It is three years ago today that my husband and I brought Larry and Mrs. Larry home. So, since they were (and still are!) the inspiration for this blog, I thought it'd be appropriate to re-run the very first post they starred in . . .
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How This Blog Got Its Name
I've always loved turtles and tortoises. This past summer, my husband and I brought home two baby Barbados Red Foot tortoises. We named them Larry and Mrs. Larry, and they have since become my little hard shelled muses. They are the perfect symbols for my writing and creative process - slow and steady with a hard shell to hide in when rejection rains down (and believe me, it does, oh it does...)
But, unlike the torts, I can't stay tucked in my shell all the time. And so, this blog. It's a small step, to be sure, in a world where it seems like everyone is tweeting and on Facebook etc. I'm just adding my small, quiet voice to the mix and hope someone hears it, likes it, and maybe learns a little something from it.
Oh, but the name of the blog. Well, my husband and I were watching our tortoises burrow a bit, and Larry in particular was digging away in the corner, as if he was trying to escape (he wasn't, or so we hope!) We were reminded of the Stephen King book/movie (Rita Hayworth and) The Shawshank Redemption. It took about two seconds before we both said, "No, it's The Shellshank Redemption! Ha ha!" And a blog was born...
But, unlike the torts, I can't stay tucked in my shell all the time. And so, this blog. It's a small step, to be sure, in a world where it seems like everyone is tweeting and on Facebook etc. I'm just adding my small, quiet voice to the mix and hope someone hears it, likes it, and maybe learns a little something from it.
Oh, but the name of the blog. Well, my husband and I were watching our tortoises burrow a bit, and Larry in particular was digging away in the corner, as if he was trying to escape (he wasn't, or so we hope!) We were reminded of the Stephen King book/movie (Rita Hayworth and) The Shawshank Redemption. It took about two seconds before we both said, "No, it's The Shellshank Redemption! Ha ha!" And a blog was born...
a very nice origin story for a terrific blog. =)
ReplyDeleteMJ - aw, thanks! I'll let the tortoises know. :)
ReplyDeleteI like slow and quiet. Stability. Holding on against all odds. The torts have the same expression on their faces. Probably grew together like two shells and mirrored each other.
ReplyDeleteFrancene - it's funny because as they've gotten older, their individual personalities are more apparent. They're each their own tortoise. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, that's so dang cute! And so are Larry and Mrs. Larry! Do they have a super long lifespan as do other tortoises?
ReplyDeletePam - I'll let them know they have a fan. :) And they should - hopefully! - be around a long time.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to find out the origin of the name! Cute story. Happy Anniversary to them. :)
ReplyDeleteNick - thanks! I'll give the torts your anniversary wishes. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've had a lot of fun with your blog too :)
ReplyDeleteCharmaine - I have! :) And thanks for joining us here at The Shellshank Redemption.
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary? or is it Happy Birthday to Larry and Mrs. Larry!
ReplyDeleteTheresa - thanks! I'll give them your anniv wishes. :)
ReplyDeleteI love this!!! They really are the perfect symbol for writers! That is so cool! Glad you shared!
ReplyDeleteA better reason for starting a blog can not be found! (Larry and the Missus are ridiculously cute, by the way) I started my blog night when my husband farted in bed and drove me out of the bedroom. Stinkshank Redemption?
ReplyDeleteLeigh - I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)
ReplyDeleteCathy - ha ha! Hey, whatever works!