GBE - Who is this?

When I started this blog I dived straight into writing & it didn't even cross my mind, until this week prompt, that most people will be sitting there thinking who is this woman writing about all these different things? I mean, we don't even know her name. 

Well I'm here to change that today. 

So hey, I'm Donna. I live in the UK with my partner, our 2 boys & our crazy beagle - I say crazy because she literally is nuts haha. Mind you she fits in perfectly with us lot. 

I grew up on the south coast of England & that's where my love of the ocean comes from. I have always had to live near water because it's like me sanctuary & somewhere for me to escape to to help clear & calm my mind. However when I moved 2+ hours away years ago, it meant I left the beach behind. I now near rivers so I'm although I'm near water it's not the same as hearing waves crashing in on the shoreline and smelling that salty sea air. 

We do try to get back to the coast at least once a year to visit my family - it also means we get to hit the beach too. 

Those that know me know about my past, for those who don't I'll share a bit with you...I still find this part of my life hard to write down as it opens up the gates of memories that I sometimes wish would just disappear for good. 

I was previously married. For over 4 years I put up with domestic abuse. I had to cut all ties with my family, friends, social media presence & my old blogging days. My life was not mine at that time. I put on fake smiles, learned to say "everything's fine", learned to hide the bruises & gave up who I once was. After 4+ years of living the worst part of my life, I finally got the strength & courage to leave.....& boy did I leave. I packed a bag & ran, never looking back. 

Since that day I've been happy & free. I met my partner, had my beautiful boys & got our dog. Life couldn't be any different than what it was at that time. 

Here's some more fun/life facts about me...

• I have an Open University Degree
• I love writing, my dream is to become a published author. I'm currently writing a children's book, working on an adults book & have lots of ideas flowing through my mind for future pieces. 
• I once had a poem published in a writer's magazine. 
• I was part of the original GBE crowd, blogging away when MySpace was the in place to be. 
• I can't & don't ever want to drive - yep I'm nearing my 40s & my legs get me everywhere I need to be. 
• I once grew 1,000 lettuces haha! - I read the packet wrong thinking there was 100 seeds in there. This could be a blog post on its own for another day lol. 
• I'm an avid reader. I just love books.
• I'm a teaoholic - if I don't have a cuppa in my hands then there's something seriously wrong with me lol
• My eldest son is autistic & it took many years of sleepless nights, uncontrollable outbursts & mainly myself being hit by him for a doctor to finally see the light. Last summer he received his diagnosis.
• I'm a carer for my partner who suffers with a multiple of back & spinal issues. 
• I have a hidden disability that was diagnosed in August - Hyperparathyroidism along with hypercalcaemia. These conditions knock me for six most days but I still try to plod on & be the strong one for my family. 

One more thing.....I really want a cat haha. I used to have 2 cats & miss them all the time, they were my babies. However I don't think our dog would approve of a cat running around the house taunting her lol. 

Comments

  1. BethSeptember 28, 2023 6:33 pm

    You and I go back to those MySpace, original GBE times. I have always seen so much good in you, Donna. So much strength and talent and kindness. Watching you free yourself and then watching you blossom has been a wonderful thing. Oh, and when you become a published author, I'll definitely buy your books!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AliciaoftheGBEOctober 02, 2023 6:59 pm

    Nice to get reacquainted with you Donna! You're a really lovely soul, taking care of others like you do. And I know how you feel about the ocean, nothing is like being by it. It's soul restorative, you can't get it by any other body of water.

    You have a lovely family and I look forward to reading more of your work.

    ReplyDelete

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