Feature Friday: 'Round the Kitchen Table

The BlogRollers are all about promoting the power of female bloggers and so much of that starts with you. We’ve created our BlogRoll so that we could show you a little linky love and so that others can find you, too. Every week we choose one of you lovely Rollers (via Random.org) for Feature Friday. We believe in promoting and supporting one another and there’s no better way to do that than by shining the spotlight on as many fabulous blogs as possible.

With that said, this week’s Feature Friday blogger is Lauren from 'Round the Kitchen Table and Today I Pray. Once you’ve read her feature, make sure to go show her some love!

Name: Lauren Shanahan

Blog(s): I have two -- the original is 'Round the Kitchen Table and a few weeks later I started Today I Pray
(As of last night Lauren was having some technical difficulties with 'Round the Kitchen Table, if the link doesn't work make sure to try back later!)

How long you’ve been blogging: About 7 months

Tell us the 30 second skinny about your blog.
Blog #1 is about life, family, friends, & FOOD. The great, and not so great stuff that happens and gets talked about 'Round the Kitchen Table.

Blog #2 is meant to be a 30-second retreat...a quick dose of inspiration. It's almost all original poetry, photography, and prayer...and although there is an occasional Bible quote, I think most people wouldl say it's more "spiritual" than "religious."

What inspired you to start blogging?
When I was younger, I use to write all the time as a way to clear my head. When I was writing -- whether writing poetry, journaling, or writing stories -- somehow I felt happy. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way I stopped. Last year I went through a rough time personally, and consequently did a lot of soul searching. In the process, I rediscovered my love for writing. I started to consider that maybe writing was what I should be doing professionally, but I really lacked confidence in my ability. Needless to say, I started blogging as a way to a) keep exercising those creative muscles, and b) test the waters to see if people liked my style.

How has blogging changed your life?
Wow, that's a great question. I think the biggest change is the peace that's come to me through Today I Pray, and knowing my simple little poems or prayers are inspiring others.

What do you wish someone would’ve hipped you to when you started your blog?
I apologize in advance for the long answer here, but I have to start by saying, one of the things that has surprised me most about blogging is that there are SO MANY really talented, interesting, creative, funny, inspirational bloggers out there. I could literally spend all day reading and commenting on people's blogs. The blogging community is amazing.

That said, the one thing I still wish someone would help me with is staying organized with the blogs I follow. I get some delivered directly to my mailbox, some I read through a reader, others I follow, others are bookmarked -- some show up in multiple places!! And then there are some I've tried to stop following for one reason or another, but I keep getting them! If anyone has a system that works...I'm all ears (or eyes).

Give us the dirt; what’s one thing about you your readers don’t know?
Shortly after college, I moved to Boston and unknowingly got an apartment within earshot of Fenway Park. Fortunately, I have always loved baseball so it ended up being a great location.Three months after moving there, I met my husband at The Cask 'n Flagon -- right outside Fenway. Needless to say, in the words of our old SNL buddy, Garret Morris (as Chico Esquela) "Beisbol been bery bery good to me."

Spread the love; name three blogs in your reader:

Just a Little Something For You

One Day at a Time

A Fresh Beginning

Thanks for sharing, Lauren!

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