friends

A Few of my Favorite Blogs

/ Ashley / Leave a comment

I’ve come to realize that it’s rather difficult to think of witty blog posts at the end of a tiring day.  And since I’m still recovering from surgery, it’s easier to piggy-back onto some of my favorite blogs to highlight their awesomeness.

  • Wellness Mama – She is my go-to for all things natural.  In fact, I spend a great amount of my free time researching and agonizing over her blog.  I really want to change EVERYTHING in my life RIGHT NOW!  Then I take a breath, stop, and acknowledge that will never happen.  Instead, I’ve decided to take baby steps and try one new thing each month.  This month is homemade laundry detergent.  And marshmallows.  Yum!
  • Conversion Diary – This is my favorite blog: something interesting, poignant and timely for my own life can always be found.  Jen also has great book suggestions when I am yearning for something deeper than the latest romance novel on display at the library (where I find most of my reading material these days – hastily snatched between armfuls of kids books and Disney songs).
  • Creative Minority Report – Always good for some light political reading (if such a thing is possible).  Plus, they blog several times a day so I am never lacking fresh reading material.
  • Patrick & Farrah – Farrah was my college roommate and we had so much fun together during those (mostly) carefree days!  Now we live across the country, but I enjoy keeping up on her life and delicious raw foods recipes from afar.
  • Little Stay at Home Mama – Another good friend from college, she never ceases to make me laugh with her hilarious blog posts.  She’s been on hiatus recently due to baby #3, but I am super excited for her entry back into the blogosphere!
  • Bean in Love – Sheena is Farrah’s sister and another fab blogger.  She is so creative with home projects and sewing on a budget – I am totally in awe of her.  Maybe one day when I have a house I will attempt a few of her ideas.  Mostly like, however, I will continue to admire from afar.
  • Time Flies When You’re Having Babies – Ana is yet another friend from college (apparently all of us majored in mommyhood & blogging) who is always good for a laugh.  She also posts a lot of photos, which I enjoy because it’s so much fun to take a peak into her daily life.

Have any suggestions for other great blogs?  I am always up for a good read!

My Own Little Way

/ Ashley / Leave a comment

I wish this could be a blog with a witty name about the amount of children I have or my creative abilities.  Alas, it was never meant to be so.  I’ve tried blogging before.  But my life seems so uninteresting compared to the lives presented on blogs I visit.  I have no great talents or way with words.  In fact, my writing tends to be melodramatic and inspired by emotional whims.  Great motivation for journaling – not so great for spewing out into public.

But the thing is, I still yearn to write, to tap into the blogging community.  Maybe it’s because more and more of my friends from college (the ones who were such close friends six years ago) are choosing this method of communication.  It’s beautiful to have a window into their daily lives.  We are spread across the country, but they again feel close to me.  Maybe it’s because my love language is quality time and this is the best option I’ve got for long-distance friendships.  Maybe St. Therese is calling me again.

I struggle to follow the Little Way.  It seems contrary to everything I am – oldest born child, natural leader, outgoing and energetic around others.  And yet, St. Therese called me to her Little Way years ago.  How am I supposed to fade into the background, seeking no praise or recognition for my work?  How does one truly sacrifice themselves for others?  How will this ultimately bring me joy?

I think this blog might be my path to discovery.  It won’t be the prettiest or cleverest of blogs.  I don’t think I’ll be on par with Jen Fulwiler or Simcha Fisher any time soon.  But maybe writing will help to draw me outside of myself, to think deep thoughts once again, to ponder how to find my own Little Way.

Or maybe it will just peel me away from the nightly TV routine.  That’s good too.