And that’s ok because it shouldn’t take long anyway. I’m pretty much pretending it’s a 5 minute free-writing session because all of this stuff is hot to the touch, and fresh off the tongue. What have I learned from you? A ton. And who are you? You, specifically, are my fellow FTSF bloggers. Sometimes, maybe, you’re the only ones reading these Friday posts. Or maybe you’re not the only ones but there’s nothing lurker about you. You are flesh and blood and bone and typing and wisdom.
Tonight, tonight, tonight, I spent time with a high school friend. You see I used to be fearless, in other ways. I fight fears and phobias nearly daily, but I used to drive from city to city at every hour of the night. I’d do anything to be by your side. There was a time, I pumped enough milk to leave Scarlet with Cassidy for the day, and drove from busy city to busy city, through busy city, just to get to my friend Vik for his mom’s funeral. These days I’m sometimes nervous to drive from one country town to another. What ifs, ands, and buts. I don’t want to be stopped anymore. I wasn’t at all stopped tonight.
Just to spend 7 hours with an old friend. We took Vik to dinner and ice cream and then talked on the couches, so comfortably and like no time had passed, for like.. four hours. Magic. Sometimes, often, it works. And other times, I’m watching clocks and fading away and letting anxiety strip me of that bold color – that drive – the listening – these love adventures. I got some back. And I don’t want to give it up again. I want to remember the opening of hearts and thoughts.
1 – That waiting until the last minute really works when your heart and talent are there. Kristi used to only write her posts last minute, and still might, and each one is poetic gorgeousness. She spins them from gold like Rumpelstiltskin.
2 – From Kenya I learned a whole fresh perspective from someone living such a different life from me, in such a different place, with such different experiences, and yet I have always felt like we often feel/think/do the same things.
3 – I’ve learned that online friendships are something fierce and real, and sometimes don’t just stay online.
4 – I have learned what my life could be like 10 years from now, and how great that might be.
5 – I’ve learned that different viewpoints can still lead to respect and heart.
6 – And I have learned about kindness and thoughtful comments on blog posts, like you know they read every single word.
7 – I have learned the importance of nostalgia and sharing photos and stories forever.
8 – I’ve read some special needs mama perspectives that are achingly and crushingly beautiful.
9 – Mostly I’ve learned just how much I believe I’ll never stop blogging, as I haven’t paused in over 8 years. I have hesitated, though. Blogging isn’t always writing in the way I want to write. It rarely is. Yet we all find our ways back here – thinking of ways to write to and about each other – and having no trouble doing so. Much love to you, yes, you.
10 – And I’ve learned that I still long for that simpler time when it was just words and us.
*Bonus: I have learned about primer mascara (the white tube) and baby foot peels.
This is me linking up, as one of my favorite things to do, with Finish The Sentence Friday. This week’s topic is “10 things I’ve learned about blogging from other FTSF bloggers.” And there’s still time to write yours. Come link up with your spin: HERE.
Aw, think you know I feel similar and can’t imagine ever stopping blogging. That said I am also so glad for our friendship more than my own words could even convey here. Still sometimes marvel how someone that has never actually face-to-face just gets me so perfectly. That said you are seriously my twin for life <3
This post makes me so happy – I’m so grateful we found one another through blogging. These BlogU photos showed up in my Facebook memories this week! Thank you for always reading my words and sharing yours, Tamara. Love you!
That’s great for all of you! I’ve liked all the blogging folks I have met online. The only person I’ve actually met was on of the CalorieLab editors when she was in the area from California doing a mud run, lol Although we didn’t look out best, we had an instant connection 🙂
Love! A few of you did this so so much better than I did – I love how you and Kenya and Mardra named specific bloggers and I wish I’d have done that. Ach. Maybe I’ll write a new post. Or not. The FTSF blogging group is amazing for sure. I love this linkup mostly because it’s not just a linkup. We’re for-real friends. I love seeing the BlogU photos too. I miss how it used to be, too, but I’m so glad to know you!!
I almost wrote #3 but I ran out of time too. My brain shuts down and does not spin gold if I’m approaching a deadline. Thank you for #2 – I kinda commented that sentiment on Mardra’s post. Love your 5-min take on 10 things 😉 If you ever feel like doing an update, I’d love to know who’s who from left to right in the photos. I know some faces and some are just “familiar”.
I admit it, this post makes me a teency jealous – I want to meet more of our blogger friends “in real life.” Ah, I am lucky to have met Kristi and I’m sure, someday, I’ll “get out more” 🙂 Ha! Anyway, I always enjoy your shares and Love this list. True and Good Stuff!
Oh! and also I love this line, “She spins them from gold like Rumpelstiltskin” so True.
I love reading what you’ve learned from other bloggers!
So this week, after my web developer husband left and I got a porn infestation and then ad hack on my blog I wanted to throw the whole thing down the drain. I am working through those feelings this week and hoping to come back stronger soon 🙂
P.S. He is back now from his adventures in the woods with the scouts and putting it all right. Hopefully I can get my head back in the game.
Plus the comments above were me. I give up!! Kind of 🙂
Ah… this post reminds me of the good ol’ days… the connections, the sharing, the deep and intimate communication that unified us all. I miss them- but I’m SO GLAD people are all growing and changing and expanding their careers, whether that be online writing or offline work. I’ll never forget those good o’l blogging days…
They birthed a unique and beautiful community that will live on forever in us all.
This was all so beautiful and so true.
I love this! It’s always nice to come across fabulous people in the blogging world! One day I’d like to go to a blogging conference and meet people, but I’m so shy.
Isn’t it great to meet new friends through blogging! I am always excited to meet a new blogger friend IRL and love to learn from them too! Hope to meet you in person sometime Tamara!
i recognize some of those great bloggers in your group photos! it is such a wonderful community here. I learn every time I read someone’s post!