Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The "BEE's" of Blogging

The "BEE" Hand Out
Step One: The goodies- Lemon drops, cheap coordinating ribbon, little Wilton baggies, address labels (with the theme printed on them) attached to scrap book paper (cut to size & hole punched.)
Step Two: assemble, as easy as pie! 
 Step Three: Handouts always look much cuter in an accommodating presentation bowl.
Wallah!
 The little BEE tidbit.
 For an added touch: little lemon cupcakes in honey-gold liners, topped with piped lemon frosting and a chocolate covered bee with slivered almond bee body and for the yellow stripes- piped yellow candy melts.
Since my class was in the middle of other classes (before lunch) I felt a bite sized bee treat would be a perfect snack to tie the ladies over until lunch was served.
Ten Reasons To Start a Blog:
1. To Express Your Thoughts and Opinions
2. To Market or Promote Something
3. To Help People
4. To Establish Yourself as an Expert
5. To Connect with People Like You
6. To Make a Difference
7. To Stay Active or Knowledgeable in a Field or Topic
8. To Stay Connected with Friends and Family
9. To Make Money
10. To Have Fun and Be Creative
Last Saturday I was asked to teach a Blogging class at our Stake's Womans Conference.  After touching on and showing what a Blog is all about and how to go about starting one, since Blogging starts with "B" I thought it would be a fun idea to incorporate the six "BEE's" of Blogging into the class. This way I was able to involve some of the class members which is always nice.  I used a volunteer for each of the six "BEE's" then I spotlighted six of the amazing blogs that I follow which are centered around or touch on each of the "BEE" topics, it went over real well and from the feedback I've been receiving, it sounds like the class inspired new blogs and motivated inactive bloggers so the "BEE's" were a success!
The six helpers got to take their wee little "BEE" souvineer home with them.
These bee's are all exactly the same, they are constantly copying each other in every way.  They need to learn to-
Be Yourself:
Your blog is your own and whatever you choose to make it, just be you and put what you have into it.
While this Bee isn't really for real it looks pretty real in comparison to the three copy-cat bees.
Be Real:
Most likely your blog will include your own feelings and opinions in text or commentary, being honest and true to yourself and others is always wise. Let your blog be a reflection of yourself in your own voice.
We aren't supposed to play with balls in the house and thanks to their dad, my kids do play with balls in our home so I am always telling them to be cautious not to break something.  So this Bee ball reminds us to-
Be Cautious:
While your blog is indefinitely your own, always be mindful of potential readers and feelings involved. Setting “official rules” of what to or not to blog about isn‘t necessary, just blog and see what feels comfortable to you.
If we came across a bee that was this gigantic, we would need to be very courageous that we would not get stung!
Be Courageous:
Don’t be shy or afraid to start a blog then likewise when blogging don’t be afraid to make a mistake or embarrass yourself . Take note that you can always go back and edit, change, undo or add to your blog.
This bee pot and these bee gardening tools leave our options wide open to what we might plant inside of the empty pot.
Be Open:
To learning, to gaining knowledge, to new ideas, to teaching, to being an example, to cultivating your talents and passions, to becoming a better you.
Bee's are hard working little creatures who are consistent and determined to make sweet yummy honey for us.
 Be Consistent:
Although there are countless blogs out there you can pull inspiration from, blogging is best learned from blogging. Blog often, even in times of “writers block.” Some of your best posts may stem from when you feel you have nothing to write about.

I had our four years of blogging 2007-2010 that I had bound into books on display to show how nice it is to be able to print your blog out into family history record books (or books pertaining to whatever ones blog may be about.) For myself, of course it's a journaling purpose and it's made journaling and digital photos so fun and easy for our busy lives these days!  So yes, just like a "BEE's" honey- sweet is the success of an active blogger!