About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

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Monday, March 10, 2014

And We Feared Computers Would De-Humanize Us

Well Tabor at One Day At A Time and Mage at Postcards have really gotten a lot of us thinking about why we write our blogs.  Me, too.  I began writing KATHY'S PEACE a few years ago because of the nudging, prodding, okay, downright harangue of one Cheryl at MyLadeda.  At the time I did it because of the novelty, now that I've left my classroom and all my wonderful colleagues, it's an important connection to me; a reminder that I'm not alone.

I don't post as many of you do - on a daily basis.  I wait until I have something to share.  And I must admit when I log on and see "comment awaiting moderation" I am overjoyed!  Pathetic, huh?  But it's true.  I wish I attracted more comments, but the ones I do get are profound and heartfelt, and I'm thankful.

Both Tabor and Mage have brought into question the effect their -- I guess all of our blogs --  have on others.  I think these talented scribes might sometimes overlook the fact that a kind word, an interesting photo, a crafted phrase have the effect of ripples on a pond.  Their pasts, their posts continue to change us all.  And more than this, we've all made friends -- people we would have never met.  Amazing...


9 comments:

Bilbo said...

We all love getting comments, so it's hardly pathetic for you to get excited when they come in. And isn't it great to live someplace where we can actually write a blog without being censored?

Linda Reeder said...

Yep to all you said here. I love getting comments too, and yes, the interaction here in the blogosphere does off set the lack of contact I used to have while I was working.
And many of these friendships feel very real to me.

Kimberly said...

I love FB in keeping us connected, but I like the further intimacy of the blogs. It invites us more deeply into each others lives - to know and to share. With that being said, at some point I need to get back into mine.

Susan @ A Slice of My Life said...

I'm doing this challenge to blog every day this month. After blogging so erratically for the last couple years, it's really, really hard. Even after telling myself that I'm just doing it for me, those comments make all the difference! You can just call me pathetic too!

Forsythia said...

I love comments, too. Who doesn't? I started blogging when we had Mom living with us. It was a good way to blow off steam. I enjoy going back and rereading--and yes, laughing--at some of the things that went on when she was with us.

Purple Flowers said...

Hi Kathy: I also would like to increase my readership, however, the people who do comment are sincerely interested in the topic. My blog has become a friend, someplace I can go to be creative, and I find it relaxing as well. I am trying to write approximately three times per week, but that is a goal. Keep on' going girl.

Sally Wessely said...

You summed it all up so well. My life is so rich because of the connections I've made through blogging. I remember little things about you and others. I know you better than I know my next door neighbor. I've loved your book recommendations. I like your take on life. The crazy thing is, I wouldn't know you if we ran into each other on the street. I blog for many reasons, but mostly for the connections to others.

Gilly said...

Kathy, I always enjoy your blogs, you write on such interesting topics. But it made me wonder why I write my blog, or rather, don't write it! I am very lazy about posting new blogs, but I think you have stirred me up to there might be a new one soon!

I have never met any of my 'blog friends' most of you being the other side of the Atlantic to me! But I love feeling a little bit connected to other people. Even if its only buy blogs!

Cobalt Violet said...

I've only met one blog friend in person …in Italy! And an Instagram friend too.

I love that you really feel how small the world is. We are all connected … and it's fun to see when we have mutual blog friends, too.

I go through phases with how often I post but it's OK. Everyone at their own pace.

My sister is the one who got me blogging, before she did, because I was recovering from surgeries and it gave me something fun to create while recuperating.

Happy Spring to you!!!