My Top 5 Favorite Bloggers

Hi guys! Before I became a lifestyle blogger, I used my blog mainly as a journal. Along with that, I didn't read practically ANY other bloggers, because I didn't care, and I wasn't learning anything from them! Now that I do blog regularly, I read quite a few bloggers that I learn so much from with every post they right. Today, in no particular order, I'm sharing my five favorite bloggers I read!

Becky @ Disney in Your Day //

Becky has guest posted before, so she is not new to my blog! I met Becky a few month ago now, through a blog buddy sign up we participated in. Being the only two Disney bloggers, we were matched, and it was perfect! We hit it off right away and have been supporting each other since. She is currently my biggest blog supporter (other than Nick, of course!) and we even got to meet up a few weeks back when she came to Orlando for the Disney Parks Princess Half Marathon Weekend! It was a highlight of my week and we're hoping to meet up again when she visits for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival soon!

As I mentioned above, she is primarily a Disney blogger, but she also blogs about travel and her travel business, and her training goals for the marathons she runs! She also shares different Disney content than myself, so if you crave that Disney fix, she's another great option! Becky is just super sweet and down to earth, and her support has made it one of the reasons why she is one of my favorite bloggers.

Summer @ Coffee With Summer //

Summer was not the first lifestyle blogger I followed when I starting seriously blogging, but she has quickly become one of my favorites! She is authentic, and is consistently sharing posts that are raw but very relevant to many people. One of the main reasons I read her so much now, is she has begun branching out and sharing her tips and successes in blog growth, which I'm finding invaluable as I continue blogging less as a hobby and more as a regular thing. Summer is also largely encouraging - sending her a message asking for advice or even a simple prayer and she is happy to step in.

Chelsie @ Hey There, Chelsie //

I first discovered Chelsie through Summer, and quickly fell in love with her blog as well. Chelsie has a different focus and tone than Summer, but creates just as valuable content. She recently rebranded, so before she shared more often about Rosie, her puppy that her and her husband Dustin adopted to help with her knee replacement. While I love her Rosie stories, I love that lately she has been sharing her journey into full-time blogging, as that is a goal I'm striving for as well, and I love hearing other bloggers' struggle and successes! Chelsie also shares both beauty and fashion, and since I fail at being fashionable, I live my beauty desires through her blog.

Helene @ Helene in Between //

My last two bloggers are more well known, but no less valuable! Helene is a blogger I look to as a multi-topiced lifestyle blogger. What does that mean? For me, I'm primarily a lifestyle blogger, but I blog under four specific topics: Disney, marriage, faith and mental illness. For Helene, she shares blogging tips, travel adventures, and fashion posts. Many bloggers will tell you to focus on one topic alone, and that multiple topics hurt your audience. Helene is an example that you don't have to limit yourself to one topic, and I love that! All of her topics have a steady following and don't hurt her views in any way! Along with that, she has been a successful professional blogger for awhile and often shares her income reports, which is eye opening for smaller bloggers like myself,

Melyssa @ The Nectar Collective //

Melyssa is another well-known blogger! Like Helene, she shares monthly income reports and has shared her success, primarily coming from her e-mail list and ecourses. She also shares blogging advice, but since that is her main topic she shares more content that is relevant to bloggers and helpful on growing views and social media. She is also down-to-earth, and if you take the time to follow her various social media (especially Snapchat!) you'll see she's a normal blogger with just a larger following than others,

If you are a blogger, no matter your content or niche, it's important to be reading other bloggers and supporting each other. Find a good mix of smaller and larger bloggers and start reading and commenting! You'd be surprised to support you can get just from other bloggers.

Do you read any of my favorite bloggers? Who are some of your favorites, and why?

Why Taking a Blog Break is a Good Thing

Hi friends! You'll remember that through the month of February and half of March, I disappeared from the blog. This was not a planned blog break, but it was one I desperately needed. While I did feel guilty during the break, I've come to realize it was a great thing for me! Here's a few reasons why you should consider your own blogging break.

Your blog does not rule your life //

What?! You mean my blog isn't something I should be thinking about 24/7?? Seriously though, don't let your blog rule your life. There needs to be a balance for everything in life, and that includes blogging and personal free time.

Even full-time bloggers can't be tied down to their blogs //

Bloggers who blog as a profession naturally put a lot of time into their blogs. However, even they need blog breaks too! Just as people with office professions get tired of the same thing over and over, bloggers do too! Which leads me to my next point...

Blogger burnout is a real thing //

It definitely is an issue, even for part-time bloggers. This was a major factor into why my blog break was so long! While I was busy and adjusting to my new schedule here in Florida, honestly my biggest concern was that I didn't feel like blogging. I genuinely didn't feel like taking the time to sit down and pump out even one post. Blogger burnout is a real thing, and that's okay! You need to be able to relax once in awhile.

Self-care is a real thing //

I've seen many bloggers emphasize the importance of self-care (I love Summer's blog!), and it's so true! Many bloggers get so wrapped up in their blogs that they forget to step back, relax, and just take some time to recharge. A blogging break is one of the best times to do that, because you're not forced to go back to blogging any sooner than you want to.

Blogging is actual work //

Many non-bloggers don't understand the time and effort that goes into blogging. Even part-time blogging has many elements to it! With cutting my schedule down to two posts a week, there are still at least three or four days a week when I have to spend multiple hours on blog work to keep my posts consistent and worthy of the quality I want on my blog. Blogging is so much more than writing and publishing posts!

While taking a blog break can feel like you're giving up on your blog, it's really a chance for your to grow and bring better content to your blog in the future. If you're feeling burnout or just don't feel like you're putting your best content out there, I highly encourage considering a blog break of your own.

Have you ever taken a blog break? What did you learn from it? How do you feel about bloggers who take planned or unplanned breaks?

What to Expect From Keys to My Life in the Coming Weeks

Hi friends! You may have noticed the absence of my vlog for Monday, and the delayed post for today. I have some important news about Keys to My Life for the next few months while I'm in Florida, which I'm sharing today.

I've only been in Florida for a week and a half now, but it's been busy. For the last five days I've been working 6-8 hour shifts which requires lots of walking and not a lot of sleep. I thought that based on my last program I would be able to continue balancing my blog with work and play. Unfortunately I've had no time to vlog, or even edit the little vlogging I've done, or research the blog posts I have planned.

On top of that, I've dealing with one of the worst bouts of depression in awhile - one that is causing me to doubt all of my friendships. Many of my friends are spending their days off in the parks - as they should - but it's often on days I am working so I feel lonely when I'm not able to go. My friends from back home don't have much communication with me, even the friends I would consider to be best friends, so when I'm home alone on days like today, the lonliness gets even worse.

So how am I going to deal with this, and keep my blog running? I'm not. I am taking a break from consistent 3x weekly blogging. Now that doesn't mean I won't continue to blog about my experiences in Florida, or do the occasional update. I definitely will, and I plan to continue vlogging during my adventures! But for now, I can't continue full-time blogging. It's mentally exhausting me and I can't add any other stress to what I'm already dealing with.

I could use some prayers and support. I'm going back and forth between sitting in my room watching Netflix alone all day, to working 8 hour shifts at a location that isn't what I was hoping for. (More on that later.) I just need to know there are people out there that still care about me and are thinking about me. I know I'm oversensitive right now, but any support I get helps. Thanks for continuing to follow my life and adventures!

January Goals

Hi everyone! This month is becoming one crazy month. I'm keeping up on my posting schedule, getting ready to move to Florida, and planning more blog post series for you guys! Are you ready for some exciting content?

December Re-Cap

Blog and Social Media Goals:

1. Post at least twice a week. Done! I was very successful at scheduling posts which really helped.

2. Get back into regular vlogging. Sort of? I did a few more vlogs than normal, but not too many. With the DCP series moving forward, you'll be seeing more of my face soon!

3. Reach 1000 followers on Twitter. Done! I surpassed that goal by a landslide.

4. Be more active on Instagram. Sort of. I posted more, but I still am not interacting with my feed much.

5. Finish setting up my blogging binder. Done! It's been super helpful already.

Personal Goals:

1. Get back into planning. Big fail. Going to try again this month!

2. Spend less time wasting time with Facebook/iPhone games. Success! I cut down on the number of Facebook AND iPhone games I play! It's still a decent amount, but much less time-consuming.

3. Start reading again. Success? I did finish a book and review it, and I'm working through a few more.

January Goals

Blogging and Social Media Goals:

1. Grow my e-mail list. I have been sending out bi-weekly digests as well as minor updates that I don't post on the blog. I am hoping to grow my list to at least 30 subscribers by the end of the month if I can, but even a little growth would be progress! Want to help me out?

2. Post 3x weekly. So far, I have done this. I do have a full editorial calendar filled out for this month, so as long as I stick to it, I'm golden!

3. Clean up my Pinterest. Both my boards and pins need some serious deep-cleaning. Time to purge!

4. Clean up Instagram follows. After reading Summer's post about why the follow for follow method doesn't help your Instagram growth, I realized this was why I had been having such a hard time interacting on Instagram. My feed became so overwhelming, I didn't want to check it! Time to cull some follows.

Personal Goals:

1. Continue reading in my spare time. Now that I've been reading again, I realize how much I've missed it!

2. Finish purging and packing for Florida. This will get done either way, since we fly out the 31st of this month. However, I feel writing it down will help motivate me to do it!

3. Read our couple's devotional daily. We really enjoy spending this personal time together, so I'm looking forward to continuing this!

What do you think of my goals? Did you make any goals this month?

One Word for 2016

Hello friends! Can you believe 2016 is finally here? Where did this year go?! In preparing for the new year, I sat down to really think about how I wanted my blog to move forward into the new year. I had a lot of ideas, but not a lot of concrete goals. I decided I needed to focus on one central theme in 2016.

I chose one word to focus all blog related decisions and involvements. I considered many words, but I finally settled on one that made me feel good about myself, and the direction my blog would take.

I chose quality.

While I don't feel like my posts these past few months have been lacking in quality, I don't think that they have been the best quality I can put out. That isn't fair to me and what I'm capable of, and that isn't fair to you, my readers.

I also don't think my blog layout is of the best quality it can be either. You may have already noticed the redesign in the post photo, and that's a hint of things to come. I am planning on redesigning my header and logo, and making my blog layout a better picture of who I am as a person, a writer, and a blogger.

Quality is what you should think of when you visit my blog. I don't think any reader would come to my blog right now and think of Keys to My Life as a quality blog. That's painful to admit, but it's honest. I'm needing this honesty to help fuel me and propel me into 2016 and the greater goals I'm setting for myself and this blog.

So where does that leave you, my readers? I hope it leaves you wanting more. I hope it leaves you excited and eager for the changes coming to the blog. And I hope it leaves you wanting to give me honest feedback if you don't see quality in the future. I deserve honesty, to be the best blogger I can be.

Quality is more than just a word. It's a focus, a word that leads Keys to My Life towards the goals I've set for 2016.

What do you think of the word I've chosen? Do you like this idea? Have you chosen a focus word for yourself in 2016?

December Goals

It's been a couple of months since I did a goals post! I will be recapping the September goals, as well as sharing this months goals with you. I have a lot to share, so let's get started!

September Re-cap

Blog and Social Media Goals:

1. Reach 150 likes on my Facebook page. Done!

2. Blog for each Blogtember prompt, plus at least two other posts a week. A big, big, FAIL.

3. Look into starting sponsorship options. Slightly looked into, but still a work in progress.

Personal Goals:

1. Continue with my workout regime. Again, a big fail.

2. Learn how to make Starbucks frappuccinos at home. Fail, but now that I have a Keurig, I'm making more and more coffee at home!

Wedding Goals:

1. Figure out what we want for a guest book and toss extras for our exit. Done!

2. Start the honeymoon packing list. Done!

December Goals

Blog and Social Media Goals:

1. Post at least twice a week. So far, so good! I have some post ideas lined up, so hopefully this will actually happen!

2. Get back into regular vlogging. Now that I have a regular office set-up, vlogging will be much easier. I just need to do it!

3. Reach 1000 followers on Twitter. When I first thought of this goal, I was at 954, now I'm at 998. Seriously, I am that close!

4. Be more active on Instagram. I'm working at growing my Instagram, so this is a good way to start.

5. Finish setting up my blogging binder. I've started putting it together, I just need to organize it and start using it!

Personal Goals:

1. Get back into planning. Using my planner keeps me so much more organized and I get more done.

2. Spend less time wasting time with Facebook/iPhone games. I spend so much time playing games!

3. Start reading again. I have so many good books just sitting on my Kindle and my nightstand.

What do you think of my goals? What are your goals for December?

Cutting Back on Book Blogging

Yesterday I made the difficult decision to stop posting regularly on my book blog.

I have been regularly blogging on The Librarian's Bookshelf for almost six years now. It became a way for me to share my love of reading and combine it with my growing love of reviewing. I fluctuated between regular blogging and only posting occasionally, but I consistently posted reviews month after month.

Recently I have hit the point where I am not as interested in reading as much. Without books to read and review, my book blog has pretty much become obsolete. As much as I love reading and reviewing, it's not worth the time commitment when it's something I don't have my heart set on anymore.

Another big focus in my life recently has been this blog. I'm starting to plan out more posts for future weeks, and I'm working on growing my readership through a few sponsorships and the blog groups I'm a part of. Because Keys to My Life is becoming such a big passion of mine, The Librarian's Bookshelf is taking a backseat for awhile.

That's not to say that I will never go back to book blogging. I am simply deciding to shift gears for awhile and focus on sharing all aspects of my life. I will always be a reader and a librarian, but for now I am simply a life blogger.

August Goals

Hi everyone! As part of my goal to consistently blog, I decided to start off this month with a list of my August goals.

Blog and Social Media Goals:

1. Reach 1000 followers on Twitter. I'm sitting at 732 followers as I post this, and I had less than 600 last week. I think this is very doable!

2. Post at least two times a week. Now this does not include planner spreads, and that's mainly because I don't think I will continue to post my planner spreads on the blog. I will probably keep posting them on Instagram, so if you're interested in those follow me! I already have a few post ideas for the next few weeks, so this one may actually happen.

3. Remain active on Twitter and my blogging communities. I am a part of three blogging communities, and those alone have been a huge part of my social media following growing recently! As I start to blog more, I also want to utilize them to get more traffic coming to the blog and to Twitter.

Personal Goals:

1. No McDonalds and limit other fast food. Nick and I are trying to pinpoint what has been upsetting my stomach and digestive system, and we think it may be my love of McDonalds fries, if not all fast foods. This goal will be hard, but I'm going to try and stick with it!

2. Continue working out with out church class three days a week, and walk with Nick once a week. We're both trying to get in better shape for the wedding, so this one needs to happen. I just need to drag myself out of bed at 5:30 on those morning!

Wedding Goals:

1. Get all invites mailed by the end of the month. We have almost of the addresses and the design is basically finalized, we just need to print them and get them out the door!

2. Catch up on The Knot to-do list. I'm behind on a few tasks and that is stressing me out! They're not hard tasks, so I just need to buckle down and do them.

3. Book the honeymoon hotel. This one has been a struggle for both Nick and myself for a couple of weeks due to finances and his friend who is getting us the discount. Hoping to have this done ASAP!

What do you think of my goals this month? Are any of them impossible? Do you have any similar goals? Let me know!

My Summertime Essentials (+ Giveaway!)

Hi everyone! Sorry I've been so absent from the blog lately. I promise I'm working on it! Life is very busy right now, and I'm trying to find a good balance.

Today I have something really special for you! I'll be sharing some of my summertime essentials, and then I've teamed up with a lovely group of ladies for a fun giveaway! Let's get started, shall we?

1. Cell phone

I know, I know. Not technology! Go out and enjoy the sunshine! But seriously, I have a very busy lifestyle. I work long hours at a daycare, and oftentimes I'm keeping up with family while working, or taking a vacation like I did this past weekend. I rely on my phone to keep me in touch with family and to keep me on a regular schedule! I can't part with it.

2. Hairties/Headbands

Usually I hate my hair up. I'd rather let me hair go all over the place than try and tame it! But it can get so hot during the summer that it's easier to just pull me hair back or dress it up with a headband. And it makes me feel so pulled together!

3. My padded smartphone wallet

This is an absolute must. I pack around a huge purse that you could fit a cat in, where I carry everything except the kitchen sink. It's that big. If there are days when I'm just running out to pick up Nick from work, or grabbing something from the store, I don't want to lug around my entire purse. My padded smartphone wallet made by April of Marine Parents is perfect. It's small enough to carry easily, but big enough to fit the essentials.

4. My planner

I have come to really rely on my Erin Condren Life Planner* lately. I use it for daily to-dos around the house, tracking my work-out schedule, as well as when posts need to go up on both of my blogs. It's been a life saver! I have neglected it the past couple of weeks, and because of that many things have fallen to the wayside. I'm hoping this week working with it again will get me back on track!

5. A book/My Kindle Fire

I have been so lazy in the reading department! Instead of spending even an hour a day reading, I spend way too much time online or playing video games. By keeping a book or my Kindle with my constantly, I have something to do when I am bored, to avoid going on Instagram or Facebook. I need to get better about this!

*Note: This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing through them I receive a small bonus, and you receive a small discount! This is not required, but much appreciated!

Summertime Bag Giveaway:

Hosted by:

Summer - www.coffeewithsummer.com

Chelsea - www.lifewithrosieblog.com

Erin - www.lovepeacebeauty.com

Emily - www.embusyliving.com

Katherine - www.mycoffeeism.com

Emma - www.emmabyers.com

Allison - www.allisonsaysso.com

Amanda - www.blissfulgal.com

Alanna - www.alannaandcompany.com

Mistle - www.sweetteaandhydrangeas.com

Ariel - www.angelvelvet.blogspot.com

Catherine - www.ashortblonde.com

What will you win?

• Tri-colored Triple Chevron Tote by Autumn and Indigo on Etsy
• Floppy Sunhat 
• Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray
• EOS Cucumber hand lotion
• Burt's Bees Coconut & Pear lip balm
• 2 Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polishes - shades: Babe Blue & Bare It All
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen - SPF 55
• Ban.Do "Let's Have Fun O.K.?" drink sleeve
• Printed Hair Tie Set of 6
• Round Aviator Sunglasses
• Starfish Charm Necklace
• Sun & Moon Stud Earring Set
• $5 giftcard to Starbucks
• 1-month subscription to MyCoffeeism's coffee box
• Small notebook & pen

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Future of the Key

I've gone through many different chapters with this blog.

I've shared my deepest emotions through high school, my pain and struggles through college, and leading into my adventures in the Disney College Program.

I've tried to keep up writing on this blog, and failed time and time again. However, each of those times I haven't had a plan.

This time will be different. I will make a plan.

I've recently been toying around with the idea of becoming a part-time blogger. Many bloggers have quit their jobs to become full-time bloggers, and through various sponsors, have been able to support themselves and their families.

Is this an option for me? Probably not in this stage of life.

I'm recently out of college. I'm preparing to get married. Both of our job situations are uncertain. We're planning to return to Disney as a possible career path.

On top of that, I spend a good portion of my time blogging on my book blog, The Librarian's Bookshelf. Reading and blogging there is a huge passion for me.

I don't think I could blog full-time on two blogs. Keeping one blog running full-time is hard enough for me. However, I do want to re-vamp how  run this blog and start running it part-time.

There will be many changes to Keys to My Life over the next few weeks, and maybe even months, as I figure out my plan. Until then, bear with me. Advice and support is always welcomed.

Thanks for not giving up.

The Meaning of Ariel

I've decided I need to start blogging at least three times a week. While that total will be cumulative between this blog and my book blog, I want to really focus on this blog. I enjoy writing and blogging, and since I've been going through a really rough and emotional patch lately in life, I need something to help ease that.

A blog I follow, Mama Kat's Losing It, I followed way back when I was a part of a blogging group. (I don't even remember its name, it has been that long.) I loved that she shows her honesty through a touch of sarcasm and humor, and I never stopped reading. She does weekly and monthly blogging and blogging prompts, so most of my posts for awhile will come from her.

November Writing Prompt Day 3: The meaning of your name... does it suit you?

According to Behind the Name, Ariel means "lion of God". It is referenced in the Bible a few times, once as another name for Jerusalem in Isaiah 29:1-8 (Wikipedia), and once as a helper to Ezra in Ezra 8:16 (Bible Study Tools).

My parents did not raise me as a Christian; I came into my faith through my friends. I attended their church youth group and AWANA through middle school, and then began going to Sunday morning services with them as well. However, I was not saved until high school, through some greed and ignorance on my part.

Where am I going with this, you may ask. While my parents did not raise me as a Christian, this does not mean they are not spiritual people. While we may not agree on beliefs, they have always supporting me, and I appreciate the way I was raised. I feel that I have a different view of Christianity than many other Christians, simply because I was not raised as one from a young age.

Because of my family, for many years I loathed the meaning of my name. I felt it was meant for someone else; I did not feel like I could be a strong warrior, or a lion for God's name. For many years I wished I had various other names.

As I entered my college years and spent a short time at George Fox University, a private Christian college, I became stronger in my faith as I explored it for myself, instead of "riding on the coattails" of my friends. During this time I doubted many times, but I never completely lost my faith in God. Deep down, I knew He was there for me, even if I couldn't see it.

Those years greatly influenced who I am today. Don't get me wrong, I still have hard times. However, I remember what I have accomplished, and realize that I do embody my name. Even if I am not a strong warrior or a fighter on the outside, I am constantly standing firm on the inside, a strong lion for God.

I'm alive!

I know I know... I'm a bad blogger. But I have exciting stuff coming up! I will be updating with some media outlets specifically for this blog, so stay tuned for that announcement. Also, I will be heading to Disneyland in California in only 84 days!!! For those who don't know why, I'll be updating you on that hopefully sometime this week. Please don't leave me! I'll be back on the blogging train soon.

Yippy!

My layout is done! Isn't it amazing??? Lori is pretty much a stellar blog designer. Fo' rea'.

Anyways, more updates to come in the next few weeks!

Update

You may have noticed the title change. Or not.

Or, you may have noticed the layout change. Or not.

Both of those are connected!

I am changing this blog up so I'm more motivated to keep writing on here. I have a new layout in the works, and it's connected to the new title.

Stay tuned!

For those who don't know, I am also a book blogger. This past week the book blogging community was shocked to learn that The Story Siren, who was my favorite blogger and was one of the more successful book bloggers, had plagiarized two blogs with multiple posts. Needless to say, I was heartbroken. I respected her, and now it's hard to know what content is actually hers and what isn't.

The reason I'm writing this post is to address the issue of plagiarism. Many people think that simply copy-pasting content is considered plagiarism, but in reality it is a lot more. If you read someone else's content or ideas, and only change small parts to make it your own, that is also plagiarism. If you ask for permission and give them credit, that is one thing. But when you take it and even tweak it slightly, without giving them credit, that's when you become a plagiarist.

I know this post is random, and not much like my usual posts, and I apologize for that. I'm hoping to get back into regular posts soon.

Blog Bash Intro Post!

I'm participating in Brittany and Hannah's 2011 blog bash! I'm a few days late in posting this, but I was on vacation all weekend so I didn't have internet.

If you're a new reader, I'll share a little about myself! If you're an old reader, just bear with me :)

I'm Ariel, and I'm a 20-year-old from Oregon! I love blogging, and currently have three blogs. This one, my book blog The Librarian's Bookshelf, and a private one. I'm attending George Fox University, and am an aspiring librarian! And if you hadn't guessed, I LOVE to read! I have tons of books and I love sharing my love of them with others.

I also love technology! I own two laptops, a Nook, a Nintendo DS, an iPod, and my cell phone of course. I rarely go anywhere without some sort of technology and a book!

On to the questions!

1.) What's your favorite memory from Summer 2011?

Triangle Lake! It was such an awesome weekend, and I love spending time with all my friends!

2.) What's your dream summer vacation?
Paris. Anyone who knows me would not be surprised by this answer :P I LOVE everything to do with France, and especially Paris!

3.) What's your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Read! I love just sitting on my bed and reading all day. I know that makes me sound really lazy, haha! But I also enjoy going on random adventures with my friends :)

4.) What's your "blog goal" for 2011?
To blog more :/ I don't blog on this blog as much as I used to, so I'm hoping to do a lot more on here! I'm also considering do an entire month of vlogging, if I can get enough topics! We'll see :)

5.) Let's hear the story behind your blog title! :)
Well as I said before, I LOVE anything to do with France. I am also a writer, and I tend to write more poems than stories. Thus The French Poet was born :)

If you are stopping by as new follower, leave a link in the comments so I can check your blog out!

Dang...

I am so horrible at keeping up with blogging.

I finally have the pictures for the header of my new layout, I just haven't gotten around to working on the layout. Hopefully I will soon... but I've been behind on review books for my other blog so it might be awhile still.

I have a Tumblr now! This is actually my second one... the first got hacked and it was a hassle so I just made an entirely new one. I've been posting quite a bit on there so follow me if you have one so I can follow you back!

Sorry I'm so lazy... I will try to be better soon!

True friends

A blogger friend called me a rare bird today. Otherwise known as a true friend. It meant a lot to me, because while I do enjoy reading her blogs and we are friends on other sites, I didn't think she really considered me a good blogger friend. I like knowing that I can be there for someone in spirit, even if I can't be there physically.

I really do love helping my friends out. I complain to them so often that I feel like I need to return the favor. And I love them dearly enough that I'll protect them to the ends of the earth and back if I need to.

I also try to being non-judgmental when people tell me things that are sensitive or that they might not want to be public knowledge. I know from personal experience that it's much easier to tell someone something if you know they will take it well. It's hard to be honest in the world these days when everyone is so passionate about what they believe. While I am passionate about a lot of things (abortion, for example) I also love hearing other people's beliefs and why they believe the way they do.

Everyone has a story, you just need to be willing to listen.