About Allison

So if you’ve stumbled across this page, whether it be by referral, happenstance, or a “happy accident,” (such chance opportunities!), I’d like to welcome you!

So…welcome!

My name is Allison L. Preston (the former Allison Venezio), and this is my blog.  I began Allison’s Written Words as a short-lived website in 2009, but took a hiatus from 2010-2012.  You’ll find this hard to believe, but I just didn’t feel inspired enough to write during that time, and I didn’t enjoy having to maintain a website anymore.  It’s still around, if you’re curious enough to see it (Allison’s Written Words – Yola Site).

In 2012, I decided to bring back Allison’s Written Words as a blog on Blogger, where it lived and breathed until May 2015, when I decided it was time for a change, so WordPress it was!  But when I found that Allison’s Written Words was taken, I decided to keep my blog as it was originally named, because branding and all, and gave it the a different domain name that I felt helped identify it as mine.  But of course, this blog will always be Allison’s Written Words.  I can’t just change my identity, this has been a part of me for far too long.

So, a little about myself…

I write to get out what’s on my mind. I try not to use writing as a platform to vent my frustrations on a reading audience, instead I choose to celebrate what is positive about life. I deal in the past.  If you haven’t already noticed, my writing focuses primarily on nostalgia.  Is that a bad thing?  Not really!  Am I one of many who write about nostalgia?  Yes.  Do I try to stand out?  You bet I do!  When I’m not working on the content of my blog, I’m busy looking for inexpensive/free ways to promote myself.  So far, it’s been met with some limited success, but I’m always striving.

In addition to writing, I also dabble in video editing – it’s one of my favorite hobbies, aside from writing.  I’m a self-taught video editor, working with the audio editing skills I mastered in a radio course.

I’m a 2005 graduate of The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (now Stockton University), where I earned my Bachelor of Arts of Communication Studies. I’ve also taken online courses in copyediting and proofreading, as well as medical transcription. I worked for a country club from 2006 until 2010, and have been working a day job as a Secretary at a non-profit since 2010.  By night, I’m working on my blog, editing videos, and researching ways to promote my blog to the public at large.

While this blog is primarily focused on nostalgia, I also write random observational posts,as well as trip and experience posts.  If I do it, and will photograph it, then it will become the subject of a post.  I hope to be able to do more “experience posts.”

I’m also publishing elsewhere – not professionally, but I’m working to get my name out there.  I contributed to Retroist on an almost weekly basis between July 2015 and June 2019 (the site is no longer taking submissions from either current contributors, or new authors), and I have also published on The Agony Booth (twice in 2015).  These days, I’m a contributing author and editor on Pop Culture Retrorama, which is the continuation of Retroist.  In October 2015, I recorded my very first podcast ever for The Retroist and Saturday Frights (I contribute whenever asked to participate, since I love this!). It’s another area I’d never believed I’d branch out into, but the experience is one I’d like to consider trying.  After plenty of mulling about the idea of making videos as blog content, I’ve made some videos since 2017.  Slowly but surely, I’m building my confidence!

I’ve also dipped my toes into the making, creating, and selling world!  I established Allison’s Creative Vinyls (Facebook page) in early 2020, and have created a nice little niche business of creating vinyl decals, crafts, and gifts.

Also in 2020, I un-retired from dance, and have been back in the studio once a week, resuming my love of Hip Hop.  Even though my 22nd year of dance was cut short six years ago, I’m proud to begin my 23rd year.  I’m a little heavier, but my ankle (the bane of my existence for several years), is healthy, the result of combined efforts of a great podiatrist and chiropractor.  I still have to wear a brace when dancing, and I do have arthritis in my foot (only a problem with certain types of weather – specifically, the cold and snowy kind), but I’m surprisingly not rusty.

I’d like to think my best friend’s sudden passing inspired me to try again – it has certainly been an inspiration to live my life to the fullest.

When I’m not writing (or working, crafting, or dancing), I enjoy spending time with my husband, James (we said “I do!” on June 15, 2019!), reading, watching television/movies, going to the movies, shopping, spending time with my furbabies, Chi Chi (Chihuahua) and Talia (Chihuahua Mix).  Oh and that experience thing.  I’d like to make more of those happen!  I also love spending time with my friends.

I consider Allison’s Written Words – The WordPress Edition- to be one of my greatest personal accomplishments.  At five years (as of May 2020), it is the longest I’ve kept my blog continuously going.  I’m not bored or tired of it, which has been a problem in the past.  As long as the motivation and inspiration (not to mention a little perspiration – sweat happens, you know) is there, I’ll keep the site going.  Won’t you join me on that journey?

Where To Find Me

10 comments

  1. Isn’t it sad when a domain you want is already taken? The name of your blog is pretty major. I’m glad you were still able to make the switch. I recently redid my website and changing the domain was a huge decision for me. Props to you for transitioning last year! 🙂

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    1. I was so happy to make the change! I figured if I did the domain that I created, I could expand upon it. But I kept Allison’s Written Words because it’s just something I like and have identified with. I’m not the most creative at creating titles for things, lol! Thanks for visiting! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you! My motivation to switch sites to host my blog came as part of a series of life changes I was making. I had been largely unmotivated to write for some time prior to a relationship ending in February 2015, and when I decided I needed to begin writing again as an outlet, I haven’t looked back since. Changing sites just felt like the right idea, while keeping the brand I love the most. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks to your blog I found the toy playset that when I was little brought me so much joy and endless hours of play.
        I was 7 years old in Quito-Ecuador and somehow I remember playing with the Sweet Secret phone Twin Nursery. I was so happy to be able to see the actual pictures on your blog.
        Now as a 37 y/o mom of 2 boys , living in Boston and while on a conversation with my oldest kid about what toys I had as a child and trying to remember things that made me so happy I came across your blog and the 80’s toys article you wrote.
        Thanks again, you brought tears to my eyes while remembering through a picture how immensely happy I was when I played with this toy despite the chaos that surrounded my home at that time.
        Thanks,
        Xoxo
        Ana

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Allison,

    OK, as the former Vice President of Loss Prevention for Montgomery Ward I can’t imagine why you’re writing about a Montgomery Ward Loss Prevention Training Video… The company went under in 2001…15 years ago. It doesn’t seem to relate to your current job either… Just curious.

    Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL, My day job is as a Secretary. My unpaid job is writing. In addition to my blog, I write nostalgic pieces for a website, and I am sorta known for my ability to find obscure things all over the place (it’s why they like me!). I’m a hobbyist when it comes to this “gift” of sorts (I’m also a geek), and I happened to see this video on You Tube several years ago, and remembered it last week (not sure why!). I just couldn’t help myself! One of the editors/moderators absolutely loves my ability. 🙂

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