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Quitting

Oh, if you were in front of me right now I'd give you a good squeeze. I've tried to explain this to my husband, and while I think he wants to be happy for me, I'm not sure he understands what we have going here. His initial reaction to the idea of a blog was flat. He does like my title though. He likes whatever makes me happy...writing, my dear, makes me happy!

I suppose one day we will have the conversation about why I ever gave up writing...there are reasons I suppose, beyond the superficial albeit true, "life got in the way" excuse. But right now I'd like to propose a toast--I have some limeade by my side--to us. Regardless of what insecurities I continue to allude to but never discuss--another of my bad habits--I feel ever so humbled by your gentle kindness and acceptance of me and my writing.


I don't doubt that someone (or two) flying low as my Facebook "friend" has ventured upon this blog and responded with, "who does she think she is?" or "who in the world cares what Carrie Cotter Campbell has to say about anything?" Let's be honest, dear friend, the world is full of cynics and critics...getting an idea about those insecurities now? Anyway, despite those nameless (hopefully) few, who will continue to look and roll the eyes, you have welcomed me and accepted me, and for that, I thank you with my whole heart.

You've caught my arm with a gentle squeeze and given me a 'way to go.' You've chosen to stop in the grocery store and chat with me about the things I love and hold dear--my family and my writing. You've taken the time to notice and been brave enough to pay a compliment for no other reason than kindness. You've inboxed me, you've emailed me, you've copied my words and shared them with others who I couldn't reach on my own. God bless you for that. God bless you for thinking that what I have to say, no, because words don't always fall smoothly from these lips--and when I'm excited I stutter--thank you for thinking that what I have to write has meaning and value.

Three posts and I feel empowered. Will I fail to please you? At some point, probably. Will I try to make everything I write worth your while? Yes. Will I write everything I post to entertain or enlighten you? No. I can't. I can't write for you, and that's the glorious thing I've realized as of late. I will only ever write for myself, because that's the only truth I know. I will always only ever share my truth with you though...fiction is full of lies. I prefer the truth.

So why is this titled Quitting? Well, because I wanted to let you know--each of you--yes, even you there rolling your eyes....I'm not quitting my writing again....and I hope that you won't quit on me.

Hugs.



Copyright © 2011. Carrie Ellen Campbell. All Rights Reserved. http://carriellencampbell.blogspot.com. Please respect Carrie's intellectual property. Sharing blog posts is permitted, but no part of this material may be copied, downloaded, reproduced, or printed without express written consent. Contact Carrie at: carrieellencampbell@icloud.com.

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