I don’t feel like there’s a bad side of blogging. Vince and Chad may feel differently! When we lived in Kentucky, Chad was in high school and worked part-time at Kroger. Every now and then “some little old lady”, according to Chad, would come in and say “I know you! I read your mother’s blog!” Oh, that made him so mad! When we were in MO, Chad was in a McDonald’s in a nearby town and someone said the same thing to him. A reader told me that she saw Chad at a different McDonald’s and almost said something to him and didn’t. He never likes it when I mention him. It probably isn’t fair for me to mention him since he doesn’t want to be mentioned. If I mention him every now and then, he shouldn’t complain, right?
Not long ago a reader, who has been a friend for a long time, said something like “It must feel like you’re living your life in a fish bowl” because I post about everything. But, I really don’t. There are a lot of things I don’t share. You’re welcome! I share what I want to share, which is a huge portion of my life. Nothing that I do is really secret or “not safe to share”. Heck, about the worst thing I’ve done is run across the driveway to the RTV without my clothes on because I was fixing to get in the shower, and then I realized there were low flying helicopters overhead; or taking a shower in the front yard with a water hose from the orchard well when our house well had gone out. It’s kinda funny, maybe kinda sad, that there’s nothing we do back here that can’t be shared publicly.
I don’t think I’m wrong about this but I feel like anywhere in the U.S. I could find myself, if I needed help, legitimately needed help . . and I put it on the blog, there are readers who would be close by or would have friends close by who would help me. I’m not in the habit of asking for help so don’t anyone get worried that I might call you but it’s a good feeling. A “friend” mentioned in a comment last night that even though we’ve never met, she feels like we’re friends and I feel the same way about so many of you.
When I mentioned I was having a problem finding beads, a long time reader asked what I needed . . she has two bead stores near her. Several readers have sent things for Addie – things they either found in their treasures or little trinkets they saw and thought of her. Readers are always coming across recipes they think I need. Some (Amy? Denise?) are often sending links to patterns they think I should knit.
I’m not a recluse but I could be, so long as I could have internet, I’m not very social at all so it does me a lot of good, emotionally and mentally, having “friends” on the internet. You aren’t like “make believe” friends, right? I’m not crazy for “talking” to you all, am I? You are real, right? Good. I’m not crazy . . yet!
Jackie says
No you are not crazy, we are just fortunate to be able to share your life through your blog. I only wish I lived near you and I could visit.
Ruth says
I can see us all descending on your farm, waving to Vince, examining the chickens in the chickenhouse (I mentioned your blog to my daughter when she brought me 6 light green eggs from their chickens Sunday), and just generally enjoying your home and garden! We would all have something to share and we’d feel like long-time friends, some more than others, I’m sure.
I know when my children(6) have gotten married, and I’ve met their Moms, I’ve felt as if I were friends with them already, probably because our childrens’ relationship started as friends.
And after all, isn’t that what we’d all like to be, friends with everyone we meet?
Ruth Chow says
Yesterday a friend brought over a knitting problem that I couldn’t help with. It looked like brioche (I found out it’s fisherman’s rib) and I remembered you’re now an accomplished brioche knitter. I told my friend: “If I can’t figure it out, I know I could ask Judy.” My plan is to take it to the knitting guild meeting on Thursday where someone can help, but my point is that I felt like I could ask you! And yes, if you needed help in Atlanta, I’d be glad to help if I could.
cassews says
YEP We as humans all need friends-some to cry on their shoulder, share a hobby, to just talk or text or blog to… If you and Vince are ever in Western Colorado and need help just let us know and we’ll be as quick as we can !!!
Tee says
Said to my husband: “I am glad to hear my friend Judy in Texas wasn’t close to the floods from Harvey”
Husband to me: “You don’t have any friends in Texas…Judy is a blog writer.”
Me: :/
Dottie says
I think there are a lot of us who consider you one of our friends. I’ve learned a lot of things from following your blog as well as enjoyed, immensely, the stories your share with us. Keep on keeping on!
dezertsuz says
I’m completely make believe, but it’s okay. All my IRL friends think I’m real, too. =) If you are ever stuck within 500 miles of Knoxville, you can call me. I’ll send you my number. LOL Yes, I have friends I met on the internet. In fact, my best friend for over 20 years, who died in 2013, was someone I met on the internet and we carried it over into real life and loved each other even more! I’ve met a lot of my internet friends, and I haven’t yet been disappointed or found them to be someone different from the person I think they are. You are safe with us!
Linda in NE says
No, you’re not crazy and yes, I’m real. There are a few people on the Internet that I consider friends too even though I’ve never met them in person. I consider you one of them. My husband thinks I’m nuts when I mention Judy in Texas, or CJ in Arkansas, or Janna in Montana or Mary in Florida, or a couple RVing couples, but I’ve read the blogs or FB pages for years and these people do become friends….even if it’s just in my own mind. 🙂
obed101 says
After the flood waters came to Louisiana and changed my life, I decided i would blog every day telling people what it took to move forward and rebuild. It was cathartic. Although Frank can’t understand why I do it, it is like a mental health visit. For me, blogging kept me sane.
Kay L Ford-Sollimo says
I cannot remember when I started reading your blog, but it was when you were a quilter (more than a knitter). Anyway, I was thrilled when you became a grandma. My granddaughter, Eden, was 6 on July 29th so you can see why I love hearing about Addie. I had to wait until I was 71 to have Eden. Now, guess what? Son #2 recently surprised me with the fact that I’ll have another grandbaby come February. I enjoy reading about all of your cooking, gardening, knitting, chickens, Addie, and Vince adventures – so, yes, I consider you a friend. We seem to agree about alot of things, too. If ever in NJ near Philadelphia, just give a whistle and I’ll help.
Tina in NJ says
About a year and a half ago, I was reading a blog and realized that I was staying at the SAME hotel (in Disney World) at the SAME time as Kelli Hansen from Jo’s Country Junction. I was with my family and she was at a nursing conference. We didn’t connect, but I thought I passed her in the hallway. Yup, blog friends get around.
wanda j says
Yes You could call on me anytime and I’ll be there. I really enjoy your blog and all the things you and Vince get into.If I had your address I would send you things form time to time. But I don’t have it and understand why you don’t give it out over the internet. Someday maybe you will can share I also love hearing about Addie since my DGD is now 19 and in college it brings back wonderful memories of those long past days with her.
patty says
I just saw the movie again Julie & Julia and I thought about why I blog. You are not any crazier than me! I have made some wonderful friends thru blogging. If you are even stuck in NE Ohio you can give me a shout. You helped me out with finding a source for survivor type food which I appreciated!
Donna inKS says
Even my adult sons and daughters (in law) know/hear about my friend in Texas! They believe both you and I are real!! And friends. And both a little ditsy! I think you have my number.
Joyce says
Yep, I’m real too! You’re not crazy, unless you want to be…LOL
Krista says
One of my favourite memories is coming down to your place in Texas back in 2010 for your retreat. My first ever retreat, and I travelled a heck of a long way to get there. But it was great, and wonderful to meet you – and proof that at least a few of your followers are real people 🙂 And now I love telling the story of how I travelled from Ottawa, Canada down to Texas for my very first quilt retreat and got to meet you.
Donna in KS says
….and meeting you, Krista, was a real treat for me! I see you’ve finished that colorful quilt of “boxes” as my husband called it! I really like it.
Kathy Henderson says
Hi Judy – I’m a long time reader (I remember when Chad was in high school!), but I don’t often comment – I’m terrible that way! I found you through quilting and even though you don’t quilt much anymore, I still look forward to checking in every day because I feel like we are “friends” by now. I think one of the reasons that I read your blog is because you and your family are what I consider good people. In this day and age, good people are getting harder and harder to find. And if you ever find yourself needing help around San Jose, CA, you’ve got friends here too!
justquiltin says
Having spent time with you I can attest that you ARE crazy but that’s like the pot calling the kettle black in this instance. We crazy people have to stick together. 🙂
Emma says
I absolutely feel like that! I mostly just read your posts and don’t comment…but if you’re ever in Waco between now and June, please let me know – I’d love to do lunch or something! You’d have to put up with my toddler (and baby, if you come this way after February) and dog if you’re at my house…but knowing you’re just a county or two away is kind of fun. And if you need something to do mid-February my quilt guild will be holding a show here in the convention center. I know you don’t really sew yourself now but if you’d like to see some beautiful quilts you could come!