Monday, November 17, 2008

I've been meaning to say this...

Okay, it's time to wrap up a few loose ends. 

First of all, I need to express my gratitude to many of you (make that all of you) who take the time to stop by, and check in with the insanity that can be my life. The reasons I began this blog, and the reasons that I continue it are different. 
I began this blog on a whim. I wasn't sure exactly what kind of beast it was, and for a long time it was a semi occasional hobby. I put up a few pictures, and wrote a few things that no one read. 

Then along come this idea called Photostory Friday -- a weekly opportunity to share my love of the still image, and to write about it -- hosted by Cecily and Mamageek. I don't want to sound hyperbolic here, but Photostory Friday changed me. It changed the way I look at life. In the ever more challenging effort to write something worthwhile, I think more deeply about the experiences of my life. It has made me increasingly aware, and increasingly grateful for the wonderful life that I live. I have a chance, not only to put words to my thoughts, and to share images that I find, personally, beautiful, but, primarily because of the Photostory posts -- at least at first --  I have had the chance to share them with so many new people, and consequently to find so many others who feel blessed in the same manner, and who write such heartfelt posts of their own. 

We live in a world that is so often full of anger and hatred, but to see so many people who see their lives as a blessing, gives me hope. To see people who find joy in the details, is refreshing. 

So, a thank you to Cecily and Mamageek, for this great idea, I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. 

Another thank you to those of you  -- J the Grockle (and Arizona refugee), at imbeingheldhostage...Kat, at fritterfarmers...mamarazzi...and avtcoach -- who have said such kind things about me, and this little blog, in recent days. It pleases me to no end, when I know that something I have written, has touched someone in a positive way. I enjoy, tremendously, each of your blogs -- along with many, many others, too numerous to mention here. I look forward, daily, to reading the great things that so many of you have to say. Thank you for you unique perspective on the world -- it is a richer place for each of you.

Well, I didn't really mean for this to sound like an award acceptance speech, but I just wanted to take the chance to say thank you. 

11 comments:

Michelle said...

And the winner of the most dramatic post goes to..........

I don't tend to be very deep when I write things on my blog, but I will agree that blogging does cause me to look at my life differently.

I know I really look forward to PSF's too!

Anonymous said...

*LOL* at michelle. ;)

I do love the "community" that comes with blogging.

Unknown said...

chris... thoughtful post. In addition, it is always nice to learn how people evolve through the blogging experience!

~AirmanMom returning to her blog...

Wendelyn DeMoss said...

You are so deserving of the praise. I too am proud to blog, it does make me a kinder person, a more aware person and a person who wants to learn more about others!

Mamarazzi said...

love this post. love the heart beat behind it and i am glad you shared.

PSF for me has also been about surrounding myself with people who find joy in the details and love life.

i am glad i found you...i am most def picking up what you are putting down and i dig it. sometimes i forget there are dads out there who are in the same category of amazing as my husband. and ummmm yea that's saying alot since i am my husbands number one fan.

i love learning from people and my whole view on the world has changed becuase of blogging. i am tuned in to all the sweet spots and a firm believer in what you pay attention to GROWS.

cheers, to finding the JOY in the JOurneY!

indicaspecies said...

This blogworld is a fascinating world indeed!

Aaron said...

I AM KING OF THE WORLD!!!!!!


Just kidding. Sheesh all those nice things to say, and nothing about moi? Really?

"I'm so disappointed in Cameron, twenty bucks says he is sitting in his car debating on whether or not he should go out..."

Great speech by the way, you are quite the blogger, without you in the blogging world, we would have one less blogger.

(I kid, I kid......)

Alex @ I'm the Mom said...

Beautiful entry Chris!!

Lorie said...

It is nice to hear peoples thoughts about why they blog...what it means. And I think it is fun to have a gentleman's perspective.

Kellan said...

I've so enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your beautiful photos and ... getting to know you! I agree with all you have said and I just love Cecily and Mamageek and PSF!

Take care and see you soon - Kellan

Anonymous said...

oh come on Chris.

you know you're awesome!!

the insanity that can be you life???

welcome to my world.