Hey blog readers of the world, I’m Howie Defranco and this is why I chose my Pen name. Thought I’d try an opening as all the best reporters have like an opening or a sign off, and blogger is kind of a reporter. It may not work out but thought it’d be fun.
Anyways this is a little short story as there’s not much of a tale to my screen name. I chose Defranco as the last name as one of my brothers suggested it, actually he suggested using my actual first name and just making Defranco the last name. Personally I like the idea of this being completely incognito as Defranco well let’s just say is far off from my real last name. Just to say as well I’ll refer probably in this blog to one of my four brother more than once in these blogs as such I’ll be using the ninja turtle equivalent name for each, this one being Raphael. We’re not actually related but the 3 of them I’ve known since first grade, I’m the Donnie if the group for reference. There’s more family that is not blood related I’ll have to make names for but the turtles reference works for us.Which brings us to my first name of Howie, which is in tribute to one of my favourite people in this world and a person I respect greatly. Howie Mandel, comedian, America’s Got Talent judge, and deal maker but at the core of it all one the great entertainers of our time. There’s a reason I chose Howie beyond that though, this organization is all about trying to reach out to people that need help, support people, spread awareness on different topics and such. Howie as most people know is a germaphobe which isn’t a bad thing, it’s derived from his OCD. As stated in the article listed at the bottom of this entry, Mandel literally shut down somedays because of it, he gave up jobs over it and was isolated as a child because of it. Too me a man that to this day just wants to make people laugh and smile that could come from a life of fear, constant fear is a man to be respected and is the perfect representation we want to show the people we want to help.BibliographyHaddad, Jessica, Eric M. Strauss, and David Muir. “Germs: ‘No Deal’ for Host Howie Mandel.” ABC News. ABC News Network, 24 Nov. 2009. Web. 04 Sept. 2015.
Get To Know Us
Getting To Know Howie Defranco
Well hello to all the people reading this my name is Howie Defranco, don’t really know how much to reveal here in this get to know you thing but let’s give it a shot. I’ve been in this world for 20 years now, trying to just live life and keep the people around me happy and healthy. It doesn’t always work out that way of course though which sucks cause I have a complex that makes me keep trying. Kind of stubborn that way, actually more than kinda…. A lot more than kinda sometimes. Anyways I’m getting off track here so let’s get to the good stuff, I’m canadian born, raised and really don’t know much about my background beyond that haha.
Now I’m a big nerd like the biggest nerd you’ll ever meet, sadly though not the cool nerd that talks about the latest episode of Game of Thrones or the Walking Dead or anything like that. No I’m a classical nerd I’m a huge Star Trek fan, Star Wars fan, Ninja Turtles, Transfomers, Marvel and Dc fan. I mean I own a freakin Keyblade I’m so nerdy, if you know what that is you’re an awesome person. I also watch a lot of movies and TV shows, just to put how much into perspective on my laptop I have about 1070 movies and 100 different TV shows.Let’s talk music for a minute now, I love music and don’t think I could survive with out it. For me personally its kind of a defence mechanism so to speak as in I use because I hate the sound of silence. When I hear silence is when my mind goes back and thinks about the past, things I don’t want to remember, things I’m very open about I just don’t like remembering. Those things will no doubt be brought up in future blog entries but for now why ruin future moments of surprise.Lastly I want to talk about my personality, traits, characteristics and little things that make me me. That’s probably not proper grammar but overlook it for a minute as firstly I don’t care about grammar that much. I’m a loyal friend, who at times allows his loyalty and good nature to get the better of him. It’s always fun when that happens, it comes with the responsibility I laid on myself to do my best to be a good man. That means first and foremost honesty to everyone, loyalty especially to those I consider family and kindness to everyone until they cross a line. It takes a lot for that line to be crossed in my eyes as there is a lot of grey in this world, black and white are to very thin lines on either end of it in my mind. I hope that’s enough to give a good idea of who I am for now, anyone would be welcome to comment if they want to know more.
Why Lynn Rascal chose her pen name.
So first and foremost, my first name. Lynn. This one has a sort of personal reason; not in the touchy feely way or the sad and treasured way, more like a personal story and preference and it’s not terribly special.
While my parents were deciding a name for me, they got stuck on a few. As they went to a resurant for some dinner, the person that was serving them had the name Lyn (I’m guessing that’s how it was spelt since it’s more common and I don’t actually know). Lyn stuck with them and became one of the final two choices for my name, but it lost. I don’t exactly know why I add the other N, it just always seemed more natural. And that’s the story of “Lynn”.
My choice for last name is…a little embarrasing for me to admit. As I’m sure you’ve probably maybe read, I’m really big on video games, cartoons, anime and the like. I started watching a new anime a while back and there was this character I…admired, and I thought their name was pretty cool. I mean really how cool is the name Rascal?! So cool! And that’s where the name Rascal came from.
- Lynn Rascal
Why I chose the pen name Brian O’Connor
The pen name I chose to go with was Brian O’Connor not only because he is the best actor and person in general but because his role in fast and furious had a big impact with my life.His high risk action packed character had me on the edge of the seat. In very movie he appeared in and the way he played his role just made me realize a lot about life itself. Being a good guy turned bad for a while and then having to choose to stay in the same life style of risking life an death or being a father had me really thinking. Although I’m not a father yet, one day I will be hopefully. Brian O’Connor aka Paul Walker will always have a big part of my life and he will always be remembered for his great heart. That’s the reason why I choose to go with Brian O’Connor
Why I chose the Pen Name Madison Taylor
I chose the name Madison Taylor for two reasons. Madison Taylor was my favorite character from Cardcaptors Sakura, I haven’t watched in a long time but it has always been my favorite show. I went through a bunch of name when deciding what pen name I wanted. Madison Seem to fit me the best because the name also has an emotional meaning to me as well.
The emotional meaning behind the name is that Madison was a girl I knew a long time ago. She was one of my best friend, and I lost her due to unbelievable circumstances. I will get into more detail in another blog, but to give you the brief explanation. When we were young there was a fight that broke out and she got caught in the middle of it and ended up passing way at a very young age. Way younger than I would have hoped for, and in some way I still blame myself and wish I could go back to change it and try to save her. But I know that wouldn’t help anything and I should focus on bettering myself and make her prod.
Why I chose Marie Olsson
Why I chose Marie Olsson
People choose a child’s name because it means something to them, they like how it sounds, or due to family influence. However choosing a pen name is slightly more personal, you are choosing a name that can hold a deep meaning to you or fit you or who you want to be. My pen name came about through putting a name that I hold dear to my heart alongside the surname of the female lead of my favourite movie.
I chose Marie because it was part of my daughters name, who I never did get to meet. When I was sixteen I miscarried at six months. I had her name planned out and Marie was part of her first name. I had chosen the name Marie for her because I had (and still havent) met a Marie who wasn’t strong, smart, independent, successful, and loving. All those traits I wanted my daughter to have. As well as it being a family members middle name, one I love and look up to. So to me it made sense to honour her by using part of her name as my pen name I use as I try and start up my dream, TIME organisation.
Olsson I chose as my surname out of my love of the movie Grease. Who better to go off of than the beloved Sandy. Sandy always was one of my favourite movie characters. I spent countless hours growing up watching and rewatching Grease. As a child I wanted to grow up in that era; but even more so, I wanted to be Sandy. I thought she was sweet, pretty, good, and sensible. Going back to my childhood dream of being her I’m using her last name, since it beats being her just for Halloween.
-Marie Olsson
Why I chose the Pen Name IvyBelle Teller
Pen Name Blog
The story behind my name:
Ivybelle Teller isn’t something that really has a fascinating story behind it, if I’m being honest ha-ha.
Ivybelle Teller came about for 3 reasons.
Ivy:
I’ve always liked the name Ivy, I’m not really sure why but I like that name. I thought it sounded nice. There’s something powerful yet sweet about that name that I just love.
Belle:
Belle was a name that I also love. My #1 Favourite movie is Beauty & The Beast. I love the story behind it and Belle is def. my favourite Princess. She’s very smart, loves books, puts family first, has her own attitude and she’s all about what’s in people’s hearts.
When I figured out that Ivybelle was a name that came together nicely, I picked that name to be my Pen Name.
Teller:
Well, Teller came up randomly. I thought of something that I love and that’s Son’s Of Anarchy. SOA is one of my favourite shows. Teller comes from a character in the show who goes by the name of Jackson (JAX) Teller. He’s a guy with a good heart who knows how to lead his team. And the fact that I kind of have a crush on him and you know, wish I was married to him kind of made me pick that last name. HaHa , I know, total fan girl over here.
So these are my reason why I pick my Pen name as
Ivybelle Teller. After a lot of debating on the last name I finally picked it.
– Ivybelle – Xx
Get to know Brian O’Conner
I come from a life of being on the streets and in a gang, the life and struggles I’ve been through in the past couple years have not been an easy route and still to the day isn’t but all I can do is keep moving forward to the life I deserve and need. It’s been two years since I’ve been of the streets and four years since I was in a gang. I have realized over the years that family and close friends mean more to me then money and fame I started getting back to the life I was at before with playing soccer and trying to help other street kids out that life style. TIME aka this is me entirely, is an organization that helps youth and young adults feel welcome anyone and everyone is welcome to come and talk to us and get the help they need and a place where someone actually understands them. Here at TIME we want to expand and help youths out everywhere we can. The reason behind this is because each one of the five members have been through a lot of the similar things and couldn’t find the proper help we needed and all of us here are a family pretty much and that’s what we want to do is help people struggling with abuse, suicide, sexuality etc.. I believe that everyone should have a place where they feel welcome and appreciated and a place where they can just be themselves if you have any questions or comments please contact me here till then thanks for reading and have a good day.
-Brain O’Connor
Get To Know Madison Taylor
The reason I want to share my story and be able to get it out there is because I want to make a difference. I hope for my story to be an inspiration and to help prevent something similar from happening to someone else. Also to show the people who are struggling that they are not alone. When it comes to who I want to help, honestly I want to help everyone but in reality I know I can only help as many as I capable of. So my answer will be I want to help anyone who willing to listen. I hope our story goes far because this is a big step for all of us and it give us all a chance to put our past behind us and be able to help someone else.
Where am I in life right now? Well I’m a single mother of a beautiful four year old boy. I have just finished college to become a Social Support Worker with my Youth Specialist. I have a boyfriend of 3.5 years, who loves my son as if he is his own. We have just recently just took the next step in our relationship and moved in together. I was born and raised in city, now currently living in the boney which is a big change for me. I have just found a job in my field of work and have just finished my first week and it was amazing. I don’t have many hobbies but I do rollerblade time to time. Most of my spare time is spent with my friends or with my siblings. My parents split up when I was 2.5 years old and both ended up remarrying giving me 5 amazing siblings. So this is me, our group will be posting again soon. If you have any question feel free to ask I’m an open book. J
-Madison Taylor
Get To Know Ivybelle Teller
Where are we in life:
In life right now, I’m still recovering. There are still days I don’t want to get up in the morning because of depression and anxiety. But, I always find a reason to get up. I want to share my story with people who struggles with the same thing.
Hobbies and likes:
I love listening,playing and writing music. I love movies especially horror/thriller and Disney. I like to go for walks alone either at the beach or in the neighbourhood.
i love the outdoors and nature, something that helps me relax. i love alot of the creative stuff, making cards, writing, acting, etc…..
Something interesting about me:
i actually know 4 languages; french, english, ASL, LSQ.I’ve moved around a lot.
I lived in Quebec, Ontario and BC.
What makes you special?
Nothing. Im like every other person on this planet. I don’t have powers, im not smarter then anyone else. I have feelings like everyone else. that’s why i think i can share my stories with people, because they would relate to what i’ve been through.
Why we want to share/put this out there?
I want to share my stories with everyone all ages, because everyone needs a voice. Someone they can relate to and not feel alone. I want to share about my experiences about self-harm, mental illness, being homeless, etc… I want to help people understand, help people through hard times.
-Ivybelle Teller
Get To Know Lynn Rascal.
Where we are in life – I’m at the point in my life where I’m still recovering from the effects of mental abuse, but I’m not as down on myself as I used to be. I’m still not completely happy with who I am yet, but I’m not suicidal or constantly hating myself anymore.
Hobbies and Likes – My hobbies are watching anime, playing video games, drawing, voice acting from time to time, shopping for food, and trying to cook. All in all, I’m a huge nerd.
Interesting fact – I’m not sure if this is terribly interesting or not, but I’m a really good (and stubborn) rock climber.
Why we want to share/put this out there –
For wanting LGBTQIA Help and Awareness, I grew up not knowing anything about it. I had to learn about it all from people I met in school; not the school itself, but other students. The fact that I didn’t know someone could be transgender caused me to accidently hurt my younger sister for at least fifteen years. I was and still am very torn up about that and the fact I had to learn what being transgender was through a fellow transgender friend and the fact my sister had to learn through the internet made me even more upset. I felt this was something people should know, that it’s okay to feel comfortable with who you are, and the fact that a lot of people probably go through life never being justified for who they are, wether it’s sexual preference or romantic preference or gender, is something I feel needs to be fixed.
For wanting Mental Abuse Help and Awareness, it’s another personal experience. I’d rather not get into much detail on this one, so I’ll just say my mother has never had the best taste in men and after staying under the same roof as a mental abuser for at least six years, I couldn’t trust anybody, I was always scared and afraid, and my spirit was all but drained. Our father helped us by letting us move in with him, but the scars that man placed on my mind and soul are still there; I’m still very wary and afraid of almost everything and everyone and I doubt my recovery will be very quick. I want to help people with this before it gets to this point.
Who we want to help – Well, whoever I can hopefully, but I guess I’d like to help people who want to learn about LGBTQIA and people suffering from mental abuse.
Where we want this to go – As far as it can. I’m not very good at making goals, but I’d like for LGBTQIA to at least get some recognition with the school board.
- Lynn Rascal
Get To Know Marie Olsson.
Through life I have been through my personal proverbial heck and back, and I decided to go through it alone. Not that I really wanted to do it alone but because I didn’t know there were resources available for me to turn to for help and I didn’t want to burden my family and friends. I spent years bottling my troubles up inside myself, which took a major toll on me. The price I paid was not just my happiness but also led to sleepless nights, eating issues, lost friendships, strained relationships with my family and many other things. Not only did I lose a lot of my friends, I hurt them too. I drank a lot to help ease the pain and one night I confided in my friend about a small portion of my life and realized that it actually helped, if only I had done so years earlier. Since that night I have been a lot more open about everything and am finally healing. I don’t want anyone to have to go through life struggles alone like I tried to. I hope to give everyone a place to go or an ear to listen to when they’re feeling down. Eventually I’d love to see us able to provide houses to provide “recovery” possibilities for many of life struggles such as sexual assault, domestic abuse, self-harm and drugs & alcohol. Along with a house for struggling young/teen parents and those expecting. I would love to run youth center and women center for them to help everyone, if I could id love for us to drop in & get the help they need or a place to unwind. Help everyone fix all their troubles. However, I know I can’t help everyone, but I’d love to be able to make a positive impact on everyone who reaches out to me for help. I want to be able to the lower Mainland Region of BC, Canada and also be able to branch out from there. I’d love to see eventually an online chat help line being a service we offer through TIME (This Is Me Entirely).
What makes me think I’m so special that I could accomplish all this? The reason I am special and know I can help others is; because I’m not special, at least no more so then you or the person closest to you. I’m just one of 7+ billion people on earth. One who hopes and dreams of helping others. I am a twenty-one year old female born and raised in Burnaby, British Columbia, and have an almost unhealthy love for coffee. I’m just completing my schooling to get my social Support Worker- Youth Specialist Diploma, and plan to go back to school to become a Social Worker or Counsellor one day.
I love reading and writing poetry and stories. My life revolves around music, it would be not the same without it. The Beatles, AC DC, Queen, AFI, Hinder and many country artists along through the said with others pump me up with the will to get through the day. I love skiing, bowling, camping and driving. However I am a complete klutz and make a fool of myself regularly. If I do decide to watch something on television chances are it is either Buffy, Sons Of Anarchy, Gilmore Girls, House or Bones. On a rare chance either those or one of my favorite movies; The Princess Bride, Grease, Amityville Horror or The Phantom Of The Opera. I believe in trying (almost) everything once.
Whether that means a jump out of a plane or really weird foods, because you never know how you feel about it until you try. I am very passionate about things that matter to me and will fight avidly for them. I’m terrible with procrastinating but also have to have everything organized to the best of my ability. To me my friends are family and my family, blood or not, come first in my life.
Saying I’m special is only really true in terms of to my family. Were all human we all excel at some things and struggle with others in life. There’s nothing wrong with being special to people, it’s a great feeling. However I know and am happy with just being special to my loved ones. Does my past make me special? No, just because I have journeyed through a different path in life then others doesn’t make me any better, worse or wiser than anyone else. We all have different hurdles we have had to conquer in life, so if mine make me special, so do yours and everyone else’s. Which brings, me back to the same place I was before an ordinary person with the dream to see others not just get around an obstacle but demolish it so they don’t struggle with it again. I love seeing people grow and overcome things. I love to see the smile, if only in their eyes knowing that even if just for today it will be alright. I love seeing people fight for things to get better and knowing even if they don’t see it they are stronger than me, just because they admitted that they can’t do it alone.
Through life I faced domestic abuse alone. I kept quiet about sexual assault. I questioned my sexuality, and what was wrong about me. I either like boys or girls, I can’t like both right? I thought maybe I was just mistaking the appreciation towards another female as something more. I struggled with hiding my teen pregnancy and then the sorrow of miscarrying at six months. I didn’t reach out when I wanted to kill myself. I don’t want to see another person who needs help not get it because they are afraid to ask or don’t know where to turn. I want everyone who can’t see it now get a chance to see the sun after their dark days. I want to see people be able to break the chains holding them to their struggles and have the chance to heal. This is why I want to create a book of life stories, showing mine (our) dark days and how I (We) pushed my (Our) way to overcoming them. I want the book to highlight that no one has to do it alone, that there is a way out and tomorrow is worth fighting for. I want TIME (This Is Me Entirely) to be a way for someone, even just one person, to get to see a today that’s happier, safer and more welcoming. I want TIME to be a safe haven, a helping hand and an unbiased companion to those who need it. I want to see a day when this big dream of mine is a reality.
To me TIME isn’t just for those who need a helping hand from us, it’s for you to help us. In helping someone find their way to overcome the hurdle I gain knowledge, I get to see them feel better, and that is all I’ve ever dreamed of. To help someone see tomorrow as less than a burden to see possibilities and possibly joy. Which is something I had wanted growing up, just to see tomorrow not covered in a dark cloud. Now that I can see possibility in tomorrow I want nothing more than to help someone else get the chance as well.
– Marie Olsson
What We Are:
This Is Me Entirely (TIME)
We are a group of friends with passion to help, we are starting a non-profit organization to build awareness and support for youth. We are also wanting to write a book and publish it, filled with our life stories and struggles growing up. With the different ways we overcame it, as well the organization that people could go to for more information.
Our main focus for the blogs is for you to get to know us a little more. So we can build a connection with people while still building the organization. So the blogs we are going to be posting are going to be opinion based, or answering questions. We are going to be as open and interactive as we can. Meaning if you have a question don’t be afraid of asking.
Our first blogs will be going up in the next couple days. The blog topic will be about:
* WHY WE WANT TO SHARE
* WHY WE WANT TO PUT THIS OUT THERE.
* WHO WE WANT TO HELP
* WHERE WE WANT THIS TO GO
*WHO WE ARE
I hope you enjoy it. See you guys soon.
TIME 