“So what are you doing during Spring Break?” This common question reverberates off classroom walls as teachers and students share their plans for the week ahead. Out-of-state vacations and local attractions top the list. Many people are choosing to unwind, unload, and refresh during this week of reprieve; catching a quick breath before the fast track of another school year comes to an end.
What am I doing this Spring Break? Purchasing my first website domain.
As many of you know, I’m a multi-dimensional writer. I began my writing journey in 2012, dabbling with fonts and images as I documented my adventures blessing 40 individuals with random acts of kindness. My toes crossed from sand to sea as I dipped into this new experience, my expectations low and my audience small.
Within months my audience grew and thanks to Ann Curry, my world expanded from sea to ocean as I waded in with more followers and additional opportunities to write. I participated in my first virtual writing camp, #TeachersWrite, led by two of my favorite writers: Kate Messner and Gae Polisner. I kept writing and posting, sharing my thoughts with the world. Along the way, I was encouraged by other writers, such as Greg Armamentos and Craig Vroom, who included me in their world of #CompelledTribe writers.
I began an educational blog, trying to keep my personal passions for kindness and professional perspectives in education separate, but accessible.
I nearly drowned from the riptides of spreading myself too thin.
I’ve reached a place in my life where the line has blurred. I am many things to many people and these characteristics constantly overlap. As George Couros pointed out at our recent professional development session: “Why are you trying to do both things separately?”
I am a mom. I am an educator. I am a writer. I am all these things and more.
Today I am embracing who I am with a new focus – to write about experiences from all aspects of my life: as a parent, a teacher, a daughter, a friend.
Moving forward, this website will become my new sharing space. I hope you will follow me, join in the fun, and leave me a comment or two as I branch out and share my thoughts on a multitude of topics.
Who knows? Perhaps as I wade through this redirection, I might find the courage to face my fears, hold my breath, and dive full in.
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Fantastic, Tamara!! Can't wait to follow your journey!
Thanks, Dave! If I'm going to teach like a pirate and lead like a pirate, I have to dive in and swim! Thanks for always being such a great support for me!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!! Everything about it and I am excited to be following your journey. Way to go TamaraLetter.com and Tamara Letter the person… Wait. They are one in the same!!! Yipppeeee!!!
I love reading your work. I can't wait for Tamara 24/7.
Bob
I love how all my worlds are already colliding on this website! Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce forever friend, Lisa Zader, who most surely will be mentioned in a few upcoming blog posts! You have always been my greatest support since our college days and continue to be my cheerleader in all things! Thanks for following and sharing my site with those you know!
You just made my night! Thanks, Bob!
Way to take the leap with courage! I have found peace in my life through integrating all aspects, rather than separating them and struggling to find a balance. Good luck! I look forward to reading about your journey.
I loved this blog Tamara and I'm honored to have you in my PLN Family. Those blurred lines is what makes our joy journey filled with color!
Diving in is the only way to go sometimes! You've got people here to toss you a line if you need! ;D Enjoy this new journey, Tamara!
Thank you for sharing your struggles, Andrea! Full integration for writing is definitely the way to go. I'm thrilled to finally have one common space to call my own! I'm glad you will share this journey with me!
I have discovered the beauty of a blended watercolor surpasses that of stark, rigid lines. Why not embrace it all and let those worlds collide! That's what makes a masterpiece! Thank you for allowing me to share in your journey as an honorary #joyambassador!
Thank you Joy! It means so much to know I have wonderful people like YOU who cheer me on and take time to share in my highs and lows. I am blessed beyond measure to have "Joy" in my world!
How fitting you chose the sea as the "ocean is a symbol of power, strength, life, mystery, hope and truth. It is also referred to as being the tears, or sorrow, of God. The ocean's salt symbolizes stability." In so many ways I see this applying to your new venture. So excited Tamara to see where you're headed! You are such an inspiration to so many people so this makes such perfect sense to blend it all together! Good luck – and I will remain a forever faithful follower!
Yes! Oh Nancy, how I love when someone understands the symbolism behind my theme! You are the best! The ocean, with its rushing waves and calming tides is a perfect paradox for my season of change. I am blessed to have friends like you who not only take the time to read my writing, but actually ponder the meaning behind the words. It's no coincidence that you and I are connected from that random act of kindness at the ISTE 2014 Ignite – not so random after all! Thank you for always supporting all my ventures of growth!