Two years later…

~ oneletterup

The most extraordinary thing about writing is that when you’ve struck the right vein, tiredness goes. It must be an effort, thinking wrong.

Virginia Woolf

 

window desk
Desk View
February 26, 2020

Two years ago today I started posting on oneletterup.com. At first I just “practiced” and kept the blog private, as I built up courage to go public 2 months later on April 15. I began with my adventures in moving. The empty nest. Stories from childhood.

I had always been a “writer” since I first took pencil to paper in a diary at the age of 9. I put the word writer in quotes because I was in awe of real writers who crafted stories that transported me to exciting places. Writers of actual books! How could I call myself a writer too? A real writer. I could not possibly be in that league.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t help myself. I wrote letters. Cards. Notes. I kept journals. I took a writing class in college. Joined local writing groups. Attended a week long writing symposium at a university in 2007. I wrote story after story about my children’s childhood moments. When the details were fresh in my mind…I couldn’t help it…I just had to record the sweet magic I witnessed. I put together memory books and stories for family. In the 1990s I submitted stories to magazines. A few held on to them…we’ll see if we have a need for this…but ultimately no publication.

There was never enough time to make writing a top priority. Without feeling guilty that there were more important things I should be doing.

Until my husband and I moved from our house to this condo. Until my children were grown and independent. Until I retired from my consultant job in dietetics.

Until I had a room of my own.

Two years ago, I took the plunge and thought…why not? After all, I wasn’t getting any younger…or healthier.

A blog would be a place to write what I wanted. Try to ignore the inner critic. And see what happens.

I discovered the creative fun of writing challenges, photography challenges…and what has turned out to be the best part…

…Meeting and interacting with other bloggers. It is like being in a virtual writing (and photography!) group. I’ve learned so much from all of you.

My mission in February 2018 was to start writing and not look back.

So far…mission accomplished!

A big thank you to all my blogging friends for your support and encouragement,
one letter Up
(aka Andrea 🙂)

~~~

V.J.’s Weekly Challenge #85: Mission

Published by oneletterup

39 thoughts on “Two years later…”

  1. Loved every word–‘specially the phrase, “a room of my own”–that is crucial, pivotal. When I think of blogging, “no man (woman) is an island” comes to mind. It is wonderful to know you, here ❤ (are we allowed to call you Andrea now?)

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      1. Sounds like I need to read her book–thanks for the tip! And thanks also, Andrea, for revealing your beautiful name–here’s my real/legal one: Leslie.

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  8. As a long time follower of one letter Up, it has been my great pleasure to read and view the consistently impressive work of a very talented and definitely real writer and photographer. Congratulations on your first two years, Andrea. Here’s hoping for many more!

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  12. Pingback: February Begone So I Can Get On With My Mission – One Woman's Quest II

  13. Happy for you that you found this space to let your creative spirit shine and accomplish your mission. Love of the written word is what it’s all about. Cheers to you, Andrea. ❤

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  14. Thank you so much for sharing this post that I had missed when I went MIA! It’s fun to read your history of the blog. I think you’re a wonderful writer, and I’m so happy our paths have crossed here in the blogosphere. And, I’m super happy to finally know your beautiful name too! I consider you a dear blogging friend and one that deserves to continue letting her gifts of writing and photography shine. Keep on, keeping on, Andrea!!

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    1. Well thank YOU Shelley for these kind words. And your encouragement. The feeling is likewise – very glad we crossed paths too. I hope to keep on blogging, although lately it has been more challenging to focus with everything going on in the world – since this post went up.

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      1. You’re welcome! I’m with you on the struggle to keep on as well as to find focus. Good thing photography helps with that. 🙂 Enjoy the creative process, I’m sure that will help both of us get through the challenges.

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