Thursday, October 13, 2011

WHY in the WORLD Do I Have a Blog?

I have no idea!
(image swiped from Pinterest)
This is so descriptive of my blog.
I have NOTHING to say.

I just feel compelled to spill things out of my brain
so it doesn't leak.

It's my 1st Amendment Right.

I'm nothing specific.
I have no genre.
(I love saying genre. It makes me sound bilingual.)
In fact, I would say that my blog is downright weird.

One minute I'm being all sentimental about writing on a brand new calendar and the next I'm stressing about naming my chickens!
That is 1st Amendment Weird!

There are blogs I go to because they are
crafting blogs
cooking blogs
learn how to can blogs
writing blogs
photography blogs
("be higher up than your subjects when you take the photo or you'll give them a double chin.") Best advice EVER!
inspiring blogs
raising kids blogs

....you name it.
It's out there.

I even have a friend who I love to blog with and she's done all of the above.
AND...
She's been to Pioneer Woman's Lodge and stayed!
Ya, amazing, I know!

There have been sad things too.
Blogger friends that have lost people they love.
I've cried with them.


I've even met people through blogging!
I know......weird, right?

Two bloggy buds stayed here while they attended functions at the nearby university or went to weddings.
Another blog buddy stopped by while she was in town visiting her daughter.
Then I went to St. George and met more fabulous women.
Had not met any of them previously, but when we did we picked up conversations like we'd known each other for years.

Nearly two years ago, I did something that for me was totally out of character.

I attended the CBC.
A bloggers conference.

People go to events like that all over the country.
Not me.

I HATE meeting people.

Maybe I should re-phrase.

I'm terrified of meeting people.
Anxiety-attack-terrified.
Heart-pounding "what was I thinking" terrified.

But there were so many blogs that were so interesting/hilarious/inspiring to me.

I wanted to meet some of these people.
And I don't have any sisters.
(Only an older brother.
So I'm basically an only child, right?)


So I went.

It was the best time.
I learned about photography, writing, blogging tips
AND
I met such nice amazing people.
As you can tell...
it was a completely serious
and dignified event.
100% hilarious!
AND I won some REALLY cool stuff.
You can read about Tauna-overcomes-her-fear-of-people here.

I went to Bear Lake last year and met up with a few other bloggers.
Another best time!
Gigi and Wendy even came!

I haven't been sorry that I've met any of these fabulous people.
Ever.
They are like the sisters I've never had.

So imagine my excitement when I found out there was going to be another Blogging Conference!

My ticket is bought and I'm ready to go.
I plan on meeting up with some old friends and making some new ones and having a ton of fun!
(Is it OK to use the word old and refer to tonnage when talking about friends?)
We plan on having so much fun we might get kicked out of the state!

This Conference is Cherish Bound.
It's a conference about storytelling and sharing your story.
It will be held March 9-10 of 2012 in the LDS Conference Center and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
If you have a family and you want to preserve their history or write about your family, you want to go.

If you have a blog, you want to go.

The classes they have planned sound great.

Do you have to be LDS to be able to attend?
NO!
It is open to everyone that wants to be able to write about their family, learn blogging tips or learn about family history.

Even better
I have been given a ticket by Cherish Bound.
I already bought my ticket.
So I'm giving this ticket away!

You get 3 chances to win.

Chance #1:
Leave a comment on my blog telling me you would LOVE to go and promise that you'll let me have your autograph.

Chance #2:
Like Cherish Bound on Facebook.

Chance #3:
Put the Cherish Bound Button on your sidebar.
That's it!

I'll close this drawing on the 27th.
(Why the 27th?
I have a haircut that day and I'm pretty excited about it.)


Now enter!
Pack your bags!
Get a babysitter!
Put some meals in the freezer!
I'd love to meet you!

If you have further questions or want more details you can contact DeNae@denaehandy.com or Carol Rice

47 comments:

CB said...

You have a genre! It is called the "Tauna Genre" and it is fantastic!!

I am so glad you blog!!!!

I can't wait for the Conference. I already have my ticket too so don' put me in the drawing.

It is going to be Bomb.com!!!

Momza said...

I love your blog!
I'm hoping to attend the Conference too! I went to the CBC and loved it--the longer I blog, the more wonderful people I get to meet!

Kim said...

I WANT THAT TICKET!!! Sounds fabulous! I can't wait!

Connie said...

Hey, you bilingual blogging genius! I'd LOVE to go to this conference, especially if you're going to be there! I'll even perfect my autograph!

just call me jo said...

Heavens no. I can't do all that. Too complicated and scary. But I love your enthusiasm. You and Cherie both have your tickets? You ladies rock! It sounds like a lot of fun. If I could twitch my nose and be there, I would. Otherwise, it's too social for me.

lesa said...

It would be way-over-the-top-too-social for me but if you would promise me that I can have YOUR autograph, I guess you can enter me into your drawing.




(pick me! pick me! pick me!)

Unknown said...

This conference is sponsored by Cherish Bound and hosted by Family Search. It really will be fantastic, and believe it or not, these kinds of events can be as social or as private as you want them to be. It's kind of like going to school in a really beautiful venue and being taught by really awesome people. Thanks, Tauna, for helping spread the word. Anyone with questions can email me at DeNae@denaehandy.com. Hope to see you all there!

Queenie Jeannie said...

Sounds fabby but I'm just a tad bit too far away!!


But....if I'm ever in your area, I'm stopping by!! (fair warning!) HA!

One Fantastic Housewife! said...

I am with Cherie "I am so glad you blog!" Every time you girls mention something fun happening in Utah I start daydreaming about plane tickets and Dr. Hubby setting up a new practice. lol

Ann Marie said...

All of the blogs I read are ones that are not "themed." I just realized that too.. hahaha!

I REALLY have no idea what these conferences are.. so I never bought a ticket. -- But I wanted to play.. so I thought about just staying at the Hotel and hanging out with you guys.. but I'm not sure.. maybe the conference would be good?

Enter me.. I want to see you all again!!!!

carol said...

If only my life fit into a category! Can't wait to see you all there!

p.s. I have a ticket, but just had to be part of the conversation.

Furry Bottoms said...

I recognized puslipher's predilections in her snuggie and Cherie! Looks like fun!

But I am deathly afraid of meeting new people too.

mCat said...

You know what I love most about your blog? That you DON'T have a freakin theme! (not that there's anything wrong with that), but I dig just reading about people's lives and getting to know more about them. I know - social butterfly or weird stalker - make your choice.

And the thought of my Bear Lake besties all coming to Utah is making me GIDDY!!!!

Renée said...

I look at my blog and think, "why do I blog," too. After reading your list of blogs, I share the same list...BUT unlike you, I have a place I visit for FUNNY too!

Sorry about your snow last week ;D not missin' it for a moment. I've tried hard to look back and just can't make myself. We have fabulous hospitals, an airport here and we adore chickens...pray about it.

I've never been to a BC. I've been to every other kind of a conference though, and I LOVE to meet people and I'd love to see you and learn more about being FUN, and I'd absolutely love a reason to head to SLC!

I'll do all three for you, girl! Thanks for the invite.

gigi said...

I will never forget that you and your Sweetheart drove all the way donw in a snow storm to support me at my little sisters funeral. (And Connie too.) Just writing this again made me cry. Next time we meet my friend there will be lots of fun and laughter! March can not get here quick enough!

I bought my ticket the the conference now I just have to come up with a plane ticket to get there. Not sure where we will stay yet. Do you have any idea where you are gonna stay? I should make reservations soon.

Loves ya and hug Elvis for me :)

Connie said...

I would love to go to the conference although that is something totally out of my comfort zone. I am sure I would have a BLAST if I went and if I won it would give me the push I need to break out of that zone.
Please enter me.

Julie Harward said...

I love your blog and you...it is always entertaining and fun here, thanks for all that you share. ;D

Kristina P. said...

I am in a serious bloggy slump right now. Boo. But if I win a ticket, I would attend. I've lost my mojo.

Ginger said...

I just found your blog... You are so cute! I would love to win your ticket! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

Ginger said...

I've already "liked" them on FB... :)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh baby this sounds like so much fun but count me out 'cause I'm tied to the Ponderosa.

I've only had the pleasure of meetin' on blogsister in person but I have high hopes baby of meetin' others...it's on my bucket list.

God bless and have fun with your most generous giveaway sweetie!!! :o)

Liz Mays said...

I would absolutely love to meet you, but I'm clear on the East coast! One day though...one day!

Lisa said...

Yeah, well, when we first met, I didn't know WHO this woman called Tauna WAS. Now I do—nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, fantastic, hilarious righteous woman I want to emulate, and I want to be with you again. Put me in the drawing, because yes, you mean THAT MUCH TO ME!

Laura Lynn said...

I love your blog and all the randomness you write about! I wish I were half as good! I would love to attend if I still lived in Utah. Darn miles.

MZ said...

HHMMMM. I think I should go to it. I think I will.

Laura said...

Thanks for the mention! I love your blog too... Randomness and all!

Unknown said...

So when you come into town, are we going to have a little bloggers dinner again so I can meet those who couldn't come last time???

Adam & Leesha Wickern said...

So, it would be a blast to go,but I really only wanted to say you make me smile! I am glad that when it has been one of those weeks, I can decide to do some blog stalking and see that you have posted something that has made me giggle out loud. :)

Yvonne said...

I love your blog and am so glad I found it--I really can't remember how, but I'm glad ; )

I'm sure that Conference would be great fun. I would love to go, but too many things already planned for next year--too many airplane tickets to purchase already ; (

Renée said...

Here's my answer to your question about your cookies: It sounds to me like you are not adding enough flour. When baking, it's important to measure carefully. I'm the kind of cook that throws lots of things together, (not always a recipe follower), but not so with baking. I also use only butter with rare exceptions. It's true though, often cookies, pies, turn out differently. I guess we aren't to know all of the mysteries for now!

I liked the conference on facebook and even checked it out. I also add it to my sidebar, but it's too big, so I moved it to the bottom of my posts!

Heather said...

I am hoping I will be able to possibly go to dinner some night with every one but I am due that week and I am not sure I will still be pregnant!

I too am glad I have met blogging friends! I consider you one of them! It was so much fun last year! I can't believe it has been a year since Bear Lake!

Doran & Jody said...

I got so excited! I thought you were going to say you were going to pick me up on your way to the conference. :(

Ok, I will enter the drawing. I would LOVE to go!

Oh and BTW... you forgot to mention that you "STALK" your bloggy buddies and take pictures while wearing the same color of shirt.

Ya, I'll never let you live it down.

Anonymous said...

Not posting for a ticket...but I gotta tell you sweet Tauna your blog is fantastic and I look forward to reading every post. You have a wonderful sense of humor a talent for writing and you are just the best! Please don't even think about not having a blog. I love the way you post about real life and your life. Hugs!

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

I for one am so glad you have a blog because my life would not be the same without you in it.
Where is this conference? Sounds like a whole lot of fun.
Love
Maggie

wendy said...

first off.....love the chicken names. Has there been no "bow chicka bow wow" (or whatever that saying is)causing no egg production

I LOVE YOUR BLOG....I LOVE YOU.
at first when you said you had no genre...I THOUGHT I was reading "gender"....geeesh Chaz.

anyway, sometimes I don't know why I have a blog either. Seems like there is nothing much really I have to offer...and actually, I think I am loosing some readers.
must be I've been to WHINEY (sp)lately
no biggie
but hells bells, I don't cook, I don't craft, etc etc.

It IS amazing the people we meet through blogging, some very special (eek, hate that word) friends. Meeting you at Matt's viewing (even though that was NOT a "fun filled" event) was VERY meaningful to me and I'll never forget you for it.

anyway, even though I won't be able to go to the Conference, I think it is wonderful that you are stepping out of your shell (no chicken reference intended...tee,hee) and allowing other people to see how Awesome you are.

good to exercise your Amendment rights
that's why I have a gun (j/k)

ain't for city gals said...

I can't make this but anytime you want to go see Pioneer Woman and stay at the Lodge I'm ready!..I don't know how we are going to make this happen but between an emergency room nurse and the proud auntie of a new beautiful lawyer I bet we can figure it out!

Unknown said...

Okay--totally late and I should be in bed...but I popped up in bed and realized that this class would fill my "Take a creative non-fiction writing class" ... I wanted to go, but I thought I wouldn't be able to do it because of my kidlets, but now I need to try to win!

YEAH!!!!

Unknown said...

I liked Cherish bound.

Unknown said...

And I put it on my blog (in the hopes I can go??)!

tammy said...

You met DeNae?? Lucky!!

And girl, I am just as random as you. It's our thing.

Sue said...

I want to go. I'm going to take some of my bloggy buds.


love this post. you crack me up.

Unknown said...

I quite enjoy your blog. mine also is kinda about nuttin! glad you found so many sisters!

ain't for city gals said...

Hey girl..I read your comment...thank you for your kind words for my dad. I probably won't share a photo on my blog but I am going to take a couple. If you like to e-mail me I will send it. molliedog1@msn.com

Valerie said...

Don't think I'd be able to go so I'm not entering, but wanted say that whatever genre your blog is in, it's awesome! :) And so are you. Glad you get to go to such a fun event!

" Hit It......." said...

What a small world..I have become friends with Cherie, Wendy and Mcat because of blogging.

I love your blog. I hope you don't mind if I stop over. Thanks also for the info on the blogging conference. I want to go.

TheOneTrueSue said...

Conferences make me nervous - meeting people makes me nervous. I think I vastly prefer staying home and reading about other people who attended the conference. All of the info, none of the nerves.

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

I also am sisterless with people anxiety. But I'd love to go--sounds like a fabulous event.

And I adore your random blog--I think "eclectic" would be your genre. :) And you often crack me up so "humorous".