I’m not complaining; just telling it like it is.
And then along comes a comment at the end of a post or an email from a fan with whom I’ve connected courtesy of the world-wide web; and I smile, reaping the benefits of our connection, however tenuous.
Can you guess . . .
I received an email this week from a fan of A Place Called Roam. Her name is Suzanne. I might not have shared that detail were it not for the fact my heartfelt response bounced back, apparently lost in the abyss otherwise known as the internet when all goes according to plan. So this is my only means for telling you, Suzanne, how much I appreciate your kudos. I needed a bit of encouragement this week from the world at large.
Suzanne said, “Your site is wonderful. I have learned so much from your information – Please continue!! Thank you. Much appreciated.”
There are no strangers in the world; only friends I have yet to meet.
The ‘please continue!!’ took me by surprise. Then again, sometimes we’re so close to the action we can’t see the forest for the trees. In fact, sometimes life gets so crazy, or challenging, or sad that we can’t see the forest for the trees. Loved ones die; babies are born; friendships are found; and we get lost. Why is it the lost are always the last to discover their GPS has gone goofy?
Suzanne; I’m not going anywhere, which obviously explains my frequently not knowing if I’m coming or going. From time to time my family has me going, here, there, anywhere, and everywhere. In fact, I’m headed to Florida tomorrow to spend some time with my father, while he still has time. He turned 90 in February. Like most his age in failing health, he’s ready to check out. And so once again, posting may be slim. Family always comes first. Of course they think I'm retired and don't know what to do with all my free time. Yeah, right!
It’s been one thing or another of late, as you’ve obviously noticed via the dwindling posts. Did you all put Suzanne up to speaking to me on behalf of the group?
What’s the deal, Sherry? Are you in or are you out? Post or get off the pot/internet!
Let’s just say, Suzanne, when I know what’s happening, you’ll be the first to know, although I’ll need an email address that takes me to your mailbox, Suzanne. Meanwhile, I’ll keep doing what I love, what I need to do, what allows me a creative outlet, a voice, a place I can call my own in the midst of all the chaos called retirement. And A Place Called Roam will continue to evolve along with me.
I’d love for you to continue doing what you’ve been doing – stopping by, sharing a moment of your time, adding your two cents via post comments, the Contact Page, or via my blog email account, gr8tergd@gmail.com. And if that's not what you've been doing, jump in any time. I know our relationship is by no means ‘for better or for worse’ (in some social circles, it might even be said there is no relationship; whatever!). Jimmy has promised to stay through thick and thin. Bottom line; do what feels right for you.
BTW; liking my Facebook page for A Place Called Roam, or signing up for the RSS feed on the blog itself below the heading 'For Automatic Blog Updates' will eliminate the frustration of visiting my site daily only to find there is no new post. A link to new posts will show up on your Facebook page or in your email in same time, depending on your choice of delivery. Either way, I do not have access to your email address or any personal information unless you specifically share that information. Your anonymity is secure. And since I’m not the Federal Government, I don’t think you have to worry about hackers.
NOW, how about some Fun Fotos! It is Friday, after all. I'm still alive and kicking, and ready to roll. I might even consider some exercise, given that's today's theme.
Oh, and thanks again, Suzanne (and Joan and Diane, my tried and true blog cheerleaders for every post). The encouragement is always a blessing, from friends both old and new.
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