You're Invited to a Blogger Dinner Party!

The wise woman who blogs over at Barking Mad has come up with an amazing idea that she's shared with the blogosphere. Actually, I learned about the event from following her on Twitter.

In order to participate, I must invite ten bloggers to a virtual dinner party that I will host. The rules are simple. I can invite only ten but any ten bloggers.

The ten bloggers I would like to invite are:

1. The Bloggess - Because she is truly the funniest fucking writer I know - or wish I knew - or "know" on line.
2. Guy Kawasaki - Because the first time I met him I didn't get to ask him all the questions I would've liked to and plus, he is the manliest "guy" I know that still looks good in a pink hat and feathered boa.
3. Lena Chen - Because she doesn't give a shit and we'd have a great deal to talk about...besides sex. Maybe.
4. Mignon Fogarty - Because she's helping change the face of publishing having just authored a book inspired by her blog, Grammar Girl.
5. Pete Cashmore - Because he's from Mashable and because I need to determine if he's as hot in person as he appears in his profile pic.
   
6. No Minivan - Because like her, I'm a thirtysomething mom who is also a redhead (although mine is natural) and I also have a son (she has two boys). Unlike her, I grew up in the midwest and moved to SoCal and I LOVE my minivan.
7. Rebecca Woolf - Like Mignon Fogarty, she went from blog to book with her Girl Gone Child memoir.
8. Dana (aka Mamalogues) - Because she's the *bravest* blogger that I know of.
9. Busy Dad - Because he has truly changed Friday & Saturday Nights with the creation of Weekend Blog Hoppers
10. David - Because his blog, Dad's House, has truly changed the focus of my own.

This was not an easy list to compile but I'm thinking that the above company would truly make for a fabulous gathering of talented, humorous and interesting people who would inspire much laughter, arguments and perhaps tears - all for which would make an amazing blog post (or two).

From Wild to Child

It takes six pregnancy tests for Rebecca Woolf to admit to herself that she is definitely pregnant. Hiding under the bathroom sink, smoking a cigarette and cursing herself, she informs her roommate, and then her boyfriend of four months, of the news.

After several months - and a wedding in Vegas - she convinces herself that life will not change when she becomes a mother. Fortunately, she discovers the truth: that life is best enjoyed when embracing the unexpected, that parenthood can change a person in ways that can never be undone, and that true love is only truly understood when one holds a newborn baby in their arms.

Rockabye: From Wild to Child is Rebecca Woolf's account of motherhood and how becoming a wife and parent changed her life, inspired her to accept herself - and her imperfections - as well as enabling her to be the best parent she never knew she could become.

With brutal honesty and the rawest of emotions, Rebecca beautifully and succinctly documents the adjustment to - and evolution of - motherhood and illustrates the fact that parenthood is messy, painful, scary, overwhelming and as precious as it is priceless.

"It's amazing how fast he stops crying when I pick him up. It is still hard to believe his cries are for me. Because he needs me. A feeling both wonderful and completely terrifying."

"...a child is not a sacrifice...unfaithfulness to one's desire is a choice, with or without children or a full-time job to make ends meet...The only way we can properly take care of our children is by taking care of ourselves first."

"The lessons we teach our children we should also remember to tell ourselves.
'Follow your dreams.'
'Be yourself.'
'Listen to your heart.'
'I believe in you.' "

"Happiness is the most underrated accessory to success. It is paramount to be inspired by life in order to be an inspiration to a child."

"...maybe it's just as important to cross the lines as it is to draw them."

Rebecca Woolf is a young mother and a mother who is young at heart, not to mention wise beyond her years. An inspirational and a humorous book for new parents, expecting divas and mature moms, Rockabye: From Wild to Child is a must-read for anyone learning to negotiate the limitless and life-changing experience that is parenthood.

This is How Rumors Get Started

I discovered BABBLE a while ago and still find myself laughing out loud while reading Rebecca Woolf's blog, Straight from the Bottle.

Just recently, I heard about her appearance for a signing of her book, Rockabye: From Wild to Child, here in San Diego, but was unable to attend. Then, after two seconds of Google research, I found her personal blog, Girl's Gone Child (love the name).

I got in touch with Rebecca through her website and (and her publisher through theirs) and asked if she might be interested in attending the upcoming Parenting Party ... or offer signed copies of her book to be given away.

Not only did she respond directly (OK so it was an automatic response), but her publishing company representatives also sent me an email, asking if I would like Rebecca to come to the upcoming Event. Rumor has it she may just be there. Either way, we're going to be giving away copies of her book that night. Will they be signed copies? Will Rebecca be making an appearance? Stay tuned...

There are more surprises up my sleeve for the Event...don't miss out!