Reader Appreciation Issue Two
January 22, 2008 | In Reader Appreciation |
This week, I would like to offer up my appreciation to Barbara. With her first comment, she took a chance on telling me what she could see behind my words. Although she stated, “I would normally refrain from what I am about to say,” she took the plunge this time. She expressed her view that I am an amazing person (even if I don’t always think so). While she may have been worried that I would be offended by her words, I was instead amazed that someone who didn’t even know me was saying so.
When I remarked at that she didn’t know me, she pointed out that on a certain level she did. While I don’t know Barbara in person, I do know her as another human being who matters just as much as I do. I am so grateful that she left this comment and I was able to connect with her.
Since that first comment, Barbara has left a few more comments as well. She told me a little of her experience with the downshifting lifestyle. She also gave me numerous tips on ways I can garden while living in the city and/or an apartment. Here in the US it is much too cold to plant, but I’m looking forward to the spring and referring back to this list of tips.
So, Barbara, thank you so much for being one of my readers and thank you for all your encouraging words and ideas. I look forward to more discussions in the future!
Note: If you would like to read the comments I’m referencing, please see Success And The Cosmic To Do List and Downshifting Not My Car, But My Life. And, Barbara, if you would like me to link to a blog or website of yours, please let me know and I’ll edit this post to include it.
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Cathy,
This was so cool! And very nice, I am truly touched. I am not a blogger nor do I have a website, just an avid reader of all mediums.
That said, I think the one of the goals of blogging is “getting to” all parts of the world in moments. (Even though I’m not that far from you, Cathy. I live in the wintery US, too, just not the east coast.) I am glad to have contributed, yet another purpose I see for blogging, giving what you can, when you can, to whom it might be useful. It is obviously an exchange as I read what you share.
Everything is truly global, we experience it all in real time now, without having to traverse the entire globe, which all 6 billion of us may not have the means to physically do. But now we have the next best thing with comparatively only a small investment of time.
Blogging itself is a type of actvism. Awakening people one at a time to what’s out there, presented not as or by experts, but as personal experience and how then one individual can and does make changes. Glad to see you doing so with so much enthusiasm.
Barbara,
I’m glad you liked the post! I started this blog with high hopes of meeting tons of people. While I still believe that will happen, it is taking some time. That is why I am so grateful that I do have a few readers who come back often and are willing to converse with me. It felt very lonely when I was writing my first posts, hoping others would find value in them, but not knowing yet. Now, I know there are some out there who are reading what I say and it no longer feels like I’m talking to myself (or my cat!)
The phrase “It’s a small world” has been around for decades at least. However, it wasn’t until recently that I really started to feel that way myself. I love that I can talk to people all over the world, knowing that even if they are in another country, the things I’m saying have relevance for them too.
A few years ago, I had a static website. It was fun to do, and I lived for the rare e-mail I got from someone who read my site and wanted to contact me. With blogs, it is so much easier to converse with the person writing and fosters that community that static websites just can’t. So, I really like the image of the blog itself being a type of activism. It combines the best of static websites with the best of message boards, and creates a new way to reach out. Static websites are great for giving out information, but not for community, while a message board is great for community, but not as good for information.
So, I’m coming to really love blogging, and I’m so glad that I chose this topic to blog about. It keeps me from giving up on my goals and also gives me a way to connect with others. Thanks again!
A lovely comment from Barbara (and one which I too take the risk of agreeing with).
Yes, the internet isn’t just the “information superhighway” anymore. It’s become a global “hangout” where we can meet folks we never would have even known about if not for the web. Like you, for instance, since I’ve never been to Australia, and will not be going in the foreseeable future either. Unfortunately, because I’ve heard so many good things about Australia.
Cathy, never underestimate the value of talking to your cat - mine is truly my best listener, knows all my secrets and I’m guaranteed she won’t tell, and even if she could, she’s way too loyal!
However, it is nice to get a different kind of response once in awhile…like here.
My cat is part Siamese, so I really can “talk” to her. We even hold extended conversations at times. And, she is quite loyal as well; she will follow me around the house just to be near me.
I’m glad that you find my responses a little more thought out.
Meow!