SDB Interviews: Deanna of Delirious Rhapsody

You know that feeling when a stranger compliments something you've done? Overhearing a positive comment on your cute hair, seeing someone giggle at a joke you've made to a friend, or having someone come up and tell you how cute your kid is? I can't believe I'm saying this, but stranger compliments are almost better than ones from your friends and family--they feel so good!

That is how I first felt when I began receiving comments on the blog from Deanna of Delirious Rhapsody. I am not exactly sure how she found my blog, but I am dang glad she did, because that meant I found her! Here's a teensy bit about her in her own words:

My name is Deanna and I'm a 26 27 year old mother of two little boys, Gage Hendrix, who will be four in July, and Owsley Duncan, who was born November 16, 2010. I'm also married to a super supportive husband, Peppy. I'm a Christian. I love camping and the outdoors, cooking, all things crafty, going to concerts and listening to music, traveling, and reading. And I collect gnomes. I have over 150, and they all have names. I guess you could say I'm a little obsessive. 

I admire her as a person, a mother, and a friend. You have to get to know her--you just have to! And in an effort to force you to do my bidding, here is an interview to whet your new Deanna appetite.

1. How would you describe your blog to a newcomer? My blog can be a little bit of a head rush (but in a good way) to a new follower. While I do have regular weekly features, my blog is definitely all over the place. It's a lot like the inner workings of my brain. And the way that I write is how I would talk to a good friend. There's a lot of sarcasm involved, and I use parenthesis and italics a lot. (I mean a lot!) But if you stick around long enough, I think you'll see that I've got a little bit of everything. Crafting, baking, music, fashion, mommy stuff, and just going off on my own little tangents every once in a while.

2. Something you wrote awhile back has stuck to me like glue. You said, "[B]eing a mommy should be a characteristic of Deanna, and not my one defining feature." What are some other characteristics that are important to you, and why? I think motherhood shouldn't take away any of things that you previously enjoyed, although it might limit the time you actually get to spend on them. I like taking walks, whipping up treats in the kitchen, going thrifting, and participating in theatre. Now the boys and I will go on walks together, my oldest son will help me bake (while my youngest bangs on pots and pans in the floor), and I'll take my oldest son to see children's theatre. And since spending time with my family is the most important characteristic of my life, it's awesome that I can share some of my favorite things with my favorite people.

3. Where do you find time to write such interesting, heartfelt posts like Topical Tuesday and the count-ups of your son Owsley's approach to 1? Having two kids and a life outside blogging can be so busy! This is a GREAT question. Because I have daily posts, sometimes people think I'm online a lot more than I actually am. If I get inspired to write a certain post during the week, I'll jot it down in a notebook, or make a mental note and hope for the best! I do 99% of my blogging during Owsley's naps on Mondays and Tuesdays while Gage is at school. Then I can take a deep breath and enjoy the rest of my week. :)

4. Some of my favorite entries are the "Gage Says" posts. How do you remember all of the things he says; do you run to write it down or do you have a fantastic memory? Again with the notebook. If he says something that I think is humorous, I'll try to write it down when I have a free second. But I am lucky to have a pretty stellar memory. I think it has to do with all the years I did theatre growing up.

5. I am really interested in documenting all aspects of my life, good and bad. How do you approach writing not-so-happy things on your blog, or do you avoid it altogether? I try to keep it as real as I can on my blog. If I'm having a bad day, you'll see it. There are quite a few posts on my blog where I mention how I'd like to runaway from mommyhood for a bit. (Like here, here and here. ) And I also have my 'Tales from the Crib' feature, where I try to put a humorous spin on the not so fabulous aspects pf parenthood. I think a lot of mommy bloggers are afraid to admit when they are having a hard time. I want them to know that we're all in this together.


Isn't she just fabulous? And freakin' gorgeous, am I right? You guys, I just love Deanna. Check out her blog, drop her a comment, or follow her on twitter.

Who are you admiring right now in the blog world?

Are you brave enough to show off your fandom by telling this person?

What could happen by doing it, other than making a great friend?!