"Two Readers, Two Stories"

Several years ago, I wrote a column for my guild's monthly newsletter. I've mentioned it here before. I just loved doing that. I thought my columns were fairly interesting, but I got very little feedback. At a certain point, I decided that basically, I was just "talking to myself" and that perhaps someone else could do a better job, so I stopped. Then, along came my computer, then email, then the magazine "Artful Blogging," which introduced me to the world of blogging. Oh, I could do that, I thought. So, my daughter helped me set up my blog. I began. And, once again, at least for a while, I thought I was right back where I started...excited, but "talking to myself."

Then, slowly, but surely, people began to make comments. I began to collect FOLLOWERS! (I still can't "see" them, but I know they are there as I see the count on my dashboard whenever I post.) There are people who actually read my posts! Well, I know two of them are my children, bless their hearts, but there are OTHERS. Wow! So, while there is pressure to "be interesting," I'm going to abide by my son's advice which was "to write about what I want to and please myself first...otherwise it won't be fun and I won't like doing it and if I don't like doing it, no one will enjoy reading it." (He's a very smart man!) I want to like doing it....the same way I loved to write those montly newsletter columns years ago...only with feedback this time.

And, I'm getting feedback! O happy day! It's wonderful to hear what people have to say and gratifying to know that I have somehow managed to touch base with other human beings "out there" on this very small planet we inhabit. It just makes my day!!! And, each person has their own story...I just love stories!!

Here are two. Yesterday, I had a small box delivered to my door, a total surprise. (Don't you love to get packages???) I had no idea who it was from as I hadn't ordered anything. Looking at the return address, I had no idea who this person was. I opened the box and was taken by such surprise, I was totally speechless. (It is not easy to find me speechless!) A lovely reader named Nancy, from Virginia, sent me the cutest bird house/nest music box and I'm posting her note so you can read her story in her own words. The instant I read the card, I remembered sending her a book...she had won a giveaway on my blog earlier in the year. Now, imagine....Nancy, using HER time and money to thank ME? I am touched. I am the one grateful for her and this group of dedicated "readers." It's such a pleasure for me to "talk" with them. Thank YOU, Nancy!!

Then, there is Anne. She has sent me many comments and emails...always giving me encouragement. She was particularly taken with that Robin pincushion, writing for permission to make one of her own. Well, since she asked politely, of course, I told her she could as long as she gave me design credit if she showed it anywhere. Over a couple of weeks, she emailed with questions, which I tried to answer as best I could...she sent photos of work in progress, which she wanted me to critique. I did. I suggested some stitches she might want to try, etc., and encouraged her to just "go for it" and see what she could do, interpreting my pattern in her own way. She had not done any silk ribbon embroidery before. A few days ago, she sent these photos in an email so I could see her finished product. I snapped these photos right off my computer screen. I am just thrilled with what she has created. She did a fine job and I love the result. We talked, she sewed, she shared, and we are both better for it. How cool is that? Another reader/friend. Thank YOU, Anne!

Both these ladies expressed a desire to be in a class with me....oh, wouldn't that be FUN!!! But, it occurs to me that this blog is probably the next best thing....and available to those of us miles and miles apart. Now, that is something writing that newsletter column long ago could never have done. Boy, am I lucky these days....thanks, ALL you readers! Take care, pat