Sometimes we all need a little help. The initial adjustment is tender and painful, but the results are always worth it.

More Life Lessons

• Messy
• Sweet
• Sticky
• Tough
• Fun

I have to take just a moment today to share some thoughts on blogging today. It’s such a weird word isn’t it? I’m not sure what a replacement would be because this is the only word we’ve known now but it sounds so sluggish to me. I’ve shared in the past my reasons for getting into this media outlet so I won’t go there again. Suffice it to say that everyone has their reasons and when you began is likely a large indicator as to what your reason was. But I will take a moment to share some thoughts about the developments and patterns I’ve noticed since I’ve been a blogger. (Why does that word make me think of booger?)

Stages of Blogging:
1) You mean I’ve got a blog? I just type now? Wow that was easy.
2) How do you keep track of all these other blogs? A reader? What’s that?
3) I can track stats? People are visiting my blog? I can make money? Really? How can I feed that?
4) What do you mean obsessed? I got something else done this week, I’m sure I did. Didn’t I?
5) I said/shared that? Are you sure? Hmmmm…

Styles of Blogging:
1) Coaching blogs: They play teacher from life skills to blogging.
2) Business/Personal agenda: They build platforms for their own products or ideas.
3) Mommy blogs: They’re a league all their own sharing daily life in the trenches while suddenly feeling much less alone.
4) Private blogs: They blog as a form of journaling and scrapbooking.
5) Combination blogs: These are the guys that try a little of everything at some time.

Themes/Fads of Blogging:
1) Ad sickness…surely if I add a few more I can make some REAL money!
2) Widget disease…that is just SO cute/cool!
3) Meme dysentery…join, create…’nuff said
4) Carnival madness…hey, it drives traffic!
5) Reviews/Giveaway migraine…affiliates, ads and traffic all in one!

Of course these are generals and not to be taken too seriously, although if you’ve been around the block a few times you’ll recognize a glimmer of truth in there. You probably even have some funny aspects you could add to the patterns, styles and fads. This past week my husband shared a spoof blog created just this summer on Mormon women. As Homer Simpson says, “Funny, ‘cuz it’s true.” And boy I’m so glad I never fell into that typical category! I feel a new fad/theme coming on in spoof blogs.

I like observing the blogging world and seeing where it goes. I like seeing patterns and watching new developments on the horizon. I like feeling more connected while making some of my own thoughts and memories more permanent. I like watching from the sidelines. In short, I like blogging.

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Blogging

A few days ago I shared a list that was going around of what is now being called the W-List. Tonight as I was out visiting one of the newest sites that I found linking back to me I read this wonderful comment from the list’s creator and I thought it was something that should be shared:

“First off, thank you for welcoming the list and all those talented authors and thinkers in your online home. If you’d like to see interests, Elysa (my new personal hero) classified the list that way here http://www.genpink.com.

Someone also created a wiki of the list here http://wmagicallist.wikispaces.com

I have been humbled by the gift of each contribution to this list. One person at a time, you have all told a story about your readings and passions through the list. Please keep the momentum going. Go ahead and reach out to these fabulous people, find reason to work on a co-authored post or project together. There is so much richness and talent on this list!

Valeria Maltoni”

I don’t know about you, but that kind of warm response just made me feel great and I felt like everyone should have a chance to know the kind of woman who is responsible for this connecting project.

Here’s the most recent list:
(more…)

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Family Sharing Wordless Wednesday

I seem to have this common refrain lately and it’s all about time. Time going too fast, times and seasons, the burnout of anticipated changes in times, etc. Today I continue with what I hope will bring some closure to this for me. It’s time.

It’s time that I get off the computer and finish up the last things I need to do for my trip. It’s time to get away and rejuvenate the batteries. It’s time to spend a weekend with my sisters and mom and just have fun. It’s time.

I send my apologies now for the many blogs I’m behind on and that I’ll be even more behind on. But I look forward to returning next week with renewed vigor, energy and my blogg’n groove. For now I’m off to go live a little and restore some much needed balance. I hope everyone has a fantastic rest of the week and weekend.

I’m doing the celebration dance. (Sorry no pics, you’ll just have to use your imagination.)Thanks to my hubby I’ve finally got my blog more the way I want it. Yay!! I’ve been wanting to declutter the blog bog for a while now as well as make navigating what I blog easier. He helped me tweak a few little bugs and add some thematic elements to my navigation.

It was so nice to get a few things done that I’ve been thinking about for so long. The blog bog of the sidebar has really been bugging me for a while. I wanted it in it’s own place that didn’t distract my blog. I wanted to make it easier to read what I write and see what my corner is all about and why it exists. You can now read some of my series and best articles in a single click under the worthy reads side bar section. I’m so happy about it I just have to twist and shout!

Technorati Tags:
Blogging

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Family Wordless Wednesday

I can’t help but find a worry nerve when bloggers I keep up with suddenly disappear. I totally understand the need for sabbaticals. I think all of us have times when other life demands and schedules will take precedence over our blogging but when some that I really enjoy just drop off with no notice I can’t help but worry. And I’m always relieved when they reappear. *wink*

As for you two: Long Relationships, and The Classic Life…Where are you? I hope you’re okay.

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General Relationships Blogging

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Wordless Wednesday Family

Well, nothing like starting the year with an impromptu weekend getaway! We’re heading out in a few hours for Las Vegas. We’ll take in a few days with Grandma and sights/scenes of the town - so far as you can go with two little ones in tow that is. *wink*

So I’ll be off for a few more days checking in as I am able, but rest assured, I’ll be back full throttle next week when the kids go back to school!!