A Little Bit of Happy News!

When I was invited to contribute to this quarter's issue of Artful Blogging a few months ago I had to read the e-mail twice to make sure I wasn't making it up in my head! I've kind of had a secret wish to make it onto the pages of Artful Blogging since they first started showcasing some of my favorite blogs in 2007 and to make things even sweeter, Ruby's little mug made the cover!

I got a little more serious than I usually get in this space as I reflected back on what blogging meant to me. It's been quite the wild ride these last three plus years and blogging has played a major role in the way my family's story has been shared and how it has developed.

It's been a place of inspiration and a way to share my favorite ideas. It's challenged my creativity, introduced me to some fantastic women, and taught me how to crochet a granny square (among other things)!

It's afforded me the built-in community I've needed during these sometimes lonely years at home with little ones and shown me how to be a better mom. It's affirmed and encouraged me in times of self-doubt when one or both kids were causing me to question our parenting methods and allowed me to feel okay about things when I realized I wasn't the only mama who occasionally used bribery to get her son in the bath.

Blogging has not only documented our lives these last few years, it's allowed me to be at home with my children while contributing to my family's financial needs. Like so many other bloggers, it's been a platform for sharing new product, introducing online classes and e-courses, and featuring sponsors that have chosen to advertise with Smile and Wave. It's the best kind of job!

It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to reflect and share how much blogging has meant to me these last few years but mostly I'd love to thank you, my fantastically supportive and loyal readers. Your comments, shared stories, and general presence have meant the world to me and made this place pretty special. It wouldn't be the same without you!

xoxo,
Rachel

ADDED: I have had a number of people ask where to purchase this issue and I'm not 100% but I think all major bookstores carry it (Barnes & Noble, etc.) Can anyone who has seen it there confirm this? You can also subscribe on their website. See links above. Thank you for all of the sweet words! It means a lot!