΅〜 ೋღ ♥ ღೋ 〜΅
This is not a typical style of post for me, but hey…we all have to mix things up every now and then right?! I would never wish to become predictable. I am writing this to share some exciting news! First, will be a gradual changing of my last name. I have given this much thought… the tipping point for me was that after much needed and cherished encouragement, I am indeed beginning to compile my poems for a book.
That alone is a rather frightening endeavor for me….frightening and exquisitely exhilarating at the same time! You each have been so very amazing and supportive… I wish to thank you all ever so much for continuing to read, like, comment, follow….this journey. So…while the title for said book is up for debate in my mind…my name is not.
I have considered how you all know me first and foremost as “Christina ~” and secondly…”Christina Brownlee”. For reasons too numerous to explain, I have decided to take back my maiden name for this literary journey I’m embarking on.
Going forward I will be…on this blog then expanding to all the various social media sites, and most especially for any future book(s)…known as…Christina M. Gregory 〜
It is my most fervent desire, even if my book only sees two sales…it will be with the name my mother gave me, one that includes my brother…his wife and family, and my father…the family who was there in all ways during my darkest hours…it is their name I wish to represent. Besides, I lived with that name for over half my life and I am rather fond of it!
Now that I’ve shared my exciting news re: a poetry anthology with you, I will also share that I am full of ideas simmering for other projects…some I won’t mention (yet) because I do love to be enigmatic.
I have another reason for sharing with you all and that my friends is *Accountability*. I know the moment I post this…I am now accountable to see this through. I will not be able to ‘conveniently’ forget, get overwhelmed, too nervous, etc.〜 Though, I do beg for your patience as being a single mom raising 3 kids while running a household does put tremendous demands on my ability to have much free time.
I will share a small hint because I adore you all…I chose this particular title for a reason…the hint? I will use this title for further updates, musings (maybe), and…well….perhaps a few surprises along the way…
Again, I wish to thank each of you for your cherished support and encouragement over these past two years. You are priceless!
~
Christina M. Gregory ~
΅〜 ೋღ ♥ ღೋ 〜΅
~
∼ Reconstructing Christina ∼ 
That took me by surprise. I was not expecting that. I can understand it though, and I like the idea. I also like the idea of putting it out there so you won’t back down from it. You can guarantee that I will be buying that book as soon as it is released.
Congratulations on the … what must have been … difficult decision.
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Alastair, thank you for understanding and for always being so very supportive! Yes…I am a girl who needs that accountability! This is something I’ve wanted for a long time…just too nervous to have taken the leap lol. Now, I’m feeling…well…ready! You are so sweet to say you’ll buy the book…even more encouragement for me to get it done!!
It was indeed a difficult decision…one I’ve been truly deliberating on for so long now. I wanted to begin the change in thinking for online purposes, as it is much more than a ‘non de plume’ for me. Thank you again sweet sweet friend for being with me from the beginning…for always being one of my biggest supporters! 🙂
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It’s been amazing to watch the change in you over the last two years, with the idea of the book, then the thoughts, then the willingness and now – the confirmation. It is a real leap of faith, and one I think will be successful. Even if you only sell two books as you mentioned above, it is better to have tried and seen the result than to spend the time saying “I wonder”. But I don’t think you have to worry about just two books though 🙂
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I completely agree, we each have to follow our dreams for it is so much better to try and fail, than to never try! Leap of faith indeed!! 🙂 And I hope you’re right about the successful part. Thank you Alastair, for thinking such…for sharing that positive wondrous thought! You are so awesome to say you think it will be more than two. I dream it will indeed be the Launchpad to other aspirations…for now, I need to just keep my focus ha! After all, it most certainly will not do to let all my most favorite people down! 😀
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When your books are sitting alongside the likes of Goethe, Gordon and Fitzgerald, you will be able to truly say “Here I am!” and I don’t believe any one of your friends would doubt you at all. Once you have tasted success, I don’t think there will be any stopping you.
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Such an awesomely awesome amazing thing to say…I hadn’t thought how my name would change things alphabetically lol! To even be on a shelf with such names…I’d probably faint lol! Thank you so so much for your encouragement and belief in me….it means more than I can say… 🙂 !!
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Haha well take something soft to land on then 😉
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LOL Will do!! 😀 ~
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😀
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All the best to you and yours!
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Thank you so so very much!!
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Good luck on your publishing endeavors and I will be standing in line to purchase the first book published by an accomplished poet named Christina M. Gregory 🙂
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Thank you so very very much Roxi!! Such an awesome sweet thing to say!! Coming from one whom I consider to be a master wordsmith…I am truly and sincerely honored! 🙂
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Wishing you all the success you deserve.
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Thank you so so very much Kim!! I appreciate your very kind wishes!
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Hello to the enigmatic and elegantly named Christina M. Gregory. If I’m not mistaken, I’ve been reading your work since the reconstruction began and am both impressed and encouraged by your tradecraft. That you’re going level-up is of no surprise to me at all. Onward good poet…
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I thank you my good and very kind sir for your amazing words about the reacquisition of my name. I do believe you are correct, in being a long-standing supporter…encourager…friend. Your comment not only made me smile but also feel even more encouraged, thank you…so so very much Mike!! I shall proceed henceworth… Only now…I shall travel with even more courage…
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Hello Christina 😀
I had to put my glasses on when I read your title ” Collo guy with Christina”. Wow ! Who is he I thought 😉 Okay, it’s colloquy !
And returning to your maiden name is good, a new start. Then…….
Wow! At last ! You are creating a book from your post poems. Fantastic ! I will buy a copy, send it to you for a lipstick kiss & signing (with return postage of course). Then…..
Uh oh ! Your children want an ice cream 😀 Better go ! Lots of hugs for you my friend. Ralph xox ❤
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Ralph 🙂 ! LOL “Collo guy”….you do make me giggle! Thank you sweet friend for your thoughts on both the name change and the upcoming anthology. LOL Of course I shall oblige you with said copy should you wish it…even if the kids want ice cream….I’ll make sure you have one should I be fortunate enough to have it in print format!! You are so cherished… ~ Sending wishes for a happy week ahead…. xoxo ❤ ~
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LOL. It’s great to read this post and find you so positive and happy my friend. Stay that way……and that’s an order ! LOL 😀 xox ❤
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You’re the bestest and that is a fact! I shall indeed do my utmost to stay this way…since you asked so nicely 😉 lol! 😀 xox ❤ ~
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I am so gentile, quiet and submissive, am I not ? Keep writing my friend xox ❤
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Of course, the exact portrait of gentlemanliness! 😀 Thank you… 🙂 xox ❤ ~
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Thank you Christina. If there is such a word as ladyliness you have it ! ❤ xox
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Well…thank you ever so very much my good sir!! ❤ xox ~
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The ones who are with you in your time of need are the true family indeed. Christina, I’m sure that your book will be as beautiful as your poetry always is. Good on you for pursuing your dream. I’m working on a novel and it’s amazing what you can get done bit by bit. Keep moving forward.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
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Thank you so much Wendy, yes I believe that…with friends as well! Thank you also for your amazingly kind thoughts of my future book…you are so sweet! 🙂 I am really tired of talking myself out of going for my dreams, giving into the doubt….your reminder is further fuel to keep on working towards them! I am so excited you are as well!! I’ll look forward to reading yours when it’s completed! You shared my favorite motto as well…which I believe was Walt Disney’s(?)…”Keep moving forward….” Blessings to you sweet friend ❤ ~
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BRAVO!!! I am elated for you dear friend. I can only hope that I have added in the slightest nudge for your decision to share your work with the world. Yay for you, taking back your own name, your own self! I can hardly wait to see what you will produce. Undoubtedly it will be fantastic and I shall be first in line for it!!!!! Sooooooooooo proud of you! xoxoxoxo ❤ ❤
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Debby 😀 ! You always do inspire me with your effervescent nature sweet sweet friend!! No need to hope, for you were indeed a very huge part of my finally deciding to go for it. You share the best helps on your blog and all things writerly….the things one needs to know to write better, stay on top of things, the ins and outs of self-publishing and so much more. It’s my favorite inspirational source! It is odd how a simple thing like changing my name can help me feel so very….empowered. Your generous praise, support, and encouragement always brighten my whole world!!! Thank you so so much for being one of my biggest cheerleaders and teacher dear friend!! I do cherish you so very much! ❤ ❤ !!!
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I am touched and honored that you consider me all of these things. Inspiration works two ways my friend, and certainly you are one of mine! Now do keep us updated and if you have any questions, you know where to find me! ❤ ❤
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Then I am exceedingly well-happy for you always leave me feeling that way with your amazing support! 🙂 I am smiling hugely and feeling very honored to be part of your inspiration as well 😀 ~ I shall work harder so I have lots to update. Thank you again Debby, so so much, for all you’ve done and shared…and I will probably bug you to pieces with questions haha 😉 ❤ ❤ ~
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I am here for you sweet friend. No worries, ask away! ❤
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Yay!! And an extra huge thank you for be so patient and willing!! 😀 ! ❤ ~
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❤ ❤
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Understanding your decision and I hope your book once finished will be a great success. All the best Christina!
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Thank you so very very much Ute! I sincerely appreciate your well wishes and support! It does mean so very much to me 🙂 Sending hugs and wishes for a amazing week for you! 🙂 ~
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#WootWootAndItAintEvenHumpDay
You deserve all great things that come your way & then some.
Best wishes to you on this & all that you do!
#YoMommaMustBeProud
#XOXO #LoVe #BlesSings #HappyFaces #HappyDance 😀
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#HugelyHugeSmile !! #AwesomazingYou for all your encouragement, support, and wishes for great things in all areas….thank you so so so very much Rosy!! #YouAreTHEBestest #MyMommaISProud #LoveLoveLove #XOXO #Blessings #WishesForAHappyWeekAhead #JoiningYouInTheHappyHappyDance 😀 !!!
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This is a mahoosive step but one I’m proud of you for making, the accountability is always a great help and will drive you to finish it so all the eager hands can be filled with your new vehicle for words.
I know that any further ideas you will have will be equally exciting and I do feel like blurting out some of your half formed ideas but that is not my place and I know you will make them awesomer in the meantime.
I do think that you are in line for good things happening and I am excited to be here with you at the inception of your journey..you just keep growing and surprising us all and I can’t wait for the next plot twist in your story, I think it will be a good twist.
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One mahoosive step indeed!! Thank you ever so very much for your pride, encouragement, and support! ‘No spoilers dahling’… #wink. I hope to meet your expectations with all you mentioned…including the surprises as well. With so much incredibly spectacular support…from all over the world(!)…I am feeling so much wondrous encouragement I’m madly trying to figure out how to bottle it up and save some for later lol
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All the very best!! 🙂
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Thank you so so very much!! 🙂
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You truly are international and with all your plans you will keep us all hooked for a long while. You have no need to bottle anything up as there is plenty on tap for you right here! I shall await further magical developments with much excitement!
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I never thought of myself as international….maybe it’s the lack of a passport?! lol ~ Thank you so much for your awesome words…also for the encouragement on tap…it doesn’t get much better than that! Hmmm….magical developments….I’ll be working on that!!
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Wishing you all the best and much success, Christina, and I love your author’s name, too! Lovely! I published my first collection last fall and it was very exciting and also something meaningful for my Dad to have in hand at the age of almost 95. 🙂 I only wish I would have done it before my Mom passed two years ago. Anyway, you are accountable now, so move forward and have fun! It’s a wonderful feeling! Can’t wait!
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Lauren, thank you so so much for your awesomely awesome encouragement!! I’m super nervous… but so excited too! Thank you also for sharing your wonderful feelings of publishing!! I am so sorry for your loss sweet friend…but I bet your dad is so so immensely proud of you!! 🙂 I hope you have an amazing weekend!! 🙂
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Well, I must say my beautiful friend, that my face hurts from smiling! I am so very pleased to hear that you are moving ahead with your book. I, like so many others, will be anticipatiously standing in line to purchase a copy, one I am certain to cherish. As for the name change, that is a very personal decision of course, but I have to admit that Christina M. Gregory does have an accomplished author’s ring to it. I simply cannot express how thrilled I am for you. Now is your time to shine and shine brilliantly you will! 🙂 Have a lovely weekend Christina!
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Now my face hurts from smiling!! 😀 ! You have all ways been one of my biggest encouragers to do this and you continue even to right now with your awesome sweet and so very cherished words… And I’m smiling even more….beaming that you like the new name as well as being anticipatious!! 😀 ! You are so very sweet dearest friend…your words…you… never cease to be such an enormous blessing to me!! Thank you ever so very much for always giving me courage, and usually when I need it most! I hope you have a really super great weekend ❤ ❤ ~
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