Hello ladies,

One year ago today I published my first post on City Mom. Time flies when you're having fun eh?

I am celebrating my anniversary by running a feature called 7 Days of Giveaways to thank all my readers.

Today's giveaway is for the entire Stella and Sam book series.

Come on over to City Mom to check it out and help me celebrate!

Kelly xo

http://www.citymom.ca/2011/06/stella-sam-book-series-7-days-giveaways/

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It’s my blogiversary, not today, but in just a couple of weeks. I’m so excited to celebrate this event for two reasons.

First, I can’t believe it has been a year. Time flies when you’re having fun. I look back to my very first post on June 24, 2010 and I see how far I’ve come in a relatively short time.

I’ve gone from casual writing about our adventures in the city to freelance writing, radio interviews and exciting giveaways. And I’ve made so many great friends and contacts as a result.

I stepped way outside of my comfort zone early on and interviewed Anne Marie DeCicco-Best (London’s mayor at the time) and Joe Fontana (London’ current mayor) during London’s mayoral election. This is an achievement I will always be proud of.

I’ve learned so much about my great city and the people who live in it. There are some amazing programs, small businesses and fabulous females that make up London and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

My second reason for my excitement is because I get to give back. City Mom would be nothing without the people who read it. Though I’m not fixed on stats, I admit that when I see them grow I get a rise. It means that people are listening. The feeling of knowing that people care what you have to say will never get old.

When I receive comments on a particular post it feels like a gift. Someone is taking time out of their busy schedule to share their thoughts…with me! I’m truly honoured and thankful.

7 Days of Giveaways

So to show this gratitude I’m giving you gifts. I know, it’s my blogiversary, I should be getting the gifts but it’s you who deserves them!

 I’ve gathered a list of some great vendors to run a feature called 7 Days of Giveaways. There will be seven exciting reviews, each with a special giveaway. The feature will run from June 24 to 30 with a new opportunity each day.

I don’t want to share too much, as there’s something to be said about surprises, but think jewellery, makeup and books…that should tide you over!

Looking forward to seeing you on the 24^th!

*Note: June’s second Fabulous Female will run on Thursday, June 23 to allow the blogiversary celebration to start on time.

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Within my social circle there are no single parents. I don’t know much about the life of a single parent but I can imagine what it must be like. I had a small dose of parenting alone this past week, and my respect for moms or dads that go it alone increased by double!

MY HUSBAND THE SUPERHERO

My husband had to go away for three nights last week. He rarely travels for work so we’re used to having him around most of the time. If you remember a post I did last summer, My Husband the Superhero you’ll know that he’s a very hands-on dad.

So to say his presence was missed is an understatement. Little S and I missed him on so many levels. From the moment we dropped him off at the train station to the moment we picked him up, his absence was obvious.

I had to take extreme measures to manage my week. I was able to work from home two of the three days that he was away. It was absolutely necessary in order to get Little S to and from school, make her lunches and prepare for the evening ahead. On the third day I had to recruit my parents to pick her up from school so I could complete my eight hours at work.

ME TIME

There was no ‘me’ time. Anything I wanted to do that didn’t involve S had to be done after 9 p.m. and that was only if I had enough energy left after my gruelling day to do so.

Timing was a bit off too; Little S was only three days in to the extreme withdrawal symptoms of her pacifier addiction. Looking back, perhaps the decision to rid her of the habit before Daddy went away was not the best choice; they do say hindsight is 20/20.

So I struggled. We got through it relatively unscathed and yes, I did drop her off at school one morning with us both in tears. And yes, we did eat McDonald’s one night for dinner and I admit I used the Playland as a babysitter.

After reading this you might be thinking, ‘wow, this girl has it too easy,’ or something to that effect. And I agree. I didn’t realize how much I relied on having a partner to share the responsibility of parenting with and just how fortunate I am.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

I already had an immense amount of respect for single parents, but after living the life, even just temporarily, I gained even more. I wondered how I’d manage doing it full-time.

I decided to ask someone who is a single parent. A very modest Nikki, from Evil Flu is a single mom and a heck of a good one! Here’s what she has to say about the life of a solitary parent.

“As a single parent I always get sympathy from others. I very commonly hear ‘I don’t know how you do it.’ This usually comes when the parent is struggling with their child in a social situation.

“I am not a superhero. I do not have super powers that can control children, although sometimes I wish I did.

“What is my secret? I just do it because I have to. It may be a little more difficult at times, but I get just as much in return as you do, whether it be a hug or kiss or an awesome macaroni bracelet he made at school. My job is simple; make the right choices, be good to my child and love him. Anyone can do it. ”

As I said, Nikki is very humble; she makes it sounds easy. She definitely gets my respect and admiration as do all single parents.

Are you a single parent? Were you raised by one?

What are your thoughts on single parenting?

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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HI LADIES - I'D LOVE YOUR INPUT ON THIS! IF YOU CAN STOP BY CITYMOM.CA (http://www.citymom.ca/2011/05/teacher-appreciation/)TO ANSWER THE SKINNYSCOOP POLL THAT WOULD BE GREAT! THANKS!

It’s hard to believe that we are less than two months away from the end of the school year. You wouldn’t necessarily believe it with the cool weather that we’re still experiencing, but none the less the end is near.  

The end of the school year and holidays like Christmastime, seem to be popular times to show appreciation to our children’s teachers. After all, it is said that teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions. That’s a big job and one that deserves recognition.

The job of a teacher is one that at times is under appreciated. Personally I could not manage 30 plus children in one room for 7 hours a day; keeping them interested and engaged. Hats off to these professionals.

I’ve heard the argument that teaching is a breezy job with 2 weeks of holidays over Christmas, a week in March then the entire summer off. But I ask you this, have you ever had one of those weekends where come Monday morning you are actually looking forward to going back to work and feel you need a break? And that’s based on spending time with your own child whom you love unconditionally.

To understand the life of a teacher is difficult if you haven’t done it before, but I think this quote by Donald D. Quinn says it best, “If a doctor, lawyer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of whom had different needs, and some of whom didn’t want to be there and were causing trouble, and the doctor, lawyer, or dentist, without assistance, had to treat them all with professional excellence for nine months, then he might have some conception of the classroom teacher’s job.”

So how do you show gratitude to your children’s teachers? Do you buy them a gift; give them something homemade; send a card? Do you collaborate with the other parents to buy a group gift, or do you find it an unnecessary purchase?

I’d love to hear your ideas!

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I’m happy to present to you Amy Van Es, Founder and Director of Writtle Magazine, as May’s first Fabulous Female.

I met Amy almost a year ago through Twitter and our common love for writing and blogging made us quick friends. City Mom readers first met Amy back in October. Amy has come a long way since the fall.  She has become a new mama and launched an amazing project.

I am inspired by Amy because she has identified her passion and has not stopped in pursuit of it. She’s taken her love and skill for writing and her passion for the London community and created a wonderful publication that celebrates London’s literary talents.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Amy and Writtle Magazine.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Every so often, I write a self-portrait piece – sort of a snapshot of who I am at the very moment I write it. The latest one has a line that says it well: “Like glitches on a screen, I hustle from place to place; from moment to moment. Although I appear besprinkled and winded, my feet are always touching the earth heavily on all four corners”.

This time in my life is a busy one – I’ve got Writtle Magazine that has just released its Inaugural Issue and a six month old daughter to raise. In the midst of all the crazy I do my very best to remain grounded and calm.

I have a peace sign tattoo that I got, ironically, at the darkest time in my life. Even though folk music has my heart, I spend a great deal of time listening to 90s pop. I love to kayak and play baseball. I was a bowling champion as a child (seriously). And finally, I hate normal peas but love the ones still in the pod.

Tell us about Writtle Magazine.

In a book I read recently by an industry legend, it says that it is essential to have a passionate, steamy love affair with your publication. So, I am beyond thrilled to babble about the magazine.

Pioneered from a dream to satisfy my craving for a career in both design and literature, I began working toward a publication that does just that. When mixed together with my desire to belong to a community of like-minded people, I got a fabulous elixir that created a hub for the literary industry to express themselves.

We showcase the talented writers in our community (right here in London, Ontario) and help to promote and probe the industry. Although this began as my dream, it has quickly taken on a life of its own. It wasn’t too long into the process of producing the first issue that I realized there was no way I could do it alone. Thus, we are a magazine made by London, for London. What a fantastic job our community has done!

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for my sanity since I was a young child. I have always kept a little black journal that housed my greatest hardships and triumphs. Now, I have a museum of my emotional history sitting on my book shelf. I don’t suppose I write for anyone but myself, but I do share my work. I’ve been doing that for the last year or so.

What motivates and inspires your writing?

I only have one motivation, emotion. I cannot just pick up a pen and begin to write. I need to be prompted by an emotional moment. The good news is that I am incredibly sensitive and have a lot of those moments.

I can see a man walking solemnly down the street with his un-groomed dog and instantly be filled with the loneliness I believe he’s feeling. There are certain things that prompt such moments, through my daughter, movies, people and music and reflecting on the past; they’ve all been known to drive my pen. 

What are your future plans for Writtle Magazine?

I have high hopes for the project. When I imagine where we will be in a few years, I envision a cozy space that is open for anybody to walk in, take a seat and read. This space will double as an office for us. How amazing it would be to have a place to come and discuss literature, write with fellow wordsmiths, or just hang out for a few hours.

In the much more immediate future, I plan to begin hosting events throughout the city in which you can hone your writing skills, listen to others and learn about interesting topics that effect the industry. I guess the plan for the magazine is to become more than a publication. I want for us to become an even cozier, nutritious community.

Who can contribute to Writtle Magazine?

Anybody that is from or resides in London who has written anything can contribute, no matter the experience level. Whether you’re an aspiring journalist, an established novelist, or a recreational poet, we’d love to read what you’ve written.

Currently, we have 5 departments:

• Biographies of literary personalities in the city
• Short stories/flash fiction
• Poetry
• Book reviews
• Articles on current and interesting topics surrounding the literary industry

With that being said, I’m totally open to the possibility of any form of writing. If you have a new idea, or a piece that fits into one of those categories, send it in with a completed Release Form (found on our website ), a little blurb about yourself, and a headshot.

You can send your submissions electronically or via postage:

Email: info@amyvanes.com

Mailing Address – 405-1235 Huron Street, London ON  N5Y 4L5

When sending electronically, people have been printing the Release Form, filling it out, scanning it and then sending it in via email along with their piece. If you don’t have the means to do so, you may send your submission electronically and then mail us the Release Form. Just let us know how you’re getting all the pieces to us and we’ll be sure to keep an eye out for it!

What advice would you give to other women in terms of pursuing their passion?

A lot of people I speak to tell me that they wish they could drop everything in pursuit of their dream. I tell them that dropping everything sounds dramatic. If you can’t work yourself up to a dramatic change (or simply don’t have the means to do so), begin to chase your dream one step at a time. I didn’t decide to do this overnight. I took one step toward my ideal life each day and this is where I’ve ended up. And it is fabulous!

What else do you have on the go?

I want to achieve mastery of my craft, so I’m putting all of my energy into that. I am far from that point, but I’m working diligently at getting there. I’ve been taking courses on creative writing and working a lot on my writing. As I’ve mentioned, I also have a daughter who I spend every day with. It’s my first priority to make sure she has an amazing life. Those combined with the magazine is enough to keep me occupied!

What is the last song you listened to on your iPod?

Grace Potter – Ah Mary

What is the last book you read?

Bright Shiny Morning – James Frey 

Stop by City Mom to share your thoughts! http://www.citymom.ca/2011/05/fabulous-female-friday-amy-van-es/

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