, and still does to this day. When David launched his blog An Illustrated Life in October of 2009, I became one of his first followers as well. One thing you should know: I’ve known David for a great portion of my life. When my parents split and my father married my step-mother, my brother and I became a part of the family. To be honest, I always felt like I never quite fit in with the relatives-with the exception of a token few, who accepted us as though we were blood from day one. David was one of the few. In my book, he has always been the “cool” cousin; being an illustrator and living in New York City added to coolness factor, but I think it is the way he tells the story of his latest shenanigans-(and does he have stories!) that makes me look forward to his visits home. What I have enjoyed most, now being an adult, is becoming David’s friend.

When reading his blog, I started to really appreciate what an incredibly talented illustrator David is and am amazed at all he has accomplished so far in his life. He reminds me of a grand movie star, like James Cagney, Cary Grant or Dean Martin, just oozing sophistication, style and a snarky wit that can’t be beat. I’m sure when you visit, you will fall in love with his style too.

MGB: Why did you start a blog?

DM: I started the blog as an easy way to show my illustration work to clients, then, like most bloggers, I got a bit off track and found that I enjoyed rambling on about unrelated topics to total strangers. I have many young followers who want to become professional illustrators, I hope my blog serves to encourage yet warn them of the pitfalls of this business and the realities of living in NYC.

MGB: What is your favorite & least favorite thing about blogging?

DM: I really enjoy reading the comments, I used to respond to all of them but it got out of control. I do however FOLLOW back everyone that FOLLOWS me and I enjoy reading their blogs. Only once have I had to delete a follower, he wrote a salacious blog in Scotland. I have no idea why he chose to follow me as the only thing we had in common was the fact that I am half Scottish; in his defense, it was very well written. To summarize, my favorite aspect of blogging is the interaction, my least favorite is the fact that I can no longer respond in the way I would like to.

MGB: What is one of your personal favorite posts? Why is it your favorite?

DM: I am really partial to my Valentine post of last year...
http://www.davidmcgrieveyillustration.com/2010/02/happy-valentines-day.html

It was a simple post, a valentine thanking all my readers, I think I had twenty at the time and I loved them all. I had just learned how to incorporate a video so I put in Lady Gaga singing Bad Romance which recently won Video of the Year at the VMA's. Quite by chance, the colors of the video matched my illustration, everything just fell into place.

MGB: What would you like readers to know about you?

DM: They already know enough, I write a blog, not a tell-all, I'm saving the good stuff for a book.


I am so glad that David has graciously agreed to be our October Blogger of the Month! Please give him a warm welcome!!

*All illustrations are the original works of David McGrievey and have been used with his permission.

Thoughts Of A Social Media Mom

Today's fabulous guest post is by The Crayon Wrangler, who has been our September Blogger of the Month. I hope you have had a chance to visit her blog to enjoy her flare for words and most recently her eye for the fun and beautiful. She has just opened her own photography studio and the photos are just wonderful. Please join me in thanking Alycia for sharing her site with us this past month! 


6am
Personal Action: Woken up by the baby

Social Media Reaction: Tweet about how early it is. "Follow" Folgers on Twitter. Search Facebook for a Fan Page of moms addicted to caffeine.

7am
Personal Action: Wake up other children and start breakfast

Social Media Reaction: Search back of cereal box for a web address. Start a discussion in a forum about how you fed your kids a cold pop tart so other moms will chime in and make you feel better about your choice.

8am
Personal Action: Flip on some educational programming for the kids

Social Media Reaction: You are now in a full fledged battle about nutritious breakfast ideas within the previous mentioned forum.

9am
Personal Action: Hurriedly throw some clothes to make it to the grocery store before first nap.

Social Media Reaction: Tweet about the mean breakfast food women, take a Twitpic of your pathetic yoga pants in the store, take another Twitpic of your temper tantrum 2yo and receive tons of sympathetic tweets from other moms who have "been there, done that"

11am
Personal Action: Put up groceries and feed children lunch making sure it would be nutritious enough for the mean mommy forum.

Social Media Reaction: Get caught up in reading 18 blogs with healthy meal recipes and somehow one about raising chickens and farming crafts.

12pm
Personal Action: Put children down for nap

Social Media Reaction: Write a long blog post about how some moms are judgmental and how we should bond as women over the fact that we want what is best for our children, rather than fight about breakfast food. Check comments every 3 minutes to see if someone blasts you. Tweet with your friends about your post.

2pm
Personal Action: Wake kids up, snack time and out to the park

Social Media Reaction: Wonder about snack nutrition (this woman really got under your skin) twitpics for the next hour of your kids blurring on the swings and blurring down the slide.

4pm
Personal Action: Realize hubby will be home in one hour.

Social Media Reaction: Tweet about how you will be gone because you got nothing done.

4:05pm-8pm
Personal Action: Whirlwind of cleaning, cooking, eating, bath times, brushing teeth and bedtime stories

Social Media Reaction: Brainstorm about 40 good blog posts. Tell husband all about mean breakfast nutrition lady (Gals...don't do this one...he really doesn't care!)

8pm-9pm
Personal Action: Spend time with hubby and tell him all about what was going on in the Twitter universe. Shockingly he actually remembers these people by their screen names.

Social Media Reaction: None - it's hubby time and he will take away your phone if you tweet one. more. dang. time. when. he. is. talking. to. you.

9:30pm
Personal Action: Sit down to write one of those killer blog posts from earlier

Social Media Reaction: Blank on posts. Go back to blog about raising chickens and read until you get sleepy. Tweet that you are going to bed. Wait up another 30 minutes to see if anyone is going to tell you goodnight.

Word"less" Wednesday::Upcoming Announcements

Chicago

Ok, I admit it. It is hard for me to keep my Wednesday's wordless!! I try and I try, but it is just too difficult! Heh. One of these days I will surprise you....and myself and keep it to just a photo.

Today is not the day! :)

A lot is coming up here at Mom Got Blog this week, so words are necessary.

Tomorrow we will have another guest post from the Crayon Wrangler! She has once again created a fabulous post, so please come back to read it and enjoy.

Friday is October 1st, which means we will welcome our new Blogger of the Month! I am so excited to introduce you!

This weekend marks the start of speedskating season. Yes! Skaters have traveled to Milwaukee, WI to compete in Short Track American Cup (AmCup) series races-look for the latest updates and a story or two about those skating fast and turning left.

So I caught you up through the weekend with lots of words. Maybe next week I will try to zip my lip.

I Wish Time was in the Stars

This is my Horoscope for today as shared by Twittascope:


"Thursday, Sep 23rd, 2010 -- You are still on a creative run, but may wonder how long you'll be able to keep it up. You may get an extra boost from the Full Moon today, but other people's demands seem to suck up whatever additional energy you have. Ultimately, managing your time wisely is more important than anything else now; concentrating with great intensity on a task for a little while is more productive than casually meandering through your work without focus."

How did it know? I am tired. I am freaking exhausted.

I have all burners going on full blast and I think it is catching up with me. Not enough time in my day.

I have been up since 3am trying to set up a domain and such for Blog it Forward....getting our next Blogger of the Month set up and responding to a few comments on the guest post I did yesterday. After reading the comments on that post I think I may do a follow up  here.

Now it is 6am and I can't believe that 3 hours have gone *poof*!

Time to pack lunches then hop in the shower to get ready for work.

How do we women do this day in and day out and not collapse?

Guest Post::Parenting You Should Never Lose Your Humor

I am so excited to have our first Guest Post! And who better to kick this off than our Blogger of the Month, The Crayon Wrangler! Have you had a chance to visit yet? Getting to our Blogger of the Month is easy! Click the link on the sidebar, or follow the link through the tab above and prepare for some fantastic writing.

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Parenting is one of the hardest things you will ever do. It requires an insane amount of forward thinking, being fast on your feet and even faster with your responses. It can easily bring the strongest adult to their knees either in exhaustion or prayer. One should never look at a parent and believe that they have an easy life. Likewise, never tell a parent that their job is an easy one. You will get eaten for dinner with a nice red wine. 

I get asked a lot how I am able to look at parenting with so much humor. Don't put me on a pedestal just yet; there are many days I am hiding under my bed armed with a box of chocolate and murmuring incoherently about my spawn when my husband is able to find me and pull me out. The majority of the time, I try to just laugh about it. I am able to do this because:

If I don't laugh about it, I will cryI look at it as a home movie and ask, "If I was watching this 20 years from now; would I laugh?"Laughing about life lessons teaches my kids to laugh and builds self esteem. 

Let's face it, many times in parenting when you walk into a kitchen with cereal spilled on the floor, trying to get a pea out of a child's nose or the infant just painted the crib with a certain body function; you just want to cry. I believe the response to cry is because you are living in the moment. What if you don't live in the moment? What would your outlook be on those scenarios? If you look at that moment with the forward thought of it being someone else's kid or you are watching a home movie about it 20 years from now; you would be laughing. Why wait 20 years to laugh about it?

Let's look at the home movie of the cereal spilled all over the floor. You see the entire contents of the Cheerio box coating the floor. You are amazed at the fact that such a small box can actually cover 40 square feet with enough grain and wheat O's to make valleys and peaks. It the middle of all this is a child with an expression mixed with pride because they just fed themselves and fear over what your response will be. Instead of immediately grabbing the vacuum, you have other options. Grab some deep belly laughs and a camera. Praise your child for trying to feed themselves. You have just taught your child that while mistakes happen, the intention of what they were doing was correct. They have seen their mistake and learned that its OK to laugh at it and move on.

You have increased their self esteem and empowered them to continue to try to learn the correct ways of doing things, but if they make a mess of things you will be there to help willingly and not criticize. Later in life this will be crucial, because you want your children to come to you with the really big mistakes to ask advice and receive help. The lesson they learn from you blowing your top over spilled cereal is one of fear of messing up and fear of your correction.

Don't get me wrong and send me hate mail; there are times that a serious situation warrants a serious response. Not everything in life can laughed off, but with our children...don't sweat the small stuff and understand that every situation can be a learning lesson for them. This parenting thing is hard; no doubt about it. If you want to see some lessons that parents have learned check out some of these lessons from myself and other parents. http://coloringoutsidetheline.blogspot.com/search/label/lessons%20learned  If you visited that link, I am assured you are laughing. Let's keep that laughter in our parenting, know that you are not alone in the daily trials with your kids and never wait 20 years to laugh.

MGB- Blogger of the Month is Here!

All the months that have gone into the planning- I can't believe that the day has finally arrived!

Today is the day that the new feature MGB-Blogger of the Month begins!

So many great blogs exist on the web and it can be daunting to find one that you like to read.  This is why I created Blogger of the Month- to help you find some of the jewels that are out there that maybe you would not have found otherwise. On the 1st of each month, I will introduce you to a blogger that I enjoy and I think you will enjoy too. There will be a main post highlighting our blogger, an article or two throughout the month and a place on my sidebar which will give you a quick link to their site so that you may visit at your leisure. Please feel free to also visit the  Blogger of the Month tab on the top of this site where you will find a link to the current Blogger of the Month and all past recipients.

So, with no further ado, it is my honor to introduce you to:

The Crayon Wrangler 

http://coloringoutsidetheline.blogspot.com/

Alycia, who has been blogging since October of 2005, is a writer that I only very recently met through the "31 Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge." I was immediately drawn into her blog as she shared her stories laced with truth and humor. She commands your attention and before you know it you have finished her post nodding in agreement, laughing or both and wanting to read more. She is a gifted writer and a fabulous storyteller both in word and image-she also takes amazing photographs! You will find a woman who cooks, has written a book and even vlogs (video blogs!) A woman of many talents who is down to earth and as real and laid back as they get. I wish we were neighbors, because coffee talk or cocktail hour would always be a hoot!

I asked the Crayon Wrangler a few questions and here is what she had to say:

MGB: Why did you start a blog?

CW: I started a blog because if I couldn't remember to close the lid on the washer for it to start its cycle, there was no way I would remember moments of childhood, first tooth or funny things that might have happened with my girls. I saw it as a way to have a diary that saved hand cramping writing, came with spell check and easy to insert pictures/videos. As I have added two more kids; it is even more imperative that I write before I forget their names along with everything else.

MGB: What is your favorite & least favorite thing about blogging?

CW: My favorite thing about blogging is the creative outlet and the sense of community among the bloggers. My least favorite things about blogging is the constant second guessing about what my readers might want to read that day instead of just writing what I feel like writing. It's a constant struggle to write only for myself.

MGB: What is one of your personal favorite posts? Why is it your favorite?

CW: OK this was a hard question to answer. I have so many that I enjoy re-reading, but I saw this one and had to pass it along to you.


Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving

I love this one because I love writing poems or doing song parodies on my blog. For me, its a fun way to tell you what is going on in my life in a fresh and exciting way. Although I am a "serious writer" there is nothing (well, almost nothing) on my blog that is serious. I love being silly and have found that even years later, I can still surprise a reader with a goofy stunt.

MGB: What would you like readers to know about you?

CW: I think they probably know most of it. I have tried very hard to be authentic on my blog. I am just like all of you. I have good days and bad. I laugh and I cry. I love my kids and I want to strangle them. I forget the clothes in the dryer and I burn dinner. I try very hard to look at every hiccup in life as an adventure and I actively seek out the laughter in it. When I was younger I was way too serious and let everything bother me. I haven't grown up (because I refuse to) but since I have gotten older I have made it my motto that "if you can't laugh at it, you can't live with it" So I strive to live a life colored in bright laughter.

And laughter is definitely threaded throughout Alycia's wonderful blog.

Please join me and welcome Alycia, The Crayon Wrangler as our very first MGB Blogger of the Month!

Wordless Wednesday: Tuesday Edition

Hope you don't mind, but I am going to post my WW picture today because....

Tomorrow

 The Blogger of the Month is going to be announced!!!

The Sun & the Moon

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes.....

Changes, they are a-comin'!

In less than a week, a new feature will be arriving here in our neck of the woods and I am so excited! It has been in the making for a while and is now ready! Next Wednesday, Sept. 1st we will announce our very first MGB Blogger of the Month! I am so excited to introduce you, so be sure to check back to see who will be our Blogger of the Month!

The other feature that I have been fervently working on is Blog it Forward! I was not prepared for the immediate response for folks to get invloved! In one week, I have been contacted by over 250 bloggers who want to be a part of this movement! That is so AWESOME, and to be honest, a little overwhelming!

I am trying my best to set up a place where Blog it Forward can have a home. After working my full-time job, carting the kids to and fro to practice, trying to get ready for back to school, I am total toast by the time I sit down at the computer! I know-everyone is busy with their own hectic schedules; I am not the exception, however, the perfectionist in me just wants to make sure that I create a place that gives justice to this idea and folks will be proud to be a part of.

That being said, I will ask you to please continue to leave your contact info either in the comment section of the Blog it Forward post, email or on Blog Frog.

Some have asked when this will be started. I would say, if you have an idea of how you can Blog it Forward, put it in to action! Let me know what you decided to do and we will keep track of your story. I plan to have a rolling out of the "official" Blog it Forward in mid-October.

Thank you for being such a large part in the the changes of Mom Got Blog!

A New Movement: Blog it Forward! Are you in?

Remember the game you used to play as a kid when picking dandelions? You would pick them one at a time, hold the stem firmly in your folded fingers and then place the tip of your thumb just under the flower bud and sing: "Mama had a baby and her head POPped off!" When you came to the word "popped", your thumb would flick the flower head as far as you could.

Morbid song, now that I think about it.This week I have felt like a dandelion! I have so many ideas buzzing around that it is hard to bring them into focus and channel all that energy- if I did, I think my head would pop off!

I have two ideas that are competing with each other to get out there to you. One idea has been dancing around for a while and I finally came to a point where I was ready to give it a go, but then another idea came dashing onto the scene and tapped "Idea" on the shoulder and said "May I cut in?" Even though they arrived to the party separately, they really are two of a kind and I think will complement each other nicely.

My first idea came about in the spring. I wanted to really showcase folks that I like to read and that I thought you would like to read too.  Like most bloggers, I keep a blog roll list on the side bar, but it is starting to get long.  I didn't want anyone to get lost on a list, so I thought highlighting a blog once a month would be a great way for you to get to know other sites out there that maybe you would not have found.

Beginning September 1, I will start a new feature called "MGB, Blogger of the Month"! As the title suggests, the blogger of the month will be highlighted for an entire month sharing a guest post or two and will also have a spot on my sidebar-giving you a chance to get to know them and visit their site. I had a button created just for this occasion and have been in contact with our first honoree! I am so excited!

My second idea came about just the other day while participating in a live blog chat with Darren Rowse, author of ProBlogger. He was hosting a live chat to wrap up his 31DBBB Challenge with the SITS and BlogFrog participants. As Darren was answering questions, we came across one that was asking about promoting your blog and getting people to come and read it. Darren had some great suggestions, but one in particular caught my attention. He said something along the lines of: Promote OTHERS and in turn you will be promoted. I thought: Hmm. Like Karma. What goes around comes around. And then I typed into the chat box what popped into my head: "Blog it Forward!" The buzz was instant and then I thought....I think others would want to do this too.

I posted "A New Movement: Blog it Forward! Are you in?" on Twitter and on the SITS Community page on Blog Frog. The response has been phenomenal!

What is it?  Blog it Forward is like Pay it Forward. Do a kind gesture for someone else, with no expectation of anything in return, and it will help you some day. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. Some day.

For example: Maybe you have advertisers emailing you to review products, or giveaways, or what not and you cannot for whatever reason say yes. When you reply with "no", refer them to another blog who would love the opportunity to say "yes".

Another example might be that a blog has been trying to get followers or comments. Maybe suggest to one or two of your followers to "friend" that blog and become an active participant.

How will you Blog it Forward?

I'm going to start with my Blog of the Month idea and also feature Blog it Forward. 

If you are not on BlogFrog and would like to participate, please leave your information in the comments section or you can email me directly.

Let me know how you have done "Blog it Forward!" and I will share your story. Maybe it will inspire someone else!