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Lissa
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Martha wrote:
teachingmom wrote:
But I've begun to feel a bit like an outsider since blogging has become so popular. I'm not saying anything against blogging or any of you who do it. In fact, when I take the time to read some blogs, I really enjoy it and get some great ideas or encouragement.  But maybe we can all be more sensitive about making each member of the 4Real community feel welcome and at home here. |
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  Could you illustrate precisely how we are to be "sensitive" to this??? I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't feel welcome here just because someone else blogs or discusses blogs? 
There's only a few blog references that are all about blogging. Most are about what is ON the blog, what's going on with the person writing it.
I purposely post here because I don't want to get lost in blogland. I post here and have my blog site in my sig line because I hope YOU will come visit! I'm taking the risk here. I'm putting out this olive branch, a wee itty bit of my life to share with you, via my blog to form a connection and for my personal reflection.
A blogs is similiar to a big "Welcome" sign into a small (or large) part of someone else's life and thoughts.  |
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LOL, Martha! I think you and I must have been writing at the same time, and it's funny that we both came to that Welcome sign/mat image simultaneously!
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Lissa
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teachingmom
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Hi Martha and Lissa,
Hmmm. You are both making me think. Exactly why do I feel as I do?
At times references are made to blog posts and comments that make me feel like I'm missing a lot by not keeping up with everyone's blog every day. But I realize that my request to be "sensitive" to non-bloggers wasn't exactly fair because it's not as if any of you are being insensitive in any way. I should not have said it that way. Sorry, Martha.
When I said that I feel on the outside, I guess it had less to do with something any bloggers are doing and more to do with what is no longer happening here, if that makes any sense.
We all have limited internet time. When so many 4Real members began blogs, I noticed a decrease in involvement here by many members whom I had come to really like. (That's completely understandable, since I assume it takes a good chunk of time to keep up your amazing blogs!)
But I had enjoyed the give and take of the conversations here with those women, and I really began to miss them. I can still meet many of you regularly on your blogs, but I feel like the give and take of conversation is missing. And I'm finding that having so many blogs available has increased the time I _could_ spend on the computer exponentially. Maybe I'm feeling like I just can't keep up, yet don't want to miss anything! (I just wish all the conversations could happen here in one place.  ) But it seems like those who are able to keep up have online friendships that go further than what I experience here.
I'm not sure if this makes any sense. I really didn't want to offend any of you who blog by my original post. I just wanted Natalia to know that someone else feels similarly. I obviously didn't word it well at all and ended up sounding like I am blaming others for the way I feel. Sorry!
As I tried to say in my other post, this board is a blessing and I am very grateful for you all.
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~Irene (Mom to 6 girls, ages 7-19)
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teachingmom
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| Posted: Jan 04 2007 at 10:17pm | IP Logged
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I realized I didn't respond to some questions.
Lissa wrote:
| Do blog topics feel more clique-ish than other topics? |
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No, it's definitely not that. As you said, the blog topics are no different than other topics that might not apply to me in some way or other. I can read them if I'm curious, or just ignore them, as I usually do.
Lissa wrote:
| Or is it the camaraderie among the bloggers spilling over into other topics? |
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As I tried to say in the last post, I think this might be what's happening, but I really can't point to specific instances . . . only vague feelings. I guess I'm not being very helpful. Sorry.
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~Irene (Mom to 6 girls, ages 7-19)
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Angie Mc
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I get a nasty cold and need to be away from the computer for WAY too long and look at all the fun I missed  . Great thread...lots to think about!
Natalia wrote:
You have said what was in my mind. I have been on this board from almost the beginning and frankly I don't feel that I am known or that I know people. It is not that the forum is not real to me. It is. I pray for the people here most days. I refer to conversations here frequently but somehow I have never felt that I click with anybody.
So for me the challenge this year is how to make 4real more real...
Natalia
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Thinking back on what made this group/CCM click for me... I basically spilled my guts for a few weeks straight and looked so pitiful that many gracious ladies welcomed me and held my hand and - didn't laugh at me too loudly  . I so wanted to help these ladies who were enriching my life that I offered to share what I did know (administration skills) if they ever needed it. Then I prayed for everyone...still do!
This might help. Members of voluntary groups (from parish groups to message boards) have two driving motivations, community and service. When we talk about friendships we are talking about community. This includes a lot of chit chatting, laughing, eating treats (love it!) and the like. The service is what we give. For me, I've noticed that if I focus my attention on service (sharing my ideas, experience, whatever) then the friendships come gradually over time.
Natalia wrote:
Another observation: I have noticed that the people that feel a part are the ones that don't mind sharing their struggles and worries in the prayer forum. Praying for one another is a great way to start friendships.
Natalia |
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Great observation, Natalia. I love being a part of the prayer requests. Thanks so much for your prayers.
Dawn wrote:
This was only the second "4Real" phone call I've had (Hi Rebecca! ) as I too have trouble with phone calls. I don't think I hear that well, and honestly have wondered if I might have an auditory processing disorder. I don't always catch things right away. I do so much better with the written word and face-to-face situations.
Anyhoo, one thing I said to her, as we mused over the "reality" of online friendships was that I love that I have constant contact with you all everyday. I have wonderful IRL friends, but days (even weeks) can go by without a word. I love it that we check in here with each other each and every day. I enjoy my blog, but I come here first each morning. If I have a worry or a need, I *know* I can post here and within minutes hear from caring, helpful women with advice, answers and prayers.
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I love to blab on the phone...but I rarely do. I always think that I should treat myself to more phone conversations...but I don't. So, nope, you will rarely find me on the phone...another reason why I love online communication. If my friendships relied on phone communication...I'd be lonely  .
I, too, enjoy the ongoing contact and stability of this group (the only online group that I belong to) and I like knowing that the door is always open. Sometimes I need to leave this cozy place, yet I know that I will be welcomed back warmly.
teachingmom wrote:
| But I've begun to feel a bit like an outsider since blogging has become so popular. . |
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Hey Irene, I'm totally out of the blogger loop! Sure I have my neglected blog but I never did take the time to integrate others' blogs into my computer time. To be honest, I like being a bit outside the loop  .
Personally, I love this medium - the message board. I really liked the yahoo format (the linear thing worked for me) but THIS is even better for meeting a lot of diverse needs. I see it like a home with many rooms. I spend most of my time in just a few rooms so I get to know the ladies/gent who frequent there (and so I don't get overwhelmed.) Blogs are more like individual homes...trying to visit many different homes just didn't work for me - no matter how lovely. Did that make sense?
I'm very grateful to be here. I try to be my best self (certainly not a false self) and appreciate every one else working so hard to make this space safe, challenging, and welcoming. For me, the question isn't "Are online communities 4real?" The questions are, "Does THIS online community help me to love God better? Does it help me to fulfill my vocation better? Does it help me to serve others? Does it challenge me to think more clearly and act more rightly?" For me the answer is yes. If at any time the answer is no, then I back off until I can find a way to yes again.
Happy New Year and Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Natalia
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teachingmom wrote:
| I'm not sure if this makes any sense. I really didn't want to offend any of you who blog by my original post. I just wanted Natalia to know that someone else feels similarly. . |
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I appreciate you chiming in. Nobody else has so I thought I was the only one that felt like this.
I really don't want to dwell on the topic or make anybody feel self conscious. I just wanted to point out the fact that when here on the boards people mention that they receive tons of Christmas cards from some members here or that you have gotten some phone calls,etc it gives the feeling of some friends talking in front of you about a party that you weren't invited to and they had tons of fun.
I understand what Bridget pointed out. In a forum this big it is impossible for all of us to be close friends. And I certainly think that everybody here is friendly.
I think blogging has made the bloggers closer to each other. Even if I was to comment on people's blogs (which I do sometimes) the fact is that I get to know you (the blogger) better than you get to know me. So it makes for a one-side relationship. It is not the blogger's fault. It is a fact (IMO).
This are just some random thoughts:
I wonder what people look for when they come to this forum. I think some people might be looking for support in their homeschool and they don't need to establish a relationship to get that. They are other people that might be looking for support AND friendship. They are people that have taken the risk and found friends. They are some that have suffered and shared their struggles and found friends through their prayers. Others have been afraid to jump in. Some have been satisfied with the relationships as they happen publicly on the forum. Others have taken the relatioship off the forum and into real life.
For those that would like to have a deeper relationship I wonder how can that happen? I wonder how we can get to know each other better here. Is that possible? Just thinking aloud...
Natalia
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alicegunther
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teachingmom wrote:
When I said that I feel on the outside, I guess it had less to do with something any bloggers are doing and more to do with what is no longer happening here, if that makes any sense.
We all have limited internet time. When so many 4Real members began blogs, I noticed a decrease in involvement here by many members whom I had come to really like. (That's completely understandable, since I assume it takes a good chunk of time to keep up your amazing blogs!) |
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Irene, I think this is a fair observation. I still post here every day, but, ever since beginning Cottage Blessings, some subjects and ideas I would have otherwise brought up here get posted there.
I wonder if we bloggers might consider (very selectively, of course) at least double posting certain favorite ideas here so that our friends who do not have time to blog-hop will not miss out. I am suggesting a double post rather than a link, so that readers will not need to keep leaving 4Real for information.
Just a thought!
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mother of seven!
 
Cottage Blessings
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Cici
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Natalia wrote:
| I think blogging has made the bloggers closer to each other. Even if I was to comment on people's blogs (which I do sometimes) the fact is that I get to know you (the blogger) better than you get to know me. So it makes for a one-side relationship. It is not the blogger's fault. It is a fact (IMO). |
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I think there may be an element of truth to this. When I first started my blog, I was so excited to be a part of the "greater blogging world" where these wonderful ladies I "met" here (Alice, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Dawn) stopped by to comment on something I had to said - whether it was drivelling babble or not (and whether I could spell "drivel" or not ). It was fun - and a little more chit chatty that the board was (though, believe me, I have since discovered how to be chit chatty on the board, too ). I don't know - kind of like a friend driving/walking/biking down the street, meeting you in your front yard adn you inviting them in for a quick cuppa...
Then I had to drop my blog and I felt SO out of the loop. I could come and drop by the other blogs and leave a comment, but it seems a little more one sided - my insecurities. I think someone said it before, that friendships come by, well, sharing - on both sides, and from this side it is sometimes harder to share without a blog. To further the analogy above, I don't want to impose - always coming to your house for a cuppa and never having the opportunity for you to stop by mine.
Now, all that said - I warned you I found a way to be chit chatty on the boards - I don't feel out of the loop anymore. I probably don't comment on blogs as I should - but I'm thankful for the little insights into all your homes and I feel I know you a bit better on the boards because of it - even if I didn't get a chance to send out a christmas card to you (in the general sense) (my Christmas planning wasn't so good this year)
alicegunther wrote:
| Please do not feel at all left out because of it! Why, just this afternoon, I was telling Lissa on the phone . . . . |
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Alice you are too funny!
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Jen L.
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irene wrote:
When so many 4Real members began blogs, I noticed a decrease in involvement here by many members whom I had come to really like. (That's completely understandable, since I assume it takes a good chunk of time to keep up your amazing blogs!)
But I had enjoyed the give and take of the conversations here with those women, and I really began to miss them. I can still meet many of you regularly on your blogs, but I feel like the give and take of conversation is missing. And I'm finding that having so many blogs available has increased the time I _could_ spend on the computer exponentially. Maybe I'm feeling like I just can't keep up, yet don't want to miss anything! (I just wish all the conversations could happen here in one place. ) But it seems like those who are able to keep up have online friendships that go further than what I experience here.
I'm not sure if this makes any sense. I really didn't want to offend any of you who blog by my original post. I just wanted Natalia to know that someone else feels similarly. I obviously didn't word it well at all and ended up sounding like I am blaming others for the way I feel. |
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Irene, you have expressed here what I feel unable to. I was reluctant to post my agreement with Natalia about this because I never feel like my writing reflects my true tone.
I love this board and the women on it without reservation, but for some reason I don't have close friends here and I have been also unable to keep up with the blogs (partly due to my dialup connection.) I love the blogs when I can get to them and I certainly would not wish them gone. I don't think anyone of us thinks that anyone else has acted rudely, inconsiderately, wrongly, etc. And even though I haven't had the phone, in person, or private email conversations with any of you, this is where I come for advice, support, prayers, community -- you are definitely my REAL FRIENDS.
__________________
Jen
dh Klete,ds (8/95),dd (12/97), dd (11/00), and ^2^ in heaven
"...the best state in which to glorify God is our actual state; the best grace is that of the moment..." St. Peter Eymard
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Elizabeth
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I make a concscious effort to link to the message boards at least a couple of times a week in blog posts and I've seen others do it too. I was really, really worried that everyone's blog would take away from the conversation here. But, I really didn't think that was happening until Irene raised the question. Actually, I thought that blogs were adding to the conversation and they were attracting new members to the boards. Hmmm...
I also think that if you aren't regularly reading the blogs, you might assume that someone isn't here because they are there. But, in reality, they're neither place.
Alice comes to mind. She was very quiet here all summer after Eileen was born. But she wasn't blogging at all. So, if you compared her number of posts here in 2006 to 2005 you might think that because she started blogging in 2006, she posted less here. In reality, she had a baby! (And I have no idea what her numbers were, btw; I'm just guessing.) Lissa is another example. She stopped pretty much all computer activity on October 4th, the day the van left Virginia for California. And both her blogs and the message board reflected this (and still do).
When we talked about this last year (after I resolved not to blog), I was persuaded that blogs and boards would work in tandem. I think blogs are a great format to present ideas. The pictures help tremendously. There's more opportunity to express your personal take on things. But I much, much prefer boards for discussion. I think the comments section of blogs are not at all conducive to conversation. I wouldn't like blogs without boards at all. It would seem too "me, me, me." That said, I've made the mistake more than once of assuming that people who read my blog are also here. Sometimes they are not and I get myself into a bit of trouble like I did with a commenter here.
I'll take that chance. My loyalties lie here first.
One more thing comes to mind. I think there is a perception that blogging takes much more time than message boards. I disagree. It LOOKS like it must take a lot of time but it doesn't. It can take a good bit of time to get it all set up at first if you want to customize(unless like me, you happen to have a Lissa-fairy who takes pity on you makes it beautiful for you), but a basic blog takes no time at all. My ten-year-old set up all the private blogs for her younger siblings in a half hour. Once they're set up, it's a pretty quick thing to post--no longer than posting here, really. And if you choose a free blog host, it doesn't cost anything. So, there is nothing exclusive about blogging. It is not limited to those with lots of time or money. In a way, it's even less limiting than message boards. The inclusion of pictures and the flexibility to post in different formats (like just lists of things or just photos or just scanned nature journals) means that people who struggle with writing here might find blogging more liberating and more inclusive. I don't see how it can be cliquish. Anyone is welcome to do it. BUT, this really matters to me. I don't want to be insensitive and I really, really don't want to ever be cliquish. So, someone please let me know how to make it less so if you believe that it is.
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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Genevieve
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I only have a minute to comment but just wondering why would "cliquish" be so bad? I don't think anyone means to leave anyone out of the conversation, but isn't it natural to feel closer to one person more than another. And if you did have that relationship, you would naturally be more attentive when that said person speaks up. I know sometimes I do feel left out especially phone conversations, 4real friends meeting up, cards & gifts being exchanged. But I don't think it's anyone's fault nor is it necessary bad. I've come to realize that it represents a longing inside of me for friendships like that whether with a 4 real person or not. So I guess for me, it's an inside reflection of a desire within me. It seems like a long time since I had a "best girlfriend". And although I seldom have phone conversations with people here, I carry with me the thoughts of the people here consistently as if they are my friends, to inspire and encourage.
I keep a blog partly to post photos to my family but also partly I'm hoping someone here would resonate with my and perhaps a friendship would develop. Sometimes the threads here move so fast, by the time I can contribute the topic has moved elsewhere. I keep on telling myself, it's like joining a new homeschooling group. Just keep on showing up at meetings & opening up yourself, you never know when you would meet that friend.
I hope there isn't any malice or "sour grapes" attitude in my post. I have to run and it's always hard to put into words something sensitive and close to my heart.
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Martha
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alicegunther wrote:
teachingmom wrote:
When I said that I feel on the outside, I guess it had less to do with something any bloggers are doing and more to do with what is no longer happening here, if that makes any sense.
We all have limited internet time. When so many 4Real members began blogs, I noticed a decrease in involvement here by many members whom I had come to really like. (That's completely understandable, since I assume it takes a good chunk of time to keep up your amazing blogs!) |
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Irene, I think this is a fair observation. I still post here every day, but, ever since beginning Cottage Blessings, some subjects and ideas I would have otherwise brought up here get posted there.
I wonder if we bloggers might consider (very selectively, of course) at least double posting certain favorite ideas here so that our friends who do not have time to blog-hop will not miss out. I am suggesting a double post rather than a link, so that readers will not need to keep leaving 4Real for information.
Just a thought! |
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OH I'm so glad you said that, because I actually have done that and I've been worried that it was "bad form" so to speak.
Personally, I don't read other blogs all that much. And when I do, it's usually the same 3 or 4 tops and not daily. In fact, almost the only time I go to another blog is when someone posts here about something at one. I've really cut back my computer time in general. Blogging doesn't take as much time as some think. I have dialup, so pictures can take a decent amount of time. But generally it's just a post.
I come to 4Real for the conversational aspect. 4Real is has an active exchange whereas blogs are more passive. I feel a bit "outside" at times too. It's never occurred to me to take it personal though. It just makes me want to move to Ohio or VA where so many of the wonderful ladies here seem to live!
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Martha
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Martha
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Genevieve wrote:
| I only have a minute to comment but just wondering why would "cliquish" be so bad? |
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I don't think there is a clique here. A clique implies exclusion on purpose. I don't see that here at all. It seems to be more of an "opt out". Some don't feel comfortable entering the conversations, which may have nothing to do with who is having the conversation.
I agree it's natural to develop relationship circles, but 4Real has very lose, open, and friendly circles. That is not by any means like any cliques I can remember.
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Martha
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doris
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Natalia wrote:
I really don't want to dwell on the topic or make anybody feel self conscious. I just wanted to point out the fact that when here on the boards people mention that they receive tons of Christmas cards from some members here or that you have gotten some phone calls,etc it gives the feeling of some friends talking in front of you about a party that you weren't invited to and they had tons of fun.
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I can really relate to this. And it's totally natural to celebrate friendships on one's blog or in posts here -- just as it would come up in conversation. But to outsiders, it can also feel very much like there's an 'inner ring'. (cf C S Lewis).
ETA -- Just realised that if anyone reads that Lewis talk they'll think I'm going totally over the top! I'm not saying that there is an 'inner ring' here of the Lewis type, just that it's easy to feel that there is a hierarchy and there's no way that newer members will ever be more than hangers-on.
Actually, I'm just making it worse! (I'm full of cold and fever and not making any sense.) All this is in the context of *loving* the forums and all the advice and wisdom found here.
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Home educating in London, UK with dd (2000) ds (2002), dd (2004), ds (2008) and dd (2011).
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Kim F
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<<I think there is a perception that blogging takes much more time than message boards.>>
See and I feel just the other way. If I try to browse even just active topics like I did this am, it takes a LOT of time for me. There were five pages this morning. Then if you are interested in a thread you often have pages of discussion to check in order not to repeat a thought already mentioned or miss something vital to the discussion. Hence I tend to sound disjointed or whatnot when I post here. I never feel like i can keep up. I am reduced to whatever Elizabeth is kind enough to fwd.
The blog posts sorta stand alone. I can post a random thought and if I can't get back to it thats ok too. I do so miss the ongoing discussion here. Still it seems I can live this life or write. Havent mastered doing both. : /
Kim
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Cheryl
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I think it's wonderful that so many here have IRL friendships with each other. For me, friendships take time to build. Although, I don't feel like I've grown close enough to anyone here to have a phone conversation or meet in person, I do feel welcome to share. When I've asked for help, I've always received many responses.
I love blogging and I love reading blogs by homeschoolers. I feel like I haven't been good at replying to comments. Is there an easy way? Do you actually go back to the same post that you have commented on? I don't, unless I've asked a question.
I have done wonderful things with my dc that I never would have thought of on my own because of this forum and blogs.
I've tried the three homeschool groups in my area and I've found the Catholic one and the Christian one to be very welcoming, and the secular one to be clique-y. I felt sort of uncomfortable there and it took me awhile to figure out that that was what it was. I have never felt that way here. I still don't have any close friends from the local groups, and I don't have any from here, but like Genevieve said, I just keep showing up. I think it will happen in God's time.
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Cheryl
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Carole N.
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Okay, so I have been following this thread since the beginning. I am fairly new to the forum. I can relate to many of the thoughts posted throughout this thread. I began following this thread because my dh pointed out the editoral in the Register. He has noticed that I have increased the amount of time that I spend at the computer--I read both the boards and the blogs (well not all of them at the same time).
I became a part of this forum because I was looking for other like-minded Catholic homeschoolers. Charolotte Mason seemed to fit the style of schooling that I love. I came here by way of Elizabeth's blog. I had read her book Real Learning, and one thing lead to another.
For me this forum and the blogs have been a life saver. We live in a small town in Oklahoma with almost no Catholic homeschoolers. I have really struggled for the last few years because I feel like the Lone Ranger. My priest does not support hsing (there is a Catholic school here preschool-8). We have had other situations in our life (friends moving, family difficulties) that have caused most of the friendships to fall off.
When I read The Book, I thought this is how I want to teach. When I found this community, I thought these are women like me--trying to acheive the same goals in much the same way. There are so many ideas, so much diversity, so many crafts, plans, etc. you could spend days here.
And of course, there were friendships that had already formed. Some of you wonderful ladies have know each other for along time. But I remember meeting MacBeth last summer at the Mid-west Family Conference. We spoke briefly when my friend Linda introduced us. In fact, Linda and MacBeth are the reason that Real Learning found a place in my home.
I have also hoped for these friendships. But don't look for me to start a blog--I am techologically challenged (I still have not figured out how to copy part of someone else's post). I will learn soon enough, but in the meantime, I will read your blogs and participate in this forum.
And as far as Danielle's post goes, you ladies are more real to me than some of the women that I know from my church. I hope that does not sound--well, uncharitable. We just have different goals and ideas about life and education. And time is so limited that I want to spend it with *real* friends who think much the same way that I do.
And one other thought before I post. The prayer forum is a truly one of the places that has helped me connect. I have posted there before, but last night I posted about my son, and almost instantly, there were posts out there. You ladies are terrific! And your prayers mean so much to me.
I look forward to staying in touch on the boards and commenting on your blogs. And you may never know when you run into me at a conference or who knows where.
__________________
Carole ... in Wales
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Martha
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| Posted: Jan 05 2007 at 9:26am | IP Logged
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Okay, thank goodness we're on break here.
You guys are my excuse to avoid laundry. Again.
Carole, I completely know what you mean by this:
"you ladies are more real to me than some of the women that I know from my church. I hope that does not sound--well, uncharitable. We just have different goals and ideas about life and education. And time is so limited that I want to spend it with *real* friends who think much the same way that I do"
Catholic are the minority here. A very small minority. Then there's the number of homeschoolers. Then there's hs-ers I can relate to. So my IRL hs-ing friends is a whopping 7, only 3 I would say are somewhat close. And even those I don't neccessarily agree with hs-ing methods.
I constantly have to choose where the best return on my time investment is. Is it with IRL people I have little in common with and sometimes less support from, or here among such friendly ladies and sharing of ideas all from the comfort of my pj's, coffee, and warm home? If at all possible, I do prefer IRL people. But unfortunatly, much of the time, there simply is not an IRL person to connect with for various reasons.
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Martha
mama to 7 boys & 4 girls
Yes, they're all ours!
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msclavel
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| Posted: Jan 05 2007 at 10:43am | IP Logged
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I have been lurking around here since last summer and only recently began posting. I think I have mentioned in nearly all my 5 or 6 posts how much I love these boards. I can't express how wonderful it is to be able to come here and "listen" to all the collective wisdom and creativity. Imagine my thrill as Elizabeth shared her pregnancy and had her Karoline just a few days after I gave birth to Agnes. I have admired Elizabeth for so long. She doesn't know me from Adam, but I took such comfort at the end of my own difficult pregnancy that we were sharing a bit of this same journey, bearing suffering for the joy of holding our sweet babies.
That said, after reading most of this thread I was thinking about why it took me so long to start posting. I am naturally very shy. I mean extremely actually .
The deep friendships between many of you shines through so beautifully. Its not that I felt intimidated, I didn't want to interrupt and be that girl everyone rolled their eyes at when she tried to join in . I know those are my own issues. I am so shy, I don't have the guts to share my own blog yet though I almost daily link to one of yours.
I also LOVE reading the blogs. I think, no , I know, I am spending too much time at the computer trying to bounce around and see what all your lovely families are up to .
So, you all may not know me, but I love all of you and thank you all for sharing so much with me. You are all very "REAL" friends.
( How do I add a signature to my posts?)
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PDyer
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Martha wrote:
| So my IRL hs-ing friends is a whopping 7, only 3 I would say are somewhat close. |
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My IRL circle is even smaller than that.
I'm a newer homeschooler. I have two kids, one of whom is in Montessori preschool this year for a variety of reasons. I feel like my life is divided in very odd ways, that I have my feet in different worlds. I feel like I don't "fit" completely in either world.
I read here because I read joy in homeschooling and family life in these forums. I see charity and true concern for others here. I feel selfish in that I take much more than I give to you all.
I wish I could express all that I'm feeling, but unfortunately I have to pick up my daughter from school. I hope to have her home next year. I hope to have both of them home next year. God willing.
__________________
Patty
Mom of ds (7/96) and dd (9/01) and two angels (8/95 and 6/08)
Life at Home
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Martha
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| Posted: Jan 05 2007 at 11:01am | IP Logged
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msclavel wrote:
I didn't want to interrupt and be that girl everyone rolled their eyes at when she tried to join in
How do I add a signature to my posts?) |
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What girl? I've never met "that girl"! I'm always glad to hear from another, even if I don't agree with them. I promise I'm not rolling my eyes. Well, IF I were to roll my eyes it would have nothing to do with you joining in and is always in a friendly manner. Honestly, I'm way to much a lover of conversation to be so picky about any girl joining in.
So please feel comfortable to join in at any time.
Go to the top of the page and click under settings to make your sig line.
ETA: Now I'm paranoid. Does this mean that I am "that girl"? Is everyone sitting at home rolling their eyes when I join in? If so, thank you for your kind tolorance.
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Martha
mama to 7 boys & 4 girls
Yes, they're all ours!
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Are online communities 4real?
