About Stephanie and V+R

I’m gonna get a new tattoo
Black and stretching around my arm
Like a life that is visible and real
I know, I know it’s stupid and immature
I just want to give shape to the face
That twists inside both you and me
~ Everclear, The Twistinside ~

Hello, I’m Stephanie.

My name is Stephanie and I have been writing for nearly three-quarters of my life. I have been fortunate to have a name for writing practice for 14 years now. More than 100 journals are a testament to the power of writing in my world.

I value stories and storytelling. I believe that we all have stories – both fiction and our life stories –  to tell and that the world desperately needs these stories. I also believe that we are storytellers. Claiming that title and knowing how it shapes us and our lives is vital to telling our stories in authentic ways. This blog continues to grow and evolve under that assumption and belief.

I live in Baltimore, Maryland with my partner, four big hearted sweet guinea pigs, and a lot of books. When I’m not writing, I also value the practices of meditation, running, and knitting. I also am a graduate student in a counseling program which focuses on integrating the spiritual and psychological aspects of healing. * Please do note: I am not a licensed counselor and I am not putting myself forward as one. This blog, any prompts, or thoughts are not meant to replace mental health work you may currently be doing.

This blog began as a way to be visible and real about my writing, running, and meditation practices, the way they interweave in my life. I wanted to share the experiences that they have allowed me to have, in the moments I’m awake enough to get down on paper. It’s grown tremendously since the blog’s beginning. Beginning August 1, 2012, the blog’s focus has changed to focus primarily on writing and meditation practice. The blog continued its evolution in the beginning of December 2012, and continues its changes today, at the end of December. As I’m learning what it means to be present here, and leaning into what I feel called to do – instead of echoing what is already out there – I’ve been learning to roll with the changes.

Mostly, though, I want to learn to “give shape to the face that twists inside,” whatever truth comes from our living. The world needs our stories and our words.

You can find me at the following places:

Facebook | Twitter
Email: visible.and.realATgmailDOTcom

Last updated: December 30, 2012