One of my goals for May was to support my blogging friends in a more active way.  Instead of looking at blogs as solely a way to ingest information, I tried to do my part too.  This goal is still a big work in progress.  Like many, my blog reading time is so limited, but here are five ways I’ve been trying to be intentional about spreading love to other bloggers:   


1.  Leave a meaningful comment. // With today’s social media, it is way too easy to simply “like” or heart a blog post without any real effort.  And while there is nothing wrong with that, I’ve been trying to take the time and really add to the conversation instead.  Bloggers LOVE comments.  Sometimes blogging can feel like a one-sided conversation and to have someone take the time to leave their thoughts…well, it’s special.  I love hearing from my readers, so I’m now trying to do the same.

2. Share. // Have you ever read a post and found yourself nodding in agreement the entire time?  Maybe you tried a blogger’s recipe or followed her tutorial and the result was amazing?  Instead of just ingesting that information and moving on, I’ve been sharing it with my family and friends.  I’d also like to add a monthly roundup into my blog rotation because the internet is SO full of amazing, talented women.    


3. Click on the sidebar ads. // Many of the blogs I read are just small time mama blogs like me.  We put a few ads on our sidebars in the hopes that maybe someday, we’ll earn enough to receive a check.  Depending on your pageviews, most ads only generate pennies a day, but something is better than nothing!  I have tried to get into the habit of reading a blog post, then quickly scanning the sidebar for an ad to click.  It just takes a few seconds more, but I hope it helps get that mama a little closer to her goal.   


4. Shop through their links. // Similar to #3 above, small mama blogs like mine also include affiliate links as a way to generate a little income.  When you click through their link and then make a purchase, a teeny percentage will go back to the blogger at no additional cost to you.  The most popular affiliate I’ve seen is Amazon, so I try to find a blogger to support every time I make a purchase.  I look for an ad (like on my own sidebar) or even scan a few posts for a product link.  


5. Cheer them on! // Not all of us are meant to become big-name bloggers and that is okay.  Even so, our voice is still important.  I tend to be a bit bashful about praising others, but am working to get out of my comfort zone and do it anyway!  To the blogger that inspires you, makes you laugh and challenges you to be better, let her know and cheer her on.  I think those bloggers deserve to know that their presence on the internet is worthwhile.  

Linking up with Rachel!  What ways do you support the blogs that you love to read?  And tell me your favorites – I’m always looking for great reads!

I had such a wonderful response to the first round of Penpal Circles that I’m opening sign-ups again!  I’d love for you to join in this fun opportunity to meet other women around the country (and the world!).  The details are explained below:

The purpose of a Penpal Circle is to create long-term relationships with a group of women through the written word.  My hope is that this project will be an opportunity to grow community, to bring us together and learn from one another.  And getting letters in the mail is pretty exciting too! 🙂

This is how it works:
+ Participants will be put into groups of four in a circle.  
+ All participants will receive a welcome packet from me, explaining the process and the names/addresses of your circle members.  Expect a few goodies inside as well! 🙂
+ Your welcome packet will explain who to write to first.  For the first round, pairs will be made so everyone receives mail.  Afterwards, you are free to write to whomever you wish as often as you like!  A good rule of thumb is that you send out one letter whenever you receive one.  But if you’d like to write to the entire circle, feel free!
+ Large gifts in every letter are not necessary.  The purpose of the Penpal Circle is to create community through the written word.  Your words are enough!  If you’d like to send a little something along with your letter, that is entirely up to you, but not a requirement! 

A few other things to note:
+ Sign-ups will be open from Wednesday, October 2nd to Friday, October 11, 2013.  After that point, I won’t be able to accept anyone until after Christmas.
+ While this was created with Mammas in mind, you do not have to be a Mamma to participate.  We have so much to learn from women from all walks of life!
+ Your confidentiality is incredibly important to me.  I will keep your information safe.  That said, by signing up, you are also agreeing to keeping your circle members information safe as well.  
+ Please spread the word!  I would be forever grateful if you would share the project with your friends and blog readers 🙂

I’d love to have you join me!  Please sign-up below!

Oh my goodness!  Thank you so much for your overwhelming response to the Penpal Circles!  I am working busily behind the scenes grouping up ladies and starting the welcome packets.  


A few more notes:
+ The project is open worldwide, as long as you can write your letter in English!  
+ I am including myself in a few of the circles because I want in on the fun! 🙂
+ Sign-ups will be actively open until Sunday evening on August 4, 2013.  After that point, anyone interested can e-mail me directly and I will try to pair them with a group.


Thanks again for all of your support.  Spread the word!  

{Image via}

I am so excited to share with you the next phase of the Penpal Project: Penpal Circles!  The purpose of a Penpal Circle is to create long-term relationships with a group of women through the written word.  My hope is that this project will be an opportunity to grow community, to bring us together and learn from one another.  And getting letters in the mail is pretty exciting too! 🙂

This is how it works:
+ Participants will be put into groups of four in a circle.  
+ All participants will receive a welcome packet from me, explaining the process and the names/addresses of your circle members.  Expect a few goodies inside as well! 🙂
+ Your welcome packet will explain who to write to first.  For the first round, pairs will be made so everyone receives mail.  Afterwards, you are free to write to whomever you wish as often as you like!  A good rule of thumb is that you send out one letter whenever you receive one.  But if you’d like to write to the entire circle, feel free!
+ Large gifts in every letter are not necessary.  The purpose of the Penpal Circle is to create community through the written word.  Your words are enough!  If you’d like to send a little something along with your letter, that is entirely up to you, but not a requirement! 

A few other things to note:
+ If you signed up for the first phase of the Penpal Project and would like to participate in the Penpal Circle, please sign up again!
+ While this was created with Mammas in mind, you do not have to be a Mamma to participate.  We have so much to learn from women from all walks of life!
+ Your confidentiality is incredibly important to me.  I will keep your information safe.  That said, by signing up, you are also agreeing to keeping your circle members information safe as well.  
+ Please spread the word!  I would be forever grateful if you would share the project with your friends and blog readers 🙂

I’d love to have you join me!  Please sign-up below!
**SIGNUPS ARE NOW CLOSED**

When I started The Penpal Project back in March, I had absolutely no idea how it would be received.  In my heart, I hoped it would possibly reach a handful of women…but wow!  I have been humbled and awed by the response.  Since March 1 when the post went live, I have carefully and prayerfully created over two dozen packages for Mammas around the country.  Almost four months later and I am reaching the last handful of women on the list.  Colleen, Heather, Ashley, Dixie, Robin and Janet: you haven’t been forgotten!  You’ll have surprises headed your way soon 🙂  


The Penpal Project and its response has solidified my thinking that we Mammas are seeking the same things: friendship and support. In a world where we feel undervalued and often alone, an act as simple as a package in the mail can make all the difference in a woman’s life.  And how beautiful and easy is that!  


So that leads me to the next question: What’s next?  I have many ideas swirling in my head, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on how this outreach can grow.  Please, please share in the comments!  


Finally, to my Penpal Project mammas: Thank you for allowing me to bring a little joy to your day. 

Hi friends!  First of all, I want to thank everyone who signed up for the Penpal Project!  I was blown away by the response and cannot wait to send you a little something to brighten your day!  I am already hard at work brainstorming ideas to send the first few ladies.  


I just wanted to point out for all of you who read blogs in a reader that I added a link to the post/sign-up form over on the sidebar.  The project will stay open indefinitely, so feel free to join in at any time!

P.S. If you feel so inclined, spread the word!  I know there are so many lonely, isolated and overwhelmed Mammas out there who could use a little support.  We’re in this together!

**THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PENPAL PROJECT!  THE RESPONSE WAS OVERWHELMING AND I FEEL HONORED TO HAVE MET SO MANY AMAZING MAMMAS.  STAY TUNED FOR A NEW ADDITION TO THE PROJECT SOON!**


My favorite part of the day is going out to the mailbox.  More often than not, I usually find bills and junk mail…but every once in a while, I’ll find a letter or a package addressed to me.  I try to play it cool while I casually walk back to the house, but once I’ve closed the door, I’m opening up that baby like it’s Christmas morning.

It seems a little silly, but the idea that someone would take the time to send ME a little something…well, it’s powerful.  When you’re a Mamma in the trenches of motherhood, the days are long.  You are constantly giving of yourself: changing diapers, making meals, cleaning up, playing games, etc etc etc.  So that surprise in the mailbox, with words written just for me, encourages me in ways I really cannot express.  

I want others to feel that encouragement too.  

I’ve been brainstorming ways to use this little blog of mine in powerful ways for months now.  A lot of praying for inspiration has occurred.  And then I read Anna’s post: Encourage Beauty and the pieces began to fall into place.  

I want to encourage you, Mammas.  I want you to know that your vocation is important, that you are beautiful, and that you are a valuable part of this community of mothers.  So in my small way, inspired by Encourage Beauty, I introduce a new project here at the Big White Farmhouse: The Penpal Project!

Here’s the idea: You sign up with the form below.  I will go down the list, one at a time, and send each Mamma a little something to find in your mailbox.  Maybe it’s your favorite candy, a pack of sticky notes, or a pair of cute earrings.  Depending on the response, this could take me days or it could take me months!  I’m adding a “Penpal Project” category to our monthly budget, so I’ll send as many as the money allows.  This is a no strings attached project…my hope is that you come away knowing you are valued and you are encouraged in your role as a Mamma.  If you’d like to send a letter back my way, even better!  You know I love mail 🙂

We are in this together, Mammas!

And just for clarification, please know that your information is safe with me and won’t be shared with anyone else!  Hope to hear from you soon.

Well, what a fun surprise!  In between serving lunch to my littles, I snuck a minute to check my blog reader and imagine what I found!  I was
nominated for the Liebster Award by Kallah over at Being Open to Life…thank you, thank you!  

In case you’re in the dark, the Liebster Award is given to bloggers by bloggers.
It’s a way to acknowledge and encourage each other (which we all know is right up my alley!). The award is given to blogs with less than 200 followers…so fun to support fellow “little guys”! 

So according to Kallah, when you receive the award, you are encouraged to post 11 random facts
about yourself and then answer 11 questions from the person who nominated you. You can also share 11 blogs you love and declare them winners of the Liebster Award too!  I’ve got a to-do list a mile long, but since this seems way more fun than laundry or packing, let’s see what I can come up with! 🙂