The days are hot. The nights are warm.

We’ve already swam in ponds, and roasted things over fires.

Summer break has finally arrived.

We are all more than a little ready for summer.

We are tired of the grind, yo.

I’ve managed to squirrel enough cash to cut back on my work hours, and we have many, many plans.

I’ve never made a bucket list, but because there is input from 3 people, I figured it would be a good idea, because we all know I will not remember all that. Plus, A LIST!

Summer 2014 Bucket List!

Visit local swimming areas.
Make tie-dye t-shirts.
Visit local farmer’s markets.
See many dollar movies.
Make creativity journals.
Visit the planetarium.
Launch our food blog.
Pick as many fruits and veggies as we can.
Learn to ride a bike.
Learn to tie shoes.
Make a soda volcano sprinkler.
Go to the movies.
Have a sleepover.
Read.
Have a treasure hunt.
Build a fort.
Play laser tag.
Go bowling.
Build a sheet fort and watch movies.
Have a water balloon fight.
Learn the alphabet.
Run in the sprinkler.

I sat down and made this list with the kids, but I have some plans of my own, too. Plans I had hoped to fulfill last summer.

I’m always striving to be a better mother.

More patient. More kind. More present. More willing to drop what I’m doing for a hug, snuggle, or non-emergency need.

To put down my phone (also known as work).

I’m hoping cutting back a bit on work will eliminate stress, and not cause more of it, and we will have the best summer ever. I need it as much as they do.

Here’s hoping anyway! What are your plans for the summer?

Anyone else wish all weekends were three days long?

It’s been a whole two months since I last posted on this blog. Where has the time gone? What even happened? I honestly have no idea. Too much work, too little play? Perhaps. I don’t know, I just haven’t been feeling it. Whatever it is. My creativity maybe?

It’s affecting my work, and my whole life, really. I love my work. But lately something feels like it’s missing. You probably know the feeling. The feeling when you are ready to take the next step, but you have no idea what that step is. Maybe there is no opportunity (that you can see). Maybe you have so many possible paths that it is impossible to decide which is the best.

I have waffled between these two feelings lately.

I have a good friend who works in the industry, and we frequently bounce not only industry-related ideas off of each other, but also personal issues. She’s a give it to you straight problem solver. A pep talker. A friend who, if you ask her to, will hold you accountable. She has been a tremendous help to me in the past; helping me see my path, helping me build confidence.

I consulted her again recently about my feeling that something is missing. She put all my thoughts together without me even telling her all of the random thoughts I had written on random lists. She is that good. And now I have a plan of where to go from here. It’s exciting. And scary. And will take quite a bit of time for me to develop.

Time. Where does it go? Where does it come from?

It doesn’t come from anywhere. We have to make time for it. Weird right?

Actually, I think some people don’t need to make time for time. It just comes naturally to some people to slow down. Think about themselves. DO something for themselves.

For me, not so much. So I have declared May MY month. I’m cutting back on the work. I’m going to actually write. (I am even considering NoBloPoMo, although it will have to be split up between the two blogs). I’m going to work on my new projects. I’m going to network. I’m going to actually do the crafts I’ve been planning and plotting on Pinterest. I would love it if Ben and I could launch the food blog we have been working on for months on end.

Mostly, I want to feel relaxed. Creative again. Like there isn’t something that is missing.

So I’m going to make time. Will you?

Well, here we are, the first of March, and I am in my annual armpit of winter funk.

Pre-holidays, and even into the beginning of January I had a lot of blogging and business goals. I was ready to hit 2014 running. I was full of energy, confidence, and hope. This was going to be my year.

And then Christmas and New Year’s happened, and I had taken a lot of time off. Time off is always good, but it makes me lazy. Complacent.

Then January and February happened. Bitter cold temps, school closings, illnesses. Now I am complacent and uninspired.

I take heart in knowing that I’m not alone. Mothers everywhere are feeling the strain of being locked inside with bored kids. Sick kids. Bored and sick kids. Everything in-between.

Old Man Winter still has a strong hold on many of us, but here and there we have had slightly warmer temperatures offering a glimmer of hope. The days are getting longer and brighter. Next week is Daylight Savings. I’m ready. It’s been very dark in here, and I am desperate for some light at the end of this tunnel.

Meteorological spring begins today. And today I turn 35. March is coming in like a lion, bringing with it renewed hope, energy, and confidence for the year to come. It’s time to pull myself from the dark funk and let awakening and rebirth revitalize and inspire me. My year – my life – is standing in front of me. It’s still mine. I just have to take it.

Are you ready to shake the funk of winter and greet all that spring can bring?

*image credit hotblack at morgueFile*

Are you wondering what to get the blogger in your life? Here is my top ten list of practical gifts that any blogger would appreciate.

Stock Images

Unless you are a photographer or food blogger, one thing bloggers almost universally struggle with getting great images without completely breaking the bank. A subscription to a photo service is a great way to help your blogger step up their blogging game. Try out Deposit Photos, iStockPhoto, and Shutterstock to get started.

Photoshop Elements

Of course sometimes we need to make adjustments to our photos or add text overlays. Maybe your blogger is a budding photographer. Photoshop Elements is just the right amount of photo editing software to get started, and at $99 is just the right price.

PicMonkey Subscription

In my opinion, even better than Photoshop is PicMonkey. This online editing tool makes photo editing, and producing graphics of all kinds a cinch. And, at $33 a year, it’s a much cheaper alternative.

A Year of Web Hosting

All I have to say is my hosting is expiring this month, and if someone wanted to pay for it, I would jump for joy!

Upgrades to Pro Accounts and Private Forums

One thing I know I hate spending money on is upgrading to pro accounts and private forums. They are just little expenses that seem to add up to large expenses. Perhaps your blogger has an account to their favorite web service or private forum that they would like upgraded to pro for enhanced features and materials? Maybe they would like to listen to ad-free Pandora. There are tons of subscription services bloggers use, so be sure to ask your blogger about their favorites.

Access to Their Favorite Conference

This one can get a little tricky because conferences are so costly. Fortunately there a few things you can do to help your blogger get conference ready. From purchasing passes to airfare and hotel accommodations. Points work too! Do you have some frequent flyer miles or hotel points burning a hole in your pocket? Donate them!

Electronics and Technology

This category covers the complete budget range. Think jump drives, headphones, iPods, eReaders and iPads, cameras, printers, etc. If you want to give a larger item but can’t afford it, a gift card toward the purchase is a great option.

Snacks and Beverages

I hear a lot of bloggers talking about their favorite beverages. Many of us work long nights or early mornings, and are balancing our families and meeting their needs first. A gift basket of their favorite snacks and beverages would be a most welcome gift, I am sure. I personally love gift baskets because I love themes and the possibilities are endless. Relaxation baskets could include wine, cheese, and chocolate or tea, healthy soup mixes, and whole grain crackers. Late night and early morning workers might various coffees, teas, or hot cocoa. You get the idea.

Books, eCourses, or Consulting Sessions

How many of us wouldn’t want to better our blogging or product/service with some courses, books, or consulting sessions? I know I would. Of course one thing to remember is you can provide the service, but not the time. A great (and free) ad-on might be some babysitting, cooking, or cleaning to ease the load and really give the opportunity for your favorite blogger to learn and grow.

Web Design Services

Lets face it, getting a custom website or blog can be pricey. Is your blogger ready for a new design? Check to see if they have a designer in mind, and whether or not they offer gift certificates. Even if they don’t officially offer them, they might be willing to.

What is on your list this year?

Last week the kids and I played hookie we took a field trip to Rochester to visit a friend and go to the National Museum of Play. That place is seriously awesome. I can’t even put into words all they have to offer, so I will let them do the talking.

You’re never too big for this much fun! With more than 150,000 square feet of dynamic interactive exhibit space; the world’s largest collection of toys, dolls, games, and other items that celebrate play; a wide range of programs and activities; and family-friendly amenities, the National Museum of Play^® provides educational, entertaining, and unforgettable intergenerational fun.

I didn’t take that many pictures, because I was too busy playing!

We strolled along Sesame Street, and had a picture in Big Bird’s nest. We saw comic book hero’s, shopped at a kid sized Wegmans, and played in an arcade. One of the best parts was the butterfly garden. Even though there was a butterfly or probably a moth that kept buzzing my head/face. In case you don’t remember, here is my history with moths.

I love how the turtle looks like he is waving good-bye!

If you are a local or are traveling through Western New York, this is a serious must do! It is well worth the money, and I can’t wait to go back!

It is no secret that I have been essentially unable to keep up with both a personal and professional blog. I just don’t feel like I have a lot to say on The Laine List. My readers are losing interest, because I am too.

I think about the work I have done to create my brand. I’ve never been totally comfortable with having two online identities, but I wanted to establish trust and credibility in my work. Along the line, though, between cross-posting on blogging networks, and increased presence in social media, the boundary between the personal and professional has become elastic, and it seems unnecessary. Joining Pinterest and Instagram has been the tipping point for me. Everything I do, and everything I like is already out there. Anyone can find out whatever they want to about me.

From a professional standpoint, I want to focus more on creating my personal brand.

From a personal standpoint, I just want to be me. I want people to know *me.*

Another factor here, which when I began blogging, I didn’t think would be an issue, is I finally feel like I know how I want to focus my writing. Or, in bloggy terms, what my niche is. Of course I will continue to write about WordPress, social media, etc. The personal component I would like to add is working at home, and making it work. This is something that I think about and do every day, and I know there are others, readers of the EGD blog included, who are interested in learning about how to make it work for them. So, the personal meets the professional.

I do also want to talk about my Roller Derby adventures, and I think is another area where the personal can meet the professional. I discuss personal strength and confidence when I write those posts, and how is that not business related?

I anticipate wanting to write some of the more deeply personal posts at some point. I think those posts will be posted on blogging networks, but honestly at this point, I’m not sure I have it in me to write the deeply personal anytime soon.

I will not shut down The Laine List. It will remain, and the posts will remain, and maybe I will want to write something deeply personal and post it here. I will always have the option of coming back.

This idea is in its infancy, and this is really kind of a brain dump. I’m not ready to take this risk yet, but I’m seriously considering it.

What do you think? Is this a risk worth taking?

 

Did you like this post? Please share using these buttons!