Amy M. Schaefer
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From the Front Porch

I am an "accidental blogger". When I launched my writing career in March of 2014, one of the things that I decided to include was my journaling, which I have always found to be a comforting and therapeutic endeavor.  It was a big risk to open myself up in such a public forum, but it has taught me that, for the most part, we share far more experiences than we think. It's comforting to know I'm not alone!  (*the "Button Text" is the link to my first novel)
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A Little Blogger Evolution

3/14/2016

2 Comments

 
Picture
Front Porch of the House I Grew Up In, Lovingly Refurbished by Aunt Mattie's Son & Daughter-in-law
When I began blogging, it often felt as if I would write to you from beneath the blanket in my bed, flashlight in hand as I shared with all of you some pretty scary stories, many of which included ghosts from my past. It was like confiding in hushed whispers to a friend all the things I was afraid to speak aloud. Now, however, we've come out of the dark and oh what a joy that is to my spirit!

Today, when I come here with the sole purpose of writing to you, it is more like sitting down on some ol' front porch and unwinding the tangles of my day. That kinship and connection I feel to you, my readers, is stronger than ever and the numbers on my metaphorical porch continue to grow (...real soon we're going to need a LOT more chairs)! And even when we have difficult things to discuss, there is a great comfort in knowing that whatever it is, I can say it fearlessly.

We all have things in our lives that are uncomfortable to discuss. For some people, just letting those things go and moving on works well as a strategy to get them past difficult times. That doesn't work at all for me in most cases. I need to let it "out", purge it from my psyche', and hopefully find someone who can relate to my issues so that I don't feel completely alone (...and ridiculously foolish). Some topics I have to go even further, beat down with a shovel until I've mentally and physically exhausted myself in an effort to make sense where often there is none to be made (hence the dogged pounding that would go on endlessly if I didn't force myself to have a cutoff point). But now that I have this space with you, this porch where you happily sit by my side as we reflect, ponder, speculate, or just soak up "life", I feel the utter evolution of "blogging". I'm not sure what that word is supposed to mean, or even if I'm doing it "right". Mostly I'm just making up the rules as I go along and taking all of your fabulous feedback into consideration as I do.

We started this journey together in March of 2014 and two years later I want to say THANK YOU for:
  • listening
  • commenting, in public and in private
  • sharing your own experiences
  • not judging me or stepping on my pain
  • sharing my words with others!
I am blessed every single day by the power, strength, love and support from all of you! Now, let's have a glass of tea, thank the baby Jesus that Monday is nearly over, and listen to these Robins singing in my trees!

2 Comments
Angela Miles
3/14/2016 12:59:49 pm

So thankful for that front porch and for you (and Brad) :)

Reply
Amy M. Schaefer
3/14/2016 02:50:32 pm

We feel the same about you, which is why we're keeping you! In the very near future, we'll have that front porch of our own for you to sit on with us! Till then, we can keep using the back deck for practice. ❤️

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    About The Author

    I grew up in rural North Carolina. When I was only nineteen, I moved away and became a military wife. My only aspiration at that tender time in my life was to create an adult life that "fixed" all of the "injustices" of my childhood. Secretly, however, I wanted to reach for the sky! I wanted to be a writer and find ways to "save the world" (my mother used to say, "You have Save the World Syndrome".). Mostly, I wanted to matter.

    Since then, I have learned to reach well beyond what I ever dared to think was possible. I've learned not to allow fear to stop me from whatever future I want to create!

    What keeps me grounded? My Tribe! What provides the wind beneath my wings? A well of reserves filled with unstoppable passion!

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  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
  • Novels
  • Short Stories
    • Children's Books
  • About the Author
  • Contact
  • Photo & Art Gallery