No Place Like Home

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Authentic Blogger

Did you know that moving ranks in the Top 3 most stressful events that can hit an individual's life?  The other two are death and marriage.  I, for one, am not a fan of moving.  I know many people enjoy it, see it as an adventure and embrace all the nuances of change that come along with the experience.  I accept that type of change grudgingly, although with age and time, I have found a way to cope better than I used to. 

So, with that being said, imagine a dramatic drumroll as I announce with a flourish (because there simply must be a flourish) that Authentic Blogger has moved its presence on Facebook from the original group format to a new Page format. 

Spotlight On... Vol. II March 2011

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This is my second installment of my new Spotlight On series at Healing Morning and I'm happy to say that I've received a lot of support and interest from many bloggers!  If you are interested in your blog being spotlighted in this series in the future, please take a moment to read the basic criteria to be considered.  The criteria list is short and simple. You can contact me via my Facebook email if you would like to submit your blog page for this series.  I look forward to meeting many new bloggers and spotlighting talented writers and creative people as this series continues to grow.

Here are the five blogs I've chosen to shine a Spotlight On for the month of March:

Spotlight On...

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When I first began blogging back in 2009, I was literally overwhelmed with all that I had to learn about the blogging process.  I dove in and did quite a bit of floundering, but along the way, I connected with a core group of bloggers who have since become dear friends. (The Blogging Class of 2009, Healing Morning, 12/13/2010). 

There are many firsts that you experience with your blog.  One of them is blogging awards.  These are fun, informal awards that different bloggers create, along with an award icon and a set of criteria for each award recipient to follow.  I clearly remember the first time I was given one of these awards - I was very happy to learn that other bloggers were reading my work and enjoying it enough to offer a symbol of recognition.  The downside of these blog awards is that they become viral in a very short period of time, with many people sending you the same award and overloading your page.  I have given this concept a lot of thought over the past two years, and I believe I've come up with my own version that works for me.

The Blogging Class of 2009

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I began Healing Morning blog in September of 2009.  At the time, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing or where blogging might lead me.  I actually had to get a girlfriend who was familiar with blogging to show me how to set my blog page up.  We met at a local Panera Bread with her laptop and that's how Healing Morning was born.

From there, I bumbled and fumbled my way along, exploring all the infinite details of marketing my blog, gaining readers and followers, adapting various formatting tools to my own needs and learning.  Always learning.  That learning process continues today, more than a year later, and I doubt it will ever end.  Blogging and the blog-o-sphere is a fluid world, ever changing to fit the new dynamics of the internet and new programming brain child creations of widgets, gadgets and flashy fun things.

Around the time of my one year anniversary, or blog-o-versary, I began to realize that many of the dear friends I've made in the blogging world had also created their own blogs around the same time I created Healing Morning.  I still find this to be rather apropo and fascinating.  Was it an accident that we all decided to venture into the world of blogging at the end of the summer of 2009?  I don't think it was an accident at all.  I think there was very sure, clear, beautiful purpose and Divine Order and logic to the whole thing.

We became what I am now calling The Blogging Class of 2009.  In a sense, we all started a new school, just as we did with first grade in elementary school.  These people, regardless of linear age, are my contemporaries in the school of blogging.  We've all struggled with various ephemeral classes such as Content, Marketing, Advertising, Gadgets and Widgets, Embedding Photographs and more.  Some of us turned out to shine more brightly and show more aptitude than others in certain "classes".  We have banded together to support and encourage one another, to cheer one another on with victorious moments, and to be the proverbial hand to hold in sad times.  A few of us have dropped off the face of active blogging, and that's a natural progression to a degree. 

It is said that there are literally millions of "orphan blogs" cluttering up the blog-o-sphere, where people just abandoned the poor things when they found the task of daily maintenance to be too burdensome.  Again, this is a natural occurrence.  As with all things, there is a season.  Some blogs just aren't meant to last forever. 

For the current moment, my Blogging Class of 2009 is still mostly intact.  There is a core group of us who are earnestly tapping away at our keyboards on a regular basis, giving birth and voice to a wide range of topics and mindset on our respective blog pages.  I find it fascinating, how we all migrated together within that one to two month time period of late summer of 2009. 



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Authentic Blogger

 Different blogging concepts have been born as a result of all this interaction, with Authentic Blogger Facebook Group being one of them, and one of my own personal proud achievements.  Awards, large and small, have been doled out to many of those in this core group.  I predict that there will be a few breakout stars among us in the future.  Indeed, there are a few who have already gone on to achieve some impressive feats with becoming published authors, or contributing columnists to various high profile online websites.  These achievements make me smile, just as I have experienced when witnessing proud moments of classmates that I grew up with.  In the blogging sense, I continue to grow along with these virtual classmates, and I truly do revel in the victories of my contemporaries.  Success of a blogging nature is contagious, I have found, and it encourages us all to continue writing, striving, dreaming and creating.

Where will this particular, intimate Blogging Class of 2009 grow?  Where will we all land in the creative process?  Personally, I hope there is no evident end in sight for any of us.  I would wish for all of us to endlessly flourish, to continually grow, to tirelessly excel and dream.  What I can say with certainty is that an unseen bond exists between all of us.  I believe we all subconsciously entered the world of blogging for a larger purpose, with one of them being for all of us to connect in this seemingly random manner.  Accidents, my friends, do not exist - I think most of us are aware of this.  The Blogging Class of 2009 happened for a reason.  Great things have come as a result already and more great things will be created in the future. 

As we reach the end of another calendar year, I will very soon celebrate another one year anniversary - that of Authentic Blogger on Facebook.  As the snow falls softly outside my office window tonight, I have been very reflective.  This happens to me every year in December, as I cast my mind back over what I have lived and experienced in the past twelve months.  Through whatever whim of Fate and the Unseen Guiding Hand of Light, I landed right slap in the midst of the Blogging Class of 2009.  I am forever connected to this cozy group of creative, talented, bright individuals and find myself in excellent company.  You all know who you are, and I hope you are smiling as you read this post.  I vote that we create some bumper stickers, maybe a class t-shirt, plan a Senior Trip in three more years, and talk up a class reunion at some point.  This was our Freshman Year, and I believe we have all done ourselves proud with our writing endeavors. 

Well met, Class of 2009....well met, my friends.

Celebrate with me!



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Bing images

Today, September 25, 2010 is the one year anniversary of Healing Morning blog.  I checked the dates about a month ago and have been giving thought to what I would write when the specific day rolled around.  This past year has opened up the world for me beyond anything I could ever have imagined or dreamed for myself, and blogging was an integral part of this process.

I am, first and foremost, a writer.  I have done many different types of work in my adult life to pay the bills, but at my core, I identify myself as a writer.  The process of blogging gave me a genre that celebrates writing in a very unique manner.  I work as a freelance technical and creative writer, and social media management consultant, so writing is incorporated into my daily work life.  Blogging straddles the two worlds of professional and personal writing for me.  I manage social media and write blogs for a wide range of clientele, and I also write here at Healing Morning for purely personal satisfaction. 

It is here at Healing Morning that I express my innermost thoughts, emotions, ponderings and dreams.  Most writers have aspirations to become published authors, and I am no different in that regard.  I am currently working on a manuscript that I have every intention of getting into published and promoted book form.  Blogging has given me a worldwide audience and valuable feedback that I firmly believe makes me a stronger writer with every single article posted.  Writers gain polish by doing more of the same...by simply writing, refining and writing some more. 

There is equal satisfaction in growing readership and meeting fellow writers/bloggers from all over the world.  I have developed incredibly strong, beautiful friendships with many bloggers here in the United States and across the world in myriad countries.  The friendships blossom in the most lovely way as we all exchange stories, read one anothers' writing, post comments and genuinely appreciate the interaction that blogging gives us.

I have learned even more to trust my own instincts, and as a result, fairly early on in my blogging experience, I co-founded Authentic Blogger on Facebook.  Authentic Blogger is one of my proudest accomplishments, as it provides a supportive community for fellow bloggers to post their work, grow their own readership and gain more exposure in the blog-o-sphere.  Our group grows a bit more slowly than some blogging groups, but we like it that way - being authentic is the whole purpose and Mission Statement of the Authentic Blogging concept.  Through this group, I have met more talented writers and have a rock solid relationship with my co-founder and business partner, Duane Scott.  Like many other blogging friendships, this is one in particular that I am confident will be a lifelong relationship. 

I hear that there are thousands of blogs started daily that become 'orphaned' in a short span of time, meaning that the people who created those blogs just abandon the effort and walk away.  At this point in time, I do not see this ever happening for me with Healing Morning blog.  It is an intrinsic part of who I am.  The very title describes me in infinite detail.  'Healing' encompasses my very heart and love of a holistic approach to life and extending myself to others in a peaceful, loving, optimistic fashion.  'Morning' is a play on my name, Dawn.

The day that a girlfriend and I sat at a local Panera Bread and she showed me how to set up a blog shell, I never dreamed that I would be where I am today.  The name, Healing Morning, came about in the most natural manner and I look back now and marvel a bit at how absolutely perfect the title remains.  I will never change it.  I am definitely a creature of habit, so I tend to hold on to certain things for recognition purposes on a public manner.  This is vital in the world of blogging, I think, so Healing Morning will always be a strong identifying factor for who I am as a writer. 

Where will this new year take me and Healing Morning?  In the past year, it has introduced me to new people and experiences on a global level.  I am proud to report that I am a contributing writer for Aromatique Essentials e-zine in Australia - this is the wonderful brainchild of my dear friend, Julie Nelson who is talented in all things aromatherapy related.  I am also a contributing writer to the blogging website called Live and Inspire Magazine, based in Malaysia. I am a contributing blogger on Writers Rising blog, where I have been introduced to even more talented bloggers.  Never could I have dreamed up such opportunties for my writing to span the world in this manner, and to be very well received.  Any writer will tell you such experiences are deeply personally satisfying as well as just plain delightful!  To know that people around the world are reading my writing and enjoying it enough to extend invitations to me to become a contributing writer for their projects is the highest compliment I can think of receiving. 

Yet another completely unexpected and somewhat overwhelming opportunity that came from Healing Morning blog was my first radio interview on Starclear Radio.  The focus of Starclear Radio is to shed light on all manner of spiritual experiences, and it gave me the chance to dip a toe into the larger media and publicity pool and realize this is something that I am capable of doing successfully.  The interview went so well, in fact, that I was invited to return for a full hour long show in January 2011.  The confidence of Starclear's co-founders, Jeffrey Seelman and Amy Lamb, in me was warming and encouraging.  This again shows the incredible power that blogging and social media put into our hands.  Without venturing forth into the world of blogging, I would never have crossed paths with Amy and Jeffrey.  It did happen, though, and is another reason to celebrate this first year of blogging.

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Bing images

There are endless reasons for me to sit here, smiling as I write.  My world has broadened and become enriched in so many ways that I imagine my Spirit has extra facets deposited all around.  I envision my own Light and writing talent to be a cross somewhere between the soft, lambent glow of a lustrous pearl and the bright, exhuberant blaze of a multi-faceted diamond.  I have a calm, quiet sureness with my writing that is married to a dash of on the ceiling energy and appreciation for the occasionally absurd moments in life.  I like to think that reflects in different ways in different blog articles. 

I look forward to another year with Healing Morning blog.  More friendships, new experiences and new triumphs await.  For now, I celebrate the past year and I thank each and every person who has taken time to visit my blog page, leave kind comments and clicked to follow my work.  I invite you all to celebrate with me!

Blog Award Positivity

I am taking a page from my Authentic Blogger partner, Marty D's book and addressing several wonderful blogging awards in one fell swoop.  Please forgive me for not following, to the letter, the details of each Blog Award - this was the easiest approach I could come up with that would allow me to thank all the people who gave me these kind awards.

I guess I'm going to end up creating a new, amalgamated version of all these cool Blog Awards with this format.  Some of them asked me to list 7-10 of my current favorite blogs and reasons why I like each one.  I'll compromise and list 8.  Following that, the next instruction was to list 10 things I love, 10 things that many don't know about me, and a few others that I can't remember at the moment. I'll list my 8 blogs first and get to the other stuff directly after.  I admit freely that I am guilty of favoritism with the following blogs - these are the ones I visit most often, in no particular order.

1. Bill Bruner, Journey to Joy Bill writes thoughtful posts on a regular basis with what I call Dad Wisdom in his words.  I have come to count on his daily take on various topics.

2. Tony Anders Artisan of the Human Spirit Tony writes with a spiritual awareness that speaks to my own heart.  He also writes with a twinkle in his eye and invites the reader to enjoy the vagaries of life along with him.

3.  Marty D. Coffee with Marty  My co-hort in all things bloggish, Marty's Coffee approach is his ruminations on the world through the eyes of a 20 year old who is far wiser than his linear years.  He enjoys life and also writes with that delightful quirky humor that appeals to me.

4.  Irma Kaye Sawyer The Bright Star Blog You know how, every once in a while, you are blessed to connect to someone who "speaks your own language"?  Irma Kaye is such a soul and her blog addresses spiritual and healing concepts. 

5.  Chip Etier Etier Photography  This wiley Cajun is now transplanted to the Highlands of North Carolina.  His blog is devoted to his wonderful photography - I encourage everyone to visit and become enraptured with his images.  He is a true artist, both of written word and capturing life on film.

6.  Jenn Boyer Learning How Jenn's Learning How blog is a wonderful "How To" tool for bloggers at all levels of expertise.  She is my favorite girl in more ways than I can express, most of all because I admire her writing talent and her ability to translate IT verbiage to those of us who stubbornly remain IT illiterate!

7.  David Karasek Everyday Hypnosis David's blog is a new one to me, but I have long been a proponent of therapeutic hypnosis to address a wide range of issues.  Check his page out - fascinating stuff!

8.  Anahid Boghosian Fireside Moments Anahid writes with such lyrical beauty.  I enjoy her Fireside posts a great deal.  She also leaves wonderful comments when she visits your blog!

Okay, so....what fun list to create as a finishing touch?  How about 10 Things On My Mind Right Now:

1. I just learned a cousin has committed to running a half-marathon in Chattanooga for charity.  I am impressed!  I shall, however, refrain from signing up for same, as I am not a marathon type, even of the 1/2 variety.

2. I have decided that cornbread, the true southern kind, made in a cast iron skillet will be on the menu tonight.  Did you know, btw, that in the state of TN, it is illegal to make corn bread in any cooking vessel other than a cast iron skillet?  True fact and state law, going back to 1792 and punishable by a whopping $1.50 fine.   

3.  There are just days where fuzzy socks, sweats and a ponytail do a girl good.  Today is that day.  Fuzzy socks are of the lavender w/ darker purple stripes description.

4.  I rediscovered an old love this week, and it is taking time to meditate with healing energy focused on friends in another location.  As with all forms of loving energy and prayer, as much is received as is given!

5.  I spent some time chatting w/ my Mom today, as I do everyday, and for this, I am abundantly blessed.  My Mom makes me laugh, lifts me up, loves me unconditionally and is just an all around beautiful person.

6.  The last time I looked outside, the sky was being painted with glorious sunset colors.  Bleeding scarlets, soft rosy washes and peach shadows are now surrendering to the darker lavender lights of twilight.  It is beautiful as I gaze out my office window.

7.  Crocheting, my friends, is an art form that appears to still be well appreciated!  I have been told that Scarf Love by Dawn (coined that phrase a week or so ago) products have mysterious, magnetic powers to attract the opposite sex.  Who knew?!

8.  Nothing is so bad, in the whole wide world as we know it, that a long, heartfelt, close, warm HUG cannot mitigate.  In fact, I firmly believe Hug Therapy is more powerful than anyone truly can imagine.  Have you hugged anyone today?  If not, get cracking - time's a-wasting!!!

9.  Music is on my mind, as it generally is.  Hammered dulcimer music, to be specific, which is unique to the Smoky Mountains (and probably many other regions).  It is simply beyond words, the beauty of listening to it.

10.  I am, with this final thought, thankful for the fact that I am blessed with wonderful blogging friends who find my work at Healing Morning and Authentic Blogger to be of a quality that merits bestowing of awards.  Writing fills my soul with joy, and the fact that others recognize and appreciate my efforts with same makes me smile.  How can I consider myself anything but abundantly blessed?!  It is so...blessings abound.

Authentic Blogger - birth of an idea

I am happy to report that a close friend and I have just created a new Facebook group called Authentic Blogger.  This is a community we have established for all bloggers, worldwide, to have an open forum for discussion, sharing information and tips on promotion, marketing and building awareness of each individul blog site. 

Our Mission Statement is simple - we want our name, Authentic Blogger, to say it all.  Write, create and promote topics in your blog that resonate strongly with you.  Follow blogs that speak to you personally and interest you.  Do not cave in to the mindless "if you follow me, I'll follow you" concept that is rampant in the blogging world.  Support your fellow bloggers/writers/artists by posting sincere, thoughtful comments on their blog site when a specific post truly captures your attention and imagination.

We hope to grow our community to a global level with lively, exciting interaction taking place on our Facebook wall and discussion boards.  We anticipate that we will grow and change over time, and we look forward to that growth process.  We welcome suggestions from all our future readers and hope that our group will provide you with hours of enjoyment.  Please take a moment to visit our group page.  If you're a blogger, please join our group and then post your site's URL on our wall.  We hope you will also take time to tell all your blogger friends about us.  Helping us to grow awareness and membership with our group will also help every member to garner attention and interest for their unique blog site.

This is an exciting new venture for us and we believe that there are no boundaries or limits with this concept.  Both Marty (my partner and fellow officer) and I will work hard to make this a unique, worthwhile group for all bloggers, writers, artists and creative people in general to participate in.  We hope to see you there!