Am I?

blah blah blah
How is it that I consider myself to be a writer, yet I do not write consistently?  I have been pondering on this lately, wondering if I AM a writer, if I ASPIRE TO BE a writer, if I merely WISH TO BE a writer, or worst of all (for me), if I am a WANNABE writer. 

I have realized that I write more often than I thought I did.  I write in my journal.  I update my facebook status.  I write email messages to friends and family.  I keep a little notebook in my purse and jot down quotes I like, ideas for my book, and thoughts on articles/columns I'd like to write.  I keep a similar notepad in the bag I carry to church.  These and other evidences point the fact that I am a writer of some sort. 

I feel incomplete when I don't have a pen and paper within easy reach.  This alone tells me that I am a writer.

My son gave me a feather pen set for Christmas, and I was thrilled!  I love the feel of dipping into the inkwell and the challenge of holding the pen in such a way that the ink goes farther on the page.  I feel encouraged to write more with my feather pen, rather than less, even though it takes more effort to write that way.  Is this merely because I like the novelty of it?  Could be, but I'm not sure how taken I'd be with the activity were I not also naturally drawn to the actual act of writing.

My writings are varied and unsophisticated.  My thoughts are scattered.  I don't like poetry that is difficult to understand; instead, I prefer light prose, clear cadences, and yes, I like rhyming words.  Does my preference for simplicity indicate that I cannot write anything of substance?   Or do I just know what I like and who I am and write in a way that is mainly intended to please myself?

Do I write for myself alone or for the sake of others?  Do I seek to edify, instruct, entertain, and enlighten?  Or do I simply seek for self-expression that I am happy to freely share?  Definitely the latter.

I'd love to be making money at writing, but if I were serious about this pursuit, would I be more doggedly determined to write every day?  Would there be so many activities that appeal to me, or would writing be the one thing that makes me happy?  I recently read that many people who excel are introverted types who most enjoy spending time alone, perfecting their chosen skills.  I'm not that introverted.  What about that?

At this point in time, I'm happy to be a writer in a small sphere.  I haven't claimed to be a literary genius.  I do love words, but I haven't mastered the use of them.  I just enjoy the activity.  It feels like a part of my identity.  I am a mom, a musician, a part-time housekeeper, a baker, a cook, a movie/tv fan, and a friend.  I am also a writer.