Supported

Main Entry: 1sup·port
Pronunciation: \sə-ˈpȯrt\
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French supporter, from Late Latin supportare, from Latin, to transport, from sub- + portare to carry — more at fare
Date: 14th century

1 : to endure bravely or quietly : bear
2 a (1) : to promote the interests or cause of (2) : to uphold or defend as valid or right : advocate (3) : to argue or vote for b (1) : assist, help (2) : to act with (a star actor) (3) : to bid in bridge so as to show support for c : to provide with substantiation


This was quite a week. It began with my Mama’s admit to the hospital. I was so worried about the surgery despite the planning and preparation. I asked and you answered. And I felt lifted and supported and better. And now so does she.

And then there was the rest of the blog world and its interaction with my daily life. During the course of this week another controversial piece was published regarding blogging and I happened to take the time to read it. I usually don’t. But I listen to Neil and he listens to everyone and I was intrigued. So I read and browsed links here and there and came away with thoughts on it all, thoughts that I would usually just share with my husband (who is usually supremely uninterested but he has to listen, you know? Marriage vows and all).

It made me think again about the whole blogging thing and where I sit in relation to it all. There is always some chatter on Twitter about the ads, and people being ‘real’ writers, about profit and branding. I don’t think I read many big name bloggers because there is usually not much that speaks to me. I am not always sure of the who and what and when and how, all the nuances that are developing. Little peeks into the bigger world of blogs for profit have generated little interest on my part and I rarely read anything to do with parenting advice or product endorsement or media/politics. I have always gravitated towards the writers, those that afford views of the intimate, those that give small glimpses into lives well lived, those that create in creative ways. I find I return there again and again because they make me feel somehow….sometimes inspired, sometimes supported, sometimes just feel. But I do feel the tide that swirls around the edges of my reading choice, the controversy and hustle, the ideas of profit and professionalism.

I know each person that uses this medium chooses to write for their own reasons. Some because they need an outlet, some because it helps them support their family, some to follow others and some to show their leadership. There is an infinite amount of words out there, some use them skillfully, others seem to be fond of a sledge hammer approach. There are masters of wordage, intriguing warriors, ruthless entrepreneurs. And after reading for years and watching the change and all the crazy hype, I wonder sometimes how much it all really matters?

The ‘knickers in a twist’ generated by controversial topics take so much energy, you know? The people that love the drama always will and probably always have. We all thrive on different things.

I started really blogging when I asked for blessings on me and mine, 24 weeks pregnant with twins and in pre-term labor, so scared and worried and feeling alone. My contact with the world was my laptop and I was totally unsure of the medium, just lightly touching the world of blogs via knitting. I posted to a baby knitting blog asking for prayers from other expectant mamas and within minutes I received answers; women I had never met, mothers and grandmothers, all wishing well on those little floating people. It made me feel lifted and supported and better.

Over the years so much of it has changed, we all know that. But this week I asked and received again, just like that first time three years ago. People have drifted in and out of my ether, some have stayed the course through my meandering writing and topics. Some have even become my friends. And that makes me want to stay in this space a little bit longer, stay just as I am and how I am and ignore the background chatter that does not have to be my drama (but can be so fun to read from afar when it is juicy news).

I said that I would usually leave this rambling for Tim’s ears but today I felt like writing it out. I know so many of my folks have shifted their communication to other mediums and I miss them. And I think there is still good writing to be found, sometimes even ad free. And I wonder about you? Where do you sit in this odd world of blogging camps and communities if you sit at all? Do tell.

This post brought to you by a silly article, not enough sleep and the wonderful folks that left comments of love for my Mama this week. Copious thanks to the last.