Image from Flickr by Penumbra
In the very short time we’ve been blogging, Pete and I have come to realize there is powerful community within the blogosphere. We’ve seen this manifest in a variety of ways from Blog Action Day, to Chuck Westbrook’s focus on under-represented blogs, to the infallible efforts of Barbara Swafford in her weekly feature on new blogs, and others. We regularly read outstandingly talented people, and have seen our RSS readers swell with new sources of entertainment and information. Much of this is the result of recommendations and references from blogs we enjoy on a regular basis. It truly is a delightful web of inter-connectivity.
This past week, Pete and I were the recipients of unexpected generosity. One of our favorite bloggers, and frequent commenters, is Catherine Lawson, who recently received a coveted SOB (Successful and Outstanding Blogger) Award from Liz Strauss. Cath paid this honor forward with a mention of our Ghosts in her post, “I’m Happy To Be A SOB.” How generous of Cath, who is so accomplished, to deflect some of her brightness over our way! We were so surprised and delighted. Thank you, Cath.
This morning, we were shocked to find that Oktober 5, another of our favorites, had paid us an unnervingly high number of compliments. O5 has a wonderful project going called 100 Squares for Christmas, a beautiful, selfless concept that truly mirrors the spirit of giving. You can pick a square and he will provide a creative gift to you or someone you designate in your name. In an entry that we had intended go to someone (else) of his choosing, O5 chose to spotlight us. I was so verklempt that he turned the tables on us, as the lovely things he wrote… well, I am still verklempt.
The wonderful thing about generosity is that it tends to expand.
A generous, serendipitous gift can provide the impetus you need to continue, as well as devise ways to pay the generosity forward yourself. We encourage you to heed the example of this generosity of spirit we have been so fortunate to receive. Pay a compliment, lend a helping hand, anticipate a need, and share the journey. There will be lovelier, brighter days ahead.
Thank you again, Cath Lawson and Oktober 5. You will find them, and other great blogs, on our blogroll at right.
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Betsy – thank you. And you’re welcome. I loved your ghost story.
Now I’ll have to check out this brilliant idea of Oktober’s.
Cath and I have been exchanging comments for over a year now. Mixed in with her business postings, which don’t interest me, are a lot of gems.
I’ve been reading October 5 for several weeks now. That first square on his blog that still has a Christmas present on it. That one’s mine. My request is just going to take a while longer.
I came to your blog from October 5’s post and I’ve added it to my feed reader as, so far anyway, looks interesting.
Hope you are having a great weekend!
Hi Cath – We’ve had another ghostly visit since that post, already. I guess “someone” likes the attention. Read through some of Oktober 5’s other work, too. He is very gifted and his creativity is multi-faceted.
Hi Mike – Welcome! Thank you for coming by,and feel free to look around. It’s nice that we share both Cath and O5. I can’t wait for your square to be revealed.
You’re doing great stuff here Betsy (and Pete!)! I’m drawn to what you write and how it really makes me ponder… So, these mentions you’ve received really don’t surprise me – you’ve earned them with the awesome writing (and photos) you have here!
And, I leave here today inspired to be more generous in my day, and in my interactions – thank you!
Lance´s last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Being generous is one of my favourite things. But witnessing the generosity of others touches me in very profound ways. I admit I can tend toward cynicism and a negative view of humankind because I let the crap get me down. But when I see genuine generosity, it restores my faith and makes me feel more connected.
steph´s last blog post..A Little Bit of Nothing Much
Hi Lance – Thank you so much. Don’t make me get all verklempt again! Not with the Vikings/Packers on in a few minutes!
Hi Steph – I think it’s much easier to give or see giving than to receive. I have to practice receiving graciously without dissolving into a puddle. Thanks.
So now I know… you guys are Vikings fans…being from just east of there – hmmm…I don’t know if I can continue to visit here Betsy – especially after your Vikings stole a victory from my Packers!! (ok, I’ll be back…but it’s NOT going to change how I feel about those guys you call the Vikings)…
Hi Betsy. Oooh, another ghost story! Guess there’s a powerful community outside of the blogosphere too
)
Davina´s last blog post..Akemi Gaines On Intuition, Dreams And Spiritual Guidance–Interview Part 1
Hi Lance – LOL fair enough. The Vikes didn’t deserve to win that one, and what about the rushing yards? Bizarre.
Hi Davina – Yep, another one. We’re still trying to sort it out in our heads. I’m almost to the point of “we report, you decide.”
Hi Betsy – Blogosphere is filled with a lot of wonderful people, isn’t it? When I first started blogging I wasn’t sure what to expect, and within a short period of time Catherine and I “met”. Since then she’s been by best blogosphere friend (BBF?). I am blessed.
Thank you for the link love Betsy. I truly appreciate it.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..A.S.K. Darren Rowse – Problogger – What Was Your Biggest Blogging Mistake
Hi Barbara – Part of what made my introduction to blogging easier than we expected was the reaction received from you and the group of commenters at your site. You play a pivotal role in bringing out the best by providing strong resources and a forum rooted in respect and encouragement. It seems like it would be an enormous task to keep that up, but you do it with grace. Thank you.