Our Featured BLOG VILLAGER – Meredith Gould

It's been awhile since we have had a Featured Villager interview, so I was very pleased when the Gatekeeper sent in her interview with one of our newer Villagers, Meredith Gould.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

These days, I characterize myself as a "working writer", because most of my paltry annual income comes from providing editorial services in some form. But since writing is also something I feel deeply called to do, it's as much vocation as occupation. In fact, it was occupation before it was vocation.

My work history includes stints as a graphic production artist, waitress, secretary and bartender after dropping out of college. I dropped back in at age twenty-three and earned a doctorate in Sociology by age thirty. I taught college for a decade, then worked in state government and at an ad agency, before going freelance in 1989. In addition to copy writing and editing, I regularly published essays and features in regional and national magazines. I loved magazine work enough to edit a bi-monthly for a while.

Book writing? Not interested back then. That required piling up way too many words. I certainly never imagined writing books about spiritual and faith formation from a Catholic Christian perspective, especially since I was raised Jewish.

Why did you decide to blog?

My decision to launch More Meredith Gould was the result of several realizations about publishing. First, the print outlets for "inspirational humor" have basically disappeared. I finally realized that most of this writing was happening in e-zines and the blogosphere.

I also developed a low-to-no tolerance for the time lag between writing and publication. I finally realized that the blogosphere would allow me to reach existing readers more quickly and find new ones more quickly, while giving me creative control over content and design. Yes, I'm a creative control freak.

Still, I resisted blogging because of internal blah blah about what I thought I was supposed to be doing at this point in my writing career. I made a slew of snobby assumptions about who was blogging and why. But then, after getting into the habit of reading a couple of blogs, I developed some much-needed humility. Surprise! Surprise! The blogosphere was not, in fact, dominated by hacks and dilettantes. I was reading some terrific, provocative, smart, creative writing. Clearly, other working writers and book authors were blogging. It was time for me to get involved with what everyone is calling the "new media." The definitive shove came from Ruth Harrigan, who blogs at Wheelie Catholic. She persuaded me to futz around with the Blogger templates one night, and I quickly became smitten with the entire enterprise.

Describe what your blog is about.

More Meredith Gould is an extension of my other work, because, as I note in the tag-line, "I always have more to say." I offer quirky observations in posts about the challenges of communicating for and about faith; practical spirituality; Catholic Christian-Jewish interfaith weirdness; and the agonies and ecstasies of writing for a so-called living. I welcome reader questions and anchor my answers in experience and scholarship without being stuffy or boring. I'm very proud of the fact that reviewers have characterized my humor as "gentle" and "surprisingly unprudish."

How many books have you written? Can you pick one of your books, and tell us why it’s your favorite?

I have five published books, and one forthcoming in July 2008. Like every other author, I have a couple of completed manuscripts that will never be published – and the world will be a better place for that.

You want me to choose a favorite among my children?!? I can't do that! Each book has served a special purpose. Each seems to build on the previous one. I love my first book, Tips for Your Home Office (Storey) because it was my first, plus easy and fun to write. Staying Sober: Tips for Working a Twelve Step Program of Recovery (Hazelden) will always occupy a special place in my heart and not just because it earns royalties! That book allowed me to make an edgy, funny contribution to the generally grim recovery literature. Like most middle children, Deliberate Acts of Kindness: Service as a Spiritual Practice (Doubleday) has gotten somewhat lost. The shelving designation ("Social Science") killed it in bricks-n-mortar stores. People who discover it find it useful and inspiring. I sometimes forget I wrote it until readers contact me. I love how The Catholic Home: Celebrations and Traditions (Doubleday) helped me define and develop my voice as a Catholic author. It is purchased a lot as a gift for newlyweds and young families, and by catechists. Come to the Table: A Catholic Passover Seder (Plowshares Publishing), written over a period of seven years, was a labor of love and religious conviction. I'm thrilled that it has been adopted by a number of parishes for their annual Passover seder. I'm still too close to the experience of writing my latest, Our Words Made Fresh: Communicating Church and Faith Today (Morehouse), to do anything but whimper about the process.

What's your advice for other writers who are still trying to get into print.

Keep at it, but get real about your goal. If it's to make money, then forget about getting a byline, and go land a copywriting job in either the private or public sector. You'll be writing- you'll get into print - you'll have fun.

If you write for self-expression, don't expect to get either published or paid. But that shouldn't matter, because real writers feel compelled to write, with or without publication. Everything – heart, mind, and spirit – atrophies when we don't write. Garrison Keillor, in a recent edition of the Authors Guild Bulletin (Summer 2007), is quoted as saying, "It's like a major illness having a book in the works. Good days and bad days, but you keep going…" He's right. If you're a real writer, you'll keep at it no matter what. If you're determined to get into print, then as a practical matter, you're going to have to become very savvy about the publishing business. You'll need to pay attention to trends and market demands, because print publishing is a business first and foremost.

Which other blogs do you read?

Regularly, thanks to Google Reader: Anti-Itch Meditation, Ask Sister Mary Martha, A Third Way, Dirty Catholic, Happy Catholic, The Ironic Catholic, Kingdom Come, spiritually delicious!, Sweetness and Light, Wheelie Catholic, and Whispers in the Loggia. In addition to Blog Village, I belong to St. Blog's Parish and subscribe to BlogRush, which I wander through regularly to see what other folks are writing. I'm noticing how visiting blogs and websites has significantly reduced my need to subscribe to a zillion print magazines, so I shouldn't be complaining about the dwindling number of print outlets. Mea maxima culpa.

Please suggest someone else's blog at Blog Village so we can do a feature on them.

Barbara's Tchatzkahs is a very smart, sassy blog, although it takes way too long to load.

DMD Scratchboard Gallery is a visually beautiful blog.

When Meredith first emailed me I could already tell she was quite a wonderful character. She's funny, witty and very gracious. Her blog has been a pleasure to read. Meredith will make you laugh, or at least chuckle, and has a canny way of sprinkling a little bit of wisdom throughout her writing. Visit her at More Meredith Gould (because she always has more to say), check out her books and tell us what you think. Enjoy Meredith's blog . . . I did.

The Gatekeeper

Meet LYNDA - Our Newest FEATURED VILLAGER

It’s about time I introduced you to another BLOG VILLAGER.

Her name is Lynda, and she teaches Pilates & Reiki as an American Ex-pat in the Turks & Caicos Islands. In her July 10, 2007 post on her blog, Pilates in Paradise, you will see that she enjoys blogging and is setting up several more blogs! She has a pet peeve concerning people that are unduly licensed to teach Pilates & Reiki and has made a couple of You Tube Videos available on her blog that explain Pilates & Reiki. To start off the interview I asked her to tell us who Lynda is and to share something about herself that she hasn't posted in her blog!

Lynda replied: “As a child & teen I was very interested in mysticism and spirituality. I studied Tarot, meditation, Ouija boards, astral travel, energy healing, etc. Then I went to college and got into western philosophy and went straight into a PhD program.

In traditional western philosophy the soul and anything mystical is completely frowned upon. Nobody believes in god, religion is silly and in a different department, and something like Reiki energy healing would be laughable. So I taught Pilates part time and just closed off my spiritual side.

When I left academia to open my first Pilates studio in 1995, I was suddenly inundated with alternative people, practices, ideas. And within a few years I was back to practicing Judaism, meditating, and exploring energy healing.

Now I've realized that contradiction is OK. As Schopenhauer explained many moons ago, faith is a leap we take knowing full well that we cannot logically explain everything. Sometimes when I teach Reiki I am struck by how silly some of it still sounds to me; yet it works and I cannot fault what works!”

To my question “What prompted you to start blogging in the first place?”, Lynda exclaimed, “I love to write and wanted to share some of my stories and knowledge with the entire world. Once I realized how easy it is to blog, it became a habit. Now I have readers from all over and my blog produces some income from advertising. I have considered splitting my blog into Pilates specific, Reiki specific, and expat specific sites, but people have told me that they like the variety in my posts so for now I am going to leave it as is.”

The next question should have been “When do you find time to blog?”, however I asked, “When do you find time to read other blogs?"

Lynda stated, “Not often enough! That's why I love places like Blog Village or Blog Her where there is a group of blogs that I like to read. I read other blogs throughout my day/week. Some don't update regularly so it's a quick pass through.

I find that Google alerts help. I receive blog alerts daily for Pilates, Reiki, Turks & Caicos and that connects me with blogs I never would see otherwise.”

When asked, “Where or through whom did you hear about BLOG VILLAGE?”, Lynda’s answer was, “One of the blogs I visited through a Google alert was Rosemary's (Day By Day with PD & PN), and I clicked through to join."

To continue the interview I wanted to know, “Why do you blog? Is your blog personal, business, therapeutic, or just plain fun?”

“All of the above! I have received writing & teaching offers from my blog. Advertisers like my blog. My clients read the blog, and I have gained clients from having a blog. Plus, I get to write and have fun, not knowing who will be reading!” was Lynda’s enthusiastic reply.

I was glad to hear that Lynda sometimes explores BLOG VILLAGE when I asked, “How many BLOG VILLAGE blogs do you read?”, because she said, “There are about 8 that I cycle through regularly. But sometimes I go in and just click different ones to see what's out there.”

The last question helps me with the answer to “Who do I pick for the next interview?” Lynda would like to recommend Eric of Erixgraphy, so he will be added to my list of BLOG VILLAGERS to get to know a little bit more!

Interested in joining BLOG VILLAGE? Start HERE.

If you are interested in being the Featured Villager on our BLOG VILLAGE News blog, please contact Janey Loree, Kilroy, or the Gatekeeper, the members of our Village Interview Team.

JANIE at Colloquium - Our FEATURED VILLAGER

This next Featured Villager is not only a lawyer, she has accomplished my life long dream to play in Carnegie Hall. That’s right! Janie Hickok Siess is pictured with her flute as the Delta Winds performed in Carnegie Hall on March 28, 2007! Along with the wonderful soundtrack of their debut, Janie is an avid fan of “The Soprano’s” and pens a weekly installment to recap the show.

Janie keeps busy on her blog with memes for almost every day of the week: Sunday Scribblings, Monday Candle Moment, Wordless Wednesday, Thursday Thirteen, Friday’s Feast, and Photo Hunt (on Saturday’s). Her day of rest must be on Tuesday’s!!! Don’t forget to check out her other blogs, “Here’s looking at…me!” and “The Stockton Concert Band”. So without any further ado…I introduce you to Janie @ Colloquium…

Janey Loree ~ Who is Janie? Tell us something about Janie that you haven’t posted in your blog Colloquium!

JHS ~ I don’t come from a privileged background (my father was a car mechanic and my mother was homemaker) and couldn’t care less about money, wealth or the social status those things bring. I just want to have enough to live comfortably. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, I realized I could not spend the rest of my life looking at balance sheets, ledgers, tax returns, etc. because I just couldn’t make myself care about any of it. I needed to earn my daily bread doing something that required a more meaningful investment of my entire self. So I continued on to law school. There, once I took my first civil rights course, that was it. I knew I had found my niche.

Janey Loree ~ What prompted you to start blogging in the first place?

JHS ~ I was moved to start blogging during the final days of Terri Schindler-Schiavo’s life because I was so distraught about the fact that her parents’ legal appeals all proved futile.

For six years, I litigated Conservatorship of Wendland all the way to a victory before the California Supreme Court. I am among a select group of attorneys who understand the stress of handling a high-profile, high-stakes case over a protracted period of time.

The cost for all involved was enormous. In my case, it impacted my physical health, but also changed me in many other ways. I wanted to share my experiences by telling the cautionary tale in order to encourage everyone to make end-of-life decisions while they are capable of doing so and communicate their wishes to their friends and family orally and in writing. A battle about how to proceed in the face of incapacitating illness or injury is devastating to family, friends, caregivers, attorneys, guardians, judges, justices. As noted, I, along with everyone else involved in the Wendland case, am living proof that no one comes out of the battle unscathed.

A lot of people told me I should write a book. I prefer to blog about it . . . which I am doing gradually. It’s too overwhelming to try to write about all of it at once and more than five years later, I’m still processing my thoughts and feelings about that momentous battle.

From there, the blog evolved into a discussion of all sorts of topics, some very serious and some more light-hearted.

In January, I also became a featured weekly writer for Write Stuff. Between the two endeavors, I’m having a great time and learning a lot about writing and myself.

Janey Loree ~ When do you find time to read other blogs?

JHS ~ Late at night and on weekends. I can lose a lot of hours following links . . . I’m sure your readers can all relate!

Janey Loree ~ Where did you hear about BLOG VILLAGE?

JHS ~ I clicked on the link that I found on another blog . . . don’t remember which one, though.

Janey Loree ~ Why did you name your blog “Colloquium”? Is your blog personal, business, therapeutic, or just plain fun?

JHS ~ The word has several meanings, but this one is the reason I picked the name: “An informal meeting for the exchange of views.” That’s what I hope this blog is: A place where people feel comfortable dropping by, reading my ramblings, and sharing a thought, feeling, opinion or viewpoint.

Janey Loree ~ How many BLOG VILLAGE blogs are you linked to?

JHS ~ Oh, gosh . . . I don’t know! Where do I find this information?

Janey Loree ~ If you join sites like “Technorati” or “Referer.org” and add the appropriate HTML coding, you can keep an eye on who links to your blogs. I am sure that other VILLAGERS can give you pointers on this as well…such as Jim over at “Tips For New Bloggers”.

Janey Loree ~ Bonus Question: Of those BV blogs that you are linked to, which BLOG VILLAGER would you recommend for the next interview?

JHS ~ I enjoy Scribbit.

But there are so many wonderful blogs listed . . .



Interested in joining BLOG VILLAGE? Start HERE.

If you are interested in being the Featured Villager on our BLOG VILLAGE News blog, please contact Janey Loree, Kilroy, or the Gatekeeper, the members of our Village Interview Team.

Who Is Naomi?? Read about Our FEATURED VILLAGER

Janey Loree ~ “Who is Naomi? Tell us more about Diary From England!”

Naomi ~ “I’m a British born secretary and aspiring writer, currently working on my first book. I have lived in England all my life. My hobbies include writing, travel and dancing. Diary from England is an online journal covering the latest news, updates and information on life in England. A wide range of diverse and interesting topics are covered to attract a wide readership. I also have useful information and links on my blog for anyone planning to visit England in the future. I only set up my blog in January last year but I have already attracted a lot of interest. Some readers are people who hail from England originally and like to read news from their homeland. Others are just curious to hear what goes on in another country of the world apart from their own! A lot of people have e-mailed me to say how much they enjoy their visits to Diary From England, which is great. After losing my dad to cancer, I have also recently set up a charity initiative so that anybody who enjoys their visit to Diary from England can show their appreciation by making a donation to a cancer charity. It could save a life.”


Janey Loree ~ “What prompted you to start blogging in the first place?”

Naomi ~ “I saw a few blogs when I was surfing and thought it would be good to start one myself. I thought it would be good to have a little space on the worldwide web and somewhere to practise my writing skills. I always think life is for living and I always try to live my life to the full and enjoy every day. I enjoy meeting new people and trying new things. Setting up my blog, "Diary from England" was a challenge and a whole new adventure for me. Its been a lot of fun and I'm learning new things every day. I'm also building up a good readership of many people from all over the world which is great!”


Janey Loree ~ “When do you do your blog reading?”

Naomi ~ “I don’t have that much spare time as I hold down a full-time job and am working on a book as well! But when I do, (usually at weekends), I do most of my blog reading at Blog Village. It’s a great community of good quality blogs covering a wide variety of topics.”


Janey Loree ~ “Where did you hear about BLOG VILLAGE?”

Naomi ~ “I saw the Blog Village banner on a number of blogs I looked at, so I went over to have a look and decided to join myself. I really enjoy being a member of Blog Village. It’s a nice community of friendly people over there. I have made a few cyberfriends whilst being a member.”


Janey Loree ~ “Why do you blog? Is your blog personal, business, etc?”

Naomi ~ “My blog is personal. I use it as my little soapbox on all the latest happenings in England! I’ve always loved writing and I’m in my element when I’m writing posts for my blog. Writing on my blog gives me a real buzz. I find it very relaxing and a good way to unwind after a busy day at work.”


Janey Loree ~ “How often do you post and how many blogs do you maintain?”

Naomi ~ “I try to post two or three times a week and just maintain the one blog:- www.diaryfromengland.blogspot.com Come over and visit me soon! Thanks for taking the time and trouble to interview me Janey.”

---

You are most welcome Naomi. Since I first interviewed Naomi, (back in January) I have developed a cyber friendship with her. Her blog is filled with great posts about health issues, the Queen, the English Bobby, English news as well as taking the time to post a couple of articles that helped me out with research for a couple of our paperdolls! I am even more partial to Diary From England now that Naomi is our International Correspondent from England!! Drop by and tell her that you read her interview on the BLOG VILLAGE News!!!

If you would like to be interviewed email me at memories@pjscorner.net. Keep in mind that there are several interviews ahead of you so your interview will not be posted right away. At this point in time, look forward to interviews from Janie over at Colloquium, Lynda at Pilates & Reiki in Paradise, Granimore at Funeralis, and Bill at Recovery Addiction Basics.


Interested in joining BLOG VILLAGE? Start HERE.

If you are interested in being the Featured Villager on our BLOG VILLAGE News blog, please contact Janey Loree, Kilroy, or the Gatekeeper, the members of our Village Interview Team.

ERIC Has Issues? Find out about our Newest FEATURED BLOG VILLAGER

There's a lot of Mommy blogs out there (nothing wrong with that), but here's a unique view of family life through Dad's eyes. Honestly, I don't know what Eric's issues are - he sounds intact to me. My advice, visit his site; you'll learn a thing or two. Leave your own comments on the death of Brad Delp and talk about what St. Patrick's day means to you. Hope you enjoy the Village News with Eric.

Gatekeeper: Eric, would you share a little bit about yourself? You know, where are you from, what is, or are, your passions? What do you do for a living?

Eric: I'm a 40 year old stay at home dad, that makes me either the busiest or the laziest person in the house, I'm not sure yet. I grew up in Temple City, California. Not only the home of the Camellias, but the very first Winchells Donut shop, and the set for most all of the downtown scenes for the TV series "The Wonder years."

My love of music and creating music is the driving force in my life. My formal training is in Lutherie (stringed instrument building). For 20 years I've been involved in the music industry in one way or another. I worked for Taylor Guitars for 11 years, managing the mill and parts production. This job took me around the world looking for exotic woods that we could use in our production, most notably the "Liberty Tree Guitar." I'm currently designing an electric guitar here at the house.

Gatekeeper: Would you like to tell us how you met the love of your life? I thought the post about her birthday was adorable.

Eric:
On a rainy day in 1979, our middle school combined the boys and girls PE classes to play war ball (dodge ball) in the gym. There, for the first time, I was introduced to a cute young lady. She was a singer, and dancer. For many years we had the same circle of friends. We started dating our junior year in high school.

After High school we went to the same JC. She took it seriously while I dropped out after 3 semesters to pursue the music thing without the background of a formal education. (Bad Choice on my part) After finishing her GE, she moved to San Diego to finish her degree in Biology. We spent weekends driving back and forth for two years. Finally I got a Job in San Diego in 1990. We were married in 1991, now we are the classic "Nuclear Family" with three kids, a dog and a cat.

Gatekeeper: I read about your involvement at your daughter's school. Has volunteer work become a very important part of your life? Tell us about the garden at your daughter's school, if you can.

Eric: Our twin daughters attend a Charter School. Part of the charter requires families to spend an hour a week at the school helping out. Last year I told the girls' kindergarten teacher that I would help out in her raised garden box. I planted carrots, tomatoes, and lettuce. At the end of the year the class had a potluck and I made a salad out of what the kids had grown in their garden. This year I was promoted (sentenced) to manage the entire garden for all grades.

(Use this link to get my take on volunteering)

That Which Is Worth Doing (part deux)

Bottom line… you can pour your life into a job, hobby or whatever, but if you have kids, I feel that they are the best investment. I'll be the first to tell you that I'm not the greatest father in the world, but I try my best.

Gatekeeper: Is music an important part of your life? How long have you been playing guitar? Have you written any original songs? Would you like to? Have you recorded anything? Something we might be able to showcase on Blog Village?

Eric: Music I would say is my most passionate outlet. I got involved with music in the 4^th grade, when the high school kids came and demonstrated all the instruments in the band. At the end of it all we had the opportunity to sign up for one, so I did. I started playing the flute, much to the chagrin of my parents. Later on I picked up the saxophone.

No one else in my family has any musical ambitions. I went to work for a music store after school. It was there that I picked up the guitar, and the love of making musical instruments. Then at twenty years old I went to a trade school to learn the art of building guitars.

For the last ten years I've been playing guitar for our Saturday night church service. My love of music brought me from the last pew in the auditorium to the stage. For me, I would rather be up on stage playing worship, than sitting within the congregation. This is when I have my strongest connection to God, and I feel like I'm fulfilling my life's call.

As for my musical tastes, I'm a Rocker. I grew up listening to Jethro Tull (flute) Peter Frampton, Dire Straits, and Van Halen…blah blah blah. The 80's are my favorite decade for music.

I suffer (my wife actually is suffering) from: G.A.S.—Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. This is a disorder that causes me to think that I'll stop after my next guitar. Needless to say there is no cure for this ailment. So here's the inventory:

3 electric guitars

4 acoustic guitars

2 ukuleles

1 piano

1 harp

1 flute

I have written two instrumental pieces for guitar. One was recorded in 1990 for a Christmas album that my wife and I made as Christmas gifts for the family. We used a state of the art technology called the cassette tape.

Gatekeeper: Tell us about your blog—Eric Has Issues. Why did you start blogging? When did you start blogging?

Eric: My blog came about on a whim. I signed up in 2005 after a friend was promoting his blog. I created my own under "myname.blogspot.com." I actually made my first post in January of last year. I started off slow, it wasn't till April that I really got going on it. After seeing my therapist for a year or so she made this statement; "You have issues." And the new version was born. This also allowed me some anonymity.

I started it as a way to organize what I was thinking and feeling, set goals, and chronicle my life. This is basically a dad blog with genuine moments of greatness. I try not to be forceful on my opinions, but I do take a stand from time to time. From the stats, I get anywhere between 5 to 20 hits a day. Most are family and friends. I post about every other day.

Gatekeeper: How many blogs do you write and how often do you post? How many blogs do you enjoy reading or do you have time to read other blog authors?

Eric: I have just one blog that I maintain. I've been working on an online portfolio for my woodworking projects that I've made over the years. I'm interested in starting a blog with multiple contributors that would stand as a forum on current topics and without bashing. One of those "free market of ideas." Any takers?

I use bloglines to organize the blogs that I read. It allows me to subscribe to individual feeds, and lets me know when the blogs are updated. It's pretty convenient. Google reader does the same thing, but I prefer bloglines.

Blogs that I read regularly are:

Old and in the Way

LiteraryGirl

How to Change the World

The Daily Nooz

Cool Tools

Gatekeeper: When did you join Blog Village and how did you hear about the Village?

Eric: I signed up with the Village in early December. I ran across it by accident if I remember correctly. I'm not really a joiner, but I thought I'd give it a try. I don't have a large list of links nor am I a blogger that likes a lot of banners and fluff on my page. I'm trying to keep it simple.

Gatekeeper: Do you have any favorite Villagers you try to read a few times here and there?

Eric: Honestly, I've perused through the Blog Village listings only a few times. There is a lot of ground to cover, and I really don't have much time.

I've stopped off at:

Alabama Kitchen Sink

Anti Itch Meditation

Points of Light

It's kinda confusing right now

California Breeze

The Gonzo Papers

Pieces of Me

Gatekeeper: Which one would you like to see interviewed next?

Eric: I threw a dart, and this is who I hit: Anti Itch Meditation.

So, what do you think? DOES Eric have issues???

Meet MARION - Our Featured BLOG VILLAGER

After sending Marion the same questions I ask of all my BLOG VILLAGE interviewees, she answered them in a way that does not need to be broken up! Please read on to find out about your fellow BLOG VILLAGER, Marion, over at The Herbal Connection:

I am a soon-to-be 56 year old woman who has had many life experiences, and who wants to share what I’ve learned as a result of these life-changing events.

I am twice-divorced; now living with my life-partner, Graham. Two dogs, Lucky and Nate, own us. I have lost a daughter; I am a recovering Alcoholic, still dry for many years. I am a mother and a grandmother, soon to welcome my second grandchild into the world.

As I learn, once more, to adapt to a different way of life, I use the Shamanistic and Reiki skills I have learned on a constant basis. I will always be amazed at how much easier life becomes, how well I can figure myself out, using these tools.

Graham is a Karuna Reiki Master Teacher and I hold Level 2 certification. I absorb the energies that fly around me so intensely, both negative and positive, that I had to learn how to protect myself. That is when I met Shaman Maggie Wahls, who opened the doors to an intensely spiritual time.

My awareness of ordinary, everyday occurrences became so acute; I wanted to write specifically about it. My life has become an amazing journey of miracles. It seemed right to share it.

And I wanted to be a storyteller. I have written all my life, primarily for myself…writing words that described the events of my life, horrible, sad words. It was the right time, suddenly, to turn those despairing words around to a more positive tone, to dissect and learn.

I wanted to reach people, to share hope in the everyday. Although I have sent some essays, etc. to various magazines, I have not seriously pursued this avenue. I treasure the rejection letters; seems they all, in handwritten words, love my writing…but what could they do with it? It doesn’t seem to fit in well, for magazine formats. LOL

Blogging seemed the natural choice for me. I am very at home on the Internet, having taken various different courses and having a natural bent towards research. I also wanted to learn to write consistently, with discipline. And I wanted to explore the world of photography.

My blog reading is done mainly in the morning, with some afternoon surfing. I try and find new blogs (to me) with the same interests I have, and try and extend my audience that way, as well as contacting and getting to know some wonderful people! And, no matter how busy life gets, I try and keep up with the great friends I have already made, just by blogging. I have huge gratitude for their support.

When I first started blogging, I knew nothing about it. Nothing. It took awhile to even understand how to publish, how to load photos, how to…the list goes on. I didn’t know about comments, etc., I didn’t know there were groups you could join. And then, one day, I heard Blog Village mentioned... I think it may even have been the Google help group, lol, a group I have had many occasions to visit!

My blog is a personal one. After all those rejections from editors, after all their suggestions to change my writing to more acceptable topics, I decided I was going to write what the muse wanted to. And so I did.

I only maintain one blog. I have others; they are still in the starting phases, where they will probably remain. I admire the people who have more than one blog; I just do not have time.

I usually try to post two or three times a week; it is a release and an outlet for my creativity. My writing is not for everyone; I wouldn’t expect it to be. But I try and project peace and serenity, I try and work out the happenings around me. I try and share any wisdom I may have learned, or am learning.

The sites on Blog Village are always entertaining. In my opinion, it is a great collection of different viewpoints; my site feels at home here. I enjoy it every day.

Now I get to pick another Blog Villager ... ta daaaa! I would love to hear about Tea, from Tea and Margaritas in my Garden!

All you need to do is read one of Marion posts to see her passion for life, to see how deeply she feels about the world around her. She has a unique way of writing and expressing life as she sees it. Read her Valentine’s Day post “Fury” to see what I mean and stop by to wish her a Happy Birthday. Her birthday is in February sometime! ~ Janey Loree


Interested in joining BLOG VILLAGE? Start HERE.

If you are interested in being the Featured Villager on our BLOG VILLAGE News blog, please contact Janey Loree, Kilroy, or the Gatekeeper, the members of our Village Interview Team.

STEVE (Just Your Average Revolutionary), Our FEATURED VILLAGER

Janey Loree: Who is Steve Bremner? Tell us more about Just your average revolutionary!

Steve: Steve Bremner is a 25 year old missionary to the Netherlands. I was saved around the age of 15, and grew up in a brethren church. I then went on to a charismatic Bible school, originally located in Pensacola, FL, which had been birthed out of the Brownsville Revival. Some time after graduating I made my way over to the Netherlands as a missionary. My heritage in the Plymouth Brethren background, coupled with my charismatic experience in my early twenties and to date, really make an interesting mix, I believe. Click here for my three part testimony

Steve Bremner is someone who hates traditional "church" as we know it, and someone who wants to see God's kingdom invade this earth and shake everything that can be shaken--including and specifically the Church. And, specifically, to see restored to the Body of Christ the things God's word tells us are ours, that are sadly lacking, such as the supernatural and miraculous.

I'm a revolutionary because the Holy Spirit lives inside of me, and I'm a disciple of King Jesus, who rules a kingdom out of this world and in authority above this earthly realm's kingdom. I'm average just like anybody else in that this is not my own identity, but His. He takes the weak things of this world, and the unwise things of this world, and makes something big with them and uses people like you and me to do it. He's in the habit of using average revolutionaries like us. That and I've been too uncreative and lazy to come up with a new title for the blog, and I think it has a nice ring to it the way it is.

Janey Loree: What prompted you to start blogging in the first place?

Steve: I heard about blogging from two different people independently of each other. One was a missionary in Germany, the other was someone on my MSN chat list, and when I clicked on hers, I found an online journal, and immediately decided to start my own. I felt like I had things to say and ideas to share that other people aren't necessarily preaching about or sharing in theirs.

I feel one of my giftings is that of a teacher, and I'm studying the Word a lot, and feel like I'm constantly finding awesome nuggets of truth that I need to share with somebody, somewhere! So for me my blog was the perfect outlet for such expression, but I didn't know what "image" or "personality" I wanted to give my blog at first, and upon deciding to start one, I had no idea how to get it rolling.

In the summer of 2004, the Lord dramatically healed my mom of fibromyalgia, and I posted the testimony in an e-mail and sent it to my entire e-address book, and then decided to copy and paste it as my first written entry. Given the fact that most of my circle of Christian influence in Peterborough (the city in Canada where I'm from) was from a conservative evangelical or brethren background at that time, in all likelihood many of them would read or visit my blog if given the link. I know I have the respect of a good number of the people from my church upbringing, but who are closed to the things of the Holy Spirit, so I decided I'd use this blog as a place to study and teach on subjects strongly lacking in the non-charismatic circles of Christians, and that many of my friends might not otherwise learn or come across, if not for someone "from their midst" teaching on it and not being weird.

Janey Loree: When do you do your blog reading?

Steve: Randomly. I have a list of blogs, either that I've discovered or that belong to friends of mine, and maybe in the course of my day, I'll go through my bookmarks and catch up on them, and if few people have written much, then I can read all the blogs I frequent in a day. However, it probably takes me an average of one week to read all the blogs I bookmark.

Janey Loree: Where did you hear about BLOG VILLAGE?

Steve: I'm not sure how long ago it was, but I was getting comments on my blog from someone using the sign-in name "Dirty Butter", always encouraging me, and always leaving positive comments about how something I wrote challenged her or blessed her. It was either in email or in a comment that she asked me to join Blog Village, and explained the purpose of the site, and I'm all for joining sites if it might introduce me to people who may enjoy or benefit from anything I have to write. And the rest is history, and here I am filling out questions like this for it!

Janey Loree: Why do you blog? Is your blog personal, business, etc?

Steve: My blog serves as a perpetual newsletter for those wanting to stay in touch with me, and as I began to say earlier, I find blogging to be an outlet--a FREE one at that--that I can share my thoughts and post what I burn for, knowing that the only people who will read it are the people who want to be impacted by it. I find it also can be an extension of my ministry and my monthly newsletters, in that while I'm not physically in Holland, I can still teach and write things that will impact the Dutch people I am involved with who will read it while I'm away. Same with Canadians and Americans while I'm in Holland--just the concept that I can impact lives without being present is awesome! My blog writings can go places that I can't. So in a nutshell, I blog to motivate and encourage as well as challenge others, especially saying a thing or two about lots of dumb things Christians believe. I don't want to blog just to write, but to invite change in those who read it and come across it.

It also helps for keeping people caught up with me, since I view blogs as "voluntary bulk mail". I hardly ever send forwards or junk mail to people, instead I'll post it in my blogs (sometimes, very rarely), but people can read them when they have time or the desire.

Blogs are neat little resources!

Janey Loree: How often do you post and how many blogs do you maintain?

Steve: Sometimes I'm bursting at the seams with things to post, whether they be other peoples' articles or my own studies. However, I don't write when NOT inspired to. I go through dry seasons, and I go through insanely wet seasons. But on average, I update a minimum of once a week. Given that most people have the attention span of a gust of wind, I try not to go nuts in posting too often, because I don't post anything that I don't want people to read. So if I have a lot of drafts saved up or on the go at any given moment, then I post them one or two days apart instead of all at once. I also post articles that say things better than I could.

The only blog I consistently maintain, is Just Your Average Revolutionary. When I first started this blog, one day I wrote a big fat humorous lie. I made up this story about being a missionary to the deserts of Yukon in Northern Canada. How was I supposed to know the fact it's colder the further north you go would not be obvious to everybody reading? So I had an anonymous comment from someone, puking on me for joking around on a serious blog. Even though it's my own blog to do what I want with, I did see how joking around too much could hinder peoples' ability to take me seriously when I am sharing from the Word, so I started Canadian Bacon, but it doesn't get nearly the attention from me as Just Your Average Revolutionary, but it's an outlet for other forms of creativity, especially ones lacking seriousness.

My blogging habits are that I take a lot of notes and journal things on my laptop when listening to podcasts or mp3 preachings, and sometimes I re-write the notes so as to make a blog entry of them. Also, if I am studying something in Scripture, I find I usually will post it on my blog, so I practice the habit of writing something I'd like to share with others, and of course I use the Blogger Add-on for Word. Then, next time I'm in a hotspot or something, I save it to my drafts, a few days go by and I check it again and see if I'm happy with it, and then post it, correct grammar, etc... And post it online. Other times, I post updates rather spontaneously to keep my friends up to date on the latest with me.

Another blog that originally started out of a desire to see people united from various areas of the world and denominational stances, was a Prayer Requests and Testimonies blog. The idea was having as many people as would like to, contributors to this blog, and they can go in there and post prayer requests, and share this link with other people as well who will pray for needs. Then, those involved theoretically subscribe to the feed and pray for every need requested as they show up in your subscriptions. I like the mechanism of it all, later on people could post testimonies and how those prayers were answered.

Anyone that would like to be a contributor and/or administrator of this prayer blog, and who will pray for others' requests, feel free to let me know and I'll shoot you an invitation to it. I think this is a brilliant way to get the kingdom of God impacting each other's lives, as well as making use of a tool such as blogging.

Thank you for the questions and for featuring me.

Steve

Janey Loree: Well, it looks like Steve headed back to Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, NL on Friday, January 19. In his Wednesday, January 17 post, he let his blog readers know that he will not have internet access in the apartment where he will be staying. He's continued to post, though, so he must have found a friend with internet access. Not to take away from Steve’s blog content, but if you want to know how to write January through December and the days of the week in Dutch, check out Steve’s blog!

Carver (Just a Redneck Hanging Out With Jesus) - Our Featured Villager

Interview with Matthew Carver, author of Just a Redneck Hanging Out With Jesus.

The Gatekeeper: Well, my friend, what is it we can call you--Pastor Matt, Mr. Redneck or should we stick to JARHOWJ?

I don’t really care, just not Rev. There is nothing reverend about me. Just call me Carver.

The Gatekeeper: I like your definition of a “Redneck.” Care to share? And where do you hang with your family (where do you live?), and what do you do?


Carver: Carver’s definition for Redneck: someone that won’t mold into something man says he or she should be. Someone that is who they are and proud of where they come from and doesn’t care what others think about them. I have heard Rednecks are only in the south, but I’ve seen Rednecks everywhere I’ve ever been.

I was born in Maggie Valley, N.C. I followed a little blond to Canton, N.C. and stayed. I have two children, both girls. The oldest is learning to drive. I told her she couldn’t get her license until she learned to drive a straight — she’s learning in the Jeep.

I am in the ministry full time, employed part time, but that’s God business. I help my father in the restaurant businesses in the summer time. My heart is in ministry. The restaurant is in my blood.


The Gatekeeper: When did you start blogging and why? What is it you blog about, how many blogs do you author, and do you read other blogs? And, by the way, how often do you usually post? Sorry, that’s a long string of questions!


Carver: I started March of last year (I think.) It is a God thing; I don’t type fast or think fast so it’s led by God. I led a spiritual gifts class last year. and one of God’s students found one of their spiritual gifts was computers. She has built us a web page (she has never had a computer class in her life), and suggested we have blog pages to let people know who we were and what we were about.

The other two pastors have blogs and have named them also. It just seemed natural to name mine Redneck. Then I remembered wanting to name a group of young men (in another church I went too) Rednecks for Jesus. It didn’t go well there, but some people are paralyzed by the fear of man. I thought if this was going to be my blog, I could name it whatever God would give me a peace with. Here we are Just a Redneck hangin’ out with Jesus.

I post what ever God lays on my heart. I want people to know they can be who they are and be effective in spreading God's word. They don’t have to fit man’s mold - they have to fit God's plan. I want everyone to understand God changes and molds man (people). Man doesn’t mold man. Conviction comes from God, and forgiveness comes from God.

Sometimes I read other blogs. It all depends on the time I have.
I have no other blogs, I have a hard enough time with one, and I don’t multitask. I don’t think it’s in a man’s DNA.

Posting is sporadic, time and leading of the Holy Spirit sets what people read (Mostly). I do blog from my human side, sometimes.


The Gatekeeper: Why did you decide to join Blog Village and how did you stumble across us?

Carver: I was invited by someone that had read my blog; I can’t remember who. I’ve slept since then.


The Gatekeeper: One more question: Who from Blog Village would you like to see interviewed next? Brave enough to tell us why?


Carver: Another Christian blog that is out of the box, that goes against religion, and spreads the word that Jesus loves people and salvation has nothing to do with mans’ works. Brave or stupid; I don’t care what people call me! I’ll have to stand before God one day and give an account on whether I led people into the presence of Jesus or ran them away. Religion doesn’t lead people anywhere but in circles. I ain’t got time to lead people in circles. (Unless it’s on a track and I’m behind the wheel. Ha, Ha)


The Gatekeeper: Carver is a pastor who loves NASCAR and drives a Jeep. You’ve got to love that. He’s for real, I dare say, and his blog is not only fun to read, but is also very inspiring. He’s never short on wisdom either. Go ahead and ask him anything about spiritual matters - he won’t pull any punches. You’ll get the truth! So go ahead and leave a comment at JARHOWJ. You’ll be welcomed.


Interested in joining BLOG VILLAGE?

Start HERE.

If you are interested in being the Featured Villager on our BLOG VILLAGE News blog, please contact Janey Loree, Kilroy, or the Gatekeeper, the members of our Village Interview Team.

BLOG VILLAGE was established on May 23, 2006, currently with a membership of 252 Villager blogs.

Don't Panic! It's Time to Reset the Votes to Zero!!

If you're new to BLOG VILLAGE, or to TopLists in general, you may be surprised when you take a look at our TopList tonight. Except for the Villagers who have votes since 5:01PM, all of the Villagers are back to zero. This happens each month. If you want to know when it will happen for next month, take a look at the very bottom of one of the BV pages. (You'll see the date and time of the next re-set is on Feb. 14th at 5:01PM PST.)

You will also find a link to this News blog at the bottom, and there's always a link to the newest Featured Villager after the #10 blog.


If you are interested in being Featured, please contact Janey Loree, Kilroy, or the Gatekeeper, the members of our Village Interview Team.

Interested in joining BLOG VILLAGE?

Start HERE.

BLOG VILLAGE was established on May 23, 2006, currently with a membership of 252 Villager blogs.

KILROY - Our New FEATURED BLOG VILLAGER

Janey Loree: Who is Kilroy? Tell us more about Fear And Loathing - The Gonzo Papers!

Kilroy: Kilroy is an evolving character; an explorer, spiritualist, consultant, writer and photographer.

Fear And Loathing - The Gonzo Papers is meant to be a vehicle that pays tribute to the spirit of Hunter S. Thompson. In the Gonzo spirit, distinctions between the author and subject are blurred. There is a merging of fiction and nonfiction.

Fear And Loathing - The Gonzo Papers examines the human condition; that which lurks in the shadows is explored; questions are asked and a point of view is taken without apology.

It should be noted that the author accepts no responsibility for spontaneous anger, personal outrage, blurred vision, headaches or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder experienced by visitors.

One final point, I regularly publish my original photography. The photographs rarely have anything to do with the narrative. I do hope that people enjoy the images; or at least that they inspire thought.

Janey Loree: What prompted you to start blogging in the first place?

Kilroy: I spent a week at Cape Cod with TheSpecialOne. It was good for me to step away from having work be omnipresent. I had time to contemplate my life and consider the need to gain a greater sense of balance. Blogging was something about which I had knowledge; it was an opportunity that up to that point I did not pursue. Shortly after returning from the trip I decided it was time to begin.

Janey Loree: When do you do your blog reading?

Kilroy: I don't have a specific time that I do anything, other than filing my taxes by April 15th. Unless I file an extension. 8-D

Janey Loree: Where did you hear about BLOG VILLAGE?

Kilroy: Reviewing sites to include in my "A Hitchhiker's Guide To The Blogosphere" series, I am always finding different things posted in sidebars. I'm sure it was one of the ones I chose to investigate.

Janey Loree: Why did you name your blog "Fear And Loathsome – The Gonzo Papers"?

Kilroy: When you mention Hunter S. Thompson, invariably, the first thing people think of is his book "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas". Fear And Loathing is a phrase The Good Doctor frequently used. My "first" blog Fear And Loathing In The Blogosphere was lost in some sort of inescapable Blogger archive hell. I used the name of one of his books when I recreated the original blog and moved forward.

Janey Loree: How often do you post and how many blogs do you maintain?

Kilroy: The first year I only posted about 100 times exactly. I was disappointed with that. It was, though, the best I could do given a certain circumstances.

Right after my blogiversary I started exploring Pay Per Post. I have published about 80 posts over the last month. About 40 of them are sponsored by Pay Per Post advertisers. It has worked out well in that it is virtually seamless with what I had already been writing.

Fear And Loathing - The Gonzo Papers is in the Pay Per Post Affiliate Program. If anyone is interested in testing the program, I would appreciate them signing on through my site, www.KilroyTheGonzoPapers.blogspot.com

Janey Loree: Which BLOG VILLAGER would you recommend for the next interview?

Kilroy: I referred a blogger to you; one who is a personal friend and a professional associate. So, it seems only logical I would refer you to The Lives And Times... of Anthony McCune.

To conclude, I'd like to thank you for your interest in Fear And Loathing - The Gonzo Papers.

One last thing I feel is important to say. I believe blogging is an excellent educational forum. It's not possible to learn, though, if your viewpoint is the only one you see. I am interested in what input other Blog Villagers have to offer. Whether it is in agreement or not; I'd like to encourage an exchange of ideas because it's helpful to us all.


Janey Loree: In the near future, you will be reading interviews by Kilroy. Not only does Kilroy have a way with words, he is proactive in the blogging arena. Drop by his blog to inquire about The Gonzo B$ Carnival.




Sift through his posts to enjoy all his photography, lithographs, and renderings and let him know that he needs to start another “Headline Naming Contest”…



Interested in joining BLOG VILLAGE?

Start HERE.

BLOG VILLAGE was established on May 23, 2006, currently with a membership of 251 Villager blogs.