Friday, September 14, 2018

In praise of blogs and blogpals



Blogging is a lifeline. If you're reading this, you get it. Others never will. When we met at the State Fair I learned Ruth and I both have DHs in that last camp. So this morning, I'm ignoring the "shoulds" and sitting here journaling for myself, starting a conversation with you, and calling out just a few of the many in the blogosphere who feed my soul. Some I count as friends; some, like Julie, the Yarn Harlot, and Pioneer Woman have so many people following them that they can't possibly know I exist (even though I've seen the last two in the flesh!), but they bless me, too.


In case I haven't mentioned this, September flipped a switch to fall. No segue, just BOOM. I'm delighted, if alarmingly behind. Take the garden, for instance. It's muddy; I haven't checked it in several days. The tomatoes are probably splitting and rotting. There may be a few green beans to pick. As I have mentioned, I've been busy with fruit and baked goods, but I shouldn't neglect the other free food that's out there. I need some clones (of Mama Pea!) – or some help from the other half and our offspring. And that's all I'm going to say about that.



It's been foggy the last couple of mornings; our first fogs in forever. If Sara's tradition holds true (each fog of August=one winter snowfall), we won't get any snow this winter, which is certainly within the realm of possibility here and wouldn't break my heart. As long as we get sufficient precipitation in liquid form and a hard freeze or two, I'm happy to forego the white stuff, even though it's pretty.

I got a message this week from one of my in-state fleece customers. We were going to meet up at OFFF to collect and admire our rovings from Columbia Carding (she recommended them so I sent them Blake's fleeces), but she was just diagnosed with breast cancer so everything is up in the air. The diagnosis is not a death decree; my good friend Kate and blogpal Alanna, both also horsewomen, have both survived it, but I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Please add her (and Alison, another blogpal who recently finished treatment) to your prayer list, if you have one (I highly recommend it!).

Brian is gone this weekend on a backpacking trip with his "Active Living" elective class. Next weekend he'll be gone to Bible camp. While he's gone I would love to burn through some needful outdoor projects as a team like Leigh and Dan do, but that's not the dynamic here. I hope we at least get Chuckie neutered, as the tackroom situation is becoming untenable. He doesn't use the litter box; 'nuff said? (I'm the one who uses the tackroom most often, so I'm sure no one else will be bothered enough with the mess and stench to clean it up....) As affectionate and adorable as he is, I have a very bad feeling that as soon as Chuckie is loosed into our little world, he will vacate it. His prey drive seems limited; his attention drive will probably lead him to more available hands/laps. Then we won't have him and neither will the people who gave him to us – who said they would gladly take him back if he doesn't work out here. I'm thinking we should neuter him and give him back – ASAP.



We all have our challenges and struggles, sometimes hinted at but mostly kept out of sight. Life grinds on; the clock is ticking. People and animals get old and eventually die (sob). The world is a mess – and getting messier. I'm glad I have older blogpals showing me positive ways forward in this complicated life; women like Anna Blake (oh, she's good!) and Sandra. I'm thankful for blogpals who make me laugh with their gift of humor; Susan, I'm looking at you! I'm thankful for like-minded souls to remind me that the current madness is NOT normal (thank-you, Theresa and Miss Effie!). Then there are those who provide Calgon moments – temporary escapes from my reality to their very different ones, like Mary, now living in the desert; Claire up in New Brunswick; Francis in Shetland; Alison (mentioned above), a Brit living in France; Lene in Finland (oh, her wondrous creations!); Shane, enjoying seasons opposite of me in New Zealand (she posts more on Instagram now as @brocantesme). Ah yes, the bite-sized blogging on Instagram; love that, too!

Okay folks, it's time for me to get to work. See you in the comments!

That's it for now from . . .

19 comments:

Michelle said...

Did I introduce you to any new-to-you blogs?

Mama Pea said...

Loved this thoughtful, introspective post, Michelle. I went through a rough period several years ago and if there had been blogging then, I have a feeling things would have turned out much better than they did. Today having many acquaintances and those special people I consider true friends via Blogland enriches my life in a supportive, entertaining, educational and very positive way.

Theresa said...

I too treasure my blog pals, of which I count you as one! Prayers going out for your friend. Cancer is a hard road no matter what. My Mom enjoyed a pretty bump free summer, but fall has bought predictable but bad news.

The Dancing Donkey said...

I'm pretty sure that fog-in-August thing only works for warmer climates - unfortunately. we generally get more snow storms than August had days:)

I'll have to check out a couple of those blogs, i didn't recognize all of them.

Fiberjoy said...

What a fun post to read! There is something special about the community we build with bloggers, even if we never get to meet in person. I'm thankful you're close enough to get together with on occasion. :)
Sorry I've about dropped out of sight for the past 2 months. One of these days when I have the recipe box out I'll remember to send you that bread recipe.
Perhaps I'll see you at OFFF?

MiniKat said...

Lots of fun friends to make when I have a few seconds to rub together! Also I hope chuckiCgets tutored soon. Silly boy being objectionable.

Michelle said...

Glad to have struck a chord, Mama Pea. Amen to the enrichments from blogpals!

I treasure you, too, Theresa. I'm sorry to hear your mom has taken a turn for the worse, no matter how predictable it was.

Donkey Lady! Hope you find some good reading and make some new friends through my links; thanks for commenting!

I thought about you when I wrote this post, Wanda! You commented before I could follow my intention of sending you an email. If you'll be at OFFF I'll hunt you down; I'm coming on Sunday to pick up my roving from Columbia Carding. They said they will be in a double tent on the lawn. Will you and Ed have a booth?

Michelle said...

Our comments must have passed each other in the ether, Kat. ;-) I tried to get Rick to 'tutor' Chuckie when he got home this evening, but at least I got him in the stinky tackroom to see (and smell) the situation for himself, so hopefully tomorrow night....

Julie Zickefoose said...

Oh how sweet to be called out, and yes there are those who find community here and those who don’t. If I post more often you may be sure that autumnal melancholy is scratching at the door. I hear you, sweet Michelle. Keep writing and recording all that useless beauty. You do it so well.

thecrazysheeplady said...

What a fabulous post! I love how you pulled everything and everyone together...just like blogging itself :-). Honored to be included and happy to meet a couple new folks.

Retired Knitter said...

That new kitty is a winner for sure, but my favorite (as always) that bully!!!

Leigh said...

Michelle, what a wonderful post. I'm so honored to be on your list, and delighted at finding new blogs to explore. Thank you!

Michelle said...

The Science Chimp left a comment here!!! I am honored; you inspire with every post and IG photo, and I learn so much from you. In fact, I originally found your blog when searching for information on bats. :-D

Sara, how could I NOT include you? I see in you a soulmate; Kentucky is too far away!

RK, I'm not sure the new kitty is a winner in all ways, but Dozer definitely is.

The pleasure is all mine, Leigh! (And I strive not to get jealous at the likemindedness and labor you and Dan share.)

Anonymous said...

I’m so grateful that I finally met you and that our visit brought me back to blogging. I’m finding a lot of the blogs I was following had also tapered off, so I’ll be looking at the ones you shared and finding new energy and hopefully new friends. I hear you on the hubby thing, mine doesn’t get that there is a timeline to things like apples and other produce. He is busy with his chores and then asks why I haven’t gotten things done... I have decided to back off on some things and not worry about if I get all the apples processed, etc. Also, a funny coincidence. The pony I brought home the day after I met you was a patient of your husband’s. Small worlds. She belonged to my friend Tami who has a barn in Sherwood. I love our small world.

A :-) said...

;-)

Anne A said...

I don't blog (in the sense of writing) but I always enjoy reading yours, Michelle.
Best wishes.

Claire MW said...

Thanks for the shout out, Michelle! I enjoyed your post and enjoyed discovering some new blogs that have made it onto my blog roll. I am not very good at visiting blogs as often as I'd like, mostly because of work commitments, but I always enjoy reading yours and living vicariously in a much better climate! My thoughts go out to your fibre friend. I hope she will has an effective treatment and quick recovery. You should also know that my mom is an avid reader of your blog - she never comments (she doesn't even comment on mine!), but she reads it all the same! I have enjoyed coming back to the blogosphere after my rather long hiatus. I enjoy the writing and the reading!

Michelle said...

Ruth, I saw your comments on Julie's and Phoebe's blogs; I THOUGHT you'd appreciate those! Rick actually helped me peel apples for apple pie filling this morning, so a batch is in the canner. I THINK it was worth all the grumbling.... ;-)

I see you, A. ;-)

Anne, thanks for letting me know you enjoy my little corner of the blogosphere!

Michelle said...

Well "Hi!", Claire's mom! I'm honored you enjoy visiting Boulderneigh, even if you don't comment (my mom doesn't, either). And Claire, it's VERY good to have you back in the blogosphere. :-)