I'm bored and ready for a change...

     ...with my blog layout, that is.  I don't know about ya'll, but I get bored with the look of my little slice of blogdom so quickly.  The current layout was created back in December (Christmas break), so now that I'm on another break I think it's time to change it up again.  I'd love something nice and airy--can you tell I'm ready for summer?  ;] 

Here are some of my favorite blogs when it comes to their layout (and general awesome-ness):
     Lisa from Scratch
     The Pleated Poppy (I love her layout so much...the giant poppy, zigzag lines, text...everything.)
     Gussy Sews
     Along for the Ride (The only one of the list without a white background.  The color and pattern in her layout is subtly perfect.)
     Today's Letters

Who are your blog inspirations?

A Wonderful Blogger and Our Educational System

     There is an incredible blogger out there named Annie.  Her writing is seriously some of the best writing I've ever read...it never seems forced or coerced, but only like something someone incredibly wise would say.  Part of the reason I love reading her blog is because we've gone to the same church since forEVER so I know she's an honestly good person in real life, too. 

     Anyways, today Annie brought up two documentaries about the state of our educational system.  I know I have some fellow teacher friends on here, so I thought you'd like to read what she said.

Lastly, does anyone out there know much about Waiting for Superman or Race to Nowhere? I’m interested to know if they are credible, and whether or not anyone’s seen them. After a couple of days in Tim and Becky’s ‘hood, where apparently there are 5th graders who have never been taught to read, my interest in the educational system of our country is heightened. Seems to me that there are a few changes to be made.

I went to those websites and watched the trailers.  *Wow* they echoed so much of what I've been thinking.  Check out those documentaries, and while you're at it, check out Annie's 20th Year Project.

     I'd love to hear about a blog you love to read, so make sure you share in the comments!  :]

P.S.- I got to see two of my friends from college this weekend!  Here I am with my dear friend Michaela.  She's new to blogging, so make sure to check her out and give her some love!

 

I'm still her friend even though she wore that heinous shirt. ;]

Vacation and Thoughts on Blogging

     You'll probably see more posts from me this week because I am on vacation with my family.  Typically we'd be hanging out on the beach all day, but it is strangely cold down here.  My dad and I went on a walk and I found myself wishing I wore my super cool winter hat.

See, super cool winter hat...and my cat.

   I know what you're thinking: "Abby, you're on vacation with your family!  Why are you on the computer?"  That would be because it is too cold on the beach.  And there's only so much reading/watching tv/playing games we can do.  It's so hard to keep up with blogging after work every day, so I figured I would try to catch up a bit while I have the free time.  In fact, I was very inspired by a guest blogger on my of my favorite blogs: Gussy Sews.  Jess of Allora Handmade talked about fostering community through blogging.  Check it out here.

     The idea of fostering community through blogging isn't a new thought to me.  I've been thinking on it a lot and struggling with the "how."  How do I foster community through my blog?  One conclusion I've come to: it isn't easy!  You have to make an effort to interact with other bloggers or else you won't get any traffic on your own page.  It's been kind of weird to me to put myself out there and talk to people I've never met before, but that's what you have to do to achieve community online! 

     So tell me, what do you think about finding community through blogging?  Any tips you want to share?

-Abby :]

And just for fun, here are the books I'm reading this week:

I'm halfway through "East of Eden."  So good!