Don't Think, Just Jump

Well, here goes...I guess I'm officially a "blogger".  Something about myself... I tend to over think pretty much everything that I do. Do you remember when you were a kid and you finally got the nerve to jump off of the high diving board? It was super scary, but you just had to do it because you knew something good could come from it. Once you did it... it was amazing, but it took guts. That's kind of where I'm at. This is intimidating, and there are 100 things I could tell myself right now that would have me slowly feeling my way back toward the safety of the ladder, but I'm going to tell my mind to hush for a few minutes. I'm going to step to the edge, and jump. Take a chance on something that just might make me feel amazing. So, that's something that may come in time. Right now? Right now I feel pretty funny, like I'm typing into a wide abyss. When I hit post on Facebook, I know that at least a few people will read what I write. If not because they want to, because they haven't taken the time to block me and my posts just keep appearing in their news feed. Furthermore, a few people will take the time to hit "like", or leave some kind words. This, here... I feel like it's just me, and at least for the moment... that makes me laugh. Anyway, assuming there is someone willing to read this, I'll go on. So, a blog, huh? I guess I should start by saying that although I read very few, I'm well aware that there are thousands of blogs out there. I've really only recently entertained the thought of starting a blog. What inspired those thoughts you wonder? Mostly, I was moved by all of the encouragement I was receiving on Facebook. Also, the idea of having an outlet to entertain my love for writing while creating a time capsule of sorts for my girls became too tempting for me to resist. I know that I'm not the greatest "technical" writer. I use way too many "quotations" and ...'s. It would probably make any grammar teacher cringe. If you are looking for a blog where, all, of, the, commas, are, appropriately, placed...this may not be the place for you. It's not that I'm completely uneducated in these areas, but sometimes my brain moves faster than my fingers. I like to feel emotion in what I write, and sometimes I feel like I just need a good... to add a dramatic pause. Or some quotations to add emphasis. I like for my words to come across with the same expression that they would if you were listening to my voice. If I was overly concerned with sentence structure and punctuation, I'm afraid I would lose some of that expression and emotion. I don't want to feel like I'm writing an essay, but that I'm writing my story. I promise you that I will try not to overwhelm you with run on sentences because that could get really old and I want you whoever you are if there is anyone out there reading this to walk away with a smile. Even if the commas are misplaced, and the ...'s are over used... I will try to write in a way that's easy to read and follow. Now, moving on. This is new, and I don't really know the "direction" that I want to take it. I do know this... I love God, I love my husband, I love my girls, I love my family, I love my friends, I love photography, and meeting new people, and belly laughs, and thunderstorms, and musicals, and music, and the beach, and glitter, and cooking, and reading, and adventures, and LIFE. The list could go on and on. I want to write about things that I like, even love. I promise I won't overwhelm you with the details of my fifth car repair in three months or my never ending laundry pile. I want to keep it real, but I want you to WANT to continue reading. Just remember that because I'm not writing about all of the drama that occurs in my day, it doesn't mean it's not there. While some people might find it interesting in that "I'm passing a bad wreck and I feel the need to slow down and stare" kind of way, that's not exactly what I'm going for. I'm sure that I will include things that overwhelm me from time to time if I feel like it could be of use, but I promise to avoid all of the gory details. When I'm 80, I want to have something to look back at and smile. If I can encourage you or make you smile along the way, well then jump on board my friend. I should warn you, my life is so far from perfect, and many would say it's less than exciting. You will probably never read about my travels to exotic lands, or extravagant shopping sprees. But, there will probably be numerous posts that involve trips to the park, or a rendezvous at Target. So, stayed tuned for the adventures to come. By the way, the blog name I landed on was a combination of SEVERAL different suggestions I was given by friends. Thank you to anyone who helped me brainstorm. Just to clarify, I'm aware that the correct spelling in the expression "Take A Break", is B-R-E-A-K. Yes, it is intended to be a play on words. Victoria Brake - "Take A Brake". Ohhhh, I hear the collective sighs of realization. I'm sure that my 6 year old could have figured that out so please forgive my ego, I felt the need to explain. Oh, and one last thing. Every good story is even better with a photograph. My plan is to incorporate photos of my life into my writing on this blog. Seeing as how I'm still figuring this thing out, I thought I'd start slow. I'm sure that my amazing talented designer of a husband will spruce my page up in time, but I wanted to leave you with at least one picture to start. So, here ya go. This life? It's gonna fly by, whether we enjoy it or not. This day...I will do my absolute best to be content with what I've got. I will strive to laugh and be present for my babies. One day at a time... try it with me. Live today like it's your first time dancing in the glow of the sunrise!! 

Blog post number one - CHECK.