Monday, September 26, 2011

Ohhhh, who are the people in your neighborhood?

When I moved away from California, I left a lifetime of memories, family and friends. It was/is tough.

I had my own little "community" or as the pastor of my old church used to call it, an "oikos". These are the people that were a part of my life on a regular basis and influenced and encouraged me and vice versa. They were the friends that I laughed with and hugged and shared recipes with and cheered for. They were the ones that I made an extra loaf of banana bread for or went yard saleing with. They were the people that prayed for me, sang with me, cried with me and got into mischief with me.

I don't have that community anymore. Not even my daughters live close enough to spend time with as often as I'd like. But I realized that I do have friends in my life who mean the world to me...you...my blogging friends.

I find that I often will include in a typical conversation, "My friend, Ina, who lives in Alaska..." or "I have a friend who's son, Josh loves to read" or "My friend, Mari made this really great recipe that I can't wait to try...."

Then, there are those times when my thoughts land throughout the day on someone who's going through something tough or maybe I end up reflecting on something shared that was profound and insightful.

I am thankful for you for you are a part of my neighborhood. There are those of you that have been with me for the three years that I've blogged and for that, I'm so very thankful. So, my invitation to you is to introduce yourself or your blog and tell me one thing about you that you want me to know. Even if you don't comment often or even comment at all, please, join in. I'd be thrilled to finally meet you!

In the meantime, welcome to my neighborhood!!

17 comments:

MissKris said...

Well, you know who I am, haha! And you are part of my faraway-neighborhood, too. Since moving to Michigan from Oregon I am so thankful for bloggy friends and real-time friends as well...Facebook is my lifeline for keeping in touch with everyone. I'm finding by marching right up to the neighbors and introducing myself, pushing my natural shyness and reserve to the back burner, is my saving grace here. I learned a looooooooooong time ago that most people are innately shy and not many of them are going to make the first moved. In 6 months here I have gotten to know all my neighbors around me. Last nite one of them brought over some leftover fruit salad she'd made! I feel very comfortable and welcome here. There's the old saying: "Kill them with kindness" and it works 99.99% of the time. For the one grump you meet every now and then? Oh well...that's THEIR problem. Good luck to you as you venture out into your new surroundings too, Simone!

Mari said...

I'm so glad you're part of my neighborhood, Simone! I had to laugh when you talked about the way you refer to your blog friends. I do the same and my family has learned about many of them.
Now for a question - hmmmm.
Do you have any other siblings beside Syrone? And do you talk to her all the time, even though you don't live near each other?

Formerly known as Frau said...

You and I are a like....having left my community to move here has been a challenge....but I talk about my blogging community the same my friend this or that and tonight I'm trying Joyce's recipe etc...
I never would have dream my life would be so rich with friends.

Brian Miller said...

smiles. community is important...we have had it great at times and at others not so much...our society is so transient it is hard at times...

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

This is a part of blogland that I truly did not expect. I just needed an outlet for my writin' and it turned out to be much, much more.

I too find myself daily prayin' for those friends in need, wonderin' how their project turned out. My bloggies are part of our dinner conversation. It funny to care about so many you've never met or even probably won't in this lifetime.

On the other hand I've found a wonderful support group who prays for me and my family, who lifts me up when I am down and daily adds laughter to my life.

I'm honored to be a part of your neighborhood sweetie. It's been a joy readin' your post the past few years.

God bless and have a glorious day my friend. :o)

Leslie Basil Payne said...

I feel so blessed to have found your chocolatey blog. For years I've dragged my feet about starting this, and now am blessed and encouraged by the Bloggers I'm discovering. I'm excited about this new world!

My current writing project has become a life changer for me. I've learned lots of black history as part of my research, am the first white member of The Black Writers Guild of Maryland, and recently began attending an all black church in addition to continuing at my home church. It's been such a wonderful experience.

Never dreamed writing would open up so many wonderful opportunities, but I'm grateful. Life is the ultimate adventure.

Ina in Alaska said...

Well dear friend, you do know me and I live in Alaska, and you know quite a bit about me and my dogs and Mr. O and our adventures in my beautiful state. You are always welcome to call me one of your friends, I love you very much, always am cheering for you and blessed to count you among my own friends. One of these days I WILL get to OR and actually get to give you a hug! And am looking forward to it. I agree with the other commenters, I started my own blog just to keep my family current on my doings but have made some really fantastic friends via the blog and I am always excited to see what everyone is up to. Wish we could all get together, it would be so much fun.

To those who do not, I am really a Jersey Girl but I have lived in Alaska since 1982. So you could say I am bi-coastal! I love with all my heart the Jersey Shore and go home to visit my family there every year. You are invited to stop by my blog and say hi!!

Liz Mays said...

I'm thinking we have lots in common, but most of that you know. I love that we have the biracial commonality! I do the same thing with my online friends. I used to refer to them as blog friends, but now they're just friends because they're every bit as real as offline pals.

Just Stuff From a Boomer said...

You really touched on something here. I moved nearly 1000 miles from friends and family 2 1/2 years ago. I don't know my neighbors. I don't know how long my husband's work will keep us here, so I hesitate in forming bonds to be broken. But you all can come with me where ever I go. I find myself wondering what's going on in your lives and you're only a click away. It is very much a gift.

Jill said...

Awww I so understand the moving thing...and I have met so many wonderful people by blogging...including you! I am happy to be part of your "neighborhood" Have a great week my friend.

Blessings,
Jill

Buckeroomama said...

It's funny how with technology our world has gotten smaller, yet our communities have gotten bigger. :)

SO happy you are part of my "neighborhood." (I've always loved that Sesame Street tune!)

Liz said...

I certainly have to agree with you!! I say all the time, my "blog" friend did that, that or the other thing. I mean both people whose blogs I read and those that read mine and (hopefully) comment. Some have even become Facebook friends as well. It's a great neighborhood to live in!!

Unknown said...

I love the idea of blogging friends as part of a neighborhood. I hope you will include me in that community. I found you through, Mari we work together and she is a great friend as well. Oh Congratulations on your marriage, I love B&B's they are always so unique.

Connie said...

I too found you thru Mari. She is a recent friend who got me started with a blog. It's been fun getting to know my community friends.

Annesphamily said...

I am left handed! Can I say two things!? Ok! I will. I have always wanted to visit Oregon!
Love and Hugs to you and yours,
Anne

SweetMamaJones said...

Oh wow. This hit me. I moved away from CA (it will be 6 years at the end of November) and a lifetime of memories as well. I can so relate. Although I have made friends in the years since being here, none have the same intensity or intimacy of those I have made in blog-land. Revealing our hearts pull us together, no matter the distance. <3 (Formerly Sweet Jones)

SweetMamaJones said...

Eek, I mean formerly Sweet Mama Jones. But have carved out a brand new home at Laugh Cry Craft.

 

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