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World Blog Archive

Are you a blog reader? Of course you are! You are reading this one! Are you a blogger? Want to increase your readership? Check out World Blog Archive. This brand new site, created by Publisher Greg Davis, archives blogs and promotes RSS and Atom feeds. And it is free! If your blog fits into one of the categories below, or if you are looking for interesting blog entries to read in these categories, you’re set.

• Art
• Auto
• Business
• Economy
• Entertainment
• Fashion
• Finance
• Food
• Gaming
• Health
• Home
• Mixed
• Non-Profit
• Parenting
• Personal
• Pets
• Reference
• Religion
• Sports
• Technology
• Travel

Greg Davis got the idea to archive different blogs after starting a successful social networking site for scuba divers. I asked him about what gave him the idea to launch his website:

“I came up with the idea for WBA after creating a similar service for scuba divers on DiveBuddy.com.  Bloggers that write about scuba diving can have their external blog automatically imported into DiveBuddy to be shared with 1000′s of scuba divers.  I figured I could create a similar service…but for all types of bloggers…so WBA was born. I didn’t want bloggers to send updates every time they write something new and I wanted it to be more in the favor of bloggers regarding the terms of service and content sharing options.”

Greg Davis, Publisher

What I like about listing my blog here is that the site tracks the number of views each of your entries receive.  You can also choose the amount of content you want to share with the archive readers.

World Blog Archive may be new, but it is growing quickly. It’s exciting to join in from the very beginning, watch it grow and see the results. Remember, every place you list your blog is yet another opportunity to attract more readers.

The Library Link of the Day website somehow found the Smart Poodle Librarian Writing Contest (from December) and published a link to my site on Monday, March 16th. That listing brought me 4,200+ hits to my contest page in one day!!!! That’s 4,200+ more librarians who now know about Smart Poodle and Lilly Badilly. I have no idea where the editor of that website heard about us. Thank You Library Link of the Day!

This nice surprise made me realize that no work (to get the word out about your product or service) is ever a waste of time. Everything and everyone is somehow connected, and you never know who is paying attention or who will be listening to  – or reading – an internet, radio, TV, newspaper or journal story about your product or business or who will talk to someone else who talks about you and your business.

I was watching Good Morning America about a month ago, and actor Dustin Hoffman was a guest talking about how difficult the first 10 years were for him as a struggling actor. He talked about how most people incorrectly assume he was an overnight success. He remembers clearly what it was like to struggle those 10 long years, and how each step he took, though small, was a step in the right direction. He recalled about some of the tiny roles he played in the early days and said he was just as dedicated to doing an excellent acting job acting in a 30 second scene as he is being the star of a blockbuster movie. I totally respect that.

There were times when he questioned whether or not true success would ever happen for him, but he stayed focused and refused to quit. All he wanted to do was act. He had to do it. And so he did. No one can say that he is not one of the finest actors of all time. What impressed me most was his genuine gratitude for “making it” in the acting world and for remembering where he came from and how challenging it was to get to where he is today. 10 years is a long time to stick to something that is not paying the bills! It was fascinating to hear a real, unglorified success story, the way it actually happened.

We are bombarded by the media with overnight success stories. “Lose 10 pounds in 10 days and keep it off forever with no exercise!” Yeah, right! The truth is that there is no such thing as overnight success; it just seems like it. So keep on trying. Spread the word. Every person who knows about your product, service or business is one more voice who may tell someone else. The “right” someone else(s), who can bring you to a new level of success. Starting and running a business is like competing in a triathlon. It takes years of preparation and endurance. Most people don’t ever make it to the finish line, because it is always easier to quit than endure. Take your passion one tiny step at a time. Keep climbing no matter how much time it takes. Sooner or later, you’ll reach the top.

Happy Birthday to Lilly P Badilly!

Thank you to everyone who has supported Smart Poodle Publishing and who believes in Lilly Badilly!

It was one year ago today that The Travel Adventures of Lilly P Badilly was published! It’s been an amazing year! We’ve met so many incredible people – teachers, principals, professors, librarians, students, non-profit workers, authors, publishers, reviewers, toddlers, moms, dads, grandparents, publicists, journalists, designers, printers, advertisers and more. We’ve been favorably reviewed, we won a national book award, we created Ask Lilly Badilly All About the World, and best of all, we’ve encouraged kids to read and have helped to pique their curiosity about the world!

We’re looking forward to another great year!

May your St. Patrick’s Day be blessed

with fields of four-leaf clovers

Top clipart from Kaboose.com

Clovers from webweaver.nu

http://classroomclipart.com/

• Plant garden seeds
• Bake a cake
• Take a long walk with your dog
• Pick flowers from your garden or alleys and press them
• Clean up your bikes and pump up the tires
• Plan a camping trip for summer
• Watch for the first buds on a blooming tree or a bulb sprouting
• Start a log of birds you see in your yard (and draw pictures)
• Paint and hang a wooden birdhouse in your yard
• Wash your dirty house windows
• Uncover and dust off the patio furniture
• Make a spring wreath for your front door
• Make and hang your own wind chimes
• Fly a kite
• Catch raindrops in a jar and measure how much rain you get
• Make your first glass of lemonade of the season!

While standing in my front yard in South Florida, we had an amazing view of the Space Shuttle just a few minutes ago. These pictures were taken over 100 miles south of Cape Canaveral, just north of Miami.

Check out the offical NASA website for more info.

It was amazing!

From Miami MetroZoo

(No butterflies were killed for this display)

The blue morpho butterfly, with an impressive wingspan of up to 8 inches, thrives in the Costa Rican rainforests. It is one of the world’s largest species of butterflies and certainly one of the most beautiful. The brilliant iridescent color of this insect is the result of the way many minuscule scales on the wings reflect natural light. The under side of the wings are brown with camouflage spots that look like eyes to protect these butterflies from predators. In fact when the blue morpho flaps its wings, it is difficult for predators (mostly birds) to keep track of its moving target. They are active during the day only.

Blue morphos can be found in Mexico, Central America and South America. They live for only approximately 115 days, spending time in the canopies of trees and also on the forest floor hiding from predators. They can often be spotted near rivers. When searching for a mate, the males fly over the tree tops.

Like all butterflies, the morpho has 4 different lifecycle stages: egg, pupa, caterpillar and adult. The eggs of this species is a light green color, while the caterpillar is a reddish brown with bright green spots. During the caterpillar stage, the morpho eats leaves, preferring those from pea plants, and will even eat other caterpillars. As an adult, the morpho diet consists of liquids only. A tube like feeder, known as the probiscus, is used like a straw to suck the juices from fruit and other plants as well as the liquids that come from dead animals. These butterflies can taste and smell through their antennae.

The deforestation of the world’s tropical forests are a threat to the survival of blue morpho butterflies. Also for many years people have captured them to enjoy their beauty. Beware when buying butterfly displays. Take care to make sure they were not killed for profit. We want to preserve our rain forests!

Tonia McAllister from All American Mommy is a Mega Mommy Blogger Powerhouse and a true inspiration. Like many other Mommy Bloggers, Tonia reviews products that benefit children and families. But Tonia has a unique mission. She supports companies that give back to their communities and is an advocate for charities. We all admire that!

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Tonia has been kind enough to take the time to answer some interview questions. . .

Please describe your blog for us, and tell us about your readers.

All American Mommy is a blog that provides tips and advice for moms and women, along with product reviews and fun giveaways. It’s also a vehicle for sharing information on great charities and companies that help support them. I feel strongly compelled to help promote WAHMs (Work at Home Moms) and companies that support charities. After all, if we buy from these companies we are also helping the charities that they support. My readers are moms and women of all age groups. I have readers in the US, Canada and parts of Europe. Many of these women have become great friends of mine.

What attracted you to blogging in the first place?

Actually, there were many things. A good friend of mine had been blogging for over a year, and she was really enjoying it. I knew that I wanted to start a blog that could help benefit others. All American Mommy was born and I’ve been addicted to blogging ever since. Yes, I am an addict, and I don’t want an intervention! I am also hopeful that through my blog and networking, I may someday have the opportunity for a career in what I like doing best – helping others.

How long have you been doing this?

I started in September 2008 with my feet running before they even hit the ground.

What do you like best about blogging?

I have met some incredible women through the site, and I love sharing my opinions and things or products that I feel strongly about. I love being able to contribute positively considering that the rest of our world can be so negative.

What skills have you developed just from blogging?

One thing is for sure – my communication skills have vastly improved. I have always been a good communicator, especially when dealing with customers in my current and past jobs. But being exposed to the world via the web is different. You’ve got to be able to get your point across so everyone can understand and appreciate it. If not, you will not retain your readers. In addition to writing, I’ve learned more about the technical aspects of managing a blog than I ever thought possible. Networking is a skill in itself, and there’s no better way to meet talented, generous people than by blogging. There’s always so much more to learn, but it’s exciting.

Is All American Mommy a full time job for you?

Oh, how I wish it were! I work full time during the day and blog at night after my daughter, Haley, goes to bed and also on the weekends. Some nights I stay up way too late, because time just flies by so fast. Blogging has been a fun outlet and hobby but I’d love to have the time and resources to make my site so much more!

What type of work have you done prior to your website?

I was a business owner for 8 years. While I was in college (at nearly 30 years old) I provided accounting and bookkeeping services for small businesses as well as prepared taxes for individuals. I still do a few tax returns for clients who just can’t let me go. I love it! I currently work full time as an executive assistant.

I know you have a beautiful 7-year-old daughter. Do you think your blog has helped you become a better parent? How so?

It really has helped. I think that for me it’s the “journaling” part of blogging that has inspired me to be a better parent. It gives me the time and opportunity to reflect on how blessed I am. Blogging requires me to think about what would be best for my family and others. I enjoy sharing stories about Haley and our family with my readers as well as hearing about theirs.

What is it like reviewing all those products?

It’s awesome but can sometimes be overwhelming. I know…who would think that it would be overwhelming? I feel that I have an obligation to my readers to present them with products that are great for their families so I always have to keep that in mind. I also have an obligation to the companies to help them in any way that I can.

How did you get interested in charities?

My grandparents taught me many great values including the pure joy of giving. They always lived a modest lifestyle. Everything that they own has been immaculately cared for, and the only time they ever splurged on themselves was on vacations a few times per year. They have given so much to their church, the community, friends and family. They are so grateful for all they have, and they generously want to share with those in need. As a matter of fact, I remember many years ago when my grandfather retired. He didn’t know what to do with his time and missed work so much that he decided to go back to work for the business part time. He gave away every penny he earned, because he simply didn’t need the money. What I respect most is that with all of the years of giving I never once heard my grandparents boast or even hint about their generosity, nor have their deeds ever been advertised. They never wanted a pat on the back or any recognition, because they know the true blessing is in the giving. That’s what inspires me.

How are your grandparents doing now?

My grandfather has suffered from Alzheimer’s for nearly 11 years, and my grandmother has devoted her time to caring for him at home. They have nurses come in throughout the day to help. It breaks my heart that she has had to watch her husband deteriorate through the years, but she stands strong by his side and refuses to put him in a nursing home. She’s such a strong woman who is filled with dedication. She’s my hero!

How do you and your site support charities and charitable companies?

I try to give them as much exposure as possible on my site, such as extra ad space  (gift guides, side bar buttons, etc.) at no charge for an extended period of time. I have helped raise money for the Gal To Gal Foundation, which supports women with breast cancer, on my site but have not been approached by any other charities for fundraising. On All American Mommy you’ll find some gifts that “give back” or special promotional products where a percentage of the sales from an item goes to a particular charity.

Your commitment to help others really gives your blog a commendable purpose.

I’ve been able to experience the blessing of giving myself and it’s a wonderful feeling! My passion is to take what I’ve learned and use it to help others. Helping others and giving is just a part of my personality and the way I was raised. You don’t need money to give – give of yourself, give your time, think outside of yourself and you’ll feel great about doing it!

What are your requirements for supporting companies that support their communities?

None really. If they’re doing something great within the community I want to share it with the world!

I noticed that you have written about domestic violence on your website. What advice would you give to a woman who is currently experiencing the terror of domestic violence and does not know where to turn?

Get out now! Seek help wherever you can find it, and use the resources available to you. The internet is a great place to start! Seek the help of a friend or local organization that can get you into a safe living environment and help you get back on your feet. Check out this website for assistance.

Are there any other charities near and dear to your heart?

LOVE Inc. Churches get together and network as affiliates in a most inspiring outreach program. This organization is so willing to help those in need all over the US that they will not turn anyone away who seeks help. They also provide references for other services available within the community.

Since you have told us that blogging does not provide you with enough financial support to be a full time job, what would be your ideal career?

It has always been my passion to be part of something that is meaningful. I would love to work for a company or a charity that is doing something for the greater good of their community and helping people who really need it! Being a business owner in the past, I don’t want to work for a company that only cares about the bottom line. Helping others is what I enjoy doing most, and that’s where All America Mommy is leading me.

It is such a pleasure to see and hear about what moms all across America are doing to make the world a better place. Tonia, thank you so much for taking the time to share your mission with us. Any organization out there that has your support is so fortunate! And any moms reading this, who may be considering starting a blog, will certainly be inspired by the information you shared with us today.

Please visit Tonia’s website, All American Mommy, by clicking here. Tonia McAllister can be reach via email at allamericanmommy@gmail.com.

Sue Kowalski, one of the Smart Poodle Publishing Librarian Contest winners, was interviewed for an article in the local section of the Post Standard, a Syracuse, NY newspaper. Click on this link and read the “Never a Dull Moment” story.

Sue is an incredible writer, and she has a way with words that makes you want to read more of whatever else she has written! She is so kind and caring, and is really a true creative writer. She is a middle school librarians in East Syracuse, NY, and her students are so fortunate to have her in their school. If Sue can pass on the secret of her writing skills to her students, they will be so fortunate indeed!

To read Sue’s entry for our contest from December, click here.

Congratulations Sue!

Want an extraordinary book the entire family can enjoy? Check this one out. Children Map the World is a glorious collection of map illustrations done by children around the world. The book is a result of the Barbara Petchnick Children’s World Map Competition, created by the International Cartographic Association. This competition is held every 2 years for kids up to the age of 16. You’ll find masterpieces made from crayon, pencils, markers, paint, fabrics, collage and more.

You will be truly inspired by the artistic genius of these children. And of course, you will be impressed by their geography awareness! The book has an excellent introduction explaining the contest and gets into some detail about the entries.

Children Map the World is published by ESRI Press. Click here to order a copy. You’ll be so glad you did! This would be a phenomenal gift for a teacher.

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