Lost voice.

About a year and a half ago, I lost my voice.

I don't mean my actual voice, more my writing voice. I went from needing a change to, for about a solid year, doing very little writing. At least, very little writing of the sort anyone would actually want to read.

And, to be honest, I did very little swimming and running, either.

A lot has happened since then.

I'll get to that in some posts later.

I've missed my voice. I know I missed it because a number of times I tried to go back and find it. I had several false starts at new blogs, because I felt like I wasn't quite the right person to keep writing this one. Food blog. Craft blog. Wedding blog. Collaborative blog. 

Each time I'd get a few posts (or less) in and lose interest. That's a lot of blogging projects to flop.

I've missed my readers (Hi Mom!) and the blogging community. 

The last few weeks have been different. I keep thinking about things I want to write about. I snap photos that need to be shared before I throw my phone out the window. I'm back to reading blogs, even if I'm quiet about it.

As for the swimming and the running? Well... one step at a time. Wouldn't want to pull a muscle. :)

"Whaaa...? We're back!"

Thinking ahead.

I bought a pine scented candle a few weeks ago, just before all the Christmas things came out.

Normally, I'm not one to rush the Turkey. I like the holidays. I like the time taken to slow down and celebrate with family - particularly when I have such an awesome one on both sides. But this year, I'm craving a fresh pine wreath for the door, sparkling lights, pumpkin pie, ugly sweaters, and the peek out the window that happens when snow is in the forecast.

I think it has something to do with change - wanting to close the door on the things I'm finishing up, move on.

I'm thinking about the blog, too - not closing its doors, but some changes that I'm considering for 2012. Right now, SWR is a mashup of things I feel like typing about, books, local things, and sometimes food. In short, I'm considering narrowing the scope.

If there's something you've really enjoyed about the blog in the last year or so, or something you would like to see more of in 2012/SWRv2.0, please let me know in the comments, or send an email along to swimwriterun at gmail dot com.

A refusal to vent, August, and a party.

Posting here's been inconsistent. Sorry about that.


Part of it is that I'm incredibly busy. The other part is that the things occupying my mind are not things I'm really willing to blog about. It's hard to publish updates about things like school/work without turning it into a vent, and that's something I don't want to do on my blog.


Still, things are looking up.




Here's what you can expect for August:


Food versus Food - Two posts, set and ready to go. I know. Be excited!


Some DIY and cooking posts - I've got some cool DIY projects going that I just have to share. The word of the day is "Upcycle."


Where am I, Wednesday? - guess where I am in the HoCo, based on the amazing photo technology of the little Droid X That Could.


And more. (aka, blanket statement to promise additional content, probably related to happenings both local and national)




Also, don't forget about the HoCo Blogs party coming up next Thursday! It's a family-friendly event on Aug 11 at Stanford Grill. 5:30pm. RSVP here!

May Blogger Party!

Next Thursday, May 19th, is the May HoCoBlogs Party. If you live in Howard County (hocoblogs@@@) and you blog (or if you READ blogs like mine from the HoCo), you should definitely go.


Why? 


Well...




There are stickers.


Blogger parties are extremely fun ways to put names and faces together. We're a friendly crowd (even when we're not hunched over our keyboards typing intently).


This month's blogger party is sponsored by the Howard County Library and Howard County General Hospital. I have blogged about HCGH "0" times, and the Libraries ">0" times -- however... HCGH offers outstanding, compassionate, professional care.  They're both awesome resources in our community and it's exciting that they're so interested in reaching out to that community through a platform like HoCoBlogs.


I hear there will be free food.


Finally, as if those reasons aren't enough, I will be there - and I will be having a drink to celebrate my PRE-WEDDING Anniversary! (the future Mr. SwimWriteRun may or may not be in attendance)




The HoCo Blogger Party is May 19, from 5:30p-7:30p at Union Jack's in Columbia.  You can RSVP here.

H: HowChow

H is for HowChow.


This might come as a shock, but I love food. 


Fortunately, the HoCo has a growing food blogger scene. And there's a comprehensive resource for quality, unique eats in Howard County - not just places to go, but also unique markets or unusual (to me) grocery items. That's HowChow.


The content is interesting and informative. It pushes me out of my comfort zone. On top of that, HowChow hosts guest posts, interviews, and links often to community food bloggers, making the whole scene that much richer.


Recently, I started planning a monthly "Restaurant Stop" for a HoCo Social group, many of whom are transplants to the area - and who wanted to learn about HoCo through its HoCo-specific restaurants, not monthly dinners at places like Friday's or Carraba's. Some of the places I've chosen were based on HowChow's posts, and when I linked back to them, people noticed the "food tours" and got excited. There's now talk of wandering some of these routes when the weather turns nice for good.


But it's not only restaurant reviews. When a food establishment shuts down or is promised, it's mentioned. The bigger picture of food as it relates to our community is not neglected.


And in the end, all of these things make HowChow a great resource. 


Food is elemental to community and identity - whether it's comfort food, or food that helps expand one's horizons. I truly believe that food can create connections between people with different backgrounds and life experiences, better than most other conventions. 


Howard County is diverse community, and though it can be hard to see past the big chain restaurants, that diversity is reflected in its food. HoCo residents should be proud of that. When guests come from out of town, I want to pick places that show how unique (and delicious) Howard County can be. Blogs like HowChow help me do that.


To get a taste of HoCoFood (haha, see what I did there?) check out some of these recent posts:

• "Go explore new food"
• "Huarache at R&R Taqueria"
• "Hanjoonkwan in Ellicott City"
• "Watermelon Radishes at My Organic Market"

H is for HowChow, a blog that points people toward tasty treats in the HoCo.

------

This post is part of the A to Z Blogging Challenge. (hocofood@@@) Click on The Link for more info and other participating blogs!

B: Bloggers of the HoCo

B is for Bloggers. HoCo Bloggers, to be specific.


It took me a while to get into blogging. Sure, I had blogs before. The most successful was one that was defined by a short-term goal. More of a project then a blog. An internet journal, if you will.


When I started SwimWriteRun (originally MoWrites), I tried to set parameters like that because I thought that would help keep me blogging - a schedule, the decision to cover whatever theme I chose, etc.


What I didn't anticipate was the HoCo blogosphere.


Howard County's blogging community is both rich and active. There are more than 200 bloggers on board. Monthly get-togethers give bloggers an opportunity to meet face-to-face, adding an unusual amount of personal contact to blogging. I know it wasn't always that way, that the group was smaller. I'm not sure if it's grown because that core group was so awesome, or if it reflects a wider, more general trend in how people express themselves (or their causes/agendas/brands/passions) to the rest of the world.


I do know that the "blogosphere" has become part of why I like to blog. I like to know that people are reading my posts. (Hi!)  


More importantly, I like to read local/community blogs. I like the thoughtful social commentary, the quick and timely snippets of local politics, and the varied points of view offered by the community. I like seeing honest, intelligent, and even-keeled debate when bloggers do not agree. I like how bloggers support each other, whether by donating to someone's cause, linking to other blogs, or stepping up when an anonymous commenter is out of line (not that such a thing ever happens).


Most importantly, the bloggers of Howard County have helped me to see my community in a different light. It's as if there is a whole new side of a place I thought I knew. And I do think, since having found HoCoBlogs, I pay more attention to my community. 


Rock on, Bloggers of HoCo. You are super. So super you get your own letter.


B is for Bloggers in Howard County.

------

This post is part of the A to Z Blogging Challenge. (hocoblogs@@@) Click on The Link for more info and other participating blogs!

Monday, Monday.

Yup.


Still, life is really good. :D


A couple of things, in case you missed it...


HoCoRising is working on a really cool project to end homelessness in Howard County. Phase one of the initiative is to raise money for the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center. There's also a "Team Anonymous" challenge via Sarah Says. I talked a little while ago about how awesome it is when people harness the power of the internets for good. If you can, please help support this great initiative. 


You can also check out a detailed post on the HoCo Homeless situation and current initiatives on HoCoConnect.


HCR, HowChow, and Patch also posted that Michael's in KC is closing tomorrow. Sad news.


WB meets Max, a yellow lab, at the Howard County Animal Welfare Society. Sadly, there are always fur friends that need forever homes. He says Max is a very sweet one.


53 Beers gives his take on the Harper's Choice Village Warbanner Logo (and several other things).


Erinn has started weekly Peeps Jousting on her blog. Someone call PETA. 


Remember the Bucket List Blogfest? Jeff has already knocked one item off his list.




Finally, O'Shanks got engaged this weekend!!!!! I will let the number of exclamation points I've used say the rest, although I will add that I look forward to the future with my amazing man, and am so glad to be a part of his wonderful family (and that he's a part of mine).

A to Z Blogging Challenge

I figured I'd take a minute to mention this. RetiredKnitter over at My Next 20 Years Of Living found a really cool blogging activity called "A to Z Blogging Challenge." 

Basic premise is this: blog every day in April (except for Sundays). Start each post with a new letter of the alphabet. April 1 is A, and so on.

So yeah, I'm doin' it. If you want to join in, you can click the links, or the graphic above or in the sidebar. I'll wait.

...

......

...

So what will I write about, you ask? There's no content restriction in the actual challenge, but I'm giving myself a theme. 

I'll be blogging about where I live - places to go, things to do, food to eat, and hopefully more. My goal is to learn more about a community that I like to think I know well. (hocoblogs@@@) 

As of right now, I haven't really planned anything out. So... it's anyone's guess how hard or easy this challenge will be!

I'll also have scheduled content, so fear not, Food Versus Food fans.

You can find the posts, starting in April, under the label "A to Z".

Happy Wednesday!

HoCo Blogger Party!

I've been really neglectful in posting about this... :\  Tomorrow (Wednesday) evening is the next HoCo Blogger party! If you blog in the HoCo - or if you read blogs from the HoCo (hint... if you're reading this, you do) you should definitely go hang out with some wonderful people at Ram's Head in Savage Mill. (hocoblogs@@@)


Unfortunately I won't be able to make it due to a previous commitment (later post) - BUT I did go to the last event, and it was a lot of fun! Everyone was very friendly, and it was great to put faces to names (or screen names, whichever the case may be).


You can check out the details and RSVP at the event site.  This month's event is being hosted by Thursday Bram, Jefita (aka Amy), and Jen, all of who write wonderful blogs!  

Obligation Versus Inspiration

I hear this a lot: Writers write because they have to.


I also hear this a lot: I can only write when I'm moved to write, when I'm inspired.


Is one more write than the other?


(I'm sorry. I won't do that again, please keep reading. :) )




"Writers write because they have to."


This just sounds badass and deep. Writing's part of me, man. It's something I must do to survive.


I feel like I bump up my art-cred one every time I say or write this phrase. And I do use it, because on some level I feel like it's true.


At the same time, I might be writing because I have to, but that doesn't mean I'm writing well. I might be slogging through a tough part of my WIP (dear chapter 4, I hate you). I might be churning out sloppy incredibly awesome blog posts to fulfill my blogging goal. 


I might be writing 20,000 words I'm just going to junk next week.


Or I might be writing because that's what I need to do to collect a royalties check and not starve and/or relocate to my parents' couch and/or go to jail over defaulted student loans. Ah, the life. 


Maybe some day.




"I can only write when I feel inspired."


Words flow from my fingers and fill the page with Times New Roman gold. I can do no wrong. I am a WORD NINJA nunchucking my way to a Pulitzer. 


Don't get me wrong, when it happens, this is a good thing.


But my experience has told me that's how things don't get written. This philosophy results in low output and high "amount of time spent staring at blank screen."


Not only that, but if one can only work on a project when the inspiration is there, what hope is there for editing when the moment has passed?




I think there has to be a happy medium. If you're going to write only when you're inspired, you better be prepared to adapt and find that inspiration in many places so you can actually get the writing done. But if you're only writing to slog through words, your material may very well feel that way to the reader.


IMO, writing should be a passion, because there's magic when the writer's inspiration/passion comes through the written word and touches the reader. And writing has to be an obligation, not for lofty, artistic reasons but for the simple fact that sometimes things just have to get done. Or started. Or pushed forward. Or torn apart and remade.




Why do you write (blog, etc)?  Does it feel like work to you, or does your inspiration run deep?

HoCo Blogger Party

Tonight was the HoCo Blogger Party at Second Chance Saloon! 


...and the Old Bay Wings were still tasty.


I got to shake the rust off of my Meeting People skills and hang out for a while. I had a really great time. It was fun to put faces to some of the blogs and columns I've been following, and everyone was very friendly.  I definitely didn't get to meet everyone there, but hopefully I'll get the chance at a future event.  


A quick summary -- I'm very sorry if I miss anyone, or if I've forgotten some names...


Thanks to Computer Blues and 53 Beers for hosting! It was really nice to meet and chat with Bill and his wife.

JessieX amazed me with her introductions and awesome ability to keep straight who blogs about what. Thanks for the beautiful cards. Did anyone write down/post the info to the charity she mentioned in the beginning of the meeting?


Awesome to meet some others from Patch - Brian Hooks from Savage-Guilford and TJ Mayotte from Elkridge.  TJ also has a great blog, 1000 Words.  And it's always great to hang out with David Greisman from Columbia Patch.


I briefly met Sarah from SarahSays, a blog that always features really interesting and thoughtful posts. I've been saying her name all wrong in my head, but I've got the pronunciation down now! :)


It was great to hang out with Meghan and Jilly.  Meghan is a writer and posts some of her awesome fiction on her blog.


I totally almost forgot my coat, even though Cindy warned me not to. Whoops! Did you know that she and Jeff were at CreateBaltimore with JessieX and a few other HoCo Bloggers?  Has anyone blogged about that? Sounded like a really cool event.


Nice to chat with Frank Hecker about the his multi-part posts on things HoCo - like the history of redistricting. I learn a lot from his blog.


Thanks to Amy @ Jefita for the tip about business cards. I'll be ready in February. :)  

I talked briefly with Thursday Bram, who's written some great docs about writing/blogging. Looking forward to seeing the next one.

Anna AKA Annethologie, hope to see you at a run in the future.  Good luck in the half, let me know how it goes?

Did you know that you can follow the HoCo Public Library on Twitter, Facebook, AND youtube?  (and maybe more places, but I got too excited to remember more)  Dennis and Donna at the HCPL are really nice, enthusiastic folks! I already love my public library, and it's nice to meet the people who enable my addiction to all things books. 

Good night everyone, please tune in tomorrow for the newest Food Versus Food! 

HoCo Blogger Party!

Hey everyone, in case you hadn't heard, the next HoCo Blogger party is coming up.... tomorrowThursday!  


There have been a few blogger parties so far, but this is the first one I could make.  I'm really looking forward to meeting other local bloggers at this event, hosted by 53 Beers On Tap and Computer Blues. 


If you blog in Howard County, or are interested in reading blogs from your community, HoCoBlogs is a great resource. There are tons of local blogs that cover all sorts of topics including Community, Food, Tech, and Arts.


The Blogger Party will be held at Second Chance Saloon, 5:30-7:30pm.  Beer, and maybe even some tasty wings, will be had by all!

HoCo Blogger Party - All that and a basket of chips (at 2nd Chance!)

Hope to see you there!

Women Bloggers Unite!

..or at least, check out a group that formed on Meetup: Women Bloggers.  From the meetup site:

This group is for women bloggers to get together in an informal setting to talk about blogging. Let's share our ideas and talk about blog promotion, ads, creativity, tips, and more.

I made it to a meeting last night with two other women bloggers, both from the HoCo area: Elisa, from Things That We Love and founder of the group, and Sara, from Art Sense.

I really like the idea of the group, and the chance to network face to face and get ideas.  Everyone comes to the table with different levels of expertise in different areas.  And it's nice to be out and social.  If you are a lady, you blog or want to blog, and you're in the general area, check 'em out! (if you're not part of Meetup, shoot me an email)


Another great local blogger outlet that offers some of the same is hocoblogs, which hosts Blogtail parties from time to time (I hope to make the next one in January!).