Sonia Marsh - Gutsy Living

Life's too short to play it safe

How Blogging Can Open Doors You Never Expected

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Be open, flexible and Gutsy, as you never know where the blogging world can take you.

Thanks to Dee Fitzgerald, “Doctor Eclectic” one of my blogger friends and followers, I am speaking at the MOAA (Military Officers Association of America)  South Coast Chapter.

You may be wondering:

Well, Dee was interested in our family’s escape from materialism and has followed me for several years on my blog. The topic of my speech is:

“I never thought my son would become a soldier.”

Our year in Belize, from 2004-2005, changed my family. Upon our return to Orange County, California, my youngest son decided he wanted to attend a military high school. I shall bring aspects of our life before, during and after our year in Belize.

Here is an excerpt from my book, when my husband and I were on our scouting trip, prior to moving our family to Belize:

“Barefoot kids walked alongside the road sucking on juicy mangos with orange flesh, dripping like ice cream cones in the heat. Some kids stopped to stare at our white faces; others started running, as if trying to beat our car to the finish line. Solitary shacks appeared, with nothing but a hammock inside them. A few chickens roamed the premises and, sometimes, a lone skinny cow or a horse remained close to a shack. I wondered whether the cow or horse represented a local status symbol—the Belizean version of a BMW on the driveway. What a different environment from ours back home. What would my boys think?“

Has blogging opened up doors for you? If so please share. Which door would you like to have open for you?

 Above Photo Credit MOAA website

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Do you have a “My Gutsy Story” you’d like to submit?

To submit your own, “My Gutsy Story” you can find all the information, and our sponsors on the “My Gutsy Story” contest page. (VIDEO) Submission guidelines here.

 

Comments

  1. Diana Bletter says

    You must be proud of your son! That is great that you are speaking at the MOAA event. As for my blog opening doors – I held a writing contest and one reader who said she’s never written before wrote something and entered the contest. So I feel that my blog is opening doors — and not just for me!
    Thanks.
    Diana Bletter, Author of the forthcoming memoir, The Mom Who Took Off On Her Motorcycle
    Diana Bletter recently posted..If It Feels Wrong, Then You’re Doing RightMy Profile

  2. Sonia Marsh says

    Thanks Diana. Good to meet another memoir writer. Are you a member of NAMW? Also did you see Carla King’s “My Gutsy Story” on my blog. She took off on her motorcycle to northern China. You might want to connect with her as she writes all over the place about a solo woman on a motorcycle.

  3. Bob Lowry says

    The world of blogging has been a blessing for me. The friendships I have made (with many more to come, I’m sure) and the ability to engage in my favorite pastime of writing have made each day at the keyboard an absolute joy.

    Because of blogging my wife and I are headed to Oregon this summer to spend time with several new friends I have met on- line. We have never decided on a trip to someplace just to spend time with folks who aren’t relatives! It feels great.

    We are hoping to come to Southern California in September for a few weeks. Maybe we will have the chance to meet you and hubby. After so many exchanged comments and e-mails I need to meet the Gutsy Lady in person!

    Blogging has been the perfect compliment to my satisfying retirement.
    Bob Lowry recently posted..Rekindling Your Creative Spark During RetirementMy Profile

  4. Sonia Marsh says

    Hi Bob,

    Duke and I would love to meet you and Nancy. I think it’s wonderful you’ve connected with other bloggers and I think you just met the couple who traveled to Peru and are now in an RV around the U.S.
    See you in September.

  5. Kazzsandra says

    Hi.. This is (again)a great story and i was actually looking forward to share my own too someday.. Thanks Sonia for this..
    Kazzsandra recently posted..Gout CuresMy Profile

  10. Colin says

    I think there are many few mothers ever thought their son would become a soldier.
    But sometimes they must have to do it.
    AND IT IS REALITY.

    Thanks,

    Colin
    Colin recently posted..How To Pick Up GirlsMy Profile

  11. Carol D. says

    Blogging has meant being able to reflect on and discuss subjects, which you don’t always get the opportunity to do with friends, family, and neighbours. Your theme: “Gutsy living” has been an incredible incentive to be daring.
    It has also meant that I will finally get to see the Gutsy Lady in person again after 17 years!
    It would be great if blogging could become as interactive as I imagine Facebook to be, but still based on a constructive theme, exactly like you’ve been doing, Sonia. Thanks for bringing life and hope!

    • Sonia Marsh says

      Hi Carol,

      So glad you find these topics interesting and enjoy reading other “My Gutsy Story” submissions. Can’t wait to meet you again.

  13. MuMuGB says

    Congrats Sonia! I am pleased that blogging opened such doors for you.This subject must be pretty close to your heart -I don’t know what I would do if my son wanted to become a soldier! As for me, blogging keeps me balanced: I mostly work from home, and blogging is a way to keep in touch with fellow bloggers!
    MuMuGB recently posted..It’s Raining, It’s PouringMy Profile

  14. Carmen says

    Blogging could become as interactive as I imagine Facebook to be, but still based on a constructive theme, exactly like you’ve been doing, Sonia.
    Carmen recently posted..Online Dating TodayMy Profile

  15. Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot says

    Hi Sonia,

    Love the speech topic. I have a few friends with sons in the military (inc. you:) and it does make me gulp a bit and think what if my kids want to to that?! It would be a total anathema to me but I am keen to support them in whatever they want to do in life.

    Good luck with the talk and love the book excerpt too. I can see those stick orange faces!
    Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot recently posted..Lost and Found Travel ConfessionsMy Profile

    • Sonia Marsh says

      Annabel,

      I know you would react the same way as I did if your son wanted to become a soldier. We have similar backgrounds, and both “international” in our outlooks, so it did take some adjusting. Plus as a mother, it’s tough.

  18. Penelope J. says

    Sonia, Congrats on your talk to MOAA. An excellent example of how through blogging, your/our message may resonate in unexpected ways.

    I also love the making friends part of blogging, and how you can write about personal matters that people relate to. Importantly, some blogs like yours, with your Gutsy Living and Gutsy stories, inspire and motivate readers to respond to life challenges, overcome adversity, gain confidence, and follow/fulfill their dreams.
    Penelope J. recently posted..Never Give Up on Your DreamMy Profile

    • Sonia Marsh says

      Pennie,

      I have copied and pasted your kind comment in a special place to use as a testimonial in the future. I am so grateful to you.
      Thanks.

      • Penelope J. says

        Sonia, What a lovely thing to do! I’m the one who should be grateful to you for sharing your experience and knowhow – in life, blogging and now self-publishing, for including/promoting other Gutsy Stories, and founding the GIP. Can’t wait to read your book.
        Penelope J. recently posted..Never Give Up on Your DreamMy Profile

        • Sonia Marsh says

          Pennie, it’s been a long journey for me, but I enjoy learning. I want to hear more about your small press deal. Have you signed a contract?

  19. Penelope J. says

    No, I haven’t signed a contract yet as book was accepted with one proviso: that I write another last chapter about where I am today. Since my situation has altered dramatically, it’s not easy to write, but after mulling over, have an outline.
    Penelope J. recently posted..Never Give Up on Your DreamMy Profile

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