Modern Southern Stereotypes: Relevancy and Truth

It’s 2016 and whether we like it or not, there is still an invisible line dividing the “North” and “South” United States. Now, where that line lies depends on who you talk to. Some say south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and some just refer to the South as anything below Indiana and Ohio. Despite the differences on where the line is, there are some common Southerner stereotypes:

• Loves sweet tea
• Republican
• Uneducated
• No teeth

Now, just like any other stereotypes, there is some truth nestled in the origins. Let’s take a look at the truth and the myth behind these common cliches.

Loves Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is a stable of the South, I can’t argue with that. I have been known to question my own “Southernness” due to the fact that I hate sweet tea. People in the South will generally look at you funny for refusing a glass of sweet tea. How did sweet tea, specfically sweet iced tea, become associated with the South?

Tea was introduced to the United States in South Carolina as a commercial crop. Green tea was the first known tea to be used in tea recipes dating back to the 1800s. In 1904, iced tea was served at the World’s Fair in St. Louis because it was too hot outside to drink a hot liquid. As time went on, and mass importation from Asia made certain commodities cheaper, black tea became the key component of iced tea. In the early 1900s, the recipe for sweet iced tea was a common addition in Southern cookbooks.

Before long, custom silverware and glasses specifically for sweet iced tea became popular in Southern states and the drink’s popularity rose exponentially in the 1920s during Prohibition as an alternative to alcohol. Of course not all people in the South love sweet tea, but it is very common, so this stereotype is pretty fair.

(For a detailed history of sweet iced tea, click here.)

Republican

A look at recent voting records and offices held in the South would seem to support the theory that the South is Republican through and through. However, prior to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the Southern states were primarily Democrat. The change came about during the Civil Rights Movement because Northern Democrats were pushing to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 while Southern Democrats did not support it. In the presidential race of the same year, Barry Goldwater, a Republican who voted against the Civil Rights Act, won the electoral vote in deep Southern states. And so began the shift to a more Republican South.

However, notable Democrats still emerged from the South in the 1970s-1990s. Jimmy Carter was elected as President in 1976 and 1980, and Bill Clinton was elected President in 1992 and 1996. Around the time Bill Clinton was coming out of office, Southern states began electing more Republican senators and governors. The GOP began to appeal to Christian voters and sided with pro-life and traditional marriage in the following years to further secure Southern states with large Christian populations.

All in all, this claim may hold true now, but it wasn’t always the case. Of course, one must also keep in mind the constantly shifting views of political party’s in order to garner votes. (For more information on shifting platforms and party allegiances click here.)

Uneducated

Unfortunately this one has more truth to it than many of us would like to admit. This assumption of course doesn’t apply to everyone in the South, but it is rooted in educational statistics. Southern states have low college graduation rates, and some states, like Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas have low high school graduation rates as well. This could to be linked to higher poverty rates in these areas. Many students drop out of high school or college to start working because they cannot afford to be a student.

No Teeth

And finally, no teeth. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the joke, “You know the toothbrush was invented in the South because anywhere else they would’ve called it a teethbrush!” (Insert unamused emoji here).  Yes, most of us in the South have teeth. However, oral health statistics from 2004 show 7 of the top 10 states with natural teeth loss were in the South.

Every stereotype has an origin and there is usually a piece of truth buried in there somewhere. However, like every part of our lives, we must push aside the stereotypes. Not all Southerners like sweet tea. Most Southerners have teeth. And many are Democrats or Independents or Tree Hugging Hippie Liberals. I guarantee you will find a lot of Bernie Sanders supporters in the South and a lot of Donald Trump supporters as well. That’s part of the beauty of the South is the vastly different types of people you will find here.

“Southernness” doesn’t define a person, but it may be an integral part of who they are. As a Southerner, I am far from the stereotype, but I still love being from the South. For me, being a Southerner means fishing on Sunday mornings with my dad when I was little, running through the woods playing hide and seek, going to a family member’s farm out in the country to pick apples, pet horses, and chase chickens. The South provides a unique and amazing environment in which to grow up. Many of us have learned to accept that being Southern may bring some stereotypical questions from non-Southerners: “Do you wear shoes? Does everyone talk country?” But that’s okay. We smile and continue on, proud to be from the South.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” Screenplay To Be Released Nov. 19

For those of us keeping up with the ever-expanding Harry Potter universe, it comes as no surprise J.K. Rowling will be releasing a print edition of the screenplay for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on November 19th, the day after the movie is released in theaters, as her website Pottermore revealed on April 26th.

This year will be a huge year for Rowling, with the debut of the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, followed by the print release of the Cursed Child script, the release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition (illustrations by Jim Kay), and both the film and printed screenplay of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Most of us are balking from the amount of Rowling preorders we’ve made this year.

It certainly wasn’t like this back when the original Harry Potter books were released. You’d go to your favorite bookstore (or giant retail chain) and wait until midnight to get your hands on a copy. Now, most of us wait for an online retailer to drop it on our porch. Either way, it’s still pretty magical for Potter fans who are awaiting newly printed Harry Potter related books. Or is it?

There has been quite a lot of backlash against Rowling since the Harry Potter books were published and especially since the movie’s theater runs have ended. Rowling has consistently released new information about the series not contained in the original books. The most famous of these is her declaration that the character Albus Dumbledore was gay. Many fans greeted this new information with support but many others were opposed to this revelation, not because of the sexual orientation itself, but because they didn’t think the series provided evidence of Dumbledore being gay. Since that declaration was made in 2007, Rowling has had to defend it over and over.

Despite the criticism, Rowling has continued to release new information. Pottermore features stories about characters, both major and minor, places, spells, and history that is not touched on within the series but provides a rich background to the world Rowling created. Rowling is still a tour de force within the literary world and there’s not much that can stop her now. The fans will continue to devour every new tidbit she throws out.

Why?

Although some Harry Potter fans won’t admit it, most are soaking in the new knowledge with an enthusiasm beyond their control. Harry Potter defines many people’s childhoods. And so they continue to return to the Harry Potter universe because it is safe and comfortable, a happy place. No matter the protests, “Really? She’s publishing the screenplay?” The fans love it. “Yeah, I’m still buying it, of course.”

Why “Hamilton” Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda is Sweeping the Nation

It’s the topic on everyone’s lips: Hamilton. Young, old, famous, not-so-famous, everyone is scrambling to see, hear, or read everything they can about the musical and the genius behind it: Lin-Manuel Miranda. (Normally, I wouldn’t exaggerate by saying everyone, but in this case, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration.) Hamilton and Miranda are reaching out and connecting to a group as diverse as, well, the cast of Hamilton. The strength of this play lies in the fact that it speaks to a modern audience in a way that is not typical for Broadway musicals. People who would’ve never listened to a musical suddenly find themselves attempting to rap “Guns and Ships.” But let’s face it: there is nothing about this Hamilton movement that’s typical.

Lin-Manuel Miranda himself seems to be a character from a fairy tale. He is the son of Puerto Rican parents who grew up in a Hispanic neighborhood in New York that may not have been financially rich, but it sure was rolling in cultural wealth. This kid who loved music found a place for himself in a school that even Miranda claims he was “lucky” to get into: a public school for the gifted on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Miranda became involved in theater. He also started to appreciate hip-hop at this point, which would turn out to be a key player in his eventual success.

Miranda became more involved in a broad range of artistic pursuits as he grew older. While attending Wesleyan University, he co-founded the hip-hop comedy troupe Freestyle Love Supreme, wrote his eventual Broadway hit In The Heights, wrote, directed, and starred in various productions. He was an English teacher for a while at his old high school before In The Heights made it’s run on Broadway in 2008, where it would go on to win the Tony for Best Musical and Best Original Score. In The Heights also won the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album in 2009. Miranda was already making waves in the theater community, but what would it take for the world to see this man’s genius?

Hamilton.

“Enter me! (He says in parentheses.)” – Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton, “Non-Stop”

We’ve all heard the story of Miranda’s revelation as he sat on vacation reading the enormous biography of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. He realized the story of our “ten-dollar founding father” was quintessentially hip-hop. This was a defining moment in what would become the legacy of Lin-Manuel Miranda. The full story of how Hamilton rose to the top is documented in the “Hamiltome” as Miranda asked his fans to hashtag the book written by himself and Jeremy McCarter as they read it. Hamilton: The Revolution includes the story of how the play became what it is today along with the libretto. In this tome, you can see Miranda’s heart and his passion. And so we come to the reason why Miranda has won so much admiration from so many.

First: Miranda is talented beyond belief, and much like Alexander Hamilton himself, he is “Non-Stop.” There aren’t many people in this world who can match the accomplishments of Miranda. Just take a look at his abilities, he has been or is:

• A Rapper
• A Singer
• A Teacher
• A Columnist
• A Restaurant Reviewer
• A Translator
• An Improv Performer
• A Director
• A Composer
• A Lyricist
• A Husband
• A Father

And I’m sure I’ve missed something.

Second, Miranda represents that part of ourselves we all wish we could be: passionate, productive, hard-working, and persistent while simultaneously being down-to-earth, caring, compassionate, and honest. He has never gotten caught up in being famous. He appears to be the same person he was many years ago. Just take a look at his spoof of High School Musical 2 from 2007 and compare it to the footage you’ve seen of him recently. He’s still the same lovable goofball.

And finally, Miranda constantly connects with his fans, even when he doesn’t have the time. He has nearly 37,000 tweets on Twitter. He meets people at the stage door of the Richard Rogers Theater after performances. He makes sure everyone gets a little piece of Hamilton with the #Ham4Ham Lottery, which includes mini performances from the cast and various celebrities, all of which can be viewed on YouTube. Recently, on April 22nd, he labored through a book-signing at Drama Book Shop in New York despite the many projects he is currently working on, and was absolutely happy to be doing it. In the very same week, he was on John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight to talk, well rap, about the crisis in Puerto Rico. (Add political activist to that list of abilities).

Despite the fact that this man seemingly can do anything and everything, his raw honesty and passionate conversations make people believe they can do it too. Because he doesn’t just talk about things non-geniuses can’t understand. Miranda talks about Harry Potter, Beyonce, and even the comic Saga. He’s relatable, and that’s what makes Miranda so essential to the creative world. He speaks to every generation, but one of the most important things Miranda does is reach out to our nation’s youth. He was influenced by things these kids grew up reading or watching. The “EduHam” program is proof that Miranda is creating a new generation of kids who will “blow us all away”.

One of the most beautiful lessons to take away from Miranda’s diverse, hip-hop interpretation of our founding fathers is that America always has been and always will be a place “where even orphan immigrants can make a difference.” No matter where you come from, or how you look, we are all apart of something great, and we have an opportunity to “rise up” and stand together.

 

Hammy Potter-The World Will Never Be the Same

If you haven’t graced your ears with the sound of Hamilton, An American Musical, do so now. You will be a better person for it, I guarantee it. Hamilton is an entertaining, fresh take on United States history. It weaves a story with rap, hip-hop, and R&B. It’ll have you dancing in your seat while you unintentionally learn some pretty amazing stuff. I’m a person who never really liked US History, and I am obsessed with this musical. Lin-Manuel Miranda is a lyrical genius! It is telling that a lot of people are obsessed with this musical without even having seen it yet. The soundtrack alone pulls you in. You are emotionally connected from the moment Lin-Manuel tells us “My name is Alexander Hamilton.”

Because I am so emotionally tied up in this musical, the words are always running through my mind, I had an idea the other day while perusing on my Harry Potter fan group on Facebook. What Hogwarts house would A. Ham have been in? Well, of course that led to a list of major characters and what houses I think they most align with. And now, I’m sharing it with you. Here are my best guesses at the Hogwarts houses of our Hamilton heroes.

Alexander Hamilton-Slytherin
“What? Slytherin???” you say. Here’s how I see it. Hamilton was ambitious and he did what it took to rise up. The Reynolds Pamphlet is a great example of his inability to see past his legacy. He was quick to action and rarely considered consequences. His mouth got him into trouble quite a lot. Hamilton fits the bill of an ambitious, focused, intelligent Slytherin.

Eliza Schulyer Hamilton-Ravenclaw
Beautiful, wonderful Eliza. She is smart, kind, witty. She also was very driven and creative, especially after Alexander’s death.

Angelica Schulyer-Ravenclaw
Much like her sister, Angelica is exactly what you expect from a Ravenclaw, but I think even more so. Her wit and intelligence often outshine her sisters. She is also fiercely independent and knows exactly what she has to do to survive in this world, like marry an old boring dude because he’s rich.

Peggy Schulyer-Hufflepuff
Quiet. Doesn’t want to cause trouble or get into trouble. Extremely loyal to her father. Total Hufflepuff.

Aaron Burr-Slytherin
I was back and forth on Burr. Initially I wanted to put him in Gryffindor, but then I realized he has more Slytherin qualities. He was blinded by his want of power and need to succeed. He shot Hamilton because of it. He was intelligent, confident to a fault, and extremely manipulative. His careful political tactic of not really saying what he supported in order to get ahead sealed the deal for me for him being a Slytherin.

Thomas Jefferson-Slytherin
So sue me, I think a lot of these guys are Slytherins. Jefferson was another that did what it took to get ahead. (Maybe most politicians are Slytherins). He was also very intelligent but definitely wanted to point it out. He was quick to take credit for making a deal with Hamilton.

George Washington-Gryffindor
The brave, intelligent soldier George Washington. He knew when to ask for assistance from Hamilton, and was not afraid to point out that they were in deep trouble. Washington was a leader and commanded respect without ever having to ask for it.

Phillip Hamilton-Hufflepuff
Always and forever loyal to his father. Kind, but fool hardy.

Hercules Mulligan-Gryffindor
Fun, brave, loud, the guy you want at the party. What more can I say? Hercules is a true Gryffindor.

Lafayette-Gryffindor
America’s favorite fighting Frenchman. Willing to stick his neck out for the colonies, Lafayette was a brave soul and was fiercely adamant about freedom.

Last, but certainly not least:

King George III-Hufflepuff
The worst kind of Hufflepuff. Whiny, entitled, and unaware he makes mistakes himself, King George best embodies the dreadful Harry Potter character Zacharias Smith.

Well, this has been a fun Hammy Potter mash up. Do you agree with the houses I picked? Let me know in the comments what houses you would choose!

And P.S. LISTEN TO HAMILTON! DO IT!

Supernatural Christmas Song "All I Want For Christmas is Food"

Because I had so much fun with the Harry Potter parody, I decided to go for a holiday theme today and a different fandom. So sing along to the tune of Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas is You as Dean from Supernatural:

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS FOOD

I don’t want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don’t care about the demons

Out hunting for you and me

I just want some apple pie

And maybe to just stay alive

Make my wish come true oh

All I want for Christmas is food

I don’t want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need, and I

Don’t care about the angels

Satan, Death, or changelings

I don’t want to hang a vampire

There upon these rusty chains

Sam please just make me happy

Give this up for just one day

I just want to take a break

Eat some pie and a giant steak

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is food

I won’t ask for much this Christmas

I won’t even wish for Dad, and I

I just wanna keep on eating

And forget that I’m so sad

I won’t stop at the gas station

And pick up some pointless gift

I won’t even spike some punch

To knock myself out, then get sick

‘Cause I just want some food tonight

Stuffing my face, it’s oh so right

What more can I do

Oh, yeah, all I want for Christmas is food

All the monsters grinning

So bloody everywhere

And the sound of children’s

Screaming fills the air

And everyone is dying

I hear my mother crying

Sam just take a break

Please do this for me

Won’t you please slice this pie for me quickly

I don’t want a lot for Christmas

This is all I’m asking for

I just wanna eat some pie

And not lock the hotel room door

I just want to eat all day

And pretend that I don’t know

That we are surely doomed

Yeah, all I want for Christmas is food

All I want for Christmas is food

And maybe just a freakin break Sam. Here, have some pie.

Harry Potter "Hello" Adele Parody

Please don’t copy this or use this without my permission. Please see my republication policy.

I had a lot of fun with this. Unfortunately, I can’t really sing, so the text will have to suffice

Here is the Harry Potter parody of Adele’s “Hello”:

 

Voldemort:

Hello, Harry

I was wondering if after all these years you’d like to see

If you can beat me honestly

They say that you’re supposed to kill me

But you ain’t done much killing

Hello, can you hear me

I’m in Malfoy Manor dreaming about who I used to be

When I had a nose and could sneeze

I’ve forgotten how it felt before the curse backfired at me

There’s such a distance between us

And yet none at all

Hello from the pureblood side

I must’ve tried a thousand times

To kill Potter, but he never dies

And it don’t matter how many times I try

Hello from the Dark Lord

I’m mostly just really bored

And I want to kill some muggles and cats

And I don’t care how you feel about that anymore

Hello, sss-haassh-see

It’s so typical of me to talk in Parseltongue I’m sorry

I hope that you’re ill

Did you ever make it out of the woods where nothing ever happened?

It’s no secret that the both of us

Are running out of time

Potter & Friends:

So hello from the Potter side!

We must’ve tried a thousand times

To tell you Potter will win in the end

So go on, send all the deatheaters in!

Hello from the D.A.!

We’re gonna make you pay

For killing all our friends and family

And we want to see you fully destroyed evermore

Ooooohh, evermore

Ooooohh, evermore

Ooooohh, evermore

Evermore

James, Lily, Sirius, Remus, Snape, Fred, etc:

Hello from the other side

We didn’t make it out alive

‘Cause we stood up to you and your army of death

But when we did you seemed to be one step ahead.

Hello from the Order

At least our boy destroyed you

And we know that he will stay strong

And he will be the Boy Who Lives on and on evermore

Hope you enjoyed it and sang it in your head, or out loud, whichever!!

Living With Chronic Eczema

You brush your shirt off to get the tell-tale flakes of skin off only to look down two minutes later to see a million more. This is living with eczema. Part of it anyway. Every day you struggle with the embarrassment of going out in public with your skin peeling so much you look like a zombie straight out of the Walking Dead.

It’s not pretty, it’s not fun. Most days I wake up scratching myself in the middle of the night, worried what it’s going to look like the next day. I constantly worry that the fast rate at which I shed my skin is eventually going to leave me skinless, which is absurd, but it’s what runs through my head.

I’ve tried every lotion, cream, and medication you can name. Natural, not: I’ve tried it. And yes, I even tried tanning. Nothing works. The first time I was racked with this horrible skin condition, the flare up lasted a full two years.  In that time, I saw EIGHT doctors, was allergy tested multiple times, and was tested for lupus (which included blood tests and MRIs). I was even put on dangerous medications usually used for organ transplants to suppress my immune system. NOTHING WORKED. 

Eventually, I switched jobs and the symptoms started to subside on their own. I figured it must’ve been something I was working with, which could’ve been anything because I worked at Kroger. While I was pregnant, my skin looked the best it has ever looked. And, not a month after my son was born, my eczema came back worse than before.

Now I am struggling with whether or not to even bother with another pointless doctor who will give me prednisone (oral steroids) to temporarily solve the problem and a steroid cream that won’t work. In the two years I suffered before I was on prednisone multiple times and gained fifty pounds from being on that medication. Never was able to drop the weight either, which is seriously unhealthy for a 5’2″ person.

So I go on. I lather lotion all over and try to keep myself from scratching my scalp, my face, my chest, my stomach, my arms, my legs. I’m crossing my fingers it goes away sooner than two years this time. It’s not easy to live with, and it certainly doesn’t help my battle with depression and anxiety.

There is currently little research on the causes of eczema and an even smaller amount dedicated to finding a cure. I encourage you to check out the National Eczema Association. Eczema is not a fatal disease but it is debilitating and we need a cure. Eight doctors couldn’t help me. Who can?

Procrastination Doesn’t End After College

Not too long ago, I posted a blog about my new goals as a writer. I had ideas and plans. I even made a page with my name on it on Facebook for people to like. Well, a couple (a few) months have gone by and I am ashamed, but not surprised, to say that I have since abandoned that project in favor of multi-hour marathon Netflix watching.  I am now a pro at Netflixing, but my writing has definitely suffered at the hands of the glorious Netflix siren that sings to me when I get home from work.

I know that nothing is to blame for my procrastination except my own laziness and general apathy. I wrongly assumed that I would be much more motivated after graduating. Alas, I feel as though I am now a hundred times worse and fifty pounds heavier. Snacks are more alluring than ever and sugary soda is one of the few things I am excited for when I wake up in the morning.

What is my point in writing this? I’m honestly not sure. Maybe I feel the need to apologize to any of you who were actually waiting for me to write something. Maybe I just want to complain about myself and hope someone understands. And maybe I’m just writing this because I am too much of a procrastinator to actually work on that novel.

Sigh. *turns on Netflix* Well that’s about as much writing as I can get out in one sitting nowadays. Oh good, they added new Disney Channel movies. Goodnight, I’m going to watch Princess Protection Program. Again.

Wrecked.

1:25PM: I clock out for lunch. Not sure where I’m going yet but I am hungry. I jump in my car and decide something quick is best. McDonalds. Five minutes is all it would take. 

1:35PM: Already ordered. Put my food in my passenger seat and my coke in the cup holder. I pull up to the entrance, look left and right. Okay I can pull out now, I thought. There is a moving truck turning into McDonalds. I put my foot onto the gas and make a left turn. 

1:36PM: I pass through one lane. I get to the second and see a truck. So close. There is only time for me to throw up my arm and scream in fear. The impact crushes my door into my side. I hear it. It is the loudest and most dreadful sound I’ve ever heard. My window shatters. Glass all over me. My coke busts and wet soda is flung across me. I feel cold. I continue to scream as the man in the truck asks me if I am okay. I don’t know if I’m okay. 

1:40PM: I call my manager because I know she can call my mom and Michael. I know I can’t . I can barely breathe. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that I am trapped in this car and I have no idea what is hurting or if I am okay. My hand is bleeding. 

1:42PM: A policeman is talking to me. I hear him say ambulance. I nod. Yes. I need one. My other manager shows up. She holds my hand and sits in the car with me. I think about how wonderful she is. I’m crying. 

1:50PM: It’s so cold outside. I’m shaking from the cold and from being nervous. The fire truck is here. They tell me they are going to have to cut my door. They put a blanket up to protect me from glass. After a couple of minutes I feel the door come further into my side. I yell out. They stop and try to do it another way. My car is being ripped open. 

1:55PM: They tell me not to move. They will move me. It’s very hard not to move. They slide me onto a board and get me out of the car. All I can see are blue skies above me. They load me into the ambulance alongside the man that was in the truck. 

2:00PM: They are asking me what hurts. I’m too upset and anxious. Then the pain starts to set in. My hand. My neck. My shoulder. My side. I hear the driver say I could have internal bleeding. I could be paralyzed. It doesn’t help my anxiety. 

2:15PM: After the longest ride of my life, we are at the hospital. She tells me they are taking me to trauma. Just in case. I’m terrified. All I can see is what is above me. I have no idea what’s going on. They press on my stomach and my back. She’s okay, they say. Roll her back out. 

2:17PM: My mom was there before me. And Michael. They stand around my bed as I cry some more. Dad shows up. They roll me into a room. 

2:20PM: My sister and brother-in-law show up. Daniel had been at the scene of the accident but I was already in the   ambulance. I feel loved. But I’m still scared. 

3:00PM: A doctor looks at me. Tells me we will get some X-rays. Takes my neck brace off. That’s good news. The nurse gives me a pain pill. It helps. 

4:00PM: They haven’t even cleaned my hand. There is still glass under me; I can feel it. 

5:00PM: I’m rolled out to get X-rays of my hand, my shoulder, and my hips. My hips started hurting at the hospital. Probably from not being able to move for hours. The nurse does all the X-rays. She was nice and it only hurt a little. I’m rolled back in the room to wait for the results. 

6:30PM: The nurse comes in. No broken bones. You’ll be sore. He slaps a bandaid on my hand (which was never cleaned), gives me a prescription for ibuprofen and a muscle relaxer. I am discharged. 

7:00PM: I walk out of the hospital, crying from the pain in my hips. I survived. I was going to be okay. I had imagined so much worse as I laid in that hospital bed, listening to the nurses talk about what could be wrong with me. 

I don’t know how I came out of that with only a bruised and cut up hand and incredible soreness. But I did. And I am so thankful for the people that helped me through it. 

 

And In the Beginning There Was a Writer

Here it is. All my work. Ever. All of it. In front of me. On this desk. Today begins the arduous process of going through all of this to find the good stuff. It will be a fun journey, going back through all my writing, seeing how terrible it was. And how surprisingly good it was in many ways. I’m excited to start this project and I hope you all are interested in my progress which I will be posting here. 

Notice the awesome Harry Potter journal. Just thought I’d point that out. Here’s to a best seller!