ABOUT LIONELLA Blake

Writing is a daily practice for Lionella, and she writes all day, every day. Her passion for writing is so intense that she feels compelled to capture every thought that crosses her mind. She has developed a habit of immediately writing down ideas as they come, ensuring that nothing is forgotten. This dedication to writing has resulted in a vast collection of notes, ideas, and drafts—enough to publish one book per month if she could edit them as quickly as she writes. For Lionella, writing is not just a task; it’s a therapeutic outlet, a way to process her thoughts, and a means to share her knowledge and experiences with the world. 

Lionella’s commitment to writing is so strong that she writes literally everywhere—even in places where most people wouldn’t think to bring a pen and paper. She writes in the bathroom, at stoplights while driving, and when standing in line for anything. For her, writing is a constant companion, and she takes every opportunity to jot down her thoughts and ideas. This habit reflects her deep passion for writing and her desire to ensure that no moment of inspiration is lost. It’s a testament to her dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of her thoughts wherever she may be. 

Lionella is a proud homebody! Her peace lives within the walls of her own space. While others recharge by going out, Lionella finds deep joy in staying in, wrapped in God’s presence and her favorite cozy blanket. Her home isn’t just where she lives; it’s where she grows, dream, create, pray, and reset. She will take a quiet evening of writing, planning, or dancing in the kitchen over crowds and noise any day.  While the world may chase the thrill of social events and crowded scenes, Lionella finds her strength in the sanctuary of solitude. She’s proof that being “outgoing” doesn’t always mean going out - sometimes it means going deeper in reflection, diving further into creativity, and showing up for the world by first being still behind the scenes. For Lionella, solitude is sacred, and home is her haven.

Lionella is no stranger to sleepless nights. She suffers from insomnia, a condition that keeps her mind active long into the night. As a result, she typically doesn’t fall asleep until after 3 AM and only manages to sleep for about 4-5 hours per night. While this lack of sleep could be debilitating for some, Lionella has learned to manage her insomnia and use the quiet hours of the night to reflect, plan, and sometimes even write. Her insomnia is a testament to her relentless mind, always thinking, creating, and strategizing, even when the world is at rest. 

Lionella has a deep-seated fear of trucks and bridges, especially on the highway. This phobia is something she navigates daily, as she actively avoids passing trucks and crossing bridges whenever possible. Her fear is so intense that she will only pass a truck if there are three or more lanes available, allowing her to stay two lanes away from them. Bridges, particularly two-lane ones, are another significant challenge for her. The Annapolis Bridge in Maryland, for example, is a route she cannot drive on—she can only be a nervous passenger. Despite these fears, Lionella continues to confront and manage them, using her caution to navigate the roads safely. 

For Lionella, painting is more than just a hobby—it's a therapeutic activity that brings life to the walls around her. Her journey into painting began out of necessity when she was faced with a $4,000 estimate just to highlight a couple of walls in her home. Encouraged by her younger sister, Lorraine, who kick-started the process by painting a few walls, Lionella took on the challenge and discovered a new passion. Years later, not only has she become proficient in painting, but she has also transformed three different houses from top to bottom with her own hands. The act of painting allows Lionella to express her creativity, relieve stress, and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing bland walls come alive with color and personality. 

Lionella’s path could have taken a very different turn. In 2014, she was on the verge of applying to medical school. Having already accumulated several science credits, including two courses in General Chemistry and two in Physics, she was well on her way. She only needed to complete two courses in Organic Chemistry and take the MCATs to be eligible for medical school. However, in 2013, life presented her with a different challenge—her mother’s health declined, and she had to step in as a full-time caregiver. Although she had to forgo her dream of becoming a medical doctor, Lionella does not regret her decision. Caring for her mother was a priceless experience, and she believes that this choice was exactly where she was meant to be at that time. 

Before her career in nursing, Lionella honed her skills in sales—a field she excelled in despite its challenges. Over the course of eight years, she sold a variety of products, ranging from ladies' shoes and women’s lingerie to raw meat door-to-door and even mobile homes. Among these roles, selling raw meat door-to-door stands out as one of the most challenging, yet she approached it with dignity and performed exceptionally well. This experience taught her the value of persistence, adaptability, and the importance of developing strong communication skills. These early years in sales were not only humbling but also laid a strong foundation for her future career in healthcare, where she would continue to use her ability to connect with and serve others. 

Lionella’s curiosity about the universe goes beyond the ordinary. She is deeply fascinated by the sheer scale and complexity of the solar system. The fact that Earth is 93 million miles away from the sun, yet sustains life, astounds her. She marvels at the comparison between Earth, with its 7,900-mile diameter, and the sun, which boasts a staggering 860,000-mile diameter. What’s even more mind-boggling to her is that 1,300 Earths could fit inside Jupiter, and 1.3 million Earths could fit inside the Sun. These astronomical facts evoke a sense of awe and wonder in Lionella, reaffirming her belief in the greatness of God and the incredible design of the universe.