'I am what I am'

• I Am What I Am lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

The undoubtedly brilliant Kayleigh Fraser set a challenge to us writers a week ago. The Get to Know Me #Challenge asks for 10 random quirks and facts about oneself for others to get to know you.

At first, I dismissed any thought of participating as I, an anonymous writer, have kept a fairly private online presence so far - though I have shared some details in the past.

However, after some reflection, I decided that being anonymous actually grants me some freedom to share things online. More than I would perhaps share in real life!

Without further ado, here are 10 things about me...

1. I like needlecraft, especially embroidery.

Embroidery is the art of decorating material with thread. The thread is stitched in patterns across the material to make shapes and patterns of any choice.

I really enjoy embroidery. My mother taught me how to do the cross-stitching, as her mother taught her, and I have continued the tradition quite happily!

I am slow with the craft, but I enjoy that about it. It is like mindfulness. I sit down in an armchair with a bundle of fabric and stitch brightly colored thread into it. A slow and lovely creation.

This is my most recent one:

2. I have a Master of Science in Conservation Ecology.

This one is fairly self-explanatory. I went to university last year and achieved a Master's in Conservation Ecology. I am proud of it as a qualification and, more importantly, as a way to prove to myself what I am capable 0f.

In my teenage years, I missed a lot of school because of poor mental health. There were huge gaps in my knowledge. Gaps that also burned holes into my self-esteem. I feel over the course of my university experience, I have patched those holes and made whatever material they were in, much much stronger.

I am a Master of Science and I am so proud of it!

3. I have a new hobby growing houseplants.

This, I think, is a common one. Over lockdown, I have collected a bunch, no, a battalion, no, an ARMY of houseplants! They are mostly succulents and mostly purchased from the internet as cuttings. With a little TLC, they have grown into lovely companions - with the exception of two fallen soldiers. A moment of silence for Newton the Fig Tree and the Palm Cane Brothers, if you please.

The species that I own are as follows:

• Prickly Pear Cactus
• Golden Barrel Cactus
• House Leek
• Lacy Aloe
• Aloe Vera
• Spider Plant
• Mother-in-Law's Tongue
• Micro-succulent collection
• Jade Plant
• Century Plant

I recommend image-searching some of these stunning plants and purchasing some of your own. It is such a boost to my health to have them around!

I hope one day they will look like the picture below!

4. I am a lesbian.

This is one you all probably knew, or at least guessed from the profile picture!

I am a proud lesbian. I love women and my only romantic interest lies with the 'fairer' sex. I adore being part of the LGBT+ community. The love, the acceptance, the celebration - all of it!

Besides, have you ever seen women? WOMEN!

I came out at about 16 to my mother, and 19 to everyone else, not that they hadn't guessed already! Nobody found an issue with it and, while I have been treated differently and strangely on account of my sexuality by some, I have mostly been met with acceptance. I am very grateful.

5. My dog is called Cosmo

This one isn't so much about me, but more about my dog. He is a bronze-colored labrador called Cosmo.

He lights up my life in so many ways; my best friend, my writing companion, and my snuggle buddy. I am undoubtedly a dog person!

Recently, he turned nine years old. He is facing his old age with such grace and love that I find inspiring. He got some test results back recently (all clear!) and the process has made me so much more grateful to have him around.

Here he is, my gorgeous boy!

6. My favourite film is the stop motion Fantastic Mr Fox directed by Wes Anderson.

The artistry in this film is phenomenal. I could go on for hours talking about the lighting, color usage, model quality, diorama accuracy - everything! I HIGHLY recommend watching it when you get a moment, it's a short one.

I watch it, at least, once a month and have done since my childhood. It is a balm to my soul and a welcome break from reality!

7. I bake a lot!

I bake a lot, and I think I may be quite good at it. Cakes, biscuits, tray bakes, tarts, the whole lot. I find that baking is an excellent mix of scientific methodology and gentle mindfulness. Plus, I get to eat the end product!

Christmas baking is my favorite type. My ambition is to make a gingerbread house that can actually stand up one day! When I do, it shall be a big achievement! You WILL see an article on Vocal about it!

8. I have a new gym habit

I would not describe myself as a 'gym rat', I'm much more of a....leisurely writing mouse.

Nevertheless, thanks to some considerable encouragement from a friend, I have started going to the gym once a week.

The habit started at the end of July and so far, it is going very well!! I can lift 230kg with my legs, if anyone knows what that means because I don't!

9. I have a video game obsession, and I play them LIVE.

For over a year, I have been streaming myself on Twitch and playing video games. It is a hobby I enjoy immensely and I have created a little corner of the internet that is entirely my own!

I have always enjoyed a good video game, from Tetris to God of War! I used to play them with my brother on our Xbox 360 while growing up. Now we have become adults, we have continued our gaming in our own ways, playing together when we can!

Most of the time, I play with a little team of friends I met online over Discord!

10. I want to write a book - I have no idea how.

I feel like it is a common ambition for writers to want to write a book at some point. I have a concept, a storyline that spans 3 arcs, and all worldbuilding complete and ready to go. However, as a writer, I feel completely unprepared to start writing the book itself!

I started writing on Vocal in 2017 with the intention of preparing myself to write this book(s?). While I have improved massively through practice - I have honed my skills as a writer.

I still feel like I am not quite ready to begin. However, I am wondering if it is one of those things where you never feel ready. Are there any authors here that can tell me if that's the case?

I have always dreamed of having my name printed on the front of a book. My real name - proudly stamped there on the pages of my story. How amazing that must feel!!

At some point in my life, I will write this book in full! So keep your eyes peeled!

A/N: I am so sorry for being away for so long. I have been one busy bee! I will be catching up on my reads momentarily so don't panic, I haven't forgotten you all!

Thank you for reading all about me. I find it hard to open up on this app so this was definitely a challenge! Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone Kayleigh!

I am adding a new segment to the end here, simply listing 3 of my favorite pieces that I have seen on Vocal recently! Enjoy! I think I shall call it 'See these three:'

Really clever wordplay here in this sweet, funny, poem!

A sweet little nature poem about the world!

This is my favorite chapter of Donna Fox's 'Jogger's Trail' series!