The internet, and blogs in particular, have given women a voice and a way to connect with other women. From 'mommy blogs' to WAHM (work at home moms), from shopping sites to product reviews, from personal messages via email or twitter, we're connecting and making friends with women in a new way that expands our universe of girlfriends.
Recently this happened in my town when I heard about other cities where women who were on the internet (generally bloggers but also podcasters, social media users, etc.) formed groups - like the Denver "Mile High Mommies" or the "Silicon Valley Mommy Bloggers." So, why not in my city? I found some girlfriends on Twitter and one, ShannanB (of MommyBits blog) helped plan the event for this past Saturday. A total of nine women showed up for the first meeting of the "Cincinnati Women Bloggers." I thought that was a great turnout (and several had responded they want to participate, but had prior commitments). The discussion was fun and interesting. It was great to learn about each woman's blog or if she was just interested in finding out more. And, wonderful Shannan even set us up with a website to connect us all!
There is something special about when women connect. Yes, it helps to have something in common, but after that, we're comfortable, helpful, supportive and great cheerleaders.
There is also a treasure in finding like-minded girlfriends in any way. Blogs are helpful because so many of us share our true self online. (Okay, so that can be good or bad but when it's good, it's great.) Check out these blogs from my new girlfriends from the Cincinnati group:
* MommyBits - Shannan B's "life in the testosterone jungle" blog
* World's Best Burger - "print, politics, pop culture ... served up hot" by Laura
* Wine Me, Dine Me (Cincinnati) - One woman's take on dining, eating and cooking in Cincinnati.
* Amy In Ohio - Ramblings and whinings from the heartland
* Working Moms Against Guilt - Susan and friends are WMAG (you guessed it)
Plus Jacinta, Jane and Diana joined us who are just entering the blogosphere. We're looking forward to our next meeting on July 26th. (For more info, check out the site.)
So, what is this week's TIP TUESDAY question? We learn so much from each other and the internet does provide us amazing resources for connecting with other women. So...
What are your favorite women's sites? Which blogs by women do you follow? Why?
Let's all share a couple favorites to introduce each other to our online 'girlfriends.' And, if you're a woman and have a site you'd like to post, please do. You never know what you might learn from your friends and friends of friends!And, speaking of, I'm leading a discussion this Saturday at PodCampOhio on women in the blogosphere. If you're attending, I'd love for you to join in the conversation and share what you've learned from being online that might help other women. See you there girlfriends!
