I have decided to come out of the closet. Not that closet silly, the “nom de plume” closet.
Nom de plume: is a pseudonym adopted by an author. A pen name may be used to make the author’s name more distinctive.
Except I am not an author, but the same thing applies.
When I first began blogging in 2006 I really did not know what I was getting myself into. What I did know is that I had a sister heading to Iraq and another close relative retiring from lifelong high military service. I was a novice military relative but I did not want my name or their name or anything relating to them being googled. Not that there is anything to find. My Sister not only was heading to Iraq but she deals with things that blow up, I wanted her as safe as possible. After monitoring their names on google, etc. for over a year I feel comfortable coming out with mine.
Then I began to write for Christian Women Online Magazine. I still was not ready to bear my real name because my sister was heading out on her SECOND tour of duty to Iraq.
Life has calmed down, she is home safely. Has been for awhile, and will be retiring this year. I rarely hid my real name via email, just did not do so on the blog. After some encouraging words from friends and talking to my husband and family I got the ok to “come out of the closet.” So just call me BOND, JAMES BOND. Oh wait I mean…..
Lori
And I am sure if you search hard enough you will find my last name also floating on the web. Truly I never had anything to hide, I just wanted to make sure everyone I loved was safe.
So how did I come up with Laurel Wreath?
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.
The laurel is also a symbol of the victory won by people who have run the race to the very end and have given their life towards the love of Christ and his Gospel truth.
My name Lori means Laurel Wreath. I hang on to this when life is hard, I am running the race in order to obtain the imperishable wreath. When I die the one thing I would like people to say is that I gave my life towards the love of Christ and spreading the gospel.
Do I fall short? Sure. But that is where God’s grace and mercy have covered me and helped me continue in this life long race.
All proceeds go to charity! Order your copy today!
{ 27 comments }
So now do you head to the “Nom de Plume” recovery meetings and say, “Hi, my name is Lori”? lol
Great story! Now I wish I had noticed the box you sent me this fall with my give away prize in it, or were you still “Nom de Plume” in the fall?
Well, I’m happy for you, now that you have that secret off your chest. Confession is good for the soul, you know.
Happy New Year!
Marshas last blog post..One Year Chronological Bible Reading Schedule
Nice to meet you Lori. I had no idea you weren’t really Laurel.
Happy New Year!
julies last blog post..The Good Brother
I always wondered why you used a pen name. Glad to see you “come out of the closet”. Laurel is a gorgeous pen name (and a gorgeous real name too – have a buddy named that for real) but I’ve always known you as Lori!
Crystals last blog post..Macro Monday #9
Hello Lori – Happy New Year to you, my sweet friend.
I think it is cool that you protected your family all this time. I totally understand. I am glad though now that I don’t have to watch out using your real name on your blog
PS: Love your new ‘face’ of your blog.
Iriss last blog post..Thankful Thursday ~ Looking Back
It’s been great to know you as LW, and now an honour to know you as Lori. I totally get the Nom de Plume to protect our families (Miriam Pauline honors my grandmothers while allowing my husband to not have our name all over the web). Thanks for sharing your story.
Miriam Paulines last blog post..New Year Meditations at Laurel Wreath’s Site!
Hi Lori!
Legal Zoom recently did an article on the most outrageous name changes. Some are pretty bizarre. Here’s the link: http://www.legalzoom.com/legal-articles/Most-Outrageous-Name-Changes-.html?WT.mc_id=EM_NEWS_JAN09BEST_BIZAB_FINAL&WT.mc_ev=EmailOpen&spMailingID=2333180&spUserID=NzQxMzMyOTM1NAS2&spJobID=64495484&spReportId=NjQ0OTU0ODQS1
I just want to say YOU ARE LOVED, girlfriend. ♥
Vickis last blog post..A Blessed New Year in Christ
Thanks for sharing, I happen to be a James Bond fan but you are WAY better than James Bond so I am definitely your fan too.
Happy New Year!
Blessings
Crystals last blog post..Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
As another blogger who uses a pseudonym I understand:) There are often very good reasons to not use your real name, but it’s nice to “meet” you:)
Lizzies last blog post..A Dusty Frame 2008 in Review
Hey Lori,
I’m so glad you came out of the closet; well, not really that kind! I certainly understand your concern though. I have friends who won’t let me refer to them or use their photos on my blog. I’ve not had any problems myself and I certainly hope that continues. I’ve found that the internet can be used for good and unfortunately for bad. But you’re spreading the good kind and that’s what I also want to do.
I’m so glad to know you and I look forward to getting to know you better in the new year.
Debbies last blog post..Thankful Thursday ~ Looking Back
It is a beautiful name. Wishing you the richness of God’s blessings for this coming year. Thank you so much for all you’ve shared and for all your prayers. You’re very special whether you’re Lori or Laurel Wreath.
I completely understand the “reveal or not reveal” question as I not so long ago also “came out”.
Officially declaring “Hello Lori” here at your beautiful site! Of course I never knew your name wasn’t Laurel until we corresponded via snail mail. You did good at choosing a pseudonym!
Donnettas last blog post..A Year of More Than Enough
Very cool!! Thanks for the big “reveal” LORI!! So wish I would have seen this post before I linked to you in my Rearview Mirror one. Oh, well… to me, you’ll always be a beautiful, victorious, Laurel Wreath!
How interesting! I was confused the other day when I saw your name on Facebook and I couldn’t think of why the face didn’t match the name in my head!
BPs last blog post..As long as it is called Today
I been calling you laurel all this time in my head!
Lori!
Great name.
xoxo
Hi Lori, it’s nice to meet you! I checked facebook this morning and saw new pictures from Lori ______ and I thought “Hmmm, I don’t know a Lori”. Then I checked out the pix and said “Oh I do know her”!
I totally understand your apprehension about real names. I started out as Chupieandjsmama and then got enough courage to go to Janeen but did not want to use my last name. Then I was interviewed for an article about food allergies and they used my WHOLE name. Oh well.
It’s nice to put a name with the face
chupieandjsmama (Janeen)s last blog post..I’m not making resolutions this year
Laurel Wreath was such a good choice because it is like a first and last name, had the meaning on your real name and all the other things you mentioned. Lovely.
Lindas last blog post..Where did the title of my blog come from?
i’m sorry, i may not be able to ever call you Lori lol.. you’ll always be laurel to me lol… actually i half thought that was your name.. or a nickname for laurel.. beautiful name.. and hey.. nice to meet you Laurel.. errr lori! lol hugs.
Amydeannes last blog post..Pay it forward – a great kick off to the new year!
Okay,
So you are the other Laurel on Kelli’s blog that causes me to sign off as Laurie in Ca. My given and real name is Laurel, for real. If you read back a few posts on my blog and follow me to the site where my story is, you will see where my name change came from. I am glad to meet you Lori and will be back regularly.
Laurie in Ca.
PS. How do I link you to my favorites?
Hey Lori,
Just me, Laurie in Ca. here again and I messed around and got you linked in my favorites. I feel so smart:)
Laurie in Ca.
Lauries last blog post..A New Year and Old Dust Bunnys
I just stumbled onto your blog and really like your Christ-centered focus. I am in complete agreement with you about your intent for blogging: “For blogging I pray everything I do reflects Christ.” THAT is my aim as well. Thanks for providing us Christians solid posts and quality content to chew on here in the blogosphere.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Eriks last blog post..Raising Up Godly Children
Lori, I happened upon your site today…. enjoyed my visit. You mention revealing your real name on-line. Have to tell you, though, I do enjoy the beauty of your ‘other name’ and the basis for it — I love the creativity and loveliness of “Laurel Wreath”! Lori is a beautiful name too!
Blessings as you begin your journey through 2009….I’m so glad that we go with Him, and He comes with us!
Brenda Leylands last blog post..Soup de jour…
Lori… a.k.a. Laurel, my internet “twin” This was an amazing post! I am glad I finally took time to read it. I love the way your story unfolded and the love that was shared in doing so. Thumb’s up girl!
Penny
ps. Tell your sis “THANKS!” for helping protect our country!
Ha, I love it! What a great name with even GREATER meaning! For all this time I’ve talked to you (in my head) as Laurel, gimme some time to switch it over to Lori! ;D
Great story, great idea!
Tell your family THANKS for all they do for this country! What an honor it is that they do what they do, and what a blessing it is to each of us!
Joy on the Journey,
Melissa in Mel’s World
Melissa in Mel’s Worlds last blog post..Speak to My Soul – First Things First
Very cool Laurel I mean Lori, and I love love love this new blog design it’s absolutely gorgeous! Blessings to you in 2009.
Alyssa
Alyssas last blog post..Reflecting on the Past, Looking Towards the Future
I very much understand your not using your real name previously. However, it is always nice to know someone’s real name. Thank you for elaborating!
Heidi @ggips last blog post..I met another blogger today…
Comments on this entry are closed.
{ 1 trackback }