Incredible Woman #5 - Kim Walus. Thursday's questions

KARA: "What are some of your short-term and long-term goals? What is the most important thing you’d like to accomplish in this life?"

KIM: "Here are some of my Short Term Goals that I've accomplished and that are ongoing:

* Start writing in my journal (hey, I remember, that's why I started a blog).
* Starting and maintaining a blog.
* Helping others start a blog.
* Making new friendships (ongoing).
* Working at a job I love.
* Designing quilts and other projects.
* Teaching others to quilt.
* Reading the Book of Mormon again (also ongoing).
* Reading at least 50-100 books a year. (I'm at 42 books so far this year)
* Having fun with grandchildren (ongoing).
* Taking care of my family (ongoing).
* Being the Best Wife, Mother, and Grammi Ever!!! (that's definitely an ongoing thing).

Here are some of my Long Term Goals:

* Raising responsible adults (I'm seeing that happening in my life).
* Getting other children married (I can't wait for this one).
* Having more grandchildren (I can wait patiently for this one).
* Traveling with husband to New Zealand and other fun places.
* Buying a Long-arm Quilting Machine (I would love to have one of these).
* Buying a Singer Featherweight (I've always wanted one of these).
* Being the Best Mother and Grammi Ever! (ongoing).

The most important thing I'd like to accomplish in my lifetime is to see all of my children grow into adulthood, get married, have their own children, and be happy and find joy in this life. That's a pretty tall order but I know that they are on the right path and that they will have joy not only in this life but in the life to come. I'm quite certain that every mother would want their children to be HAPPY!"


KARA: "You’ve got a very successful blog. Tell us about your blog. How did you decide what to write about, how did you get so many followers, etc.?"

KIM: "I started my family blog in November of 2007 after my sister had told me about blogging. I hadn't heard anything up to that point about the blogging trend and I know now that it's been around since about 2004, maybe even longer. Does anyone know when it started? After that I had heard Nanette talk about blogging at our quilt group and I went home to have a look and let me tell you, I was hooked. I posted my first post on my quilting blog in March of 2008 and have loved every minute. My family blog has fallen a bit to the sideline because not many people leave a comment and it's way more fun to read comments, leave comments, and respond to comments. I'm not as diligent as I'd like to be in responding to every comment but I do what I can. I also try to leave comments wherever I go. That's how I've been able to build relationships with lots of wonderful bloggers.

Here are some of the things that I've done to build my blog:

* Leave comments wherever you go and sometimes you'll get a response back, then keep leaving comments and before you know it you'll find a friend.
* Use your google reader (for blogger) to keep up with all of your old and new favorite blogs, that way the new posts will come to you instead of having to keep checking for new posts.
* Have giveaways to draw in new bloggers and to reward your loyal blogging friends.
* Do lots of tutorials to inspire those that visit you. It's always fun to see what everyone is creating and to share in the process.
* Don't ever leave a mean comment. This is so important. Let's be happy and supportive of each other.There's NO ROOM for MEANESS!
* Try to keep things interesting and fresh, that way others can tell that you're actively engaged in keeping up with your blog. It's really fun too! I LOVE seeing what others CREATE, it's so inspiring to me!!!!
* Set goals for yourself making 1-7 posts a week. I try to make at least two posts per week but that is really dependent on my life and daily challenges. Do what you can. Quilter's are especially understanding of that because most every one has either a family, a job, a life or all of the above.
* Remember to have FUN. I think that's the most important part about blogging. I look forward to hearing from my friends every time I make a post. It's like picking up the phone and calling a friend. Quilt bloggers always pick up the phone to say hi, how are you doing and to give their support. I love it!!! I think as women we all need this kind of connection and that's why blogging is so successful. Instant validation and unconditional love!!!! Who wouldn't want that in their lives?