Happy Friday!
I was thinking about what to post today – I was going to post about my latest project, but I ran into a bit of a delay and will have to save sharing that for later.
I was looking back on other things I have posted and the typical blog statistics. I realized that while my blog it technically 8 years old (though it did take a hiatus and then got relaunched with a new name and slightly different goal) most of my followers joined last year.
[Side note: Am I the only one who has lumped 2020 and 2021 together in my head? If I read something about 2020, I automatically think, “Yeah, last year.” (This is probably a psychological survival method to help us all make it this far given the way 2021 went.)]
Anyway, I thought perhaps I ought to reintroduce myself to all The Renaissance Texan’s newest followers.
9 Facts About Me:
ONE
I am creative and have a collection of hobbies that feed that side of me – photography, sculpture and miniatures, gardening, writing, cooking and baking, crafting and crocheting.
TWO
I am the “meowmy” of the one and only Benchley the tuxedo cat. I started an Instagram account for my cat in 2017 on a lark. Joke was on me, his account has over 6.5k followers and we have had one reel go viral (with 2.3 million views) and two that seem to be on that same trajectory. Through Benchley’s account (@benchleyparkbenchley) I have made some great friends – loads are international which makes Christmas card exchanges extra exciting and fun (as a result I’ve started a bit of a stamp collection too).
Benchley’s account gives me the opportunity to merge my passions for photography and writing with my love of a handsome black and white cat. Chatting with global “furriends” was a buoy for my mental health during 2020 and the ensuing insanity of the world.
THREE
I have an eclectic taste I music and movies. When it comes to music, you’ll find country and Christian playlists happily in the company of oldies and pop. Movies I can quote by heart include Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Guys and Dolls, The Godfather, and Princess Bride. Don’t get me started on my TV tastes they are just as diverse; I love Downton Abbey and Sons of Anarchy with I love Lucy thrown in between.
FOUR
I enjoy gardening. I think it is in my blood. Both of my grandfathers and grandmothers enjoyed growing gardens, and my parents have always been plant lovers too. I get a sense of satisfaction from working the soil and helping nourish the seedlings and plants in my garden. I also enjoy eating homegrown fruits and veggies. It is also fun for me to share tips and tricks, as well as tales of woe – though that is less fun, with y’all so that fellow gardeners can see exciting results too (like less blossom end rot!).
FIVE
I enjoy spending time in nature (though not as much as nature likes me – I am a mosquito magnet). I love taking hikes and enjoying the fresh air. I enjoy photographing flowers and birds, and strangely, litter. Each month I post a daily photography challenge for the month. I post my photographs for the challenge on The Renaissance Texan’s Instagram account (@therenaissancetexan). If you want to partake and share your photos, I’d love for you to tag me so that I can see how you interpret each day’s challenge.
SIX
Last year I launched a The Renaissance Texan YouTube channel. One of my goals for this year is to post a minimum of one video each week to the channel. I have shared recipes, crochet projects, crafty things (like how to make an ice candle and how to quickly “weather” wood), as well as book recommendations and various other ideas. Let me know in the comments what kind of videos you would like to see on the channel this year.
SEVEN
I have one kidney. The blog was previously known as The One Kidney Wonder. This year I am coming up on 20 years as the “one kidney wonder” and have been brainstorming ways to commemorate – it’s kind of a big deal. A celebration of life and God’s love for me. Though I don’t know His reason for saving my life all those years ago, I know He has one and that is worth celebrating if you ask me. Let me know how you have celebrated any big milestones in your life. I want to go big and do something kind of crazy (something beyond cake and champagne) – though my mom says jumping out of a plane seems like a silly way to celebrate surviving twenty years ago.
EIGHT
I have given thought to launching a podcast but honestly, I have no idea what I’d talk about and I’m not sure people like the sound of my twangy voice that much.
NINE
I love to read. I did not enjoy reading when I was younger because dyslexia made it difficult. I had cultivated a few habits/coping mechanisms to help me get through my required reading during high school and college, but I had never really been one to want to sit and read for fun. The summer between my freshman and sophomore year at university I fell in love with reading for fun.
My Reading List shows you all the books I have read since I set myself the goal to read 30 books in 2014. I have read 345 books since then – a feat my parents and teachers probably would not have ever dreamed I would brag about one day. Like my taste in music and movies, my bookshelves are full of a wide variety of books I have enjoyed. Everything from nonfiction, westerns, sci-fi, chick-lit, and business.
Well, that’s me boiled down into 9 succinct(ish) facts.
I want to thank each of my blog followers for hitting the “follow” button and taking the time to read my writing. I hope I provide you with useful information/tips and tricks, ideas and delicious dishes, or at the very least a smile when you need it.