deep breath, and...

My name is jt, and I am a Closet Writer.

That’s right – I’m using this blog today from my WA (Writers Anonymous) platform: 

Ready or not, here I am.

I’ve enjoyed writing for over 20 years…I even have a degree in print journalism (I know…it’s a dying industry.)  I have been told and encouraged by others for years that I should write…I always smile and graciously accept the compliments, even though my brain is screaming, “I do!  I want you to see it!  BUT I’M TOO SCARED.” 

Recently, I made my first international trip ever – to Ireland.  Had you told me just a month ago that I would be sitting here, typing aloud about my recent trip to Ireland, I would have suggested you go see a doctor. 

And then I would have laughed.  A lot.  And probably cried some, too. 

But, due to some incredible thoughtfulness, generosity, and most likely a little insanity, I was invited almost a month ago to be a guest with a couple whom I’ve known for many, many years.  I was floored, especially because I had, just earlier that same day, all but been prescribed a vacation.  (Yes, I really laughed at him, too.) 

I didn’t even have a passport. 

However, through a furious tear-apart of my house in search of my old one (you can still renew an expired passport!), support of family and friends, and the excuse that I had to go for my health (all moms need excuses to invest in themselves, it seems,) I drove over to Atlanta, applied for a passport IN PERSON…AND RECEIVED IT THE SAME DAY.  Stroke of luck, good timing, a sign…whatever it was, it happened…and I booked my flight to Ireland a week before the trip. 

And now I’m back. 

My point is not how grand it was, though that will probably be on this blog at some point.  I came back refreshed, renewed…and feeling like I no longer have a valid reason to NOT write out loud.  Although the fear is still there (I can only describe it as a sense of naked exposure, if you will,) meeting up with dear Ireland after 20 years of it calling to me has brought something out in me.  The Fighting Irish, I suppose? 

I’m a Mutt-merican…a mix of a few different ethnicities.  But, and you may blame it on being born with red hair or my freckled, white skin, I feel the Irish in me has always been the strongest streak. 

I felt like I was home on the first full day of experiencing the Emerald Isle.

So, here I am, ready or not.  Today, I am ready.  Tomorrow, I might not be…but I am stronger, regardless, and finally ready to answer another calling I’ve had for 20+ years – to "expose" myself to others, outside of my beloved pen and paper. 

I am full of neverending questions – answers only lead me to more questions – so I will ask many.  And I would sincerely love any input you may have…the tastiest parts of information are the ones I’ve never heard before.  I only ask that if you choose to respond, please do so respectfully…to me, to other readers, and to other responders.  Being honest does not have to equal being defensive or offensive…we do love our football, but this isn’t the right station for that.  I ask for simple consideration and respect of others’ opinions and thoughts, as you wish for others to offer you. 

And please note that any/everything on this blog is only based off of my own opinions, thoughts, curiosities, theories, and perceptions.  I am NOT a good source for FACTS – I don’t keep up well with the news, and I don’t believe in facts anyway.  After all, it was once a fact that the world was flat…and it was also once a fact that there were nine planets!  

(In my opinion, facts are simply hypotheses that remain consistent until they become otherwise…and decided by human brains…which most of us recognize as evolutionary, ugly little things.) 

But I digress.  This blog serves as an outlet for personal use. 

I am jt, and I am no longer a closet writer. 

happy trails.