wisdom of lemons

no. 1

I have put off starting to blog a few dozen times over the past few years. When I pick it back up, I feel the spark. Then life gets crazy and I barely have time to remember my name by day’s end, let alone construct sentences that people would actually want to read. So, here I am. Again. Hopefully this attempt will stick.

I wanted a catchy name and it flashed in my mind while I was in the shower (where most inspiration seems to hit me, although not sure why — my friends joke that it’s my ‘think tank’). I’ve always joked (laughing, swearing, whatever) that when “life hands me lemons” I try to make the best damn glass of lemonade I can. Sometimes it’s extra sugar, sometimes it’s extra lemon — or when things are really bad, rum goes in (don’t judge), although vodka works, I hear and I bet tequila would be worth a shot. Literally.

I’ve also learned a lot during said lemon harvests. It’s sucked, don’t get me wrong. But I also learned early on that there is a lesson in just about anything. So, I’m in the shower on my lemon theme and then I thought of things I like. My late paternal grandmother, Donna, flashed in my mind and I thought, “Owls. Owls. Wisdom.” And with that, yours truly checked off something on her to do list. And about 30 minutes later, I had a rough sketch of this (because maybe I’ll stick with this since I really made it official with a logo).

What to expect if you decide to follow me. Honesty. Sometimes raw emotion. Humor. Every day life in my world. Funny things my daughter says. Ways my husband is the best thing that ever happened to me (…okay, tied for first with the kid but it’s that whole ‘what came first, the chicken or the egg?’). Not a lot of political stuff (I have my beliefs, you have yours and if they’re different, that’s cool, I respect that and will not try to change you…and I ask the same of you). I want to spread empowerment, rally the call for help when it’s needed in our big ‘ol community, and just be a bit of better in this world that is pretty damn scary. But here’s a trick I’ve learned. Life can be the biggest thorn in your side (read: pain in the ass) but, if you look for it, wisdom will be there. And often, not how you expect.

I feel like I need to say a few things about myself — likewise, please do the same in the comments.

I’m a native Floridian.
I recently returned to my hometown.
But if you know me, another move is imminent, not a shock ;-)
I owe a lot to Tampa for my life long friends who get me to this day.
Nashville holds many memories, as well.
I’m an only child. And a Libra if you’re into that.
I’m married with a young daughter.
My husband is amazing and my rock; my daughter is a mini-me (to.a.tee.).
I’m a creative junkie.
By day I’m a technical | medical writer.
By night I’m plugging away on my first novel, learning the maze of publishing.
(And coming up with ideas for #2, #3…)
I found out a year ago I have ADD. Irony.
Writing is my therapy.
Did I mention I shipped brains? (note past tense thank God)
I collect quotes.
I love anything French; I spent a month in France, it changed my life.
I pine for the day I finally go to San Francisco.
My heart has broken too many times.
I also hate cancer.
My 20s are a haze, my 30s are defining.
My 40s will simply kick ass.
I’m finally realizing I have more in me than I think.

Thanks in advance for reading and sharing (hint hint) my site. Be sure to comment (pretty please) and follow me on Twitter, as well (@sonyacoates).

Best,
s