On Starting a Blog

I've been thinking about blogging for some time, leaving it at a very low simmer on the back burner, occasionally stirring the pot. I just saw Julie and Julia, and that inspired me. Besides, millions of people blog. Today I begin.

I'm not a politician, an avid birdwatcher, a historian with a speciality in the Cultural Revolution, a gourmet chef wannabe, or a golden oldies collector. I am happily married to Tom, the mother of two amazing teens (19 and soon-to-be 18), and a follower of Jesus. My last many years have been spent -- well maybe "consumed" is a better word -- trying to navigate the system of schools, practitioners and other resources related to the world of autism. And part of my identity is dictated by our family diet. One son is gluten-free, casein-free; the other is wheat-free and vegetarian; I am wheat- and dairy-free. I'm getting pretty good at adapting to people's dietary needs! I don't consider myself to be an expert in either autism or alternative cooking, but I sure know more about either of these than I did a few years ago!

Although I don't have any deep well of knowledge about any particular topic, I do have lots to say! Sometimes I amaze myself -- I'm sure to amaze you too!!

Maybe I want to write a blog so I have a place to journal, to think through issues that come up or those that have buzzed around my head for years, like a pesky fly. It will be a place to talk about the people I care about, a tribute to those I love. The writer in me, who observes with an overwhelming sense of wonder but seldom gets the words out of my head, can find expression here. I hope it will be an encouragement to those who read it. Perhaps what I have to say will offer a morsel for someone else to chew on, or a chuckle, or maybe even a lifeline.

Long ago I saw a plaque that read, "One day I will burst my bud of calm and blossom into hysteria." I've been waiting over thirty years for that day to come and, looking back, I see it already has. It didn't happen as a burst, it was long and slow in coming. I suppose "hysteria" may be a bit strong, but whatever it is certainly beats the "bud of calm."

Life isn't easy, but it is good, and I am looking forward to writing about it here at Three Minutes to Nine.