Elephant in the room acknowledged
There are times I have so much to say I’m close to bursting, and other times I’m wholly vacant. The curious thing is, how much or how little I have to say doesn’t always match up with my desire for community. Sometimes I have no words, nothing profound worth sharing, but I just want you guys around. I want to poke you and say, ‘Hey! Hi. Nice outfit. Whatcha doin’? Got any cookies? I love you.”
Forced posts are the worst, yet here I sit, staring at this blank screen, peppy cursor mocking me, and I can’t help myself from reaching out anyway. To say, thank you for yesterday. To say, I’m sorry I’m sending you this blank card with the puppy on the front instead of the perfect Hallmark. To say, your kindness has rendered me speechless, yet here I am.
I needed you, and you came. They can belittle this medium all they want, reduce it to a petty tangle of wires and chips, but they’re wrong. Real affinity, real friendships — real healing — happens in this place, and it happens because of you.
Thank you feels so small, but it’s all I’ve got to give.
It’s yours.
insane mama says:
Sometimes the validity of strangers through the internet is al we need to carry on.
insane mamas last blog post..They Locked Me Up…
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:11 am
chanda says:
I love this aspect of blogging. The understanding that even if we have nothing to say but thank you, or Hi, or OMFG Im loosing my shit,we have a place to do that, and people who will listen and love, regardless.
Even when you think you have nothing to say, you speak volumes. I love ya, and you have an open invite to come on down and pick crab ANY time. Seriously. Like tomorrow, are you free tomorrow?
chandas last blog post..Just a few more.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:25 am
we_be_toys says:
Oh pish, tosh – what are friends for? I just wish we were able to be there for you in a more physical capacity, but then the suspense, the mystery of “are they one or two people?” would be over and all you’ld have left are two crazy old broads who love you to death and would want to go out every Sunday for sushi.
So yeah, like my evil twin said, tomorrow?
we_be_toyss last blog post..What Was I Thinking?
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:32 am
Jim says:
Your thanks is not small at all. I wish I could provide more support but we do what we can. Words are what we do and they suffice well enough and more from what I’ve seen.
Jims last blog post..Summer Flocks
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 am
Maria says:
I am all full of warm fuzzies for you Mags.
Really I am. I think you’re amazing, and I’m more than happy to give you support when you need it.
Marias last blog post..Gimmie Gimmie
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:43 am
Toasty says:
No, Thank YOU!
Toastys last blog post..Words I Never Thought I’d Utter
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:54 am
daddymolson says:
When I need you
I just close my eyes and I’m with you
and all that I so want to give you
It’s only a heartbeat away
~ Leo Sayer
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:04 am
mrs. chicken says:
I know exactly what you mean. So glad I found you. Your words inspire me to write better. Hope your heart is light today.
mrs. chickens last blog post..Road To Recovery
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:12 am
qt says:
You + me + bottle of wine = soon
qts last blog post..Wednesday Obsessions: I Kicked A Boy
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:22 am
thatgirlblogs says:
I think it was a great post, esp the part about the “peppy cursor mocking.” I usually post pictures instead when I’m in the writer’s block. I liked this better
thatgirlblogss last blog post..Subject: Flora
August 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
nonlineargirl says:
It is kind of amazing, the support you can get from strangers with keyboards.
nonlineargirls last blog post..Stick It To ‘Ya
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Rachie says:
Gosh how many times I have gone thro what you’re going thro now? But somehow you still make a post of this nature wonder and inspiring. Love you!
August 23rd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
vodkamom says:
Did we decide that you liked martinis? Let me know- I also make a damn fine cosmopolitan.
vodkamoms last blog post..Playing Tag is Stressful
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
mtnhighmama says:
actually, that damn puppy card was totally cheesy. Really, couldn’t you have tried just a bit harder?
mtnhighmamas last blog post..C-R-A-P Week
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
artchick says:
I just came upon your blog a few weeks ago. I love your “voice” and your writing, but I feel like I walked into a circle of close friends and am the total outcast.
I will continue reading because you write too well for me not to read. I hope, eventually, I might not feel like such an intruder.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Tina says:
Maggie, sweetie, thinking of you and sending hugs.
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Black Hockey Jesus says:
I’ve been mulling over going beyond a post that says nothing. How about a post that unsays itself?
Push the medium, Dammit.
Black Hockey Jesuss last blog post..Reader Spotlight: Jen, Megan, Jett, Maria, Tuesday Girl
August 23rd, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Xbox4NappyRash says:
Either you are horrifically gifted or I am horrifically drunk.
Or both, a little.
Maggie, when you make me squirm at word you write about not being able to write the words that make me squirm, the game is up.
I doth my cap.
Xbox4NappyRashs last blog post..Back in the bunker
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
jules says:
Yep. Me, too.
juless last blog post..Only the Most Perfect Thing Ever.
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:30 pm
San Diego Momma says:
As always, when you have “nothing” to say, you always say something powerful.
San Diego Mommas last blog post..Not Me
August 23rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Pamela says:
The line in some cutesy Meg Ryan movie…All of that nothing really meant something…obvious paraphrase there. Getting to this: your nothings are so much more than the somethings of so many. Thanks for that.
Pamelas last blog post..overheard. way overheard.
August 23rd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Captain Steve says:
Frankly, madam, I prefer the puppy card, as opposed to the perfect Hallmark. They never seem real.
Captain Steves last blog post..Fear
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Kathi D says:
“Thank you” is never small.
Kathi Ds last blog post..Come crash the dinner party
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:41 pm
gin says:
Danke darling. That’s what we’re here for, support and love from all around.
Stay well and hope you’re finding your smile.
gins last blog post.."I Googled myself and I liked it…"
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:58 pm
noble pig says:
Seriously, why do you always have the perfect words on the edge of your tongue? Beautiful.
noble pigs last blog post..Making Decisions
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:33 pm
flutter says:
love you.
flutters last blog post..Life is good, even when it’s crap.
August 23rd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
RAINO says:
Love your blog! Great writing. Coming to you from CANADA!
RAINOs last blog post..BTSS
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Bluestreak says:
Damn. I wish when I had nothing to say it came out like that. You´re awesome.
Bluestreaks last blog post..Heated Quest for Home
August 24th, 2008 at 1:57 am
tysdaddy says:
I missed something . . .
tysdaddys last blog post..Staying Put
August 24th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Karen MEG says:
I just keep coming back; even in your “vacantness” there is beauty.
Love ya babe.
Karen MEGs last blog post..Weekly Winners #33
August 24th, 2008 at 8:35 am
Heather says:
I was reading about the best places to live in Madison Magazine. I would really like to visit some of those places.
Heathers last blog post..Sometimes you have to believe in fairies.
August 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Lea says:
anytime sweetness, I’ll keep cookies around just for you.
Leas last blog post..Because my feet are giving me the silent treatment
August 24th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Kate McLaughlin says:
Maggie,
The Blogess led me to MerlotMom led me to you. Many of us go through, grow through experiences unlike anything for which we’ve planned. You and I are kindred. Sending love and light and blessings!
August 24th, 2008 at 11:17 am
jb says:
Sounds like you have quite a few stories to tell.
Have you been to thenovelette.com? At the thenovelette.com, you can enter theme-based contests so you can get recognition (and win prizes!) for your writing. Winners are chosen by website readers and professional writers.
You can win a $25 gift certificate in two categories if you submit a 500-750 word piece of fiction or nonfiction at thenovelette.com (see the contest entry page for more info). The current contest ends on August 30
jbs last blog post..
August 24th, 2008 at 11:44 am
jenboglass says:
I’m not a good writer, but I do enjoy blogging. It saved me during a rough patch. I’ve enjoyed your comments on other blogs and stopped by to read you. I’ve lurked for a while and chose today to comment because your words touched me here and the other places I’ve witnessed them. Bless you and thank you.
jenboglasss last blog post..The Friday Five
August 24th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Jackal says:
{{{ hugs }}}
August 24th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Nana Diaries says:
I’m a newbie blogger and just learning what a great community the blogosphere is. So right back atchya, and thanks for the smiles.
Love your designs.
KJ
http://nanadiaries.wordpress.com
Nana Diariess last blog post..DWEE and the Happy Dwarf
August 24th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Kelley says:
Dammit Maggie.
Why can’t I be you. I am trying to say thankyou for all the support I have received since my own post and have nothing.
And what you said is exactly how I feel.
You are amazing dammit. Love you for it.
Kelleys last blog post..At peace.
August 24th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Angel says:
Maggie, I have been writing the exact same posts for two months or more now. Forced posting would get us killed over at AAYSR, but I haven’t been able to help it. Just like you said, I’ve just needed the connection with the few people who read me. Really READ me. Life has been a series of “wtf”s, and I’ve needed the companionship from the people I’ve grown to care about here in this medium.
So trust me, I LOVE the puppy card. Use them anytime. I’m just glad you’re around!
August 25th, 2008 at 2:46 am
c.a. Marks says:
OH! How I can relate.
August 25th, 2008 at 6:32 am
Elisa says:
It’s hard to believe you can feel so close to someone you’ve never met, isn’t it? But somehow I think a faithful blog reader can know the blogger more deeply than real-life friends sometimes. Because when you pour yourself into your blog, it shows. And that’s why we don’t just love your blog, we love you, Maggie. Glad you are feeling better.
Elisas last blog post..Take me to the fair… or NOT!
August 25th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Rock and Roll Mama says:
Cyber hugs. I hear you, sister. I would have been lost without cyber friends last week. Left you an award thingy over at my place. xoxo, L
August 25th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Margaret (Nanny Goats) says:
Share your problem with a few friends and you get a physical pat on the shoulder, but share it with a bazillion strangers and you get a whole boatload of virtual ones. They’re both good.
Margaret (Nanny Goats)s last blog post..NGIP Spills It Over At Merlotmom
August 25th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Gypsy says:
I doff Xbox’s cap ’cause I don’t have one.
I got nothing but warm fuzzies for the blog world these days. Thanks right back to you.
August 25th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Mrs. Kitty says:
I’m in the same place of announcing my pain and knowing I’m putting others in a state of “oh crap, what do I say now” mode.
But anything said in sincerity is beautiful. Even when it was “I have no idea what to say”.
So I’m sending a bunch of “I have no idea what to say, but just know that I love ya and wish for your pain to go away” cards. XOXOXO
Mrs. Kittys last blog post..The Silver Lining
August 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Amanda says:
Well, then let’s just got the park at dusk. We can sit on the swings. We’ll just be, quiet and together, watching the mountains hide and the come into view as our feet fly high over the trees. We’ll stay until dark and feel the air grow cooler. No words, just stars and sighs.
Friend.
Amandas last blog post..Sewn by murmurs and touch
August 25th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
jill says:
I’m here!, and thanks for being there for me
jills last blog post..Punching Bag
August 25th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
jen says:
i’m reading, here and other places, and i hear you, and i am standing shoulder to shoulder.
jens last blog post..neighborly
August 25th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Zombie says:
I went in this chat room once called the Blue Room. It was a room for depressed people and they would all sit and say nothing for hours. I stayed even though I was bored out of my mind just because it was nice to see people enjoying others company without speaking. Some would talk and others had nothing to say, but it was all good. However I never went back, because a chat room should be a chat room. A library would be a better place for silence. : )
August 25th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Veronica says:
Poke. Poke.
You look pretty today.
xx
August 25th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Loralee says:
Hugs, my friend.
Big, freaking hugs.
Loralees last blog post..Sideblog: Inappropriate Stumble Upon tag
August 25th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Meg Casey says:
sucks Maggie–you make me get all shivery even when you write about having nothing to write–peppy cursors, puppy dog cards, requests for cookies…I will take it any day.
You are one of my favorites and I love reading your magical words whatever they say.
And am thankful for the community you offer to me.
xo m
Meg Caseys last blog post..Back to School
August 25th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
arizaphale says:
Vacant. Yes, I know that one. Sometimes there is so much in behind the dam wall that all you can come up with are platitudes and shallow comments on the Olympics. Otherwise the dam might break. And that wouldn’t be pretty. After all, my mother reads my blog. Perhaps we should all have a mother-free blog to digitally vomit on?
arizaphales last blog post..Best Shot Monday: Wildlife Again
August 26th, 2008 at 7:56 am
melissa says:
They can belittle this medium all they want, reduce it to a petty tangle of wires and chips, but they’re wrong.
Damn right.
I for one am emotional and overwhelmed that you choose to let us into your heart. I look forward to seeing where your journey takes you, heartbreaks and all.
melissas last blog post..the chai story
August 26th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
magpie says:
You’re welcome.
magpies last blog post..Serendipity
August 27th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Emerald says:
I heart the internet
What awesome things it has brought along for the binary ride.
Emeralds last blog post..Fun Developments!
August 27th, 2008 at 7:30 pm