I met this girl Natalie some months ago at I AM (not) and have found her to be a real treat. I was really excited to get to interview her and get just a little deeper in her head.

Me: I’m new to your blog, Natalie, but you’re not real new to blogging. How long have you been at it?

Natalie: I started blogging April of last year. It was hit and miss at the time. In November of 07 I began posting everyday.

Me: You’ve got a full year under your belt then. Any advice to new bloggers?

Natalie: Be yourself. And, if you want more readers, you gotta “work the blogosphere”.

Me: Working the blogosphere? Sounds like work. Any pitfalls to doing that?

Natalie: It sucks me into a time warp that I struggle to get out of.

Me: Time warps will get the best of us. Warps aside, what are the positives you’ve found?

Natalie: Without a doubt, the community of new friends.

Me: You’re talking about me, right?

Natalie: Sure. You’re writing the article.

Me: Thank you. You’re my friend too. Since we’re practically best friends, tell me, what’s behind your blog name and have you ever thought of changing it?

Natalie: I AM (not) came from watching a Louis Giglio video. He’s God and I’m not. Just keeping it real. I’m thinking of changing it to Waxy Chocolate Donuts just because I’m crazy about them and it’s more whimsical.

Me: Mmmmm. Waxy chocolate donuts. Love them. You have a second blog that focuses on your own Bible studies, tell me about that title.

Natalie: Stiletto Army came from just thinking about writing a book about my girlfriends in life. They are the ones who fight with and for me, but we do it in a snappy pair of stilettos!

Me: Nice. I do love my girlfriends. And I also really enjoy reading your Bible study notes. As much as you enjoy blogging, is there anything that really bugs you about blogs?

Natalie: Posts that are WAY too long.

Me: I hate that too. This one time I wrote a post that I thought was too long, but then it turned out to be just right so I added a couple of paragraphs for good measure. Then, would you believe that I found the perfect picture to go with the post, so I of course had to write a detailed caption…

(here’s where Natalie tapped on her watch and I snapped back to my interview notes)

Me: I know you blog for a reason, tell me what you hope people take away from your blog?

Natalie: My personal one: I just want it to be a place to relax, learn, laugh, and find a friend. My Stilleto Army is to minister through this great thing we call the internet.

Me: Let’s get off the blogging thing and talk about you. What is your one true passion in life?

Natalie: Hands down the Word of God.

Me: Anything really bug you?

Natalie: I like numbers on dials to be either on an even number or an integer of 5. I don’t like to hear people chew crunchy things or when people use the words “irregardless” or “supposebly”.

Me: I am so with you on the crunchy food. I purchase cereal solely based on how loud it is. Tell me about your perfect day.

Natalie: Perfect every day: Up in time to have coffee and quiet time on the porch before the kids get up. Homeschool. Clean house, just a little because it’s already sooo clean. Obviously have some food some where. Hubs comes home to a quiet family night. Ok, perfect non-existent day: Up with coffee to meet with Jesus. Work on writing my books with a low rolling thunderstorm all day. Kids are at Grams and actually, I’d be in Oregon on the beach.

Me: I do love the beach, almost as much as I love a clean house. Tell me about something that changed your life forever.

Natalie: Becky Tiribassi said, “Make an appointment with the King and keep it”. I was never the same. I’ve kept my appointment with Him and He has changed my life.

Me: I doubt I have to ask, but is there any piece of advice that you like to give to anyone who will listen?

Natalie: Make an appointment with the King and keep it.

Me: Great advice that really applies to everyone. Now, tell me, Natalie, what is the best or worst thing about being you?

Natalie: The best? I think I’m pretty dern funny and smart. The worst? I think I’m pretty dern funny and smart.

Me: Eyes like twins, you and me. I have the same affliction. What’s the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you?

Natalie: I went to move the trash can off of the driveway and supermanned myself right in. I totally disappeared and had to back out of it. I seriously thought I heard the “beep beep” that trucks make when backing up.

Me: If you could do anything in life, what would it be?

Natalie: See U2 in concert and meet Beth Moore.

Me: U2 still tours? I have so got to get with the times. Let’s move on to your vital statistics.

How old are you? 34

Married? yes

Children? yes, 3

Homeschool, private or public? homeschool

Favorite season? Fall

Favorite past time? movies

Favorite color? red

Favorite movie? Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth)

What kind of car do you drive? Chevy Trailblazer

Mac or PC ? PC

Dog or Cat? cat

Salt or Pepper? salt

Vanilla or Chocolate? chocolate

Diet coke, Sweet Tea, or Evian? Sweet Tea

Steak, Chicken, or Shrimp? Waxy chocolate donuts

Me: Let’s wrap this up with a quick game of word association. Tell me the first word that pops in your head.

Boys :: Awesome

Book :: Andrew Murray

Stop :: Collaborate and listen

Travel :: Oregon

Applesauce :: Gum… seriously. That’s what popped in my head.

We just love us some Natalie. Thank you so very much for letting us get in your head for a bit. Save me a waxy chocolate donut. I’m suddenly craving one like never before.

Categories: Interviews
Tags: bible study, donuts, interview