When I first started blogging over a year ago, I never imagined I’d meet so many amazing people.
Never.
I also never imagined that the first group of bloggers I’d get to know would grow to become a fierce and fabulous clan that very recently had its first (of many!) official face-to-face meet up–and though we couldn’t all be there in body, we were definitely all there in spirit.
Little did those of us know who couldn’t be there, that our dear Teri was sending each of us one of these gems:
How cool is this?
I love this bracelet.
I love it not just because it reminds me of the place where we all first met, but I love it because it represents community and support and fun and joy and challenge and celebration among people I am proud to call friends.
I love it because it is everything that is good and pure about the internet, because at the end of the day, isn’t that really the point of all this?
This bracelet makes me so glad I came, and even more glad I stayed.
So dear friends, tell me what you love about this place we call the blogosphere.
same thing you do.
(and google images. how great is that? whatever you want to see, there it is.)
Oh, Amy, I don’t know how we all got along without Google images…Seriously. It’s scary how dependent I’ve become on that preview before heading out the door…
Now I wish I was more involved in your writerly circle.
Never too late.
No it most certainly is not! It’s that easy, Angie!
Come on in, Angie. I would not still be writing without the support of the blog circle. These chicks are the most amazing teachers, friends, cheerleaders. (But they’re addicting. Fair warning!)
Pshawwwww!! It’s never too late …. we are a kind and generous circle.
And we may or may not, on rare occasion, have fun coffee fun chatter wine panic euphoria, while doing the laundry, and still write like MAD.
That is so cool!
I’m the same as you. Such a great group of people in the blogosphere! Such a wealth of information and encouragement.
The thing that continues to amaze me is how alike–and how different–we all are. It’s what keeps the connections so interesting.
Isn’t that so true? Just look at the variety of genres we all write in–and yet we all share that same desire to convey our experiences and have this precious connection through that common bond. I am so grateful for it.
That it proves our deepest cynic wrong. That in fact there are people out there who give a damn, that believe writing is so important, reading is so important, and none of it means a damn if not for the people invested. That there is strength in numbers and we will be heard.
And even if we’re not, we’re heard by the few who care.
Love.
Lyra, all one needs to do is look at those truly radiant pictures of you and Sherry and Teri and Amy to see how vital these contacts are. It starts with the writing and then it becomes about life and I think it’s that seamless blending that I cherish the most. Soup to nuts. It all goes in the pot.
Ditto, ditto, ditto! Don’t you feel so honored to receive a wrist band even though we weren’t in Chicago? I am continuously amazed by the people I’ve met after making the (reluctant — at first) decision to blog last year. Cheers!
Laura, I loved your post (I just got the email and am coming over to the real spot after this to visit)–YES, honored is right. My daughters were so tickled–Mom getting something so cool! And in THE MAIL!!! Teri made everyone’s day!
So honoured and how cool that mine arrived on the same day as most everybody else, even though it had to float across the ocean??
What a wonderful group of blogging friends and what a lovely surprise to get something so cool that represents so much! Like you, I’m so very glad I’ve joined the Twitter/blogging community of writers, and I’ve made some amazing friends that transcend technology and even our shared profession. I feel very happy to be in your larger circle of writer friends, Erika, and look forward to a Maine-meetup some day!
I feel like this world has been my long lost key, the one I had no idea I had lost, let alone spent time looking for. The thing about this key is that it doesn’t belong to only one door. In fact, there hasn’t been one yet that it can’t open. And so now I wear this key around my neck, at times tucked inside my shirt so no one knows it’s there, other times as a badge of all that is magical. It has quickly become my most prized possession.
just think … i didn’t know you, didn’t know Lynne Bryant, Heather Newton, Steve Yarbrough … the list goes on and on.
you see, old dogs do learn new tricks.
.
you are just the best !.
I’ve met many wonderful, supportive, creative people here. And you are one of them, dear Erika. So glad I started Tweeting and blogging!
I love meeting amazing people from all over and finding new writers – like you! I feel like my life is forever changed – for the better – from blogging.
I’m glad you asked the question because I’m working on my “blogging for a year” post (started the blog in nov 2010) and I’ve been having a hard time deciding what to focus on in the post. I love the blogosphere too . . . maybe that’s what I need to be thinking about as I write something commemorating the first year. Thanks!
Hey, just by chance, I posted up half an answer in my six month blog-o-versary entry today!
Blogging has introduced me to some incredible people. I love the community we build around ourselves, and I love that everyone I come into contact with is so wonderful! I’m also really excited to just share with people who want to hear what’s going on in my world. That’s a priceless experience right there.
Hooray for our blogging buddies!
~Ashlee
http://ashleesch.com
http://theDragonsHoard.bigcartel.com
Hi Erika, this is my first time to your blog. I’ve been writing a blog for over 3 years. It began as a way to express myself, my feelings, my family, you get the idea. Then I wanted to share the books I love, and that turned into a few reviews, and a few more. Over the last year I’ve reached out to more authors and book bloggers and learned so very much. I’ve been thrilled to learn more about books, writers, the lives and ups and downs we all share.
I’ve met other bloggers, they are THE BEST!!
I love the people I’ve met. Being part of this community was just what I needed. xoxo
I also love this community of writers! When it feels like you’re going it alone it’s wonderful to meet others who are somewhere in your boat…be it those who have gone before you (like yourself! Published lady!) or those who are just finishing a first draft or working on a query.
I just finished Little Gale Gumbo, Erika, and I had to drop by and tell you how much I loved it. The mystery, the romance, the secrets–and most of all, the sisters. And then, to get to the end and find recipes! OMG!!!
Beautifully done. I’m so freaking proud of myself to have a friend like you in my circle.
I love the community of writers social media provides. I find that my creative focus is kept accountable by these dear friends, and I wouldn’t trade that — or them — for the world.