You Don't Know Me

You, see, our stories become an ongoing love letter

to someone you may not know.

James Nolan

YOU DON'T KNOW ME

For me, it has never been important for the reader to know who I am.  I want my words to open minds, heal hearts, and encourage creativity.  I think of my self as the silent companion, being a non-physical presence for those who might feel alone.

Credit must be given to my writers group for teaching me how to blog.  My friend, now residing in New Zealand, welcomed the group into her home and instructed each of us on our lap tops, how to proceed.  In the last four and a half years, I have entered 1518 posts. Finding a new way to channel my writing has been a life changing experience for me with over 50,000 readers.

In grade school, I wrote in many small diaries.  During the summer of 7th and 8th grade, I wrote two novels.  While attending a private college prep academy, it became clear that writing was definitely one of my strengths.  I am certain being an obsessive reader assisted my skills in writing.  Receiving my very own library card in grade school was more exciting than my drivers license in high school.

When I had read every book available to my age level, I received special permission to move into the high school section with the assistance of the librarian.  As my reading expanded, so did my writing.  There was so much for me to write about, I gave up on diaries and graduated to notebooks.  The challenge was where to keep them as privacy was not a high priority in my home.

My love for silent speech took on a new form in my later years of high school.  I began speaking in front of groups and then audiences.  My thoughts were assembled through reading, writing, and performing.  On into college, I received more encouragement and opportunities to share.  Both joy and freedom were found through the spoken and unspoken word.

Laboriously, I could continue on with a time line of my love for writing, but I would rather impress upon you that every single individual has the ability to write.  Punctuation, perfect grammar, or complete sentences are not important in a journal.  I have a friend who sketches and never writes a word.

A private journal offers a place for releasing words one cannot speak.  Words that might frighten or insult others.  Line after line can be filled with observations of nature or the world surrounding us.  It is a place for fear, sorrow, and unfulfilled dreams.  It is validation that the author indeed is real.

My qualifications and my longings are found in the following:  Articulating Silence, Deciphering Dreams, and Exploring Inner Landscapes.  I am thankful for anyone who shares this time and space with me.  I encourage everyone to begin a journey with a journal and observe their inner selves unfold.  With deep gratitude and a thankful heart, I remain, Virginia's Voice.