Something I didn’t expect when I started this blog was . . . Well, two things actually.
One, that anyone (besides my dad—thanks, Dad!) would ever actually read what I wrote, and . . .
Two, that I would begin to feel a sense of community with the people I never expected would read my blog who actually did.
Creating this blog has allowed me to express my thoughts—thoughts which previously bounced endlessly around in the recesses of my mind—with an unknown world. In return, the unknown world has, for once, been kind: You have made me feel less alone.
Thank you.
In recent weeks, I have been honored to have been nominated for several awards. To Avanti, Rahbert, Deo Volente, Moment Matters, Czeching Out, and The Point of Quill, thank you. You are too kind. That said, I want to say that awards are not what I’m about. While I may accept awards and pass them along, you won’t find me posting anything about them here. Instead, I’ve created a recognition page on my menu. So, if you’re interested, you can find seven silly facts about me and how bad I am at writing an acceptance speech there. ;)
Lastly, it isn’t every day that a girl gets a story written about her. A dear blogger friend of mine was very sweet the other day, and, in case you haven’t met him, I’d like to introduce him to you. He is sometimes silly but never rude, and he has enough talent to write himself to the moon. So, without further ado, I’d like you to meet the wonderful, talented, quite shy, but very clever “Hatted Boy.”
Until next time,
Jessica
…
shift 
I have to say, I’ve given blogging a couple of goes in the past, but found myself partly discouraged by the lack of connection I felt with other blogs I went to, but I find so many blogs I enjoy reading daily now, and being able to comment. I think it does the spirit good to have regular opportunities to say nice things about other people, and really mean it. I’m finding that a lot on the blogs I go to and comment on now.
I fully agree. The sense of community is wonderful. Obviously not everyone will agree with everything you write all of the time, but there is good in that, too. It provides perspective. (I usually try to stay away from controversial subjects, though.) ;) But it’s nice to know that other people can relate to things you think and feel, much of which you might not talk about over lunch in daily life. The feedback can be reassuring.
Thank you for stopping by and especially for commenting!
I agree :)
I started my blog to practice my writing and create an outlet for this strange creative feelings I had but I never expected anyone to take an interest and actual read it, nor did I expect to reading so many good blogs :-)
It’s wonderful, isn’t it? Somehow reassuring. :)
It really gives you hope ;-)
Congratulations on your great blog! It’s always a pleasure to read your posts! Congrats on your nominations!
Thank you!
You’re most welcome!
:)
The WordPress community is great. I’m glad to have found your corner of the net :)
And I’m glad to have found yours! Thanks, Uwana. :)
I agree! I never expected anyone to read anything I wrote…other than my mom. :D Sometimes, it almost feels surreal that other’s take the time read and comment. I am so grateful for the sense of community here as well. Everyone is so generous and kind, and it’s very contagious! What a great post and I’m happy to have found you here, Jessica! :)
Thanks, Ally. It’s nice to know there are still good people in the world. :)
The angel gets me every time and I have to comment. Love your blog, Jess, and I appreciate being able to follow along.
Thank you. That is perhaps the best compliment a writer could receive. And the angels thank you, too! ;)
WordPress community is great Jessica. I have the same feeling. You are good so people will also be good to you, that’s how it works everywhere. I love your blog and read everything you write. Take care.
Thank you! I am so blessed to hear that and to know you. Best regards :)
Jessica – your honesty and love come through and I am surprised that you thought no one would want to read your posts.
All good wishes,
Eric
I was an inexperienced blogger who’d never participated much in the “blogosphere.” I know better now. Thank you so much for your kind words, and I’m sorry I missed your writing prompt the other day! I will try to participate soon. :) Best regards
Jessica, no apologies required. Blogging is supposed to be fun and not add to stress. Feel free to join as/when you have the time. You can “drop off” for weeks and months – and welcome back anytime – as friends are entitled to do.
Peace, Eric :-)
You are blessed and highly favored… Stay blessed!
Thank you, Walter! I’m blessed to know you!
Blessed to know you too Jessica… What are you doing up this late or I should say early…
About to hit the hay… :)
Me too… Have a good one…
I congratulate you for all these, Jess. That’s a great thing! :-) The love you give is reciprocated in one way or the other, so keep doing the amazing work you’ve been doing.
One’s heart who loves is a fountain, not a sponge. It overflows Love, not absorbs it ♥
I like the idea of love being a fountain, Subhan. Thanks for that image :) Best, always.
so glad you are enjoying your blogging experience and am so happy to have met you here in this WP world. all the best for you :D
Thank you so much. I’m glad to have met you, too!
Congratulations Jessica! Big hugz :D
Thanks, Sam! Your lovely comments always make my day. :)
:D
I wish I had the time to connect properly with the community and take part in more conversations. Keep up the great work :)
I know what you mean. Honestly, blogging and trying to make those connections is taking up a LOT of my time! It’s time well spent, though. Thanks for your kind words.
Wings for angels – but your opening lines here are so much the same as I was feeling: trepidation, but the “why not try?” question won out and, perhaps like you, I am enjoying this weird but wonderful community.
Best wishes.
So glad you decided to give it a go. I used to think I’d run out of things to say. Then I moved to Asia where I discovered many things to say. But, since moving home, I’ve realized that, even without my overseas experiences, this world never stops moving, changing, shifting… And neither do I.
Thank you for the well wishes—the same to you. And an angel is very grateful to you, too!
simply – u rock!
Thank you! (I’m blushing.)
I’m another surprised neophyte. Wholeheartedly agree with your sentiments.
I wish there were a button for me to “like” your comment, Heath. :)
Thank you too! :)
:)
You penned my heart, Jessica! I agree with Heath.
Thank you for reading and liking some of my stuff.
You are great – one in a million! Congrats on well-deserved awards! It is right that you should be honored. Remember Who made it possible ;)
You’re welcome. I am interested in knowing something about and connecting with all of my readers as well as I can. I love the concept behind your site. And thank you for your kind words! I *do* know who made it all possible—and it isn’t me. ;)
U seem -and sound- to be of a kind soul Jess. It’s nice too see your blog growing! What u feel about the community you’ve created around u is also felt by the members of that community too. To a certain extend, readers feel as connected to you as they do with each other. And this IMHO is the main trait of powerful writing.
Nice work ;)
Thanks so much. I agree that powerful writing is all about connection. That’s what I try to do. Well, all I really do is speak from the heart. Anyway, thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. It’s great to hear from you! I check your site once in a while but haven’t seen anything new up lately. ;)
“He is sometimes silly but never rude.”
*Tilts his hat a little toward Jessica.*
;)
I meant to reply to this earlier, but your hat tilting had me tongue-tied.
I meant every word.
:)
Blogging is a great way to connect with people across the world. That’s the power of social media.
Cheers
Vishal
Indeed it is. Nice to meet you, Vishal.
Jessica, I have much respect for a person/woman who finds the peace of contentment. Then, to humbly articulate your much deserved awards, puts you in an upper echelon of humanity Jessica. And I can imagine you reading this thinking “I don’t deserve this praise.” But you do Jessica; accept it. You have a new Follower. Namaste. :)
I certainly don’t feel I deserve such praise. But, thank you. I’ll accept it. Your words mean so much.
I agree. It’s a fantastic community we have here :)
Such a surprise to me! A wonderful surprise.
That’s what I told someone the other day. It’s amazing, the kindness and support people share here. Hope it will rub off into real life.
I agree. It’s easy to be pessimistic about this world, especially when you watch the news. It’s nice to know that there are still good people out there… It may also be true that we attract people like us. Not meaning to boast that I’m a nice person, just saying that a certain kind of person might be attracted to my/your site, while others may say, “Eh, not for me.”
It seems like I found this community right when I needed it too. I had been disappointed consecutively recently and it was wearing on me. Ha, you can boast. I’ll let you and I’ll agree that you are nice…so far ;). But you’re probably right about attracting others of like minds :).
:) I’m glad we both found this community then!
They better not disappoint us! Ha
I find it so easy to embrace the words your heart shares each day…it is always refreshingly wonderful! Thanks Jessica for always blessing mine with your visits! God bless and much love to you always!!!
Thank you, Wendell! Your kind words mean so much. I am always blessed by your beautiful poetry, too. Truly God has given you a gift.
I share your feelings, dear!
It’s so nice to know I’m not alone!