I am gratified in being alive when the interwebz came into being. This amazing technology introduced me to others around the world I'd never have met in real life.
Subsequently, I met some and the F2F friendships always confirmed the virtual connection. When I had my small B&B around the bay, several came to visit me and it was joyful meeting them.
When I brought my play to Ireland, others showed up from great distances with overnight stays in the town.
When I mentioned I'd like some simple yoga practise for my continuing mobility/physical issues, an email fell into my box with great diagrams.
I've received cards and bookmarks and tea towels and scarves and knitting patterns and letters and books and even old fashioned hairpins which touch my heart.
I've sent out wee bits and pieces as well.
I grieve when bloggers die. And miss their writing. The loss is real.
I feel validated in all the complexities of my life when I post from the heart here. It is a rarity to be condemned and belittled (though it does happen). Those who attack, I suspect, haven't looked inside their own hearts and thrown the windows open to alleviate the darkness within.
So a big thank you to you all out there.
Today and every day.
Your thanks are echoed loudly by me.
ReplyDeleteSome bloggers (you included) have become very dear to me.
I laugh with other bloggers, I weep with and for them. And yes, when I lose them, the grief is very real.
The blogosphere has been a huge boon for my introverted self - and yes the bloggers I have met face to face have been delightful. What I saw WAS what I got.
Thanks for being in my life EC and for your gorgeous photographs. I think the more bloggers expose themselves to us, the greater the grief when they die. It's a very deep connection.
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I've met three of my fellow bloggers in person, and I agree, there's an immediate connection and a continuing understanding. And now that we're not meeting ANYBODY in person, it's great to have this wide circle of blogging friends.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is Tom. It certainly widens the horizons of our lives.
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You are welcome today and every day! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you GP.
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Me too. I get a lot of pleasure - and food for thought - from my visiting blog buddies. I especially enjoy that so many of them are from the States and give me revealing glimpses into life across the pond. It's a great way of befriending people without all the face-to-face awkwardness. But I've only met one (Australian) blogmate in the flesh!
ReplyDeleteWhen are you coming back?
DeleteWell you narrowly missed meeting me Nick when you visited the Atlantic provinces! A shame really.
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Kylie: We'd like to, but the travel insurance at my age is getting absurdly expensive.
Deletewww: Yes, a great shame. Maybe we'll meet up some time in the future.
I don't comment often, but your blog is on my feed reader so I visit often. Stay safe! (and warm)
ReplyDeleteThank you Mike.
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That's a nice thing to say and I feel much the same as yourself.
ReplyDeleteIt's great Andrew and I think it was a mutual blogger friend who introduced us a long time ago. Our buddy Pants who no longer blogs which is a shame.
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Wow. I had no idea it was Pants. We actually know her now and we have caught up with her a number of times.
DeleteYes, LB (Pants) and I write each other long rambling emails from time to time. She was one of my first blogmates 15 years ago now, I think.
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Amen to all of the above.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about losing blogging friends. x
It is devastating. I just emailed a silent blogger just now, been following her for years, sent each other gifts in the mail, etc. She's getting beyond 80 with poor health so I am concerned.
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I say Hurrah to every line. I am missing a blog friend and am about to begin emailing everyone who commented there recently.
ReplyDeleteOh me too Joanne, maybe the same one. Ernestine? I'm hoping she's OK or her family would let us know. It is terrible not knowing.
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And Thank You for being here.
ReplyDeleteBackatcha River!
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Yes, so true. This world wide friendship is a never ending source of encouragement and sharing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is Charlotte. I learn so much from you guys!
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None of the bloggers I have ever read have died but the day is edging closer, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteI do always struggle with the ones who just disappear.
My readers probably know more about me than the people I see face to face and I know they care just as much.
I never forget those bloggers, Kylie, even when they drop off without a trace. It would be nice if we had a virtual memorial for each one.
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I couldn't agree more. Social media has shrunk the world and like you, I too have made invaluable friends from all over the world. May that tribe increase.
ReplyDeleteLong may our big jibs draw, Ramana as we sail (virtually) around the world.
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I am glad for friends, too, near and far. I thank you for being mine.
ReplyDeleteSame to you Gigi, lovely to connect with your Hawaiian life!
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I was very moved by this blog yesterday...thank you. It is lovely. Several years ago when I relocated - unable to be involved in the community (as I usually did) due to health, etc. - finding the bloggers I enjoy so much was a savior. Not only did I find similar people out there but I found we all pretty much experience the same problems, etc. particularly in the aging process. Each morning I read the news and then my fave bloggers. I feel down when they have a problem but have many more laughs, and have learned so much. I also have loved crossing The Pond since I can't travel. It's been terrific. I have one regret & that was not being able to get to travel up to your former home to meet you. At any rate, thanks again. I'm glad to have met you via your blog. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteLovely meeting you in blogland too Regina. Yes, in the flesh it would have been the same I am quite sure.
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Am so glad to have found your blog some time ago. My blog buddies have assumed a significance in my life I never imagined would occur. But then family and friends departed this earth year after year and I've increasingly valued the words of those I've found here in this corner of the blogosphere.
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