Bloggers are terrific!

I have blogged off and on for many years; but it’s only been with this blog that I have felt like part of a community. Previously, I wrote blogs mostly for other people (primarily my family) in an effort to stay somewhat connected – even with miles and miles of distance between us. And that was fine, it filled a purpose – but it didn’t always fill me. With this blog, I took a different tact, and began writing it expressly for my own “selfish” reasons – i.e., to celebrate those little moments of joy in my day (life) that might otherwise go unnoticed, unmentioned, uncelebrated; the moments that transform a mere existence into a life. With that shift from “have to” to “get to”, the adage of ‘Do what you love’ was proven once again; since writing this blog (and joining the WordPress PostADay community), not only have I connected more closely with family members and friends, but I have met tremendously interesting people from all over the country, and the world. (Literally.) Strangers I had never met before now give me some of their time every day, and share slices of their life with me; I’m in regular (two-way) communication with some of these individuals more than I am with my own family. [And that’s not a slight on my family, but rather a comment of how giving and gracious members of this writing community are.] It’s amazing.

And these fellow writers are not only generous with their time, but with their praise and their possessions as well. Today I experienced two different (and completely unrelated) instances of fellow bloggers giving me something cool – it’s awesome! Take a look:

Exhibit A: One of the blogs I follow issues a challenge to her readers every day. Earlier in the week, the challenge this writer set forth to her peeps was to have them come to my blog and read a bit of it. I was (and still am) deeply flattered by her thoughtfulness! I do write this blog primarily for me – but it is more fun when others play along. Amelia, thank you for introducing me to some new people; and new people, it’s really nice to meet all of you!

Exhibit B: Another blog I follow operates under the premise of potentially giving one possession away every day. The author has a house full of “stuff”, and is selecting one item to part with every 24 hours. I think this is a fantastic idea, and I fully support this woman’s efforts at simplification. Nearly every time this blogger puts up one of her items for decision, my vote is “Pitch!”. However, last week the writer showcased an item that I actually really would like to have. So I left a somewhat cheeky comment expressing that very sentiment – but did so casually and light-heartedly, never really intending her to do anything about it. But, much to my surprise, the woman emailed me and said if I sent in my snail mail address, she would ship the item to me.
What generosity!

These two individuals put two different smiles on my face today; and every person who reads what I write just keep the grin a-goin’. (And people who write comments melt my little heart.) Thanks to all of you for playing with me – you all rock!

Stef