Seems like this has been a reoccurring theme for my blog a few times a year.  Hopefully this is the last time such a post is ever written. 

So where have I been for the last few weeks?  I was just away from my blog doing a lot of thinking and being busy offline. I have been doing a lot of thinking about what I want to come from my online life here at Heathen Homeschoolers. 

I have been discouraged by the lack of support I have felt in some areas when it comes to homeschooling.  It was one of those, I really didn’t think Heathen Dad understood everything I did type of problems.  I struggled with the first session of the new semester for our academic group where I was just teaching rather than being in a leadership position.  I wanted to continue to give my friends in leadership the support they needed while still removing myself from the role.  Boy was that a tough day – but in the end I think I still have those ladies as friends – hope so. 

Word about my blog also spread in our local group.  It seemed a little weird to write when I had people who were “shocked” to find out about my blog.  Some of the people who initially were shocked by the name (always pays to read the “define Heathen” page) came back to me and apologized for being so harsh with their initial comments.  They realized there was useful information here. 

To top it all off, I’ve spent the last couple of weeks sick – UGH!  I hate being sick.  I am not a good “sick person”.  I’m glad I don’t get sick too often.  The good news is the medicine is finally starting to help and I think the risk of head explosion is now low.

I let other people get in the way of the excitement I felt back in December when I wrote about having more time for my blog.  I let those negative thoughts eat away at my confidence and felt like it didn’t matter if I took yet another break from my blog. 

This weekend I realized something…..

MY BLOG DOES MATTER!!!!

That’s right folks – the self confidence has been located again.  Hehehe

There are Heathen Homeschoolers all over the world.  Many of whom live in an area like I do where choosing to homeschool for academic reasons is not considered the norm.  Not only does writing here help me, it helps all of us Heathen Homeschoolers to connect.  That connection is so important – just knowing that you aren’t the only Heathen Homeschooler in the world is a wonderful feeling. 

So what’s coming up for Heathen Homeschoolers you ask……

The forums that have been sorely neglected will be officially opened this month.  Watch for an announcement after I have updated things on the forums.  Have to get it all nice and pretty for my fellow Heathens. 

More posts….that’s right folks….more posts…..It is a snowy wonderland here in Missouri right now.  I’ll be posting snowy day activities this week. 

If you are in Missouri – send me an email if you are planning to go to any conferences this spring.  I’ll let you know if I’m going to be at them.  I would love to meet some other homeschoolers. 

Someone might be looking into planning an activity or two for later this year in Missouri.  Shhh, don’t jinx it.  Details are still being worked out. 

Anyone on Second Life?  I’ve been asked to speak at an education conference this year that will be in Second Life.  Yeah, I’m a dork……  No really, online conferences are great.  No travel expenses, lol! 

I am writing a book – well kinda.  It’s more of an activity idea book.  Details coming later. 

You will notice a few changes on the blog.  I will no longer be offering the free/almost free advertising through the networks I was using.  I want to get rid of that traffic so I can see how many people actually come to my blog for the articles.  Shameless plug alert – I will still be offering advertising space. If you would like to advertise on the blog or forum please send me an email. 

If you plan to be at BlogHer 10 in NYC, be sure to pay attention to announcements here at Heathen Homeschoolers before the conference.  I’m going to have a homeschool meet-up the night before the main conference.  Homeschoolers know how to party you know  

The last several months have reminded me of an important lesson my daddy taught me long ago.  I will no longer let the negative thoughts of others dictate what I do in my own life or on my own blog  

Fine…he never said blog, but come on, I’m in my thirties – blogs didn’t exist back when I was little.