Friday, October 02, 2009

Famous Last Words


"Blog? What's a blog??"

"I don't have time for a blog."

"Blogs are silly."

These thoughts and words were mine back in spring of 2006. Kristen was having fun blogging with cousins and new friends in cyberspace. I had never heard of a blog. Kristen began encouraging me to join in the fun. I kept telling her that I had no interest in blogging whatsoever.

Then came the day that Kristen told me I needed to go visit Diane of Partners in Prayer for Our Prodigals, because we had so much in common. I began reading her posts and commenting anonymously. I loved her writing, her story, and her heart.

Not long after that Kristen called me and told me I was officially set up as "Call Me Grandma Dawn." I was in. My first post was in June of 2006 and I said something like, "I have entered this blogging world with fear and trembling." What a fun ride it has been. It wasn't long before I had so many new friends and was truly enjoying putting my thoughts into written words. The thrill of exchanging comments was addictive. I even wrote this post about it a couple of months later.

Unfortunately, the day came when circumstances forced me to make my blog private. It has been frustrating, because I recently realized that even those who are my "Followers" don't see when I have a new post. I've lost so many of my friends who used to come to visit. I miss them.

But along the way I've been privileged to meet 5 of my blog friends in real life. What a blessing.

Another thing that has caused the blog traffic to slow down is Facebook.

"I don't have time for another cyber obsession."

I ignored all requests to be "friends." I was bound and determined to stay strong. But, alas, I eventually gave in and joined - I decided I wanted to see who I could find from high school and college. And I did connect with people I haven't seen or heard from in years. I also have connected with many blog friends who have sort of disappeared.

"I don't even know what twittering is - I will not get sucked in!" Famous last words.

18 comments:

nancygrayce said...

I refuse Twitter too! I even signed up for it, but I never looked at it enough to understand how to do it, oh, not to mention that I wouldn't know what to say...."putting a load of laundry in the washing machine.....taking laundry out and putting it in the dryer" Fascinating!

Sam said...

I also refuse to Twitter! I don't even really understand it.

But I have to admit, for many months I said that about Facebook! :-)

Dawn said...

Me, too! I hope I can remain strong. I spend way too much time on this computer now.

groovyoldlady said...

I tweet on occassion, but I can quit any time I want...

Seriously.

Actually, Twitter cause me no grief because I don't "get" it. Now Facebook - that I get!

A Hint of Home said...

Blogging is all I have time to do and sometimes not time to do that. lol Since I have been blogging, I do enjoy it.
Glad you are, too.
Have a good evening.

Hootin Anni said...

I have a Facebook account 'cause Irene is on Facebook. I've been invited to join others there, but never have. In fact I can't even recall the last time I visited anyone...Including Irene's. We use email more...it's more personal that way.

Yep, you can get hooked! I even remember the days of yore where I was a member of several online groups with forums and message boards...that got to be 'old hat' mostly 'cause everyone was there, complaining of this or that. I don't do those anymore either.

My blogging is for me...I love jotting down what my thoughts are and participating in those questionnaire memes...and reading other's ---that way I can meet people and really get to view their sense of life...be it with humor or factual happenstances.

When I quit school, I vowed to not associate with that afterward...and I've never been to a reunion nor do I want to see who's on Facebook.

Call me a sourpuss! LOL

Linds said...

Ah yes. I can identify! Twitter is an added extra - I do tweet now and then when I remember, and it is a great way of getting up-to-date info as well. I think most people have at least one newsfeed on twitter, or newspaper. Facebook is fun, but it can become addictive too. Sigh. I still love the good old blog, and after 4 years, I may not post as often, but I haven't run out of stuff to talk about yet!

Jess said...

I used to do myspace and myyearbook but they were so time consuming that i stopped and i refuse my invites over and over for facebook. I know I will get addicted...i know it. So i refuse.

And I was trying to keep up with you by following and i realized about a month ago that your posts dont update....but i have been lurking...

I will comment more though because I understand!

Love you...and happy new week
Jess

grammy said...

No twitter for me...even facebook drives me crazy. I have not managed to find people. I never know their married name so...oh well it makes life simpler (o:

nannykim said...

Ha--I know what you mean--blogging and facebook! I have not done twitter, but the only way I could communicate with one of my sons was facebook--he never checks his email except upon occasion--but facebook is where he communicates!

Linda said...

This is just perfect Dawn - my sentiments exactly (you're right - we could be sisters!).
I confess I thought at one point I would try twitter - but I couldn't quiet figure it out. Just as well. I absolutely could not deal with another thing pulling me to this computer.
I do like being able to just write short little things on FB. I feel like everyone is more "in touch". But I think the blog is my favorite.
Have a blessed week Dawn.

Gigi said...

Dawn, I'm so glad you entered the blogosphere and that we *met* via our blogs!

I Facebook occasionally and I do have a Twitter account, but I use it primarily for business. Works for me!

Needled Mom said...

I am not going to Twit*ter either. I have a hard enough time finding time to blog.

I am glad that you took the leap into blogging because it has made the world a better place for all of us.

Just Call Me Grammy said...

My blog beginnings are similar...only not so long ago. I said the same thing about Facebook, but have to say now that I love it. I have reconnected with so many college friends and others--it is awesome (and addicting). I have a Twitter account, but am not a big fan of that.

I am glad we have become blog friends.

Robin in New Jersey said...

Hi Dawn,

I'm so glad I was able to find you when you had to go private and I can stil be here with you. Your granddaughters are so precious!

I "do" FB, but just to leave an occassional comment, and "keep tabs" on my 14 year old daughter. I refuse to play any of those games, although I have done the occassional questionaire.

I WILL NOT do Twitter. No offense to anyone who does use it. I just can't get involved with any thing else!

Have a great week!

Mary said...

Dawn,

I have been blogging for two years now and I've made some wonderful blogging friends, you included.

Sorry I haven't been visiting as much lately, but life has a way of keeping us busy.

I always enjoy your blog and hope that I'll be able to visit on a more regular basis.

Blessings,
Mary

Carole Burant said...

Like you, I had never heard of the word "blog" over 3 years ago...now look at us:-) I don't really spend much time on Facebook, sometimes a few days will go by before I even go on it...Farm Town is about the only application I spend time on! As for Twitter, I joined but never go on it. lol I've actually been spending less time on the computer, just so many other things need to be taken care of first. If I had to choose only one, blogging would be the one because I really do love it and all the friends I've made through it:-) xoxo

SentimentsbyDenise said...

I began blogging in April of 2006 and signed up for Facebook soon after that - before it was "hip", only to keep up with my then college-age children. I never play the games on FB, but I really like the Visual Bookshelf, as I use it to keep track of the books I read.
No twittering for me. This seems to be enough - when I have time.