MamaPie

(Calling A) Spade A Spade

I haven't been posting as much lately as I haven't had much free time (understatement!) to craft well-written blog posts. But, today, while I was lying on a massage table having my over-ergoed shoulder muscles kneaded, I realized that I miss posting. And I got to thinking about all the different kinds of posts I write here. While the more essay-like ones are fun and rewarding to write, I also enjoy the less-literary ones: tidbits of conversations we've had lately, links to things I'm finding interesting right now, cooking stuff, lists and photos. If I give myself more permission to post these kinds of more "fluffy" posts, I will post alot more. And, as this blog feels like both a creative outlet and a record of my life at this time- as a stay-at-home mama with two young boys- I want to update it as frequently as possible. I hope one day Ezra and Reuben will enjoy reading this - both to see a record of their childhoods and to learn a little more about their mama. I don't want to leave so many things out just because I don't have the time to write a "good" post about it. So - here we go - my posting standards have been lowered a little. Let's see what happens!

Hugs.

It's Blog Reader Appreciation Day, so I'd like to take this opportunity to...express my appreciation!

I deeply appreciate all of you who read what I write here. When you respond to a post by commenting, I feel a sense of community and support and conversation that is pretty amazing given that we're all sitting at our separate computers in our separate homes all over the country (and sometimes all over the world!). Even if you don't comment, when I see that, say, 10 people have visited my blog on any given day, I feel honored that you are interested in what I write here.

Blogging is a great way for me to satisfy the creative part of me during this busy time in my life as a mama. Thank you all for joining me here!

Friday Links

• You probably all read dooce, but in case you missed today, you should check it out.
• This is really great. We should all have moms/aunts/friends that would do this for us and I look forward to doing this kind of thing in the future.
• I am totally loving this. I've had it for four days and have used it at least twice every day.

Talk to me!

I've been having a bit of blogger's block these past few weeks and that, in combination with the darndest insomnia (seems to be dissipating, THANK GOD), some increased anxiety (see: insomnia and ponder: chicken or egg?) visitors and busy, busy life have led to my seeming blog neglect.

The thing is, even when I'm not posting, I'm thinking about this blog quite alot. I love it when I post and then, thanks to technology that I do not understand at all, I am able to see how many of you have read my blog and from where you all are reading (lots of you in the U.S., but occasionally someone in Asia or Europe is reading joining us).

What I love most of all, though, is when you talk to me. You know, through the comments feature. It makes me feel connected and received in my writing. I love it when you share your experiences; when a post reminds you of something in your own life and you tell me/us about it. I love the ability of the internet to facilitate connections. I have always been an awkward phone person, so e-mail, internet communities and, now, my blog, are great ways for me to reach out, connect and keep in touch.

So, when a post touches you, or bothers you, or reminds you of something, please write about it. And then, maybe the next time I have blogger's block, I'll be motivated to plow on through it because, you know, I hate awkward pauses in conversations.

Friday Link Love

I've been feeling a bit uninspired on the writing front, so thought I'd hop on the popular Friday Link Love train. So, here you have it, MamaPie's first Friday links:

• I generally love and agree with anything Mark Morford writes. This latest column is just one more example of his politically spot-on and hilarious to boot writing genius.
• Babble, the new online parenting magazine by the folks at Nerve has some really good stuff. Some of it gets a little old, with it's relentlessly hipster writing, but some of the articles, like the one on nursing a son, extended breastfeeding and the breastfeeding vs. formula issue are pretty great.
• If you're in Portland - ride the Holiday Express this weekend. The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation has brought out a beautiful old steam engine and is offering 40 minute rides from Oaks Bottom to OMSI and back again. We went last weekend and it was great. Sit on the river side for the best views (train doesn't turn around, just goes back and forth).

Have a great weekend and happy first night of Hanukah (we're having brisket and latkes, how about you?)!

Adding to the prayers of the blogosphere

Praying that James Kim is found alive soon. As citymama says in this post, I, too, keep thinking about him and the fact that he doesn't know that his wife and daughters have been rescued. The whole thing is making my heart ache. Thinking about him, hungry and cold and not knowing if his family is alive, desperately trying to find help for them. Thinking about them, not knowing where James is; wishing desperately that he'd stayed with them. Kati, keeping her girls alive by nursing them...The whole thing is just so heart wrenching.

Who's In?

I am. Hope I can do it. Anyone else?