Playing in the sun can really wipe you out.  Just look at my little guy!   I couldn’t believe it when he fell asleep sitting upright on my lap.  At times like this, I was able to sneak in a little beach reading.  And I’m not talking about mindless romance novels, no!  I had my copy of  Blogging For Bliss by Tara Frey tucked in my tote bag and finished reading it today.

I really enjoyed reading the interviews with bloggers sprinkled throughout the book.   It was insightful to read how others got started with their blogs….whether they have committed to blogging daily or only when they feel like it…how they chose their blog names….what blogs they read themselves…   It’s been fun discovering new blogs ~ here are a few favorites:   Artsy Mama, Blessed and Distressed, and Rebecca Sower.   There are still more I would like to visit.

Even though I’ve been blogging for 2 years…I have so much to learn yet.  I’ve been a bit of a casual blogger, combining both my little world of jewelry design with tidbits about my family life.  And through this online endeavor, I’ve met so many incredible people who share similar passions.  I’ve been reminded in reading Tara’s book about what makes a blog one that readers enjoy visiting….a big part seems to be in the pictures.  I’m sure you’re not surprised.  When you think of your favorite blogs, I bet they include lots of pretty pictures.    Tara shared her findings from her own online poll, and reported that 91% would rather see a picture in the blog post that doesn’t “match” the post rather than no picture at all!  Good thing I was lucky enough to get one of those 30 spaces in Susan Tuttle’s upcoming VisualPoetry workshop…I need all of the photography help I can get! 🙂 {I am so excited about that workshop and will share more when it starts next month}.

If you haven’t picked this book yet, check it out!   Especially if you’re new to the scene and thinking of starting your own blog.   This one has hit the tops on the Amazon charts in the crafts category.

Thank you for stopping by my humble little blog…it sure means a lot to me!

Have a great weekend!