starting a blog tips

I have stroke support group tonight. (I'm the facilitator.) I am planning on presenting some info about starting a blog. Any tips/advice/encouragment you want to give these guys? Thanks, y'all!

Oh, Gee, the Pressure. . .

Thanks, Steph. Steph is the author of the Red Clay Diaries Blog. She is a great author, and I enjoy reading her work. . .Unfortunately, she's tagged me in a meme. Um, I'm not even sure I know what that is, but she says it is like a "chain letter, but without threat of bad luck or bodily harm." (Which is unfortunate, because I was definitely going to threaten bodily harm for tagging me. . .No, seriously, I jest. I just don't like pressure. . .) I am to list the top 5 ways blogging has changed my life. (Forgive me if I copy someone else's answers. It wasn't intentional.)
1. New friends. I have met so many people. I am thankful for you all. It's so much fun to read what everyone is going through and what perspective you have on life.
2. My perspective. I find myself doing more than just chuckling at the kids' antics. Just this morning, Kyler said one of those cute kid things, and my first thought was "I gotta blog that!"
3. Family. I think, I hope the grandparents feel a little closer to the general going-ons in our family. I don't know about other family members.
4. More introspection. (Is that the right word? Is that a word?) I tend to avoid the "deep" thoughts about myself. I don't enjoy the "psycho-babble," because I figure in the end, who really knows why we do what we do. However, God's working on me. I don't know exactly what His plans are in my case, but I definitely feel growth in my relationship with him, and from that, relationships in general.
5. Ok, that's pretty much it. Since I have to come up with 5. . .how about. . .Works for me Wednesday! (Whew. . .I didn't think I could do it!) I've learned that I can use Borax to clean dishes. I've quit buying dryer sheets (use a washcloth and essential oil instead). I use old wipes containers to store plastic baggies. The list can go on (and on).


So, my 5 tags. . .
1. Amy at (Somebody please tell me how to hyperlink these names, like y'all do!) http://byhisgrace-amy.blogspot.com/
2. Erica at http://krazykennetts.blogspot.com/
3. Jenn at http://jennscraps.blogspot.com/
4. Shannon at http://sweetpeaemily.blogspot.com/
5. Elizabeth at http://findinghimbigger.blogspot.com/ (Sorry, I didn't have anyone else!!! Forgive me, please!)

Ok, get to . . .um, memeing(?) now, people! Or not. (Remember, NO threats of bodily harm allowed!) And to read Steph's answers, go here. http://momonthejourney.wordpress.com/2008/09/23/me-and-my-blog-the-good-the-bad-and-the-um-long-winded/

Found a New One and I'm Talking About the Rest of You!

All you have to do is look at my blog list, and you realize that I love to read other people's blogs. I thought I would give you a little background (what I know, anyway) about some of the blogs on my list. By His Grace-Amy was suggested by one of the girls I went to graduate school with. Amy is very entertaining, but more than that, I've enjoyed exchanging emails and comments with her. She is a super sweet person. Rocks in my Dryer, the Queen B, and We are THAT family are great reads any day of the week. They each have their own personality and it shows. (If you tell them I sent you, they won't have a clue what you mean. They're in a whole different realm than my attempt at blogging.)

Emily C (went to grad school with her mommy, the blog's author), The Kennett's Krazy Life, and Today is a Gift are local blogging friends that make me glad I decided to do this. It gives me a great chance to keep in touch with a great bunch of girls. . .although Today is a Gift is getting ready to be not-so-local.

Jenn's Junque is a fairly new addition. I knew of her through my mom, but we've never really met in person. I can't wait to, however, because she cracks me up! (I love anyone who makes me laugh!!)

Journey to Ever After is the blog written by our former pastor's wife (former pastor, not former wife). They recently took a fellowship/missionary position in Washington, DC. (That's far away, people! Not good, although I'm learning to deal with it. . .)

Ink, Stamp, Repeat is a blog I stumbled over. She is very crafty and talented, and you know me, I envy those people! If I had time, I would try to do what she does. . .albeit poorly.

The newest addition includes the Red Clay Diaries. She's in Georgia (not so close to Arkansas), but it was great to not so many similarities. . .Here's the post you have to read. I can just say, "ditto" to this post. Tell me what you think. http://momonthejourney.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/the-women-but-not-the-movie-although-im-sure-its-very-entertaining/

And if you LOVE the new look of this blog, make sure you check out shabby creations! (Please say you do, because I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I REALLY, REALLY DO!