January 11 2021.
Everything a Blog Shouldn’t be, Tales from this Side of the Desert.

When I was younger I was told often told how special I was.

“You're a good little swimmer, you’ll be special.”

“Sequoia? What a special name” 

“Your special-you're not like other girls” (that ones from all them horny teenage boys)

 I truly lived much of my life believing this sentiment, that I was in fact special. Until I came to the conclusion that IM JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER FUCK**G PERSON. It was in fact a beautiful and calming realization, and finally quenched my fears of being a squirrel in human skin…still haunts me. While we are each unique, of course, we also all find ourselves in this capsizing ship that is the human existence. A place that no matter how many times we are  reminded of our special little lights, remains a fiery ball of complete disorder. 

I do not wish to write about my struggles, hopes, and raunchy life of a 20 year old with the presumption that I have an outlook that must be shared. That seems shallow, and you can go read any sorority girl’s instagram bio for that, instead I want to write about what you, me, and your grandpa Joe smoking a stogie, all in some weird way experience during our time here on earth. 

Prefaced with the fact that I’m a strangely honest person, and believe in saying what I want, if you feel already that I may offend you (god forbid) then this probably isn’t the right blog for you! May I encourage you to read something like Michelle obamas book if you look for real, factual information on how to live a better life? As I can only promise absolute bullshit. But it’ll be real, and hopefully in some ways new.

Some things that were said to me by people before starting this blog:

“You should write all this weird stuff down sequoia….please”-mom. 

“Well you definitely have stuff to write about.”-my roommate.

“Sure"-all the friends that I asked looking for real solid advice as to whether I should be putting this out there. (but thanks guys).

This isn’t a blog about ME. This is a blog by me, about you. I hope to share conversations, experiences, from all those around me on here. Following topics like : when I drink I’m gay, shitting at friends houses, falling in love (but falling out too), getting a little TOO high, and many other random yet hopefully relatable experiences we all face… or maybe not in which I suggest you live life a little. In addition I hope to share things I find, like frog facts, a good jingle to dance too, or the next IPA that doesn’t entirely taste like piss.

Life these days can seem isolating. Yet our brains and hearts are nothing but isolated, instead they yearn to learn, love, and connect to those around us. And while I’m nothing special * I see lights in all those I know, stories beckoning to be told. So it is in this time that I welcome you to 

Everything a Blog Shouldn’t be, Tales from this Side of the Desert. I hope you find a smile, or maybe a shudder of memories you’ve left behind in whatever this is. 

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​​​if you actually read this, your special,

​​​​​Sequoia Gilliam

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