About Me (Part A)…covering my bases…

Metaphorically speaking…

Part A: The writer in me (Clothes carefully chosen, hoping I’m dressed appropriately for the occasion, and praying that I don’t stick my foot in my mouth).

Hi, there.  My name is Truly, and I’m an eternal optimist…although, on rough days, I’m with Kermit the Frog–“It’s not easy being green”.

This, in my case, is a parallel observation inspired by my favorite poetic metaphor…”Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold…” (“Nothing Gold Can Stay”, Robert Frost).

I discovered this gem when I read S.E. Hinton’s enchantment, “The Outsiders”…back in the day when I believed that books were the stuff of magic.

And I still believe…

And that, my friends, is my saving grace.

I’m a dreamer who, as a child, found salvation in reading…it was so compatible with a sensitivity I could not understand…or appreciate.

Shortly thereafter, came writing…and love of music…

And, then, when I got distracted by life’s many twists and turns, I put my written words away….like toys long outgrown…

For years and years (other than academic assignments and (very) occasional bouts of journaling), I neglected to nurture what resides in my heart of hearts…imagination, whimsy, curiosity, creative expression, inside out and round about thinking patterns…

I couldn’t remember where I left them…

Those were my lost years….

However, two years ago–

encouraged by a resurgence of reading for the sheer love of it–

writing found its way back to me…and, I mean to keep my promise to never let it go…

It has changed my life for the better…

It sustains me when optimism feels like a mockery…

It helps me remember that diminished hope is a fleeting horror…and that the hard times will pass…

…although, sometimes, those days feel like dog years …

Which brings me to you…

Conversely and exponentially-uplifting,

people, too, are saving graces–

and boy, am  I a people person!  One of human-kind’s biggest fans. 🙂

I so look forward to us sharing…in whatever way makes sense for each of us…and, I hope to inspire you to stay green (true) even as you inspire me to do the same.

Thank you for stopping by, and God bless you. 🙂

P.S. I just discovered this platform a month ago (a friend encouraged me to start a blog), and I am unfamiliar with all but the basics.  And, I’m not sure that my “About” page is visible (I can see my 5 regular posts, but not this one).  So, I’v posted it here…my ‘real’/regular (weekly) post will show up on Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

94 thoughts on “About Me (Part A)…covering my bases…”

  1. Truly, just beautiful 😉 Especially the ‘toys long outgrown’ analogy hit home for me. You have a very unique writing style – I’m very glad that you didn’t completely give up writing!

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    1. Thank you so, so much! I’m not gonna gush about how much your comment means to me because I’m getting sick of my own voice today (that’s what happens when I toil over a post-to-come)…but thank you!!!!! 🙂

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  2. I, too, have just returned to writing, after such a long departure. When I first started writing again, about two months ago, my words were rusty and stilted. But, every day they are flowing a bit more smooth…
    Books, too, are my saving grace … We have these things in common.

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  3. Such a lovely introduction! I’m also brand-new to the blogging world, and I share your love of humankind and a desire to encourage and uplift others through words. So glad I stumbled upon your blog! Keep writing!

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    1. Hi, Kristin…thank you for generously taking the time to encourage me! We were meant to connect…I’m glad you stumbled upon my blog as well…and I love that you are using your gifts to make the world a better place…it’s working–you’ve brightened my day!!! Thank you 🙂

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    1. I love that you said so (that we’ll hit it off)…that proves it right there. I was already convinced of it, and I’m so glad that you are of the same mind. Is there a particular shade of green you like? Also, no pressure, but I think you might appreciate my post (Mar 13) “Night-Fall: What If There’s A Monster Under My….Breath?! I don’t mean today, and it’s just a thought. I am so glad we’ve connected!!!! Thank you for your wonderful compliment 🙂

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      1. I love all shades of green… and blue( these two are my ll time favs)… though I love earthy hues and all hues of nature( favor them randomly based on my moods).. that covers just about every colour i guess.. if there s one colour that I dont like ( I know ppl’s eyes are gonna pop out of their heads) it’s pink… I learning to change this dislike and have now reduced it to only certain shades of pink.( I think it’s gotta do with the constant association in society of pink with femininity bullshit i guess)

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    2. I’m never sure how other themes work, so who knows where this comment to Respectable Married Woman will end up – or whether I clicked the correct “reply” button.
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      I adore green AND pink (and their relatives) – in combination, each setting off the other – but never the “primary” shades. My [late] best friend Robin, on the other hand, had such vivid color preferences I used to kid him that his favorite color was parrot!

      “Baby pink” seems a “girly” color that never appealed to me either (outside of an Easter Basket anyway), nor have any of the pastels, unless they are “iced.” My wardrobe is heavy enough on the black I could easily attend a funeral a day for at least a month before I had to attend a laundromat. 🙂

      In my surrounds I tend toward combos like sage with accents of mauve in the ‘quieter’ rooms, my “live in” wrap-around couch is forest & the accent pillows are heavy on the burgundy, etc. – but few of the shades I am drawn to have yellow undertones (like most of the peach shades or the yellow-greens).

      I’m sure I must be in a CLEAR minority here, but I’ve never cared for almost any shade of blue – either in my wardrobe or my decor. Except for sky, I barely touched the blue crayon as a kid – even for eyes.

      I don’t know how they’d ever prove this scientifically, but I have always suspected that light vibrations hit the brain differently for each of us – so we’re not actually seeing the same colors, even though we have learned to call them by the same names.
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      GREAT About post, Truly – please forgive my taking your comment thread on a protracted side trip.
      xx,
      mgh
      (Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
      ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
      “It takes a village to educate a world!”

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  5. I think I can really understand your position as relates to constraining gender parameters….pink is certainly synonymous with ‘girly’ (fragile…sugar and spice and everything nice–as the saying goes). I really appreciate your critical thinking…thanks for sharing 🙂

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  6. You know, that piece about losing then refinding writing I really empathise with…and some of the dark times too. I’ve done it several times and nearly always because my head catastrophises that I’m rubbish and why bother. Well that amongst a few bad life calls or events that all add value. I figured this January was a good time to expose it and see what people I don’t I know think.

    I too am pleased you found it again. Wonderful expression and keep going 😊

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    1. That’s so kind of you….I really appreciate the feedback…as for not writing for years and years and years, life got in the way and had me distracted…too distracted to get to take an interest in writing…however, 2 years ago, given breathing room, I discovered that the love of writing was still there–only, now, with my signature twists (metaphors and word play)…having found my “voice”, I can’t imagine ever stopping. And, I love reading….so, I am really grateful for other writers who do all the work while I sit back and bask in their talents 🙂

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  7. Hey Truly. You’ve seen me before right?
    I just wanted to drop by and say how amazing you are(as many, many people pointed out). Hope you have an amazing day.
    I hate to say this but if you don’t mind check out my blog and if you like it, you could, maybe, follow me too.
    Also, I wanted to know,as a fellow book lover, what kind of books you like to read.

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    1. I’m so sorry….I could have sworn I was following you…I will do so right away! I will be right back to answer your question about books…I am going to visit your blog right now! 🙂

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    2. Okay, now that I’ve had the privilege of reading your wonderfully-insightful and entertaining posts, I’ll answer your question about books….in my youth, my favorite authors were Judy Blume (e.g. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,,”), Beverly Cleary (eg. “Beezus and Ramona”), Roald Dahl (e.g. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”), and Beverley Nichols (“The Tree That Sat Down”)…I also loved “Winnie the Pooh”, the”Anne of Green Gables” series, “Charlotte’s Web”, “Gone With the Wind”…in adulthood, I fell in love with Robert McCammon, Stephen King and Dean Koontz novels…and I still have a great fondness for all the books I’ve read….however, it’s the books I loved in my youth that greatly influence my writing…what about you? 🙂

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  8. Hey Truly! Can’t thank you enough for heading over to my blog hence giving me a chance to know yours. Everytime I am visiting a new site, I always head first to the “About me” section, because I wanted to know the writer and the passion. And without a doubt you are one passionate writer. This introduction is a wonderful and quite creative i must say! Thank you for sharing your talent to us!

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  9. Whew! Thank goodness you found your way back! True, I didn’t know you were lost, but I’m relieved all the same… : )

    Lovely intro, a pleasure to meet you. I always liked Robert Frost’s Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening. I’m pretty sure his sleigh was green. The little horse, too. : )

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    1. Well, well, well…I have to confess that this is the biggest surprise I’ve had in quite a while…and, it put a huge smile on my face…thank you for stopping by, and for your wonderful and encouraging comment–and for introducing me to a new poem…I am about to leave for work, but all day I am going to smile a secret smile knowing I will unwrap this new gift when I get home. Also, given the way you write/express yourself, I would be tickled if you’d read my most recent post–“Cindy Lou Who-Do-You-Think-You-Are”…I know you must be so busy and have so many regular posts you follow, but I’m hoping you might make an exception…your comments are so delightful that I would like to return the favour and perhaps make you smile 🙂

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    2. I’ve read the poem, and realized, having reached the last line, that I had heard “miles to go before I sleep” before. Thank you for introducing me to the rest…I even found a video of Robert Frost reciting it…such a beautiful, beautiful poem. I hope you have a fantastic weekend 🙂

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  10. I am thoroughly enjoying your blog. Very entertaining and very thought provoking for sure. I too have just started writing after a LONG absence. I look forward to more of your posts.

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  11. Alright – I’ve found out that your name is ‘Truly’. You are an optimist. You were a new blogger when you wrote that post. Not sure if you still are. Not sure where you’re from. Not sure about lots of things but I like what I see enough to now look for that ‘Follow’ button … ah – there it is …

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    1. Yes, my name really is Truly, I started my blog mid Feb of this year, I live in New Brunswick, Canada…I am a social worker (a counsellor)….I’m married and have two dogs…and I am so glad that we’ve connected…thank you 🙂

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      1. You’re most welcome – and I must bear my own share of the pleasure that our connection has given to us.
        I am a computer programmer living in York – to the north side of England. I have no dogs, one wife, two guitars (and partridge … well, you know where he is). 🙂

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  13. Wow! You have a beautiful way with words, and like you, I also took a break from my writing. It was only about three years ago when I finally decided to start writing again. I look forward to reading your blog and learning more about you 🙂

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    2. Oh, my gosh….proof that this is meant to be…I saw your comment just after I commented on another blogger’s post…and, when I saw your lovely comment and clicked on your icon, it made me realize that I was writing to you as you were writing to me… 🙂

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      1. lol That is funny. Thank you so much for commenting on my story. It really means a lot to me. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. You seem like a really cool, genuine person 🙂

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  17. Hello Truly,

    I really enjoyed reading your well-written introduction. 🙂

    Like you, my love for reading and writing started when I was a child, but I wasn’t certain that I had enough life experiences to write about,

    Blogging gave me a creative outlet that has really helped me improve how I use words to convey my thoughts, it’s reminded of my love for writing.

    Best wishes!

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  19. I think I’m starting to see why you like my blog – I think we have a similar flair – I can’t see to much of it in my own work, but in yours it blooms beautifully. Bravo – carry on, wayward wordslinger! Long days and pleasant nights.

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  21. Hey!
    Lovely introduction of yourself! I know exactly how you feel about not nurturing what’s really in your heart- your love for writing. I can definitely say I’ve had my fair share of struggles with it, because I never had the confidence to write anything. This is quite a wonderful platform, isn’t it? You have quite a way with words; I can’t wait to read more of your work! I say this because the first thing I did on your blog was jump to your about page. Sorry about that! I like reading what an author has to say about themselves before their other works, you know?

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    1. I’m over the moon that you somehow found me…I can tell we are going to have an increasingly-wonderful connection….and no need to apologizing for starting with “about me”…I totally get it! And thank you for your kind comment…I will be “right over” 🙂

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    2. Oh-oh…I clicked on both addresses and it says you are no longer available…I’m going to check community pool and see if you are there…I’m so anxious to “meet” you 🙂

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    3. I did the exact same thing 🙂 I love the about page, I want to feel a connection to the person who is writing and I get that from the about page.
      Truly, very well written, so glad you found your way back to writing 🙂

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  22. Your words are insightful and my curiosity has been peaked. I enjoy the energy and flow of your writing, and appreciate how genuine your words feel. I think I’ll follow you. 🙂 Thank you for your kinds words earlier.

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  23. Hi Truly! Here I am again -enjoying your About post (right from the title you had me chortling). I love green too! And trees are my favorites. As a child i too was a voracious reader – I was so busy reading and so overawed by the flow and pattern of words, events that writing never even entered my head. And then life happened – and I gave up reading, i had no time to meet my own self leave alone reading. It is only in the last few years or so that I reconnected with myself, books, words and even writing – at least I claim that it is writing. Ah what the heck I am having a blast 😀 Making friends without moving an inch from my seat is another of my long cherished ambitions. And your blog seems to be just my kinda place. Have a super day 🙂

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    1. I love that you said that…I didn’t want to come on too strong…but, I had that sense, too! And, I’ve never written that much to Tony ever….it’s just that his last couple posts were a bit longer and more personal than I’ve encountered, and something just told me to go with my instinct of sharing more with him….he is such a sweetheart…and, then, there was you….what a great day…tomorrow I am going to make a point of visiting your blog again…and, I don’t say that expecting you to do the same….we are friends, now, so I am shamelessly comfortable just inviting myself over/”showing up” (something I wouldn’t do in real life….haha 🙂

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  26. So glad, Truly, that Shaymâ nominated you for the ‘This or That Book Tag’ (& my blog too) as its led me to your thoughtful site! books as childhood salvation – yes!

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    1. You are so kind…and I really appreciate that you took the time to connect with me….what a lovely surprise to find at the end of a busy work day. Thank you for lifting my spirits. I’ve visited your delightful blog, and I am “following” you…I will be back to see you sometime this weekend. I hope you have a wonderful evening 🙂

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  27. Pleased to meet your acquaintance, Truly, and hope to engage with you on your posts below the line. I may as well admit straight off that I’m neurotically averse to the misplaced use of ellipses, but shall try to bite my lip. 😉

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  28. Wow! For a new writer you have done a wonderful job in introducing yourself. I enjoyed reading every bit. It’s nice to have connected with you. Hoping to stay connected. Have a wonderful time writing. Love, Durga

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      1. Hey that’s such a wonderful expression appreciated light. I may just use it in one of my post 🙂 really genuine heart felt expression. It says a lot. I hope I continue to be worthy of that remark 🙂

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  29. Hi,
    I’m glad I came across your blog through someone else I follow. The About page would be first page I land when discovering a new blog, and yours is… truly beautiful (not trying to be metaphorically blaze at all). I like your lyrical style, the allure of which can be quite irresistible. There is a sense of wanting to find out “what next”, either your next words or the next chapter of your life. Hope you will continue to pursue the art that comes so naturally. 🙂

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    1. What a wonderful surprise! Thank you so very much for your kind words….they’ve really made my day so much brighter and give me a sense of how I might come across to others who don’t have the words to say what they appreciate about my “voice”. I honestly couldn’t wish for anything more than what you’ve offered….you have the soul of a poet, and I am so grateful that you spared some words for me…I am honoured. Also, I’ve been to your “About” page, have commented and I’m “following” you. Take care 🙂

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  30. After reading this, I feel like I know you better already. And I love your name. Truly is such a rare and lovely name to have, and one I used to use when I was younger. My sister and I would pretend we were not ourselves. We would pretend we were in a make-believe world, and I was always “Truly” the good witch… Lol…

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    1. Thank you…and, oh, my gosh…I can’t believe we have so much in common already…when I was much younger, my friends and I were Queen’s of aliases….if you ever find the time and the inclination (no pressure!), my post–(Feb.5/17) “It’s (Not) So Hard To Say Goodbye to Esther-Mae–includes a reference to that fact….and, I can’t pretend that it was limited to that time and context, either….I am so delighted that we’ve connected….it’s the icing on my I-need-to-take-a-day-off-work-today day 🙂 I’m a social worker/mental health clinician and needed my own break…I’m sure you can relate. Wishing you a blessed and peaceful day 🙂

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      1. You’re welcome and I’ll definitely have to check it out, sounds funny! 😉 I’m glad we’ve connected too. I’m a full-time writer and home schooling mom. So in between teaching my girls, I spend the rest of my day mostly writing. I’m glad you took a day off. Everyone needs that once and awhile, and it’s allowed me a chance to talk to you. Btw… that sounds like one of the hardest jobs a person could have. I admire you for being in that profession. I have a daughter who suffers with a mental illness, and it’s hard enough just trying my best to help her. I often feel overwhelmed, when she isn’t having a particularly good day, and feel so helpless to make things better for her. I can only imagine what you must face on a day to day basis. Take care today, and relax and enjoy your time off. 😉

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      2. See, there’s more we have in common…my dream is to write full time…I’m a third of the way through my first novel (slow going)….how wonderful that you write full-time!!!! And, yes, my job is a privilege but can be taxing…especially this time of year when so many have intensified stressors, and additional clients are added to our caseloads…not complaining….just keeping it real. And, yes, my posts are whimsical and amusing if they are the reader’s cup of tea….speaking of which, I love tea but I don’t drink coffee…random getting- to-know-you (well, me…) tidbit. Take care 🙂

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      3. That’s awesome about your book! Hey, it took JK Rowling 5 yrs just to plan her first book. So whatever it takes, just keep plugging away. You’ll eventually get there! 🙂
        And yes, I can imagine that about your job. The blessing of being able to help people, but the heartache of having to see people suffer. It’s a very hard thing to witness.
        I love tea too! My favorite is a special concoction that I buy from a friend of mine. She is originally from Pakistan, and she makes an amazing Chai tea, which I simply cannot get enough of! She sells it locally, but I get first dibs on anything new. She often tries different spices, and I’m happy to be her taste tester. 🙂

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      4. Thank you for your encouragement….people who spur others on are so amazing and cannot be celebrated enough…I am all about encouraging others because I know what it’s like to struggle….and, I know what it’s like to have someone see something in you–especially at a time when you don’t know that you are are awesome at any level…on another note, I really enjoy Chai tea…although, I suspect that your friend’s tea is much better….like the difference between local Chinese food, and authentic Chinese food. Lastly, thanks for taking the time to read my post….especially so soon….I really didn’t expect that…and, yes, they take hours….the reason being, I have to relax and empty my mind, thus allowing for the magic to come to me…I love being surprised by what occurs to me…I just need to see that you’ve really, really brightened my day….I will be sure to seek you out….you are very uplifting 🙂

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      5. Awww… thanks Truly! You’ve really been a blessing to me today. It’s not everyday I have the opportunity to meet such a sweet and thoughtful person as yourself. We will definitely have to keep in touch. Besides WP, I mostly use Twitter for corresponding. So if you ever want to chat, you can find me, @HerWritingHaven. DM me anytime! 😉

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      6. I’ve never tweeted in my life…but, I’m gonna do it…see, you are the cool kid introducing me to a whole new world…I don’t know what DM means…but, I know you won’t judge me. haha 🙂

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      7. Oh gosh, this made me smile. Here’s a little secret, I still can’t figure out how to use Pinterest, even though I have an account on there! Lol… DM, means Direct Message. It’s so that you can privately speak to someone, where as if you Tweet something, the whole world gets to see it; unless you have a protected account of course. And in the case of a protected account, only your followers can see your Tweets. Let me know if you get stuck. I started an account on Twitter years ago, and couldn’t figure it out, so it lay dormant for a very long time, until I was finally determined to figure it out. By then of course, I couldn’t even remember my user name anymore. So I had to start all over! Oh well…. Honestly, social media just stresses me out! 😉

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      8. Thank you….and, I will let you know if I get stuck….I know what Pinterest is because people have told me…but, I’ve never seen it….and, social media stresses me out, too….although, blogging is the best thing I’ve come across in forever….it’s connected me to “my tribe”, and is genuine and mature….not saying I would spill my guts and trust everyone implicitly (nor do I in the “real world”), but I am more comfortable here than anywhere else…and, that would surprise people who think they know me well…yes, I love people…but, I also get tired of showing limited views of who I am….and, the more connected I am to people who “get it”, the less tolerance I have for superficial connections, lack of loyalty, drama etc…the things that are used to deflect and distract and soothe people’s anxieties….and, I don’t meant to sound judgemental…we are all wounded in some way….and, often, in similar ways when it comes right down to it….it is a feature of the human condition….it’s just that I want to move further and further from that….and, that can be a lonely path….until, that is, you find others to travel with….no matter how short or far the distance together…sorry for that outpouring….it just spilled out…I won’t make a habit of it…for one thing, I won’t have the energy….it’s been a really great day off….thank you for that….no pressure, we just happened to gel today….and I will be forever grateful….I won’t be this intense in future, so I hope I haven’t scared you off 🙂

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      9. You’ve made complete sense, and I feel exactly the same way. It sounds like you needed a day, to pour your heart out on a page. I feel privileged that you decided to share your heart with me. I have very few close friends, because I cannot handle the drama and the lack of loyalty, that come with most friendships. I really do feel like a hermit in many ways, because I feel more comfortable sitting behind a computer screen sharing my thoughts, than I ever have in person. I suppose this is why I’m a writer, it’s how I’m best able to express myself. It’s therapeutic and relaxing for me, and it’s also my passion in life. 😉

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      10. Thank you….you said exactly how I feel….your reasons for writing precisely mirror how I feel about it, and why I need to do it full time….it’s my calling and the best way I can communicate authentically/without compromise….today has been a gift…again, thank you, my friend 🙂

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