Substack told me to do it

An informal introduction

For those who don’t know me

My name is Mariah, I am an American, born and raised in a little town in northern California. Thirteen years ago I married my Slovenian Prince Charming and moved to Slovenia the day after our hometown wedding. Since then, we’ve welcomed two daughters and two sons into the world. We live in the capital city, Ljubljana.

WordPress, YouTube, now Substack

Leaving all my friends and family behind to move across the world was an exciting adventure, but the reality of being disconnected from my loved ones quickly set in. Over the years I have tried to use social media platforms to stay in touch with those I care about the most. It’s also been a way for me to express myself. It was the creative outlet I desperately needed in a country where I didn’t understand a lick of the language.

Having friends all over the world

What I like most about our modern world (and there seems to be less and less to like) is that I can provide a way for my loved ones to see a part of my life and I can make friends from little corners of the globe that I would never otherwise meet.

I like it here

I appreciate how streamline Substack is and that it’s a place where I can do it all. My husband and I started a podcast in 2017 that we never got off the ground (probably due to my lack of capacity and his lack of desire) and it would be so exciting to finally publish that here. I have made YouTube videos for years and like the idea of having a cozy community here too. I’ve heard only good things about the Substack community and I want to be a part of it!

How much and what will you get?

If there’s one thing I’ve been known for, it is inconsistency. Haha! I will pass most of the blame onto my perfectly wonderful four children. I wish I could have ten children! But my body and mind are not cut out for it. As much as I adore bringing children into the world, I had to grapple with sickness, postpartum depression, and long recovery times. My littlest is a just over two years old now and I am just starting to be able to remember my grocery list again. Ideally, I would love to write once a week, post a few videos a week, and do one podcast episode weekly. One can aim high.

One thing I can promise

I’ve been labeled an influencer for a few years now, albeit a micro one. I don’t care for that title because it makes me think of people who push a dozen different brands a day, take phony photos, and use their marriage or kids to gain followers. No judgement on them; they are making their living and probably loving their life way more than some 9-5. However, I don’t believe them. When they say, “this is the best hand cream,” not a shred of me takes it seriously. I’ve had a few collaborations on IG and YT and it’s mainly been with small local brands whom I sincerely believe in. I want to have a real and authentic connection with the community and those who follow whatever humble content I produce. To do that, I feel I have to be real about life (with a positive attitude).

So if you’re interested in an American expat living in Slovenia and sharing part of my life with you in an honest way, I will most gratefully welcome you into my world.

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