Wednesday’s Blogger Is Full Of Woe?…NO!…I Don’t Think So!
I started blogging three years ago -- at the suggestion of my good friend, Liz -- for several reasons...okay, four to be exact...and with the first couple of posts I thought:
"Okay, I can come here anytime I want...wearing whatever the heck I feel like...and write my heart out...yep...I can get used to this blogging thing."
Then, I woke up.
That is to say, I soon learned the meaning behind blogging terms like, "blog troll" and "comment spam," and soon found my self lost among blog traffic statistics.
Truth be told...it's difficult for new bloggers (and perhaps even a seasoned few) not to think:
"Hey...what the...I'm writing my heart out, over here...well, what did I expect...I totally suck!"
But, I kept writing because, well...I didn't know how to stop...without feeling like there was soemthing missing...or, as if I were ignoring a very dear friend (shuddup, Liz!)...and besides...it was way cheaper than therapy.
But, never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that it would become such an important part of my life.
Blogging, I mean.
Perhaps there are those who are thinking:
"Feh...quit your mommy blogging...and get a REAL life, already!"
And here's the thing -- what I write about -- I haven't been this real, my entire life.
I've met some very interesting people, made some very important business contacts and have been humbled by the fact that there are other bloggers out there...who have battled far worse ghosts...than I...and are still able to kick my ass...and fill me with inspiration!
That's what blogging means to me...thank you...um...I think I'll take my seat now?
[awkward silence]
Oh yeah, and the whole reason I bought this up in the first place, one of the first people to ever give a dayum was my blogging friend, AGK.
That's angelagilesklocke.com, to some of you!
You see, Angela is a blogger, photographer and a writer-mom (like me, though I use the term "writer" loosely) who has never failed...to make me feel as if we...especially "blogging moms," like me...have a voice in the "blogosphere"...though, I've always thought that term to be sort of...um...unattractive.
And, she says it so pretty, too...LOOK!
Copyright AGK - Photo hosted at Flickr.
Like about this beautiful picture she took and the kick-ass post behind it!
"It's an image that has received quite a bit of attention online, especially from those battling breast cancer or those who've beaten it -- and even those who love someone with breast cancer.So I thought, perhaps it can now be a bright spot in someone's day.
Perhaps they are feeling particularly bad that day, and they check the mail, and look what someone sent for them!
Or it can serve as a reminder in a survivor's home - YOU BEAT IT!
Whatever the case, if you are someone who has been affected by breast cancer or know someone who has, perhaps you would like a free print for yourself or that special someone."
Yes, Miss AGK -- you are one kick-ass blogger! -- thanks for brightening up my day!
If you know of someone who could do with a little kindness, let AGK help -- as of 3/23/06, Angela had about 80 prints left -- feel free to pass her talents along or send your request to:
agkadmin@angelagilesklocke.com
Please be sure to include the full name and mailing address of the recipient, and any special words you might like added. Only one request per person, please. You will be notified when your print has been mailed.
And that, my friend, is what blogging is all about!
[Updated to Add:  Still a blogging skeptic? Check out Genuine's post today, but be prepared...you will meet one of the bravest and most beautiful families Jim knows...that is dealing with something that is very, very ugly...the loss of a child. Cancer Sucks!  Happy Birthday in Heaven, Benjamin!]