Bloggers with Heart: Lauren of Everyday Revelry

For any new readers, Bloggers with Heart is a series of interviews with bloggers whose voices resonate with authenticity, sparkle, and soul. You can read past interviews here.

My dears, I am thrilled to introduce you to this week's Blogger with Heart. Lauren is the talented writer behind the beautiful "constellation of words, passions, and inspirations" that is her blog, Everyday Revelry. I actually know Lauren "in real life" but had fallen out of touch with her until finding her blog in recent months. I'm so glad I did. As a blogger, Lauren has the unique ability to seamlessly weave together a wide range of her passions and interests - from books to yoga to international affairs to cooking and more - with a perceptive eye and an open heart. Her writing rings true and her voice is genuine. I especially appreciate that it is consistently infused with gratitude (check out some of her great gratitude lists here). As you can see from her blog as well as her answers below, Lauren is truly a Blogger with Heart.

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging primarily to connect with other like-minded souls. Yoga, writing and creativity have become huge parts of my life, but not necessarily parts that I use all the time in my day job. I wanted a place to reach out and hopefully connect to others. I also was seeking to have a space to explore the many new interests I have acquired in the past few years.

2. How do you come up with ideas for posts?

I struggle with this a lot. I search for inspiration everywhere: magazines, books, music, art, other blogs, news items, etc. Sometimes it seems that there is a never-ending stream of things to write about (the world is so interesting!) and then there are days where I don't have much to say. It's a never-ending process.

3. Why did you choose to call your blog "Everyday Revelry"? What does the phrase mean to you?

I wanted something to reflect the joy and gratitude that I try to infuse into my life at every moment. It was meant to be a sort of word play: seeking revelry, whatever that means for you, every single day, but also in the everyday, ordinary things.

4. What is the best thing about blogging?

I have "met" so many wonderful women through blogging! I feel like I learn something new every day from them! It's been wonderful to find a virtual community for support, advice, celebration, commiseration, inspiration and joy.

5. What is the hardest part about blogging?

I often struggle with how many details I should share about my personal life. I want to make a connection with my readers but I also worry about having too much information out there on the internet. It's a fine balance.

6. Your writing has a natural grace to it that makes your perceptive and articulate posts a true pleasure to read. In addition to blogging, what role does writing play in your life?

I have always been attracted to words, quotes, books, poetry, etc. I was an English major in college and always thought I would end up writing for a living. Since then life has taken some unexpected turns and my day job doesn't reflect that interest, but I am hoping to be able to marry this interest with others at some point. Other than my blog, I try to write in a paper journal several times a week. I am finishing up my graduate studies now, so while that involves a lot of writing in terms of papers, I can't wait until May so that I can get in some writing on topics that are important to me.

8. Which bloggers inspire you and why?

Analiese from Tulips and Tea because your writing and the images you choose are so beautiful! I fall more in love with life every time I read your blog. (Aw, thank you so much Lauren!)

Kaileen Elise I feel like Kaileen Elise and her blog are kindred spirits!

Kimberly Wilson from Tranquility Du Jour Yoga, do-gooding, flair, fashion, sparkles, creativity....what's not to like?! Plus I am one of the lucky ones that get to practice regularly at Kimberly's yoga studio.

Kelly Rae Roberts I often find, well after having read one of Kelly Rae's posts, that her words and paintings have touched me much more deeply than I realized. I admire her commitment to living a creative and fulfilling life.

Smitten Kitchen I have a dream. In this dream, I have all the time in the world and I can use it to test out all the wonderful and yummy looking recipes that get posted here! For now, I'll take just reading about them.

Stephanie from Heart Piercing Life We met virtually through an e-course we took at the same time. We have an insane amount of common interests and the honesty of her posts always inspire me.

9. What else is inspiring you right now?

I feel like everything is inspiring me right now! The holidays that are quickly approaching, love, yoga, beautiful words, other bloggers, bold colors....I could go on and on! I also finished the Mondo Beyondo e-course a little while ago. My Mondo Beyondo List has kept me busy dreaming and planning recently.

10. What advice would you give to someone just getting started as a blogger?

Patience, patience, patience! I'm still working on this one myself.

11. Five by five. Tell us your five favorite: books, movies, albums, foods, and simple pleasures in life.

Books: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffeneger, The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri and The Hours by Michael Cunningham

Movies: Amores Perros, Bridget Jones' Diary, Water, Wedding Crashers, American History X

Albums: Carole King's "Tapestry", Counting Crows' "August and Everything After", Madonna's "The Immaculate Collection", Ray Lamontagne's "Gossip in the Grain" and Sarah McLachlan's "Mirrorball"

Foods: Pineapple, chocolate, hummus, artichokes and empanadas

Simple pleasures: Reading, bubble baths, yin yoga, vanilla sandalwood candles and pedicures

12. If you had the opportunity to create "the perfect space" space for blogging and other creative pursuits, what would yours look like? (How would it be decorated, what objects would surround you, how would it sound, feel, smell, etc.?)

I've always dreamed of having a single room dedicated to writing. It would have hardwood floors and a giant window overlooking beautiful flowers. I would make sure it had big, oversized chairs, a beautiful desk, lots of turquoise, pictures of the people I love, tons of way-too-full bookshelves and inspiring quotes scattered all over.

13. In five words or less: what is the meaning of life?

To live your truth.

Lauren currently lives, works, writes and plays in the greater Washington, DC area. She is a firm believer in the power of love and yoga. In addition to her blog, you can also connect with Lauren on twitter.

Thanks Lauren, for sharing your thoughts with us and for blogging with heart!

Image courtesy of Lauren.