I can’t tell you how long I’ve been considering writing some of these ideas to you–my wonderful readers. I almost don’t know where to begin, but I think the title says it all. I never thought I would ever say anything like this. After all, for most of my life, I was always the youngest one doing this or that or the youngest on staff, etc. I noticed that things begin to shift once I got to my mid-30’s, but it was nice to feel younger and better about myself at that age than I was in my mid-20’s. I realize that I gave up a lot to move back home with my parents, but honestly, it has been worth it.
As I have begun to embrace my blogging, book reviewing, substitute teaching, and more, I have found myself becoming much more content with who I am. In fact, I have reconnected with some of the things I loved as a teen and a young adult. I found that I kept allowing myself to change because of the men in my life. That is always dangerous. There were some good things about the three relationships in which I found myself at one time or another, but I can’t tell you how happy I am being single!
When I embarked upon this new year, I did sense something new for 2014. I didn’t know what it was, but I was expectant and hopeful. And I took things one day at a time. And indeed, God has been leading me.
I would say that the first time I discovered things changing was when I bought my tablet. Honestly, I had been considering buying one for two years, and I decided that the time was now. So I bought a Samsung Galaxy. I couldn’t have been happier as I discovered the joys of using it.
The next thing that happened was the series Signed, Sealed, Delivered. If you follow me on twitter, you probably have noticed all the posts I tweet, write, retweet, and favorite about this show. I am one who didn’t like Hallmark Channel because my dad always watched it. However, this show captured my attention. I found that I could identify with both of the main characters, and I knew how hard it was for a Christian to make the decision to end a marriage. All these issues and more were covered in the ten shows this series put out, and I fell in love. Yes, I did. And I never expected things to take off as they did.
Twitter was the opening of a whole new world to me. And I will tell you sincerely. If you tweet the actors/actresses on the Hallmark television shows, you will hear back from them. I can say this definitely about this network like none other. And that alone has been what has sold me on this network!
So how does that figure into anything? Well, my sphere of influence in my everyday life is really quite limited. My job keeps me from connecting with people at work, and even though I love my church, I don’t often connect with my church members in the way I would like to. I often feel isolated until I get online.
Throughout the Signed, Sealed, Delivered season and now Cedar Cove season 2, I have become completely immersed in a world that I never knew existed. I have had mock twitter wars, sweet things tweeted to me, won contests, and truly discovered that I am surrounded by positivity for the first time since I was in high school! Some might say that I am making a big deal about things that are not genuine or real, but I have to tell you that nowhere else can I become who I really am except when I am writing or tweeting. That has always been the case. I can speak, but I prefer writing. And twitter has given me the additional challenge of limiting my responses to 140 characters.
So what’s the big deal? Why am I so excited recently? Well, I decided to take up a really great challenge concerning my favorite show Signed, Sealed, Delivered. I am writing fan fiction. I began with a prequel, but I moved onto a sequel that seems very well received. It has reminded me of why I write, and I am considering becoming a published author in the not too distant future. The really great thing is that one of my online friends created a trailer for this fan fiction story! Check out both below.
Here a link to my profile and two stories:
https://www.fanfiction.net/~ruthhill74
Want to see the video, too?
So why have I decided that life begins at 40? Well, I have had some great conversations online, and I was even recognized by Hallmark as being a top tweeter about their show. Go figure! And I am on a first name basis with so many of these celebrity folks. Okay, maybe they don’t know me, but they continue to respond nicely when they really don’t have to respond at all. For the first time in so long, I am coming out of my shell and saying things that are like the real me. I would like to do more with my musical talent, but for now, I’ll take what’s going on. I have never felt so fulfilled in what I do. And I find that I am not nearly as frightened when stepping outside my comfort zone. That’s right–you never know where you might see me next!
