A few years ago, inspired by my lifetime friend Ann's blog, I started Long Hollow. It was pretty scary putting my thoughts and words out here for all the world (at least it felt like all the world) to see. But I stepped through the fear and did it anyway.
I had no idea back then what kind of adventure I was stepping into... I had no idea where it would lead me or the people it would connect me with.
Blogging not only kept me writing, it opened the door to photography for me - and that's why I've spent the last hour up on my road waiting for the clouds to pass so I could capture an image of the full moon. I have no idea if I got a good one or not, but it doesn't really matter. I wasn't even going to try this month - I'm just so tired, and come on, one full moon looks like another, right?
But thanks to my competitive spirit and connections I've made through my blog and photography who were posting their own photos (Debbie!) or emailing them to me (Ray!)... and thanks to Tom calling me to "Hurry! Come see the full moon!" ... I grabbed my camera and headed outside. I would have been so sorry if I hadn't.
My first Friday Favorite Photo isn't of the moon, though. It's of a postcard from Maureen, one of my virtual connections. I didn't have time to participate in a postcard trade she mentioned on her blog, but she sent me one of hers anyway ... a postcard of one of her gorgeous photographs.
A few days later I received a set of postcards from Jill, created from her beautiful photography, the prize in one of her fun photography/blogging games. Jill is another connection I made through my blog... a friend who has critiqued, encouraged and supported my blog and photography almost since the beginning, pushing me to grow and learn.
For now, both of the postcards are in places of honor in my library. One day I'll frame them... but for now I like to flip them over to read the handwritten notes.
I'm not sure what I expected when I wrote that first blog post, but I know I could never have imagined the connections I've made with such talented, sharing, supportive people. Thank you to all of you! You are truly blessings in my life!