The Window, The Door & The Teacup
I have lost all track of time as I am sitting here, immersed in my thoughts, of nothing in particular and yet everything at once. I suppose that’s inevitable when you decide to take stock; you are quickly besieged by the unceremonious merger of thoughts from near and afar, the rapid coagulation of moments with years. A reflexive check of the time reveals it to be 11.25pm, 20 December 2016. And as I am about to press the “Publish” button to what will be my 30th post, I cannot help but feel the faint flutters of relief (of how far it has come) and hope (of how far it can go).
I am not sure about you, but I have often wondered about the Writer labouring behind the façade of their impeccably crafted blogs. Their stories never fail to intrigue me. Their lives a reflection of what I aim to achieve for myself one day. So, as for my year-end review (a loose term, of course), I will offer an insight into the Jolene behind SoMuchToTellYou.
Osmosis: 23 March 2014 (The Window)
As with a few things in my life, the birth of SoMuchToTellYou was experimental (at best), accidental (almost). It was the confluence of neurosis and helplessness that created the perfect storm, or the perfect moment for venting. The You in SoMuchToTellYou is, of course, singular; for an audience of one (or none as it would turn out, the aforementioned You remaining blissfully unaware of its existence, even now).
As a stoic, I naturally wouldn’t have told you all that I wanted to say. But I have wanted you to find me. As such, I wonder if it has ever occurred to you that when I shut the door in your face, I would leave a window wide open… It was silly of me then, to overlook the fact that my short bob bears no resemblance to Rapunzel’s long luscious locks, and that you would have had no hope of ever reaching me, even if you had tried.
Taste for Life: 8 August 2016 (The Door)
It was travelling solo (or rather, escaping the ritualistic way of life) that gave me a new lease on life. The conquest of the distant and the unknown tickled my ever-inquisitive spirit. Along with new frontiers, culinary palates and social comfort zones, I discovered many facets of myself which have never before seen the light of day.
If the birth of SoMuchToTellYou was accidental, its rebirth is no accident. There is much truth to the great adage of Ibn Battuta that travelling “leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”. I am no storyteller – no belle of the ball, or pulsating heart of the party – but now I do have more to say (which is still not saying much). And as I watched the walls fall away and the door thrust open to all of you dear Readers, I felt decidedly grateful!
A Place to Call Home (The Teacup)
I have been blogging with anaemic regularity for a little over 4 months now (which is to say with as much regularity as my corporate job will allow, i.e. the job that pays for the food, the bills and all my guilty pleasures, lest I shall ever forget). Whilst it is no occasion to crack open the Veuve in celebration of its longevity, I am hopeful that there will be longevity to come.
The truth is, I have come to rely on SoMuchToTellYou as my second home and my little slice of utopia. It has become a refuge no less; a sanctuary to nurse a weary heart. Never have I had the good fortune in speaking so frankly, so freely (nor felt this much salvation in doing so). I figured that after all if I am to treat it as a home, I need to furnish it with as much passion and honest simplicity as is fitting of my nature. I have therefore chosen to furnish it with a selection of my favourite adornments which, despite being casually scattered, hopes to give a semblance of the comforts of home.
So as I put the kettle on, why don’t you make yourself comfortable and stay awhile, or as long as you please…
* Do you still remember your very first post and how it all started? And what is it that keeps you going? *
SoMuchToTellYou 
Jolene love how blogging allows us to escape from the daily ‘job’ – routine. I felt like making a cup of tea and enjoying your space with you:) It is very interesting to learn why others have started blogging – escape, business, sharing photography and adventures. I love reading about other areas, seeing photos of places I may never see in person from a different perspective than National Geographic or other travel magazines – from people who actually live there and know the hidden treasures, and learning of others ideas, philosophies, religious / spiritual beliefs. Some I have become blogging friends with over the years and hope one day to meet in person. Mine was to start as a blog for a life coach business and ended up taking on its own journey which has been fun!! Love and Light!
Hi! Thanks for popping over for tea and wish you a happy New Year!
Like you, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning others’ way of life, treading beyond the comforts of my own little corner. Whilst I started blogging as a personal journal, the interaction amongst fellow bloggers has been great and I have never looked back ☺️. It’s also encouraging to hear that you have developed friendships with your readers and I would love to be one of those 😁. Thank you!
Jolene
Beautiful! Finding your place feels good… 🙂
https://mybeirutblog.wordpress.com/2016/12/15/she/
Thanks for visiting and glad you enjoyed. It definitely does! 😊
wow, great post, and for me I think the tone was wistful, yet optimistic!! really like it, well done!!
I found your little space in the community pool, so glad I did!! amazing write up!!!keep writing and inspire us…. surely will be waiting for more!!
Please do visit my blog for exciting recipes, I started my blog today, and would love some feedback, thanks in advance and see you there! 🙂
Thanks for your kind words and for visiting my little corner.
Congratulations for commencing your own journey with WP. I would be around shortly 😊
Shared many of the same feelings as you. I started in May, learned a lot and have a lot to learn but I am really enjoying the process.
Thanks very much! That’s great to hear you’ve experienced a steep learning curve. In many ways I’ve discovered tons about myself, almost a journey in self-awareness. Best of luck with 2017!! 😁🎉
Beautifully written, Jolene. Merry Christmas to you.
Thank you Mr B! You too!! Have an awesome time 🎉🍕🍔🍹
What a wonderful post, Jolene! Keep it up! I started my blog when I was in the U.S. because I wanted to share my new experiences. Eventually, I could not find time to post regularly until I moved to Italy. Italy has inspired me so much!
Thanks so much for your contribution to SMTTU! Oh my, it sounds like you have been doing your fair share of globetrotting! Was the US before or after the UK? From what you post, Italy does seem like the perfect setting for blogging! 😉
Great post!
My first was in October 2016 so obviously I remember it. I think what keeps me going is being able to connect with other people. It’s wonderful to be able to share my thoughts about what I love the most to other people who actually show interest; I don’t have a lot of writer friends so such opportunities are limited in my in-person interactions.
Funny you should say that Ida, because I think deep down the genuine interaction is a huge motivator. I actually have no “real life” friends on this platform, and yet I feel strangely liberated in being able to connect with readers like yourself whom has contributed so much to driving me to continue with what I do! So thank you – it’s great to share the journey with you! 🙏😋💕
I see that we have something in common on how we started our blog. I believe, although we did not expect things right now on our blog, there must be someone up there who really designed ourselves to put up this blog. Thank you for sharing this Jolene. Best of luck to you this coming 2017!
Hey Lenny, I’ve always been curious about the motivations of people behind their blog and thanks for sharing yours with me! Did the person you were addressing it to ever end up finding yours? 😄 I agree with you though, some things are a calling. It just…happens! Same back at you – Happy Xmas and all the best with your vacation with Mr Lucky and your lucky family🤗🌻