Friday, December 27, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 232


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 231


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, December 6, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 230


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 229


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 228


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 227


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, November 8, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 226


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 225


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 224


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 223


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 222


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, October 4, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 221


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Monday, September 30, 2013

October Alabama Bloggers Meetup in Avondale Park


Our next Alabama Bloggers meetup takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Avondale Park.

We shall meet in the pavilion behind Avondale Library, rain or shine. Everyone is invited, so please spread the word! The hashtag is #AlaBlogMeet.

• Bring your own lunch. Or get takeout nearby from Saw's Soul Kitchen, Becky's (inside the Chevron) or Freshfully. Freshfully is offering a special for Alabama Bloggers that day: Check in on Yelp or Foursquare, and receive a free cup of Finer Grind coffee, bottled water, bottle of Red Diamond tea or can of Buffalo Rock soda. [Freshfully Lunch Menu]

Bring your blogging question on a slip of paper; you don't have to put your name. Each person will draw one at random and answer the question. Make it fun!



Please RSVP on this post or on Facebook event.

Avondale Park is located at 4101 Fifth Ave. S., Birmingham, 35222. MapFree parking along 40th Street South and in the Avondale Library lot.

Questions: Email rachel@alabamabloggers.com.


P.S. Join the Alabama Bloggers Facebook group.

Photos: Terry McCombs (CC)

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 220


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 219


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 218


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 217


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, August 30, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 216


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Alabama Blogger Meet-Up September 6!

After a short summer break, it's time to get back together to talk about blogging!


Our next Alabama Blogger meet-up will be on September 6 at 11:30 at Railroad Park.  Feel free to bring your own lunch, or take advantage of George's Boxcar Cafe like I will be doing. There is covered seating, so we will meet regardless of the weather unless James Spann is telling us to go to our safe place.

Everyone is invited, so please spread the word! The hashtag for the event is #AlaBlogMeet.

We will have a roundtable discussion on how to strategically use Social Media Tools to promote your blog effectively yet without being pushy. Platforms that we will discuss include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and more, so be thinking about how you use them and questions that you might have on using them more effectively.

Please RSVP on this post or on the invite in the Alabama Bloggers Facebook Group. And if you're not a member yet, be sure to request it!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 215


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

KEEN Digital Summit - Winner announced!

The winner of the passes to KEEN Digital Summit is Wesley Cline. Congratulations! For those still wanting to attend, tickets can be bought here. I hope to see you there!

Monday, August 12, 2013

Win a Pair of Passes to KEEN Digital Summit!!

Really – who wouldn’t love an excuse to visit Nashville?

Nashville2

There’s a new kind of conference coming to Nashville in October, and it has something for everyone.

KEEN Digital Summit is a three-day networking, digital media and brand development conference that will serve as the Omni Nashville's grand opening event from Oct. 24-27. It's an official partnership with the city of Nashville, and there are four tracks--family, technology, food/drink, travel--all of which will bring some of the top innovators in their fields to Nashville to share the latest in digital and mobile technologies, while offering a venue for connecting digital influencers with brands.

I love this concept of covering so many topics, because let’s face it: Twitter has ruined my attention span. I’m used to reading 140 characters of philosophy, then seeing a sunset photo, then reading a vaguely angsty statement, then laughing out loud at a witty remark.

And I kinda love it that way.

So with the four focuses of this conference, I can jump back and forth as my attention span demands, learning from the top industry experts of each one. And regardless of how you use Social Media, you are certain to find a track that fits you. Plus, as a bonus, you will get to enjoy the luxury of being one of the first to experience a brand new Omni Hotel!

ProEXR File Description

=Attributes=
cameraAperture (float): 36.000004
cameraFNumber (float): 8.000000
cameraFarClip (float): 1000000015047466200000000000000.000000
cameraFarRange (float): 1000.000000
cameraFocalLength (float): 23.990820
cameraFov (float): 73.740189
cameraNearClip (float): 0.000000
cameraNearRange (float): 0.000000
cameraProjection (int): 0
cameraTargetDistance (float): 2515.566895
cameraTransform (m44f)
channels (chlist)
compression (compression): Zip16
dataWindow (box2i): [0, 0, 3999, 3499]
displayWindow (box2i): [0, 0, 3999, 3499]
lineOrder (lineOrder): Increasing Y
pixelAspectRatio (float): 1.000000
screenWindowCenter (v2f): [0.000000, 0.000000]
screenWindowWidth (float): 1.000000
tiles (tiledesc): [64, 64]

=Channels=
A (half)
B (half)
G (half)
R (half)
VRayGlobalIllumination.B (half)
VRayGlobalIllumination.G (half)
VRayGlobalIllumination.R (half)
VRayLighting.B (half)
VRayLighting.G (half)
VRayLighting.R (half)
VRayReflection.B (half)
VRayReflection.G (half)
VRayReflection.R (half)
VRaySpecular.B (half)
VRaySpecular.G (half)
VRaySpecular.R (half)
VRayWireColor.B (half)
VRayWireColor.G (half)
VRayWireColor.R (half)
Z (half)

They have reps from Ogilvy, Microsoft, HGTV, Southern Living, Expedia, Jeff Corwin's team and other big companies speaking on panels and conducting Q&As. And one of those fantastic experts happens to be Alabama’s own Erin Shaw Street from Southern Living!

Also, students and recent grads can get their tickets for half-price – only $149 for the entire three day event!

I have two passes to give away to one of you. If you would like to win, simply use the options in the Rafflecopter Widget Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will be open until Sunday, August 18.  We will notify the winner on Monday, August 19.

Good Luck!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, but was given a two passes to cover the event. All opinions are my own.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 214


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Y’all Connect: A Social Media Beacon for Birmingham.

By Rachel Callahan

9379439995_e8d8361374_b

On July 23, Birmingham hosted the first Corporate Storytelling conference in the world, Y'all Connect Presented by Alabama Power. More than 200 attendees came from as far as Oklahoma to hear a stellar lineup of speakers.

Although the target market was corporate CEOs and Social Media Executives, I quickly realized that the networking opportunities and depth of information available at this conference was not just for the business world. As a blogger, I was able to visit with fellow local and national bloggers, increase my understanding of tricky subjects such as SEO, and glean tips on how to tell better stories.

9382255988_1d98b86004_b

Alabama Power's Social Media Genius, Ike Pigott, opened the conference with his keynote address. He provided context for why storytelling is an important facet of communications - because facts are boring. We have infinite facts at our fingertips, thanks to the digital age. But storytelling is about leveraging a story to communicate better. An important point that he made was that stories should not be all about the teller - they are also about listening and understanding what role we play in other people's lives. I especially resonated with this important point, as I find my reader's comments and input equally important to my own story.

Ike also stressed the importance of having a strong social media network. Your network can and will share information with you that you didn't even know you needed, giving you an edge over your competition.

"The dynamic for success used to be based on what you knew, then on what you found. But the dynamic of success is now shifting towards what your network finds for you!" ~ Ike Pigott

He also made the valuable point that because of the closeness of our network to our own lives, we will get much more relevant news from them than from any newspaper headline.

After the Keynote, I attended Mack Collier's session based on his new book, Think Like a Rock Star.

9379465377_81182184bb_b

The premise of Mack's research is that rock stars can easily create and cultivate fans when companies simply cannot, and he set out to discover their secret.

But what he realized is that there was no secret: rock stars simply go out of their way to create a deep and emotional relationship with their biggest fans, with the thought that doing so will create sales. While most companies focus on new customers, rock stars focus on brand advocates, who will market to new customers for them in a much more powerful way than they could accomplish by themselves.

Mack shared four ways to connect and cultivate fans like a rock star:

1. Get in the face of your fans. Understand your fans because you're having constant interaction with them, and reward the behavior you want to encourage.

2. Give up control to get control - Fans look for ways to take control and want control - they want to act on your behalf and help you reach your goals.

3. Find the bigger idea behind the content you create.

    a. Raise awareness of ideas and news that's relevant to your customers.

    b. Be a teacher - share your knowledge. If you have a skill, teach others how to do this skill. This establishes your expertise.

    c. Create inspiring content - create customer centric content, and teach your fans how to use your product better.

4. Love the people that love you! Figure out ways to give your fans special access that isn't available to the general public.

Ultimately, you should strive to have the mindset that your fans are the real rock stars, not you - a concept that is applicable to corporations and bloggers alike. Mack’s ideas were fresh and eye-opening – I hope to find time to read his book soon.

I was also able to hear from Mitch Canter, who discussed how best to tell the stories you own; James Spann, who spoke about the changing Social Mediacentric world and how not to panic because of it; and my dear Twitter friend Jenny Schmitt, who taught us all about the Millennial Generation and how to reach them.

9382252552_cd9858c941_b

Wade Kwon, the Conference Organizer, reflected later, “My biggest takeaway was meeting as many guests as possible and learning about what they do and what they were learning at the conference. It was fun just being able to chat with folks as they were in line for the lunch buffet.”

And I agree – the chatting in-between was just as valuable as what I gleaned from the sessions.

9382279756_7a6bcc1a41_bI was able to visit and deepen relationships at the pre-party, lunch, and snacks (although I skipped the after-party to get back to my family.) I left feeling exulted and enriched, excited about my city’s social media presence and leadership. I would highly recommend attending next year, which is currently slated to be June 2014.

The Twitter Transcript of the conference is available here, and videos of all of the sessions will be available soon at the Y’all Connect website.

All photos courtesy of Jack Wyrick/Y'all Connect.

Rachel Callahan is a blogger in Birmingham, Alabama. She writes at Grasping for Objectivity and runs the blogging networking site Alabama Bloggers.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 213


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 212


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 211


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

July Meetup Attendee Links

Our meet-up last week was a wonderful gathering of old and new friends! I don't think anyone took pictures, but to help you find each other, here's a list of the attendees:

Audrey Atkins
@audreyatkins

Kathryn Lang
@kathrynclang

Keith E. Lang

Alan Duke
@wadukejr

Keith Lee
@associatesmind

Edward Bowser
@etbowser

Wade Kwon
@wadeontweets

Lauree Ashcom
@laureeashcom

Ashleigh Meyer
@mnmlegal

Katie Middleton

Carl Carter 
@mediaguycarl

Jamie Golden
@jamiesrabbits

Perle Champion

Rachel Callahan
@ObjectivityRach
@AlabamaBloggers
graspingforobjectivity.com
alabamabloggers.com
Thank you for all coming out, and keep an eye out for next month's meet-up!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 210


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, July 5, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 209


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

July Blogger Meet-Up July 12


From Bloggers Who Brunch, hosted last month by See Jane Write Birmingham

Guest post by Javacia Harris Bowser of See Jane Write and The Writeous Babe Project

Blogging is hard. 

I know some people might disagree. Some people might believe that blogging can't be too difficult since everyone and their cat (literally) seems to have one these days. 

But I believe that being a good blogger is no easy task. It takes creativity, consistency, and commitment.  And I believe it also takes community. 

In her book Writing Down the Bones Natalie Goldberg writes: “Writing is a communal act…Contrary to popular belief, a writer is not a Prometheus alone on a hill full of fire.”

Writers need community. This is why I started See Jane Write Birmingham and See Jane Write Magazine. And this is why I love groups like Alabama Bloggers

Birmingham resident Rachel Callahan started Alabama Bloggers in May of 2009 because she wanted to connect with more bloggers in her hometown. Rachel had made connections with writers all over the world, thanks to her blog Grasping for Objectivity, but she wanted to get to know the bloggers in her own backyard. Rachel first launched the group as an online community then took these connections offline with monthly lunch meet-ups. 

I'll be hosting this month's meet-up which is set for 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Friday, July 12 at Mix Bakery, 1819 5th Avenue North. Please RSVP by July 10. If you're a member of the Alabama Bloggers Facebook group you can click here to RSVP. If not,  you can just RSVP in the comments section of this post. 

The hashtag for this and all Alabama Bloggers luncheons is #AlaBlogMeet. 

I leave you with more wise words from Natalie Goldberg. In Writing Down the Bones she also says: 

“It’s good to know some local people who are writing and whom you can get together with for mutual support…Kill the idea of the lone, suffering artist. We suffer anyway as human beings. Don’t make it any harder on yourself.”

Hope to see you July 12.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 208


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, June 21, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 207


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 206


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Mark your Calendar for Bloggers Who Brunch!

In lieu of the Alabama Blogger Meet-Up this month, I decided to encourage you all to attend the See Jane Write Bloggers Who Brunch event on June 21 at Nabeel's Cafe.

IMG_7991


Nabeel's Cafe is always the best of hosts, and Wade Kwon will be speaking on The Power of Digital Storytelling, which is the main topic of the upcoming Social Media conference, Y'all Connect.

 Yall Connect copy

"While some people may see storytelling simply as a hobby or as entertainment, I see it as an art form and I believe storytelling helps hold us together as a society," Javacia explained. "Furthermore, good storytelling can help an entrepreneur promote her business and can help take a blogger's blog to the next level and that's what this brunch is all about."

This event will be a great place to connect, learn, and eat a fabulous meal while doing so. I hope to see you there!
 
Lunch is from 11:30 - 1:30. Be sure to RSVP for the lunch here, as tickets are limited.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 205


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Best Post of the Week: Week 204


It's time to link in your best post of the week!

The purpose of this column is to make it easier to keep up with each other's blogs, so that even if we don't have time to read all of the Alabama Blogger blogs every day, at least we get the week's highlights.

So, link up, tell us why you linked that post, and let's start reading! And remember - the best way to get new blogging friends is to comment on other people's posts, so be sure to say "hi" to your neighbors when you visit!

p.s. - please feel free to interpret "this week" as loosely as you like!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Red Mountain Park: The Ideal Weekend Destination!

Looking for a way to enjoy this fantastic Memorial Day Weekend?

You need to visit Red Mountain Park.

On Sunday, My husband Chris and I set off for grand adventure: Zip Lining at the park (along with our giveaway winners, the Haleys.) We dumped our kids with the grandparents at Church, and as they would be spending the night, we had an entire date day and night ahead of us.

So clearly, we skipped with giddiness, Hansel-And-Gretel-Style, down the trail.

IMG_3417

Aside from the Zip Lining, the trails alone are a fantastic reason to visit the park. Winding along the ridges of Red Mountain, there are currently ten miles of trails with two scenic overlooks and three historic Ore Mines. There’s even a treehouse that I have yet to discover – I have a feeling that I'll come across something new on every visit to the park!

RMP Map-Kiosk

It was a perfect day for our adventures - slightly hazy, on the verge of rain but never even sprinkling, and feeling nearly temperatureless.

(At least that’s what we call it, regardless of it’s scientific incorrectness.)

We arrived, signed our waiver agreeing that we would sue not for, among other things, panic and/or hurt feelings, death, or unwelcome touching (SPOILER: none of which happened), then hiked to the zip lining location with our two guides, David and Katie. The walk was relaxing, the forest was breathtaking, and the platforms high in the trees beckoned.

IMG_3421


I got hooked up and to the top of the first platform. I was swimming in excitement – I adore heights of all kinds.

IMG_3422

I looked down at Chris, who isn’t quite as in love with heights as I, but fortunately, he seemed equally excited.

IMG_3425

We zipped across the first line, and it was amazing. We went much faster than I thought we would, and landing (and staying landed) was a challenge in itself (one which, by the end of the course, I found myself to be quite the expert at. Not that I would brag.)

After the first zip was a rope bridge. And by rope, I mean a singular piece of rope.

Red Mountain Park Rope Bridge

It was somehow easier than I expected, and then we were back to zipping.

Chris managed to get one photo of me zipping, though not nearly as graceful and free-feeling as I imagined that I looked.

IMG_3435

I promise. I really looked like this on every other zip.

IMG_3438

Three of the zip lines were very long, and let us coast at up to sixty feet in the air. It was indescribably exhilarating to fly through.

IMG_3439

IMG_3441

The course (which consisted of seven zip lines, the rope bridge, and one rope swing) ended at the Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest, the other adventure available at Red Mountain Park. Seeing the course got me excited to try it, as well.

IMG_3443
IMG_3449

We rappelled off of the last platform breathless, excited, and more than a little shiny.

IMG_3452

I am so excited that Birmingham now has the wealth that is Red Mountain Park, and I plan to spend many days there this summer exploring their fantastic trails and adventures. I hope you join us!


Disclosure: I was given two passes to try the zip lines, as well as two to give away on my blog. But I’ve been itching to try it for a while anyway, and will definitely be zipping again. All opinions are my own.
If you haven't linked up and introduced yourself yet, be sure to go here to do so!