Normally I would apologize for a post like this. Not today. I know I don't post often. So maybe people kind of forget that I am here. But I am. I have a good number of people who read me, I can see that. I'm well aware that I should blog more, I don't need reminding and believe me, I know that's totally my fault. I try to write more, but sometimes I get stuck. Every time I write, I do get at least one or two comments, and sometimes more (thank you!) - so I'm not writing about you. The thing is, I comment on a lot of blogs. I love what you write, (good, bad or otherwise). I try very hard to let you know that I do. In fact, I rarely don't comment, but lord knows I'm not perfect and I don't expect you to be either, I'm only asking for an occasional hello. And if I never said anything at all to you that would be because I don't know you're there. I don't know who you are. (or I might be a little shy, maybe you are too) If you visit and say something, then I can visit you and say something - sounds like fun to me. ( oww, cringe, maybe I comment on you and you never read me, cringe again)
Comments help. At least they seem to help/matter to the people who are receiving mine, if for no other reason than so that they know I am there, for them, appreciating their effort and their words. So if you hear me, if you read me, if you appreciate what I write, a comment would really help me to know that I'm not invisible, that you see me. It would help me. And please know that I am aware that some people don't get any comments. And some that I read don't get any comment except mine and they both seem to be ok with that. I hope that they would speak up if they're not. If they are then I am in awe of them.... but I'm not like that.
It's kind of embarrassing to say this stuff. It will be even more embarrassing if doesn't change anything, but what the fuck, just about everything in life is a risk . If you have something negative to say, go ahead, it doesn't mean I'll publish it, but at least I'll hear it and consider it. The good stuff is like...well, you know what it's like.
Now I'm going to step away and think about my next post. I hope I'll write it soon. Big breath, no matter what.
I'm going to have a good day, I hope you do too.
Liv
Oh, Liv. I'm sorry. You do comment on my blog and I haven't been doing so on yours. I do read all your posts! I will do better in the future because I do care about and appreciate you. xo
ReplyDeleteBirdie,
ReplyDeleteThat brought tears to my eyes, thank you so much.
Hey there! I get lazy leaving comments, but my energy comes and it goes. It really is a community, though, and to get one must receive. I look forward to seeing your posts -- and visit whenever it rolls up to the top of my blogroll, but I have been absent even on my own blog of late, so forgive me if I've neglected you!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteLike I said, I don't expect anyone to be perfect - I just don't want to feel so unseen, ya know?
You do comment a lot and I appreciate it, you've not neglected me. But thanks for saying that anyway.
Hello, I enjoy your writing. Thsnks for sharing. Bloggers are brave and interesting. I could not be so interesing or clever. So thanks again, especially for us dull shy folks.
ReplyDeleteSue
The comments section usually become part of the blog post for me. Getting that kind of feedback is so important, and you often get a sense of the personality of the other bloggers. I'm glad you raised this issue. Leaving a comment from time to time is a simple kindness, and great encouragement.
ReplyDeleteand P.S., you were one of the first to comment on my relatively new blog. It meant the world to me. Still does.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThanks so very much for saying hello. It's good to know you are out there and I appreciate you reading my blog..when I so rarely write :)
I'm shy too and often think I'm boring.
But I doubt either one of us really is. Thanks, again.
Collette,
Feedback is important, isn't it? At the very least it lets me know that I'm not crazy..a debatable issue. I learn from your blog, it's always so insightful and I'm very glad that we have made this connection. I thought you would probably understand this :)
Hello Liv! You are a wonderful blogger and so gracious with comments and feedback. I'm a terrible blogger of late, no posts for 3 months, and although I try to read all the blogs I follow, I've barely left half a dozen comments in the same time. No excuse really, just a combination of busy with travel and life or not having the right words, or fighting technology hurdles. I can only comment reliably on my pc, which is bedeviled with too many issues to list, and if I could just get the right passwords I have to keep changing because of hacking issues reentered into my iPad, I could be more responsive to my blogger friends when I read their posts.
ReplyDeleteI was positive I commented on your art post from April because your shell sculptures blew me away with their creativity and beauty, but when I went back to look, nothing. Please accept my belated wonderment at your artistic talent now! If I had the energy or the words, I could write pages and pages of comments on your Reliquaries and shrines post, what a lovey and thought provoking post, and so relevent to me, as my house is filled with little shrines that make me happy....
I imagine I will be a more reciprocal and responsive blogger in a month or two, when I've moved our daughter back in to college and our lives resume a more leisurely pace. I also like to imagine that I will post something on blogger again someday soon, but I don't seem to know where to start anymore, and I'm oddly ok with just blogging it inside my head instead of online for now.
Please keep writing and commenting. And it may help to know that I read a study that said for every comment written online, ten people have lurked. It's an interesting and apparently universal phenomenon. I've looked back at my blog stats and the math is pretty accurate, except sometimes it's 100 lurkers per comment, not 10! It's a mystery!
xo
Dear Mel,
ReplyDeleteI did wonder where you had gone. Apart from first wondering if you were ok, I just missed your observant and and interesting comments. Thank you so much for responding to this recent mail.
Problems with computers are a pain in the butt, I'm sorry to hear about yours.
You know there is no need to rush here to comment all the time, but I sure do appreciate you checking in whenever you have the time.
Somehow I knew that you had shrines, maybe you posted one before.
And I have the same curiosity about why people read and then just walk away. It's like saying something to the person in line behind you at the grocery store and they silently turn and walk away to get more bananas. It's weird. But I didn't just write it for me, I think too that it strikes a cord with a lot of bloggers.
Again, thanks for your comment and even if you can't get that blog in your head out - you know your pictures are divine and they are enough.
Have a good day, dear. You deserve it. I was having a good one myself until I found out that one of our MPs (in the north of England) has been killed by a terrorist (of the white, homegrown variety this time for a change) acting on behalf of the Brexit campaign (the group that is lobbying government to leave the European Union). This is what hatred represents. A woman loved by her constituents has been murdered in cold blood for believing in togetherness. This is a crazy, hate-filled world. The only antidote is to love more and care more for each other.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Hi Liv, great post. I read and I often don't comment. Just lazy. I too love your art. I'm lad you are continuing to write. I'll try to be better and less selfish. Xo
ReplyDeleteCIB,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your comments, they are very much appreciated. And obviously, I so enjoy your thought provoking blog - you always pull my brain out of idle.
That England is hurting today is very sad for me, as I love her so much.
Loving more, caring more is indeed the antidote. Do it, give it, be it.
Best, Liv
Joanne,
ReplyDeleteThat is the sweetest message, thank you so very much.
I'll try to be better too and write more. It's so nice to know good caring people are reading me.
Thank you.
These kids today and their smart phones!! That's my main reason for never commenting on anything anymore :) I only am on a real computer at work (I don't have a laptop anymore) and it's rare I get days like this today when I make a note to actually come in person to check in :) I'm always reading though, and thinking of you and rooting for you -- ALWAYS!!
ReplyDeleteI know!! Thank you sweetie.
ReplyDeleteSending love :)