Some really good people have begun stopping by here regulary and saying really nice things about stuff I write. I’ve said “thank you” a few times already, but I want to say it again: Thank you.
As a young writer, having feedback, interaction, an exchange of ideas with a like-minded but surprisingly diverse group of people is not just very good for my ego, it’s a big part of what has kept me writing. I’m glad I’ve written down a lot of what I’ve written down the past few months, but I don’t know if I ever would have if not for this blog and its readers.
That said, it’s not their feedback and support for my writing that is what makes me so glad to have them… It’s their blogs and the inspiration (and the education) I’ve received there.
I got to thinking today about what I get from the different blogs I’ve grown so fond of.
I visit Erich for ruminations on family, mysterious insight and vivid memories. I consider myself lucky to go along on Lené’s walks in the woods. By reading Deb’s words I get to spend some time on a shady homestead where one can look after the important things (and I’m reminded that there will always be room for Two Hearted Ale in life). Randy is good enough to share the excitement of swirling storms and has caused me to look up and out far more than I ever did before. I go to hipchickmamma’s blog to get a look at the real struggle of finding real faith. Dan has renewed my faith by reminding me of the power of imagination. And I’ve enjoyed Troutgrrl’s thoughts on everything from trout stream hatches to the misdeeds of Bush.
Almost every week I find a new place to get something else I didn’t even know I needed.
Of course there’s a bunch of people who’s words have found their way into my brain and probably out through my fingertips that I’ve neglected to mention.
Again, thank you everybody. I’m excited to see where all this takes us. Please, please, please keep it up.
ps - the title of this post comes from a very interesting interview my favorite writer at the City Pages, Jim Walsh, did with a theologist and former Jesuit named Chuck Lofy. I never would have anticipated finding non-pseudo-community on the internet.
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And thanks back to you for all of your kind words! There’s some really good energy flowing around the blogging world these days and I feel fortunate to be a part of it. There’s nothing “pseudo” about this community–it’s the real thing. Apart from my husband, I don’t see my “real life” friends nearly as often or interact at such a level.
Keep the words coming!
You are too, too kind. I second Deb’s comments…
Can I “third” those thoughts and say thank YOU for bringing many of us together? Your post was the first one on my blog to be from someone beyond my “known” circle of friends–and the one that inspired me to keep Leaning Birch going. I had no idea how much fun blogging could be until you introduced me to the sense of community we can create by sharing similar interests. Thank you.
And I visit the Dharma Blog for all things existential. I enjoy interacting with this group, which I (also) credit you for bringing me into.
Thanks for sharing the Lofy interview, too. That one will stick with me for a while.
“all things existential.”
what a strange world where people come to me for deep thoughts. in person, i’m far more often beavis than i am sartre.
anyway, you all are too kind.
expect a “real” post soon… though the upcoming holiday weekend will be sparse.
I’m honored to be included in this bunch! While I’ve been too busy to surf much lately, or contribute to my own blog. Your site, and the others you listed are tops on my list (when there isn’t severe weather, of course).