by Heather on August 31, 2010
I thought I would share one of my favorite things with you today. I have a love of stories about the Amish. I enjoy the simple way of life they lead and sometimes envy it. Although their lives are simple they are not without complications. Reading the many stories both fiction and nonfiction most center around some personal trial.
Earlier today I had the opportunity to sit in on a chat with one of my favorite Amish authors Cindy Woodsmall. She has a way of writing about her characters that makes you wish the book would never end and you could continue to follow the story. You can check out Cindy Woodsmall on Amazon
and see a listing of all her books that are available.
If you are starting to think about Christmas I highly recommend picking up a copy of The Sound of Sleigh Bells
for a good read for yourself or for a gift. The following is a summary of the book.
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?
One of the nice things about The Sound of Sleigh Bells is it is a short read. So those of you who feel like you don’t have time for a book can squeeze this story in easily.
If you find you enjoy this book make sure to check out other books by Cindy Woodsmall. If you are already familiar with her then don’t miss out on The Bridge of Peace: A Novel (An Ada’s House Novel)
which was released August 31, 2010.
by Heather on August 30, 2010
If you remember last year I attended my first blog conference and it was I_Blog. I loved the small atmosphere of the conference and I learned a lot. I asked Jody to write a post for me about I_Blog just to give you a better idea of why Iowa is a great place to attend a conference.
With all the blog conferences in all the land why would I choose to host one in Iowa? That’s a great question- and one I get asked quite often. Tell me of another blog conference in the 5-state Midwest region. Go ahead and think, I’ll wait. Couple that with the cost to get from most anyplace in “fly-over” country to either coast and you can see why Iowa makes even more sense.
The first I_Blog Conference, in 2009, wasn’t supposed to be a conference at all.
It began as just a group of bloggers I knew getting together for an evening of fun, food and laughter.
Until I began receiving questions like, “Does anyone coming know how to fix this?” and “Do you think someone would have advice on monetizing?” I realized that, while we all wanted to spend time together, we also wanted to learn more about the hobby/career of blogging. So, very quickly, I put together I_Blog.
Had I known all the time and planning that goes into a conference I would not have even considered wading into the pool of conference hosting.
Some parts are really fun (finding the perfect location, taste testing the menu, selecting speakers) while other parts are so stressful they make me want to quit (yes, this is where the money comes in). There are web pages to set up- and kept current, Facebook and Twitter accounts, sponsors to find and invoices to be sent. It’s not an undertaking for the easily discouraged. Oh, and then there are the attendees to attract.
How do you attract attendees to a blog conference in the “middle of nowhere” at the beginning of winter?
Good question- and one I am still hammering out. I have the stereotypical Iowa spirit of “if you build it they will come” along with a fierce work ethic. I have also targeted I_Blog to Midwesterners (though we’ll let anyone come!) My speakers are all from the Midwest (yes, even the LinkedIn representative) and 99% of the attendees call the Heartland home.
I use the powers of social media to spread my message and hope attendees will spread the word. On top of that I really stress that I_Blog is about learning.
I strive for the sessions offered to be something any blogger can utilize. Topics this year range from beginners classes to business with teachers who are respected experts in their area. Speakers list and schedule can be found at I_Blog Conference website.
Why should you consider attending I_Blog Conference? I think Melanie Nelson from BloggingBasics101 said it best:
Jody puts on a great conference in a beautiful, relaxed venue (the Hotel Pattee) that offers real learning experiences. It’s a very small conference (my favorite kind) so you really get to know the other attendees. I especially loved that everyone who attended last year (whether a new or seasoned blogger) learned something new. All of the presentations were relevant to what people are doing regardless of their level of blogging. I highly recommend this conference.
Jody Halsted has been blogging since 2004. She began at Iowa Geek (Parent’s Connect Best Iowa Blog 2009) and, as that grew, she also developed Family Rambling: tips and destinations from a traveling family and Fab Food Friday : real food you can really make. While she doesn’t consider herself a blogging expert, she knows many! Her passion for sharing knowledge of blogging and social media led to the first I_Blog Conference in November 2009.
I_Blog 2010 is a 2 ½ day event. Tickets are limited. Room rates at the Hotel Pattee are discounted thru October, 23, 2010. Rooms are limited, book yours early to get your preferred room.
