I have a secret.
I have a secret I'm SO STINKIN' OVERTHETOP EXCITED ABOUT I CAN BARELY KEEP IT INSIDE!!
And since it is my secret, I can decide when to let the kittehs out of the bag, no?
In just over a month from now…
my blog…
is going away!
After eight years of wearing the same dress – isn't that like eighty years online?! – I'm changing outfits. PENSIEVE is going away.
Evidence that I'm ready for the change, there are no misty eyes, no second guesses, no misgivings at all. I'm only eager, excited and expectant.
And whether you're reading me for the first time or the 2001st time I hope you'll join me at the new place.
I'm not going to share specifics just yet, but I'll give you a series of hints during the next month while I'm participating at the Nester's 31 Days Writing Challenge (this would be a GREAT time to subscribe to my current blog, so you'll receive notice when the new one goes live. My incredible designers, George and Ashley at Tekeme Studios, visually captured the exact sense I was hoping to communicate and I cannot wait to share it with you <ten thousand exclamation marks/>).
The new site will go live sometime between now and November 4th (earlier if they can make it happen).
In the meantime, what will I be writing about for the next 31 Days?
Women are complex creatures. We defy simple explanation (though there's no loss of attempts to define us). My goals over the next month are to:
- speak life and love into our collective, sometimes weary souls
- explore the wonder, beauty and incredulous aspects that make us decidedly female
- challenge you (and me) to discover new ways to accept ourselves just the way we are
- encourage those of us who sometimes feel like the world is passing us by, that we missed out on our one chance to DO something that matters, or that our best years are behind us. Fooey on all that junk.
(For those of you left hanging on a cliff, I'll pick up with my "If you can't be with the ones you love" series in November. Sorry!!)
The guys might wanna sit this one out (or if they're very wise, they'll understand why they'd wanna stick close!). For women approaching (or passing) those milestone "F" birthdays, you're gonna wanna hang tight. For those facing "T" milestone birthdays, you might want to follow along because one day soon enough, you'll reach the F ones, too. And for those who've celebrated the "S" birthdays? Well, I might not have experience but I sure hope this encourages you!
And if you're slow to recognize what F and T birthdays are, well, just consider milestone years and you'll figure it out soon enough. ~ wink ~
So, over the next month, I'll be sharing personal reflections on womanhood, aging and insights on turning 50; inspiring quotes by and about women; mini-portraits on some amazing women; and if things work out, a guest post or two.
Please plan to follow along; I'd love for us to do this together.
Q1. Are you a blogger planning on taking part in 31 Days of ____? DO share your topic for the month in comments.
Q2. I'm curious if there's anything you're hoping I'm writing about. Though I have a general idea of how I'm planning to proceed, there's room for you to ask questions or share your thoughts and ideas. I'm open to your suggestions–this could be a fun and challenging interactive exploration.
I'll update this page so you can easily locate each post!! (And somewhere along the way, I've begun using WOW to abbreviate the Wonder of a Woman. Isn't that kind of awesome and perfect?)
- Day 1 ~ Introduction to The Wonder of a Woman
- Day 2 ~ The birth of wonder (and why I pity men)
- Day 3 ~ What's so special about you?
- Day 4 ~ Chemical Romance
- Day 5 ~ Around/About: The WOW "They're too Awesome to Categorize" Edition
- Day 6 ~ The Beauty of a Woman
- Day 7 ~ Enduring Friendship
- Day 8 ~ Inexplicable Connection
- Day 9 ~An Epiphany (& things to come) Don't miss this one!!
- Day 10 ~ State of the Blog Re-design (& Definition of Wonder)
- Day 11 ~ (Im)perfect Body
- Day 12 ~ Around/About: The WOW "Inspiration/Writing" Edition
- Day 13 ~
Looking forward to this one! Something I’ve been thinking and struggling with lately is enjoying being a woman–in all the roles we’re given–and not seeing it as some overwhelming task or a list of perfection to live up to. Does that make sense?
As for the 31 days series, I’m writing about finding your voice as a writer. Fun stuff!
I’m SO EXCITED about this, Robin. You’re more than a friend; you’re an inspiration and a mentor. Someone who’s just a few steps ahead of me on the path. I love that you call back with your wisdom, humor and advice.
I’m doing 31 Days of Birthdays. 🙂 I’ll save you a piece of cake. Do you prefer corner or center?
I want your daughter to write a guest post… 😉 😉
You know I’m doing 31 days of community 😉 And I simply can NOT wait to read this series. It’s going to be so wonderful. And as someone new to one of those “T” milestones, I’m just going to sit here and soak in all your awesomeness.
Great topic, I am almost 43 and have learned to LOVE being a woman. What a gift…look forward to your series. As for the series, I am doing Embracing Home
I’m 28 and think this sounds like a great series idea. I actually struggle a lot with age issues. My partner is a few years younger than me and I had my daughter at the age of 21. I constantly feel like I’m both too young and “too old” at the same time. I’m not writing a 31 days series this year but I will be reading quite a few of them. I’m interested to see where this one goes.
LOVELY idea, Robin. And you’re the right person to carry it forward. I’m doing 31 Days of Giving Permission . . . with a list of infinitives to finish that phrase. #1 was . . . to disconnect; #2 will be . . . to learn, etc., etc. Excited to see your new space!!
I can’t wait for the unveiling of your new look! I am writing 31 days of living well with chronic illness.
Super excited about your new blog! I absolutely love your writing. I’m 48 and showing signs of aging. One thing is that I’m very forgetful of names. Can’t even remember co-workers I see weekly.
I would love to hear about dealing with aging parents, and menopause.
Thanks Robin and God Bless!
Are you including any posts about women in the Bible?
I’m doing 31 Days of Song.
congrats on embracing change! I just made a blog change too. I am participating in the 31 days and writing about happiness.
Marie @
In Our Happy Place
Jessica!!! I’m FINALLY taking time to respond to comments; I peeked in on your series and YOU GO GIRL! I think all of us who write waver in our sureties…and doubt and question our ability and contribution. GLAD you stepped in to be a champion and cheerleader! 🙂
Kelly,
FYI, I have your chocolate cake recipe up in a tab. Because I LOVE chocolate cake and yours sounds wonderful.
Thank you, now but always, for YOUR encouraging words back to me. When I start feeling the twitch to leave this online world, kind, generous encouragement like yours holds me here a little longer. How I hope that any experience I’ve lived and learned helps someone else….
Kaitlyn,
I’ll see her this weekend and ask her if she’d consider; gosh, that would be fantastic. She’s a wonderful writer but school might keep her from interest right now….
LOL, your T milestone is soooooooo far from my most recent one! But I love that you’re in my life, and you, too, are a special encourager to me. I’m so thankful for you and for our paths to have crossed.
Oh, Christa–I’ll pop right over RIGHT NOW and see how you’re doing a third of the way through this series.
Wait…has it taken me THAT long to reply? Forgive me??
#mercy!
Crystal Rose,
I haven’t actually gotten to the age issues…but those are coming. They’re delicate. And I’m a good bit older than most of my readers…. Still, I think my perspective is helpful at any younger “milestone” age (I can’t speak to older).
I hope some of what I explore through this series will be of value to you!
Diana,
I cannot believe not more people commented on the I’M LEAVING MY BLOG BEHIND that kicked this post off! Thank you for paying attention to what is a HUGE deal for me :).
And I love your series. It’s why I HAD to link to it. I love your heart, friend…and hope that we connect face to face one day, sooner rather than later!
MELISSA!!
Two points for you, too! Thank you for being excited with me! What a tough topic you’re tackling, but I KNOW it’s ministering to others who find it.
Oh, Beth, you DO encourage me (thank you!).
Wanna know what I call menopause? Mental Pause. Because, heck yeah, that’s what happens!
I hadn’t considered dealing with aging parents; I wish I knew more of what would be helpful to write about. We had a very difficult end of life with my father, and I have written about that in the past…so I’ll think on it and see if I can fit that in before the end of the month.
Menopause…yes. We’ll look at that. But I’m scared to write about it.
Sarah,
I’m not quite sure; I’m not one of those who has planned out an entire series, so I’m letting it evolve from one day to the next :). There are definitely women I’d love to profile, but I take FOREVER to research stuff like that and I know me: I’d go down LONG bunny trails. So we’ll see. I hope you check in to see how the series develops :).