I have been a blogger since my daughter, Zoe, was born. Essentially I have been writing down ideas, thoughts, creative muses, etc. on this Internet of ours for almost 6 years.
In the beginning I was extremely naive. I left myself open to comments that didn't require authorization. I simply allowed "all" who were interested the ability to comment about my daughter. At first it wasn't a problem, because NO ONE left a comment. Not even family (yeah, sad I realize). But then I got a lovely joker that decided I was going to be his/her "troll" of the moment. I didn't even realize people like this existed. Which is rather sad, actually, considering we've all prank called as teenagers, and wanted to just be rude for no particular reason. Of course, at that point, I had to become much more selective to what I wanted to post, and to whom I wanted to let comment.
Then I got pregnant again. Zoe's blog was always directed as a first person narrative, given by baby Zoe herself. I titled the blog: Zoe's World, as an homage to Elmo's World. Elmo's best friend is Zoe, not the reason we named our daughter, Zoe, but I digress. When our daughter, Evie (Eva) was born the name of the blog became "The Life and Times of Zoe and Eva," to honor that both girls were going to contribute. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I have kept the narrative to be Zoe's voice - mostly because I really enjoy writing from her view point.
As time passed, I noticed that there was this burning desire to have my own voice. That is where "A Closer Walk" came into play. At first it was a blog to hash out my ideas regarding my various Bible studies; at one time I was in 3 (yes, I really tend to overdue things). But I really began to believe it was a self-indulgent project; only for me and a few select people that were my "friend" in the "real world," and thus only following because they knew me and cared about me.
Then I read a fantastic book a few months back called, "Inspired By Autism." The author, Claudreen Jackson was so inspirational to me. Not as a Christian mother of an autistic son, but as a Christian mom of a child - trying to simply raise him as best as she could in this world. And there, my friends, is where I no longer wanted to write a blog that was self-indulgent. Forgive me, but I really do want to share my views and ideas with this world - at least those that are listening.
After completing, "Inspired," I was compelled to blog about it. I could not imagine NOT blogging about this book. Then a few weeks ago, the author came across my blog. Yes! And she commented on it! What a huge honor.
So tonight, I was going to dedicate this blog to Claudreen, and her inspiration: in her book and out of her book. Upon logging into my blog, I noticed a new member that is following what I'm saying on here. Really? Someone I don't know for real?
And there she was: Kristina Noelle. A little Christmas miracle (NOEL) - just for me. In fact, a few months ago I felt this blog was over...done. But thank you, Kristina. You have inspired me to continue my journey. The journey to find the answers - whatever that means.
When I was in grade school we sang a medley. It was a mash up of "It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas" and "Pine Cones and Holly Berries." I was one of the selected kids to sing "Pine Cones" and even though it wasn't a well known Christmas song, it made a silly song like "Beginning to Look..." so much nicer and richer. So I have decided, on this November 27th, 2010 I would like to be the "Pine Cones and Holly Berries." Definitely not the "MAIN" song in the medley - the one EVERYONE knows. No! Rather that other, less known (or unknown song), song that makes the familiar one sound just a little bit better...a little bit richer.
May the god or goddess of your heart bless you this lovely evening, and may you continue to follow me as I continue my journey.
