We’ve Been Nominated For Our 1st Blogger Award!
I’m so excited to share that Blended & Black has been nominated for The Sunshine Blogger Award by KandyAppleMama! The Sunshine Blogger Award is given from bloggers to other bloggers who are creative, positive and inspiring.
Once nominated, the blogger is required to write a post where they:
- Thank the blogger who nominated them and link back to their blog.
- Answer the questions asked by the blogger who nominated them.
- Nominate other bloggers and ask 11 new questions.
- Notify your nominees and create/display a Sunshine Blogger Award logo in the post.
My questions and answers
1.What is your favorite part of blogging in the stepparenting/co-parenting realm?
I really enjoy jumping in the trenches and helping people. The parenting game is HARD, but throw in a breakup, emotions, finances, new partners and it goes from hard to nearly impossible (for some). My goal is to provide resources for people that really want to learn to better navigate their new normal. By being in the mix with my audience, I can see and feel them! That’s an awesome thing.
2. What made you want to start blogging about something so personal?
When I was experiencing the pains of Blended family life, I felt isolated. I would often turn to the internet in search of books, blogs or communities for people like me. I have always been a filmmaker and a writer and my subject matter has always focused on topics that were relevant to me. Needless to say, blended life has become a big part of me, so it’s just a natural progression
3. What’s the hardest topic you’ve chosen to write about?
I find that my Husband’s past is tough for me to pen. I do have my own personal feelings on the topic, but in order to convey the right message to my audience, I have to often write from a neutral standpoint. Since this is the world wide web, I am also very careful to protect the identities of the members of my Blended clan. I am very open with all facets of my life, but I do respect the fact that others are more private. The dilemma arises when I am challenged to share my truths and pains while “working around” their source. It takes some very creative writing to achieve that. I guess I’ve succeeded because I’ve been nominated for this awesome blogging award!
4. Are there days you step back from your co-parenting role? What does that look like to you?
Yes, but not by choice. I am a long-distance Stepmom, so that presents a bit of a challenge with being physically involved in the day-to-day lives of my Stepkids. They are a 6 year old set of twins and a 12 year old young lady. All three look exactly like my Husband, so that makes them extra easy to love! They are truly wonderful little humans and I try to make the short spurts of time we do have together count. I am a strong believer in pouring into children and I always want them to know me as the woman that was good to them and the person that promoted them to be free thinkers. I have never been one to shy away from the fact that we do have a High Conflict Co-Parent, but things are getting better! Time and acceptance really do help these matters. I step back because I remind myself that my Husband’s ex had no plans of ME being a part of her family. We married 3 years after they split, but I am very empathetic to the fact that people heal at different rates. The transition has been difficult for her, it’s been tough for all of us, but it is happening! A family takes about 5 to 7 years to truly blend….we’re somewhere in the middle.
5. What is the message you want to share with the world?
I want the world to know that Blended families can be a beautiful thing! This life is REAL and it’s not for the faint of heart, but it is so rewarding! Tension, anger and contempt do not have to be the tone of your story. You can rewrite it at anytime. Start today! Give love away, it literally costs you nothing.
6. Have you created any products for your readers?
Yes! I recently created a full compilation of studies on How to Find the Best Possible Husband. I know the title is a bit weird! I was compelled to write this piece in a response to a study that I posted called Why Men Marry Some Women and Not Others. The piece for over 4500 shares on Facebook, so I wanted to give my audience a follow up!
7. What’s your next big project?
I am in the process of finishing my certification to become a Certified Family Life Educator through the NCFR. It’s been a grueling 3200 hours but the experience has been invaluable. I already have a Bachelors in Family and Consumer Sciences, but I did feel the need to get Certified in my niche area of focus. I take a more systemic approach…afterall a FAMILY is a combination of many working (and sometimes, not working parts). Once done, I will spearhead an online counseling program and curriculum for StepFamilies. I’m also writing a book! I’ll share more detail later on! I have a really engaged Facebook group and they do a great job at helping me tackle the issues of families and individuals affected by divorce, separation and things of the like.
I nominate:
America’s Blended Family Expert
Now it’s their turn to share the love! They’ll answer my questions, nominate other bloggers, and then ask them questions! Let’s keep the circle of positivity going. I nominated a few people that inspire me with their missions and their work. They tirelessly prove that they are making the world a better place every, single day!
- Why are you so passionate on your subject matter?
- What specific event led to you creating content around this subject?
- What common challenges to do face while trying to spread your message?
- What is the most rewarding part about being in YOUR family?
- If you got a million dollars cash today (tax free), what would you do with it?
- What’s next for your platform?
- How much time do you spend in a single day on your platform?
