Can we just take a minute to talk about blogs?
They’re interesting creatures. An online journal, forum, soapbox; it could be described in lots of way. For me, it’s how I process my days, how I share my life with those I don’t see everyday, and a creative outlet. I’ve always loved to write. I was that dorky kid who loved writing research papers in middle school with all the notecards. [color-coordinated, of course.] I had more than one pen-pal, and throughout middle and high school, I actually wrote a sometimes monthly, sometimes quarterly newsletter for the Dancing Bananas, my close group of friends. [For real. It was called Update! and – if I may say so myself – my friends loved it. Unfortunately – but also conveniently for blackmail purposes – I have no issues of Update! to share on this current computer. Pretty sure most are saved on a hard disc.] Perhaps all signs in my past lead to me being a dedicated blogger. I wouldn’t have posted 34 times in the month of March alone if I didn’t love writing this.
Recap: It’s how I process, how I share my life, and how I engage in my passion for writing.
Additionally, it has helped me make friends.
Seriously.
A blog is a funny thing.
If we meet in person, I’m a pretty shy and guarded person right off the bat. An introvert who is aware she can say some pretty dumb and awkward things [especially if you don’t know me], I usually keep my mouth shut. It’s been crazy how I have discovered that certain people read this blog and suddenly, friendships begin to form. I can’t quite pin it down but something about sharing of myself here, on this blog, allows me more open up further in person and it’s a great conversation starter. If you already know things about me and, knowing that, haven’t declared me too weird or off my rocker, then let’s be friends. It’s been awesome this year to gain those friendships, and so good for my soul.
That being said, I’m still not always certain who reads this. [A fun example: Tammy, my office neighbor in Dawson, had mentioned that her brother reads my blog. I don’t think I’d ever really met him until this past Saturday when I was at the musical. Tammy and her family sat next to me. As her brother scooted past to his seat, he bumped my arm and said, “I read your blog.” Here’s a shout out to Terry; thanks for reading!] I’m not always sure why people visit this funny thing called a blog. I ramble about my life and am humbled that people read it. And enjoy it? If you say so.
That being said, I ask in the most polite and kind-hearted manner – Who are you?
I share my life with you. I keep the blog updated with the ins and outs of my world, but that’s a pretty one-sided deal. If we’re going to be friends, it needs to go two ways. I think it would be awesome if you commented on this post or sent me an email [lmstolen at gmail dot com]. Introduce yourself. Let me know what’s going on in your world and I promise to respond. [If I know you well, see you nearly everyday, or you’re a family member, you’re exempt from this request. I would, however, still appreciate a life update. Or a joke. Or the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever done in your presence. That could be a good post to come.] Then I can better know who you are, we can hold hands, and skip into the sunset.
I really think you should say hi. Then we can be friends and do things like high-five each other.
[Speaking of blogs … I blogged here tonight too if you feel so inclined to take the energy to click the link and then have the energy to listen to my ramblings on coats.]
