Wanting to be a Writer

original date Feb. 22, 2012

All my life I have dreamed of being a published author. I love the idea of being a writer of actually spending my whole life and my career writing. I don't know why, it's just always been there - this dream of something I wanted.

I don't know when I started to believe that it would never happen. I do know that for probably about 15 to 20 years it was not something I thought I could do. Struggles with family and young adulthood stripped away my optimism. Deep down, I knew the possibility existed. In the last few years, I realized I could do it, that it was just a matter of putting some energy into it. I wasn't in a hurry like I used to be. On the other end of that spectrum is that you realize you are ready. You not only know you are ready, but you feel confident in your own abilities.

Then, this voice whispers that it doesn't matter whether I'm published or not - that I am a writer.

I think about Joe in "Little Women". Of course she wanted to be published and that was a big desire; but she always considered herself a writer, even before publication happened.

In the last couple of years I have desperately needed and wanted to record the story of my daughters and where they began. As the story continues to evolve, to reveal itself, some secrets are uncovered. I feel desperately that I must write it all down, even if only for my own therapy.

Kaitlyn has been doing some writing recently and so the idea kind of put yourself into my head that collaboration maybe like having her tell me parts of the story and write it down for her or to have her practice writing with pieces of my own story. My mom is also writing parts of her story. What a neat idea this could be.

Seriously one of the best things I've done for myself is to read the book "Boundaries: When to Say Yes and When to Say No". To be able to fully understand boundaries and how boundaries affect my life and growth gave me a confidence in myself I have not known in a very long time. I truly recommend the book to everyone.

Comments

Eggnog French Toast

~Eggnog French Toast Casserole~ Update: this has been a very busy post, viewed almost daily and consistently since it's original publication. I would love to hear about anyone's attempts at making this Eggnog French Toast. copied from Women of Faith daily newsletter This recipe sounds so amazing. I wondered if this was the casserole that Jessica and Rachel ended up rolling around in on the floor in The Family Stone . A little digging revealed that instead, it is actually Breakfast Strata which sounds equally appealling. I did not like the movie, The Family Stone. Maybe it was too realistic. Maybe I was hoping for something more whimsical and hopeful. I have tried a couple times since my initial viewing to watch it, but I cannot bring myself to sit through it. Eggnog French Toast Casserole A make-ahead breakfast perfect for Christmas morning! 1 loaf French Bread 8 oz. Cream Cheese 10 Eggs 2 cups Eggnog ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon Slice a

Mitchells in the Revolutionary War

The next line I tackled was the Mitchell family. My great grandmother was Artha B Mitchell (1883 - 1977). I can barely remember her. I was ten years old when she died. She was the daughter of Francis Marion Mitchell (1855 - 1904). It is Francis's grandfather, Andrew Mitchell, Jr. (1760 - 1824) who served in the Revolutionary War. It is truly a story worthy of legend. Andrew was one of 3 sons born to Irish immigrants Andrew and Mary (McGowan) Mitchell. The young family came to the colonies in 1752. They began their journey in a Scottish - Irish community in Eastern Pennsylvania before migrating to Orange County, North Carolina. Besides the boys, Andrew and Mary had 2 daughters, Margaret and Nancy. At the time of the Revolution, my 5th great grandfather, Andrew, Jr was just starting his family. He had married Mary Tate in 1781. He was in service but took furlough to be with his ill wife. This information is documented in a a hand written SAR application by Andrew's

Revolutionary War beginnigns

With the 4th of July only a couple days away, I thought I'd spend some time visiting with the family and share some of our family heritage. As the United States turns 236 years old this week, thinking about those unique ancestors who risked so much to bring about the American independence takes me back to Virginia, North / South Carolina and Maryland and the original 13 colonies. We all get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget to honor the past; or, as is often the case, families are unaware of the past. Technology opens the coffins of complacency and sweeps away the dust of indifference. I love learning about my ancestors. They are some unique individuals who lived life in another time and place but who are still present in our genetics. Think about it...........the same DNA that existed in a person 236 years ago is chronicled in my own DNA. It is almost like a message left in a bottle...........all I have to do is open the bottle. Our collective written history is no

My Thoughts

Search This Blog