If this is your first visit to Where the Blog are you go here to find out more. Don't forget the key is in the comments so go to town, both on this site and the featured bloggers!

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Thanks everyone who visited My Little Drummer Boys over the past couple of weeks. How are you finding this new system of having 2 weeks to get to know a new blogger?

For the next two weeks we are going to be getting to know Hippomanic Jen from Approximately None a bit better.

I asked her some questions to get us started. Here's what she had to say...

Jen, how long have you been blogging? Why did you start and why do you blog now?

I‘ve been blogging since August last year (just on 6 months). I’m almost at my hundred posts, which is very exciting. I was introduced to blogs by my good friend Givinya de Elba – I didn’t really know what a blog was before that. I’d been reading and commenting on her blog for a while and checking out the other sites on her blog roll. I’ve always found that amusing things in life around me are like short stories or turns of phrase and then I started thinking, “I could blog that.” I like words and story telling and amusing incidents - story telling is in my genes (my uncles and cousins would often have us in stitches at family gatherings), but I’m better with the written word. All of a sudden blogging gave me the voice to express myself.

What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Probably very self-centred, but I like the thought that I can revisit parts of my life that would otherwise be forgotten. There’s also a little on-line community that’s good fun to be a part of. Comments are great because you can see how you might have struck a chord with someone.

What blogs do you read and enjoy the most?

That’s really hard to answer, because I’ve got a few (too many) people I try to follow. My favourites are on my blog roll, which I struggle to keep down in numbers but keep on finding interesting people. I still particularly love the world of Givinya and Crazy Sister. I never know what I’m going to strike when I visit. I’ve also come to appreciate Femina, and of course Operation Skinny Cow (although that probably doesn’t count as I’m a contributor – but I love the support we each try to give to the others).

What do you love in a blog?

I love relaxed blogs that I can settle down into and be comfortable in. Generally they tell stories about life. I titled my blog roll “Blogs in Which I’d Like to Live”, and that’s pretty much the way I view them. I follow the lives of people who I would be friends with, who have a similar wacky way of viewing the world. Some were my friends to start with, and others I’ve made along the way. Not that it always has to be funny, but that there’s compassion and gentle humour in the way that person usually views the world. Sometimes there might be the odd sharp edge, but not consistently spikey towards others. On a more practical note, I love it when a blog downloads quickly, and you get to go straight to the new instalment of the story!

What's something we should know about you that we don't already?

Something you should know about me? I did some modelling once. Really, honestly, there was a time when I could call myself a model. I did a photo shoot for an advertisement. Waaayy before Skinny Cow. Okay, it was hand modelling for one photo shoot and the only reason I got the gig was that I was the only female in the room between the ages of 16-40 who happened to have half-way decent fingernails at the time. Does that make it a bit grandiose to talk about my career in modelling? Gee, I should blog about that. I wonder if I can find a copy of the advertisement?

What are some posts we should read to get to know you?

Try these:
Home life - Confleunce of Events

and Variation on an Australian Classic

Work life - Playful Professional

A bit more serious - Be still and know that I am dog


Thanks Jen, we look forward to getting to know you some more over the next couple of weeks. WTBAY readers, make sure you add Jen to your reader for the next two weeks to really get to know her and don't forget to comment, comment, comment!

See you soon,


Louisa

If this is your first visit to Where the Blog are you go here to find out more. Don't forget the key is in the comments so go to town, both on this site and the featured bloggers!

Subscribe to this blog

Welcome to 2009 at Where the Blog are You! It's great to see you back here!!

For the next two weeks we are going to get to know Trish. Trish blogs at My Little Drummer Boys. We'll be checking in regularly to see what she's up to. I encourage you to subscribe to her blog for (at least) the next two weeks, to read it and to comment, often. You can get subscribed here.

To get started I asked Trish a few questions...

How long have you been blogging?

To be honest 3.5 years ago on July 1st was the very first day I started to blog. I had just started the first part of my IVF cycle and I wanted what they had ...the circle of friendship and support. I read an article called "Falling Pregnant" about Tertia and Julie and their blogs in the June 2005 Australian Readers Digest. There were other infertility blogs too and they all really inspired me to start. Though it was a false start.

I started blogging properly again, when my boys were almost 11 months old, after Tiff at Three Ring Circus inspired me.


Why did you start?

Originally to journal my grief and trying to conceive via IVF. After adopting 15yrs ago, my first natural pregnancy ended when our daughter was stillborn at 26 weeks gestation in 2004. Six months later in 2005 we went down IVF path .Women I met through online parenting forums gave me the knowledge and courage to try again and pursue IVF because of our long history of infertility. A few had blogs. I read some of the well known blogs including Tertia and Julie.
I planned to have my own 'space' (blog) in 'cyber' space to do and say my own thing ...add links and write a ton of stuff anonymously. I couldn't do this on forums.

I had intense soul searching to do.I didn't want to tell family or friends in case we failed to get pregnant or suffered another loss.I wanted to journal our IVF experience 'privately' ... along with hundreds of strangers. I wondered if anyone else lived my life ...I was glad to see others struggled with the same things and that i wasn't alone. Not that I would wish life difficulties and loss on anyone.


Why do you blog now?

To journal my life with husband & my sons. I cannot imagine life without our cheeky little treasures that fill our lives with much love, joy and laughter. I hope it will be a record for them and to share a little with others going through the same joys and struggles.

I can’t blog much about friends or family because some of them read my blog and they would get very upset LOL. That is why sometimes I don’t write about emotional things that are great blog fodder. I do love to peek in the windows of other blogs to see how the manage what I am going through but can't ask for advice on. I want to look back on the hard parts that were difficult to get through and at the same time, the good parts that were/are amazing, wonderful.


What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Blogging has been so much fun and therapeutic plus you can win cool prizes. I'm not sure I could stop. I have made so many special connections with people I may never meet and I know better than some real life friends. I cherish my bloggy friends, they make me both laugh and cry, help me out, hold me up. It is a great community. I also learn so much about cooking, planning, photography,current affairs and general history...did I mention I have won a few very cool prizes.

Lastly , for many months I was the only visitor to my blog.I almost gave up till I started to get comments...don't we all love comments.


What blogs to you read and enjoy the most?

Boy oh boy ... that is the toughest question - how long have you got ? I can't leave anyone out so better check my Links Blogroll page - though there are more I read infrequently.


What do you love in a blog?

I love to put myself in their shoes and walk a mile with them ...well quite not in their shoes.
Mostly I enjoy the personal stories of others going through similar struggles and of course sharing their joys and mine. I love humour, the acts of random kindness stories and the everyday fun with kids and spouses.I love competitions too ;).


What are some posts we should read to get to know you?

This post is verbose

Carpe Diem - Seize the Day

Alphabet - You



What are you waiting for? Let's go meet Trish!

If this is your first visit to Where the Blog are you go here to find out more. Don't forget the key is in the comments so go to town, both on this site and the featured bloggers!

Today we are visiting Psych Babbler!

Gilly Fever!

Getting Clucky Oh, what a sweet desire!!

My Sister's Keeper A great review of this book if you have and haven't read it!

Enjoy today!

Let me know if you're keen to do the round up this week. Would love to see what your favourite posts of the week are!

If this is your first visit to Where the Blog are you go here to find out more.

Today we are visiting Tash.

DVT Poor Tash, go commiserate with her!

Muscles Celebrating the unknown!

Under the table I must confess I am not a cricket fan but Cape Town, well it just takes my breath away!

Enjoy today's blog all!! See you tomorrow.

Also, is anyone keen for a turn at the round-up this week? The more voices the better I think, let me know at thebloggingaussie{at}gmail.com

If this is your first visit to Where the Blog are you go here to find out more.

It's Long Dark Hair, Brown Eyes' turn to be featured today! (who was paying attention when they read the post header?! Come on, be honest!)

Say a big hello to our lovely blogger of the day and enjoy these posts...

Weekday Vegan - as the title may suggest. It got me thinking and I am sure the girls from Operation Skinny Cow will enjoy this bit of inspiration!

Cry Baby a post for the girls!

The Whole Family Not what you think!

Have fun folks! See you tomorrow :)

If this is your first visit to Where the Blog are you go here to find out more.

We're off to visit Lynda today and boy are you in for a chuckle! Aside from being a funny gal Lynda is our first Aussie living in Egypt!!

If nothing else (though that's unlikely) following Lulu's train of thought and all the pseudonyms at Lulu's Bay Staff Meeting will have you in stitches!

and Sailing by Otobees is a fantastic idea and a fun insight into life in Egypt!

and Lynda's really on a roll with making us laugh! No doubt you will enjoy this postNo Spring Chicken

enjoy the posts & don't forget...it's all about the comments!

If this is your first visit to Where the Blog are you go here to find out more.

Today we are visiting Queensland Kerrie. Go Queenslanders!!!

Needed my big girls knickers today has us jumping in the deep end getting to know Kerrie. Beauracracy!?!??!

Three years ago. This is such a lovely tale of finding love in the 21st century!

and I thought I had seen it all I did too! You won't believe me if I tell you....go check it out for yourself and have a great big chuckle!!

Enjoying visiting Kerrie. today. Give her some great comment love & I'll see you all tomorrow...

Hello Fellow Aussie Bloggers!! Welcome! if you are new to Where the Blog we are very pleased to have you here. You can go here to find out how this works. I hope you will stick around and join in the fun!

I'd love to get your feedback on the blog and on some new features. Please fill out the survey and feel free to leave me a comment or send an email to thebloggingaussie{at}gmail{dot}com with any other suggestions/feedback! Cheers. If you've already completed the survey I've added a couple of questions which I'd love to get your feedback on too. Thanks!

Today we are visiting Braja who is an Australian living in India. Sound interesting? She is! I think you'll have a new blog for your blogroll after today :)

I've not (yet) been to India but it's not hard to appreciate this post! Don't ask why

God of all Shopping is a post for the girls to appreciate! Seeing as that's most of us we should enjoy it :)

Cooking and Muppets got me laughing at the thought processes going on here!

Go and enjoy Braja today and don't forget to comment, comment, comment!

Hello Fellow Aussie Bloggers!! Welcome! if you are new to Where the Blog we are very pleased to have you here. You can go here to find out how this works. I hope you will stick around and join in the fun!

I'd love to get your feedback on the blog and on some new features. Please fill out the survey and feel free to leave me a comment or send an email to thebloggingaussie{at}gmail{dot}com with any other suggestions/feedback! Cheers.


Well I feel a little weird about this but a couple of you have asked so today I am featuring my blog, Life as we know it

I take my hat off to you previously featured bloggers! It's really hard to choose 3 posts! I've done my best and hopefully have chosen posts you'll enjoy. Aside from the first one I've gone back in time a bit so you can read some you may not have previously seen. I hope you enjoy!

I wrote this recently while enjoying a rare quiet A moment with my girl

This goes back a few months to when I was first learning about motherguilt!

Hmmm...not one of my finest parenting moments. My personal guide on how to send your child to therapy in three simple steps. I had almost erased this from my memory until today!

I hope you enjoy learning about me today! See you again tomorrow.

Hello Fellow Aussie Bloggers!! Welcome! if you are new to Where the Blog we are very pleased to have you here. You can go here to find out how this works.

After last week's Fickle Friday I got a sense that perhaps we could make a weekly round-up a regular feature. Let me know what you think by voting above.

Have you emailed me your top three posts? If not, what are you waiting for? Email me at thebloggingaussie{at}gmail{dot}com.

Today we are visiting June's blog Journeys in Creative Writing

Hopping Mad He breeds rabbits to save the world. June you really had me with this one!

Lamp Chops and Apple Pie is a beautiful reflection of growing up in Australia.

Sex at 65 What more can I say about this one? It really speaks for itself!!


Don't forget to leave me a comment to let me know you were here today! Enjoy June's blog & we'll see you again tomorrow :)

Hello Fellow Aussie Bloggers!! Welcome! if you are new to Where the Blog we are very pleased to have you here. You can go here to find out how this works.

After last week's Fickle Friday I got a sense that perhaps we could make a weekly round-up a regular feature. Let me know what you think by voting above.

Have you emailed me your top three posts? If not, what are you waiting for? Email me
at thebloggingaussie{at}gmail{dot}com.

Today we are visiting an Aussie in Germany, Gaynor who is Joce's mum!

Why Germany? If I had neighbours bringing me berries straight from the blackforest I think I'd love living there too!! :) Have I mentioned I love living in Schopfheim?

You may find yourself drooling over Gaynor's new mixmaster.

We live in a beautiful country. I love it and I love exploring it. However, when I see pictures like those in these post I find myself breathless at the history and beauty of Europe. If you don't currently have the travel bug you will after this blog post. Castle Haut Koenigsbourg

Don't forget to leave me a comment to let me know you were here today! Enjoy Gaynor & we'll see you again tomorrow :)

Hello Fellow Aussie Bloggers!! Welcome! if you are new to Where the Blog we are very pleased to have you here. You can go here to find out how this works.

After last week's Fickle Friday I got a sense that perhaps we could make a weekly round-up a regular feature. Let me know what you think by voting above.

Before we meet today's Featured Blogger have you congratulated our competition winners, Femina and Lilly?

Today we are heading over to Bellgirl. You'll be inspired by her creations and no doubt enjoy her DIYs and tutorials...I certainly have! (now I just have to put them into action...that's definitely the harder part!)

Blogtoberfest is almost over but it's not to late to check out some great blogs. "Entschuldigen Sie bitte, ist dieses eine Wurst in Ihrem Lederhosen?"

Be inspired by Bellgirls' Tutorial using Printable Fabric Sheets. I am so impressed that she does this!

and remain inspired with the Freezer Paper Stencil.

See you again tomorrow!

If you are new to Where the Blog are you go here

Have you entered the lasted comp? If not, you should go check it out here.

Quick note: I'm still on very limited internet access and will be until the end of the week (doh!!). If you are new to WTBAY please let me say a VERY BIG WELCOME!! Let me know you are here by leaving a comment and when I am back online properly I will head over to visit your blog & say hi.

Have you emailed me your 3 fave posts? If not, what are you waiting for?? Email me at thebloggingaussie{at}gmail{dot}com so you can be featured!

Today we're visiting the klever, kreative Katy!! You'll love her funky blog

In our first post for the day Katy share's some of the tricks of her trade! My First Tutorial - DS Nintendo Pouch

Katy is also a fan of giveaway's so keep your eyes on her blog to see what beautiful creation you could win next.

I never knew you can knit braclets from wire. But you can! See Katy's New Creations

I am sure you will enjoy today's blog! Have fun all & we'll see you again tomorrow.

I remember learing a school the 4 "W's" (maybe there were 5 but for the purposes of this post we'll stick with 4) Who, What, Where and Why.

Today's featred blogger fits neatly into these categories.

Who: Phil

What: Welcome

Where: A Rough Guide

Why: Feel like going for a ride?

Enjoy today!! See you tomorrow :)

If you are new to Where the Blog are you go here

Have you entered the lasted comp? If not, you should go check it out here.

Quick note: I'm still on very limited internet access and will be until the end of the week (doh!!). If you are new to WTBAY please let me say a VERY BIG WELCOME!! Let me know you are here by leaving a comment and when I am back online properly I will head over to visit your blog & say hi.

Have you emailed me your 3 fave posts? If not, what are you waiting for?? Email me at thebloggingaussie{at}gmail{dot}com so you can be featured!

Today we are meeting Jean whose blog In all Honesty has been on my blogroll for some time.

Sleep Deprived Mama Does this topic sound familiar anyone?? Hmmm...enough said. If you are a Mum I think you will relate to this post & if you're not one and hope to be, start reading!

Enjoying God (9) How can I fight for joy? As you may be able to tell from the title, this post is the 9th in a series Jean did on Fighting For Joy. This post is a helpful flow-on from Megan's post about how we use our words, to quote Jean "Feelings aren't under our direct control. We can't change how we feel, but we can change what we believe, how we think, and how we act and speak, and these things will shape our emotions." Great stuff!!

Believing the Deceiver I found this post really helpful. I hope it gets you thinking too!

Enjoy meeting Jean today friends, and I'll see you again tomorrow :)

If you are new to Where the Blog are you go here

Have you entered the lasted comp? If not, you should go check it out here.

Quick note: I'm still on very limited internet access and will be until the end of the week (doh!!). If you are new to WTBAY please let me say a VERY BIG WELCOME!! Let me know you are here by leaving a comment and when I am back online properly I will head over to visit your blog & say hi.

Have you emailed me your 3 fave posts? If not, what are you waiting for?? Email me at thebloggingaussie{at}gmail{dot}com so you can be featured!

Today we are visiting Tiff! Many of you will be familiar with Tiff's blog My Three Ring Circus but for those of you who aren't you're in for a great treat. Tiff's blog will have you laughing and crying. I know you will love it!

On tigers and therapy dogs Funny, Fabulous, Ferocious. This is (yet another) beautiful post complete with gorgeous photos!

She... Those of us blessed to have known the warmth and comfort of a Mummy Hug are blessed indeed. This is a beautiful post.

Love Sick is an adorable and poignant post.

Enjoy visiting Tiff today and I'll see you all again tomorrow :)

If you are new to Where the Blog are you go here

Have you entered the lasted comp? If not, you should go check it out here.

Quick note: I'm still on very limited internet access and will be until the end of next week (doh!!). If you are new to WTBAY please let me say a VERY BIG WELCOME!! Let me know you are here by leaving a comment and when I am back online properly I will head over to visit your blog & say hi. If you'd like to be featured be sure to email me at thebloggingaussie{at}gmail{dot}com

Megan is relatively new to WTBAY but has been getting into the swing of things just marvellously!!! Megan's blog is of a more serious nature and I am really pleased to be able to feature the blog today and raise the awareness of an issue which unfortuntately faces many in our community. Put simply Imganinif asks Imaginif if there was a world without child abuse.

Emotional Intelligence and Feeling Words is a sensational post about taking ownership of one's experience and being able to express it in words. A fantastic post for everyone to read and especially powerful when thinking about modelling this behaviour to children.

$5 Teddies is a practical and afforable way to help those who are the victims of sexual assault find a voice that is safe, confidential and powerful.

Financial Protection is serious child protection business is our final post for the day and a really helpful one for the parents and child-carers amongst us who want to help our kids understand what's happening in the world at the moment and give them reassurance and a sense of security.

Imaginif is a business and it is for sale. You can find out more here

I hope you find today's blog poweful and informative! We'll be back on Monday for 5 fresh bloggers but will be here over the weekend with some other fun things happening! See you tomorrow...

If you are new to Where the Blog are you go here

Have you entered the lasted comp? If not, you should go check it out here.

Quick note: I'm still on very limited internet access and will be until the end of next week (doh!!). If you are new to WTBAY please let me say a VERY BIG WELCOME!! Let me know you are here by leaving a comment and when I am back online properly I will head over to visit your blog & say hi. If you'd like to be featured be sure to email me at thebloggingaussie{at}gmail{dot}com

For today, I'd love to introduce you to Nicole today. She'll probably be new to many of you but I really hope you enjoy her blog, as I do!

Hospitality and Boundaries Having lived in a church house myself I really connected with this post when I first read it. I hope you are equally inspired to consider what hospitality looks like in your own context. I also love the quote by Edith Shaeffer and really look forward to reading everyone's thoughts on this post!

Shutting the Door is a really helpful post (as are the comments) for those of us wishing to model and pass on our faith to our children. It's also a great introduction to Nicole's blog and the helpful thoughts she shares on living as a Christian.

The Same Earth It was striking to me that I read this post today just after I was thinking thoughts along the very same lines as this post. As is often the case with you wonderful bloggers, I don't have words to describe this post as well as the author herself so I just suggest you head on over, read and reflect.

I hope you enjoy Nicole's Blog and I'll see you again tomorrow.

If you are new to Where the Blog are you go here

Have you entered the lasted comp? If not, you should go check it out here.

Today it's Swift Jan's turn!

Lavendar Oh Sweet Lavendar and what a beautiful bride!! More pics please Swiftly Sweet Jan :)

Clickety Clakck Oh shame...this is such a lovely, cute and funny story! How gorgeous are your kids!!!

One story about my time in bogan central I don't know whether to laugh, cry or sigh...I am kind of doing all three. This is a great story!

I hope you enjoy Swift Jan's blog today! I am sure you will.

Comment your hearts out friends!!

If you are new to Where the Blog are you go here

Have you entered the latest competition? Go here for more details...

We're off to Hippomanic Jen's place today and we get to read her funny explanation of her blog title. Let's have a crack at this thing

In cleavage and in saggage was chosen by Jen's readers to be featured...you'll understand why! H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S.

and finally a quote from her final featured post, it says it all really...why I don't want to be a dog: I'm not forced to make the impossible choice as to whether I most want to roll in or eat the manure I just found in the garden

You'll love Hippomanic Jen! Go give her some comment lovin'

See you tomorrow. Same time, same place!