I keep a folder in my Favorites called “Blogs I Might Like” (how’s that for wishy-washy) and visit them regularly — mostly as a lurker (non-commenting or anonymous viewer). I have about 15 in there — not many considering the blog population is in the tens of millions. A couple are the blogs of friends I actually know; most are not.
On one of them today, the blogger was apologizing for not having a “usual” entry because she was terrified about having to go to the doctor’s this afternoon to see about a potential heart problem. She asked for prayers.
I felt bad for her. I commented for the first time ever, offering a few words of comfort (I hope). Many others, also lurkers, offered similar thoughts.
It got me thinking about how blogs make you feel connected to someone. Someone you don’t know and will never know. I’m not sure where this woman lives, but I admire her site and what she puts out there for the world to see (a little green with envy, too). I am sad to hear of her troubles — like I know her, when really, I don’t know much of anything.
I feel that way about all of the “Blogs I Might Like.” These are people who have struck a chord with me for whatever reason — personal, professional, collegial, as a fellow writer, or a fellow lover of cottages or gardens or cooking or the ’burgh.
That’s the beauty of writing. Of transforming thoughts and experiences into words on a page. It takes time to do that. More time than just telling someone. Maybe that’s why I like e-mail better than voicemail or, even, usually, real, live phone calls. Why I’m more comfortable writing than talking. Maybe that’s just a sign of introversion, but I like to think it’s a sign I’m doing what I was meant to do — connecting to people through written words rather than verbal ones.
Sure the Internet has enabled the information superhighway — in turn, it’s enabled my job. But I find it more amazing how it’s enabled people to connect as never before. My “favorite” bloggers are both strangers and friends. How weird — and cool — is that?
Someone to tell it to is one of the
fundamental needs of human beings.
~ Miles Franklin
Writing by Ear 
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