First Post

First of all, for those who don't know me, let me introduce myself. 

My name is Tammy.

I'm a writer, an entrepreneur, and a child of God. I'm a wife of 31 years, a mom to two daughters. And soon to become a grandma! 

Other things about me: I love history, nostalgia, old classic movies and television shows, reading, music, and peaceful scenery.

 
Okay, so this first post may be appropriately titled, "First Post", but it's not exactly accurate. It's only the first post of this blog.

A long time ago- about 20 years ago (gulp!)- I was a part of a blogging community. Back in the days right before social media took over, I blogged nearly every day. Yes, almost every day!

I visited and commented on other blogs, they visited mine, we gave each other awards and participated in themes. (I really miss that little blogging world!) 

And most importantly, we became a circle of friends- some of whom I still have contact with to this day, even though most of us haven't officially blogged in ages. 

Looking back, though, if I had to do it over, I'd probably spend just a little less time on the computer during that season. But in my own defense, I remember honesty trying to be a devoted mommy- spending hours taking care of my little girls, playing with them, teaching them, and trying to be in the moment. Blogging was my connection with other adults- as well as my creative side- as a stay at home mama.

Back then, my writings and musings were mainly of family life with two little girls, but I would also venture off on to other subjects. 

But wow, 20 years is a long time and lot of life has transpired since I was an active blogger back then. 

Since then, I wrote and published my first novel in 2019, The Sentimental Journey. (A faith-based WWII time travel novel) along with several novellas. (I'm still working on finishing one of the novellas right now!)

I started a design\print on demand business a few years ago which is currently on Etsy.

And my cute little ones are all grown up and in their twenties. 

I homeschooled them for 15 years- which were the most rewarding years of my life so far! 

My oldest went on to Bible college and got her degree there- along with her wonderful husband! She has worked several rewarding jobs, began pursuing dance again, and is now getting ready to be a mommy herself.

My youngest's last year of homeschool high school was six years ago. Along with working, she joined YWAM, attended that same Bible college for a while, and recently took on a camp internship. She is currently seriously dating a really nice guy she met through that internship.

As for my blogging- my first blog was called Family Doin's and later, Lattes and Lollipops. There was one last, short-lived blog called School in the hammock, which focused on homeschool life. They are all still out there in the blogging internet land, floating aimlessly. When I have found my old posts, they sometimes amaze me because I barely remember them. But it's good to have these pieces of time stashed away.

(I did start another writing blog as an author but, well, I have sadly neglected it.)

However, what really inspired me to start blogging again now was recently finding my late mother's online blog. (Which is interesting, since 20 years ago, I was the one who inspired her to blog.) I also just found a hand-written notebook where she had composed many of her childhood memories and details so one day her granddaughters could read it. 

My mom, whom I was very close to, has been gone for nearly nine years now, and I miss her so much. But finding her writings has made me feel close to her again. 

Honestly, it both pulls at my heart and makes me miss her that much more...yet also comforts me at the same time.

In her blog, grandmothersmusings, as in her notebook, she writes about various memories, mostly of her childhood and youth. And not only are they personally special for me, but they have such historic significance, given the fact that she lived through the Great Depression and WWII.

So, because of reading her stories, I guess I'm inspired once again to write. Not just fiction, as I've already been doing, but my own meanderings and memories.

I guess this blog will be a combination of many things- past and present. Current family life, faith, travels (we have an exciting trip just around the corner- more on this later!) my own childhood memories, maybe even some fun thoughts about old movies and shows. 

I may even share some of my personal struggles from time to time- not to complain, but in hopes that someone reading might be able to relate and be encouraged they aren't alone.

So, if you read this far, thanks for joining me on my NEW blogging adventure. (And be sure to say hello in the comments!)