Tooting my horn

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Baby Mac & Bubby: The reason for Grandma's BriefsI don't often toot my own horn, but today I'm going to do just that. For you, the readers of Grandma's Briefs. Honest.

I realized as I wrote my most recent post for Grandma's Back Room that many of you may not even know a Back Room exists here on Grandma's Briefs. Which is unfortunate because there's some good stuff there, if I say so myself, including holiday posts on this and that.

There's also some great holiday content in the News to Use tab, a tab many of you may have never clicked on. The same can be said about a couple other spots here on Grandma's Briefs, places you may not know exist.

So today I'm going to toot my own horn and direct you to some of the lesser known spots on my site, starting with those that have holiday content—features meant for this season of all things shiny and bright.

For starters there is, of course, the Grandma's Briefs Holiday Guide. It's a rundown of some nifty gift suggestions, based on items I've received the last few months. It's not every item I've gotten for review, just some of those I sincerely thought would make a great gift for someone or another. (There used to be giveaways in the Holiday Guide, too, but those are done, over, awarded. The early holiday birds definitely got the worm there.)

Another spot for holiday news is, fittingly, my News to Use tab. Most recently—meaning yesterday—I added some great gift suggestions that might help you finish up the last of your holiday shopping. Or, if you're like my husband, get started on it.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, Grandma's Back Room is a great spot for holiday content, too. It's the place I typically post all my reviews, giveaways, sponsored posts (that still have a personal bent despite my being paid to write them) and, one of my favorite things in the Back Room, the posts I write in hopes of winning awesome prizes for myself. Check out the top post in the Back Room to see what I mean.

For holiday content of a more culinary sort, check out my Recipe Box. It's filled with goodies I've made for years, many for Christmas as well as other holidays...and regular days. (You can also get an easy rundown of only the holiday recipes I've shared on my site at the bottom of the aforementioned Holiday Guide.)

Outside of recipes, news, and reviews—holiday-related or otherwise—you can find the best of the best ideas and anecdotes from grandmothers around the globe by clicking on the tab for the Grilled Grandma archives; awesome shots of my glorious grandsons in the Brag Book; more than you ever cared to know about me by clicking on, crazy as it may seem, the About tab; and links to some of my favorite places online in Links I Love. (By the way, if your blog isn't listed as a link I love, please don't take offense...I'm woefully behind in updating, so if you want to be there, please just say so).

Speaking of archives, you can always click on the link marked "Click for archives by month" in the sidebar to the right to find every single post I've published on the front page of this site since its inception in July of 2009.

There you have it: My horn-tooting, just for you! Enjoy...and feel free to toot back what you find interesting, awesome, silly, or sick ("sick" meaning nauseating or cool, your choice). Or, let me know what you think is missing on Grandma's Briefs and what you'd like to see more of. I appreciate the feedback.

Thanks for indulging me in this rooting, tooting good time!

Today's question (from The Christmas Conversation Piece):

What gift have you wanted for years but still haven't received?

Words, regurgitated

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Today is my first full day visiting with Baby Mac, Bubby, and Megan and playing Gramma, so I figured I'd take the easy way out for the day and simply re-run my posts from last week. All of them...except the Grilled Grandma and those from Saturday and Sunday. Only in different form.

So here ya go—last week's posts regurgitated, by way of Wordle:

I'll have fresh words for you tomorrow. I promise.

Today's question:

What else from last week will repeat for you this week?

The blogger(s) I'll never be

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This photo has nothing to do with the post. Baby Mac and Bubby are just so darn cute, though, I couldn't help but share. That's what we grandma bloggers do.

I'm a grandma blogger. And although I may not be the Pioneer Woman or Dooce of grandma blogging, this is my niche and it fits me quite well. Mostly because there is no other kind of blogger I could be.

I could never be a food blogger because even though I'm a pretty good cook, I don't cook fancy. And I don't take fancy photos of my non-fancy food, either.

I could never be a photography blogger because I really kind of stink at taking photos. Not because of the subjects (of course!) but because I need instruction on setting up awesome shots. Or using Photoshop to fix the not-so-awesome shots. If nothing else, I need a new camera.

I could never be a fitness blogger because, well, I'd need to be fit. And I'm not. And not all that passionate about becoming so.

I could never be a tech blogger because I don't know <cuss> about tech stuff like HTML and trackbacks and, well, I don't know what I don't know when it comes to tech so I can't even tell you what I don't know. Which is why I use Squarespace for my non-tech blog.

I could never be an arts & entertainment blogger because I'm not hip or cool or in the know on anything arts or entertainment related. I just know what I like when it comes to books, movies, music and all things artsy...and most of that I've been directed to by other bloggers. Or Entertainment Weekly magazine.

I could never be a coupon/rebate/thrifty blogger because I hate having to deal with coupons. At least those used at the grocery store. Not so much because I hate coupons but because I hate grocery shopping. Which I've mentioned before. I could maybe be a coupon code blogger because I'm pretty good at finding the codes...when absolutely necessary.

I could never be a fashion blogger because, well, have you seen how I dress? Or wear my hair? Or apply my makeup? 'Nuff said.

I could never be a pet blogger because although I love my dogs and cats oh-so much, I really suck at sounding all sweet and cutesy about them. I'd be more of the Go The F**K To Sleep kind of writer if focusing on my dogs, which would leave me in a quandary since I never (well, nearly never) use the F-word...in real life or in print. Especially not on my blog. Which is making me want to delete that book title. But I won't.

But of all the bloggers I could never ever be, the past few days with Bubby and Baby Mac have made it clear that never in a million and three lifetimes would I have made it as a mommy blogger. My time with my grandsons has given me a new respect for mommy bloggers. Because, truly, I don't know how they do it and still manage to keep a household going and their children growing safe and sound and secure in themselves. I'm not the mom, but I've been playing a backup one in the desert for just a few days now, and, let me tell ya, blogging is the very last thing I have time for and being creative with posts is the very last thing I have mind for.

Which is why you've gotten only this rambling list as today's post. I don't know how the mommy bloggers do it.

Let's just say I'll be sticking with the grandma blogger gig. The title—and the typically no-longer-responsible-for-the-hard-part-of-parenting lifestyle that accompanies it—fits this tired ol' out-of-shape and makeup-less me quite well.

Today's question:

If you could become Pioneer-Woman-level successful in any blogging niche, what would you most like to blog about (regardless of real-life talent, ability, or knowledge)?

Sweet searches (or, A sure sign perimenopause has hit)

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As some of you know, I've had a little trouble with the Grandma's Briefs site this past week, related to commenting. It's all fixed now (as long as you clear your browser cache and are using IE 9 if you use Internet Explorer).

In trying to suss all that out, I ventured into a few spots in the analytics area of my site that I haven't been in a while. And it nearly made me cry. Not, I assure you, because the numbers are low or the problems are high, or anything like that. (Believe it or not, I'm not that shallow. Most of the time.)

What nearly brought me to tears was looking at the search queries. I've written posts in the past about the wacky search terms that lead folks to Grandma's Briefs, but this time I didn't find the queries all that wacky. I found them to be sweet, poignant.

Of course, wackiness wasn't completely absent as the query list included "justy grandmas" (?) and "land before time baby dinosaur hatching in" (??). But for the most part, the search terms included primarily variations of these that touched my heart:

• how to be the best newborn grandma

• heart grows with the love of a child

• my granddaughter makes me laugh out loud

• how to give away grandmas stuff

• letters to grandson

• letter to my 18 year old grandson

• letter to grandson going off to college

• poems for grandmas who passed away

• farewell, grandma

• what grandmas do best

• how hard it is to be a far away grandma

Such queries made me glad I could provide a soft landing spot even if not the exact answers folks were looking for.

Mostly, though, such terms made me deeply grateful that today—this afternoon!—this far away grandma finally gets to hug and hold close her sweet grandsons.

Today's question:

If you were guaranteed a true, accurate answer, what question or search (realistic or not) would you most like to find results for today?

BlogHer '11, Boomers, and a bang-up ending

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Ready for take-off from DIA for BlogHer '11.I’m back from BlogHer '11, and what an awesome experience it was, in so many ways. My traveling companion was great, San Diego was so much more than I remembered from a trip to Sea World years ago with the Jim and the girls, the conference was brimming with information I’ve yet to wrap my head completely around and utilize, and the people—from hotel staff to pedicab drivers to fellow conference mates to the conference leaders—were ab-so-lute-ly amazing.

This was my first BlogHer conference and I believe I accomplished my goal: To learn and to connect. I did both, in abundance.

The learning part is mostly what I’ve yet to wrap my head around. So, so, SO much information. So much good information that should make a difference for my readers, for my blog, and for—maybe down the road if I do things right—my bank account. Yes indeed, the learning was good.

The connecting was even better. For one, I met the ever-so-humorous Penny of So Humor Me. She’s a hoot in real life, just as she is online. And she’s a pretty darn good seat-saver, too. I’ve known Penny online for a while, as we visit one another’s blogs and she was a featured Grilled Grandma not too long ago. Meeting her in person was one of the many delights of the BlogHer experience.

Of the other fellow bloggers I met, I had seen many online here and there, follow a few on Twitter, and, like Penny, featured as a Grilled Grandma (that being the ever-amazing juggler named Laura). One in particular, the one who most generously offered up reams of information in a too-brief encounter during breakfast, just so happens to be a relative neighbor, living just a few hours away from me. In fact, her Twitter handle is @ColoradoMom. So close yet so far, really, and someone I’d never have met if not for BlogHer.

That amazing and giving blogger was a mommy blogger—truly incredible and inspirational, as so many of the mommy bloggers are. But a big goal of mine in attending BlogHer was to find those bloggers near my age, part of my “tribe.” To connect with and support those of my generation, in hopes our numbers online will increase. One of the true surprises of BlogHer was just how many of us were in attendance.

Swag, swag, and more swag. And this was just mine!Although clearly not the majority, Boomers were a huge presence at BlogHer. Instrumental in the whole experience, actually. And thanks to a session created specifically for the blogging Boomers, I’ve now found my tribe, connnected with them, and will be sharing lots about them in the coming days, once I get around to linking blogs to the list of participants so I can share them with you.

One of my favorite blogging photographers, Pat of Mille Fiori Favoriti, unable to attend BlogHer herself, asked this of me: "Please do all of us grandmas a favor and represent us among all the mommies and young singles that seem to dominate blogs and blog advertisers!  Let them know that being 50 doesn't mean we are dead...lol...and we are still consumers and have lots worth saying!" I feel confident saying I did just that.

Better yet, after BlogHer '11, I simply feel confident. Period. With my blogging. That I surmounted the hurdle of shyness I feared would hold me back. That I know where this blog is headed and the difference it can make and be.

Bottom line: I feel more confident about me. That, I think, is what BlogHer really should be all about. That, I know, is what BlogHer was all about for me.

Immediately after the final keynote, my co-BlogHer buddy, Heather, and I ran (literally...and I am not a runner, folks) to the water's edge, hopped on a ferry, and spent our few final hours in California visiting the enchanting Coronado Island. As the evening neared its end, without notice and completely unrelated to the conference, this is what happened:

A bang-up ending to an exhilerating—and yes, exhausting—experience. One I hope to share with all you other Boomer/non-Boomer, grandma/non-grandma bloggers next year, when BlogHer heads to New York City in August of 2012.

Feel free to start your planning now. I certainly am!

Note: If parts of this post make no sense,if there are spelling or grammatical errors I've overlooked, please forgive me. I got home just a few hours ago, it's past midnight Sunday, I'm tired, and I am oh-so ready to crawl into my bed. Thank you. And good night.

Today's question:

How much arm-twisting would it take to get you to BlogHer '12 in New York City?

Of bloggers and babies

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Today begins the final countdown and prep work as I plan to take off for the two summer events I've most looked forward to. Well, beyond the early summer birth of Baby Mac, that is.

The first is BlogHer. In San Diego. With my friend and fellow blogger Heather from Jackadillo Princess. And three thousand other bloggers.

Heather and I leave Thursday morning and return Sunday night, and to say I'm excited about attending my first blog conference is truly an understatement. I'm also, though, quite anxious about the whole thing.

As I've noted before, I was once a shy young lass, and events such as this tend to cause me to revert to my lassie days and ways. Especially after learning that one of the features of the BlogHer conference is the "Serenity Suite," a "safe place" where attendees can escape the overwhelming crowds and relax. And vent to one of the caring bloggers taking turns hosting the suite, if you're in meltdown mode, overcome by the exhilaration of real-life interaction with one another. And the snarkiness that can accompany the real-life interaction of 3,000 (mostly female) bloggers vying for the attentions of one another as well as big-time potential blog sponsors and advertisers.

The idea that a Serenity Suite is necessary scares me a bit. But I'm hoping to have no need for it except to possibly put my feet up after walking the Expo Hall or partying down at one of the bajillions of parties planned for the duration.

I'm also hoping any negativity will be outweighed by the positive force that can be when a massive and dynamic group of women join together to support one another in something which we are all passionate—blogging.

Mostly, though, I'm hoping to come away with awesome ideas for taking Grandma's Briefs to the next level, ideas to bring back and share with you, ideas for you. Which is along with all the parties and the swag I'll nab the main reason this introvert is willing to pretend to be an extrovert for a few days anyway. Wish me luck.

While BlogHer is a definitely a high point of my summer, the event taking place just a few days after my return from it is the true blue highlight of the sweltering season for me: a trip to the desert (and its sweltering heat) to once again see Bubby and Baby Mac!

For six whole days I get to drop the "long-distance" qualifier from my name and be a real-and-in-person (and in charge) grandma to my grandsons while Megan and Preston head off to a resort to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. I'm packing my Grandma Bag, lining up activities, and making sure my camera battery is fully charged.

When it comes to the visit with my babies, though, if I'm wore out after crafts and cuddles, marathon storytimes, bathtimes for both, and chasing Bubby round and round while playing policeman to his fireman, I'll have no need for a substitute Serenity Suite. No, I'll just plop down in the rocking chair, situate one grandson in my arms and another by my side, and we'll rock away to our heart's content—a serenity so sweet on its own.

Today's question:

What are you planning and/or preparing for this week?

Everyone's a winner on my two-year blogiversary!

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Grandma's Briefs is two years old!

On July 25, 2009, I launched Grandma's Briefs, my space for sharing brief—and some not-so-brief—ramblings, with THIS. It didn't get a single comment.

Undeterred, I plodded away as if what I had to say mattered. Every day I'd post, every day I saw more and more visitors stopping by to read those posts. Some would even comment. Eventually I felt like what I had to say really did matter. YOU made me feel like what I had to say mattered...and continues to matter.

There's no doubt that Grandma's Briefs made it to the two-year mark because of you, the readers. Without you, I'd have quit long ago. And I'd like to show my appreciation for that with a gift.

Every person who comments to this post through July 31 will be entered in a random drawing for a Grandma's Briefs canvas tote filled with goodies the little ones in your life will enjoy, goodies that correspond to the little ones in my life. Meaning, of course, Bubby and Mac. What could such goodies be? Well, no profundity here, I assure you, but in honor of Bubby there are bubbles, and in honor of Mac there is mac & cheese.

Yes, indeed, a Grandma's Briefs/Bubby and Mac goodie bag for one lucky winner:

But wait, there's more. I've also thrown in five books I received for review in the past year. Just for you, not the kiddos. I think you'll like them. I did.

But wait, there's even more: Only one person will win the goodie bag, but every person who comments will be a winner by making a difference in the lives of hungry children. And how's that? Well, for every comment this post receives through July 31, I will donate $2 (because, ya know, Grandma's Briefs is TWO) to either the No Kid Hungry/Share Our Strength campaign or the UNICEF/Crisis in the Horn of Africa program. The winner of the goodie bag will choose which cause shall receive the funds, in the name of Grandma's Briefs.

So here's all you need to do: Comment on this post. Yep, that easy. The more comments, the larger the donation. Plus, you'll be entered into the drawing for the Grandma's Briefs/Bubby & Mac goodie bag.

Comment to this post by midnight MDT July 31 answering the following two questions (two because, ya know, Grandma's Briefs is TWO):

1. What Grandma's Briefs post of the past year was memorable for you, made a difference to you, mattered to you...or made you grunt, groan, or snicker? (No need for specific post title; just boost my ego by mentioning what you recall as the gist o' the thing).

2. If chosen as the winner of the Grandma's Briefs/Bubby & Mac goodie bag, which cause would you like the $2-per-comment donation to be given: the No Kid Hungry/Share Our Strength campaign or the UNICEF/Crisis in the Horn of Africa program?

Only one comment per person, please. Be sure to include your e-mail address when commenting (no one sees it but me) so I can contact you if you're the winner. Winner will be chosen by Random.org Monday, Aug. 1 and contacted by e-mail. Prize will be shipped to U.S. addressee only.

Thank you for two fabulous years! I look forward to the third and sharing it with you—people who matter to me, people who make a difference in my world!