Why I Blog ~

I began my blogging journal at the beginning of a difficult season in my life. When I didn't feel I could lay my burdens, sorrow and grief on those around me who were going through the same emotions, I came across a random blog. That act of randomness introduced me to a way of being able to express myself without judgment or sympathy. I could cry on the shoulders of many who did not know me in 'real life' and lean on others who were willing to listen and share a virtual shoulder. As time passed I opened my journey to a tiny half-handful of people who I felt I could share my heart and my life. Even to this day, of all of the 'friends' on Facebook that I have, only less than a dozen know that I blog. Although it is a public place where I could turn to in a private way, I didn't want to open myself up to everyone I knew - I still don't. I felt comforted knowing that it was my own little place.

Over the years I have blogged about personal sadness, experiences (good and bad - and some horribly hysterical), frustrations, and a whole lot of nothingness - and I have been grateful for this little space in blogville that have.

I recently wrote about the renewal of dear friendships and my insecurities surrounding that. It was a tough thing to blog, but like other things I've blogged about - I can write the words better than I can speak them.  I lost someone who I considered a friend over that post. I didn't intend to - or want to, but it happened. I deleted the post although it doesn't change the outcome.

I blog because I can...because it's my outlet when friends aren't here or there, when it's midnight and I have something I want to say and no one to say it to. I blog when I can't find the words. Blogging is a very personal thing in a public place ~ but I choose to do it anyway. I blog for me...

Peace

You've Been Unfriended

A few days ago I realized that I had been 'unfriended' by a friend. Well, not a friend-friend, just a friend. At first I thought maybe I had inadvertently unfriended this person - or that I had said something to cause her to unfriend me. So, I sent her a private message:

Me: I hate that you unfriended me but I respect whatever led you to do that. I hope that your life continues to be richly blessed. Take care,

Her: Renee, I've had to make some tough decisions in my life the last several months, and honestly, I don't feel we have very much in common. I have a very few select true friends in my life because I hand picked them. I never really had a chance to get to know you, and I don't want to mislead you in any way. This isn't personal, honestly, I'm just being as open as I can. 

My first thought was - OUCH! Then I thanked her for her honesty and wished her well.  My second thought was...WOW that was brave, and honestly, I kind of admired her for unfriending me and then explaining why.

So, I took that approach and headed to my FRIENDS list. I looked at each person there and made some tough decisions myself. Clicking the 'unfriend' button was liberating and powerful. I let go of people that I truly did not know on a personal level. Gone where the people that I barely knew who wanted to add me and I didn't want to seem rude. As I clicked through I wondered if I would get a message in my inbox asking why...what would I say? Honesty maybe?

 So round one...complete. Round two is not too far away! If I kept only my true friends - I would only have 1% left.

Peace!

Justice Late = Not Delayed

A very dear friend of mine was murdered five years ago. There was FINALLY an arrest today! I know that often we long for swift justice, but justice delayed is thorough!

Peace

July in Alabama

July in Alabama = hotter 'n H - E- Double hockey sticks!

The humidity is so thick you can cut it with a knife!

You wouldn't think that it would be a surprise to us natives, but every day we wipe brows and bitch about the heat and humidity. We remark about how THIS is nothing compared to what August will bring. Lawd have mercy!!! We just can't get cool enough around here!

Alabama is one of the few states that run through the full spectrum of Four full seasons before lunch.... and again before supper time. I guess it's a perk, along with lightnin' bug, fields of cotton, grass greener than green, sweet tea, fried cornbread, and Piggy Wiggly! Southern living is an acquired taste and certainly not a one-size-fits - all kind of lifestyle.

It's an awesome experience to be from the South, where everyone is (mostly) friendly and generous to a fault.  We do wear shoes,  have higher educations and know when to sharpen or hide our southern drawl to fit the situation.  We can bless your heart and  cut you to shreds with our wit with a smile on our face.....and an outsider would never even catch it.

So, Southern 101......

Peace

The Love I Get

Rich and I hit the road yesterday at noon to Auburn. Four hours I'rm the pouring rain makes for a long boring trip. I read all the news I could find in my phone....out loud...and got caught up on Facebook, Twitter, email, and YouTube to keep us alert.

I can whole heartedly say that each rainy mile was worth it. We've had a day and a half with our sons, daughters-in-laws and grandchildren. It's been wonderful. Right now my husband and I are lying on a mattress on the livingroom floor with a little person between us. Her tiny hand reaches out to touch my arm every once in a while as she sleeps.

Yes, each mile is worth the love I feel right now and the love these kids and grandkids  give to me.

All is right in the whole right now!

Peace

Let's Do This Thing!

Hellllloooo????!!!!!

Do you ever just look back over the days, weeks, months and years and wonder where in hell the time went?? I do that All. The. Time! I find 'time' for a few things and never for others. Life moves at such a rapid pace that even in the 'down-times' it feels like all circuits are fully engaged. There's never enough time to maintain friendships, take up a craft/hobby, cook an amazing meal that involves an actual spread (with dessert), or just  sit and take a minute to blog.

If I spent as much time sitting down and formulating a blog post as I do reciting them in my head...well, my post count would be outrageous! I miss blogging and I miss reading blogs - both of which I don't take time to do very often. It's like an old friend that you promise to keep in touch with - all the while knowing you won't! Sad!

So, I am challenging myself.....ready???
I will post a blog every single day for ONE month! I KNOW......exciting isn't it? I can hardly wait to get started. Oh wait....I just did! I'm not going to start off this challenge with some lofty idea that my posts will be insightful or even remotely entertaining, but I am going to put something out there in the hopes that it becomes habit-forming and therapeutic!

So, please fasten your seatbelts folks and keep your hands inside the ride!

Peace!