Here's The Back Story

Here's the back story:

I've known Gray, the author of the Love Life Practice blog, for two years. In that time we've grown as people and as friends.

And, well, he started the blog.

I've read it from the start and found it to be a comfort in my life. I often read his posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night before bed, snuggled up in my covers, my stuffed animal (a turtle named Tessie) in my arms. It's a way for me to wind down from my hectic day and soothe myself into slumber.

A part of my personality loves to hear my voice as I read, so I'd read each entry aloud to myself. Somewhere along the way (actually the very next podcast I will post starting next month) I started recording my readings. It was just for myself and I thought nothing of it.

That is until one day in October last year when Gray was in the room while I read a post. I needed some soothing and knew his blog would do the trick. I checked with him to make sure it wouldn't be too awkward; he didn't care, so I read and recorded.

After I finished, he suggested I start a podcast of my readings. I thought little of this. I read his blogs and recorded my voice for myself, not for anyone else. It wasn't for any other end than to make me happy.

Still, Gray's suggestions have ways of sitting in my brain, lingering, growing, needling me for attention.

Shortly after this year began, I thought, Crap, he's right. Just do it.

And so, on January 8th, I began working on this podcast getting it ready for launch. I had a lot of entries to read, record, and post.

And today, on Gray's birthday, I am launching Poetic Reads Gray.

This podcast is really just that simple. He writes it; I read it.

What I have posted thus far are all the entries I read but did not record until this past month. I have this break here because, like I mentioned before, for a long time I recorded my readings believing no one would ever hear them.

So here is your primer/warning: Every podcast is one take, the first take (unless otherwise interrupted causing the need for me to start again). I do not edit. If I cough while recording (and I have) it's on there. This isn't meant to be perfect; it is absolutely real. And, frankly, I like it that way, capturing these moments in my life.

Starting March 1st, I will post one podcast a day til I catch up with Gray, and subsequently post as I read.

Like I said previously, there are five months of recordings where I didn't think anyone but me would hear them. My reactions in those posts are real, without any filter. Listen at your own peril.

However, from the beginning of the blog to August 2012, and January 2013 on, I have read knowing others will hear.

With all of that in mind, a few other housekeeping notes.

Each entry includes a link to the original blog. I would encourage you to click it, as Gray has included interesting and relevant links within his blogs, as well as photos. Also you should feel free to comment on his blog, adding your opinions to the conversation.

If you discover any mistakes on the podcast (broken links, etc) please let me know by emailing me: poeticreadsgray@gmail.com or simply leave a comment.

I hope you enjoy Gray's thoughts and my voice conveying them.

<3,

poetic