Why I started Blogging

Full disclosure-I've only had this blog for less than a year and I've only been blogging for about 2 weeks.  Before it's magical transformation by A Bird in Hand Designs, my blog was a hot mess.  I self taught myself to make one using online tutorials and spent hours and hours trying to figure out code.  That stuff is scary #truth

This week I'm linking up with Miss Monica over at I Heart Grade 3 because I've been pondering her topic of the week for months now, why do I blog?  Or, in my case, why do I want to blog?  So far I only have a few people actually following this blog (hint, hint!) but hundreds if you add up my Facebook and Instagram followers.  So I'm definitely not doing this to win a popularity contest.

Personally, I view blogging as a creative outlet.  And after all, writing is in my blood.  No kidding...

Ever heard of the name Bobbie Kalman before?  Yep, she's my mom's first cousin but I grew up calling her my aunt. I love her spirit, huge heart, generosity and laugh.  I could listen to her tell stories all day long.  I think it's a Hungarian thing.  Did I mention I'm 1/4 Hungarian? Sadly the oral retelling gift that my Mother and aunts have was not passed onto me.  I did, however, get a prominent jawbone and a vivid imagination so all is not lost.

Non-fiction books are Bobbie's specialty

A favourite of Grade 3 Ontario teachers

And you see that styling book below from the 80s?  It's dedicated to me.  If you've got a unique name like I do, you'll know how rare it is to see your name spelled correctly in print.  I still get goosebumps remembering how proud I was to show off this book to some mean kids at my elementary school. Too bad it's out of print otherwise I'd send each of my followers a copy ;-)

Coolest book ever in my humble opinion

Ready for more?  My aunt Constance Brissenden and uncle Larry Loyie are Norma Fleck Award Recipients!  My uncle was taken to a residential school as a small child.  He was brave enough to put his past down on paper for Canadian students to learn about it.  I highly recommend any of their books or inviting Wayne Spear, the co-author of their most recent book, to talk to your school, board or district.

Amazing read and visually stunning

I can't even think about uncle Larry's book, As Long as the Rivers Flow without starting to cry.  My uncle was just a sweet, innocent little boy who loved his family, just like my sons do. Again, search this book out and read it to your class and your own children.  Hard to believe this happened just a few generations ago in Canada.

2003 Norma Fleck Award Winner

Now that I have some "Blog Pride", I hope to blog on a regular basis. Maybe that will be once a week or once a month.  Who knows?  It's just nice to have a sparkly place waiting for me to share when the mood strikes.

I can't wait to read about why everyone else started blogging too.

My Goals for the Summer

I'm excited to link up with Miss Monica from I Heart Grade 3 for her new weekly summer linky party. This week's topic is Summer Plans and even though I still have a few weeks left to teach, it's fun to think ahead.  

My Summer Goals (in no particular order)

1) Be more active outdoors

Less iPhone, more sunshine. #nuffsaid

2) Go to bed earlier

I'm a hopeless night owl but really want to avoid too many late night (TV/book/TPT) sessions. I feel crummy the next day & want to be more productive. (see next point)

This is so me, sigh

3) Organize and purge

My Achilles heal-keeping on top of everything. It's a learning process for me and I'm so much better than I used to be but, I still sink more than swim in that department. 

4) Enjoy our newly refurbished deck

Sadly, no after deck shot (yet) but these last few weekends we've spent a lot of time sanding & staining it. I'd say it's 99% done.  Now the weather needs to cooperate so we can start eating al fresco.

Who knew home renovations could bring a couple closer? (said no one ever)

5) Travel 

A few trips have already been booked including Florida (Disney) & Seattle (wedding). I'd love to get away with my hubby to Europe again too...Venice has been calling my name lately!

Aren't these the sweetest spoons?

5) TPT

I've got to finish up the 5+ projects I've been working on & publish them. If the creative mood strikes, I'll try and be on-task.  

What are your summer plans?  

Bippity Boppity Boo

You know that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when something you have been waiting for a long time finally happens? Maybe you felt it after moving into your first home, or after you got that job you really wanted or when a sitewide TPT sale comes around? Well I feel it right now because Megan over at A Bird in Hand Designs took my ideas and created the prettiest blog for me.

I'll give you one guess as to where I got my inspiration from *wink*

A magical fairy godmother, glitter and a pumpkin=my blog vision in a picture

I am so happy and relieved it's done because making decisions doesn't come easy for me.  Well, it does if it involves watching Netflix or getting a hug from my 6 year old son.  Otherwise picking out colours and fonts really stresses me out.  Like, Ican'tfallasleep stresses me out.

Cinderella was the first movie I watched in a theater growing up. Clearly it made an enormous impression on me, although I'm pretty sure my little cousin fell asleep #morepopcornforme.

So when the new version came out earlier this year you know I had to see it.  I brought along my very own Prince Charming to keep me company while Daddy was away on business.

It was an amazing date night and one I hope to do again soon. Summer break is only a few weeks away now but who is counting?