Follower of the Month: Audrey

Each month, I feature one of my followers as the "Follower of the Month". This gives me a chance to get to know my readers a little better. These posts go up the first Saturday of the month. (I'm a little late this month, sorry!). I am also looking for participants to be Follower of the month for November and December. Send me an email if you're interested.

Last month's Follower of the Month was way across the Ocean. This time the Follower is closer to home. Please meet Audrey:

1.What's your name? (real or user)

Audrey

2.Tell us a little bit about you.

I live on a farm near a small town in Southern Manitoba. Actually grew up only a few miles from here, but have lived in different parts of Manitoba in between, as well as spent one year living/working in The Netherlands.

I've been married to Brad for almost 22 years now and we have to wonderful sons ages 20 & 18. As a part-time job I drive a school bus - it's the greatest job in the world! :)

3.When did you start blogging and why?

I do believe I started about 2 years ago. Why? It started out being a way to promote my Etsy shop, but it didn't take long to realize that was pretty boring so it's evolved into posting about other shops, my life, sometimes blog hops etc. Had to start another blog where I do reviews/give aways, it was just too much for one poor blog.

5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?

Not really, I don't think. Some of my favorite blogs have posts once in a while that really make you think about what you are doing and or life. But other than that, I don't think so.

6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

Oh dear!

1) Camping

2) Planting

3) A Christmas Story

7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

1) Christie Cottage

2) Ann's Snap Edit & Scrap

3) The Chaco Girl

8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

I actually have absolutely no idea how I found your blog! Started to follow you because we happen to be living in the same Province :) I enjoy reading your posts, the Friday Funnies are always great :)

9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

That people can survive anything, and how lucky I really am.

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

Will definitely post about it :)


Thanks so much for being my follower, Audrey!!

Follower of the Month: Lane

Each month, I feature one of my followers as the "Follower of the Month". This gives me a chance to get to know my readers a little better. These posts go up the first Saturday of the month.

This month's Follower of the Month is way across the ocean. I met Lane on SHARE a few years ago and we've since become good friends. Someday, I will get that jet I've been saving up for and will hop across the ocean to meet her and some other SHARE mommies who live on that side of the Earth. Lane's blog is full of all things crafty with some excerpts of her thoughts of her 3 angel babies.

Please take a moment and meet my friend Lane!

1.What's your name? (real or user)

My real life name is Lane but used Willow/Willowlane/mummy2angels as id's in forums. Willow is my cats name which she got because I was a massive buffy fan.

2.Tell us a little bit about you.

I'm 35, married almost 13 years. I live in a small town in Wales (UK).
I have 5 sons, 2 with me and 3 who passed away before we even got to say hello.
I love to craft and am always making something.
I also sing in a ladies harmony group called Mello'D' (www.mello.co.uk)

3.When did you start blogging and why?

I started blogging in May 2007, mainly to talk about crafting. It's turned into whatever is on my mind.

4.Tell us a bit about your blog(s).

I hoped i might reach people and maybe make some friends. I don't really think anyone reads it anymore but i still post.

5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?

I get to put my thoughts out there and if its on the blog its out of my head so i can think about other things.

6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

• There's a Light At The End of the Tunnel
• Here today, Here tomorrow and the Next Day and the Next
• Ink

7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

Well your site would be the first one obviously lol.
I have only recently started reading again so i am not following that many.

• Butterflies for Alexandra
• Michelle... and All That Came Before And After

8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

I met you on Share and we have become good friends. Can't really remember how i started following your blog but it helps me in many ways. With everything that has happened you still have so much time for others.

9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

That bad things happen to great people but it doesn't have to be what defines who you are. I am not just a woman who's children died, i am many other things too. I have gained a great friend who doesn't realise how much she means to so many people around the world.

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

Yeah too right...they will both be pleased for me lol...but i will hopefully have lots more followers after this :-)

Thanks so much for being my Follower of the Month, Lane!!

If you are here from Lane's blog, Welcome. Please leave a comment so I know you were here and so I can come visit you too. Take a look around and, perhaps, you'd like to become a follower too.

If you are interested in becoming a Follower of the Month, please send me an email!

Follower of the Month: Jocelyn

I am really honored to introduce you to August's Follower of the Month. She is a very good friend of mine, who definitely has had a major impact on my life. Jocelyn, of Michelle...And All That Came Before and After, was one of the first angel mommies I met online after the loss of my daughter, and certainly the first to take me under her wing. I met her on the Compassionate Friends Chat one day a few months after loosing my daughter. In fact, I believe it was just a few days before my expected due date. It was she who lead me to the SHARE boards and played a role in pretty much saving my life. I can only hope to be half the friend she is to me.

Jocelyn is mommy to Michelle Elizabeth, a beautiful angel who celebrates her 6th birthday later this month. I thought it was fitting to make her my Follower of the Month for August.

Please allow me to introduce you to my friend:

1.What's your name? (real or user)

My name is Jocelyn. I often go by mom2michelle in chats, etc. My Blogger user name is Joc(e) because some people abbreviate my name with an E at the end and some just say “Joc”.

2.Tell us a little bit about you.

I’m a forty-something wife and stepmother of 2 adult children. My only biological child (my husband’s third child), Michelle Elizabeth, was born prematurely at 24 weeks of pregnancy on August 25, 2004 – I had life-threatening preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Sadly, she died a week later on September 1, 2004, and I have not had any other children, though I haven’t quite given up! I was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Florida 20 years ago – in a bittersweet coincidence, the anniversary of my arrival here is also September 1.

3.When did you start blogging and why?

I’ve blogged on and off for a few years now, and I have several different blogs. I do like to express myself through words, but often I don’t leave enough time to post, or I forget what I was thinking when I was driving and couldn’t write it down! When I was on MySpace, I blogged there as well.

4.Tell us a bit about your blog(s).

One of them is private and for my innermost thoughts (or vents!). Another is a general blog, but I rarely post there. Earlier this year, a friend gave me space for a blog about my angel baby as well, and I’ve been updating that most often. I am hoping it can be a place where I share both the smiles and the sorrows that having and losing my little girl have brought me, and to be a place where other angel moms can read my stories and not feel alone.

5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?

Not really, but I do like that we have the technology now to share our thoughts so easily with people who we might never get to meet or talk to in real life. Some people are really amazing bloggers, and rather than being bored with their stories, I love to hear what they’re thinking and doing.

6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

Here is Michelle’s story, from my blog about her: Michelle's Story

This one is about something I’m particularly proud of, also from Michelle’s blog: Promise Walk for Preeclampsia - Success

I was going to share one from my generic blog…but while reading through it I realized it’s really negative and has a lot of venting about personal things. So I’ll stay positive and not send you there :-) (You can get there from my user name on here – Joc(e) – but remember, I warned you!!)

7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

Obviously, your blogs, Ter…you have a lot to say and I think you do a good job. (Don’t think I need a link!) In addition I love the following:

My friend Lissa has an interesting blog that covers a lot of different subjects, including pregnancy and infant loss, but definitely not ONLY about PAIL. Hiding Scars in My Yarn: Crafting My Way Through Grief

Another friend, Lacey, has a very touching blog about her son, Landan, who was 3 years old when he passed away suddenly from Meningococcal Meningitis. So This is Life: Journal of a Bereaved Mother

Emily at Stepping Stones is the founder of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Ribbons and I finally got to meet her in person a few weeks ago! Love her posts too. Stepping Stones: A Path Towards Healing After The Loss Of A Child

Of course, I visit quite a few blogs that are not by my angel parent friends but I couldn’t possibly list them all! I have a lot of interests that I like to keep up with.

8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

You’ve been a friend (and a good one at that!) since we met up in The Compassionate Friends’ Pregnancy and Infant Loss chat room a few months after you lost your sweet babybear. I have seen you come a long way since then, despite the subsequent tragedy of your husband’s death a few years later. I feel like you have done a lot to try to better your situation in life, to find happiness, and to bring happiness to others. You have also always been there to listen when I needed you.

9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

That no matter what a person has to endure in life, that life can still go on, and inspire others. I love reading all the things you write, whether they’re sad, funny, helpful, inspirational or just everyday life moments. You also share a lot of great information…and some of those things you cook look just scrumptious!! :-)

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

Well of course…I don’t get to brag very often!

***

Thanks for being my Follower of the Month, Jocelyn!!! It's an honor to be your friend.

Take a moment to go say hi to Joc(e). If you are here from Jocelyn's blog, please leave a comment so I can say hi!

Follower of the Month: Liz

This month's Follower of the Month is Liz from Writing Mommy.

I first met Liz five years ago on SHARE. I happened to notice one day that our daughters share the same birthday, one year apart. I sent her a message and we have been in contact since.

Liz is probably one of the most inspiring people I know, and I'm very happy she has agreed to be my Follower of the Month during July... somewhat in honor of our baby girls' birthdays later this month.

Please allow me to introduce you to Liz:

1.What's your name? (real or user)

Liz H. Allen

2.Tell us a little bit about you.

I'm a mom to three beautiful children - two on earth and one in the stars - and a wife to my smokin' hot hubby for the past six years. I love writing, dancing, reading, all arts and crafts, music, computers and I have a severe Sims 3 addiction.

3.When did you start blogging and why?

I started blogging June 20th, 2003 (yay, happy 7 year blog-aversary to me!) Originally I started blogging just to get my feelings out now I use it for record keeping, as a task master and to keep in touch with friends.

4.Tell us a bit about your blog(s).

I have a livejournal blog which is my regular day-to-day life. Sometimes it's really boring and sometimes (like now) I fall way behind, but that's me. My other blog is my writing blog which I keep to track my progress in becoming a one-day novelist.

5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?

I guess the only thing it has changed is that I go through the day and I might think - this would be a great blog post. It also has opened up doors to meeting a lot of great people.

6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

Can I do 4? LOL

From a Mess to the Masses
The Washing
Ape Dance
Great Writing Advice

7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

Zoë
J Kaye
Swimmer

8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

hmmm, I can't remember when I started following your blogs since we've known each other for years now. I do know that I became an active read-every-post follower when Bryan started getting sick. I follow your blog because I like to be involved in your life and I never want you to think you are alone.

9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

I think I've gained a better perspective on you. It's the best I can do without moving to Canada. I just get to feel a little more involved.

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

Probably. ;)

***

Thanks for being my Follower of the Month, Liz! And for being my friend!

Hop on over to Liz's blog and say hi to her! If you are visiting here from Liz's blog, please leave a message so I know you were here! I'd love to meet you too.

Follower of the Month: Maggie

One of the reasons I decided to start doing a "Follower of the Month" feature on my blog was to get to know my readers a little bit better. Occasionally, I come to realize that I have never really even looked at someone's blog before. This month's "Follower of the Month" is one of those people. I have always enjoyed her comments and have even emailed back and forth a couple times after responding to a comment. But when she raised her virtual hand to be my Follower of the Month for June, I clicked on her blog link....and realized I didn't even read her blog. I'm glad to get to know her a bit more and I think you'll enjoy meeting her too.

Please meet Maggie from "Butterflies for Alexandra":

1.What's your name? (real or user)

Maggie

2.Tell us a little bit about you.

I'm 31 years old and a Mommy to my daughter, Alexandra. She was born sleeping 11/16/09 at 35 weeks gestation.

3.When did you start blogging and why?

I started blogging in January 2010. After Alexandra died, I spent a long time online looking for answers and support. I found all these blogs and decided to start one of my own!

4.Tell us a bit about your blog(s).

It's all about my little girl and how I'm coping with her loss.

5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?

Definitely! I love the amount of support I have been given through these blogs and I really do care for each and every follower I have or blog that I follow. After all of this happened, it was hard for me to see the good that could come out of this or see the good in people. Blogging definitely changed my outlook on that. I've never met a better group of ladies before and many give me a great amount of support. The ones who go on to have rainbow babies really give me some hope. It's very inspiring.

6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

Happy 3 Months

Marvelous Mondays

Ohana

7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

Antoinette

Jill

Susan

8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

I became a follower of yours after seeing a Patches the Bear button on another blog. After that, I found your blog and learned of your story too. I follow you because your blog was another blog that gave me comfort at the right time.

9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

Some hope, that's all I want! And meeting you, another blog friend! :-)

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

You betcha!

Follower of the Month: Sarah C.

May's Follower of the Month is Sarah C. of 2paws designs. Sarah is a sweet blogger who has been very supportive since we met. She has the cutest little boy who has the biggest smile. I can't remember how we "met", but her creative skills have inspired me in my own crafting attempts.

Please take a moment and meet Sarah:

1.What's your name?

Sarah C.

2.Tell us a little bit about you.

I’m a 31 year old wife and mom. My husband and I have been married for 6.5 years and we have 2 cats and 1 little boy, Dylan. I worked in commercial architecture up until Dylan's birth last July. Now partly due to the economy and partly by choice, I’m a stay at home mom.

3.When did you start blogging and why?

I originally began blogging in the late 90s before the term “blogging” was even coined! I was diagnosed with endometriosis in 1996 and was searching for answers. The internet was smaller then (hard to imagine now) and much of the information about endometriosis in books and online was outdated. I decided to start writing and share my thoughts and experiences both as therapy for me and to help others. After college and with the disease under control, I lost interest in my website and closed it down. I’m betting if it had had the option for comments, I probably would have continued it. That’s what I love about blogging today – the interaction.

I started my current blog in October 2007, at the suggestion of my mother, to share my passion for scrapbooking and crafting in general. And I’m a chatty person by nature so it also works great as an outlet for that. ;)

4.Tell us a bit about your blog(s).

My blog originated as a scrapbook/craft blog. Over the past 2.5 years, I’ve expanded into details about my everyday life with my family.

5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?

Blogging has introduced me to so many wonderful people and helped me get a glimpse into their worlds. In that way, it has expanded my thinking and increased my knowledge and understanding. It’s also a fun, cheap way to explore other cities, countries and cultures. I love that we all have similarities, but we all have unique differences too.

6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

My favorite blog post for obvious reasons: Dylan Walter

7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

Laura at Cameron Crazy Mom – she & I stumbled across each others blogs while pregnant, realized we were both expecting our first child (both boys) and due 2 days apart. They actually arrived about 6 weeks apart with her son coming a month early and Dylan 10 days late. It’s been fun to share the adventures of pregnancy and motherhood with her through our blogs. I just wish we were closer so the boys could have a playdate.

The Mrs at Trying Our Best – warning: do not drink or eat anything while reading this blog. She will have you laughing so hard you’re sure to spit on your screen. Not kidding. Love reading about her latest adventures as the wife of a Marine and mother to 3 little boys.

Emily at Just Me – her Monday Gratitudes are always uplifting and remind me to be thankful for the good in my life. Not to mention the fact that she is very crafty and an awesome knitter. Totally in awe of the mittens, hats and sweaters she has made.

8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

Wow. Good question. I’m trying to remember how I came across your blog. It’s been a while and I’m honestly not sure. I remember reading some of your posts about Baby Bear and I couldn’t turn away and not respond. Over time our correspondence between blogs, emails and twitter has increased and I consider you a friend so, of course, I have to follow! :)

9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

To enjoy every moment because you never know when it might be your last. Your strength has inspired me especially after Dylan’s arrival. I cried for the loss of Baby Bear the first time I found your blog, but it really hit home when I became a mom. On the harder days, when I’m exhausted and Dylan is keeping me awake overnight crying, I hold him tight and remember to be thankful that I can do just that. I thank you for helping me see that bright side during those tougher moments. You’ve definitely helped me to be a better mom.

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

Of course! :D

__________

Thanks for being my Follower of the Month, Sarah! I had fun reading your answers and I hope you had fun too!

Please take a moment and visit Sarah's blog and say hi to her! If you are here from Sarah's blog, please leave a comment so I can come visit you too.

If you are interested in being a Follower of the Month, just let me know!

Follower of the Month: Jill

Each month, I feature one of my followers as the "Follower of the Month". This gives me a chance to get to know my readers a little better. These posts go up the first Saturday of the month.

April's Follower of the Month is Jill from Footprints on our Hearts. Jill is a fellow bereaved parent and I met her online just a few months ago. This was a good chance for me to get to know Jill a little better, and now I'd like to introduce you to her too. Without further ado, here's Jill:

1.What's your name? (real or user)

Jill

2.Tell us a little bit about you.

I live in Vermont with my husband, two step-kids, and golden retriever, Takeo. I am a mom to twins in heaven, Emma and Chase.

3.When did you start blogging and why?

I started blogging after the loss of my twins. Someone told me about Carly’s site, To Write Their Names In The Sand. Once I visited her site I was connected to other bloggers and right away I knew I wanted to start a blog of my own.

4.Tell us a bit about your blog(s).

I started Footprints on our Hearts in memory of my twins and have connected with so many wonderful and amazing people. My blog is a way for me to express my feelings and to share my love for Emma and Chase. I have never thought of myself as a writer and never thought I would have a blog, but in a way this is my therapy.

5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?

Blogging has linked me to people from all over the world and has opened my eyes. I am thankful for all the people who I have met and been connected with and to all the people who share in my story and offer incredible words of love and support.

6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

Daddy's Birthday

Changing

7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

Franchesca was the first blogger to ever leave me a comment on a post and she continues to offer amazing support.

Handprints from Heaven

This mom and I have formed an incredible connection.

A Mother's Love

I get to meet this mom in real life in a couple of weeks!

Momma of Two Angels

8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

Hmmm, I think you may have left me a comment and then I found your blog. I remember staying up one night and reading your blogs with a box of tissues. I wanted to somehow reach out to you so I became a follower.

9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

In many ways you have been an inspiration to me and I love the site you created for Patches the Bear. You are bringing a little bit of joy into people’s hearts by having Patches visit them. I am looking forward to my visit! You also posted the word “thrive” as your word of the year and that post hit close to my heart.

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

You bet! : )

**********

Thanks for being my Follower of the Month, Jill! It was great to get to know you a little better!

Please go visit Jill's Blog and say hello! If you're here visiting from Jill's Blog, please leave a comment so I know you were here and so I can come visit you too!

If you're interested in being a Follower of the Month, just email me.

Follower of the Month: Pam

Each month, I feature one of my followers as the "Follower of the Month". This gives me a chance to get to know my readers a little better. These posts go up the first Saturday of the month.

This month's Follower of the Month is Pam, a fellow Canadian, worthy of a Gold Medal. (a little reference to Pam & I tweeting all throughout the Olympics and cheering our fellow Canadians on!)

Now without further ado, please meet PAM!

1. What's your name?

Pam

2. Tell us a little bit about you.

I am a stay at home mom of three kids. My kids are 11, 6 and 3. I am a SAHM only by circumstance, I have an injury to my back which is preventing me from returning to work.

3. When did you start blogging and why?

I began because my sister had a blog, she kept telling me to start one since with my kids something was always going on and I had a story to tell.

4.Tell us a bit about your blog(s).

My blog is about my family, community and reviews and giveaways. The reviews and giveaways have really taken over right now. But, I am having a great time doing them...I know they are not for everyone, but for me I enjoy them. Having the opportunity to try new products and share my opinions has been a great thing for me, money is tight with me not working and this has given me the chance to share products with my family that otherwise we would not have.

5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?

My first attempt at blogging was disaster, and really tainted my view of the online world. There are bad people out there and they are a community. However, this time around I got in with a great group of bloggers and this is a fabulously supportive, fun community. I am so glad I decided to give it a second attempt. Being rather isolated at home (again because of the injury) blogging gives me friendship I would not have otherwise.

6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

Grandpa's Tractor

This Did Not Happen To Me
Nineteen Hundred Thirty Seven

7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

blueviolet

Randi

Janet

These are three very supportive ladies and I love each of them. And, you of course!!

8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

I found you through Yaya about a year ago. At first I felt so badly for you and wanted to offer you some support. Now, I know you as one of the strongest people I have come across. You have suffered unimaginable loss, but each day you find reason to get out of bed and carry on. I am so in awe of the strength you have. You have taught me not to take things for granted, that each day is precious. It would be very easy to get into the rut of feeling sorry for myself, you are an inspiration to me! On a lighter note, you are a fellow Canadian:)

9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

Oh, I think I just answered that in the previous question, sorry. [ter says: No worries!]

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

Of course, it is an honor to be featured at your blog! Thank you!

**********

Thanks for being my Follower of the Month, Pam! I enjoyed getting to know you and I hope you had fun too!

Head on over to Pam's Blog and say hello! If you're here visiting from Pam's blog, leave me a comment so I know you were here. I'd love to get to know you too!

Follower of the Month: JAM

Each month, I feature one of my followers as the "Follower of the Month". This gives me a chance to get to know my readers a little better. These posts go up the first Saturday of the month.

This month's follower is Leslie, better known as JAM, from JAM's Own Reality. JAM's blog is written in a short and sweet manner that makes you feel like you're having a conversation with a friend. She loves to gossip about celebrities and tell stories about her kids. Her adorable nephews often make an appearance in her blog as well. Above all, JAM is the life of the party over at VGNO.

So, pour yourself a drink and get to know JAM:

1. What’s your name?

My real name is Leslie but I’m also known in the blog world at JAM (short for Just A Mom). I’ll answer to both!

2. Tell us a little about you.

I’ve been married to my best friend for 29 years. We’ve got two kids. A daughter who is 25 and a son who just turned 13. Having them born over a decade apart has made it kind of like raising two “only” children. My son was just starting kindergarten when my daughter left for college. My husband has his own business and I help him at his office with bookkeeping. It’s just enough to keep me busy when I’m not blogging!

3. When did you start blogging and why?

I just celebrated my two year Blogiversary last month.

Back in 2008, my sister told me that she was going to start a blog. I had no idea what a “blog” was. I went to the library, checked out a book called “The It Girl’s Guide to Blogging With Moxie”. I read it, and the rest is history…

4. Tell us a little bit about your blog.

My blog is called “JAM’s Own Reality”. It’s my own day to day happenings. I enjoy documenting what’s going on in my life. I’ll throw in some reviews and giveaways every once in a while. Just because I think they are fun to do and I’ve met some really great bloggers that way.

I live in a beautiful area of Northern California. In less than a two hour drive I can be anywhere from the gorgeous vineyards of Napa Valley, to shopping and dining in San Francisco’s Union Square to walking along the beautiful beaches of Monterey. And when I go, I like to bring my blog readers along for the ride.

5. Has blogging changed your outlook on life at all?

It has reminded and reinforced my feelings that as women we are more alike than we are different. I have found through blogging that age, location or life’s circumstances do not matter, we are a wonderful support system for each other.

6. Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

I think my favorite blog post is always my last blog post! But I’ll go ahead and pick out three that were kind of fun to do and my readers seemed to enjoy.

VGNO. Virtual Daydreaming (and everyone’s invited!)

The Streets Of San Francisco

Celebrating my 2^nd year Blogiversary

7. Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

NieNie Dialogues

Stephanie Nielson inspires me every day. She is facing some unimaginable difficulties right now, but with the love of her family and her incredible spirit, she is getting through it one day at a time. And she is taking us with her on that journey.

The Tales of a Fairy Grandmother

A lot of times, finding a blog that you enjoy is just about finding another blogger who you can relate to. Someone you like checking in with and seeing how they are doing. Jamie is one of those bloggers. She’s an Arizona mom/grandmother who enjoys being with her husband and family. She’s one of those bloggers who I wished was my next door neighbor!

The Ungourmet

Kim calls her blog the Ungourmet, but it’s definitely Gourmet in my book! This blog is a truly scrumptious one. I’m not much of a cook, but her recipes are always easy to follow and delicious. She always accompanies her recipes with beautiful pictures that make your mouth water just looking at them.

Kim is another one of those bloggers who I wished lived next door to me. (Actually I think my life would be complete if I had Jamie living on one side of me and Kim on the other!)

8. How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

I met you on February 27, 2009. Hahaha, does it amaze you that I know that exact date? It’s another reason I love blogging. You can look back at old posts and it helps jog your memory!

You and I had both linked up to Ann’s Virtual Girl’s Night Out Blog Carnival. You stopped by and commented on my “VGNO. Virtual Daydreaming” post that is linked above in #6. We were both blog hopping and I met you and Emma that night!

I follow you because I like to follow all of my VGNO girlfriends! I know you have been through some difficult times in the last few years and I like to check in with you and see how you are doing. I was so happy to see that your word for this year was “Thrive”. You have taught me that sometimes life throws some pretty difficult stuff our way. And it is our incredible inner spirit that keeps us going and helps us not only to survive the difficulties, but to THRIVE despite them!

9. What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

I am reminded how fragile life can be. How we should never take any one of our days for granted or the people that are in it. I have seen how you have been working through your grief over the last year. I admire your strength.

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

Heck yeah, come on over. I’m already talking about you!

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Thank you for being my Follower of the Month, JAM! I enjoyed getting to know you a little bit more and I hope you had fun.

Please head on over to JAM's blog and say hello!

If you are visiting here from JAM's blog, please leave a comment to let me know you were here, and so I can come meet you too!

Follower of the Month: Emily

Each month, I feature one of my followers as the "Follower of the Month". This gives me a chance to get to know my readers a little better. These posts go up the first Saturday of the month.

This is my first Follower of the Month post on this new blog. You can see previous interviews on my original blog HERE.

This month's featured follower is Emily of Stepping Stones. I met Emily early in my grief on SHARE and she has been a wonderful and supportive person ever since. I think as you get to know Emily, you'll come to the same conclusion. Emily and her family have taken time out of their own lives to reach out to other bereaved parents, which you will learn more about as you read the interview below.

Please extend a warm welcome to Emily:

1.What's your name?

My name is Emily. I often use the usernames babybug or pokemom depending on what message board I'm on.

2.Tell us a little bit about you.

I'm a big nerd. I like reading. letterboxing and birdwatching. I was a anthropology major in school. I was a manager at Borders Books & Music for about 15 years and I taught Montessori for a few years, too. Now I'm a virtual assistant (work from home to help my clients in their businesses).

I just turned 40, I'm married and have 4 kids. I should have 5. My son Gabriel was stillborn 8 years ago. My living kids are separated by a big gap of 8 years. I think that is just symbolic. There is kind of a before and after in my life. I am definitely a different person now than I was then. I have a website to sell remembrance and pregnancy loss awareness items to help people remember their babies. Sometimes I think I married this particular man (an artist) and had this particular kid (Gabriel,stillborn at 21 weeks) to do some small good in this world.

3.When did you start blogging and why?

I have 16 blogs but only one or two I regularly update. I first started blogging when my sisters-in-law started a family blog to share photos and recipes and stuff like that. I realized I was monopolizing their blog so I started my own family blog. My Stepping Stones blog just kind of evolved out of my website PregnanyLossRibbons.com as a way for me to easily post and update when I heard about events or found helpful websites for grieving moms.

4.Tell us a bit about your blog(s).

My main blog is the Stepping Stones blog to help those who are trying to find their way after the death of a child. It is based from a quote I heard once "One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.' I hope that we can share how we get through it all and maybe make it a little easier for another grieving mom out there. At the very least, it helps a little to know we are not alone in this whole thing.

5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?

I try to stay as positive as I can in a hard situation. If I start getting negative I stop posting for a while. You would probably find me in real life holed up in bed watching MASH reruns and eating my way through a bag of mini-snickers. But I find I try to look for the good more often in situations and every once in awhile I'll have an a-ha! moment where I think "Hey! I need to share that with my readers of my blog" I post stuff on my blog that I have never told people in my real life, not even my husband.

6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s)

Beautiful Blossoms

Parable of the Cracked Pot

A New Normal

7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers

My sister in Hawaii and her quest to get her boys to read : Girl in a Swirl

My hero YaYa: YaYa Stuff

Pioneer Woman- I get lost in her site for days

8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?

I met you first on SHARE and then when I started my blog you were one of my first and most loyal followers. I can always count on you to comment ;0)

9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?

A reminder to enjoy each day fully

10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)

Absolutely!

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Thank you Emily, for being the Follower of the Month this month. I have enjoyed interviewing you and getting to know you a little better.

If you are here from Emily's blog, Welcome. Please leave a comment so I know you were here and so I can come visit you too. Take a look around and, perhaps, you'd like to become a follower too.

If you are interested in becoming a Follower of the Month, please send me an email and let me know.