A Book?!

Mile Marker 4240:

I took my first step toward a thousand miles on July 9, 2011.

Today marks 5 years and 1 month of taking tiny steps toward a very large goal -- and telling my story along the way.  It's turned into something pretty cool:  224 blog posts (including this one), readers from 10 countries (according to Blogger stats), and over 140,000 page views!

I always figured friends and family would follow my journey, but I never imagined the story might appeal to others, or take on a life of its own.

That's where Donna comes in.

You may remember her from the
Farmer's Market fiasco!

Donna was the first friend I met because of this blog.  That's right.  Long before we met in person, Donna was a self-proclaimed BLOG FOLLOWER!

Three years ago, we met at a party in our apartment complex.  I was new to the neighborhood, standing around with a paper plate in my hand.  Donna came up, introduced herself, and started talking about one of her favorite activities, running.

"Do you run?" she asked.

It was September.  I was wearing jeans.  Donna had no idea I was an amputee still mastering the art of walking.

So I yanked up my pant leg a bit.  "I wear a prosthesis,"  I said.  "I can't run yet, but I'm hoping to learn--"

"YOU'RE THE GIRL WHO GOT HIT BY A TRASH TRUCK!" she exclaimed.  "I READ YOUR BLOG!!!"

As soon as the words slipped out, Donna covered her mouth and began to apologize.  To this day, she tells me how embarrassed she was.

But here's the thing.  I wasn't offended at all.

I was flattered!  My story had preceded me!  Isn't that the dream of every writer?   I told a story that someone remembered, and recognized, and READ!

To make a long story short, Donna and I became great friends.

Blogging has helped me survive and thrive through the twists and turns of this journey.  When funny things happen, I write.  When I'm struggling, I write.  When nothing else soothes, I write.  Within the words, I rediscover comfort, and encouragement, and even hope.  And knowing you're out there reading?  That's like having a built-in support team!

But is it possible that you, the reader, might glean something from it too?

Please say yes.

Because I want to share my next goal:

To write a book.

Ok.  There.  I said it.  It's not done yet.  In fact, I've only taken the first steps, and it already seems like a daunting task.  Case in point:  my Post-It covered coffee table...

I'm not sure where this project will lead.  But then again, are we ever sure where we're going?   Gotta start somewhere.  Five years ago, I wondered if I'd ever reach Mile 1000.

So here's to the story behind the story.  The one that happened to me, but also the one we've constructed together.  Let's keep going.

Got advice?  Experience?  Connections?  Questions?
Parts that pique your interest?
Favorite parts?  Helpful parts?
Parts you wish you knew?

Conversation is good!  Write a comment, send an email (my1000miles@gmail.com), or message me on the FB page.  I'd love your input!

Time to embark on a new chapter.

Come along!