Why I blog

At my friend Vicki's blog, she had a post about why we blog...a question asked by Lisa Solomon . This topic grabbed my interest and I knew I would need to jot down my feelings about it. I have been rolling it over in my head for some time now...First, I think I'll share how I discovered that there was even such a thing as a "blog". I'll confess right here and now that I live in somewhat of a cave when it comes to being informed on things going on in the world....I don't read the paper, we don't watch main-stream TV..which means no "news" either. My husband fills me in on major happenings because he does read the news on the internet. So, I walked a mile around my point to say this: I never knew about blogs until last August. Through a series of link clicking I ended up at  Bella Dia . This was THE first crafty blog I ever layed eyes on, and let me tell you...I was smitten in a BIG way! After I got over the initial "chin dropping" experience of skimming her site, I saw that she had links to other crafty blogs! A whole new, and wonderfully inspiring world had just opened up to me.

Here was a world filled with other woman like me, who have a need and a passion to create. Suddenly I felt like I was a little stream that just hooked up with a major river. That river has taken me places in my creative self that have been very satisfying. The support, the feedback, the inspiration, the sharing of ideas and "how-to's" is so rewarding. I'm also challenged to try things I might otherwise shy away from. My crafty-comfort-zone is stretched and that's a good thing.

I must also say that the personal friendships I have made with some of you has been such a delight. I'm still so amazed at how the computer can connect people from all over the world...and even more amazed still that genuine friendships can form through it. I received a surprise package before Christmas from just such a friend . She had read a post of mine where I mentioned that we had lost all of our Christmas ornaments many years ago in a move. She sweetly packed up some of her very own ornaments...ones she and her family had made...along with some other treats and sent them to me. Just because she wanted me to know how sorry she was that that had happened. This from someone I have never met in person, but am getting to know through this wonderful blogging thing.

And last, but certainly not least, is the SWAPS! Oh my goodness...a girl can have too much fun doing this kind of thing!! As I type, I am awaiting a package from Norway and have plans to swap with a new friend from Belgium and another here in the US. Swaps are definitely the pink fluffy icing on the craft-blogging cake!!

The above picture is where I sit when I come to visit with all of you. A little tiny room off of my kitchen with my old, shabby desk that I found in a barn. A tiny room that opens up to me a huge world of creativity and friendship :)

Comments

[kali]

Oh Toni, I hear you! ~ Blogging sure is an unexpected new avenue for me too, in so many ways...I am immensely enjoying growing from the experience.

[Gina L]

I was just getting ready to post a similar thing, about the Why we blog, I thought it would be perfect for starting the year off. And guess what, You were my bella dia. Take Care and hope this year will be your best yet.

[Sandrine (alias Didine!)]

;o)
It's so true ! Blogging changed my life too !! I need it ! All these friends we can meet all over the world ! It's so HUGE !! I'm a blog addict ! The thing I prefer is to read them !!! Thanks a lot for sharing all your life ! And the for the comment about your new friend of Belgium LOL !!!! Cheers

[~Vicki]

Toni, this post really touched me (and not just because I was mentioned,t.y.) but I can totally relate to everything you said here. I think you've expressed so well, what many of us feel. Thank you so much for sharing that, and your little corner off the kitchen. It's charming!

[molly]

What a cute little "blog spot". I love how you said you felt like a little stream that had just connected up with the bigger river. That is so true. I enjoyed reading why you blog, and I am continually amazed at all you create. So glad you are part of this blogging world!

[lisa s]

thank you so much for such a nice post and participating the the "why we blog" chain! i'm adding you to the list hopefully tonight....

happy new year!

[berryhead]

THIS is lovely Toni* :)

[Alison]

Oh Toni, what a really lovely post. I love your little nook...

[Trisha]

I feel that same feeling right now. I have just discovered the world of blogging and this whole circle of crafters/artists/creators, that you are included in, amaze me. I am inspired on a daily basis. My thanks to you and all of your friends.

[Enveddynext]

I was solidly floating, except we were in the etherial instant of the intimacy and I was extravagant to plead on to a naked celebrity scenes for support. We had downy safer highdeand fisting employees after that, if you want to ravage them, execute me know.