Blog Hop

I usually think it is a good practice, when the unexpected occurs--and from that unexpected, gifts and goodness flow-- that  a prayer of gratitude is offered up.   Recently, such an unexpected thing happened to me.   This blogging world has opened up doors for me I never could have predicted.  One such door came through a fantastic woman, who has become a “virtual friend” to me.  Her name is Summer.   More about her in a minute.   But she connected with me a few weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in a ‘Blog Hop’.  At first, I thought-- no way.  I am not a “writer” and this is for people who are way more skilled than me.   But after pondering it, and with some supportive thoughts from Summer, it seemed a good way to clarify my purpose here in blogging, and a nice way to challenge myself.

 

The concept is pretty straight forward:  I answer the following four questions about myself, and then share with you a bit about Summer and her fantastic blog.  First, the questions on me:

Why do I write what I do?     

This entire blog started simply as a means to communicate with family and friends about our journey to bring Lucy home from China. Life with Lucy was inspired by my late mom; she helped me set it up, and was my biggest cheerleader while still alive.  As weeks turned into months, which turned into years, I have thought of this space as a place to document moments and memories for Lucy.   A place where one day she can come and remember her youth, and see her family, and understand what was happening in our lives and in the world around us.  When I was a kid, such a thing was called a scrapbook.  My mom kept one for me.  This is my virtual scrapbook for Lucy.  A way to preserve this thing called life, and all of its twists and turns.  And, in a roundabout way, this blog is also a way to honor my Mom.   

  

How does my writing process work?  

As I stated earlier, I don’t consider myself a writer—just a blogger, trying to capture some thoughts and moments in my family’s lives.  Having said that, I think I understand the concept some writers describe as being “inspired” to write about something.  For me, often a thought strikes me, and my mind chews on it for awhile… until I decide that I want to get it down in words.  On the flip side,  I also understand the entire “writer’s block” concept.  Sometimes, well…I got nothin’.  In those cases, pictures, and my budding love of all things photography, make a nice substitute for words.

How does my writing differ from others of its genre? 

I think we all have our own stories to share.  And I truly mean it when I say that I think every person’s story is significant and has value.   This is probably why I went into the profession I did (counseling) and why I enjoy reading other peoples' blogs so much.  Having said that, this blog/Life with Lucy/”my writing” is different because it is my family’s story.  Some may see it as different because our family was created through the beautiful blessing of adoption, and this distinction is sometimes documented here.   I don’t see us as different because of this.  We are just a family, like any other.  But we have our own story to tell, and I do my best to share that here.

I love that my 17 year old niece is teaching Lucy all about selfies!

What am I working on/writing? 

This week, I am thinking lots about this, as it is one year tomorrow: Papa Barnes, Rest in Peace

And now, about Summer.  I don’t remember how I discovered her blog,  Running Chatter, but ever since I did, I have been hooked.  Her photography is incredible, and her writing is honest and heart-felt.  I encourage you to go over and check it out for yourself.  She and I have realized we have much in common, and have connected from time to time on these various things.   I will forever be grateful to Summer for her support and advice while I was shopping for my first ‘real’ camera.

I aspire to someday take pictures like her.

So Summer, a prayer of gratitude for you…..   

Summer is a wife, Mama, therapist turned photographer, and runner.  Her blog, Running Chatter, is a place where she muses about life, motherhood, and deeper heart issues by weaving together two passions--words and images.  After the unexpected death of her Mom she developed a deep appreciation for the little joys in life.   She believes that laughter is food for the soul  and enjoys finding the humor in her own chaotic life.