Sunday, September 10, 2006

This little light of mine . . .


And sew it goes, and goes and goes . . .

Today marks one year of writing this blog. This is entry # 182. I have managed to average an entry almost exactly every other day. So, I would have to say it has become a big part of my routine.

At a recent family gathering the subject of my blog came up. I don't know how many of my relatives and in-laws actually read it regularly, but it seems they had all, at least, seen it. One of the group commented that it must take a lot of time. Then he wondered how hard it was to think of subjects to write about. Then his true feelings emerged.

"It seems like a person would have to have a pretty high opinion of herself to write about herself on the internet every day."

This was said with a smile and a chuckle to signal, I'm sure, that he was just yanking my chain, but my history with this family has taught me that having a "high opinion" of oneself is not a compliment, and I felt a little put down—and a little defensive.

Is blogging just self-indulgence? Before I started this blog I thought so. And it probably is. And, is there anything wrong with self-indulgence? Well, nobody's forcing you to read. But I have been thinking about why I continue to do this and I have some ideas about that.

  • I enjoy writing. I never could keep up a journal or diary. Too solitary, too introspective. Writing here feels like a conversation. I like that.
  • Pictures. I love seeing your pictures and I can share mine. That's why I'm really here. Visual stimulation is sustenance. It's the greatest thing about the internet in my humble opinion.
  • I take time out of my day to think about where I have been, what I have seen, what might be worth sharing. I can't overemphasize the importance that has taken on in my everyday life. I feel more aware, more present when I take the time to do that.
  • Community. A new kind of community. The blogs I read and the people who read and comment on mine form a loose community that is unique. It doesn't take the place of face to face friends, but sometimes the communities overlap. When Gerrie Congdon moved to Portland earlier this year we already "knew" each other from our blogs and mutual interests. And because of that, I now have a valued friend that I might never have known. The world has become smaller.

So, "Happy Blogiversary to me!" I plan to stick around for awhile. And to my critical relative—you've always known I had a "high opinion" of myself, even before I had a blog. Get over it.

15 comments:

  1. Congrats on one year. I don't think we are into ourselves, I think we just want to share with like minded people. People who understand what and why we do what we do. Keep sharing, I enjoy reading your blog, reaping some ideas, and seeing your creativity.

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  2. Happy anniversary. We write our blogs as a way to express ourselves. These are OUR pages. It's fun to share with each other, high opinions of one's self notwithstanding. Keep on keepin' on.

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  3. Happy Blogiversary, Terry. I used to think bloggers were self-indulgent egotists until I started blogging! Then it became normal. As it is. I see it as just another way to have a conversation with people.

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  4. Happy Blogiversary, Terry!

    I'm glad you're blogging.

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  5. I don't think people who are uninvolved in blogging understand the level of communication that it creates. I had no idea that it was so interactive and, for me, that is the best part.
    Happy anniversary!

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  6. Happy anniversary! Yours is a blog I read regularly, I enjoy your sense of design, sense of humor- and one of these days I'll figure out how to change my banner too. Seriously, I would second just about every reason you gave for blogging- so, here's someone else who hopes you keep it up.

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  7. Anonymous4:10 PM

    happy blogaversary and nertz to the relative-I have learned so much from you and other bloggers. It's become an education I never even thought possible before cyberspace.. Many thanks for your generosity and happy returns of the day....

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  8. Well why in the world would anyone want to have a low self opinion intentionally? Like thats going to make the world a better place??? geez, keep on keeping on.

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  9. Anonymous8:32 AM

    I enjoy reading your blog with your insights and seeing work in progress. It is another way to learn from each other. I admire that you take the time to share with us. And I think having a high opinion of yourself is a good thing. If you don't, who will?

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  10. Happy Blogiversary! I have those relatives, too. Some people just don't get it. for me,it is the whole new community of friends that I have garnered from around the world. I would miss them if I stopped, now.

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  11. Your blog lets me know how you are doing and what is happening in the life of an old friend.

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  12. You know, I used to feel the same way about bloggers ... who in the world *cares* what "they" think, or feel, or what aggravates them, or what gives them pleasure, or ...

    But you know what? So what if you have a high opinion of yourself. I say "more power to you!" Many of us need to have a much higher opinion of ourselves than we do.

    So Terry, blog on. I'm new to your blog and looking forward to future posts. Happy 1st Blogiversary!

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  13. Happy bloggiversary! And as for your relative...oh freakin well! You should have told him how sad it was that he had such a boring life that he had nothing to blog about! Where else would people find their Japanese porn without you? :)

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  14. happy anniversity, terry...the visual stimulation and sense of community I get from blogging and reading blogs is just priceless...thank you for sharing your work and life...

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  15. I totally understand about the 'someone must have to think pretty highly about themselves...' comment from your family member. Much of the time that's what I imagine my family memebers might think if they were to see mine. But I don't care! It's similar to a feeling I often get when I think I might do 'something' off the wall, and I then think of the faces of those people who are closest to me, what will they think. And it occurs to me that perhaps they think, 'why should she get to do something like that', 'who said she could do exciting or unusual things'. Know what i mean? His comment was likely more a regret that he isn't brave enough to write about himself in such an open manner. It's intimidating to reveal stuff, not everyone can do it and survive! I totally related to that. Congrats on your 'year of blogging' keep it up!

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