I Quietly Shuttered My Blog . . .

And then . . .

YOU DID WHAT?!?!?

But, I have lots more to post on your blog!

I haven't done my tutorial for claymation,
I haven't played my piano . . .

AAAAAAAAAhhhhhhh!

And then . . .

My comment box and email basket

began to overflow

with the most precious words of encouragement . . . 

 And then . . .

I began to overflow . . .

And then . . .

I thought about the wonderful analogies you sweet readers expressed to me:

Blogging is a gift we give of one's self

Blogging has yielded a neighborhood for us to share life within

Blogging made us neighbors

(and neighbors do so miss neighbors who pack up and move)

Blogging has become SO MUCH MORE than a virtual exercise

Blogging matters

And on and on the list goes . . .

I knew it all once upon a time, but dark clouds of late had pushed all those thoughts from sight.

But then I closed my eyes and felt it . . .

The best and most beautiful things in the world

cannot be seen or even touched -

they must be felt with the heart.

Helen Keller

  . . . and the clouds receded.

* * * * *

So dear friends, I shall be away for a time wherein I shall discard a very "logical" decision to quit blogging in favor of a heartfelt promise to hold teatimes here at Wisteria Cottage whenever the spirit moves me.  In between the pourings out, I shall supervise the building of a new greenhouse and the planning of a MUCH BIGGER GARDEN -- this alone should provide endless subject matter for blogging.  I shall also be fitting in a delightful visit to my sister in North Carolina next week for some RandR and a much needed stockpile of endorphins (if you can hear laughing . . . it's us).  Did I mention that I will be finishing my prayer garden, and learning to make cheese, and  . . . ?

Most of all I wish to give you all a hug (the REAL kind) as I fling wide the shutters of this wonder-filled little spot wherein I keep something very special:  FRIENDS!  I love you all so much . . . and I have only actually "met" a one or two.  Amazing!  I think a bloggy get together truly is in order some day, but until then we will meet here for tea on occasion and it will be WONDERFUL.  (And off she goes with a grin on her face and a dance step at her feet . . . truly blessed with something more valuable than a bit of extra time in each day.)

p.s.

Touché Karen Deborah . . . you win.  I started blogging at your request to see what we are up to, and yes it captured that spirit of being neighbors again.  When Chris in Alaska mentioned that she blogged to give her mom a glimpse of belonging she also encouraged me to think who might need the same from me.  I immediately thought of you and the tears flowed -- it was like moving all over again!!!  (A childhood of steady moves has made it an Achilles Heel for me -- I loathe moving!!)  I could not leave you on that couch in front of the tv.  I would rather you come here via blogger express and laugh at the chickens and the kids and all the rest.  

You dear readers have ALL showered me with the "pick me up" I needed to conquer the perfectionist publisher in me  (forgive me, it used to be my livelihood) and toss aside the schedules in favor of a bit of whimsy on occasion.

I'll be away for a time, but I shall return now and again with the kettle bubbling and the stories brimming as I share tales of life among the wisteria and the roses. 

XO!