When I set out to do a blog, I really had no idea what I was getting into…though I don’t mean that the way it sounds.
What I do mean is that I had no idea of the pleasure I’d receive from writing about and sharing my unremarkable riverbank life. I love to share, to give, to make others happy.
The revelation of one of life’s greatest secrets is when you learn that no matter how much you put out, when done in the right spirit, you’ll always be rewarded many times over. So the writing and photos here are done as much for me as you…though my gratification often comes subsequent to the posting, when you let me know what you think via a comment.
Another revelation—and of even more importance to me—has been the blogs I’ve discovered. And to me, they aren’t just blogs, but places where friends reside—little online windows into their world and life. Reading and commenting is like sitting across the table at a shared meal, having a few moments of conversation.
Maybe this comes from the culture in which I was raised—one where friends and neighbors and family thought nothing of dropping in on one another for a visit. No invitation was ever necessary. If you could stay an hour, fine; if you only had five minutes to hang around, say hello, make a comment or two, that was also okay. The welcome mat was always out, the screen door unlocked. If it happened to be mealtime, an extra plate would be put on the table and a chair and space provided.
Many of my favorite blogs are like that—warm and open, friendly, homey. A place where you don’t feel out of place dropping by, and always leave feeling better for the visit. Wanda’s “Moments of Mine” blog is one of those spots. A kindred soul and fellow Buckeye, who delights in sharing the wonders and blessing and joys of her life. Her blog is a premier example of what a blog should be, and how good and comfortable such quality turns out.
Not just words and photos, mind you, but spirit…Wanda has a heart for people and knows how to make you feel at home. This morning, when I logged on to her blog, I found she’d presented me—that is to say, Riverdaze…—with an award.
I’m honored and more than a bit humbled. I will add it to my layout with pride, and take great pleasure in it because of who gave it to me.
Thank you, Wanda…you have made my day!
24 comments:
Hi Grizz-
A well deserved award, indeed. Everything you said about stopping by for a chat and leaving feeling better than when I arrived is SO true. Yes, you deserve this award simply because you are a shining example of all this is 'just' and 'good' in this world - the very essence of simple truth-kindness-respect-and humble endeavors.
Love honor and respect to you
Gail
peace.....
Congratulations Griz and well deserved my friend. You know Griz I have been humbled by receiving 13 awards but this one is the only one I have posted. It is very special to me. I know you feel the same as I do about this and not to worry about sisterhood, us sisters truly appreciate our brothers. Wanda is very special to me and she has chosen others who are special to me as well. Feel so blessed for all of us.....:-) Hugs
Wee-deserved Scribe - your blog gives me a huge amount of pleasure - I often feel I am sitting on your river bank with you.
Thank you for your warm acceptance of the award Scribe...such gratitude and complimentary statements were not expected...I too have discovered a wonderful group of blogging friends that I would have hated to have missed meeting. Your blog is beyond exceptional in writing, photos, and thoughts!
Gail…
I hope that's how visitors feel when they land here on the riverbank. I want folks to enjoy the experience, be comfortable, know that they are welcome.
Thank you, as always, for your caring words. I hope you're having a great weekend. Me, I'm building a sort of pad at the back door—and just came in for a few moments to eat some leftover chicken.
Hi Grizz-
It is clear that your 'hope' is being realized by your sharing your world on the riverbank. I love coming here - and I appreciate you and your life on the river more than I could ever convey.
My weekend has been simple and humble and yet bountiful with family and friends and good food and wine.
Hope you enjoyed your chicken.
Love to you
Gail
peace
Bernie…
I can't match your awards, but it isn't a contest anyway. I hope we all—every one of us—always deserve the awards we're given. You do, for sure, otherwise you wouldn't receive the affirmation such awards represent.
If someone gives me something, I do appreciate it, because when it's all said and done, readers first give their time—that little piece of their lives which they can never get back—and I want them to know I'm humbled by that gift more than anything, and hope, always, that they feel it was time well spent.
I always appreciate that you take time to comment, and appreciate the nice things you always have to say. Not because it strokes my ego…but because you've taken your time to make me feel like I've done some good for you, posted something which caused you to smile or think or look closer—or just enjoyed the writing and photos.
Weaver…
I wish you could come sit here in reality on my riverbank for a day. I'd like to show you my herons and redbirds (because I know you love cardinals) and the flowers, let you listen to the song of the water. I'd like for you to feel the sunshine and smell the sharp earthiness of the mud, and watch a turtle go paddling across the Cottage Pool.
And who knows—maybe one day you and the Farmer can do that. But until that day, I want to give you as many vicarious visits as possible, throughout the seasons. Whenever that happens, and you're "here" through whatever alchemy of photos and text I've employed for my conjuring, I've succeeded at my task.
Congrats.
I am interested how the cyber community of blogging has inspired various awards. It shows our desire to be affirming, I think.
In the non-cyber world, awards can be few and far between, and sometimes grudgingly given. That's what I like about the blogosphere--the open trusting affirming nature.
Gail…
Doing this blog has be, and is, loads of fun for me.
I'll make a confession—I approached blogging with about the same attitude I did going to garage sales…it probably wasn't an altogether a waste of time, but certainly wasn't something I could imagine find great pleasure in doing. Well, I'm something of a garage sale maven, and I now think blogging is almost as much fun as catching trout on the Au Sable River. Well, okay, not quite that much fun, but pretty close. I sure get a kick out of it.
And I did enjoy my leftover chicken. I love leftovers. In fact, at least half the time, the leftover version is better than the original cooking.
And just as soon as my drill battery recharges and I can drive a few more screws into my back door entryway deck planking, I'm going to rummage around for a leftover half of yesterday's watermelon, divide that, and after my shower, kick back on my riverside deck, watch the birds and bats, and spit a few seeds thataway!
Wanda…
I meant every single word I said…and you merit them. One thing I've learned over the years is that it is pretty difficult to hide from people—that is, you can pretend and put on and misrepresent yourself really well…but eventually the real "you" comes leaking through. The reason for this is that good writing comes from the heart—maybe even the soul—and it's a place you can't open up without letting in enough light that others can see what's behind that curtain.
You open yourself up to people. And people see the real you—and we all like what we see. There's a real warmth and honesty woven like golden threads throughout your blog. I'm proud to be considered in the same breath, because you are such a shining example.
And so, I do thank you, quite humbly, for your words and award. They truly mean a lot.
KGMom…
I think you're right. Blogland is, in many ways, a friendlier, more open world—and I think that when we discover blogs and bloggers we like, we want to do more than just compliment via comments on their efforts.
I hope no one ever gives me an award I didn't earn…and I hope I never feel like I earned an award I didn't receive.
Congratulations Grizz the Scribe. Well deserved and not at all surprised to see the award other award getting company! I love reading your blog. It's always well written, warm, entertaining and thoughtful, hardly a snooze watching the river go by.
And you described blog friends so well. Amazing how many true friends are being made through this medium.
I look forward to seeing what you have to say tomorrow and tomorrow.
Sydney…
In a way, blogging is like short-wave radio for the eyes in that you can make friends around the world—except blogging is so much more, of course. The way the medium works puts people with common interests together—nature, for example. But then you see who and what they read from their lists, and that often leads you to sites you'd never have found on your own—which can prove to be just as wonderful as those nature friends, even though nature seldom or never finds its way onto the pages.
Blogging is a wonder maze through potential friendships. You meet people here which you look forward to visiting and hearing from regularly, present company being a prime example.
I still appreciate that first award I ever received—from you. And I'm also tickled it now has company.
Oh Griz, I have to apologize. I was trying to explain what a special award this was and how you received it from a special friend and my words sounded boastful. I do not like competitions, and why I mentioned the number of awards is beyond me....I have learned from now on just to say, Congratulations!.....:-) Hugs
I love that description Grizz... "A place where you don’t feel out of place dropping by, and always leave feeling better for the visit."
That's exactly how I feel about blogging and the friends I've met. As a fellow Blogger Beth used to say, "these are simply the nicest people I've never met." :c)
Have a blessed day!
Bernie…
Dear Lord, Bernie, I'm so sorry—I didn't mean to imply anything negative toward you with my statement. You have absolutely nothing to apologize for; I obviously need to do the apologizing.
I hope I can say one day that I've received 13 awards! And I'll say it, too—not to brag (which I know wasn't what you were doing, either) but to say how humbled and appreciative I am that someone would think enough of what I was doing to favor me with an award. That's the neat thing about blog awards, I believe. They're not worth a dime monetarily; you don't get a better job title or a fancy jacket; all you get is a jpg to stick in your layout. But they represent something…and to me, they say that visitors enjoy stopping by here on the riverbank. That I make then feel welcomed, and if nothing else, occasionally entertained.
I share your opinion of Wanda. I'm a bit chromosome challenged when it comes to the sisterhood thingy, but as I told Wanda, I'm perfectly happy to represent the token brotherhood faction.
However, nothing you said was out of line or taken any way other than as you meant it to be—I knew exactly what you were saying and appreciated your kind words. Nothing I said in follow-up was meant to imply otherwise.
Jayne…
I think Beth's observation is right on.
We choose and read the blogs we do because there's a common thread therein of one sort or another. This automatically keeps us from hanging out online with people we wouldn't feel comfortable hanging out with in person. In my experience, speaking of the blogs I visit, I've come to realize they're put up by nice, friendly people—people I'd have no trouble visiting or have visit my home.
Congrats, Griz!
And a well-deserved and pretty award that is, too.
Carolyn H.
Carolyn…
Thank you…it is a pretty award!
Thank you Griz....:-) Hugs
Bernie…
You're most welcome, though I'm the one who didn't make myself clear in the first place.
I hope you are NOT an endangered species, Griz.
There is beauty and joy in the smallest things.
I feel blessed sitting on our the flora and fauna in our piece of heaven. It is the smallest thing that we most enjoy. The little ducklings, the teeniest of bugs.
Keep up the good work.
Jenn…
Hey, I hope I'm not an "endangered species," as well…although I have my days when I'm at least, according to Federal classification, a "species of concern."
I do like the philosophy, espoused by the Navajo in their belief that everything is interconnected—that there is worth and marvel there if we look close enough to see and understand—and which they reflect in their blessing at parting (as we might say "goodbye") of "Hózhó naninaadoo" to "go in beauty."
That's one of the treads that runs through my life…and one of the things I try and pass along and share here on this blog.
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