About
I have long believed that faith in oneself – belief, as it were, in your own abilities – is inextricably tied to that oft-scorned word, “arrogance”. Any person who has gone on to success in their chosen field, had to begin with a firm belief that what they had to say/do/show/sell was worth someone else’s time to listen/watch/look at/buy. They were willing to risk everything, in some cases, so strong was their faith in themselves.
But is that all success is? Of course not. It’s hard work. It’s ambition. It’s timing. Sometimes, it’s even compulsion…an inability to NOT do whatever it is you set out to do. You are compelled. You can’t help yourself. It’s a part of you.
And so I come to me…no longer the non-specific “you”…but me. Gretchen O’Donnell. The compelled one. Compelled to write. Compelled to voice my opinions. Compelled to attempt my dreams because I’ve lived with them for so long that it’s ridiculous to shy away from them any longer.
What is that dream? To write. To write and have someone read it. More than one someone, if possible. Am I arrogant enough to think that anyone will want to read what I write? Apparently I am because here I am, beginning a blog. I am fearful, yes, yet I have enough faith in myself to think that you might value what I have to say. Might want to join in the conversation, even. Might think that it’s been time well spent.
I’ll write about the process I’m beginning: that of getting my book published. I’ll write about being a mom…because that’s who I am. I’ll write about God…because He’s too much a part of my life to separate Him from anything I do. I’m sure there will be other topics I blog on, too…because I am compelled.
And yes, I’ll write about my epiphanies…as they O’Ccurr to me!
Oh, and by the way, all you need to remember is TUESDAYS WITH GRETCHEN! That’s when you can read about my newest epiphanies – though there are occasions when I’m struck with inspiration on other days as well. BUT…Tuesdays are the day when I’ll post for sure!
Thanks for stopping by. Please come back!!
Gretchen



Oh I like it very much! You write it,I will read it.
Thanks, Alison! Wa hoo!
Gretchen, Your first post reminded me of my first (well second I guess) post when I blogged. The narcissism of blogging/writing… I rarely blog… but when I do it is cathartic and an outlet for some semblance of creative expression. enjoy! I look forward to following.
Thanks, Joey! I’m excited about it…narcissism or not! Watch for pictures from Orcas Island!
Go, Gretchen, Go!! So looking forward to this.
You’re so great, Rita. Thanks for your encouragement! (It wouldn’t let me use an apostrophe in the title…hence the O’Ccurred idea being secondary!)
Fun, Gretchen! Here goes the adventure!
)
Shine, Gretchen!
Thanks, Rose! I’m looking forward to it…
Way to go Gretchen…I am proud of you and excited to hear your epiphanies. You might even hear the seagulls calling if you listen real close! Okay, I am having a brain freeze…I don’t remember where that came from, enlighten me. Was it a poem you wrote?
Ha ha! Yes. A very bad one which you teased me about! I’m still hurt. Okay, not really. THANKS for showing up here!
Gretchen, you make me smile and even emit a giggle or two! I love how you write so am looking forward to your journey. I love how God is so much a part of everything you are and do – to Him be the glory!
Thanks, Nancy! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I had forgotten about Trudy Myra. She was a bit of a pest!
I’m proud of you for finally jumping into the deep end, not a place most Bunnies want to go!
It’s a good thing that all Trudies (would that be the plural?!) grow up!
Gretchen….LOVE LOVE LOVE to read what you WRITE WRITE WRITE!!!! Looking forward to the next Tuesday.
Thanks, Paula! We’ll look forward to it togther! Here’s to the upcoming journey!
Love the “O’Ccurr!” Reading a blog once a week on a Tuesday sounds just about do-able for me. I’m looking forward to your ephiphanies!
Thanks, Shelly! I’m glad you got my message. And yes, I’d thought about calling it “It Just O’Ccurred to Me”…but couldnt’ use an apostrophe in the title! But I get a kick out of it, too…and yes, I think once a week is just about right for me, too!
How fun to see you following that compulsion. I’d love to follow the journey!
Thanks, Maureen!
Hi Gretchen, I followed a link on Celi’s blog and found myself reading one of the most beautiful “About” pages I have ever read. I am inspired! I like your blog title and your writing! I will subscribe to your blog now…
Thank you so much, Mel! You are so kind and you have put a smile on my face. It was very nice of Celi to post my link – she herself is so inspiring. Thanks for coming over to check things out here and thanks for being a part of…dare I say a “team”? It kind of feels that way – like we all are a part of each other’s blogging teams. And now I, too, am heading over to your tree house kitchen!
Yes, let’s go with “team”!
Very nice to “meet” you, Gretchen – what a pleasure (and such a pretty blog, too!)
anne
Thank you again! I’m having a great time doing this blog. Now I shall definitely head over to check out yours!