Monday, May 28, 2012

Blog Anniversary - Yo Yo!!!

I can't believe it has been a year since I started this little blog.



I started it on a whim, really.

I was at home with my baby and was feeling kinda disconnected from the world. A common "mommy with a baby" feeling.

And I could hardly take off to Italy, India and fricin' Bali a la "Eat, Pray, Love"...


My life was revolving around my kids and I felt I needed something for myself.

I also needed an outlet to express myself creatively.

If I don't have a creative outlet, I feel like I start to fill up with bad stuff and it starts to trickle out in different ways. Creativity helps me to process what is inside me...mix it up...and produce something positive.



I had also had my first of now several articles published in a Canadian parenting/family magazine and it was well received...so I felt encouraged to share a little more of my writing...even though I didn't think too many would read. Maybe a few friends and family members.



I really had no idea how blogs can take on a little life of their own.

I didn't really realize that people actually start to follow blogs that they enjoy. I mean, religiously!



Well...I guess I kinda knew that since I myself had followed blogs before...and still do...but I really did not expect anyone...especially people I didn't know...to follow mine!

Huh?!?!??
There are actually people following my bloggy blog?


It really was a personal project.

And so now, I do have a little following in the blogosphere.

Apparently, this is a map of the blogosphere. Wow!


I am not one of those massively successful "mommy-bloggers" who make tons of money at what they do. Sure, that would be great...but the money I have made as a result of my blog is hardly massive.

It has lead to some writing gigs. Some paid...most of them not.

But what it has certainly lead to is a strong connection with like-minded people from all over the world.

It is pretty amazing how the Internet can bring people together.

This is kinda a creepy image that represents the Internet bringing people together.


Blogging has helped me sort through my own thoughts on a number of topics and apparently has helped a few others along the way.

So as I approach my blogging "anniversary" (or has it already passed?), I just wanted to give my readers a shout out (YAY!) and a big thanks for your support, your comments and your loyal readership.



I have really enjoyed this journey thus far...and as long as I keep liken' it, I figure, I will keep on keeping on.

I hope you hang in there with me!


And just as a little aside - I am off to the Mayan Riviera this week to celebrate my friend's nuptials. This means no blogging. No computer in fact!

I have never gone a week without a post - so I just wanted to let you know that I am still here. Except on a beach. With a drink. Soaking in the rays.

Dreaming up new things to write about.

This is where I'll be if ya need me!


I'll be back!

Kisses from Mexico!

"MUUUUUUWAH!"


Smiles,

Lora


Friday, May 25, 2012

WellX Article #17: On Nature Versus Nurture


Happy Day all!

As I always do, I will begin by pointing you in the direction of my first sixteen articles published by Wellx here.


I'm a little late in telling you about this...but on May 10, my seventeenth article was published.

In this piece...which is a re-publication, I discuss the nature vs. nurture debate. 

I am so happy to continue to work with WellnessX and share my thoughts with you and wellness professionals around the world.


Here's the link!





Thanks as always to Mel and everyone at WellnessX for continuing to share my work and for their on-going support and great work with the wellness community!

Smiles,

Lora

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Life is too Short Not to Dance Man!

 - Unknown


I love to dance.

I mean...I am a dancing fool.

Here I am competing on Dancing With The Stars!


Ask anyone who know me well and they will tell you that if there is a good beat...or even a bad beat...I am moving.

If I am sitting, my head starts to do this chicken/pigeon head thing. It is very attractive I am sure. And I am fairly confident that a "white-man's overbite" takes over my face.

Yup. Kinda like that.
Very cute.


Listen peeps.

Life is short.

It moves pretty fast.

And no...I am NOT going to insert a photo and caption of Ferris Bueller here because I have done that a few too many times already.

Don't do it Lora.

Don't do it!

Who me?
I would never do that.
I am as innocent as a flower.




Anyhoo...Ferris had it right. And we need to learn how to seize the day like he did and twist a little more and shout a little louder.

OK....I just had to.
Great movie. Great scene. Great song.
Great message.


No, I am not here to promote playing hooky...although sometimes a "mental health day" is in order. But it is what you do with that lovely, extra bit of time that counts.

I say...take that time...and frickin' dance dudes!

This is now on my "to read" list.


Now you can take this literally. I mean, literally put on your dancing shoes and put on your Michael Jackson and put on a smile (and perhaps some clothes - optional) and boogie.

Or, you can take this as a metaphor. Because as you know...I really like those.

What makes you smile?

Ahhhhh.....dancing dudes!


What makes you laugh?

What makes you lose track of time for just a little while?

If dancing doesn't do it for ya...and try it if you haven't...but if it just does not churn your bu-dda...then do whatever it is that does.

She is actually doing the dance move "Churn the butter".
Perhaps you like to sing. Maybe you like to swing at a golf ball? By chance, do you have a person in your life who always manages to make you laugh that amazing belly laugh every time you see them?

If so...give them a call and make a coffee date.

"I am having so much fun I want to dance!"
"I KNOW! Me too!"


Do it now.

I'll wait.

Common! I don't have all day here peeps!


As for me...I like to dance.

I am not too into the dance club scene these days, but the odd time I go out dancing with girl friends or find myself at a wedding...watch out!

I am actually going to Mexico...at a big resort...with lots of music and fun...and this trip also involves a wedding...so yes...you guessed it!...I will be catching up on some much needed get down and grooving!

Maybe John will be in Mexico?
Well...maybe not. He has a few other issues he is dealing with right now.


But on a day to day basis, I try to incorporate dancing into my daily round.

I dance with my baby around the living room.

I dance FOR my baby as I prepare his lunch. Apparently he enjoys this.

"Look at Mama dancing! YAY!"


I dance with my older boys as we tidy up after dinner.

I car dance.

Oh yes...I dance in my car!

This is not me. But it might as well be!
She's got da ticket!




For those of you who do not know the fine art of car dancing, well...you are missing out peeps!

I do not just listen to tunes while I drive. I GROOVE.

Drew car dancing.
Apparently it's genetic.


The kids in the back often get involved and we quite enjoy entertaining the people in the cars next to us on the highway in traffic or at the stop light.

As they sit there twiddling their thumbs, we are head banging to Bohemian Rhapsody or The Ramones or Mama-say Mama-sa Ma-Ma-koo-sa-ing to MJ with our hands in the air and giggles trickling out the windows, threatening to contaminate even the moodiest fellow drivers and passengers with our joy.

Party on! Excellent!


And no, I don't always feel like dancing. I am sure chickens don't always feel like laying eggs either.

But maybe the dancing is what has to happen before the feeling comes. Just like the original egg. Or was it a chicken? Hmmm.

But I digress...

Just do it I say.

Life is too short.

Just dance!

I'm sure Gaga would agree.


Smiles,

Lora