Aussie Blogs to Love. V5.

When I first contacted Victoria she replied that she would happy to be involved but that her feature probably wouldn't gain me many new followers as she doesn't actively seek readers, just smiles when they stumble across her little space (which made me want to feature her even more).

Whilst I will admit that I have been happy to gain a few new readers since starting this feature; I originally began with the intention of creating a collection of great Australian blogs, something that I struggled to find when I first started reading blogs.  I've since made it a 'linky party' (what a ridiculous term!) so that you can add your own blogs (each week if you like) and find other great blogs to read.

So without further ramblings from me. Please go visit Victoria from 13 Mimosa and definitely check out her recommendations of blogs to read; more favourites!  Oh and link up so I can find some more great Aussie blogs to feature.

1.  Why did you start blogging and why have you continued?

I had to go back to check just how long I've been writing online.  I wrote my first post in July 2007, when our youngest daughter was only 6 months old and our eldest just over 3 years old.  I hadn't heard of blogs and cannot even recall how I came across them in the first place.  I think perhaps it was something to do with opening my etsy store and connections via there.  It was a wonderful way to record all that was going on with our lives when the girls were so small and also a way to feel connected beyond the routine of our own daily life.

I have always kept a journal, I like to record my thoughts - it helps me to process my feelings if I write them down.  I've continued because I like the record of our lives beyond what I can immediately recall and also for the connection to others beyond my own circle, the sense of community that you can only really appreciate if you enter openly into the blogging world.

2. What do you blog about?

I blog first and foremost for myself and my family.  I have never been commercial so record my thoughts and moments I want to capture, over things that are necessarily appealing to a wide market.  I am focussed on my family, so I write about what is going on in our lives, together with my adventures in gardening, cooking and crafting.

3. What are your top 3 favourite Aussie blogs to read?

http://www.gigglesdownunder.blogspot.com/
Kristi comes across as the most beautiful of souls.  She may not say a lot, but everything she says is honest and open.  She and her family are beautiful and I love to see their love captured in her photos.  I think spending an afternoon having tea with her would be a wonderful way to pass time.

http://www.oneclaireday.com/
Claire has developed into the most wonderful photographer.  She has such an easy style to her photography, or perhaps it's just that she's so terribly stylish.  I've particularly loved her US photos of late and can't wait to see how her journey continues.

http://wholelarderlove.com/
I have only been reading Rohan's blog for the past year and was actually quite surprised he is a he, as when I started reading I couldn't tell from his voice.  He is particularly open and honest for a guy - or is that unkind of me to say?  I am inspired by his life choices and read with a fair degree of envy.  I grow as much as I can in our small garden, make my own bread, do most everything from scratch.  I dream of being able to hang my own proscuitto and make chorizo.  Rohan does a lot that's on my one day list.

4. What do you like most about the blogging world?

As I've had children and grown older, I have come to appreciate more the companionship of women and the importance we can play in each others lives.  It's not that I haven't always appreciated female friendships, I think I've just come to really understand it more as I've gotten older.  Having children changes everything in your life, gives you so much, but can also make you doubt yourself like never before.  I think supporting each other, being open and honest about our life experiences is an incredible support to each other.  Some paint only the best parts of their lives, and I can appreciate the escape of those blogs, but I appreciate honesty above all and enjoy reading about people doubts and worries as well as their joys, that makes them real to me.

5. What do you dislike most about the blogging world?

I have to say that I have never had any negative experiences, although I have heard of others who have.  I can't understand putting energy into being unkind.  I've found blogging is like life overall, give honesty and generosity and in return you most often receive the same in kind.  Take the time to send a kind word and avoid negativity.  There's much more good out there than there is bad.