Blogging has been an introspective experience in some ways for me. I started blogging on a whim, never expecting to still be writing a year later – and not knowing or understanding how the experience would effect me. I created a cyber personality – and called myself Sal. While I wanted to protect my privacy from others out in the universe who might harbor a grudge against me, I have hid behind my anonymous status in some ways. While claiming to be transparent in so many things, as Sal I could pull out the best of me and forget about the hard and dirty stuff that I battle every day. And I’m not talking about diapers or dog doo.
Why Sal? It’s a nickname I used in my previous business life. Also one of the many names people mistake your name for when you have a name like mine…they typically call you Sherry, Sally, Shirley or something of that sort.
I’ve decided to peek out of the closet today. After much prayer and evaluation, being Sal is truly holding me back more than propelling me forward. The one thing that clinched it was a comment from an online acquaintance. I emailed her something and signed my real name – as I often had in email correspondences we had had. Since it had been some time since we “talked”, she admitted that it threw her off when I did sign it …it almost seemed weird to her. I feel that others are missing out by me being Sal. I am too.
No, I don’t walk around the house saying, “I told that darn Sal to vacuum the carpets and just look at them!” “That Sal can’t cook worth a darn!” But there is an ambiance about sitting down at the computer as Sal. I don’t want to put on layers when I write. I want to shed them. This blog is about me and not about someone else. So I’m going to stand at the front of it.
Will one of my former grudges find me in all this? Maybe. But fear cannot drive me in this instance. I fear no man, only God. Well, that’s my goal anyway.
Only my name will change. The web address will remain the same. My family will retain their anonymous status as a privacy courtesy to them. I may continue to use “Sal” in ways…i.e. the Sal Household…or something of that nature. I’m not sure what will transpire after this change. But I know it’s a must for me.
By the way, you can call me…
I think you e-mailed me once and used your name.
Whatever you call yourself, I’m glad you’re my blog buddy!
Its nice to meet you! But I ‘ve been reading for quite a while and your writing has prompted much introspection. (Found you through srp)
I want to wish you a happy Christmas with your sweet family. I’m looking forward to the new year of your journey.
We can call you . . . what? Did I miss it?
Hi Shelly. It’s nice to meet you! My real name is Patty-Jo. My son said I should think of a really cool online name, but I don’t have much imagination for that sort of thing.
I enjoy reading your blog and hearing about your family. I live in Washington state, but my oldest son is in Virginia. On a few of our visits, we’ve managed to get up to Williamsburg. It’s one of our favorite places! Every time you mention it on your blog, It brings back happy memories!
As another who has an internet alias, I say, “Hi, my name is Rebecca. How do you do?”
You have some wonderful cookies here Shelly. It feels good to be able to call you by your real name. You are so right, we have no need to fear man, God’s love will protect us. You have such a warm light to shine out to the world. I am starting to get excited about the prospects of the new year.
PS: Did you walk around the colonial area this year…the decorations seemed particularly lovely. Tell Bump hello and the rest of your crew.
Wow, I missed this post and went straight to “What’s in Shelly’s oven?” and I was posting a comment and at the end I wrote, who’s Shelly? Then I thought, I must have missed something and looked again and found this post. I knew it must be you!
Well, Shelly, I am not Adrienne either…I am Yvonne…Yvonne Adrienne. Some know that, some don’t. I always wanted to go by my middle name, but it’s hard to change your name mid-life, so blogging was my opportunity!
I do feel I know you more now, it’s so weird…
I am always so encouraged by your comments on my blog, thank you so very much. It’s nice to really meet you.
Yvonne
Okay…I found it. Good-bye Sal…hello Shelly!