February Blogger Spotlight

Welcome to my new series in which I spotlight one of my followers. I’ve always had a deep fascination with people: how they became who they are, the struggles they won, and the hard lessons they learned over time. All of these scars and stories make up a person’s life. While I think it’s important to reflect on your own journey, it is also equally important to hear other voices and see diverse perspectives. In this series, the spotlighted blogger will be able to tell their story through curated questions I’ve asked of them.

The blogger I chose to spotlight for the month of February is definitely not new to the blogosphere. I don’t remember how I stumbled upon her page but so happy I did. I have to admit, I am pretty stoked she agreed to let me interview her. I enjoy her wit and style of writing (she makes me laugh), and I admire her ability to write about life’s mundane mishaps. Also, I kind of love her blog name!

Without further ado, I introduce you to Ally Bean of The Spectacled Bean.

A Little About Ally…

What three characteristics would you say represents who you are?
Observant. Creative. Humorous.

What would you say you’re good at?
Finding solutions to problems.

Tell us a quirky fact about yourself.
I drive a 19-year-old car named Olivia.

What is one of your biggest pet peeves?
Plastic grocery bags. They’re not sturdy + wasteful.

What is a common misconception that people have about you?
People sometimes assume I dislike my curly frizzy hair and give me unsolicited advice about how to straighten it. I like my hair as it is, thank you very much.

Reflections on life so far…

What is one thing you want to be better at?
Growing roses.

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? What happened?
I was talking with my husband about a cooking mishap that he caused.

What is your definition of success?
To be content with who you are, knowing you’ve done your best.

What is one thing you would tell your younger self?
Not everyone you meet will be your friend.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Head bows to heart, heart is the place to start.

Thoughts on writing…

Do you have a favourite word?
Yes, it is *snazzy.*

Do you have to have natural talent to be a writer, or do you think it takes good practice?
I like words and stories, but it takes practice to learn to say things clearly.

What three things do you think help you become a better writer?
Talking with people in real life, reading novels, and making friends with a thesaurus.

Blog thoughts…

When did you begin your blogging journey and why did you start?
I started my first blog in 2004. I started it as a personal challenge to see if I could do it. I can.

How would you describe your blog to someone who has never read your content?
The Spectacled Bean is a lighthearted truthful look at life in a midwestern suburb as seen through the bespectacled eyes of a charmingly cynical woman who’s married to her college sweetheart.  

What is your favourite topic to write about?
Things that don’t go as planned, which seem to be my destiny in life.

What was your most recent post about?
Individual preferences regarding the photos your friends share on social media.

Who was the first blogger that commented on that post?
LA was the first to comment on my last post. She writes Waking Up on the Wrong Side of 50. I’ve no idea how we met, but she’s been around for years now.

Do you see any similarities among the people who read your blog?
Yes, I know 4 Lindas, 3 Debs, and 2 Kates. These bloggers vary in age, write unique interesting blogs, and are articulate.

The Four Lindas:
The Task at Hand
WALKIN’, WRITIN’, WIT & WHIMSY
El Space-The Blog of L. Marie
LINDA LOU’s LIFE

The Three Debs:
Debs Despatches
I AM, THEREFORE I WRITE
temenos

The Two Kates:
Views and Mews by Coffee Kat
OH KATIE JOY

Lastly, how have your thoughts on blogging changed over the years?
When I started blogging it was a lark, I could babble on forever about anything in a post. Now I write succinctly and post intentionally. I tell myself: have a point and get to it!

Thank you so much for sharing, Ally!

Stay tuned to read about my next featured Blogger in March.
Missed the January Blogger Spotlight post? Read it here.

 

Liked this post? Check out other popular posts on my blog:

• The Lonely Block
• The Write Stuff
• See You Later, Good Night, Bye-bye
• Standing Still
• No Regrets

P.S. So this is what happens when you’re sick for almost two weeks. You forget February is a short month and thus, have to publish your weekly Wednesday post on a Monday (otherwise the “special February feature” would’ve landed on a different month altogether)!