A Personal Essay

I’m not sure why I started this blog. I guess I wanted to put my writing out there, and to see if people actually enjoyed any of it. People often tell me that I’m “good at writing” but what does that mean? I suppose I’m good at writing academic style essays, and I’m quite good at grammar. But then again, so are lots of people. What I wasn’t sure about was whether I’d be any good at this whole blog style writing business. In the earliest stages of Taggle Talk, I told very few people about my new project. From this select few, I sought honest feedback and constructive criticism. I wanted to be told that my writing and ideas were bad by those that I love. I wanted an excuse to give up. Then something funny happened; I received mostly compliments. My friends and family told me sincerely that they liked my stuff, and I decided to believe them. A lovely comment from my dearest friend struck a powerful chord; “It’s interesting to read your writing because you can tell that it’s you, even though it’s not how you talk. So this must be how you think in your head.” This comment, and others like it, made me realise that perhaps I do have a little something to offer in my writing.

And so I’m keeping at it. Slowly, I am building up a small online following which is both strange and exciting. I am filled with all sorts of warm fuzziness to discover that complete strangers from around the world have stumbled upon my blog and have chosen to read my words. I have been inspired, more than anything else, by this ability to connect with strangers. So that’s what this blog has slowly become; a happy sphere in which I can connect, through writing, to all sorts of people, in all sorts of places. If you’re reading this, you’re most likely a complete stranger. I know this because I still haven’t told many people I know about my blog. I’m still embarrassed by the thought of people I know reading my stuff. It’s ridiculous, but it’s true. It may take me a little while to build up the confidence but for now, I’m very content writing for you, dear stranger. Considering you’ve been so kind as to stop by and say hello, the least I can do is to tell you some more about me.

I come from the Land Down Under. I have curly hair, but wear it straight. I can speak approximately 75% of the Spanish language, and dream of being fluent. Sometimes I have too much energy. The only two things I hate in this world are cats and bananas. I love being home alone. Daisies are my favourite flower, and flower was my first word. I’m more comfortable in jeans than anything else. I wish I were alive in the 70s. I cried when I saw Picasso’s Guernica in real life. I kind of want to get a little tattoo on my hip but I kind of don’t. My laptop’s desktop is currently messy which is making me anxious. I have a freakish ability to remember song lyrics. I use my hands excessively when I talk. I really enjoy the South African accent. I put little things on my To Do List for the satisfaction of crossing them off. I could easily live without a mobile phone. I live for summer and sulk in winter. I get sad when I finish a really good book. My middle name is Joy, after my grandma. It doesn’t take me much to get drunk. I have no self-restraint when it comes to chocolate. I often wish I didn’t have to wear shoes. No place makes me happier than the beach. I eat an apple each day. I bought a road bike two years ago, which I rode only twice. I sometimes enjoy really bad movies. I once went skydiving in Switzerland. My knowledge of history and politics is embarrassingly poor. Every day of the week, I feel as though it is a different day of the week. I prefer even numbers to odd. I used to wish I was taller but now I don’t mind so much. Sometimes I can’t sleep because I can’t stop thinking. Warm socks are the best. I have a crazy knack for remembering faces. At this very moment my toenails are painted traffic cone orange. My younger sister is taller than me. I constantly have a different song stuck in my head. I can put my right foot behind my head, but not my left one. My favourite flavour is mint and my favourite scent is coconut. I’m slightly obsessed with navy blue. I can’t decide what my favourite book is. People often think I’m familiar, even when I’m not. I smile showing all of my teeth.

If you’ve reached this point, we’re no longer complete strangers. That isn’t all there is to know about me, but it’s a start. I am so dearly thankful for your interest in who I am, and what I have to say. I don’t expect you to like all of what I write, but your stopping by means the world. So stranger, let’s be friends?

*If you enjoyed reading this, you might also enjoy My Utmost Thanks To The Man On My Train.