I once mentioned that I have been just about everywhere through my books. I don't travel much physically....but oh, I have been so many places on a mental level. I am a voracious reader of not just books....but magazine articles, websites, newspapers and blogs as well. Just a glance of my blog roll tells you how my interests go from one extreme to the other.
In blog reading, I have experiences that lift me up and make me emotionally misty-eyed and I also have journeys that snap me back into reality.....making me so thankful for the life I live and grateful that I don't have the challenges that some do. A lot of the blogs I read revolve around places that are so perfect to me that they seem dream-like. How I wish I could lead that sort of life.....to have the land, the home, the gorgeous views of nature.....feeling humbly at one with this wonderful planet. But just as quickly as I feel myself drowning in self-pity, I travel onto another blog and am in awe of how someone can deal with such immense challenges and still be thankful for the little blessings.
Blogdom as I call it.....has helped me grow up. Yes, even at my age I needed to stop and take some time to appreciate what is uniquely me and mine. At the age I am now I know that there are so many things I will not accomplish or possess. My desire to own a ranch is but an unfilled dream and my chances of finding my soul-mate lessen as each year passes. I've come to accept that I will only have one rocking chair on my deck as I watch the fireflies during the evening. In the past I wallowed in self-pity over some things but now I realize that this is the hand I've been dealt and its really not a bad hand. I've been given many wonderful blessings and some unforgettable friends, not to mention an interesting career and a comfortable retirement.
Do you find yourself doing this as you meander through Blogdom? Being envious on the page of one blog and then in awe of another author's courage and optimistic attitude as you travel to a different blog location. Just knowing that if you had to face such challenges, you would surely fail. Seeing all the talent whether its through photography, running a farm, a business, or raising kids while juggling a career is inspiring. The pure joy from stay at home moms radiate from their words. Yes, they're tired....but its a labor of love. Some of the things created are truly amazing. Everyone has a talent.....no matter what you may think. We truly are a melting pot not just of race and spiritual and cultural beliefs but in our ability to accept the hands we've been dealt and carry on with dignity and courage......and that good old standby; a sense of humor. No one's life is perfect and if you read long enough, you find that out. Its the old "walk a mile in my shoes" philosophy.
I love taking my journeys and this is just a blanket 'thank you' to each of you for teaching this old gal that she still has some things to learn about life and about herself. A generous dose of introspection is good for the soul.
18 comments:
Yes. I find myself doing as you do and also wishing I had more time to "meander through Blogdom." I could easily spend all day in Blogsom, because other folks' stories are just so fascinating.
What a nice post. Yes, I do the same thing. Unfortunately, I don't always take the time to comment, though I read all the blogs on my blogroll every day.
You have expressed many of the feelings I have felt from time to time thinking I have missed out on things that fellow bloggers have. I have to remind myself that the blogs of others are only just one dimension of them and what we are reading or seeing is the best part or that person's life - the part they are willing to share - there may be another part that is hidden and not so enviable. Blogging is still a nice diversion and a way to meet many people. I think we just have to keep things in perspective.
I agree with you on how each blog offers very different views and subjects and brings many things into our lives. But I must be your favorite blogger because I make you extremely happy and thankful that you are not me.
Val, I have been thinking these exact same thoughts lately...how and why do I think of people that I have never met as my friends....I think it is because 99.9% of the people I have met through blog land are just great people... but you also have to give yourself a little credit also...YOU are a great person...you left me one of my first comments and was so encouraging to me and I thank you for that. On the only one rocking chair on the front porch thing...if you want two rocking chairs (with someone setting in the second one)...go out there ...I have always believed great guys are out there looking for great gals...but don't think we are going to meet them if we spend lots of time on the computer...just saying...take up golf..go to a rodeo...learn how to fish...Thanks for a great post.
Really true...and like "ain't for city gals" said, you are also one of those bloggers in blogdom that also provide inspiration and a different "look at life" as with everyone else! thanks for always coming around to my blog...
Yes, you are quite right, I do find myself learning from many bloggers, the good and the bad. But you, my dear provide alot of inspiration for others. Plus, I have to agree with the commentor above, it's never too late to change your life and meet someone. You just have to get out there and meet him. He's there...waiting. Hugs and love. J.
I literally DO spend most of my waking moments living in Blogdom as you call it Val. I feel the very same way you do...and I so love and appreciate getting a peek into the lives and sharing the emotions of my blogging friends. They take me on the journey you speak of...what a priveledge.
But for me it goes beyond my little personal community of blogging buddies. As a community manager for my daughter's company, BlogHer.com...the largest women's network on the internet, I review hundreds of blogs a week, and have seen and read some of the most amazing blog sites I have ever seen. Beautiful stories, heartwrenching stories, incredible artists, and heroic personalities...that leave me going to bed with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes; but just as often with a smile in my heart. What a beautiful communication we have in our blogging world. I feel very blessed and honored to be a part of it. Lovingly, Joy
Val, I think I just really enjoy seeing life through different eyes. The 25 year old girl who is excited about getting married, the woman on the ranch, the 22 year old witch, the retired and the resigned, all fascinate me! I love this stuff and these people!
Val, I just found your blog through Linda and I thoroughly enjoyed this. I needed to hear it because I was doing a little wallowing of my own!!! Thanks for the reminder that no matter what, I have a great life!!!
I agree! I love reading posts for that very same reason!!
I love reading blogs too!
Wonderful post Val. People are so fascinating aren't they and there are as many different blogs out there as there are people. Each of the blogs I read have something that interests and intrigues me but what I enjoy the most about blogging is getting to know the person behind the written words.
I have felt lucky many times while reading other blogs and sure, sometimes I have felt envy but mostly I just enjoy reading about the many differences in the lives of those people who share a little bit of their lives with me.
Blogdom has actually pulled me through a lot in the (gasp) five years I have been reading and writing. It makes me realize I am far from alone--and sometimes we all need that reminder.
What a beautiful post, Val!
Be well.
Wow....thank you. I didn't expect these compliments and you know what...it really did make my day...my week...my month!!! As we meander through life we just have no idea how our input affects others. When its good....its almost a reason for being...do you know what I mean? You feel like maybe you were meant to be at a certain spot in a certain span of time because maybe just one person needed to hear something uplifting. Well, it makes me feel good to think of that anyway. So thank you for the sweet compliments and you all have really put a big smile on my face. Big hugs!
It amazes me how attached we all become to virtual stranger's stories. I have shed a few tears for people I wouldn't know if they were in front of me at the supermarket but know their pain and suffering in detail.
A compliment or a link to your site from a stranger can make your day and a bad comment can ruin it.
It is a world unto itself and I thank you for being in that little world with me.
I definitely love my blog adventure. Learning about others and putting myself in my place when I read about courage and triumph.
You are awesome. Just an fyi.
I'm so thankful for blogging. My friends here are real. My world is so much bigger because of what I experience here. I'm so glad to call you a friend.
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