Praise the bridge that carried you over.
George Colman
Why do I blog? Why do I wonder how those I've met in the blog world fare in their days? Why do I write to those who have not posted in some time to see how life goes?
Perhaps because they have continual faith in me, despite my absences and often lack of individual thankfulness for their comments. Despite my inconsistent visits to their home pages.
Why do I blog? Because when I have a totally crappy day and the audacity to write about it, YOU all write to me. You reassure me. You let me know you are out there. (Even though you may have had an equally or completely worse day.)
That's why I blog. Not for what I get, but what I might give when I'm able to do that. Not to mention I find it fascinating how others live their lives. Also, how fun to read when bloggers get together from afar.
Several of my blogger friends gathered in the photo above. Lovely women, all of them, in attendance at my son's wedding last April.
On the left, Kimber, The Fragrant Liar, the "You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille" friend of mine who relocated to Florida in June. On my other side, Bernie, that old broad from Wisconsin at Old?Who? Me? and then Beth at The Busy Traveler, the talented chemical engineer turned writer who travels much too much and sends my jealous meter off the chart.
As for that old broad in Wisconsin, I'm headed up there on Saturday to celebrate her 85th birthday. Feel free to wish her a happy day. I'll be freezing my big Texas butt off in the frigid cold that has descended on that state, because I'm visiting, I'm sure. Believe it or not, there is no Packer game this weekend. Is there no mercy for a long-time fan?
Next post should arrive upon my return, Old? Who? Me? accompanying me for a Texas stay.
Hence, let us not underestimate ourselves. I have followed many of you for almost two years. Community. I thank you for responding when in my dumps and in my highs and middling. I appreciate your comments and suggestions.
You will have that backing with me, also. More important, as a reader for your most lovely essays of norm, and adventure. This roadtrip of the Midlife Jobhunter has been most interesting even though I'm not certain I've metered much mileage yet.
Great post! I have often asked myself the same question - why do I blog? And, like you, I find myself wanting to check in with my bloggy friends and wondering about them when I haven't heard from them in awhile. And while I have only had the good fortune to meet one bloggy friend in person, I have to admit that it was a real joy. You are so lucky to have a personal relationship with so many blog friends. And I agree with you it is intersting to see how other people live and think. I learn a lot from other bloggers. You included.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for not only keeping in touch with your blogging community, but actually taking it one step further and crossing the bridge to actually hanging out with them. I am inspired and encouraged by this. Keep up the great work; and, you'd better take your coat up there to WI. EFH
ReplyDeleteI blog for many of the same reasons but mostly because I have a whole bunch of new friends who really mean a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a blast in Wisconsin...I just stopped by Old? Who? Me?'s place to wish her a happy birthday. She's gonna love Texas this time of year!
I love that quote in particular. Praise the bridge that carried you over. So apropos of your post, and of all our lives. I couldn't do without my friends. And the older I get, the more important they become.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time up north, despite the injustice of being GB Packerless (or maybe that should be GD!) during your visit. Hug your mama for me and enjoy her visit.
I like these pics of us. What a great wedding and how beautiful you looked as mom of the groom. GREAT dress. I miss hanging out with you.
It's your magnetism too! Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThis is why you have so many friends in real life and in blog world!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you the past couple days as I drove to and fro Tuscaloosa.
Have a safe trip and wonderful time!
Good that you have developed these friends through blogging.
ReplyDeleteI hope you continue to get more out of the experience.
What a lovely bunch of words, Julie. You've captured just the right reasons for blogging...I'm soon to join up with a few bloggers myself and I know I'll find myself totally surprised and delighted. There's nothing like blogging for getting into other people's beautiful minds!
ReplyDeleteGreat that you can meet up with fellow bloggers. Nice picture - you all look like people I'd like to have round for tea. But I suspect it would be a bit of a trek ...
ReplyDeleteI did meet one blogger and she even came down from up north to spend a weekend. When she returned she slowly quite blogging. Now I am kind of afaid to meet bloggers. ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh dear, we've had lovely weather in the Midwest all week - while I've been inside sick with a terrible cold. Now you're traveling up to the Midwest - and it's predicted to get cold and wet up here. Hint: forget visiting the Midwest from Nov. 1st to April 1st.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you actually get to meet your blogger friends in person. Any time you want to organize a blogger get-together in Texas - I'm up for it. Have a safe and happy trip!
I think that you are very brave meeting up with other bloggers but I suppose that those that have something to hide would not agree to meet up. Some things are easier to write about when you are anonymous.
ReplyDeleteLovely photo.
Great pic! I've met several of my blog friends in person and they have become some of my dearest friends. Have a bon' ton' up north and don't forget your snow boots, just in case!
ReplyDeleteLovely post, lovely friendships, lovely photos. Enjoy your trip!
ReplyDeleteIt looks to me as though the most interesting stretches of road still lie ahead for you, you social butterfly! I've met two blogger friends, a graphic artist stricken with uveitis, and my ex boyfriend, for whom I tried to move to Europe last year.
ReplyDeleteOh what fun! I recognized FL as soon as I saw the photo.. I guess she has one of those instantly recognizable faces.. much like her wit.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy! :)
Have a great time on your trip. You are braver then I, to head to the northern climes this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI love how we can meet and be friends with blogging pals. The internet has changed the world and brought it much closer together. Love it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip. Safe and fun - throw in some wool. At least a hat, gloves, coat, scarf, boots, ...
It's amazing the people we meet, online and in person, that makes up our circle of friends. Great quote, and I love that you asked the question most of us ponder...Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSooooo, can I assume that the message here means that I am forgiven for being a terrible blog reader and blog writer? That you still kinda like me???? Thanks for reminding me that the effects of blogging are tremendous, meaningful and far-reaching. I really do want to get back into the blog world. Really. After my shows are over. And the holidays. And my visit to my mom's in Calif. And, and, and ......
ReplyDeleteAND YOU KEEP ON BLOGGING, MIDLIFE JOBHUNTER!
ReplyDeleteYou all look fabulous! What fun to all get together, it's been far too long since I did a blogger's get-to-gether. Think I need to work on that.
ReplyDeleteDi
I love it when I come here and find a new post! I love those pictures and am completely bummed I missed your mom's birthday. I'll head over in a minute for a belated celebration. I feel exactly the same way about this blogging community. While you may feel like you haven't logged many miles, I beg to differ. Your journey is exactly where it needs to be. I hope you'll continue to share it with us.
ReplyDeleteYou can go on one of my trips anytime!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. You sum it up so well--that in this era when people bemoan the lack of community, a very strong, thriving community has arisen in the blog world. I feel like I've made a hundred new friends in the last four years, myself.
ReplyDeleteOh, and yea: real nice of Fragrant to pull up and move. Real nice. (like my attempt at Wisconsin-speak?)
I'm been out of the blogging loop for a few weeks now and not feeling right about it. Your essay sums it up perfectly - and I would do well to remember that even when a daily or weekly presences isn't possible, you are all still out there.
ReplyDeleteI would never have imagined that such a community was possible when I first started blogging - and now I could not imagine living happily without it.
I'm thinking that a blog buddy get-together in the south of France might appeal to some??? What do you say?
I never never would have given blogging a second glance.
ReplyDeleteExcept I did. And it is a clutch to my heart part of my life.
Have a great trip.
Great post! I am consistently amazed by the sense of community I feel in the blogosphere. It's quite remarkable. I hope your trip was (is still?) a good one.
ReplyDeleteGood post. I started blogging when I went to Yellowstone to work for a couple of months. That gave me never ending material even though i got in big trouble with my employer. Gulp. Nothing like getting yelled at when you're 61. I feel your employment pain. I'm a semi retired social worker which means I can't find a job I can tolerate. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI always feel like I have made so many "friends" through blogging even though I have never met anyone personally...though I think that will change this coming year. The truth of the matter is I would much rather read other people's and leave comments of encouragement than blog about my little life but I know it is best when it is a two way street...I always look for to a post from you and your "journey"...
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