Thank You For Reading
It is erratic.
It contains a strange mix of topics.
It has its share of fluff material.
It is highly personal.
It rarely gives you advice or answers your questions. Instead, it asks questions and wants YOUR advice.
It is MomGrind and you are reading it regularly and contributing to the discussion. You are making MomGrind a lively, vibrant community where people get to know each other and exchange ideas. Without you, MomGrind would be just another platform for me to talk endlessly. I already do plenty of that in my real life. Here, in my little corner of the Internet, it’s good to have a CONVERSATION.
THANK YOU.
A special thank you to my top ten commentators for the month of July (according to the Top Commentators Wordpress plugin). I would like to personally thank each and every one of you.
Scott McIntyre - for managing to blog without a blog! You are not only doing the impossible - you are doing it with so much grace and style, that I just can’t wait for you to start your own blog (come on, you know you want to!). I loved your series of articles on Liz’s blog. And your StumbleUpon page has a Google Pagerank of 5! Now that’s impressive.
Bamboo Forest - for writing highly original, unique posts. I love the way you make me pause and think. I also love the way you make me smile.
Marelisa - for being a true friend. For being one of the most intelligent people I have had the pleasure of meeting on the blogosphere. For always inspiring me to be the very best that I can.
Barbara - for asking the most interesting blogging-related questions. Your “assignments” are so much fun. I always learn something new about myself and my blog. For being a warm, supportive person. For your ability to create a vibrant, lively community around your blog.
Dot H. - for bravely facing life with illness, disability and loss. For continuing to blog through it all and for inspiring your readers to regain their serenity in this crazy, fast-paced world.
Ellen Wilson - for being feisty. I like feisty. For writing a blog that always manages to surprise me. I never know what the next post will be like, and I’m always surprised and delighted when you publish a new one.
Urban Panther - for making me laugh when you lovingly quarrel with Urbane Lion. For being a fun, smart, beautiful forty-something. You inspire me.
Sarah - for not being afraid to follow your heart and do what works for you. For inspiring your readers to eat more fruit and to take better care of themselves.
Cath Lawson - for your fierce honesty, for which you sometimes pay a price. For authoring a blog that manages to give great business advice without being pretentious or condescending.
Joel - for being a true friend and supporter. For writing one of the most useful blogs out there. If I don’t go ahead and implement your advice right away, I bookmark it for later use. For having strong opinions and for not being afraid to express them.
While I have your attention, I’d like to share something with you.
A reader asked me recently, via email, about my long-term plans for MomGrind. In case you were wondering too, this is more or less what I said:
While MomGrind is a hobby - I don’t HAVE to make money from it so the business side is not a top priority - I do consider MomGrind a business - MY business (said in a proud voice while wiping a tear) - and I do take it very seriously. It is my baby, my creation. Creating it, nurturing it and watching it grow have been - are - an amazing experience.
My plans? I want to keep writing about things that spark my interest. I want to continue interacting with my readers and building a community around MomGrind. I want to make MomGrind the best that it can be, and let it grow as much as it possibly can.
There are, however, a few things that I prefer not to do, even if it means slower growth:
I don’t plan to publish more than I do now (around 3 times per week). I won’t let my blog suck away all of my free time so that there’s nothing left for my family, my friends and myself.
I prefer to mostly stay away from giving advice. Although advice is important, and I regularly read blogs that give great, useful advice, personally I don’t feel that I am qualified to give it, and I also suspect it would bore me if I tried to write advice posts on a regular basis.
I won’t expose myself or my family too much. Just like Don Mills Diva, “this blog is not my personal diary and it never will be. My intimate struggles - and you must trust me when I say I have intimate struggles – are not detailed here.”
If you have a blog, I would love to know: what are your long-term plans for your own blog?
If you don’t have a blog, I am curious to know how many blogs you read each day, and what makes you choose one blog over another.
Photo credit: Darwin Bell
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Scott McIntyre responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 4:08 am →
Awww! Vered, I’m really touched to be mentioned in your list.
Personally, it is a great pleasure to have come across your blog. I admire both your writing and the range of topics you cover.
I will be around these parts for a very long time indeed!
Joel Falconer responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 4:35 am →
Wow, thanks Vered, it’s an honor to be on this list. If I had such a list, you would certainly be on it.
You know the funniest part? When I express a strong opinion, there’s never a controversy. The only controversy that happens on my blog always seems to be somebody misreading a rather “safe” advice post. I really wish I could stir a real controversy, it’d be good for my FeedBurner numbers.
Anyway, I hope you continue to write this blog for a long time, and if MomGrind ever disappears I’ll be sad to see the quirky fun we have here go, not to mention getting teased by my wife for reading a mommy blog.
SpaceAgeSage responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 6:02 am →
It sounds like you have found a great deal of balance and meaning from your blog (and yes it does show). It is interesting about your take on giving advice, because the way you write and comment generates discussion, from which comes a great deal of community advice. Very cool and very Seth Godin-like.
SpaceAgeSage’s last blog post..Sunset isn’t the end, but the beginning
Shilpan | successsoul.com responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 6:03 am →
Vered -
Scott and Joel both have done more for others than seeking anything in return. Honestly, this list of top 10 contributors to your blog is a list of bloggers who have selflessly helped others and made blogosphere a place of friendship and graceful avenue of ideas to make our world a better place to live. I’m happy that you are in such a good company but then again, you are the standard bearer of grace and compassion on the blogsphere anyway.
–Shilpan
Shilpan | successsoul.com’s last blog post..Forrest Gump: How to Build Your Self-Confidence
Writer Dad responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 6:32 am →
Vered,
You deserve every bit of conversation you get. No matter where I seem to hop around, your fingerprints are all over the place. When I posted for the first time last Monday, you were the first to comment; and have every day since. You are so obviously considerate and thoughtful.
What makes me read one blog over another, especially in regard to what I subscribe to, is voice. I want character and voice, when I read and that’s what I try to do when I write online. I speak of my family, but I don’t use their real names, and it’s in broad strokes. I want to illustrate, not air laundry. Long term, I want Writer Dad to be a kind of portal. Once I transition to full time writer, I want to fly. We have a few projects on the horizon, but Writer Dad is the daddy.
Thank you Vered, your karma is good.
Writer Dad’s last blog post..Stop Dancing So Hard, You’re Making the Earth Shake
Stacey responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 6:47 am →
The mission of my CreateaBalance.com blog is “to help women balance the demands of being everything to everyone while not losing their sense of self, their needs, and their passions in the process.” I also stay away from giving advice and instead I try to tell my story and tribulations of practicing the art of life balance as a mom, full-time employee, artist, writer, etc…..(the list of roles goes on and on).
I will continue to share my story, my tumbles, and my triumphs in hopes that my words may make a difference in people’s lives and that my words may remind people that they do deserve - and it is possible - to embrace your sense of self , your needs and your passions.
My long-term plan is to provide readers with life balance tools that help them be more accountable for their life balance goals. I’m committed to keeping readers accountable for their life balance goals and already offer “life balance alerts” that provide readers with regular accountability check-in points to assess their practice of life balance.
Stacey’s last blog post..My July’s Paintings
Suzie responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 6:59 am →
I use my blog to help me not go insane. To get support and meet new friends. I do share a lot of my personal life if I didnt I would have no one else to share it with besides the people who were going through it too. I hope one day my kids can read it and see that they had a human raising them and not just a mom.
Suzie’s last blog post..My Dog Has O.C.D.
Marelisa responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 7:45 am →
Hi Vered: I remember before I ever came to your blog I would see your comments in places like zen habits. I always thought, “I like this person”. Once I clicked through to your blog and when I saw it was called “Momgrind” I thought, “Oh, too bad, I guess she gives mothering advice and I don’t have children, I’m leaving”. Another time you wrote an interesting comment somewhere else, so I decided to give your blog a second look. This time I saw photographs of roses, so I left a comment on how much I love roses and even have my own. You immediately started leaving incredibly encouraging comments on my blog (which was just starting out - if you see the first few comments in “75 Skills that a Woman Should Master” it’s basically a back and forth conversation between you and me, and I even had the ugly wordpress default theme). I’m so glad I left that first comment here, I love your blog, and you’re an awesome friend.
Marelisa’s last blog post..Morning Ritual: A Buffet
phyllis responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 7:57 am →
what a nice way to thank those who inspire you!
phyllis’s last blog post..It takes a village…
Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 8:00 am →
Really really nice giveback to the community!
Thanks for creating such a great blog. Barbara
Hunter Nuttall responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 8:02 am →
That’s great to be in a situation where you don’t have to make money from your blog, so you can always do whatever’s in the best interest of yourself and your baby without feeling any pressure. Alas, I’m not in that situation, and so my plans are to make some of that evil stuff called money in order to enable a life outside of corporate America.
This will entail writing some paid ebooks, and possibly doing freelance blogging (though it seems awfully hard to write for someone else compared to writing for yourself). It will hopefully entail receiving a flood of traffic from God, but of course I can’t sit around waiting for that. As always, I plan to keep writing about topics that are important to me, and saying the things that need to be said.
Thanks for writing MomGrind. You know, Kix has the tagline “Kid-tested, mother approved.” Maybe MomGrind could be “Mommy-tested, manly men approved.”
Hunter Nuttall’s last blog post..Todoodlist: Technology Is Great, Pencils Are Better
Dominique responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 8:13 am →
Hi,
Got to know your site via PRoblogger.
To answer your question about what are your long-term plans for your own blog?
I hope to grow my blog into a community where parents can come together to discuss and learn together on how to best parent their child. I do hope to grow it into a coaching /consultancy business if possible. Something that will help bring in the bacon.
chris responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 8:24 am →
Ok, I’m peeved because I was on vacation and didn’t make the top 10 commentors for July. But I’ll make it up to you in August.
We started pretty much at the same time and I’m happy to say that we have similar goals. One thing though, I wish I was as discipline as you are in constantly improving your blog. So my dear blogging sistah, why don’t you share some of your work ethic secrets with your blogging brotha.
Ellen Wilson responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 8:55 am →
Vered,
Thanks for adding me to the list.
I plan on being fiesty as usual, but I don’t think I can compare to Cath Lawson. I just read her blog and she had me cracking up with her attitude! I love it! Yes, I love strong women with a voice that aren’t afraid to show it.
Thanks for your blog and you know how I dig these “feminist” pictures. That last post of yours (well, two posts ago) was killer.
Three blog posts per week sounds good. Maybe you can maintain your balance with that.
I hope you don’t quit blogging because when you lose a blogger you like it’s like losing a novelist you like. What are you going to do? Read their posts over and over?
Ellen Wilson’s last blog post..Writing the Wild Within: Part 5 - Why Fly when You can Soar?
MomGrind responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 10:02 am →
@ Scott: “I will be around these parts for a very long time indeed!” You’d better!
@ Joel: “I really wish I could stir a real controversy, it’d be good for my FeedBurner numbers.” It probably will. I’m sure you have that huge controversy in you…
@ SpaceAgeSage: “very Seth Godin-like.” Could anyone say anything NICER than this? I don’t think so.
@ Shilpan: Well, you know that I view the blogosphere very differently than you do… I think that just like in life, we are all trying to promote ourselves, but being the social creatures that we are, we can’t help but make social interactions while we’re at it. And once you have a bond with someone, you want to help them too. So it all works beautifully, even though it starts from a very selfish place.
@ Writer Dad: “Thank you Vered, your karma is good.” Awww, that is possibly eceb SWEETER than the above “Seth Godin-like” comment. I LOVE my readers. Love, love, love. And you, anonymous Writer Dad, are especially awesome.
@ Stacey: I love that you have a very clear picture of what you do on CreateaBalance.com and of your long-term goals. I think it’s really important. It also helps with surviving the lows, because blogs are often characterized with highs and lows.
@ Suzie: I completely agree that one of the most important aspects of mommy blogging is to show other struggling moms – and our children – that we are HUMAN.
@ Marelisa: It’s amazing that you remember exactly how our friendship started. I noticed you on Zen Habits too but never did anything to initiate a relationship. I’m so glad you did!
@ Phyllis, @Barbara: Thank you for your support!
@ Hunter: “Mommy-tested, manly men approved” – I LOVE that. I am actually proud that my blog has appeal for men too. All these thoughts and ideas that I have in my head… their life-related, not “just” mommy-related.
You know that you are one of my favorite bloggers, right? I plan to stay very loyal to you and will gladly read your reviews etc. I do hope you find a way to leave the corporate environment. Obviously, it’s very important to you.
@ Dominique: Welcome to MomGrind.
Your plan for your blog sounds great. It’s always good to have a long-term plan.
@ chris: “I’ll make it up to you in August” – I’m sure you will! I think my “secret” is probably that I have more time! My kids are either at school or summer camp in the morning, and I only work part-time for Up To Us. I usually write my blog posts after the kids go to bed. So this means I can dedicate around 3 per day for blog-related activities. I’m sure you don’t have that much time.
@ Ellen: “I love strong women with a voice that aren’t afraid to show it.” AMEN to that! I don’t plan on quitting blogging… that’s exactly why it’s important to me to find my balance. So that I can do this long-term.
Mark Salinas responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 10:39 am →
Very nice!
Mark Salinas’s last blog post..One Minute Challenge
Asif responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 10:53 am →
We both Started In February, And you are doing a great Job.
Be it PR, Alexa, Everything Fine.
I wish I was a Mommy Too.
But M happy to be a Guy.
Asif’s last blog post..Shortcut to Success
Stephanie responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 11:04 am →
My long term plans are to keep it going. Sometimes that’s harder than others. I’ve been posting less than usual because I’m pregnant and tired more often, and I expect things to get really tough when baby gets here. But things may get a bit better now that my husband is going back to work soon, so he won’t be underfoot, and my daughter has school starting. Good and bad to that since it leaves me and my son alone all day and he’s the clingy one!
Stephanie’s last blog post..Be Prepared to Work at Home
Jill responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 11:05 am →
Your long-term plan makes a lot of sense. I saw you working on your blog during the first few weeks, back in March, and I definitely worried about burnout. You seem to have a much more balanced approach now. I’m happy for you!
Rivster responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 11:14 am →
What a great way to show gratitude to your most loyal readers!! I may have to borrow the idea at some point…
I try to post 5 times a week. It depends on what else is going on in my crazy life! I try to strike a balance of personal stuff (mostly because it’s just too funny not to share) and teaching Torah. I know that I’ve got many congregants who read the blog and so I use it as another venue to show how easily Judaism can be woven into every day life.
My long-long term plans are to eventually write a book. But between 3 kids, 1 husband, and a congregation, it’s not likely to happen anytime soon.
I read those blogs that teach me something. Motivate me. Give me a sense that I’m not the only one who strives for “good-enough” because perfection is just a fascade.
Ann at One Bag Nation responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 11:18 am →
Hi Vered:
I didn’t go back and check, but I think you were my very first commenter! and I appreciate your loyalty and support since then. I remember when you invited me to follow you on twitter, and I didn’t even know what it was - it kind of freaked me out, as a new new newbie to the whole blogging scene - seems funny now!
You’re obviously on your way (a guest post at problogger is amazing!) and you’ve set your own rules, which is inspiring to me. Even though my blog is about getting more organized and feeling more productive, I just couldn’t do the “tips and tricks” thing; I think we feel the same way about that, and it’s great to see you succeed doing it your way.
My time for blogging is limited by work and family responsibilities, and like you, I don’t want it to take over my life, but I’m hooked now, and look forward to exchanging comments with you for a long time to come!
Ann at One Bag Nation’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: The Landscape of my Life
Bamboo Forest responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 11:20 am →
@ Vered: Thanks for the link and kind mention
Your blog is a joy to return to again and again; the content is always refreshing.
Long-term plans? Not entirely sure. But I do want to keep writing. And I do want to improve my writing. Those are probably very fitting for my long term goals.
I think 3 posts a week is very solid for the Momgrind. I think it is perfect.
Bamboo Forest’s last blog post..11 Requirements to be a Mad Scientist
Barbara Swafford responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 12:15 pm →
Hi Vered,
This is why we love you so much. Your honestly and gratitude always shine through, whether here on Momgrind or in the comments you leave throughout blogosphere. Your warm words touch my heart and through this thing we call blogging, I feel I have found a wonderful (and longtime) cyberfriend.
Like you, my long term plans are to keep on blogging, by sharing, helping, listening, teaching and challenging bloggers to always do their best, be their best.
You’re an awesome person Vered. The link love is most appreciated.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Interview With Lorelle VanFossen - Part 6 - Let’s Woop It Up
Jennifer responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 12:21 pm →
I want to make a little money and build my pagerank. I’m a little tired and out of ideas right now. Plus, my kids have summer brain fart syndrome right now. Their high pitched screams and whining stop any chance of me having an intelligent thought in my head.
I love my blog. Actually, I have three blogs. One I work on regularly. One is for my personal growth with weight loss. The other was suposse to be a place where parents can get together and share ideas about parenting. I ran out of ideas.
I really want to improve my writing. I work really hard at that. That’s my main goal.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Randy Pausch: Last Lecture
hyrcan responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 12:56 pm →
I have a blog, but I don’t really have any plans for it.
I have plans for other sites, one which, when I think about it, should just be rolled into my own blog site…or not… I can’t make up my mind. At any rate, right now my blog is just for me. If someone stumbles onto it, and takes something away from it then great more power to them, but right now I don’t have any sort of schedule, or agenda… No desire to make money from it, or even make money to pay for the private server it’s on. It’s for me to occasionally ramble on about something and post pictures. Oh, and to mess about with web software. Though anyone willing to share in the madness is welcome.
As for blogs I read… dozens regularly, and countless random ones. What makes one a regularly read blog? Any number of reasons, topic interests me, writing style, genuineness (is that a word?), pretty colors, alignment of the moon and my mouse’s optical beam, you name it.
hyrcan’s last blog post..Socially Acceptable Sexual Discrimination
Urban Panther responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 1:04 pm →
Thank you, Vered, for your kind words, and also for your blog. You always have something interesting to spark my thought processes. And I feel like I ‘personally’ know all the other comment contributers, because of the sense of community you build. Keep up the good work!
Christina responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 1:58 pm →
Vered-
Please keep up your great ideas… you inspire me… and many others!
Christina’s last blog post..Imagination - Quote from Edmund Burke
Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 2:38 pm →
What a lovely post!
I’m still working on bloggy balance, but my goals are the same as yours…
Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)’s last blog post..I feel OLD!
Tim Brownson responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 4:31 pm →
You don’t get from nowhere to where you are now without doing a LOT right. A job well done by you and your readers. Congrats.
Seriously, that’s it, there’s no joke.
No there isn’t’ honest.
Oh go on then, I suppose I can’t leave it like that.
Drum roll maestro please.
Boy: Daddy, daddy there’s a man at the door with a bill.
Dad: Don’t be silly son, it must be a duck with a hat on.
I thank you and goodnight.
Kelly@SHE-POWER responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 5:56 pm →
Vered
Congrats on the Problogger guest post and you know I love your blog. I may not comment as much as the people mentioned, but I am a loyal reader and a devoted fan of your wit and style. And you seem to be doing wonderfully without getting “too personal” or blogging every day, so keep the boundaries you hold dear. They are part of who you are and you can’t compromise that for MAYBE higher traffic levels.
As you know, I am also a big believer in keeping my blog in its place, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important to me. I’m not sure if I have concrete plans for my blog. I’m a bit fly with the wind in that regard - actually I’m fly with the wind in my life right now - but SHE-POWER has already delivered exactly what I wanted. Friends like you. My authentic writer’s voice set free. And people who like my stories. It’s all good.
I look forward to many more blog posts and shared times in the future.
Love you babe.
Kel xxx
Dot H. | Deeper Issues responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 6:34 pm →
Oh, Vered, that’s so sweet! I comment a lot because your blog is so interesting to me. And I try to read the comments, because the commenters are so interesting too. I read about 8 blogs. I don’t subscribe, because I like to see the photos and the layout — the full Monty, so to speak.
They’re divided among art, writers and self-development/productivity.
My plan for my blog? Right now, to develop an audience. I want to keep writing for many years. Eventually, I hope to gain some small income from the blog, but not at the expense of losing great commentary. I’m expecting to still be blogging when I retire in 9 years, but perhaps by that time we’ll be slogging or fweeting instead. My posts are erratic, and not very many yet, so it’s too soon to know what Deeper Issues will become, once it has a community of people bringing richness to it, like MomGrind does.
You gave me one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever gotten, and I’m giving it back to you — I think you’re an interesting person, too. Thanks again! Dot
Sarah responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 6:38 pm →
Vered, I don’t even remember if I found your blog or you found mine, but I’m glad we’re getting to know each other.
And if I may say so - you’ve set some good boundaries for yourself and your blog is still growing like crazy, so what you’re doing is obviously working! Keep it up, we’re addicted! 
Sarah’s last blog post..Have I lost My mind (Yet)?
Sarah responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 6:43 pm →
Oh I forgot to answer the question! My long term plans for my blog…are to keep writing as long as it helps both me and others.
Right now it helps me because I love to write, share and entertain. If it ever became something I did not enjoy, I would stop.
Maybe I should have longer term plans than that, but I just really don’t!
MomGrind responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 6:58 pm →
@ Asif: Nah, being a mommy is tough.
@ Stephanie: “But things may get a bit better now that my husband is going back to work soon” – Yay! I am happy for you both. It must be a relief!
@ Jill: Thank you.
I do feel better about the amount of time I invest in this blog now. It was CRAZY at the start.
@ Rivster: Writing a book… wow. That’s a great plan. One of my readers recently told me that you just have to start writing… commit to writing, say, 500 words per day. Even if they’re no good, just write. After a few months, you will have a book and then you can start editing and perfecting it. I thought it was an interesting approach.
@ Ann: “I’m hooked now, and look forward to exchanging comments with you for a long time to come!” I’ll drink to that.
@ Bamboo Forest: “But I do want to keep writing. And I do want to improve my writing.” Me too!
@ Barbara Swafford: Thank you! Although the comment I left on your blog today was not very warm.
I just feel very strongly about privacy issues.
@ Jennifer: “I ran out of ideas.” – I think it’s OK to close a blog if you’re not enjoying it anymore. I guess that’s why one should write about something they are truly passionate about.
@ hyrcan: “alignment of the moon and my mouse’s optical beam” – yes, that’s a very good reason to read a blog.
@ Urban Panther, @Christina and @Rebecca: THANK YOU!
@ Tim: No, WE thank YOU.
@ Kelly: I love you too!!! “but SHE-POWER has already delivered exactly what I wanted. Friends like you. My authentic writer’s voice set free. And people who like my stories. It’s all good.” – that’s a beautiful summary of what you “get” from your blog. Blogs give us so much more than cash.
@ Dot H.: “And I try to read the comments, because the commenters are so interesting too.” – I agree! My commenters are AWESOME. I’m surprised that you don’t get this compliment more often. I think you are incredibly smart. Oh, and I loved your observation about “slogging or fweeting” – so true – who knows what people will be doing online 10 years from now, it’s all moving so FAST.
@ Sarah: Actually this is a PERFECT plan: to do this only as long as we enjoy it. I couldn’t agree more!
Natural responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 7:59 pm →
no plans for my blog. it’s an outlet, i love to write. i love to share and i doubt if i’m qualified to give advice, so i kind of call it my opinion :)….someone has taught me something so under the each one teach one rule, i don’t mind sharing…although i’ve been doing a lot of cackling lately. my blog also fulfills my comedian needs.
its not a personal blog, but i do share some personal things,but nothing i’m afraid for anyone to read.
i choose one blog over the other for two reasons i guess….make me laugh or teach me something. if you write something that i can use or something that gives me a chuckle, i’m more likely to stay.
Natural’s last blog post..A Fish Out of Water, Literally
Linda Abbit responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 11:34 pm →
I am so happy I found your blog & you through the BWAB community. I felt an affinity with you as soon as I read your comments there and then posts here. I’ve cheered for you, as you seem to appear on all the “magazine covers” of blogging in the last few weeks — but not in a skimpy outfit.
I also want to grow a community with my blog, and am interested myself in seeing where this journey will take me. I envision speaking and possibly consulting of some kind. Perhaps a column in a mazaine or newspaper or a book? Oprah? The sky’s the limit! I’m open to wherever my blog leads me.
An unexpected bonus of blogging — new friends like you!
Linda Abbit’s last blog post..We Interrupt This Regularly-Scheduled Eldercare Blog To Bring You . . . An Earthquake!
Ricardo Bueno responds:
Posted: July 31st, 2008 at 11:39 pm →
MomGrind: Your rock! I haven’t been here for too long but I think it’s great anyway that you take the time to appreciate everyone that makes up your community
Your long-term plan is perfect. Not too much, not too little. You asked what “our” long-term plan(s) are… Good question… I have a general sense of where I’d like to go but I’ve yet to actually put the pen-to-paper. I just might and let it all out in a blog post. That should be comforting for both myself and new readers…
Anyway, blog on MomGring…blog on!
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map responds:
Posted: August 1st, 2008 at 12:11 am →
Hello Vered, was it me that asked you for your long term plans? Well, I can’t remember. It doesn’t matter anyway…it sure looks like you are here to stay. You’ve built up a community of loyal readers.
As of now, I intend to stay for the long term for my site as well. My purpose is really to help and inspire readers. Making money is secondary and will be by-the-way kind of thing.
To your success,
Evelyn
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map’s last blog post..Experiencing Guilt Down Memory Lane
Cecelia responds:
Posted: August 1st, 2008 at 5:17 am →
I came across your blog from Problogger and like it alot. I’ve bookmarked it (old-fashioned, I know) and will be back. Great site, and I like how you reached out directly to your readers.
Cecelia’s last blog post..Crayon Keeper for Cool Kids
vw bug responds:
Posted: August 1st, 2008 at 6:37 am →
Wow. You are an inspiration. I have just been blogging as a ‘diary’ of my life with my kids and family. To help me remember the good times… though it started to help me deal with my dad’s dieing and find adult interaction… Now lately, I have been considering trying to earn some cash from my blog to help pay for the isp I use and possibly some stuff for my kids … like a prism or other non essential but fun thing to have. I also throw in some other stuff from time to time… because it’s my blog. I have enjoyed yours since I have started reading it and wonder how you find all the time.
vw bug’s last blog post..Monkeys, Sleep and Stomachs
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 1st, 2008 at 9:24 am →
@ Natural: “I choose one blog over the other for two reasons i guess….make me laugh or teach me something”. You put it SO well. I think I would add that I also choose blogs that make me feel or think.
@ Linda: “The sky’s the limit!” – I LOVE your attitude! And I agree that meeting new friends is an amazing bonus – one that I never even considered when I started blogging.
@ Ricardo: “I just might and let it all out in a blog post.” – I think you should! I would be very interested to read about it.
@ Evelyn: Yes, it was you who asked me.
I think you do help – your blog amazes me because we are so different – you are so spiritual and I am so cynical. You inspire me.
@ Cecelia: Very nice to meet you! Welcome to MomGrind.
@ vw bug: I am very sorry about your dad. I have 6 hours each morning when my kids are at school or summer camp, and around 3 more hours after they go to bed. I use that time to work P/T, blog, exercise, and socialize with my real-life friends. I almost never watch TV and I hardly ever read anymore
…so that’s pretty much how I manage it all. 
San Diego Momma responds:
Posted: August 1st, 2008 at 2:52 pm →
I like how authentic and honest your blog is, so as long as you keep that up, I’m happy.
As for my blog, my goal is to continue to use it as my writing haven. First and foremost, I want it to be where I express myself creatively and develop my voice. I’d love to eventually get some freelance writing gigs from it one day.
As for you! Keep posting and I’ll keep reading!
San Diego Momma’s last blog post..Overdue
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 1st, 2008 at 9:30 pm →
@ San Diego Momma: “I’d love to eventually get some freelance writing gigs from it one day.” Good luck! I enjoy your writing very much.
davina responds:
Posted: August 1st, 2008 at 10:47 pm →
Hi MomGrind. You know what I like about your blog? It is unpredictable. You don’t try to keep it focused on any specific topic. It is a breath of fresh air each time I pop in. Congrats on the ProBlogger article. I just read it and thought it was excellent!
davina’s last blog post..260+3 Blog-to-Show — How Did You Choose?
davina responds:
Posted: August 1st, 2008 at 11:14 pm →
Hi, back again. I forgot to answer your question. There aren’t any longterm plans for my blog. I’m in the exploration mode right now, enjoying reading other blogs and tapping into the creative writer again after so many years of not writing. I’m just hanging out right now.
davina’s last blog post..260+3 Blog-to-Show — How Did You Choose?
Max Forlani responds:
Posted: August 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 am →
Hi Vered,
first of all congratulations on your guest post at Darren’s Problogger.
I have two blogs. One is Istanbul Trails (www.istanbultrails.com), a blog about Istanbul with tips and tricks for toursist and expats alike. This blog is of course not a high RSS magnet, unless you plan a city trip to this metropolitan in the near future.
The other blog, The Forlanis, is a personal blog. It’s a spin-off of the first, since people asked me often personal questions and, being an expat, a good way to stay in touch with friends and family. The blog is brand new, and at the moment I’m doing a 25-post series about how I got hooked on Istanbul. But since my wife and I are expecting our first child, it may also turn out a daddy-blog in the near future.
I have no problem with writing about our personal life. I’ve talked it through with my wife prior to setting up The Forlanis. To keep a minimum of privacy though, we don’t use our real names, nor will we put pictures of us nor our location on the net. Other than that, all stories are authentic. It goes without saying that when maintaining a minimum of privacy, we still decide what experiences we publish and which we don’t and keep to ourselves.
Cheers,
Max
Max Forlani’s last blog post..Important Message For New Visitors
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 2nd, 2008 at 10:52 am →
@ davina: Thank you! I think that keeping a blog as a way to go back into writing is great. I’ve heard many people say that their blog is the only thing that inspires them to write every single day, and that their blog helped them a lot with their writing.
@ Max: Congratulations! Expecting your first child – that’s an exciting time for a family. I can’t wait to read about your adventures as a first-time dad.
Betsy responds:
Posted: August 3rd, 2008 at 6:25 am →
“My intimate struggles?” Perhaps that should be the name of my blog
My blog has no purpose other than serve as an outlet for personal expression. If that personal expression can make even one fellow human being feel less alone, less weird, less imperfect, then that is a triumph for me, and fuel enough to keep sending my thoughts out into cyberspace.
Betsy’s last blog post..Falling off
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 3rd, 2008 at 7:58 pm →
@ Betsy: I visited your blog and I think your writing is inspiring. I have no doubt it affects your readers and helps them with their own struggles.
Cath Lawson responds:
Posted: August 12th, 2008 at 4:43 pm →
Hi Vered - Thank you so much for the link love and also for your kind words.
Re - long term plans for my blog - I guess I’ve been trying to create my own brand from day one and I have some rough ideas on where I want to go with it long term. Trouble is, I’ve changed a lot since I began writing. I did write over 100 pages of an ebook, but I scrapped it, because I’d changed so much and my views on business have changed.
What keeps me reading great blogs like this one is thought provoking content and great community discussion. Also, you share enouh of yourself that it has been really easy to get to know and like the person behind the blog.
MomGrind responds:
Posted: August 12th, 2008 at 9:30 pm →
@ Cath: I feel the same way about your blog - the though-provoking posts, the community, and the person behind the blog.
I think it’s normal to change directions. A blog is an extension of the person who writes it, so it’s only natural that the blog would change with its author.
No way of editing that ebook into something that you can still publish? I would hate to see all that hard work go to waste.
28 Astute Takes of Insight on Living a Prolific Life | Marc and Angel Hack Life responds:
Posted: August 15th, 2008 at 1:55 am →
[…] Graciously thank the people who deserve it. – “You are making MomGrind a lively, vibrant community where people get to know each other and exchange ideas. Without you, MomGrind would be just another platform for me to talk endlessly… A special thank you to my top ten commentators for the month of July.” – via MomGrind […]
Platform Beds Phil responds:
Posted: September 13th, 2008 at 7:48 pm →
Hi Vered,
My name is Phil. I came across your blog while searching about information on actually creating blogs. I’m in the category of “readers” as I enjoy a lot of reading as opposed to having my own blog. I certainly would like to start one up someday to serve a useful purpose and I’ve been doing a lot of reading this week including on your page.
Many of the comments above seemed to hit it on the head that keeping your readers engaged and finding a wide variety of topics is important. Thank you and keep up the great work! - Phil