Today's Playlist: Sara Smile- Hall and Oates Baby Come Back- Ohio Players What a Fool Believes- Doobie Brothers (Because music is the perfect backdrop for everything...click on the links above to listen) I love to write. It has been something I wanted to do for a long time. It is an ambition I have to write a book someday. Years ago, I even got books from the library on how to write a book. I never knew back then what I would write about but now, looking back on my life, I think I have plenty of subject matter. Although I am not ready to write a book just yet, I am ready to put myself out there in small chunks. In fact, I have an endless conversation with myself going on inside my head that needs an outlet. As my family was going through our battle with my daughter's cancer, I began blogging, which was something brand new to me at the time. The Willow Tree Diaries (my blog) was a good way for me to write about the things I was going through and a way to convey the lessons that God was teaching me through all of it. The response I got as I wrote was overwhelming and I am so thankful that I could be used to touch others in some way. I will never forget what I went through or stop reflecting on my experiences, but I know I cannot continue to write with that level of intensity. Even back then, I knew I wanted to blog about other things, more lighthearted things, but it didn't seem appropriate to use the same venue for both. Now I know that it is time to transition to something new... I have built websites before and I know just how much work they can be. Once I get engrossed in the process, it consumes me for hours upon hours. I am a perfectionist about my work, so it takes a long time and attention for me to be content with what I am publishing. For many months, I had ideas about what I would like to write about and thus a game plan was formulating in my mind of how to structure a new blog site. Before I fully committed, I wrestled with some doubts and questions like, "Is it worth all that work?" and "Who will actually read it?" I still ask myself if anyone will really care about how I decorate my house or where my family went on vacation. Do I actually think I will be able to write material that will keep people coming back to read it or tell others about it? Who is really going to listen to anything I have to say about the Bible and am I even going to be able to keep up with all the work required to maintain a blog site? I guess I have decided to step out in faith and try it. I can hear a little voice in my head saying, "If you build it, they will come. " (Hey, it worked on "Field of Dreams.") I would like to think that readers will somehow find their way here and discover a place where they can read about real-life stuff and relate. I have no idea what to expect or where this blog site will take me, but I know that I have thoroughly enjoyed writing it so far. It is a way for me to express myself and get my thoughts out. Assuming websites are maintained far into the future, I look at this as a way to leave a legacy for my kids to know about me. I wish I had more insight into my mom's life and her mom's, that I knew more about them. What an amazing opportunity to document my thoughts and adventures, to create a sort of digital scrapbook of my life. I pray that it becomes so much more than that. So, here goes nothing...I will build it, but I have no idea if they will come. Until then, I will pretend someone is listening to the songs and laughing at my stories. I will assume I am helping someone organize their house or understand how to study their Bible. Until then, I will write as if I have a million readers and as if we are the best of friends. Until next time...
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AuthorHello and WELCOME to my site! My name is Amanda Yates and I am a 44 year-old mom of six children from a blended family. I am a middle school teacher and a passionate follower of Christ. In my "free" time, I love decorating my home, organizing, studying scripture, and making every attempt to get my life "just right." I am blessed beyond measure! ArchivesCategories |
Life Just Right. | Family & Connections Blog |