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!