Friend Friday : Joiners

(If you are looking for today's 30x30, scroll down one post)

Friends make Blogging more fun. Tina and I last winter.

Today for Friend Friday, Katy asks:


1. With all the blogging events out there how do you determine which ones to participate in and which ones to avoid?
I participate in the things I participate in for tons of reasons. Sometimes it just SOUNDS FUN. Sometimes it presents a learning opportunity. Sometimes it's being spearheaded by a friend and I just want to throw my support her way. The reasons I don't do things are just as varied. For instance, I'm not participating in Andie's Go Red for Women, not because I don't care, but because I don't really have much red in my wardrobe (or by extension in my 30x30. I try not to participate in things I think will be more stressful than valuable, and I never participate in ANYTHING that doesn't seem like fun.

2. Be honest, have you ever jumped on the bandwagon of some blogging movement/event for the wrong reasons? How did that turn out?
Not yet. I doubt I will. I'm too lazy to do anything I don't want to do.

3. How do you give your own flair to a blog event while still maintaining the general mission and purpose?
I've never participated in anything that really called for anything other than each bloggers own take. That's what is so amazing about bloggers challenges and groups. All they are really asking you to do is be you.


4. When determining the best content for your blog what criterion do you keep in mind?
Do I feel like it? Do I have the means to participate? (I don't ever want to buy something just for a challenge.) Does it seem fun?

5. While everything will not suit your blog, how do you try and support your fellow bloggers who are participating in something
worthwhile but not your style?
Commenting, retweeting links when they are featured or guest bloggers, emailing and just letting them know I am proud of them.

TL:DR Involving lots of CAPSLOCK

(You know how I hate a post without a pic so sometimes I just post a random one? This is one of those times. Please enjoy the dog.)

Recently, I decided to Get Involved. Getting involved is not in my nature. I am not participatory. I fear, above all things (except maybe needles), rejection and failure. If I don’t try, I can’t fail, right? (Wrong!) WHAT IF? What if I put myself out there and no one responds? What if no one likes me? What if the other girls never ask me to swap? Or do a guest post? What if she never comments on my blog? What if I am making a huge fool out of myself and they are having Twitter Parties where they just make fun of how desperate I seem (ahahaha, OK, I never really thought that one. I’m not quite that vain. But it’s funny, so I’m leaving it.)

I also struggle LIKE WHOA with jealousy. WHY? Why does she have more followers than me? Why does she get so many more comments than me? Why is she so popular, how can I be more like her?

WAAAAH WAAAAH WAAHHHH!

It’s not pretty and it’s not helpful and it’s…SILLY. I love these girls, I’m PROUD of these girls, these girls deserve their success and I am happy to contribute to that success in any way I can. These are wonderful people.

Seriously, Self, I said, GET OVER IT*. I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and regardless of whether or not other people like me (and they do, they REALLY, REALLY DO!) I’m worthy of being liked, LOVED, by me. It’s OK for me to be happy with where and what I am. In my blog and in my life.

Plus, I’m doing this whole blog thing to have a good time. If I hold back, it will never be the blessing to me (and to others) that it has the capacity to be. I’m only cheating myself.

So I put on my Big Girl Panties and I put myself out there.

I got to Twittering.

I got to commenting. Even if the post had 14 bajillion comments already and I had nothing new to add. If I wanted to comment, I commented.

I joined FBFF

I stepped up to the plate and signed on for challenges (30X30) and community projects (EBEW).

I started emailing people and speaking up when I had something to say.

I signed up for a conference (TxSCC) and made a new friend to travel with (Hi Elissa, Love you!)

And guess what? Not only have I made TONS of wonderful new friends, but I’ve also been happier. SO MUCH HAPPIER. And able to experience JOY for my friends at their triumphs and successes. I feel light, and happy and free, but most of all, I’ve experienced the warmth and comfort one only finds in COMMUNITY. Because that’s what this is. A community. And a great one. Full of wonderful people.

So if you haven't yet, get involved. Don’t let fear or uncertainty stop you.


*I love you, Mama <3

Strike A Pose, There's Nothing To It (For the Love of Wendy B)

Today is for doing your best Wendy B pose. Pop on over and take a look! (I think Jentine nailed it, personally!)




I went with the double hand on hips and added leopard print for a little edge. And to compensate for my complete lack of red lips or ability to do an open mouth smile unprompted. (You have to make me laugh, or it looks...unnatural...)

(I'm interested in feedback on how you would style this shoulder harness! Please let me know!)

Shoulder harness, snefter at Etsy
Tees, Target (men's)
Skirt, Forever XXI
Tights, We Love Colors
Boots, Doc Martens