December 3, 2010
Learning and making new friends with blogs
I love using my iPad for reading blogs. After sitting at the computer for hours a day taking care of business, my neck and eyes request a break. Spending the evening with the iPad in the comfort of my favorite chair (with Gracie on my lap) is a wonderful way to visit with friends old and new, known and unknown.
Blogs are an interesting phenomenon. Remember long ago, getting a handwritten letter from a special friend? I have a friend like that. We have been friends for 40 years and we only lived in the same town for one of those. Our friendship was based, and grew dependent on, written correspondence. The mere sight of a special person’s handwriting sends a message of anticipation and instant connection.
Now — thus is the feeling of checking a blog or getting an e-mail notice, and seeing, oh, yes, there is a new post!
Blogging is interesting because you are writing thoughts and ideas as you would to a dear friend, sharing something they might be interested in, but with blogs, the whole world is full of people who are potential friends. Blogs are a cool way of learning more about someone you may have only met briefly, or discovering someone you might like to meet someday. Even though I wonder why anyone (other than perhaps my sister and my dear long-time friend) would want to read about me and my thoughts, people are curious. I am curious “What do people think?” and “Where do those thoughts come from?”
Sometimes posts just relay a day’s activities, others a piece of life and still others, a bit or bucketful of wisdom. It’s no wonder there are bloggers with hundreds, even thousands of followers. If I could sing, I’d launch into “people, people who need people.” The connecting that blogging provides is a modern-day wonder. When compared to a treasured handwritten note from a good friend, some may think it’s an impersonal way to communicate, but I think blogging has actually brought people closer together. We may not be able to look someone in the eye, but we can definitely see a glimpse of their soul — and let them touch ours.
I thought you might like some recommendations on just a few of my favorite blogs — you know the ones I have bookmarked on my iPad. I’ve nowhere near touched on all my favorites — this is just a start. These blogs are in no particular order. It’s hard to pick favorites — some are just right to read on certain days, and others are just right for other days.
Kaari Meng from French General writes a lovely blog called “The Warp and the Weft.” She is a tight writer saying a lot in a few words. I admire this. Kaari also writes with “you,” the reader, in mind. Be sure to read the recent post (November 29) where she has asked people to share their favorite quilt story. There are 97 comments to browse through, and they, in themselves, make a lovely evening’s read.
Then, since I met Kaari’s sister in France last summer, I have loved reading and getting to know Molly Meng a bit better through her blog “a little house in the clouds.” Molly’s is funny, sensitive and with good observations of life who really makes you stop and say, “how does she come up with these things?” I wonder what it would be like to have Molly’s vision for a day and see what she sees, in the unique way she sees things, but then, I guess in a way I do get to do this — because I read her blog!
I think “Moda Lissa” gets the prize for most creative title. Lissa Alexander of Moda Fabrics writes a wonderful blog. She, too, has a funny sense of humor and take on the world. Sometimes we learn things about business, yet most often we learn things about Lissa.
Roseann Kermes, owner of Rosebud’s Cottage, in White Bear Lake, Minn., is a master at blogging and making friends. She tells little tidbits and interesting stories about her shop adventures and occassional outside excursions. If you’re a shop owner, I think you’ll relate. And, as a shop owner, if you’re looking for a good model for your blog, Roseann’s is it.
A new favorite blog is called “Stonesoup.” Jules Clancy, an Australian qualified food scientist, has pledged to create recipes (for the rest of her life!) with only five ingredients that can be cooked in about ten minutes. Now this is my kind of cooking! I love “Super Simple Broccoli” and the “Warm Chickpea Salad.” Both use five ingredients or less, and take ten minutes or less to cook. Sign up to get Jules e-mails, and you get to download a 35-page e-cookbook.
If you like yarn and knitting or crocheting, check out “Attic 24″ written by a young Englishwoman named Lucy — see you really can make friends all over the world! She is a crocheter and I love her “happy” colors and projects. Whether you crochet or not, ”Attic 24″ is a very “cheery” blog to read and simply enjoy looking at all the cute things she creates. Oh, and, my goodness, the views out her window, and those sweet little baby’s feet she shows so often are a joy to see.
Anna Maria Horner’s blog is almost breathtaking — in that this talented woman does and thinks and shares so much with us! Her blog is full of sweetness, love, life and joy. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her. The posts are sometimes long, but so well worth reading! Her recent post (November 18) about Fall Quilt Market was loving and earnest, and really breathtaking (as in gasping!) — especially if you’ve ever done Quilt Market.
For a quick laugh be sure to stop at a funny blog called “Catalog Living.” These clever writers gently poke fun at the layouts and set-ups in decorating catalogs. The comments by the fictitious Gary and Elaine, again, make me marvel at the way people think, and they are a good reminder to not take things too seriously.
You can learn so much from reading blogs about the topics and about the blogger. Little insights — insights that help you know that person and love even perfect strangers for what they are willing to share with a worldful of friends — including me!
Oh, who shall I visit tonight? — Susan
PS —This post has been about how much I enjoy reading these blogs — just think how much your customers will enjoy getting acquainted with you and your staff in your blog. If you haven’t already gotten started — give it a try!
