Building Community

Yesterday was my 3-year Blogaversary. I stopped to reflect and remembered in the beginning when I didn’t want to write a blog. I didn’t know what I would say, but it was suggested to me so many times that I decided to give it a try. I’m finally getting into it and letting my hair down a little. I’m not so scared to be myself. What can I say? I’m a slow starter and a strong finisher. I guess I’m just now getting out of the blocks. I’ve developed some wonderful relationships here. People who get me.

They may not understand or like everything that I do, but we find common ground where we feel understood and make a connection. That’s what I love about the blogging community. It is a wonderful place for introverts to connect. We get to read and write in our own space, in our own time, and when we feel good. I have friends all over the world here – 97 countries last year. Oddly enough, my most viewed post, since it was written in November 2013, is: Being Cactus.

I just want to thank this community for being a safe space to share thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Yesterday, I was notified by Welcome to My Little Piece of Quiet that I had been nominated for the Versatile Blogger award. This isnt’ really an award per se, it is just a way for bloggers to give each other a pat on the back and to introduce our favorite bloggers to each other. It is a way to get to know each other by giving a few facts about ourselves. I’m supposed to give seven facts about myself and then “nominate” fifteen blogs.

1. I was born and raised in Texas but have lived in Colorado for quite some time. I really love Colorado and would never consider returning to Texas. I love the snow, mountains, dryness and people of Colorado. Quite a different way of life here.
2. I have never sipped coffee; only tea. I just can’t stand the smell of coffee, so it never attracted me. When it brews, I wonder who let the skunks in the house!
3. My best friends are dogs, parrots, and a few stalwart humans.
4. I almost never post photos of humans on my blog because I respect the privacy of my family and friends.
5. I have a fondness for books but don’t get as much reading time as I need. Thank goodness I can read during my commute on many days. I need more bookshelves though, a perpetual problem.
6. I have a knack for being overlooked when I don’t want to be seen. When people think I’m a soccer mom, I know they’ve bought into my disguise!
7. I have many vivid, interesting dreams. My family loves to discuss our dreams, looking for meaning and often finding helpful hints from the universe.

   

Now, I’d like to introduce you to some of my blogging friends. They may pass this “award” on or not, as they see fit. Many of my favorite bloggers have moved on and stopped blogging, which has made me pretty sad. Many bloggers won’t play the award game, but everyone is invited to strut their stuff! So here are just some of my favorites:

1. Marking our Territory –  a man and his dogs in Chicago. This is quality writing and video production and a favorite for all three years.
2. Standing Out in my Field – is a Ph.D. Biologist with a fondness for bees, birds, hiking, and biking. Her athletic prowess is admirable, and she is very connected with the Earth in all ways seen and unseen. Remarkable woman and enjoyable blog with first rate macro photography. You’ve not seen a bee or bug until you’ve seen hers.
3. A Window Into the Woods – beautiful wildlife photography, with a fun focus on horses, birds, and squirrels.
4. Lady Sighs– writes poetry and sings original composition songs, usually set to a well-known tune. Wildly creative!
5. Misifusa –a centered, strong woman who is exploring her family and consciousness from a place of kindness and compassion.
6. Everyday Adventures in Havachon Heaven –  is a fun blog about a Havanese/Bichon mixed dog. She reviews dog toys and tells about life in the northeast.
7. In Loco Parrotus – this is one of the few good parrot bloggers I’ve found. It provides wonderful insight into these intelligent, personality-rich animals.
8. Walking with a Smacked Pentax– is a great English photography blog. I didn’t know what a moor looked like (or heather) until I started seeing his spectacular photos.
9. The Dog Snobs  – is a candid and tart discussion of the dog world. Their Saturday blogs are not for those easily offended (but they are so funny!).
10. Streams of Consciousness – is written by a woman who has made peace with a difficult past. She writes of compassion and recently published a book. I really feel a connection with her.
11. Cauldrons and Cupcakes – This Australian writer was a successful business woman until her health declined with Lyme’s disease. She’s on the upswing now and has begun to reveal her success as a psychic. She also blogs about her farm, dogs, Australian wildlife and the rest of her life. I love it when she writes about her lush farm. She has been a favorite for all three years.
12. Underneath the Shell –is written by an Indonesian high school science teacher about her turtles. Somehow, I connect with this woman and love to read about her turtles, hikes, and school.
13. Share Chair-gives me a quick and easy tech fix. I always know where I can go to get a practical fix for an iPhone problem. She also recommends apps and writes about Kindle topics.
14. Hutch a Good Life – writes of all things guinea pig. It really makes me miss the guinea pigs we used to have.
15. Fozzie M – writes about rural Australia. She has wonderful photos of the wildlife around her. Authentic and unpretentious.

Finally, I’d like to invite you to visit my animal-oriented blog: Garnet’s Gambit!