We bloggers often speak of ourselves as a "community" -- a word that is used more often for its fuzzy emotional appeal, rather than its relational solidity.
I have now been blogging for less than six months. In that time I have experienced several truly memorable community moments. (I also have encountered several individual mentors along the way. But that is a topic for a future blog.)
I have now been blogging for less than six months. In that time I have experienced several truly memorable community moments. (I also have encountered several individual mentors along the way. But that is a topic for a future blog.)
- I first posted on 19 December 2007. Without the assistance and encouragement of Andee of My Life in Chacala, I would never undertaken the task. She then did something that we ignore far too often: she introduced me to her readers by asking them to read my blog. Most of us are good about adding interesting blogs on our sites, but we seldom introduce new members around "The Clubhouse." Andee was my Virgil in a fascinating world.
- Wayne of Isla Mujeres: Gringo in Paradise put together a blogger gathering -- based on the brilliant idea that a group of people who blogged in Mexico would also know how to learn and party with each other. He was correct.
- Billie of Billieblog included a link and a very nice review of my three-part series on the drug war in Mexico. As a result, the readership jumped perceptibly over the past few days.
- And this last one truly warns my heart. Cynthia and Mike of Cintia y Miguel sold everything in Washington to move to Mexico for an adventure. They planned on teaching english -- starting in Mexico City. When they arrived, circumstances were not what they expected. Rather than simply give up and return to Washington, they turned to their colleagues on the board. And the board came through. Bliss of 1st Mate, Nancy of Countdown to Mexico, Teresa (of Washington state, who has a heart of gold, but no blog, and was willing to add comments on other blogs), Theresa of ¿What Do I Do All Day? (who has a blog -- and cooking skills), and others sent out the word. Brenda of Brenda and Roy Going to Mexico found a teaching school and an apartment in Guaymas for them. You really need to read the tale of this adventure on Cintia y Miguel's blog. They asked for adventure. They got it.
Why am I posting these stories when I know there are at least a dozen more that have directly affected me? Because it is always good to celebrate a true community. Each example involves someone setting aside their own selfish desires to help others -- another member of the community. Could anything be a better example of loving one's neighbor?
I salute each of you. I am happy to be able to call you colleagues.
