Let Me Introduce ~ Guest Post
This is my first guest post ever in the history of, well, my personal history of blogging. Evidently this is my month to break new ground, span new horizons, and go where I have not has gone before. In my quest for content, I found a question on my mind, one that I would be curious to know about most anyone. I imagine the ‘reasons’ would be as diverse as any neighborhood. I would love to read about your personal answer to this question, and if you write about it in my comments, I thank you. If you want to write about it in length and post it in your blog, please let me know and I’ll do a follow up entry here with links to everyone’s answers. I find such diversity divine.
The Questions: 1) How has the Internet, specifically the Blogging community helped, influenced, changed, inspired you since you started blogging?
Now, for my esteemed and honored Guest, please give her a warm welcome, Indigo Ravenwood of Scream Quietly. Indigo was gracious enough to catch my inquiry and respond in her beautiful heartfelt style. I am honored. I am delighted. I adore Indigo. She gives me shit and makes me laugh and just as effortlessly, she offers wisdom and comfort like a warm blanket on a cold day. Indigo has been a huge part of the blogging community since her words circled around all of us and we are better for it. Her story is unique and inspiring and a gift to anyone that reads it. Enjoy~ Your Host, Rebecca
But words are things, and a small drop of ink,
Falling, like dew, upon a thought, produces
That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think. – Lord Bryon
When Rebecca decided to take on the 30 post in 30 days challenge, my first thoughts were you’re insane and I do believe I said as much. Not that I doubted her writing ability…more in line with thinking it would be taxing to keep up the eloquence/beauty, I find in her writing on a daily basis. I’m not even of her caliber and it’s something I would find daunting. Trying to be nothing more than helpful I happened to mention she could fill a few of those days in with guest writers. Ever have one of those insert foot in mouth moments? Eh ohm, yeah like that…I ended up getting myself nominated. No problem; send me a topic and I’ll send something winging your way.
It takes a few days before this topic shows up in my email: 1) How has the Internet, specifically the Blogging community helped, influenced, changed, inspired you since you started blogging? Ooh, easy topic. Wait a minute this is me…not so easy after all, but for Rebecca – Fine twist my arm, I’m up for the challenge.
In order to understand how the internet/blogging community did all of the above, it might be in my best interest to start with how I first became involved in blogging. I’m assuming just saying kicking and screaming the whole way won’t do (looks quizzically at Rebecca). Didn’t think so; yet in all honesty that’s exactly how it happened. I didn’t have time nor the patience to sit and entertain myself with a computer before I lost the last of my hearing. Life changes end up giving you unprecedented doorways you might have never considered before.
I went Deaf at 39. 6 months later I had a computer given to me. I didn’t want anything to do with it; I hated the idea that most of my communication was suppose to now be found in this gateway. Silence is a lonely crippling demon to an individuals independence and self worth. A year after receiving my computer I finally went online and started exploring. I wish I could highlight it as some kind of excitement/yearning craving to learn something new. Alas it was pure desperation and need to reach out to another human being that opened that door.
My first entries sound like a wayward innocent child taking those wobbly early steps into writing. My excuses for those early forays were it would give me a format to write about my experiences with a working dog for the deaf, which coincidentally was around the time Pickles arrived in my life. The more I wrote, the more the words began to flow. I was learning to put my distrust of humans in general on the back burner, pushing who I was – all of me to the forefront. I never expected to find popularity among so many. It would be lying not to admit that the comments and encouragement pushed me to write better, open up more and leave my lone wolf personality tethered offline.
You see online, in this arena…I’m not Deaf. Unless I make a point to let you know that about me, more than likely you would miss that one glaring fact. So how has it changed for me? It gave me a voice, a voice that is far louder and prominent than my silence ever will be. I became more outspoken on matters close to my heart – Domestic Violence issues and Animal Cruelty. More importantly, I started for the first time in my life, to give a voice to the silence that surrounded the abuse I endured for most of my life. My story with all its ugly degrading details began to unfold.
I found a whole foundation of others who had lived through a similar horror and survived. Friends and the community as a whole rose up to support me, and continued to encourage me in my growth. I truly believe blogging/journaling/writing whatever you want to call it gave me the courage to embrace my deafness; enough so that eventually…my story will be that elusive book someday. Does it matter if I’m ever published or a best seller in this world? I won’t say I wouldn’t love to have that happen, but find myself sitting here nodding no – not really. The greatest of it all, at the end of the day…would be finding my way back to me, the person I used to be before I went Deaf.
It’s as close to life changing as you’re going to get from beginning to end. The internet made it possible for me to be on the same playing field as you are. Modern day miracles…
Indigo Ravenwood
Indigo,
This was a beautiful piece and I’m so glad you shared your answer to the question with all of us.
You are right, unless you told any of us you were deaf, we would never know. In the world of writing and blogs,your voice is loud, it is clear and it is powerful. The lyrical way you write is music and they way you express is connection. As an early reader of your blog, I can say the evolution of where you took your voice has been remarkable and inspirational.
Ok, enough of my mush and adoration?
Ok, then, you are a fabulous friend and make me smile.
Now, tap tap tap….where’s my damn autographed book?
Rebecca
Rebecca,
I couldn’t agree with you more. Note to Indigo, I am a better person because you started typing on the computer keyboard. I’m glad you have entered my life. Thanks for the smiles. Milo say’s “woof, woof” to Pickles.
David
David’s last blog post..Sunshine Ant Man
Hey does this count? Great piece as always Indigo.
Mike’s last blog post..Prank Phone Calls
Email conversation between Mike and I
Me:
“Does what count?
And if you’re thinking what I’m thinking your thinking it better! I did write two very nice paragraphs, so surely I can count it as effort and contribution………Right? (please good lord say yes cause if I blew my record I’m going to dieeeeeeeeeee”
Mike:
“LMAO. It does, but I wouldn’t make a habit out of it.”
Cause if it doesn’t I’m writing about the damn lint on the floor, today, right this minute. I will not lose my 7—thats, 1,2,3,4,5,6, 777777777 day record.
And no one, can spring up tomorrow and say, “that didn’t count” Today is the limit. If I get no complaints by 11:45 tonight, it’s a done and counted deal.
Kindly,
Rebecca
I am so glad you had a guest blogger. I am sorry to say I haven’t had the privilege of her acquaintance yet, but I will now
Thank you Indigo for sharing, for sharing who you are, what you have endured, what you have learned and how you have found the power and balance that is you today—I love that. I cannot wait to read more about you on your blog. warmest support, jana
jana’s last blog post..Lightness of being
We have met before, I have read several entrys in your blog.
I am thankful for your positive and powerful influences that you send with every opportunity you take when you extend your hand.
Did you have to arm wrestling Rebecca?
laughing.I am out of here!
TJ
TJ’s last blog post..How much does your best friend trust you?
Oh, it counts Mike. After all she did say 30 post in 30 days. She didn’t say how exactly she would get to that point. After all alter ego Rebecca comes to the forefront and does the writing at times. If I wanted to get picky I would say either one or the other had to write for the entire month.
Thanks everyone for your kind words. Rebecca as always it’s been a pleasure. I’m just wandering around looking for my missing head, it was suppose to have rolled in here from my own blog.
TJ I couldn’t hope to win an arm wrestling match with Rebecca she literally towers over my small frame. Fortunately our minds are quite capable in a battle of wills. We’ve known each other for some time I don’t think we’ve even gotten to the place of battling out territory yet. Did I just say yet? Oh crap, Umm Rebecca never a worry. Friends to the end! (Hugs)Indigo
Indigo’s last blog post..Off With Her Head!
Indigo sent me on over … and I’m glad she did. Nice blog. And to Indigo, very nice and as usual heartfelt entry (even though this doesn’t technically count since you’re “on a blogging break.”
Best,
Marty
Marty’s last blog post..SAME SHIT, DIFFERENT DAY … AT 7TH AND MONTANA!
Perfect Indigo!
Martha’s last blog post..First things first
@Rebecca first, being a recent addict (sorry coffee was first), great idea to have a guest blogger. I was recently invited to do the same on http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/ a task which I accepted and enjoyed, it was my first. Your question was a great one, something i have never asked myself, so it generated mixed feelings with in me.
@Indigo, great post, an enjoyable read, and thought provoking for the above reason. I too enjoy the world of bloggers, I have been hanging round for nearly two years and have developed several blogs, some are more specific topics. My first post was something along the lines, “I have a blog, now what?” I had no idea what i was going to use my blog for, and on reflection have no idea other that it seemed like a good idea at the time as to why.
I can see the freedom that the blogosphere gives you, and that must be incredibly import to you. For me it adds anonymity, I can rant and rave and misbehave to my hearts content about the things I think and it doesn’t affect my social standing in the “real world”.
But I have become an addict, I spend more than four hours daily, sometimes, work permitting, all day blogging. I love it, I thrive on it, I allow it to consume me as a passion. I actually prefer not to use the term addiction, rather than to admit that I am a “dedicated blogger”.
Anyway, rambled enough, verbosity is a habit, good or bad… you decide.
Once again, thanks for the read.
AV
Argentum Vulgaris’s last blog post..The Insanity of Religion
While I was here burbling, I see you visited my place. Thank you, I have replied there.
btw, I am a Good Lord it’s morning person myself. However, I don’t mind the mornings (as you can see by the insane hour I write I do my best work then.
AV
Argentum Vulgaris’s last blog post..The Insanity of Religion
nice to hear your thoughts again. what a great post indigo… me? i love blogging too. it got me through a pretty sticky patch in my life after all.
shadow’s last blog post..alone
Indigo, you are a light in a dark world. Shining bright for myself, and all others to see. I, for one, am blessed to know you, and have known you for quite some time, following you silently through AOL.
You have come so far, and you give me a reason to keep going, when I just don’t want to. Love you friend!
(and Rebecca, EXCELLENT guest pick! )
Heather’s last blog post..I Am Changing..
As an Artist..I can relate with your talking to yourself in the “Third Person”..lol…I do it all the time out in my workshop when I am being “Creative” and coming up with a new idea for a Gourd Art project…I start out by picking up a likely looking gourd for the project and start planning what it will be that I have not done before…drawing a blank here…time goes on…more blanks drawn…talking to myself…”Wake up!!! get the juices flowing Bob….more blanks…then I turn to the gourd..ok..”What would you like to be?..tell me”..nothing but silence…more silence..then there it is…the gourd speaks to me..”I want to be…..(insert answer here).” and off we go..Artist and gourd in perfect harmony…the gourd telling me what and how to do it…and I call myself the Artist…lol…I an just a pair of hands fulfilling the wishes of the gourd doing it’s bidding and making it “Happen”..and in the end..both of us are satisfyed..a Work of Art completed.
Bob
Eaglesbrother (Bob)’s last blog post.."First Signs of Spring"
Gah !!!! I just realized how long winded I have just been…lol
Bob
Eaglesbrother (Bob)’s last blog post.."First Signs of Spring"
I love this woman. She is amazing and inspiring to read, thank you for having her post here. Don’t exactly remember how i got to this blog but I am a fan.
clean and crazy’s last blog post..Gratitude Award
An inspiring blog. I am glad I found it and look forward to regular updates.
The bit about going deaf at 39 and not giving up…I know a few who would is great to read.
Best
Garret
Garret’s last blog post..Dec 21 2012 – Are the Mayans Right, or is my (former) wedding anniversary just a bad day for me?
Rebecca,
Thank you for pulling Indigo into this. I miss her terribly.
As for posting everyday for 30 days? I jumped into NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) halfway through the month in November of 2007. 2 weeks. I thought it was relatively easy. And then in December of 2007, some people starting talking about Blog365. A whole year of posting every day. At the last minute, I decided to give it a try. Since January 1st of 2008, I have taken 1 day off where there was no post on my blog for that day, and had 1 guest poster. Both of those days have been since January 1st of THIS year.
Be careful. It becomes addictive. It becomes habit. But it is always, always, fun. Were it not – I couldn’t do it. Just take it one day at a time. Don’t look ahead – except to tomorrow.
lceel’s last blog post..(Almost) Wordless Wednesday
Hi Rebecca
Glad I found your blog, I was sent over by Indigo. I enjoyed reading how you found the computer Indigo and also how you found your voice
You have touched so many people with your writing, including me I can’t wait to your heads back on 
Tabby
Tabby’s last blog post..It’s Opening day……a day late & spring talk
As always a powerful and insightful post, Indigo. We all have our story to tell on here. You stumbled into it and found it a way to give words to the emotions that empower you. Keep writing.
Guido’s last blog post..Rescue!
Indigo, we’re all lucky to have you to motivate and lift us. Blogging has given so many of us voices. Funny, that.
erin’s last blog post..HARRY
For me, it’s always fun when people share. I enjoyed Indigo’s post & having a her as your guest blogger. She did a great job.
i hope you meet your goal
me and kitty say two thumbs up!
indy XXXX big hugs XXXX i hope all is well for you and the daily reminder of spring is helping you recharge…
rebecca good idea, keep working towards the 30 posts (ha i could probly post 30 random things in a day if i got really into google searching)
take care all!
xxalainaxx
Hello, Rebecca.
“Does it matter if I’m ever published or a best seller in this world? I won’t say I wouldn’t love to have that happen, but find myself sitting here nodding no – not really. The greatest of it all, at the end of the day…would be finding my way back to me[.]” -Indigo
You take my breath, I.
Ms. Ravenwood~
You do it everytime~provoke us into thinking/remembering/seeing. Glad to see you over here! Miss you at your place, though!
Slacker Mom’s last blog post..I Wonder If You Know?