Monday, January 26, 2009

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Inaugural Blog

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I repeat this quote very frequently because (1) I believe it and (2) these are the words of wisdom I give my teenaged daughter in response to her incessant screams that her 9-year-old sister is copying her. Needless to say, my teenager thinks the whole flattery concept is hogwash. (Do teenaged girls believe in anything besides boys and cell phones anyway?) But I know the quote rings true for one simple reason, and that's admiration.

We imitate the actions of those we admire and look up to. That's why I began writing and, today, am known as the "mommy writer." My mama always wrote stories about my siblings and me, a more unique and entertaining way of preserving memories. So, when my first daughter was born 14 years ago, I began writing short stories about her life and our family life in general.

I kept my first stories to myself; but soon I began publishing select stories from each year, along with pictures, and sending them as our annual Christmas cards. Those who received the cards each year nicknamed me mommy writer, and every year someone new would ask to be added to our address list to receive a card. People seemed to genuinely enjoy and look forward to the annual cards. When anyone would ask where I got the idea to write the stories, I would always proudly tell them I was copying my mama but I could never be the wonderful writer she is!

I'm sad to say that my last homemade Christmas card was written in 2004. In 2005, my daddy got very sick. That Christmas, we knew we were spending our last holiday with him. I was too depressed to write. Daddy left us to be with the Lord January 5, 2006. Since daddy's death, I haven't been able to write anything. So, friends, this is my first attempt at getting back into writing.

By starting this blog, I'm, once again, imitating someone I admire. My friend Kat in Texas has several wonderful blogs that I follow, and she writes beautifully! She's encouraged me to start a blog, and I thank her for her encouragement! I know my blog can never be half as good as any of hers, but I do believe it's going to be good for me to write again! I may not write every day, but I'll write as often as I can.

Thank you for reading my story. I promise to make future posts more entertaining. Please leave a comment and let me know who you are, and God bless you!