Monday, March 29, 2010

Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time there was a beautiful gypsy princess with a lot to say. Ok, she wasn't all that beautiful, and she was only a gypsy in her soul and her pedigree was about as far from royalty as you could get - but would you have been as interested if I'd said, "Once upon a time there was a frumpy middle-aged suburbanite with a blog"? I thought not.

So.

So the (ahem) beautiful gypsy princess told her stories for over a year, even though no one was really listening. She spoke at length about her feelings and her struggles and sometimes just about the day to day experiences in her frumpy suburban/beautiful gypsy life. Since no one was listening, she was unencumbered by rules or obligations or social niceties or censorship. She spoke from her heart.

One day in her travels she fell upon a group of people who seemed eager to hear her stories. The only requirement was that she listen to theirs in turn. What a wonderful group this was! They quickly embraced her to their welcoming bosom. Before long they were inviting her to join in their games and their parties - some even offered her gifts and awards in return for her pledge of loyalty or a few kind words about them when she relayed her stories to others. She happily obliged. It seemed a small price to pay for the ever increasing audience her stories were attracting.

But then something happened.

She noticed that she was no longer speaking from her heart. She was playing a game and she'd never really been good at games. She was never going to win. She became unhappy. Despondent. She considered giving up storytelling altogether. She stopped listening to the stories of others - even the ones whose stories she loved - because the whole storytelling gig had lost its luster.

She was tired of spending hours a day with fluffy nonsense and was more than a little embarrassed that she'd produced more than her share of it. But when she tried to silence her voice, she found that she could not. She decided to continue telling her stories on her own terms. She vowed to no longer speak only for her listeners, but to return to speaking from her heart.

This decision cost her many followers - I mean - listeners. She didn't care (much). She was being true to herself and it felt good. It was freeing. She didn't care if anyone else felt the same way or not.

But then two beautiful, kind, and excessively smart princesses from a neighboring village organized a group of storytellers who indeed DID feel the same way. The gypsy princess was delighted. They asked her to join their merry band and throw off the shackles of group mentality for the pursuit of blogs - I mean stories - of substance. (I realize the inherent irony involved in joining a group to escape the shackles of group mentality. It's like rain on your wedding day, or the smile on a dog or something. Wait. I think one of those is religion. Anyway.)

Those two princesses were the lovely Pam and Sandy and their village is Words of Wisdom - a brand new site for showcasing what they believe to be blogs of substance. I am honored and thrilled that they consider my little venture to be worthy of that accolade - specifically, the accolade: Blog of Note (or BON if you want to sound like an insider, and I know you do...) The only criteria is that I link three of my favorite posts. I don't know if I'd call these three of my all-time favorites, but they are three relatively recent posts that I kind of like.

If You Can Read This, Thank a Teacher is a post about - um - reading, and teaching and thankfulness...

I'm Not Like This is a self-reflective post - a real navel-gazer.

The Bon Jovi Mom is thrown in here because I'm not all about tooting my own horn or studying my belly-button. In my basest (and arguably happiest) form, I am a squealy fangirl.

So if you're stopping by from WoW (another of those insider acronyms - now you're in the loop) - thanks! I hope to swap stories with you again very soon. If you're not, you might want to give them a visit. Tell 'em a beautiful/frumpy gypsy/suburbanite named Mommakin sent ya!

58 comments:

Liz Mays said...

You truly are a blog of note. Absolutely, positively. And how in the world could anyone unfollow you?

Sandy said...

First of all, I was so excited about you being BON. So excited to read whatever your welcome post said.

Let me tell you, this BLEW ME AWAY. You are by far the most amazing and talented writer in the blogosphere, and if you ever decide to quit writing this blog, I will hunt you down.....I'm not sure what I will do when I find you, but I will hunt you down.

In addition to my own reading pleasure another reason I was so excited about you being BON was because I hope through WOW another group of very fortunate bloggers will be introduced to Mommakin.

Melissa B. said...

Pam & Sandy ARE lovely, aren't they? And WoW is such a great, substantive idea! I wasn't surprised AT ALL to see you featured as a Blog of Note. 'Cause, after all, it's true, ain't it?

Unknown said...

I am impressed and a little jealous too. someday, when I grow up, I hope to be a blog of substance too!

Cheryl said...

This has been a fairly long journey. I don't know how many times I've commented so far, but you probably think I'm stalking you. Started with Melissa B. up there who led me to WoW who led me to you and those 3 blogs rocked!

So glad you're a BON today. And this post rocks!

Ima gonna follow you now. Please don't get a restraining order. I'll just ignore it.

Nicolasa said...

What a wonderful post! I know I've come across your blog many a times!

Happy BON Day!

MissKris said...

Tammy, congrats on being the BON today! I am finding WOW totally amazing, I really am. I was the BON last Wednesday and it has blown me away, the wonderful response I received and I know your day in the sun will be just as special for you, too. I LOVED this post, absolutely loved it. The way we think is so similar. I'm going to have to look and see if you have your email posted somewhere because I need to tell you what happened to ME when I got involved with a group of...ahem...bloggers...it was NOT pleasant, either. I am off to read your highlighted entries...sit back and enjoy your day of glory. It is well deserved.

Emma said...

Congrats on your BONhood. I loved the Ozzy story. You really are a great storyteller! Looking forward to reading your three posts! BTW, I don't have an OpenID, but my URL is www.divorcedbefore30.com in case you want to check me out.

Anonymous said...

Hi Tammy! I'm here visiting from WOW. Congratulations on being the BON!!! Enjoy your day and meeting so many bloggers.

I have seen your profile pic on others' blogs in the comments. It's nice to finally put the blog with the face ;-)

I will be back to read your 3 posts, I have to go for my walk this morning!

WOW said...

Tammy, you are the very definition of "blog of substance." We're so thrilled that you are today's BON. We are so happy to lead even more bloggers here. You so deserve it.

Berowne said...

Yes! Pandy and Sam -- I mean Sandy and Pam -- knew exactly what they were doing when they named you a Blogger of Note.

A toast to you and to More Substance!

Jen said...

Oh, I just so fell in love with your blog. I'm so glad WOW found you...so that I could find you! It's hard to always stay true to writing just to write when there are all those fun tempations out there!!!!

MaryRC said...

congrats on your substance! just dont abuse it..


i dunno why i said that.. got nothing.

Mammatalk said...

Wow? What is this that you speak of?

Congrats, too!

~Kristen~ said...

Happy BON Day!!! Like another commenter mentioned above, I know I have seen your profile pic in comments on other blogs, and now I am wishing I clicked on it sooner. Your blog is AMAZING!!! I haven't read your other posts yet, but you had me at Bon Jovi...and Ozzy!!! And ever since reading the title of your blog I can't get the Aerosmith song "Mamakin" out of my head!!! Luckily, I love me some Aerosmith! ;-)

Crone and Bear It said...

Hi Tammy - Congrats on being a WOW BON! It's so nice to meet you - plus I now have another bloggy friend here in Ohioland. Woot! Off to read your "3" choices and many more. Hugs and blessings

Karen M. Peterson said...

Congrats on being BoN! Great post and I can't wait to read more!

Macey said...

That's awesome! Congratulations, princess...er, Tammy! LOL

Unknown said...

I love your blog...don't you dare stop writing, gypsy princess!

WhiteSockGirl aka The Fabulous Bitch said...

What a fabulous read. A post of substance, indeed.

Speaking, writing, from the heart is the only true way to go about it. I think when you do that, you readers can feel that, read that.

Some of us, sometimes, do lose our identity for the sake of being popular. Peer pressure...

Congrats on being the BON!

Ronnica said...

Love how you explain your story...we've all been there!

Jane said...

Absolutely fantastic. All of it. And how often does one find a fellow resident of Ohio (I grew up there) with a similar inexplicable love for Bon Jovi?!

I'll be back often!

Rosa said...

I don't blog, I don't follow very many blogs and I'm totally not an insider in the blogging world in any way. But I do love a fairy tale w/ a happy ending and I'm glad that these two lovely princesses have made you happy again with what you do.

yonca said...

Congrats on being the BON today!
I really enjoyed to read every sentence.

Everyday Kathy said...

Happy Happy BON day to you! I think you were telling my story too... I really am happy to have found WOW.

I am also really enjoying your blog. I am following. Your story about reading brought a tear to my eye. I used to be a literacy volunteer myself and I am now wondering if I can fit it in again. It really makes a difference!

Kathy over at Everyday Bliss

Grace's Mom said...

Visiting from WOW - enjoyed your tale of gypsy princesses and followers and villages and Bon Jovi!

Rachel Cotterill said...

I liked your gypsy princess story... off to read the other stories now :)

Becky said...

I am going to have to check WOW out...! I kind of got over game playing too, and have starting blogging more for me:)

Becky said...

Oh duh!!! And Congratulations!!!!

BONNIE K said...

Congrats, Tammy! I'm glad to see you recognized as a BON! I loved the If You Can Read This post. I'm glad to see you back to writing from your heart!

Survivormama said...

Stopping in from WOW..thanks so much for sharing a little of your story..I have felt the same way at times...glad to see I am not the only one who feels this way..lol!

Survivormama said...

oh yeah, following you now I am...lol...

Badass Geek said...

Very, very nice!

The politics of blogging are a little foolish, aren't they?

Vixen of Vixensden.com said...

You are a beautiful gypsy princess writer of note and I'd follow you anywhere.

Mike said...

My blog was exploding until I started posting long stories and then it just leveled right out, but I have to be me and do what I want to do. That is all that really matters.

Beth P. said...

Happy BON Day! I loved this post, and there is no denying why you've been selected as a BON!

Anonymous said...

Grrrreat blog! I read and read and read ;) Very heartfelt and REAL. Thank you.

Melissa said...

You're my first BON from WOW. I wouldn't have known what that meant 10 minutes ago ;)

Mandy said...

You are a blog and a person of real substance! I'm so glad to see others are recognizing your gypsy ways. ;-) Congrats to you and keep believing in yourself and writing. (Who cares about numbers and listeners, I mean followers anyway.... ) All that matters is you and your words and experiences!

Coll said...

I understand the feeling of wanting to give up.

About six months after I started my blog, one of my posts garnered a slew of negative comments from a passionate pack of jazz fans (long story). I was so troubled by the experience, I thought, Why am I doing this? Why am I exposing myself to strangers? These people don't know the real me; they know a caricatured version of me that they perceive through my writing. But then I made a decision: I refuse to self-edit. My primary audience is myself. If, along the way, I attract a few followers, well, that's just groovy.

I enjoy the honesty in your writing. Great post!

Unknown said...

You know I love the way you write!!Congrats on your BON day!!!

Lora said...

love this. sounds somewhat similar to my frustrations of the last few months...

so glad to meet you on WOW! Visiting your blog just adds to the many reasons why I am thankful for this new little community :)

Anonymous said...

You know you are one of my favorites! I am so out of the loop, I don't know what either of those things are...I'll have to go check them out later!

Anonymous said...

You know you are one of my favorites! I am so out of the loop, I don't know what either of those things are...I'll have to go check them out later!

Jo said...

Great introduction and a nice break from; "It's my day! Would you like a cup of tea?" thing.

*Disclaimer: Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Phew! Barely got out of that one alive.

::Wipes sweat from brows::

I'm one of your new followers as I love a good story as much as the next person, particularly when it comes from the heart -- add the fact that you're a rockin' kind of gal and I'd have to say this was a match made in blogverse.

Congratulations, a day late, on being the 'BON'. Rock on, groovy chick.

Peace and serenity,
~Jo
'The End Of The Rainbow: Life After Bankruptcy'

Carma Sez said...

You are well deserving of the BON honor.

Jenny said...

Hi Tammy, I was happy to see I'd visited you before...and congratulations on being the WOW girl. Love your intro....very fun. And I always enjoy your style of writing!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Tammy,

I look forward to reading more. Glad you have joined WOW.

Unknown said...

Once upon a time there was a sad orphan. She loved sharing her experiences on how living positively has helped her and wanted to share it with the world but no one wanted to listen, they only wanted free this and that, blah blah, but then she was adopted by 2 WOWser moms who immediately introduced her to their WOWser children and they lived happily ever after supporting each other. OK OK -so it wasn't as good as yours! haha. I'm so glad to have come across your blog! Congrats on being a WOW blogger! Loved your post and will read your others.
Myda

Gibby said...

Congrats, Tammy!!! You deserve this and SO much more. You are an awesome writer, one whom I read everyday and seriously, if you ever stopped I would feel like I lost a friend.

You go, girl!

P.S. I will always stalk you!!!

Alexandra said...

Glad I found you through Ma Vie et Ma Joie. You are instantly likable. You have a new follower.

sitting on the mood swing at the playground said...

A blog of note...but we knew that already! Congratulations, gypsy princess!

gayle said...

Congrats!! I love reading your posts!! Always be true to yourself!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Oh Tammy, You are the beautiful Gypsy QUEEN!!!! I love your writing-- ALL of your writing and I'm thrilled for your WoW recognition-- It's well deserved.

And it's great to see so many new bloggers commenting on your post today. I hope they all take the time to read more of your writing and continue reading your blog for the quality work you consistently produce.

YEAH YOU!!!!

xo
PS I'm just back from vacation and yours is one of the very first blogs I read. I'm so glad I didn't miss your special day.

Alexandra said...

I'm so intrigued by this BON, of Blog of Substance.
I need more, more.

More, please?

Thank you for something very very cool.

Allison said...

Congrats! Your blog is definitely worthy! I am feeling so much like you...oops the gypsy lately. Sometimes I feel like I've lost my bloggy...oops storytelling voice. It's a process right?

Joey Lynn Resciniti said...

I came by from Wow! I empathize with your feeling that the blogging is a game. It does feel pretty pointless at times. I'm glad you're able to get back to your roots here!

Traci said...

You are so deserving. You are absoutely a blog of note. I understand a lot of how you feel. My blog started out REALLY personal and no one read for quite a while. And that was fine. Recently I realized that I had gotten away from really posting and I decided for myself to start limiting my participation in memes and other things so that I get back to the heart of my blog. I enjoy all the fun and I have met some FABULOUS ladies (you included!) but I do worry that I use these things as a crutch rather than pushing myself as a writer.
Traci