"Traveler...there is no path...paths are made by walking.." -Antonio Machado
"We do not belong to those who only get their thoughts from books, or at the prompting of books... it is our custom to think in the open air, walking, leaping, climbing, or dancing on lonesome mountains by preference, or close to sea, where even the paths become thoughtful...."
"Still round the corner there may wait, a new road or a secret gate...." -J.R.R. Tolkein
This summer I sat in the back of The Floyd Country Store with Colleen. We tried to hear each other over the din of bluegrass music and the 'whooping and hollerin' of dancers having a grand time on the dance floor. She saved me from having to do the Texas two-step with a sweaty hillbilly with no regard for personal space. We talked of things of the heart and similarities in our journey.
The next night, I spent an evening with Fred First and his wife, Ann...under a canopy of old-growth Oak trees...listening to traditional Appalachian music.
It seems fitting.... the first two bloggers I met in person were the authors of the first blogs I read. The two that inspired me to start blogging.... They both add a little beauty to the world with their words, musings, photography, poetry.
Blogging has been a pleasant journey for me...a creative outlet.. a voice for my thoughts.... a world opened....and I have stumbled into an incredible community of fellow journeyman that I consider friends. Some of whom I have shared on a deeper level with....beyond blogging. And I am grateful for the new paths made and shared. This was most evident over the summer, when I had to attend to personal matters and blogging was put aside for a time. I was moved by all that checked in regularly, words of well-wishes and prayers, and thoughts and lovely words sent my way.
What an interesting world... where the thoughts of a country girl in Appalachia could reach India....and Britian.... Canada..... the Netherlands... and all points in between..... and foundations of friendships could be laid out.... journeys could be shared with people who are also climbing the mountains.... living life... dancing....leaping.. and sharing along the way.
And here's to future friendships and meetings, where our paths get to leave the virtual world and converge in the flesh.... my set date with Anna to chat over Diet Coke and a Dr. Pepper.... and perhaps some margaritas, as she has been known to boast about her skills as a margarita mix master. She's been with me from the start of my blogging journey.... and I'd be hard-pressed to find a post without an encouraging comment from her. And a future date with Moi, who lives near one of my sisters......to watch cheesy Bollywood movies while we paint our toe-nails and eat bon-bons. And who knows what other encounters might follow.....
100 posts ...... 'and miles to go before I sleep'......
21 comments:
Wonderful post sweetie. I've enjoyed a somewhat voyeristic view into this creative world while reading over your shoulder the past few months. You have grown in so many ways over the past year. Thanks for sharing your journey with me.
-Hubby.
such a lovely post , Blue...here's to many more hundreds and other milestones ...beautiful pictures too...the simplicity and gravity of your words always leaves me thinking or smiling :)
And If i can ever make my way to Appalachia,I'll come armed with the cheesiest of Bollywood movies :)
have a happy Sunday :)
And I see tons of domestic encouragement too :)
Wow, we really do have the same hair! It's quite clear in that pic of you on the rock looking over the vista.
Such a beautiful post. I was moved by your words and by the experiences you've shared with those you love and who introduced you to blogging. I'm so glad they did because that means we've been able to become friends!
You are a beautiful heart, a beautiful spirit, a free-floating wild spirit who needs to run free and dance. I'm glad God made you for this world.
moi... lookin' forward to it.... wink! :)
christianne....you are such an encouragement...always. and don't forget we also share the gap in our front teeth...hmmm... wonder what that means.....
Great post! And such a nice comment from your other half!
I'm surprised you found me in the crowd. I like your red pants and the view. I also enjoyed reading your thoughts on blogging. Ditto!
Great ruminations! Love the Nietzsche quote - open air, walking, mountains.
Congratulations on your milestone of 100 posts and on making new friends along the way. I always think of your blog-name when hearing John Denver sing:
"West Virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads"
Have a great day!
Lots of congratulations on your 100 posts milestone. Blogging is a special world and I am happy to be a part of it.
Your sensitive style and thoughts are a joy to see in every post.
Come to Northern California and we will have a great time together.
Sue
What a fantastic post -- I love your reflections on what the world of blogging has opened up for you. Originally, I did it as an easy way to stay in touch with folks -- and new, exciting, and unexpected doors have been opened as a result. Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts & photos!!
susan.... i remember a warm welcome to blogging from you and kenju on my very first post.
sue- i've never been to california, actually never further west than missouri. i may take you up on that offer someday... :)
kirsten....glad our worlds bumped into each other, friend.
Nice post for your 100th blogiversary! I'm so glad you decided to blog too--kinda feel like it keeps me 'connected' to you guys, even though we don't get to actually see each other any more!
Please keep your posts coming! I enjoy all of them :)
And so technology ultimately serves relationship, especially in your experience... I wonder if the creator's of all this could have foreseen it?
Have I mentioned lately how totally sweet you are? I am thrilled that we have "met" and I look forward to fixing you a margarita! :) This was such a thoughtful post and I feel the same way about you and all the wonderful comments you leave for me...
So thanks. You are such a wonderful blessing in my life...you and your sis! :)
Love ya! I will email you tomorrow!
What a beautiful 100th post! I felt so reminiscent just reading it - and I haven't been around here from the beginning either! I'm so grateful for the support you've felt, and that you had the opportunity to meet special blogging friends. Perhaps this next 100, we will meet!?! :)
Great post, and I love the photos! You guessed right - and I was in Charleston. Thanks for the visit.
You and I have one blogger in common (Anna), but the two you have met are on my list of hopefuls. Someday I will come to Floyd for that! I hope to meet you there too.
That would be little miss Wonder Girl in my profile picture. I lived with Mother Skylark and the rest of them this summer and last. I'll make sure to post some recent pictures of them for you!!
dear Azure skies
simple yet so realistic thought from you ....quite like a gentle intrusion by a string of zephyr to which we have nothing to say against but desire to extend our stay within its realm.....are not we the writers and poets for those paths that we take willingly most times or unwillingly at times ?
"still round the corner there may wait, a new road or a secret gate...." as quoted by R.R. Tolkein....profound!
Conversations across the coffee table take you and your mates through a prolonged jog down memory lane where the fields tremble with the same sweetness as you perceived to have earlier, n you wonder how can retain that moisture and sweetness so effortlessly...glad to know that you have been enjoying this world of pleasant words only to discover what you are capable of ...moment by moment! and how much comfort you seem to have given to many a like-minded heart
May you have many more conversations breathing in splendid warmth....
it's such a delight to stumble upon a wild flower that seem to have read many notes that are so familiar to me..
Jyo
jyo..... lovely comment. thank you! and yes, about us being the writers and poets of our own paths. i think there is gentle guidance from the heavens toward the right direction, but ultimately, we are the ones who choose them. all of ours differ.... but i love all the intersections along the way, where our paths get to intertwine with kindred souls along the way. that is life to me.......
Lovely thoughts and photos. That's some beautiful country.
Yes, beautiful country. Is that hiking trail and mountain top in WV, MD...?
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