I’ve been asked to be a “guest” at another blogger’s site.
Just a bit of background ~ I met Alana in a Vision Board class this fall. She was smart, precise, curious and a bit shy. There was a moment in the class that we found ourselves talking about relationships and I casually commented how that night was “date night.” And she got it. A smile lit up her face. And that moment for me … when she let her heart shine through, I felt a connection with her spirit. She understood what I was trying to say – that I value my marriage, that I pay attention to it and that I have not let him wither on the vine. I left wondering if the reason I was there was to cross paths with her.
We kept in touch and, later, when she mentioned she’s been busy with another project that’s left her little time to blog and politely asked if I’d consider “guest blogging” on her site, I agreed. Even though I didn’t really know what all would be involved or what she might expect of me. I trusted my instincts that this was good for us both. And it is.
Thinking on it further, it came to me that I already know what to do: I’ll just try to be a good guest.
I’ll be thoughtful.
I’ll show up on time.
I’ll try to bring something to the table.
I’ll pitch in and not create any extra work for my hostess.
I’ll give my opinion if asked, and hold back if not.
I’ll be the kind of guest that someone might ask back again.
If you’d like to read my guest post, and Alana’s thoughts as well, hop on over to Musings of a Shiny Penny or via my blogroll.
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Have you ever written a guest blog?
How did you feel about it?
If you haven’t, is it something you’d be comfortable doing?
MJ, I am honored to have you as a guest on my site today! I appreciate your notes here as well as how you have “showed up” like you mentioned above: you provided me information in a timely manner and you went above and beyond what was requested. Thank you!
Josh and I had a date night Friday night and it was SO NICE! It’s been awhile since we have been intentional on our time together. We both realized even more the importance of investing into one another.
Thank you, Alana. I am so glad to hear you and Josh are revisiting “date night!” It doesn’t have to be big or a lot of $$, just a conscious effort that says, “I want to spend time with you…”
Cheers! MJ
You were a wonderful guest. I’m certain you’ll be invited to visit again. Well done, MJ!
Thanks, friend. 🙂 MJ
Great post, MJ! It’s easy to see why you & your hubby have a successful marriage. (Cleavage? I’m impressed!) 😉
Well .. don’t think we haven’t had our ups & downs .. but we’ve had more ups than downs and having a good line of communication helps keep things on the right track. And a lil cleavage never hurt nothin’ – ha! 😉 MJ
Great job!
I think guesting is really fun and a great way to find others and be found by others that you might not normally come across.
I’ve guested at The Canary Review about books (http://thecanaryreview.com/) and that’s been really fun and am a co-contributor at SciFi Media (http://scifimedia.blogspot.com/).
Thank you Steve. I agree — it’s a great way to find others and stretch ourselves also 🙂 Thank you for your links, I have and will check them out .. MJ
Vision boards…I love looking back after awhile to see what has shown up and I didn’t notice…kinda like magic, it is.
You and me both, Lissa 🙂 (( I will write about the blog award you so kindly gave me .. just need the “write” moment 😉 )) MJ
i think people have a (justifiable) fear of letting me guest in their space. the fact that i leave comments pushes some people into reaching for the valium bottle…
… you never disappoint, Coop 😉 MJ
What a wonderful guest post! Clearly, you and hubs have figured out what eludes so many.
I have guest-posted a time or two and each opportunity came with different expectations (or lack thereof) but it’s always an opportunity to stretch the imagination and do something outside of the norm. I wouldn’t want to do it often though! I find it hard enough to keep up with my own blog much less contribute to anyone else’s! 🙂
Thank you Terri; we have only figured out what works for us :).
I am with you on the guesting; I enjoyed it very much and it was good to push myself a bit … but I wouldn’t want to do it too much for the same reason you say: it’s enough to keep up with our own isn’t it? Cheers! MJ
I love guest posting and having guests posts. Brings new audiences to each others blogs. Going over to read your piece now.
Thank you, Leah!! I’m sure you’ll enjoy Alana’s site as much as I do 🙂 MJ
I’m sure you’ll be a great guest!
Thank you, Renee. I tried to be 🙂 MJ
just read your guest post. loved the picture! In answer to your question, I just submitted a guest post myself to one of my readers. It had been a while and I enjoyed it. Seems after 450 blog posts, my creative juices have tapered off a little..
Thank you; I’m glad to hear you’re trying it, too. I’ve learned that when I start to feel “challenged” to write .. to just stop for a while. But your point about having yet another creative outlet is well taken. Cheers! MJ