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Ladies And Gentlemen Allow Me to Present Michele Tune
By Eaglehawk | June 5, 2009
I would like to introduce to you someone that I have gotten to know really well in the past few months. She is a published author, she is a blogger, and she is a great friend. She lives in what most bloggers would think is a very odd place, she lives on an Amish farm. Yes you heard that correctly she lives on an Amish farm but more on that later. Join me as I sit down with Michele Tune extraordinary author, blogger, and all around great person and friend, for the first part of a three part series.
Me: Michele give us a peek into your life; give us some background on your life.
Michele: Well, I’m a freelance writer and blogger. I’m also a survivor of domestic violence and have lost over 100 pounds. I am definitely a country girl at heart. I grew up in a small town in Southeast Missouri and attended both public and private schools. For most of my life, my Grandmother lived next door to us. We would walk to church on Sunday mornings. (The church was just around the corner.) And we always passed an empty lot filled with bright orange tiger lilies. To this day, seeing that flower brings back special memories and it’s one of my favorite flowers ever. Back to Grandma, she was a major influence in my life and I still think about her every day. She instilled treasured lessons, morals, and values that are deeply etched into my heart, soul, and memories. I was also blessed with hard-working, fantabulous parents.
Me: What has been the biggest failure in your life, and what did you did you do to turn it into a success and what did you learn from it?
Michele: I am torn on this question but I think I have to say that my biggest failure would have to be allowing myself to become a victim of domestic violence. And, yes, I do believe I allowed it to happen. I almost lost my life and it’s literally taken me years to climb out of the deep abyss I found myself in, even once I had escaped.
What I did to turn that into a success, I feel, is that not only did I survive and beat the odds by not becoming another statistic; I lived to actually tell my story, to shine a light on a dark topic. I lived to be an example, an inspiration to parents, grandparents and any loved ones or friends of domestic violence victims. By sharing my testimony in person and through my writing/blogging, I spread the message of hope for those in hopeless situations. I mentor others both in person and online. I have also shared my story at meetings and churches. I prefer to do stuff behind the scenes, though, because helping people isn.t about being praised for doing something good, it’s about reaching out, caring, and helping people realize they aren.t alone in their situation.whatever that situation may be.
What I learned from the domestic violence is too much to sum it up here. But in short, I learned that I’m stronger than I ever thought I was, that when there seems to be no way out, prayer can change that, and also, I learned that I wanted to live.that there was a greater purpose for my life than being abused. I learned that the first step toward a better future is the hardest, but is definitely worth taking, and I learned to love, respect, and value myself. I learned that God allowed me to live because I had a destiny to fulfill. And I learned that dreams really do come true, if you.ll only follow your heart and work hard to achieve them.
Me: How did you come to live on an Amish farm?
Michele: I blame it on my Mother! She prayed for a farm, but she forgot to pray for a farm with electricity. If you.re going to pray, be specific. Details matter.even to God! LOL Seriously, though, I’m saving that very funny story for the launch of the homesteading blog where we.ll share the ups, downs, and craziness of living on an Amish farm, in Amish country. And, yes, I do live on the farm with my parents. Some people find this odd; I don.t.
Me: What is the biggest challenge you face from living there being?
Michele: Wow. What isn’t a challenge living on an Amish farm? Things are a little easier now that we have running water to the house. You see, the Amish don.t wire or plumb their homes. It’s unfathomable how much water it takes just to get your day going! Have you ever thought about how much water you use of the morning? You wash your face, take a shower, brush your teeth, make your coffee, etc., etc. The list goes on an on. Imagine if you had to carry all that water in buckets from water pump–just like the old days. It.s quite the adjustment! And not having unlimited Internet access has driven me a little bonkers some days. I only have a USB modem and so I can.t really watch YouTube videos or do anything that will gobble up the monthly usage I’m allowed.well, I could but I’d have to pay overage fees out the nose!
Me: What is your greatest accomplishment?
Michele: Picking myself up off the floor and leaving that violent relationship. Second to that, losing over 100 pounds. If I hadn’t accomplished those two things, I wouldn’t be answering these questions for you today–I wouldn’t be alive. Even after I escaped domestic violence, the doctors didn’t know if I’d live to see 30. My 20s were a scary time. So, walking away… That was my greatest accomplishment.
Me: Where do you see yourself in the next 6 months?
Michele: I see myself driving a horse and buggy. LOL No, I’m joking! I hope I’ve had time to add video and podcasting to my blogs. I think that would be fun and I’ve had a lot of requests for it. Of course, I think it’s mostly because folks want to hear my Southern accent. 
And I’d like to break into markets I’ve yet to be able to get into, like glossy magazines. That would be nice. I’d really love to be published in The New York Times–but what writer wouldn’t, right?
Me: Where do you see yourself in the 6 years?
Michele: I haven’t really thought about it. I guess I see myself stronger, bolder than I am today. I see myself perhaps at least working on the books I want to get out there. I have a great desire to be the author of several books. I’ve had that dream since I was a child peering up at the rows and rows of bookshelves in the library. And, not to be rich or famous because honestly, I’m a homebody and would’t like all the bright lights and camera flashes in my face, but because I want to share my stories, my heart, my passion, be an encouragement. I’d love to have books on these topics published: weight loss, domestic violence, raw juices and juice fasting/health and I think it would be fun and educational to write a book about this Amish experience. I also dream of having book signings–although that means I’d have to overcome my homebody tendencies. 
Me: What would you like for us to know about you?
Michele: I would like for you to know I’m real. I’m not perfect, nor will I ever claim to be. I’m just the girl next door who loves going barefoot and sipping iced (herbal) tea, raw juices and smoothies. I love old-fashioned front porches and the old path. I’m not like most folks my age (almost 34). I prefer simplicity to busy city streets. I’d rather shop at the Goodwill or a yard sale, than some fancy store in the mall. I laugh. I smile. I giggle. I hurt when you’re hurting. I’m genuine. I’m a true friend.
Me: Where can we find you?
Michele: Maybe that question should be “Where can’t you find me?” LOL Seriously, though, I’m usually skipping all across the cyber highway. Here are a few places you can find me:
Freelance website: www.MicheleTune.com
Health blog: www.HealingwithJuices.com
Writing blog: www.WritingtheCyberHighway.com
Twitter: @MicheleTune
Plurk: MicheleT
Don’t forget I have a contest going and it is a scavenger hunt photo style
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Categories: Interview
Technorati Tags: Interview, Michele Tune
June 5th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Michele is an inspiration. There is no better way to put it, really. Spend a little time following her on Twitter or catching up on her blogs and you will see that a more genuine and sincere person would be difficult to find.
Great interview questions and wonderfully open and honest responses – kudos to you both.
George
June 5th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
It's always interesting and inspiring to read Michele's journey. She doesn't do life in the 'average' way. *grins*
June 6th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Thank you, I agree Michele is truly an inspiration. She's also a really great friend.
June 6th, 2009 at 12:07 am
I agree, I don't think Michele has the word average in her vocabulary.
June 6th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Fantastic interview! Figures… I find out about her NOW! lol.
June 6th, 2009 at 12:40 am
Thanks for all the kind words, y'all! It was truly an honor to be asked to do this interview here.
George, EagleHawk, Rebecca: you are all special people and I love ya! NotAMeanGirl: It's nice to meet you–I'm sure I'll love you too!
*smiles*
Michele
June 6th, 2009 at 12:56 am
Michele is truly a beautiful person, inside and out
June 6th, 2009 at 1:02 am
Aw, thanks Alisha!! You're too kind, just the bestest!!
*smiles*
Michele
June 6th, 2009 at 3:30 am
Michele is a wonderful, kind person with lovely words for everybody; I'd recommend everyone friend her immediately, because she will always brighten your day!
June 6th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Aw, plaidearthworm, that's just so sweet!! Thanks bunches, for brightening my day!!!
*smiles*
Michele
June 6th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I completely agree, she always makes me smile when I feel bad. If I'm down she always makes me smile, or laugh.
June 6th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I'm honored that I help you smile or laugh when you're down, EagleHawk!
*smiles*
Michele
June 7th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Michele – You are an inspiration – a wonderful writer with humor and a kind heart. I can't wait to read your homesteading blog!
June 7th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Thank you, Lori! You're too sweet and kind with your compliments. And, yes, the homesteading blog will be a hoot, I think. Living green ain't all it's cracked up to be, let me tell ya! LOL There's definitely stuff people don't share when promoting a green lifestyle (a really, really green lifestyle, that is).
Thanks so much for stopping by, and for commenting and tweeting about it.
@Lori and everyone: You're all the bestest!!
*smiles*
Michele
June 7th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Thanks for stopping by. Depending on Michele's deadlines we should have part two of this interview tomorrow.
June 7th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
I'm trying to book on through. I think we'll make it!!
June 8th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Yeah, I don't think average fits into my mold. LOL
June 9th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Michele,
Your candor is compelling and your sense of humor refreshing. Thanks for sharing from the heart. That's what makes you such a delight to read–and know!
Blessings,
Jeanne
June 9th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
Eaglehawk,
Thanks so much for interviewing Michele! She's a wonderful person–one whom anyone could benefit from knowing better and from whom we can all learn so much!
Regards,
Jeanne
June 12th, 2009 at 2:13 am
Jeanne,
I somehow missed your comment! Thanks so much for stopping by, and for sharing kind words about me! You're quite a delight yourself!
*smiles*
Michele
June 11th, 2009 at 9:17 pm
[...] the opposite! I mentioned before that EagleHawk was interviewing me on his blog. I directed you to parts one and two. Well, now part three is live. And, well, I’m speechless! I’m so touched and [...]
June 11th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
[...] Most recently, I’ve been asked to do a three-part interview over at EagleHawk. Parts one and two are up so far. To be honest, it was a little nerve-wracking being on the opposite end of [...]
June 12th, 2009 at 2:45 am
Always happy to share kind words about you, Michele!
June 12th, 2009 at 2:53 am
Aaaaaaaaawwww!!!!!