Hello? Anybody out there? I’m here to introduce myself.

Hello Steemians, nice to meet you! I’m Carrie. Born and bred in Cape Town, South Africa, 36 years old and currently…well, currently reviewing things, if you know what I mean?

If you’ve ever watched Julie and Julia, with Amy Adams and Meryl Streep, you’ll know what I mean when I say that this first post feels like sending out that first teeny, tiny, tentative little message into a huge, scary universe…hoping that someone friendly will answer but also scared of being attacked by trolls and mean people. Damn, I’m wondering out loud if this is what it feels like when people get old and scared of technology? (Note to self: get more up to date with this stuff. Seriously)

Anyway, a few things about myself and why I joined Steemit:

First and foremost, I need a creative outlet. Badly. As a creative person in a not-so-creative job, pent up creative energy is not doing me any good and it needs to come out. I’m a reader of huge proportions (I read a LOT and I have a somewhat round butt), so have always wanted to try my hand at writing. Here we are 😊

Social media fatigue. Okay, so I love Insta- who doesn’t love sunsets, insane-looking food and animal memes? But sometimes you need content with more value, from (dare I say it?) REAL people. A platform with less fake news and passive aggression (here’s to you, Facebook) and more friendliness and giving each other a hand. I heard about Steemit from a friend who has a friend, etc. and decided to check it out- turns out things are a bit more intimate here; there’s more value. I’m new, so I’m sure there are the usual trolls and stir-the-shit-pot types but for now I’m giving everyone the benefit of the doubt.

I’m just happy to be here, to be honest. If I make a couple o’ bucks into the bargain, it’s a bonus.

As for me and what I like…I’m an introvert who has her extroverted moments. I’m a deep thinker. I love to help people who are having a hard time. I probably should have been a psychologist. Or a pastry chef.

I have two pugs, Manfred and Sophie.

I have a crazy, over the top, incredible husband called Stuart who will do anything to make me laugh, usually at his own expense. I love travelling, locally and internationally, with this guy as my sidekick.

I Iove classic French style in all regards (hence the name bretonstripes). I love to cook, but have a particular soft spot for baking. Always use butter, never margarine.

My soul city is Florence, if such a thing exists. It just feels like home and even though I don’t live there, it is my number one travel destination no matter how many times I’ve visited.

I have a dangerously soft spot for expensive hair products and makeup.

I find history endlessly fascinating, particularly archaeology and abandoned things and places.

And then…perfume. My love. Words can not describe how much I love perfume. In my lifetime, I’ve had over 100 different fragrances and am obsessed with the depth, complexity and psychology of fragrance. More posts on this topic to follow, no doubt.

That sums it up for now. I have high hopes for Steemit, so wish me luck! If you’re still here, thank you so much for reading- I now consider you a friend 😊