Sunday, February 03, 2008

The Sunday Roast #1

Emerging From The Chrysalis

TODAY'S BLOGGER IS LEE, of Chrysalis Dreams.

Photograph supplied by Lee.


Why do you blog?

Well, I started blogging by accident. I had tried to comment on a friend's new blog and when I registered I ended up creating a blog by accident. Suddenly I had a blog out there with nothing on it. So I had to create a first post. After that I was hooked. Nothing has raised my self esteem more than my blogging and the responses I get from it. Additionally, I get the chance to reflect on what I’ve experienced and learn in the process. Some day I want to be a writer so this is a chance to hone my writing skills.

What is the story behind your blog name?

For several years now I’ve been in the process of becoming a teacher. This is since the breakup of my marriage and the goal of teaching was suggested by a new friend. My divorce left me pretty devastated so changing careers into something that challenges me in a totally new way is part of a personal goal to rebuild my life into something I won’t let anyone or anything destroy. So, since I’m becoming a new creature, and I love creatures with wings, I thought of myself in a chrysalis. You can tell from my image on the blog that becoming a beautiful butterfly is my "Birth of a New Age". Thus I labelled my blog Chrysalis Dreams. It is filled with my hopes and dreams in a way that almost nothing else has been to date. The next thing I’ll fill is my classroom.

What is the best thing about being a blogger?

The positive responses you get from others and the chance to feel normal. I love it when people comment. Even if they disagree with me it’s ok. The feeling normal part comes from seeing that others agree with you and my reminder to myself that "I can’t be THAT different" whenever I think I’m writing something people won’t like or agree with.

What key advice would you give to a newbie blogger?

Remember that what ever you put out there is "out there" for everyone to see, so unless you really like conflict don’t write to shock or offend. This is your "public voice". Also when you think you’re done writing, put the blog in "preview" mode and re-read your post. For some reason, reading a post in a published format is like seeing yourself in a photo. It won’t lie to you like a mirror will and you’ll see things you want to change.

What is the most significant blog post you’ve ever read?

Gee, I’ve read so many good posts. My friend Susan Palwick writes lots of them. But I can think of two I want to highlight. San Meredith’s post on finding your totem animal. That post sent me on a search to find my own. My totem animal turned out to be the deer and it fits perfectly with what I’m doing and what I need. The other was a prayer from my friend JS of Influxtransposer blog. She posted it at a time when I really needed to hear these words. The prayer is from the New Zealand Prayer Book ......

Lord, it is night.
The night is for stillness.

Let us be still in the presence of God.
It is night after a long day.

What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.

The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you.
The night is quiet.

Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us, and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities.
In your name we pray.

Amen.

What is the most significant blog post you’ve ever written?

Well, the one that got the best compliment was my post "Comics and Ritual" which is about spirituality in routine. The one that is getting the most use and that I’m also very proud of is the "Walking Side by Side" post which I wrote for my father. That one was not only a gift to him. It is now being put into my professional portfolio for teaching to show how I learn from experience and what I want to do as a teacher. It will also be a good example of the quality of my writing.

Today's Sunday Roast with Lee is the first in a weekly series of interviews with bloggers from around the world.

27 comments:

Lee said...

(blush) David, I'm pleased and flattered to be highlighted on your blog. It's an honor! Thank you!

How did you get the page shot of my blog? That looks neat!

Bright smile of Joy!

Misty DawnS said...

I have recently found her blog, and I absolutely love it! I wish her the absolute best in reaching for her dreams and discovering new possibilities (and developing into that new, beautiful 'creature')!

You are truly special for doing this for your friends David. Right when I think I couldn't admire you any more, you go and do something else so special to deserve even more of my admiration.

Jillie Bean (AKA Bubba's Sis) said...

This is fabulous!! What a great idea, David!

Bart said...

Holy crap, maybe I should reanswer my questions. Mine were like two, three sentences tops.

D... said...

David, I am really loving this idea. What a great way to 'meet' new people. My email address is: mykidsrqts@aol.com. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed!

I wish Lee the best of luck in breaking out of the chrysalis to become the beautiful butterfly!

Jeff B said...

Nice idea David. Your willingness to highlight/introduce others is very thoughtful.

Side question. Today was ground hogs day here in the states. Do they do anything that rediculus down there in your winter?

The Egel Nest said...

Lee -

What a great interview!

David...So wonderful of you to do this.

Great stuff!

Bradley
The Egel Nest

Am'n2Deep said...

David: Great questions, and I love, love this idea!

And...Thank you for sharing Lee. I really enjoyed reading about you and your blog.

Am'n2Deep said...

Lee, I must also add, I loved your post "Walking Side by Side". What a wonderful lesson in perseverance,encouragement, and just being there for one another when we feel we can't go on.

Corey~living and loving said...

This is such a fabulous thing you are doing David. I know each and every interviewee (is that a word?) will be so very honored to be featured on such a wonderful blog.

I look forward to heading over to Lee's blog.

virtual nexus said...

Lovely post - David, only use email for infrequent communication with family so seldom check it; my blogs arn't heavily trafficed so leave
a message on main post?

mtf - Moore to follow at Kew....

Mima said...

David, I think this is a really interesting thing to do, and looking forward to heading over to Lee's blog to have a look.

Shrink Wrapped Scream said...

David, What a wonderful start to your weekly spotlight.

Lee, you have given us a deeper insight as to who you are and what matters to you, good luck in your new, better future (but as you strike me as a very positive person, I somehow doubt you will need it).

Akelamalu said...

Great idea David and a great interview. Hi Lee nice to meet you. :)

Amrita said...

Really good interview. Like what lee says about blogging, very similar to my views ...what blogging means to em. I will chech out Lee 's blog.

Lee said...

Wow! New experience! I've never done a group Thank You before. Suddenly know how the stars feel at Oscar time! Thank you each and everyone for your kind words.

Misty Dawn, Thank you for visiting. I look forward to seeing more of you.

Bart, I'm glad my words impressed. But then I'm a really wordy person. Be yourself, you'll be fine.

d... Thank you. The end is in sight.

Bradley, Thank you. I answered you in my comments.

am'n2deep, Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Walking Side by Side was such a joy to write. Glad you liked it.

Shrink wrapped scream, So glad you took time to read about me. Thank you for the vote of confidence! My mom brought me up to be a "Polyanna". :)

Hi akelamelu, good to meet you too.

To those of you who plan of visiting, Welcome!

Peace!

i beati said...

wonderful post sandy

Sandi McBride said...

Wow. I've learned so much about Lee. I knew I liked her the first time I read one of her posts, which you had pointed out to us. She's a survivor. I love survivors. I think this is going to be very popular, David. Very popular
Sandi

lime said...

what a serendipitous way to begin a blog!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Congratulations to Lee for a much deserved spotlight, and congratulations to David for the success of this wonderful endeavor!

Bradley's Mom said...

Hi David:

The Roast is SUCH a wonderful idea!

I loved learning about Lee, and look forward to all the others!

Hope all is well with you!!

Linda

Lana Gramlich said...

Interesting! Thanks for sharing. :)

Dragonstar said...

David, this is a great idea! I'm shooting off to read Lee's blog now, but I wanted to stop and thank you for adding me to your blogroll - I'm really flattered.

imac said...

Cor, this is like This is Your Life stuff.

1st Interview great really great.

Hell im nervous now.

Thanking you david for spending a lot of your precious time for all of your friends and bloggers.

I think Lee did well - very well indeed.
This is Tops the Tops.

Stacy said...

This is such a great way to learn more about the bloggers we've been following. It's like adding a missing chapter to a book you've been reading. Thank you, David, for thinking of doing this!

fuzzbert_1999@yahoo.com said...

I think this is going to be fun...you've hit on another winner and introduced us to another read.

Melissa said...

This is a great idea David! Not only do we learn more about another person, but we can start reading their blog! You really are sweet for starting up something like this! Oh, and my Dad did forward me your email. :)