Join LaRonda Zupp as she celebrates one year of v/blogging at DeafRead by taking you behind the scenes of: “The Ear of My Heart” — voted Best Overall Blog of the Year, 2007 at DeafRead.
Why I chose this title for my blog:
The title of my blog comes from the opening verse of St. Benedict’s prologue, which tells us to ‘listen carefully to what the Spirit says, and attend with the ear of our hearts.’ St. Benedict was a Catholic saint who urged us to listen within the depths of our soul, keeping ourselves attentive to wisdom that comes from the voice within, and inclining our hearts toward deeper understanding. St. Benedict’s words are both timeless and universal. They provide us with insight into how one becomes wise, especially amidst adversity.
My blog title is not about “ears” or “hearing” or being able to “hear clearly,” the way hearing people can hear sound. It is about LISTENING with pure loving attention to what people are really communicating. This is what it means to me to listen and blog with ‘the ear of my heart.’
I chose this title because I wanted to speak from my heart and express that I am learning to listen to and connect with others in a deeper, more meaningful way. I am always searching for the divine in all people, in all things, and through all events. And sometimes, I believe my words are what I call “God-graced.” Occasionally, the words that come through me seem to come from some divine place. I am not always aware of the subtle truths or wisdom that come from my blogging until after I write my thoughts down, and then I sit in awe of what I just wrote, knowing it was inspired from a higher place. I make it my personal mission in life to listen with the ear of my heart. I chose this title because that’s where I find myself at this point in my life.
Why I Began to Blog:
On that infamous day on 9/11, from a deep need to seek spiritual connection and give meaning to my life, I first began crafting my own transforming tale of suddenly becoming deaf, 27 years earlier at the age of 17. Writing my story became a daily ritual that nourished my spirit. I was surprised with glimpses of truths I had not realized or known about myself until I wrote them down. Writing became a revelation. My computer screen became a window to my soul, and I often found the Divine looking back at me in its reflection.
I was so inspired with what I was writing, that I decided to write a book. However, I had no idea how to go about writing, editing, or publishing a book, and the cost involved seemed ominous. At that time, my husband, Brent, had just started blogging. He seemed to enjoy blogging immensely and I started to become curious about developing my own blog. I thought it might be a way to try out a few chapters in my story and to see what kind of interest or readership I might develop. Thus, my first blog posts began with excerpts from my book, which is still a work in progress.
Since then, my blog has incorporated video blogging in ASL (American Sign Language ). In the d/Deaf community, this is known as vlogging. The content of my v/blogs has evolved to incorporate more current stories of my journey into Deafhood. Blogging and vlogging continue to provide deep insights into the person I have become. Though I was once hearing, I have embraced my Deaf self. (Signing “DEAF” on my heart!) Guided by ‘the ear of my heart,’ I continue to blog and vlog as a way to express deeply personal and spiritual insights about the ongoing journey of finding my way through life as a Deaf person and being the best Deaf person I can be.
What I enjoy about v/blogging:
In addition to sharing my own personal stories and growing in self-awareness, I also love to tell inspirational tales and children’s stories in ASL. I also like to leave positive and uplifting comments on other people’s blogs and vlogs. I enjoy inspiring others to find deeper meaning in their lives and I encourage them to live with courage, hope, open-mindedness, acceptance and love, rather than resistance, fear, judgment, rejection or hate.
Though not necessarily religious, my writings reflect my deeply spiritual nature. My v/blog posts and comments attempt to search for life’s meaning, express deep gratitude, and spread a little “heartshine” out there in the world. Unique to my blog are the photos I embed in my posts. I spend much time searching for just the right photos to bring forth certain moods or the essence of the message I want to convey.
How often I blog and vlog:
I usually blog and vlog when I am inspired. I write a post or make a vlog after I have LISTENED long enough to the tone of other v/blogs in the deaf community. When I have have been moved by them, my creative muse strikes. A few times, I have posted as much as 2-3 stories a day! However, I on the average, I put up a blog or vlog post about every 2 weeks.
The role my v/blog plays in the deaf community:
I see my role in the d/Deaf v/blogosphere as a healer and a muse that gets people thinking in more positive ways. I also see myself as a steward and advocate, encouraging my d/Deaf peers to move beyond mere tolerance to finding the true value in one another. I’m a cheerleader and champion for d/Deaf people who begin to identify their personal, family and communal strengths, find their own voice, stand their own ground, make their own choices, and to define their own identity and purpose. I also look for topics that will help bring forth and reflect whole-souled loveliness in all people. I’m a firm believer that what you send out, comes back. I try to keep this in mind when I v/blog.
How I became Deaf:
If you have not yet read the story of how I became Deaf and how I learned to embrace being Deaf, click here and follow the chapters by clicking “Next” at the top right corner of each post. Comments welcome!
Thank you for reading. My heart is full ~
~ LaRonda
I enjoy reading your blogs and viewing your vlogs. Sentimental every time!
Left by Shirley Egbert on February 11th, 2008
LaRonda,
Wow, that is so beautiful and inspiring story! That is who you are.
It’s part of you as well.
Thank you for sharing your special story.
Misha
Left by Misha on February 11th, 2008
The blog series about how you became deaf was one that I had enjoyed reading the most! It was moving. The references to the time period such as songs, and certain clothing brought back memories of the years I grew up in the 70’s during my tween/teen years. Your style of writing makes it hard to stop reading as well. Keep on bloggin~
Left by Candy on February 11th, 2008
LaRonda,
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary. We began at the same time. I did my first ASL Vlog Feb 10, 2007. I made a video check my facebook. You will like it.
Nice meeting u in person at DR. Your presentation was awesome. I wish I could chat with u more. Congrats on your win for Best Overall BLOG.
Stay in the B/Vlog world!
Kiss-Fist ASL
Left by David on February 11th, 2008
Thank you Shirley, Misha and Candy for your readership and kind words.
David, I enjoyed meeting you at the DeafRead conference. I’m so glad my presentation was so well received by my peers. It means a lot to me to know that. Thanks for the congrats.
Bragging rights. (wink)
I’m done now.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on February 11th, 2008
Congratulations on winning Blog of the Year award - I voted for you and I am glad the majority agreed with me.
I always enjoy your v/blogs and whenever your new post come up, I surely click on it right away to check it out!
Have a great year!
Left by Joey Baer on February 11th, 2008
Joey, thank you. That means a lot to me. The feeling is mutual. I hope you enjoyed the bits and pieces I captured of you as the MC at the awards. You rocked! Very well done! I could see young Tyler Berdy hot on your heels too. He has the potential to follow in your footsteps!
What a great MC he would be one day!
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on February 11th, 2008
LaRonda,
I am so happy for you. Also,, I was delighted to see the medal of “Deaf Read Best Overall Blog 2007″ above.
You are a person of unspeable indepth as well as of placidity both of which radiate not only in your face but also in your signing. That is why it is always joyous reading your blogs/vlogs and know that other readers also learn a great deal from you. Congratulations!
Left by Jean Boutcher on February 11th, 2008
Thank you, Jean. You’re one of my favorite commenters as well. I love how you view the world and how you respect people. You inspire me too!
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on February 11th, 2008
Hoorayy!!! I voted for you and am so thrilled to see others feel the same about you. It is a well deserved award because you are inspiring the awakening of the spirituality aspect of our community. I thank you opening the window of your soul, allowing us to experience your deep thoughts and feelings. You are a very special woman. Congrats.
Left by Julie Rems-Smario on February 11th, 2008
I agreed with Mr. Baer, and I voted for you, too. Glad you won and you deserve it! You rock!
Left by CoachCreech on February 12th, 2008
A well-deserved award! I always enjoy my visits to your blog. Looking forward to many more posts!
Left by Karen Putz on February 12th, 2008
LaRonda is my inspiration, always look forward to read her vlogs/blogs whether she has posted or not, I continue to look for her new blog/vlog daily.
|,,|/ \|,,|
Left by deafKathy on February 12th, 2008
Thank you Julie, Coach, Karen and Kathy, for your votes, for your readership and for your kindness. I love having created a niche for myself here on DeafRead and that my v/blogs have been inspiring to others. What a gift it is to receive recognition for doing something I love!
Hugs.
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on February 12th, 2008
hi LaRonda, congratulations for the best overall vlog of the year
I have bookmarked your story (I haven’t gotten around to reading the whole book yet), and it just occured to me - why not have it in ASL as well? Some Deaf people struggle with English, and having the book chapters in ASL will be engrossing for them.
Good for those who are unwell and in bed, like a bed time story! 
Left by SusanA on February 12th, 2008
Congrats! I voted for you and I hope to meet you some day.
Left by Deb Ann on February 12th, 2008
Congratulations on the well deserved award! Your blog on where the inspiration comes from inside your center is absolutely true…when writing, it seems as if the words are coming from an inner light, not entirely myself, but inspired by a combination of others’ inspirations, my own, and something else bigger than myself. I’d be interested in hearing from others who feel the same.
Left by Dianrez on February 12th, 2008
Congrats on your blog award. I was so glad that you won the award. YOU DESERVE IT.
I feel like I won the award just because you won the award for the best blog. :o)
Hugs,
Aidan
Left by AIdan Mack on February 15th, 2008
Hi LaRonda,
Anyway, A well-deserved award!
You are a star now. I went out yesterday with a group of friends and we ended up talking about your vlogs. It felt good to say, “I know her…”
Keep up the good work.
Vikki
Left by Vikki on February 18th, 2008