Why Chocolate Ink?

I come from a long line of chocolate-lovers. My earliest memories of my mother are linked to her M&M "stash" hidden in the fridge (and the wrath that would ensue if one found and, God forbid, consumed The Stash.) I used to think everyone had a deep, passionate love for chocolate like myself, my sister, my mother, and my grandmother. (Only one of my sisters is a chocolate-lover. My other sister can take it or leave it...we think she's adopted. :))


Then I met my husband. He likes chocolate. He appreciates chocolate. He even enjoys chocolate. But he doesn't have a need for chocolate. I have attended family gatherings with his family where there is not one chocolate dessert. Oh, there are plenty of hearty German pastries, but not one chocolate-filled! This is unheard of in my family where no gathering is complete without a multitude of chocolate. In my family chocolate is a staple of life. No day is complete without it. No celebration is worth having without it.


My husband opened my eyes to the fact that not everyone enjoys (read "depends on") chocolate the way I have been bred to do. I guess you could say it's somewhat of a hobby (that sounds better than "addiction.")...much like my writing. I've also discovered that for me, they are very similar--chocolate and writing. Both are very therapeutic for me. Both can make me feel better when I'm sad or down. I turn to both when I'm excited or wanting to celebrate. I see them both as an expression of who I am. I am a writer. I am a chocolate-lover.


So as I was trying to create a title for my blog--something that would encapsulate me and make those who know me say, "yep, that's her!" and those who don't say, "hmmm...she sounds so interesting!"--that's what I came up with...Chocolate Ink. And doesn't it sound delicious...Chocolate Ink? It just makes me want to write and write and write! (And then eat and eat and eat!)


Maybe as I get deeper into this blogging thing, writing will again become my primary hobby and creative outlet. As I share my thoughts, ideas, struggles, observations, and mindless ramblings, maybe I'll get my "fix" through this, my creative writing outlet, and I won't have to turn so often to my hidden chocolate "stash." (Yes, the sins of the mother...) Oh, who are we kidding...it's wired in my DNA...my name is Nancy and I'm a chocoholic.

Jumping In

Ok, so I'm new to this blogging thing. I didn't really get it for the longest time. I've journaled for years, but it's NOTHING I would want published on the Internet for the world to read! And the blogs I read didn't help much. I really couldn't figure out why these people would take the time to write the stuff they did, or why anyone would want to read it. (I now know that I just wasn't reading the right blogs!)

But I've since been following blogs of some of my friends and found myself thoroughly interested in their posts and their lives. Since writing is not only my career but also my hobby, I figured I should just jump in to the blogosphere with both feet.

So, here I am...bear with me as I fumble my way around for awhile. And hopefully, I'll catch on pretty quickly and actually write something you'll enjoy reading!