Blogging live to you and yours! It’s your boy TWOTALL4UFOOL! Got another interview for you guys. This is a blogger by the name of Ashley Girres and her blog is a A Fierce Mind. Be sure to check out her blog. She’s a great writer. Tell her that your boy 2TALL sent you. And if you have a Twitter follow her on there. Her tweets will have you ROTFL. Without a further ado here’s the interview. Enjoy y’all!
2TALL: Hello Ashley. First things first. Thank you for doing this interview. I really appreciate it. So what was the determining factor that got you into blogging?
Ashley: I have always found writing to be therapeutic. I have been journaling since I could write my name and it’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be a published author. Once I had my daughter, my drive to accomplish this goal and to leave something for her to hold on to, a piece of me for her to have forever became undeniable. I wasn’t sure where to begin, so I decided writing in short story form via a blog would be the easiest way for me to get my feet wet. I’ve since began using my blog entries to start writing my book.
2T: Becoming a publisher would awesome. I hope you get there. You have a supporter if you do. Care to explain what your blog is about?
A: My blog is half a compilation of my life story written in short story form. These entries are styled in a way that depicts my memory of “then” and then ends with my views on said experience “now”. The other half of my blog is “Letters to Siena” which is an ongoing collection of letters I’ve been writing periodically to my daughter since the day she was born. These letters are my way of chronicling milestones as well as giving her advice and sharing with her my thoughts, feelings, experiences, perspectives… and whatever else I feel I have to offer her as her mother.
2T: How did you come up with the name A Fierce Mind?
A: As I’ve made my way through life, I’ve realized my greatest asset is my mind. I’ve experienced a lot of adversity, trauma, and an ongoing battle for my health. But, I’m proud to say I keep a positive mindset. I remain optimistic and no matter how many times I get knocked down, I stand back up and persevere. I credit this wholly on my mental toughness. In sharing my story with the world, my hope is not only that they gain something from it, but also that they walk away thinking to themselves “she is fierce”.
2T: That’s the feeling I got when visiting your blog. What do you enjoy most about blogging?
A: I find it to be extremely therapeutic. It’s a way for me to express myself, process things, and connect with others in some of the most profound aspects of life. When I first set out to share my story, I felt extremely vulnerable. I was worried about relinquishing my privacy, giving others “ammo” to judge me, and exposing myself in the most unguarded of ways, but the most unexpected level of confidence has come from it. I feel more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have in my entire life. Instead of vulnerable I ended up feeling empowered. Exposing myself, robbed others of the opportunity. Owning who I am, wholly, and sharing it with others has given me a sense of “Come judge me when you’ve laid out all of your own skeletons” … which most people are unwilling to do. It’s a powerful thing.
2T: What do you find to be the most challenging about blogging?
A: Time. I wish I had more time. Between owning a business and being a wife and a mother and a friend and now trying to write my book… I just wish I had more time. I have so many things to say. So much to tell. So much I feel people need to hear to know they’re not alone. I want to make a difference with my experiences… but, I often wonder if I’ll ever have enough time.
2T: Yeah I wish I had more time to blog as well. But unfortunately it’s not full time job at the moment. What are some of your favorite blogs out there that you enjoy reading?
A:
https://sundaymorningwithsandy.com
2T: What do you expect readers to gain when they visit your blog for the first time?
A: When someone comes to my blog, whether they’re there to read my life story or there to read Letters to Siena, my main goal is that when they leave, they feel like they’d gained some sort of new perspective or they are reminded that they are not alone.
2T: What piece of advice do you have for all bloggers out there? From beginner to seasoned veteran?
A: It really depends on what their goals might be. My biggest tips are: self-host, use social media like crazy, make a writing schedule, and just have fun. Don’t worry what others are doing or not doing. Just do your thing. Be authentic. The rest will all work itself out.
2T: Yeah just be you! Great advice. So we’ve talked back and forth through DM on Twitter. You are big into sports. And also through reading some of your posts you played sports during your youth. What were some of the sports you played growing up?
A: Yes, I was huge into playing sports when I was younger! I did everything from gymnastics, to soccer, basketball, volleyball, track & field… I was a three-sport athlete in high school, sticking with volleyball, basketball, and track.
2T: Wow. Way more than me! Do you play any sports today?
A: After high school I became a high school volleyball coach for 10 years. During that time I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis which has vastly effected my joints and ability to be very physically active, so now I mostly just enjoy sports as a spectator.
2T: What is your favorite sport (or sports) you like to watch on TV? Care to share any of your favorite teams?
A: That’s tough, probably football. Although, I do enjoy watching baseball, college basketball, hockey, and…. Believe it or not, I thoroughly enjoy watching golf on tv. My favorite teams are the Oregon Ducks, Notre Dame, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Cardinals, and my favorite golfer is Phil Mickelson
2T: That’s a wide variety. Aside from sports do you have any other hobbies?
A: My other hobbies would be anything to do with creating and writing. I’m also a huge bookworm. Aside from that I enjoy being with my husband and daughter adventuring.
2T: It’s always great when you have family around you. Now I know you don’t game but I got to ask the question. Any memories of playing video games throughout your lifetime?
A: I remember playing a couple games on our Atari. I also remember playing Mortal Kombat, Sonic, Mario Bros. on our Gameboy, and then Mario Kart.
2T: Those are great games. Time to switch it up now!
Favorite movie?
A: Tough! Umm, I’m going to have to go with Shawshank Redemption, but there are so many!
2T: That’s a great movie. Favorite cartoon show?
A: Looney Tunes were my jam
2T: Can’t go wrong with them. Clippers or Lakers?
A: Eww. Blazers! Fine, Clippers if you’re going to make me pick
2T: Great choice. The Ice Cube’s Predator or Ice Cube’s Lethal Injection?
A: Lethal Injection, easily.
2T: Favorite color?
A: Green
2T: Favorite dessert?
A: Ice Cream (one of the few “sweets” I truly enjoy)
2T: Coke or Pepsi?
A: Damn! Coke if I’m just drinking a Coke, but Pepsi products, because Mountain Dew is life.
2T: Favorite cereal?
A: Honey Bunches of Oats
2T: Nike or Adidas?
A: Nike
2T: Baseball or Basketball?
A: Baseball to watch. Basketball to play.
2T: Apple or Android?
A: Apple
2T: Guilty Pleasure?
A: Oh man… umm, I love chips. I’m a sucker for chips.
2T: That’s one of mine. LOL! Mario or Sonic?
A: Mario
2T: Can’t go wrong with Mario. LOL!
I would like to once again thank Ashley for the interview. Like I said earlier definitely check her blog out and Twitter. Who wants to be interview next? Don’t you all come say yes at once now! LOL! I got more interviews coming. So I hope you enjoy the ones I’ve done so far. Blogging live to you and yours! It’s your boy TWOTALL4UFOOL! Remember that TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE! Thanks for reading folks. Keep on bloggin’ bloggers!
TWOTALL4UFOOL's Gaming & More 