Why I Blog

Maria and Dive have both asked and answered this question, so I'll give it a shot.

I was doing an online search last summer about something--music or something like that--when I discovered a blog by a guy who teaches in a public school and sings on the side. The idea was intriguing, but I wasn't convinced it was something I wanted to do myself. I read his site on and off for a while and then decided to give it a shot. My friends have always said I am good at telling stories, so what the heck.

I launched my humble site and went for a few weeks with hardly a reader. It was discouraging, kind of, although I didn't have high expectations to begin with. I liked the idea of putting all of my rambling, disjointed thoughts and stories and reminiscing drivel in one spot, so I kept writing and writing and writing. I heard a bit on Prairie Home Companion not long ago describing My Space as a place for kids to make shrines to themselves, and I thought adults with their blogs are no different. I had made my own shrine.

Then one day Rich from Boston popped in. He's an old trumpet player (old as in "used to play." Not old as in aging). So he was my first commenting reader, and I was his. Remember the early days, Rich, when life was quiet and no one ever told you to shut up?

I have not made much use of the "next blog" button because you never know what horrors or absolute drivel might pop up on your screen, but I clicked it once and found Sassy. Was it the big wheel that intrigued me, or the out-spokenness, or the publishing link? I don't remember, but I added her to my favorites list and then followed her link to Dive. I'm a sucker for cranky curmudgeon types, so I was hooked on the Small Glass Planet. It really is interesting that all of us started at the same time last August. Must have been something in the air. Hey, Dive? Maybe it was some kind of CIA conspiracy that lead us all to feel compelled to blog so they could intersect our subversive messages and add us to the no-fly list. Hmmm.

Speaking of cranky curmudgeon types, while at that original site out of Chicago, I found Old Knudson in a comment box, and could not help but furrow my brow. I had to follow his link, and I was amazed and astounded. And we share templates. And we've both been honored by I Dream of Janie. He once said I was a 10--how many of you can claim that?

I don't have the time I would like to read every one's posts and keep up with the fascinating people I have discovered around the world, which is a pity. There is Ms Mac in Switzerland, my sister-in-law at Winged Musings, Dear Prudence, and Gina at Just Another Day, and others I don't mean to leave out--you're all delightful. And I always feel a little honored when you people stop by and bother to read. There are thousands and thousands of blogs out there, and your choosing mine out of all of them is a treat for me.