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| Szeged, Hungary |
1 year / 365 days / 8760 hours / 525600 minutes and 204 posts.
I've often wondered what it is that drives bloggers to keep writing and ultimately what compels me to keep blogging. Many have said blogging is therapeutic and I certainly can't object to that. But there is more. There is definitely more. Past the followers and the stats and the popularity.
At the bottom of it all, I very much suspect is our innermost desire to connect and socialize. To share and be accepted. I have often wrote on my blog how isolated I felt and unable to find like minded people within my community. I started writing this blog in English with the intent of reaching a larger audience. With the hope of finding someone somewhere who will appreciate my quirky sense of humor, my love for pink and turquoise.
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| winter sunset somewhere between Romania and Hungary |
I knew that somewhere out there there are people who share my aversion to curtains and reality TV and who think Hercule Poirot really is the cat's pajamas.
What I have found is all that and more. In as little as a year I've made some real friends, I've honed my ability to write and express myself, made a lot of interesting discoveries, gained so much knowledge and experience I'd need to write at least three more blogs to convey it all.
There are no words to express my happiness and gratitude and a sense of awe. I never imagined so much kindness and appreciation exists.
Thank you all for this amazing experience :-)
And I thank you back - you are one of the bloggers that make me feel special with your comments and your posts!!You are so honest - thank you for that!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, it means a lot to me :-)
DeleteAna, I agree that blogging is really about connecting with like-minded souls, to share thoughts and ideas. Increasingly I experience more intimacy with online friends than I do with offline friends, most of whom have never read my blog, couldn't care less what I have to say. Some of these people have trouble listening to me in person too. That's what you get for being a good listener, which I am :).
ReplyDeleteWhen I started blogging I never told any of my friends. It was something just for me. A few months ago I told a few of my friends and the reaction was incredibily positive. This encouraged me to venture further out and tell more people about it.
DeleteI'm now slowly settling into my identity as a blogger.
I blog in english for the same reason like you. I would not want to miss your blog! btw, I adore your English skills How did you master the English language? Your vocabulary is excellent!
ReplyDeleteI don't share your love for Etsy and DIY, but still, there are so many aspects that connect us. And most of all I enjoy the fact that I know this one young female in Slovenia, like you being the ruler of Slovenia. Totally out of proportion, I know! ;-) But that's how I see the blogosphere.
I've been studying it since I was 8 ;-) Lots of classes, lots of extra effort and sheer determination. My only regret is that my French is so sadly neglected and I used to be very fluent :-(
DeleteI agree with Paula. Your English is excellent. I forget that you're not a native speaker. I have enjoyed reading your blog and of course I always appreciate your thoughtful comments on mine.
ReplyDeleteThanks :-)I always admire your candid and complex posts. I love how you have this great ability to express your own point of view and even if our backgrounds are different you're able to get your message across.
DeleteI thought you were a native speaker!
ReplyDeleteSusan, I suppose you thought I was an English speaking person who moved to Slovenia then? Either way, thanks for the compliment. My accent on the other hand is a dead giveaway ;-P
DeleteYes, I did imagine you had moved there!
Deletecoffeeaddict, I would love to read a posting on the "extra effort" you made to master the foreign language. Did you study English in language courses after school? I read English novels, blogs and news and I watch English movies, too, but all the effort does not deliver the final touch. What is your secret? Do you keep dictionary at your hand and look up words you don't know for the final touch? Can you recommend study books?
ReplyDeleteDetermination is not the question over here :-)
Paula, I suppose you're right to some extent. Determination is sometimes not enough. To answer your question: I had about 4 years of English lessons from the age of 8 till 12, I also had 8 years of English in school (4 in grammar school, 4 in high school), a few one week courses with trainers and natives speakers. The thing that tips it all over is how much time and effort I put into it on a daily basis: I'm very precise with formulating my sentences when writing posts, many of them are written in advance. I take notice of how words are used in sentences, especially uncommon or specific vocabulary. I also pay attention to syntax, phrases, idioms, etc... I'm relentless when it comes to getting it right, might sound harsh but I'm very critical when it comes to spelling ;-)
DeleteI hope this answers your question.
cofeeaddict, sorry if this goes off-topic, but I could not find an email-adress for a private talk. It seems there is no such thing as a study-book you could recommend. Do you use a dictionary when writing a posting? Or a grammar-book?
DeleteI know when a syntax does not feel quite right, but I have no clue how to put it right.
When you pay attention, you still need to know how to put it right. Maybe the one week courses with trainers are the key?
Thank you for taking your time for answering my silly questions and please – don't be severe with my frequent misspelling.
Did you never feel like writing a posting in Slovenian? The meaning seems to alter, depending on the language one uses.
So true....no way would I have 'met' and chatted away normally (unless friends' children) to a
ReplyDeleteintelligent interesting woman of 30....the internet has given this to me.
I enjoy your refreshing,honest comments which is denied often in daily life between wide age groups.
Sadly I am no longer part of my daughter's life,and I miss what fresh ideas young women bring to
the mix of daily life.
Thank you for the year you have shared....looking forward to this year's ride. Ida
Your avatar photos are always a visual treat :-)
DeleteAnd I love the company of people who are a bit older than me. I find people my age to be uncultured and boring. It's something I've been struggling with most of my adult life, going out to parties or social gatherings where people tell distasteful jokes or brag about the stuff they own...so very annoying!
I just started blogging two months ago and not sure about it yet. One thing I like is not only finding "like-minded" souls but rather ones who live a lifestyle very different than mine. I like reading only a few blogs and comments and then commenting myself. The time just flies. I was interested to hear why you enjoy blogging. I think I will enjoy the education of it as well as the communication.
ReplyDeleteHi Angele, blogging can be intimidating and completely new at first. My advice is to take it slow, it takes time to develop your own style.
DeleteMy personal policy is to check out the blog a few times, maybe follow anonymously for a while before following someone publicly.
I also love bloggers who are very involved, I love the interaction.
Bot most importantly have fun :-D