Blogging As An Avocation, Part II

Do you know what I especially like about blogging and fellow bloggers? Being accepted by people. Not because of looks, the amount of money you have, the fancy house you live in, the expensive car you drive, your wonderful taste in clothing or decorating, the great children you have brought into this world, the number of degrees you possess, or the fabulous vacations you are able to afford -- but because of your verbal ability to communicate your humanity, wit, charm, compassion, talents, and intelligence without coming off as a complete dork (is that sentence too long?).

We all form subconscious opinions about people we meet face-to-face based upon looks and other superficial markers, and decide immediately whether we like them or not. Blogging, on the other hand, gives us an opportunity to meet many people we would not otherwise have an opportunity to meet. We are able to decide whether we like them or not based upon common interests and our ability to talk to one another. Have you noticed that most of us are pretty cordial and polite, and care what happens to each other even though we will most likely never meet face-to-face?

The great thing about blogging is that there are so many interesting people in this wide world with so many interesting stories to tell. The more we think we are unique and different, the more we find we are just alike. Have you also noticed that even though you may not have a particular talent (like quilting or gardening or photography), you are still able to talk to another person even if it is to just tell them you like what they have done or accomplished?

The other great thing I love about blogging is discovering how funny people are (I don't mean odd, but humorous), and their ability to tell us about hilarious/odd things that happen in their lives. Or, to tell us jokes. Or, to tell us sad things that have happened to them or to members of their families. In other words, to communicate their humanity without fear of ridicule or retribution from others.

On the surface blogging may seem superficial and trivial. We may ooh and aah over others' photographs or artwork or writing ability, but what is really happening is our acknowledgement of someone else as a valuable member of the human race.

So, all my blogfriends, keep your keyboards warmed up and write, write, write. We are waiting to hear what you have to say because you're worth it.