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.

BA Revisited and The Book Meme

Have you seen this cute little graphic? I've seen it around here and there. It reminded me of a post I did after about 3 months of blogging, when I realized I had become totally hooked. So I'm going to re-run it here. (Thankfully, I am a recovered blogaholic, and enjoy it in a less intense way now!) From September 13, 2006:

I am waiting for someone to begin a support group - Bloggers Anonymous. At that time, all of us who have known each other anonymously can meet face to face! Face it - we have an addiction. I wonder how soon it will become a part of the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition). I can see it now: Blogmania, a recently diagnosed mental disorder with the following symptoms:

• Computer is on 24/7
• You are running to the computer every few minutes
• Laundry is piling up
• Meals have become the frozen variety
• Conversation with mate revolves around what you read in cyberspace
• Blogger problems become bigger than life
• Your mind is always thinking of what to write next
• Depression occurs if there are fewer than 7 comments on any given day
• You are sleep deprived from staying up reading hundreds of messages
  
  
  Of course, this is an exaggeration, and meant to be a bit tongue in cheek. Seriously, it does become addictive. But there are so many good things about this new mania:
  
  
• I have met so many wonderful people from so many places - Canada, Chili, Australia, every state I've lived in.
• I have found so many kindred spirits who know my Jesus.
• I have seen miracles through the prayers of these new friends.
• I have laughed and cried, both with tears running down my cheeks.
• I have discovered people who have such a gift of words.
• I have found astounding spiritual truths from new acquaintances.
• I have been challenged to be a better Christian.
• I have become better acquainted with family members who are bloggers also.
• I now look at everything that happens as a potential post. It has opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at things.
• My memory has been jogged and I realize what a wonderful life I have had.
• I was reduced to happy tears when so many people welcomed our prodigal home. God is so good!
• So many of us will someday meet, if not in this life at least in the next.
  
  
  Tell me what you think - want to join?
  
  
  Nancy tagged me for the book meme. Now if you've been with me very long, you know I read all.the.time. I have to have a book with me in case I have a dead minute or two. Or I have to wait in line somewhere. I love to read. So here goes:
  
  1. Grab the nearest book of 123 pages or more.
  2. Open it to page 123.
  3. Find the first 5 sentences and write them down.
  
  
  I have to grab the last 4 words on page 122:
  
  
  "One of the girls I work with owes me about a week for when she went to Cancun with her boyfriend. She'll do it, I know she will."
  
  "I do hope so," I said, suddenly worried that I couldn't depend on what was essentially a last-ditch appeal. "I tell you, Miss Wiggins, we're in an emergency situation here, and I was hoping that you could leave right away. Today, in fact."
  
  
  This passage is from the book, Miss Julia Strikes Back by Ann B. Ross. This is the 7th book in the series, and they are such fun. Give them a try if you want some mindless fun.