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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My Little Bag of Secrets

10/16/2014

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"Turn that mess into a message." ~Mea from Biscuitville on Robinhood Road

When it comes to people, leading with your heart wide open is a risk and not everyone is willing to take it. I understand those who don't, because some people will use your open heart to hurt you. For me, though, there is simply no other choice. I have to live full throttle, even when it causes me pain. I am hard-wired that way, to be open, which is why it was poisoning me, killing me to hold in so many things, even the horribly dark ones, for so many years. Writing is one way that I'm learning how to open myself up wider than I ever dared before, especially now that I've turned that into my full-time career. Every day that I write, I put all of me, including what's in my own little bag of secrets, on public display. It's not easy and WHEW, sometimes it hurts like crazy, but man is it worth it and here's one of the reasons why...

Today I had a lot of errands to run and I stopped at a local Biscuitville to grab some lunch. They were about to close, so I promised I'd hurry but the warm staff assured me I could take my time. While I was waiting for my tenderloin biscuit to cool, Mea, who was mopping the floor, and I struck up a conversation. I told her I was a writer, and she asked where she could buy my book so I gave her my card. I told her I used to be a teacher and had to quit because I could no longer stomach the politics that were destroying the education of our youth. She wholeheartedly agreed. She told me about her own experiences as an educator and that she'd left that career for similar reasons. Then she said, "Don't you worry, baby. Good things are going to happen for you. You just turn that mess into a message!" Overcome with gratitude, I got up to hug her and she took my hands, held them tight, and there in the restaurant she prayed for me. When we hugged, I squeezed her tight, this angel in an unexpected place, happily mopping and sharing her light with the world! Inspiration is everywhere, if you open your eyes wide enough to see it! As for people, sometimes they break your heart, but most will fill it to over-flowing if you let them. You inspire me, Mea, and I'm certain I'm not the only one! Don't stop!

*Images from pinterest.com (bag of secrets) & essentialhealth.com (mopping)

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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