BFF: Who Doesn't Wannabe Wonder Woman?

I found this week's Blog Friend Feature through a link that I now can't even remember where I found it. But, it was talking about a blogger who did a weekly suggestion to Re-Ignite Date Night. Since marriage is very important to me, I was interested to see her date ideas, so that's how I found her blog. And I'm glad that I did because she's an inspiring blogger.

Hi-ya girls!
I'm Heidi and I'm just so tickled Shell invited me to spill my guts to ya'll this week for BFF!!
Isn't Shell the best?  Serious, she's got some mad skills and dedication as a blogger as evidence of the pretty fabulous place she's built here for us all to get together, share our stories, encourage one another all while authentically representing her sweet self.

I've decided to share a bit about my blogging journey as I so heart blogging and I know that's something you all can relate to! ;)

I first began blogging several years ago to chronicle our families life after our first baby was born (probably like many of you!) in efforts to help long distance family and friends feel more connected to us.  That blog is still going strong and that first born babe is now 5 years old!

Shortly after our 2nd born made his arrival in 2008, I decided to start another blog as a space just for me.  I wanted a place to process all that I was learning about in my pursuit to be the best little mama/wife I could be as well as have a virtual file system of all the tips and tricks I'd absorbed that I found helpful in my various roles.  It seems that I was always referring to the same book, article or website when visiting with friends.  I thought it would be great to have them all organized in one space that I could easily link to a friend in an email to or have access to myself.  It was essentially to be a place to chronicle my journey to become more like the Proverbs 31 woman.

Wonder Woman Wannabe was born. 

I like to think of the Proverbs 31 woman as the original Wonder Woman - you can read more on that on my "About" and "Meet Heidi" pages.

I like to feel useful (don't we all?) and I figured this blog would also aid in that desire to share helpful tidbits and revelations to others who might share my interests.  Little did I know this was NOT a novel idea!

 I began to learn of other blogs mentioned by a few of my friends via facebook.  My interest was piqued as I was introduced home decor blogs. Slowly but surely, I found that there was literally a whole society of women bloggers typing their hearts out, connecting through shared interests and I was completely oblivious!

Reading these blogs gave me the gumption I needed to be 'Through with Making Do' with the state of my decor.  I painted my kitchen cabinets and dove into a slew of other DIY projects that enabled me to participate with fun linky parties, resulting in comments on my own blog, and even my first few followers - oh my!  I continued to formulate posts that I was passionate about, intermingled with these projects hoping to get feedback there as well.  There was so much to learn and share and it was exciting and inspiring and encouraging!

That is, until it began to feel lonely, discouraging and isolating. Suddenly, I had lost the vision of why I originally started this blog in the first place. I was trying so hard to 'succeed' as a blogger.  I was no longer satisfied to just share for sharing sake, I wanted to 'be' somebody in the blogging world (again, don't we all?)  I felt I had something to contribute, but was a bit lost as to how to get my content noticed and recognized.

It was about that time I posted about having the Bloggy Blues.

I got some great feedback within the comments, encouraging me to just write for myself, and find other like minded blogs and I was also reminded of my original intent for starting the blog.

As soon as I started really being honest and open about what was going on in my heart/head that's when I really started making the connections I was hoping for.  Did I immediately get tons of new followers?  No.  Am I okay with that? Yes.   I may never be a blogging starlet, but I've found my own personal bliss in blogging. Along the way I've also found some great articles to help me make Wonder Woman Wannabe, the best little blog it can be even if it's just for me and a precious few to enjoy. ;)

Have you read the book "Blogging for Bliss?" 

If I were as rich as Oprah this would totally be the point at which I tell you - "If you leave a comment you get your own copy!" But, alas, I'm not. So you'll have to settle for a few of my favorite quotes highlighting why several of the featured authors in the book blog.  If ever you were stumped as to how to explain why you heart blogging to a friend or family member who just doesn't 'get' it - perhaps one of these lines will help you sum it up:

"It's our human nature to want to connect with other people, to explore, and to be inspired."

"It's about connecting learning and giving back by inspiring others."

"With just a click of a mouse you can be transported into a

 creative and inspiring community, 

share creations and gain recognition."

"The satisfaction of giving, sharing and inspiring others is priceless."

"It's wonderful to have a place to work out your thoughts with immediate supportive and encouraging feedback."

*****

In short, blogs offer:

-inspiration

-information

-entertainment

For me, blogging is:
*An ongoing coffee date with good friends
*Like your favorite magazine (home decor, scrap booking, parenting, you name it, it's out there!)
*The ultimate reality show - I'm a sucker for reality TV - blogging is the same.  It's so fascinating to see what other 'regular people' are up to in their various hobbies, observe what they value or simply how they live their life.  In many ways, reading their life stories serves to help me slow down and more appreciate my own life journey.
*A fabulous outlet for self expression.  If you have a passion, this is the best way I've seen to express it - weather it's simply sharing your life, or showcasing your talents or business (or even a combination of these)
Well, that's about enough about me - I want to hear from YOU! :)

Tell me,

Why do you blog?

What's your blog about?

What are your favorite blogs and why?

If you don't yet have a blog, but have thought about it - what would you write about?

"I could write a blog. I have thoughts."

~from the movie, Julie & Julia 

 

You know how this works! Leave Heidi some comment love here and then go follow her blog if you don't already!