Motherly Law

Attorney, wife, mother: Anna has many hats. As the writer behind Motherly Law, blogger is one of them. She went to law school at the University of Oklahoma and is licensed to practice in that state. Currently, she is a stay-at-home mom taking care of her husband, two young tots, two large dogs, and three cats. She works full-time from home as an independent contractor. Through the Motherly Law blog, she shares a bit of motherly and legal advice with her readers. On Mondays, she posts a legal topic affecting families; Wednesdays are tips and links that pertain to Monday’s post; and on Friday’s, she shares her best advice as  mom.

What inspired you to start the Motherly Law blog?

The idea of blogging first presented itself to me in March of 2009 when a friend sent me a post from Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project blog about setting monthly goals or resolutions. One of the resolutions was to start a blog.  The idea struck me as a good one and stuck with me. I just didn’t know what I wanted to blog about. Then, in January of 2010, it came to me. Why not combine what I do and know: laws and parenting.

I am not very technical and knew nothing about blogging. So, for 2 months I was on a crash course of learning about the blogosphere and social media, in general. Then, I launched on March 1, 2010. Motherly Law was received well, and has continued to gain readers. I am so appreciative of those that have spread the word and come back week after week to read.

Many people blog for different reasons. What is your ultimate goal as a blogger?

I strive to inform parents about legal issues that affect kids, parents and/or families while offering a few entertaining anecdotes from the chaotic life of a work-at-home mom of two spirited boys. So far, I have tackled issues like the importance of wills and trusts; bike helmet laws; new environmental laws; divorce; the USDA definitions of organic v. natural foods; the laws and hazards of texting while driving and many others.

What do you hope readers take away from reading Motherly Law blog?

I hope that parents will feel they have a better understanding about the laws and issues surrounding these topics. I hope that they feel empowered to take action when warranted, and don’t feel intimidated by legal issues and attorneys. I have had people tell me that they have stopped texting or using their phone while driving or started buying organic or checking for BPA in products because of my posts on those topics. That makes me feel that Motherly Law does make a difference, and that makes me feel good. I also hope that readers are entertained by my crazy antics and paranoid tales of being a lawyer mom.

How has blogging changed your life?

I have learned so much about the blogosphere and social media in the few short months that I have been blogging, and I still have so much more to learn.  I had certainly never tweeted before I started blogging.  I even have a Smartphone now for even more social media access no matter where I am.  I have also really enjoyed the creative release and self exploration that I have experienced with posting 3 times a week. I have always enjoyed writing, but most of my writing for the past 13 years has been in the legal realm, which does not allow too much creativity.  Another unforeseen, but fortunate result of blogging has been meeting so many other inspiring, funny, wonderful bloggers, whether in person here in the Twin Cities or online through Twitter and other social media outlets.

What other blogs do you enjoy reading and why? Who are your favorite local Twin Cities bloggers?

I really like The Daily Fuss; DGVE Law; LetterSoup; and a million others that I stumble upon, but can’t think of right now.

There really are some great local blogs. I enjoy Grow with Graces; The Snyder 5; Pink Vanilla Cupcakes; Mom Culture; and Kate in the Kitchen.

You are a transplant from Texas, a very different place than here. What do you love the most about the Twin Cities / Minnesota that you didn’t experience in Texas?

My DH and I love the Twin Cities. We have been here for 7 years now, and plan to stay for the remainder of our days.  It’s such a culturally diverse environment offering wonderful restaurants, museums, art centers, music, parks, activities for each season of the year, etc. We love to go to Lake Harriet for a walk, a concert, a picnic and some ice cream – that is my perfect summer night. And I love that this is a regular part of my kids’ lives.

What is your biggest blog-related goal for 2010?

My goals for Motherly Law for 2010 are basic: I want to continue to post 3 times a week for the whole year; I want to continue to gain new readers, while keeping my current readers; and I endeavor to keep my readers interested and coming back for more – and hope they share it with their friends too.