Hello, I'm Aly

[dustygirl122]

Hey everyone,
I'm not very creative with introductions, wish I was though. My name is Aly. I'm 17 and a senior in high school. Living in the Midwest US, I'm pretty much surrounded by religious Republicans. My father and step-mother's side of the family is old-fashioned, racist, sexist, Catholic and my mom and step-father's side is full of psychic, evolution-believing Christians. Then all these people got together and created me.
If you get to know me, you'll figure out that I pretty much question everything. I question rules, facts, and basically anything someone tells me. I'm very curious by nature, and also very open-minded.
I like to spend my time writing, drawing, singing, etc. I play piano, bass (both guitar and double), and sing. I like to write novels, poems, songs, sometimes a short story. Most publishers won't look at you twice if you are under 18, but I'm trying to get published.
As for being an atheist, it is rather new. I spent years denying it, trying to tell myself that I was Christian. When I had doubts, I was honestly scared I would be going to Hell, so I prayed. Needless to say, the doubts grew till finally I researched it, and one day while I was watching a video on Youtube saying "You are Not Agnostic".. It just kind of smacked me in the face. I didn't believe. So, yeah, my change was a reluctant one.
I'd love to get to know some more people, so feel free to drop me a message. Thanks for reading!

Dusty.

[Ali]

Hi Aly,
Welcome!  You sound very accomplished at 17 with your writing and music and whatnot.  That's awesome!  I know what you mean about just kind of realizing that you don't believe even though part of you was scared not to - I felt the exact same way when I was in my late teens and early twenties.  Anyway, welcome again, and I hope that you enjoy your time here. 

PS - I hate to tell you this, but you misspelled "Ali".  LOL  Just kidding.   

[statichaos]

Welcome, Aly.  You're among friends.

[Tank]

Hi Aly

Interesting intro. Buddhourse4 is a fellow teenage girl, with a pile of brains like you. We have people who have never been theists (e.g. me) and loads of ex-Christians who will know exactly what you're going through. We also have a handful a theists/deists/pantheists so we cover all the bases!

Thanks for making the effort to sign up and join in.

Welcome to HAF.

Regards
Chris

Notes for new members.
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Some threads you might find interesting.
Where did you get your username from?
10 Things About Yourself
Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Photography
Non-religious pet peeves
Pets...what do you have?
Favorite Song, with video
How to tell your family you are an atheist.*
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[Guardian85]

Hi, Dusty.
Always fun to get new atheists in the place.

I like to spend my time writing, drawing, singing, etc. I play piano, bass (both guitar and double), and sing. I like to write novels, poems, songs, sometimes a short story. Most publishers won't look at you twice if you are under 18, but I'm trying to get published.

As for the publishers not working with teenagers, Christopher Paolini published his first book at 17 so it is possible.

[Asmodean]

An Ali with a y... And the first reply was by Aly with an i.

There is a pattern of conspiratorial nature somewhere in there, The Asmo is sure of it.

[Amicale]

Hey Aly/Dusty, a warm welcome to you!

I liked your intro. It seems like we've got quite a few writers here! Don't give up on the publishing dream, lots of awesome, bright young people with fresh ideas is a great thing for this world. Glad to meet you, and see you around the forums!

[Too Few Lions]

hi Dusty
welcome onboard, you'll find plenty of likeminded folk on the forum. I don't envy you being surrounded by religious Republicans, thankfully you won't find many (if any) here.

[Ali]

An Ali with a y... And the first reply was by Aly with an i.

There is a pattern of conspiratorial nature somewhere in there, The Asmo is sure of it.

We're multiplying.  You didn't think you were the only one with thralls did you? 

[Recusant]

Hello and welcome to HAF, Aly. You sound like a busy person! I look forward to reading more from you, and hope that you enjoy your time reading and posting here.

[xSilverPhinx]

Welcome!

[Buddy]

Welcome to the forum, Aly!

I already get Amicale and Ali mixed up sometimes, now we have another Aly. I might as well hang up my silver spoon. 

[Truthseeker]

Welcome home Aly.  Where have you been?

[Anti-antidisestablishmentarianism]

Welcome! Agnosticism is for those still hanging on to religion by a thread.  I much prefer atheism!

[dustygirl122]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! And you can call me Dusty if there are too many Aly/Alies lol. I've been swamped with finals this week, but I hope to get more time on here now that everything has settled down. Thanks for making me feel so welcome!