the First post

i considered naming my blog ClandestineClementine until i learned that Clandestine is pronounced without the E on the end. Ya know like Destin, FL. Therefore, the next best choice was the word ARTFULLY. Now, you must know right up front that there is not an artistic bone in my body, so this has nothing do with my 'Monet' skills. ArtfullyClementine was brought to life because:

1. my name is Clementine
2. Artfully = carefully, skillfully, deliberately

i dont want you to think i am being sinister or trying to trick you into something.
i do want you to know that:

i am a survivor of domestic abuse. my abuser has repeatedly told me that if he ever sees me again, he'll do things to me and my family that i could have avoided. therefore, i have carefully sought out a way to camouflage my voice to be heard just not seen.

i may not have anything, which you care to hear, but i know i have a lot to say. not very often will i be discussing the abuse or the abuser as to not draw in unwanted attention. i will not be discussing my ProVoice on domestic violence and all statistics involved. i will be blogging about all, which interests me, and letting the blogosphere in for a peek to all things CLemenTine.

i have skillfully hid myself deep in the heart of Texas or not. surely you do not think i would just openly tell you where i am living? good, then we are on the same page. i do not stay in the same place for very long - so even if you do find me - i'll be gone by the time you can taste this tangible tangerine.

and i have deliberately taken my space (not 2b confused w/a myspace) off of the grid. this doesn't necessarily mean that i am living in the deserts of Arizona in a house made of mud, straw, and wet newspaper with GiNormus solar panels soaking up the sun.

i am what i am.

a favorite quote is by -

Edward Everett Hale>

I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.