SortaCrunchy

weekend snapshots: january 22 + #janphotoaday

This has been a weird week, marked mainly by the fact that I randomly came down with one of those 48 hour fever viruses and it has set me back in all kinds of ways.

As such, I have cheated on and neglected quite a few of my #janphotoaday shots this week. Boo. I'll get to those in a moment. First, some snapshot mentions to share with you this Sunday:

* WOW! You guys turned up in full force for the giveaway of Jen Hatmaker's 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess! That is the most giveaway entries I've had in a while. The winner of the giveaway copy is Lindsey of Literary Lindsey. How cool that it went to a book blogger. :) For those who didn't win, it's about $10 right now on Amazon and definitely one worth adding to your home library.

* I absolutely 100% loved Jon Acuff's How To Be Awesome At Everything. LOVED IT. Perfect for someone like me who allows fear of failure to keep far too many projects from taking flight.

* One of my dearest, most precious, inspiring, amazing friends - Sarah at Emerging Mummy - is hosting a Practices of Parenting blog carnival which kicks of February 6th. I am so thankful that she is hosting this because sometimes I think we all just want to be encouraged in what parenting looks like for others - the ups and downs, the ideological and the practical. Check out her post for details.

* I like what Emily at Live Renewed did as a spin on her Green Goals for the year. She invited her husband to share on the blog his own response to her goals in green living for the year to come. Such a cute idea and a great way to be accountable: She Said, He Said Green Goals for the Year

And now on to my floppy week of photos.

I started out strong ...

15. Happiness: one of the things that brings me happiness is serving as Minister of Coffee (that would be my self-appointed title) for our little church. Anyone who knows me knows I love coffee in a way that surpasses obsession, and so sharing my love of a cup of Joe on a Sunday morning is really happy for me:

 

 

16. Morning: it's a rare morning, indeed, when we all sleep in, but last Monday (MLK Day), we all did. And it was a lovely.

 

17. Water: we live too far from water, but it's never a bad day for a play bath. Why not add a little chocolate cake for extra fun?

 

 

 

18. Something you bought: this is where I cheated ... I bought this darling late 70s party dress at our Goodwill a few weeks ago for $.99. NINETY NINE CENTS. Can you even? It is SO PRECIOUS on - much moreso than on the hangar. But I didn't post the picture on the 18th, so technically cheating:

 

 

19. Sweet: is there anything sweeter than an emerging writer sticking out her tongue as she strains in concentration, laboring over her new skill? She is teaching herself to write, by the way, lest any of you think I'm a pre-schooling wunderkind.

 

 

Annnnndddd, the rest of the week just didn't happen. SIckies. Blah. Bummer.

But I think I'm finally on the upswing. Hope your weekend has been much more enjoyable than mine!

Meet Erin and Behind The Blog!

I have the joy of introducing you today to another of my January sponsors: Erin Goodman of Behind the Blog!

Hello Sorta Crunchy readers! 

I'm so happy to be here with you and to share a little bit about my latest project, Behind the Blog.

Although I'm a writer and blogger, sometimes I just can't quite capture everything I want to say in written form, which is a big part of what inspired me to create this new podcast, and also what led me to create this video for you:

If you'd like to see what else is going on Behind the Blog with me, including my upcoming Pay-What-You-Can program, the 10-Day Family Re-Charge, please come visit me at eringoodman.com. You can also find me on facebook (I hang out there sorta a lot) and sometimes on twitter (still trying to make sense of how things work over there).

Thanks for sharing your beautiful space with me, Megan!

A brand new episode of Behind the Blog just released today. Make sure to go by and check it out!

#STOPSOPA

Normally, I would be posting What I Wore Wednesday today, but not today. January 18th is SOPA STRIKE DAY. I can't figure out how to blackout SortaCrunchy and although stopping SOPA/PIPA is terribly important, I don't want to take the uber-dramatic step of breaking my blog forever.

Instead, I'll show this funny video that conveys the importance of speaking out against SOPA/PIPA. It's really not enough to post videos and links to your blog, Facebook, and Twitter. You really MUST call your reps. I've already called mine.

Sidenote: I've called my senators dozens of times on various votes, and I've always spoken directly to a nice, helpful staffer. Interestingly, PIPA supporter Senator Inhofe's (R-OK) office doesn't seem to be taking calls today. That's a first.

Anyway, watch the video, pass it on (or not), but most importantly, CALL YOUR REPS! Here's how.

Comments closed. Call your reps and tell THEM your thoughts!

weekend snapshots: january 15 + #janphotoaday

Happy Sunday, friends!

I kind of ducked out on y'all at the end of last week, but with good reason. Laura and I are thisclose to finishing our first round of book edits. All of my time, energy, thought, and attention has gone into the book for the past few days, but I'm happy to say we are feeling SO GOOD about how the manuscript is shaping up. Our editor, Jonathan, is fantastic and once again we feel so incredibly blessed to be part of the Civitas Family.

Now, on to my Instagram shots from my #janphotoaday project (created by fatmumslim):

9. daily routine: mine is coffee and a calendar first thing in the morning

10. childhood: One thing I love about this challenge is that so much of it is open to interpretation. Many people chose shots of themselves from when they were children, while others posted pics that exemplified childhood for them. I chose a shot of an organic cheddar bunny I found when I was making our bed that morning. We don't eat in our bed and the girls certainly aren't allowed to either. And yet, there he was. It made me smile a little bit though because isn't that what living in the midst of childhood is? Crackers where there should be no crackers?

11. where you sleep: but y'all already know that

12. close-up: little girl nails

13. in your bag: I confess that I didn't take this shot until this morning. I didn't open Instagram once while I was in the writing zone. But I'm determined to finish this challenge, so better late than never!

14. something you're reading: I JUST started Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. So many people have told me it's their favorite from the series and I cannot wait to get really into it. In the meantime, however, I'm reading my review copy Julia's Child: A Novel by Sarah Pinneo. From the cover: "A delectable comedy for every woman who's ever wondered if buying that six-dollar box of organic crackers makes her a hero or a sucker." Hee! Full review coming soon!

 

 

Other notables from the week:

This dairy-free, GAPS and primal-friendly recipe for pear custard at Health, Home, & Happiness looks delicious!

My friend Ed Cyzewski released an e-book that I hope to dig into soon: Divided We Unite: Practical Christian Unity

Has anyone used activated charcoal for teeth whitening? As you can imagine, I have seriously stained teeth from the ridiculous amounts of coffee I drink. Wellness Mama posted about using activated charcoal to whiten teeth and I'm tempted to try it. Thoughts?

Civitas announced a new community project called Finding Church. I LOVE the topic, and I can't wait to see how this collection comes together. Perhaps you have an essay to contribute?

As soon as I hit publish on my post, I'm going to fill out my nomination ballot for the 2012 Bloggies. This award has been around for a long time and I think the process is one of the most democratic approaches out there. I've found some amazing new blogs through the award winners!

Later this afternoon, I've got a book review and giveaway to share. Stay tuned!

 

My Momcomm Blog Critique!

Today is SUCH a big deal!

When you've been blogging a while like I have, it takes a lot to get excited about bloggy things. But I am really, REALLY excited to tell you that today, Momcomm has shared her critique of SortaCrunchy!

I think all bloggers should be reading Melissa at Momcomm. Her posts are full of helpful information. Before I chose business cards to take with me to  BlogHer, I studied her blogger business card showcase for hours. I've learned so much from her about how to understand Google Analytics and what page views tell you about where you fit in the blogging space. Because of Momcomm, I now know what NOT to stumble on Stumble Upon and 9 things to tweet about. Super, super helpful, that Melissa is.

One of her most popular features is the Blog Critique. When she opens the queue for bloggers to sign up to be critiqued by her, it fills up in seconds. I am not joking about that. I feel SO FORTUNATE to have gotten a critique spot. (I sat on the refresh button for five minutes leading up to its opening. It was quite a little rush just to get signed up!) She very thoughtfully, professionally, and thoroughly examines a blog to critique the blog's design, navigation, and content.

I always learn so much from reading her critiques of other blogs; to have her critique SortaCrunchy is just amazing.

Head over to Momcomm to see what she had to say about SortaCrunchy. If you would like to know how to assess your own blog, consider Melissa's e-book - DIY Blog Critique Workbook. She leads you step-by-step through the critique process so you can make pivotal decisions about your own blogging space. Definitely something to consider because her critique queue doesn't re-open until June!

Thank you again, Melissa, for such a thoughtful critique of SortaCrunchy!

weekend snapshots: january 8 + #janphotoaday

On New Year's Day evening, I noticed quite a few of the people I follow on Instagram were tagging photos with #janphotoaday. I dug around a little and discovered that the lovely and talented Chantelle of Fat Mum Slim had issued a photo challenge to do one photo a day throughout the month of January.

Even though it was late and I had already climbed into bed for the night, I thought what the heck. I'll play along, too. Each Sunday, I'll share my #janphotoaday for the week preceding:

1. You (told you I was in bed!)

2. Breakfast (mmmmm. protein shake.) (I did not eat the owls) (although, aren't they delicious?)

3. Something you adore: Taste of Austin coffee (adore) from Central Market (adore) in my anthro cup (adore). Three things I adore, all together on the 3rd. Aren't I terribly clever?

4. Letterbox: ours is quite minimalist, yes?

5. Something you wore: purple tights.

6. Makes you smile: y'all have already seen this in my office post, but again, having artwork done by the girls in my work area always, always makes me smile.

7. Favourite (or favorite, for spellers of the USA variety): my favorite gift from my favorite man. Kyle gave me these diamond studs 7 years ago, and I've worn them nearly every day since.

I'll be sharing 8 - 14 next Sunday!

* * * * *

Other notable news around the web:

My dear friend Laura - the Hollywood Housewife - is hosting one of her brag book link-ups. Did you post on New Year's Resolutions/Goals/Intentions? Join in and link up!

I love (!) what Kelly at Love Well wrote in Dear January. I echo every word.

Jon Acuff's Running into Michael W. Smith incident made me laugh and laugh.

At Every Breath I Take, Jen wrote to all the sleepy mamas out there, and honestly, I think sometimes it helps to know you aren't alone in the dark night hours.

Finally, I said YES YES YES over and over when I read Leslie's piece on Far From "Having it all together," I'm Just One Mom Learning All She Can. For anyone who has ever felt some negative pushback for sharing what is important to you, a must-read!

* * * * *

OH! WAIT! Don't forget Once Upon A Time returns tonight. EEEEEEEEEEE! I'll host an episode discussion on Desperate Souls on Tuesday!

Happy Sunday!

what i would give: six years of blogging

six.

Six years and one day ago, SortaCrunchy was born with one dumb little post.

I cannot even comprehend how much blogging has changed since then. Oh, the things we have seen come and go. Haven't we?

I'm having a hard time finding words for all I would like to say. Blogging has, in a very real way, changed my life. Though I've been tempted from time to time to quietly close up shop and live a little more traditionally, I know I absolutely cannot. In six years time, SortaCrunchy has grown to be an extension of me. I have published words here that make me twitch with awkward embarrassment and words that make me giggle and words that bring me to tears.

Few writers want to write into a vacuum, and by far the most rewarding part of growing, nurturing, and maintaining my space here is YOU. It is grossly unfair for someone as flaky, goofy, flighty, and ridiculous as me to be gifted with the amazing and eclectic and diverse and dymamic audience of friends and readers who gather here.

I wish there was more I could give you. I wish I could put something tangible in your hands to say thank you.

What I would give, if I could.

I would give you that fancy camera with the super fast lens you've been pining over for so long.

I would give you that new stand mixer whose whirling beaters would make your heart sing.

I would buy out your Amazon cart so you could sit and read the wit and wisdom of writers infinitely better than I am for so many months ahead.

I would wave a wand and a brand new stash of all the latest, fanciest cloth diapers would be yours for your darling wee one.

I would press a key into your hand that would start a new car. (You get a car! And you get a car! And you get a car!)

I would slip an envelope under your door with the cash you need to make rent.

I would send you a brown paper package tied up with strings, a gift box of all of your favorite things.

I would sit down with you over a cup of coffee (or tea, if you insist) and talk and pray and laugh and cry and laugh some more.

I would give you the moon if I could.

Each and every one of you mean more to me than I can ever say. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you for spending a few minutes of your day with me from time to time. Thank you for trusting me with your stories and encouraging me with your responses. Thank you for making everything I do here infinitely worthwhile.

You are God's grace to me.

I'm raising my glass to six years and to all that it means to me and all that you mean to me and to more words and time and hearts together in the years to come!

weekend snapshots: november 6

my little backyard sprite

Since my Delicious bookmarks broke up with my Feedburner account, I'm hoping to share some quick links from the SortaCrunchy community each weekend.

* My friend and fellow Jan '05 mama Rebecca launched a blog this week sharing her family's journey to cut out artificial food dyes and other yucky additives. Check her out at Die, Food Dye! (isn't that clever? LOVE it.) She also has created a free printable for you so you can keep a cheat sheet with you off all the "badditives"!

* This poem and visual on library fines at Hobo Mama. Oh, heavens. Yes. We are major monetary supports of our local library, too. Ahem.

* Jennifer's words on discontent over at Every Breath I Take really challenged me:

All-consuming discontent is a weapon of mass destruction. When armed with it, my words are harsh. I’m self-righteous and indignant. Instead of being a peace-maker, I stir the pot of anger, bitterness and resentment.

* At Real Child Development, Leslie shares the story of Karina, a mama in Costa Rica who broke free from enslavement and now is living in freedom with her three children. If you have a few minutes, click over to read more of her story and to discover very real ways you can support her in getting started in life after being trafficked.

* I *think* this was the biggest week yet of Your Green Resource! Thank you so much for supporting this link-up!

Zen BlogHer, Beginner BlogHer (a #BlogHer11 recap)

I've been deliberating whether or not I would write up my thoughts on attending my very first BlogHer conference.

So many fantastic, insightful, and profound things have been written already, a chorus of voices sharing all the best from the largest gathering of women bloggers, held this year in one of the most stunning cities I've ever visited. Thoughts of what I would share with ping-ponged around in my head on the flight home, but everything has sort of leaked out as I've nestled back into life at home.

I know I want to say this, because I think it's applicable to any conference, event, or gathering which you might attend: practice the art of Zen.

Must Know, Must Remember: BlogHer 11

photo with permission from something's hiding in here on flickr

When I was a teenager, I spent at least one week (sometimes two) of every summer at a Baptist youth camp tucked into the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma. The pinnacle of each day at camp was the evening service in the open air tabernacle. What made it the high point of the day? The energy manifest by thousands of teenagers shouting Jesus cheers at each other before the service started? The experience of communal worship? The mighty-fine preaching of one Come To Jesus sermon after another?

Oh, bless it. No, my dears. It was dressing up and showing off of all of our finest. We would sweat through the muggy days in triple digit heat, allowed to wear shorts only if they skimmed the tops of our knees, and then when evening fell, we would make a post-dinner mad dash to shower and apply a full face of make-up and put on our very, very cutest outfits because It. Was. Tabernacle.

Pretty spiritual, right?

In the weeks leading up to camp week, I would deliberate carefully over my wardrobe choices, making sure to pick the perfect outfit for each evening. The strongest impression I have of the memory of those evenings is that without fail, I would get dressed up and dolled up every evening, only to discover that everyone - everyone! - looked better than me. The very best that I brought from home - it was never enough.

* * * * *

I feel like I should say something about going to BlogHer next week because not saying something might convey that I am rather blase about the whole thing. And I am not. I am the antithesis of blase. I'm practically vibrating with excitement.

From the moment I found out that I was receiving a conference ticket - amazingly, serendipitously, providentially - from Discovery Communications, I've been reading everything BlogHer in sight. I've read fashion posts and what to expect posts (the Hollywood Housewife pulled no punches on that one!) and logistics posts and just ... everything.

As I clicked from post to post, from blog to blog, from Twitter profile to Twitter profile, I sensed that Old Ugly nipping at my heels. Jealousy. Stupid, ridiculous waste of time Jealousy. Old Enemy, it is so not good to see you again.

Many years have passed since my evenings spent in the Tabernacle at camp, and I would like to think I know a little better now about what to do when Jealousy starts throwing shade. I do know now that it's not enough to cram my fingers in my ears and la-la-la-I-can't-hear-you when the Old Ugly starts snipping at me about what others have that I do not. I know now that I have look her right in the eye and tell her the truth. And the truth is that

All that I have is more than enough.

It was true when I was seventeen, but I didn't have the courage or the confidence to believe it then. But I do now.

So when a situation at BlogHer leads to Jealousy stepping in to remind me of someone else's subscriber numbers or ad campaigns or famous friends or whatever silly distraction she offers me, I will repeat my mantra: all that I have is more than enough. It is. I know that with everything within me.

Of all of the posts I've read on preparing for BlogHer, these resonated the most deeply for me:

Kludgy Mom: BlogHer '11: Get Over It

Am I A Funny Girl? : Getting Zen About BlogHer

Ramble Ramble: The Obligatory Pre-BlogHer11 Post

Little Miss Mocha: What Should You Bring to a Conference?

My only expectation of BlogHer at this point is to get to hang out with Laura until she is absolutely sick to death of me, hug some necks (or, for the more stand-off-ish, shake some hands), and escape the miserable heat here for a few days. (I nearly licked the screen when I saw this!) And that is enough. And I have enough. And I am enough.