It was time.
I read her blog EVERY DAY. “Re-tweet” her often. And have told her (in person! Twice!!) what a big fan I am.
photo courtesy of Natalie Holbrook
It was definitely time for some “blove”.
But I kept putting off writing about Natalie and her blog, Nat the Fat Rat. If you asked me what her blog was about, I would say something like, “well, she writes about her life in New York City, her insanely adorable baby boy, fashion and beauty”.
Blah, blah.
Yes, it’s all well, and good, and enjoyable. But it’s NOT why I love her blog so much. Why I think it’s so special. Why I so admire what she does.
So I waited. And then I met her in person at this dinner. And I waited some more.
And then I read this post.
And I finally figured out what I wanted to say. Even better? I got to tell her (how cool is that?).
See, while it’s hard to take on a task and do it well, it’s even harder to do it well AND make it look easy – even effortless. When it comes to the kind of writing that Natalie does – a daily and very personal chronicle of her life – this means crafting post after post that feels like the writer is sitting there speaking right to you.
This is a skill that – on the surface – seems so easy. “I’ll just write like I speak!”.
But, well, no.
To write as if you’re speaking, and to do it WELL, is truly a gift. And in my humble opinion, Natalie is one of the very best.
So there’s that. The writing.
But it’s even more than that. Because even though there’s plenty of “lifestyle” stuff – trips to the park, adventures on the subway, where to get the best cookie in NYC – she also writes so beautifully about more serious topics.
Her struggles with infertility.
Potentially facing those struggles again.
And one of my most favorite posts ever, about the bittersweet passing of her baby boy into toddlerhood (just try to read this without crying…).
Oh right, and I can’t leave out this one – oh god, I loved this one.
And then, just like that, she’ll be chronicling her experiences with false eyelashes, or doing a tutorial on DIY hair extensions.
I love the way she unapologetically shares it all with us. Especially right now, with all the “mommy wars” banter currently raging on-line, Natalie wears her motherhood with fierce pride. As well she should. And that’s part of what makes her blog such a pleasure to read. It’s all there for you to take or leave as you please.
Her blog has inspired me as a “new-old” mom to embrace my renewed place in the world as a mom to a little one, while feeling free to continue to evolve. Getting Noah – even unexpectedly – didn’t have to mean losing “me”. And it’s writers like Natalie that buoy me along on this journey.
Well that, and our shared love of the West Village, Disney (Land – not World – I get it, Natalie), and Kork-Ease.
(Full disclosure about the Kork-Ease: I wear them now, but was also wearing them back in the ‘70’s before Natalie was even born years ago. I try not to hold this against her.)
If you’re not already reading Natalie’s blog, I think you’d love it. The word “authentic” is tossed around – a lot – but she’s the real deal.
Wanna know what “blove” is?
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Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
ohhh, you! i am so honored! this post! and oh gosh, sort of teary eyed, too. your support means the world, i just think so highly of you! i’m so glad we were able to become friends, you are just THE BEST. xoxoxo
So glad you liked what I wrote – I meant every last word! xo
Happy to find someone as lovely as this.
Thanks for pointing me to her.
Her blog is one of the best – glad to “share”! 🙂
I TOTALLY agree!! She is SO great and one of the best writers online these days. I’ve been reading her blog almost everyday for awhile now too and I’ve come to one conclusion: she’s awesome. And what a sense of humor she has! Such a dynamo girl.
I couldn’t agree more (obviously!!)…..
Oh, to read another admitting to having worn the original Kork-ease! That definitely makes your advice worth following. I will go read Natalie and I will continue to read you.
Thanks so much – thanks for “confessing” too! Off to check out your blog now……….
It sounds like Natalie has a truly interesting and fun blog. I’ll have to check it out xx
Oh I think you’d LOVE it!! xo
i also adore natalie and actually found YOU through HER. i also am quite sure that I have sweaters as old as she is and a first born son who is closer to her age than i am….but her writing is beautiful and warm and reminds me that motherhood is a bond that defies generation and distance. It also doesn’t hurt that she has a nearly religious attachment to You’ve Got Mail and all things Meg Ryan. You guys who do this are an inspiration to me.
Thank you so much! I know, one of the nicest aspects of blogging is meeting women of all ages that I have connected with. You summed it up beautifully – “motherhood is a bond that defies generation and distance”. Love that! 🙂
i love reading her blog too! She has a unique sense of humour and seems to be fun person to be with. Some of her posts made me shed a tear or two too. She’s an honest blogger/mum, which is quite difficult to find nowadays…
Couldn’t agree more – so glad you liked the post! 🙂