When I first started blogging in April 2014 it was with two things in mind. I knew I wanted to raise awareness about anencephaly but also, after many months on maternity leave away from writing every day, I wanted to get some practice in before (hopefully) the freelance work started to come in.
And that was it.
Naturally I hoped people would read and maybe find some of what I had to say interesting/entertaining and that my (often fraught) tales of motherhood might ring a bell with some.
What I hadn’t anticipated was that blogging would open a grand door to an endless room full of amazing people – many of whom I would be lucky enough to go on to call friends.
I know that some find it strange that you can consider someone whom you have never met a friend but blogging has a way of making that fact almost insignificant. Posts provide such insight into peoples lives – the good and bad, the exciting and even the mundane – it’s like you’re sat with them on the sofa in their living room while they update you on what’s been going on.
The world can be a lonely place at times but I think blogging makes it less so. No matter what your situation I bet there is someone out there who feels the same – and if there isn’t, all the more reason to start one because I bet there are others looking.
Anyway, all this is to say that Amanda at Something to Ponder About recently nominated me for an Epically Awesome award (thank you!), which was lovely in itself but it was the words she wrote that blew me away.
She said:
Tara from After the rain is someone who writes like I would like to be able to write. She constantly inspires me with her witty, topical and environmentally friendly posts. Oh! I so wish I could write like Tara! And she manages to do this, while looking after a wee one. I am unsure whether she accepts awards but darn-it, I am nominating her anyway, as she is Epically awesome!
Her words actually brought tears to my eyes. People find it hard to believe that I don’t really have confidence in my writing – it’s what I do for a living, after all – but even after all these years I still feel like I’m simply getting away with it a lot of the time and that, one day, someone will find me out and my dream will be over.
For her to take the time to write that about me makes her epically awesome in my book but that’s also what I’ve found about blogging in general. The joy, aside from writing, is the connection I have made with so many wonderful, supportive, talented people (and not just because they say nice things about me).
So, I’m going to give an Epically Awesome award to the following bloggers. I haven’t stuck to 10, as the rules state I should, because that’s impossible (I probably could have gone up to 40 but I’ve run out of time).
If you’re nominated you don’t have to do anything with it, I just wanted you to know you are appreciated.
If Amanda hadn’t nominated me she would definitely be on my list. I find her posts (and comments) enlightening. I can feel myself grow as I learn from her wisdom but she also makes things fun. I love the Monday Mystery Photo/Object – occasionally I also get them right.
Here is my list:
Mands – Mother Mands (I am simply in awe of Mands).
Clare – Mud and Nettles (I love my mum but if I needed a second I’d want Clare to adopt me, even though we are the same age, so we can spend all our time geocaching and getting muddy feet).
Tanya – Scars, Tears and Training Bras (makes me laugh out loud which is no mean feat as she often writes about her cancer treatment. Clever, entertaining, super fit, generous and, as I have seen a photo, beautiful, too).
Deb – The Monster in Your Closet (writes like I would like to write).
Catherine – Battlemum (has a cool job and cute son).
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops (I find myself nodding along to many of her posts about Boo, who is almost the same age as Freya).
Caz – Water Under It (a gifted writer full of heart who has been undergoing a tough time of late but still finds light to share).
Sandy – Mommy’s Little Princesses (one of the first people to ever follow my blog, thank you).
Gigi – Wide Ranging Ramblings (my top commenter according to WordPress, thank you).
Renee – Mummy Tries (not only does she write insightful blog posts on very little sleep but she’s also written a book to help others).
Leigh – Headspace Perspective (making Hugo proud of his mummy).
Lisa – Into the Glade (I would like to move into her house).
Catherine – Cultural Wednesdays (gives me a growing list of things to do/places to visit).
Sammy – Seize Each Day (Master B is officially adorable).
Haylee – Aloada Bobbins (knows how to pronounce Samhain properly).
Lucy – Blonde Write More (makes Monday mornings all the brighter).
Donna-Louise – Newshound to Novelist (she can verify I am a real person).
I want to thank everyone who has ever read/commented on a post. You really do make a difference.
I wish you all a happy and healthy 2016.
After The Rain 
Aww, thanks for the appreciative shout out – especially when included with the other lovelies on your list. And I totally agree about wanting to adopt Clare! All the best for the New Year 🍾🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome. I wondering if we could all live in some sort of geocaching-orientated commune? 🙂 Happy New Year to you, too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, that would be amazing. CITO could be our daily mantra and we’d have to have an initiation ceremony to ‘de-Muggle’ everyone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww such a lovely thing to read! In reality you’d get fed up with me feeding you fish fingers and dragging you outside when you just want to play Minecraft! 😉
Professional writer extraordinaire you are. I understand the whole feeling of winging it though – it applies to me whole life. Any moment now someone will cotton on to the fact that I’m really not a responsible grown up. 😉
Wishing you guys a wonderful new year. 🙂
LikeLike
Haha, maybe you’re right. I bet what they remember when they are older is not the time they spent on Minecraft but all the adventures you had, including letting them climb down a tiny hole! 🙂 Happy New Year to you too 🙂 (I didn’t even notice the me).
LikeLiked by 1 person
* my whole life. I’ve suddenly turned northern! 😉
Ps I too am moving into Lisa’s….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m that northern, I didn’t even read it as a mistake! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow. You are not only a professional writer, you are a talented and engaging one and that comment from you means a huge amount. And encourages me to continue at a point where I’m aware I’m mostly posting misery and really questioning the worth of that. Thank you x
LikeLike
I really hope you do continue to write. I don’t see what you’re posting as misery, far from it. It’s real life – and often that’s missing from many blogs. I imagine for other people going through similar things it’s a huge source of comfort. Although obviously I wish you nothing but twinkly lights and sparkles and hopefully that will also come in 2016 🙂
LikeLike
Oh my lovely Tara!! I am stunned that you would even think of me, when I started to read your post and Amanda’s words, I nodded away agreeing with it all, your blog is full of thoughtful posts so beautifully written. Therefore, you cannot imagine my shock when I found myself included in your list – thank you from the bottom of my heart, I truly mean that. As I newbie, I feel overwhelmed at how wonderful the people who blog are and what a fantastic community it is. I would love to be fostered by Clare too and, you are both welcome at my house anytime! Happy New Year and I wish you the very best for 2016 xxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome, Lisa. I love your blog and the way your are raising your lovely girls is an inspiration for me. I agree, blogging is a fantastic community. I feel lucky to be part of it 🙂 Happy New Year! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful thing for Amanda to say about your writing hon, and equally beautiful comment you’ve made about mine. Thanks so much, I’m genuinely touched and will get on to this asap. Very happy New Year to you and your lovely family x
LikeLike
You’re welcome Renee. Thanks for continuing to read and comment on my blog. Wishing you a happy, sleep-filled 2016 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you! Love your work too xx
LikeLike
I hope you’ve been getting out and about over Christmas 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much! I love your blog and writing, and saved this tab in hopes of being able to say so more articulately shortly … but, two days out, I think short and sweet is probably the way to go. 🙂
Happy new year!
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂 Wishing you all a happy new year too.
LikeLike
I’ve only just seen this post, crappy WordPress has unfollowed AGAIN!
Well all I can say is ‘thankyou’ whilst beaming widely 😀 Its funny because my next post is a run down of my fave blogs from 2015! (Then a post on chocolate) 😀
You should have a lot more faith in your writing, because it’s great, your posts are funny and warm, informative and interesting and you’re a hell of a lot more productive than I’ll ever be, mum, journalist, writer and Eco warrior! 😉
Again, thankyou! 😉 X
LikeLike
Chocolate you say! Can’t wait for that one. Hehe. You’re more than welcome. I love your blog and I’m so pleased you’re coming back.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Tara for including me in the list. I’m honoured. I’m just starting to catch up with my favourite blogs after a Christmas break of sorts and the first one I’ve read was this one. What a treat! Thanks again xxx
LikeLike
You’re welcome, I hope you’ve had a lovely break 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have thanks. Almost don’t want it to end xx
LikeLike
Thanks so much!! What a lovely welcome back after a few days off from blogging! I hope you had a super Christmas and New Years!! xxxxx
LikeLike