To My Neighbors:
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Something almost magical and definitely exciting is happening on Blogland Lane. Many of us are moving in, reaching out, having a great time, making connections, and from the looks of it, there will be many others who join us. It seems we are fueled by a desire to share with and learn from and laugh with one another.
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If I were to choose one word to describe my own investment in Blogland Lane—what I hope to get out of it and hope to give to it—for me that word would be PASSION. Whether it’s a way to connect, to express, to share, to create, to relate, to understand, to be understood, I think most of us are moving to Blogland Lane with hopeful passion.. And virtual or not, I think we just might have good reason.
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This neighborhood was not my idea. Several years ago a blogger and writer named Caroline Smailes created a community like this. I remember being amazed at the creativity her visitors showed, much like the creativity we are showing.
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When I revived the idea on my blog a few weeks ago, I admit I was curious to see if it would take off, and I’m not surprised that it has. I am happy to serve as an interim “mayor,” until the necessary social and technical structure is in place. I know from past experience that it helps to have a few people at first to get and keep things moving, to respond to kinks and needs.
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But I want you to know that my vision is not dependent on me or any one person: I hope for a messy democracy among us, one where our differences and passions are so interesting and welcomed that we learn more about each other and ourselves than we ever expected. I hope for a sharing of artistic and creative works and ideas. I hope for a neighborliness that is often absent in the very real life neighborhood I and probably you too live in, one where I would never say “love you!” as easily or readily or sincerely as I can and do to so many special people I love and care about here in the blogs.
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Many of us are already stepping up: Tessa has given us this incredible logo, Debra Kay is creating and trouble-shooting our blog from the ground up, Middle Aged Woman has set up a directory to track who’s moving in and where to find every one. Others of us may class up the design of this blog, draw us a cool map the neighborhood, coordinate events, open their homes for celebrations, maybe even arrange for some services and supports we can give each other in real time and real life.
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But there is something else I hope for, and I want you to know about it upfront. I hope that the way we form relationships here is transferable to all parts of our lives and that we may end up softer and kinder and more playful and less cautious because of the community and connections we build and participate in here.
.
Something almost magical and definitely exciting is happening on Blogland Lane. Many of us are moving in, reaching out, having a great time, making connections, and from the looks of it, there will be many others who join us. It seems we are fueled by a desire to share with and learn from and laugh with one another.
.
If I were to choose one word to describe my own investment in Blogland Lane—what I hope to get out of it and hope to give to it—for me that word would be PASSION. Whether it’s a way to connect, to express, to share, to create, to relate, to understand, to be understood, I think most of us are moving to Blogland Lane with hopeful passion.. And virtual or not, I think we just might have good reason.
.
This neighborhood was not my idea. Several years ago a blogger and writer named Caroline Smailes created a community like this. I remember being amazed at the creativity her visitors showed, much like the creativity we are showing.
.
When I revived the idea on my blog a few weeks ago, I admit I was curious to see if it would take off, and I’m not surprised that it has. I am happy to serve as an interim “mayor,” until the necessary social and technical structure is in place. I know from past experience that it helps to have a few people at first to get and keep things moving, to respond to kinks and needs.
.
But I want you to know that my vision is not dependent on me or any one person: I hope for a messy democracy among us, one where our differences and passions are so interesting and welcomed that we learn more about each other and ourselves than we ever expected. I hope for a sharing of artistic and creative works and ideas. I hope for a neighborliness that is often absent in the very real life neighborhood I and probably you too live in, one where I would never say “love you!” as easily or readily or sincerely as I can and do to so many special people I love and care about here in the blogs.
.
Many of us are already stepping up: Tessa has given us this incredible logo, Debra Kay is creating and trouble-shooting our blog from the ground up, Middle Aged Woman has set up a directory to track who’s moving in and where to find every one. Others of us may class up the design of this blog, draw us a cool map the neighborhood, coordinate events, open their homes for celebrations, maybe even arrange for some services and supports we can give each other in real time and real life.
.
But there is something else I hope for, and I want you to know about it upfront. I hope that the way we form relationships here is transferable to all parts of our lives and that we may end up softer and kinder and more playful and less cautious because of the community and connections we build and participate in here.
.
That is a lofty hope and I know it. But I might as well tell you that I think it’s possible. I’ve seen it happen. Never in a virtual way, never involving an international group of highly creative and talented people, but I’ve seen people reach out to one another and change themselves and each other in the process.
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So now you know. I have my own hopes and motives. You won’t find me on a soap box about any of them, but I thought I should tell you this: we just may achieve something real and wonderful here.
That is a lofty hope and I know it. But I might as well tell you that I think it’s possible. I’ve seen it happen. Never in a virtual way, never involving an international group of highly creative and talented people, but I’ve seen people reach out to one another and change themselves and each other in the process.
.
So now you know. I have my own hopes and motives. You won’t find me on a soap box about any of them, but I thought I should tell you this: we just may achieve something real and wonderful here.
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Most Sincerely,
Most Sincerely,
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kj
kj
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P.S. At Marymaw's suggestion: what ONE WORD explains your hopes for Blogland Lane?
KJ "what I hope to get out of it and hope to give to it—for me that word would be PASSION."
ReplyDeleteDamn. I thought this blog was for the lethargic. People who can hardly get out of bed. People whose idea of an exciting evening is watching a movie--at home, alone. Maybe tomorrow, maybe after my coffee; I too will be passionate. Look out then, world...or not.
Beautifully said, KJ, and I am looking forward to whatever may come next!
ReplyDeletePassion is an excellent term...I'm thinking "Collaboration." Would you consider adding to the title of this post? Maybe call it "A Letter from KJ and One Word"? I think it would be cool if everybody contributed a term for their hopes!
What a beautiful post. I absolutely love your concept of how our experiences here can transfer to all parts of our lives. In fact, I think your words should be our neighborhood Mission Statement:
ReplyDeleteI (We) hope that the way we form relationships here is transferable to all parts of our lives and that we may end up softer and kinder and more playful and less cautious because of the community and connections we build and participate in here.
Love you too KJ x
ReplyDeleteCommunion.
ReplyDeleteFRIENDS! :)
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more, KJ. You are our Ms Mayor in all respects. I should say: Blogland Lane rules!
ReplyDeleteAnd it's fun! I just haven't a clue what to post and Blogger thinks we're spammers! One word . . community . . and there's not enough of that in the world.
ReplyDeleteHOME?
ReplyDeletecreativity!
ReplyDelete