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One of the things I most enjoy about blogging, is the diversity of people I meet.

One minute I can be talking with a stay-at-home mom or dad, and the next minute I’m conversing with a teacher, artist, writer, or pastor.

I’ve always been one of those individuals who enjoys surrounding myself with people who are outside the realm of my own personal experiences, because it allows me to feel something different than myself.

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy traveling.

I have the soul of a gypsy and can pretty much adapt to wherever I am.

The world is a huge place and I enjoy experiencing all the delicious flavors.

As a blogger, I can instantly make contact with not only people in the U.S., but also from Europe, Asia, Australia…all over.

I’ve blogged with individuals from every spiritual belief, race, gender, sexual orientation, political view…you name it. And I find that fascinating.

Blogging is such a valuable tool in connecting people with one another, because initially we don’t SEE the person we’re talking to. Sometimes our eyes can interfere with making a connection to someone, because are eyes have limitations. Blogging allows us to abandon our sight, and connect though something far more powerful…our feelings.

We all go through unique life experiences, and it’s wonderful to be able to share these experiences with one another, because it enables us to feel something that would otherwise be alien.

I’ve witnessed countless times, people supporting one another blogging, through just the energy behind their words.

And as a result...felt tremendous healing.

Blogging enables us to reach far out into the world and touch something different.

So I would just like to take the time to thank you ALL for introducing yourselves to me, and for sharing the diversity of your life with mine.

You see…the world is like a big bag of marbles.

And just because we’re different colors and designs…doesn’t mean we can’t play together.



Enjoy your weekend, everyone!




33 comments:

  1. Hi Ron,
    Greetings from France.
    I have been enjoying my trip through your blog and having the greatest time :)

    Great thoughts on blogging here ! Yes; blogging is all about connecting & getting to know people. It has also been a febulous experience for myself. Starting a blog is one of the best things that I have ever done.

    Yes; the world is a big bag of marbles. And it is diversity that makes everything so interesting.

    Have a nice day.

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  2. I love that we are all marbles very good

    I quite agree with you about meeting so many different people through our blogging

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  3. That is such the beauty of blogging. I've been blogging for two years nearly and have made so many blog friends. I've even been privileged enough to meet about 20 of them, visiting me as far as Chicago & Canada. And when you meet them? It's like you are good old friends, no matter how you look or how different you are.

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  4. Blogging has so much to recommend it ! :)

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  5. Ron I wish I could give you a hug right now!! I love everything that you said in this post.
    I too feel that it is very important to embrace the diversities in life....and of the people around you. And blogging is just an extension of that feeling.
    You see, I was very sheltered from diversity as a child. I am sure that you know the type, but my family is the kind who refers to African American people by the "N" word and homosexual men by the "F" word. And these are just a few examples. So I grow up, get out in the real world on my own, and I realize that life does not have to be so full of fear and hate. Do you know what I mean? I realized that I could either hold on to what I had been taught my whole life and live in my own little world. Or I could toss it all out the window and form my own opinions on the way things are supposed to be.
    So I stepped out of my box, went out of my comfort zone and started testing things out for myself.
    The biggest thing that opened up my mind was that I went to work at a Nudist resort and I stayed working there for 5 years. (my family hated every minute of that!!) Have you ever been involved with nudists? They are awesome! For the most part in the nudist communities, status in life or physical appearance means absolutely nothing....it is who you are on the inside that matters.
    So there's the abridged story of my life's journey to become who I am today.
    And Oh yeah, my family has official banned me because I refused to allow them to teach the same dumb shit to my kids that the did to me.
    But this is just my mom's side of the family, I still have my dad and he is way cool. (and my dad's mom is the grandmother that I always talk about).
    So again, here's a {{{{{{Hug}}}}}} from me Ron.
    This is a great post.
    And I just got out of bed, so sorry if none of this makes sense.

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  6. Dear Ron, you say exactly what I feel and so eloquently. Blogging has certainly enriched my life and not least because I've met you m'dear. We just need to meet up in real life now! :)

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  7. Welcome Barbara~

    Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today and taking the time to leave a comment!

    WOW...FRANCE...oui-oui!

    I've been to Europe, however not to France, but would love to visit your famous Paris Opera House, one day. I've seen it in books and films, and it always looks breathtaking.

    (but hey....I DO "French Press" my coffee every single morning)

    HA!

    Anyway, glad you enjoyed your trip through Vent.

    Please feel free to stop by anytime. You're always welcomed here!

    Enjoy your weekend, Barbara!

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  8. Morning Annie

    Yes, it sure does!

    Thanks for dropping by, Annie!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  9. Morning Lady in Red

    So nice seeing ya!

    Blogging is SO International, isn't it?

    Some of my friends who don't blog, are amazed when I tell them that I talk to people all over the world. And blogs can be translated into pretty much any language, so ANYONE can enjoy!

    Thank you for stopping by today from the UK, dear Lady!

    Wishing you a great weekend!

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  10. Hi again Ron,
    Thank you for your Welcome ;)
    I just feel it; I'll be back. And to boot, your in Philly, my late grandparent's birth city.
    I'm not French, just a US expat enjoying life there.I hope that you do get to Paris one day. Can you believe it; I've never been to the Opera house !
    One point for Ron; you drink French style press coffee. I don't even touch coffee; I'm one of the "others"; a tea & chocolate drinker.

    You have a nice weekend too. I forgot my blog site last time( what a dunce).Come & say Hi anytime.
    Cheers !

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  11. Morning Tixie

    That's so cool...you and I have been blogging for the same amount of time. Hasn't it just flown by? God, I can remember writing my first post and being scared shitless!

    (I was thinking..."What the HELL am I suppose to say?")

    However, NOW...I can't stop talking!

    WOW...I freaking can't believe you've met 20 of your blogging friends!?!!?

    That's WONDERFUL!

    I bet it WAS like meeting an old friend.

    And see, that just go to show...good friendship DO occur through the Internet!

    Thanks a bunch for sharing your blogging experience on this post, Trixie.

    That's so cool!

    GREAT weekend, to ya!

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  12. Trixie....sorry for leaving the "R" out on you name in the previous comment. My coffee hasn't FULLY kicked in yet!

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  13. Hello again Barbara!

    OMG, that's wonderfully ironic that your late grandparents were from Philly!

    Many of the French who visit our city, say that the architecture here reminds them VERY much of their own country.

    Thanks for leaving me your blog url, Barabara. Sometime this weekend, I'll most definately enjoy stopping by for a visit!

    Again, so nice meeting you!

    Cheers!

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  14. Morning Akelamalu

    YOU are one of my very first blogging friends!!!

    My god, can you believe it's been almost TWO YEARS already???

    Time flys when you having so much fun!

    Yes, dear friend...we need to meet up in person one of these days.

    Hey...I wonder if my BATman wings would get me to the UK??

    Thanks for dropping by, Akelamalu!

    It's always a pleasure!

    Happy weekend!

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  15. Good Morning Nicole

    OMG...I went to bed SO late last night, that I TOO just got up about an hour and a half ago. And the caffeine is SLOWLY waking me up. Thank god I go into work later today.

    Anyway, my friend...you're comment was WONDERFUL! Thank you for sharing!!!

    What you said about fear and stepping out of our comfort zone is SO TRUE, Nicole.

    Because I personally believe it IS fear...that prevents us from embracing diversity. Fear of the unknown.

    I think it's so great that you followed your own heart, and allowed yourself to be who you wanted to be...

    Someone who enjoys Diversity!

    OMG...I bet your family SHIT when they found out you were working at a Nudist Resort!!

    (all except that wonderful grandmother you talk about)

    Diversity makes life so much more fun and interesting, doesn' it?

    Thanks again for sharing yourself on this post, Nicole. You've added so much!

    And thanks for the Hug!

    Back at ya....{{{{{NICOLE}}}}}

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  16. Wonderful post Ron!! All of it sooooo true.
    I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started. For me, it's almost a year. And I'm still loving it because just like you said, you get to connect by feelings. You go to a page and just know it's a place you'de go back to because they are friendly and welcoming, which is many times not the vibe you get when you come across people in person.
    And so many times I'll be doing something or take a picture and think, OH wouldn't that be great for the blog!! teehee

    And it IS fascinating to have all that diversity, but at the same time be able to turn it off when you want/need too. I'm usually in the mood for some humor, but the political stuff sometimes I can do without. There's someone I read who's a diehard Repub and I don't necessarily agree with his views but he's sometimes just raw and funny to read so I can overlook how different we are that way. In person, he would probably be very shy and is not a big people person, but online he's got alot of friends. In person, political stuff can be annoying. That is just too heavy most days.
    On the blog, I can choose to not read that day if it's something that I don't agree with.
    It's hard to do that with friends in person though. I have a girlfriend who is a strong right conservative repug, and we can chat about alot of things, but when the conversation starts going THERE, OMG, look out. I have to sit on my hands for fear of ripping her curly haired head right off!!! Even my husband does not like being in her presence too long because he knows how she feels and he's afraid if she started giving him her opinions he'd do something he's never done.... hit a woman! LOLOL

    Of all the blogs I wander in and out of, yours is by far the most welcoming!! You are funny, and kind, and sarcastic, and loving, and I feel very honored to be included in all the comments where the discussions just continue!
    Hug from across the bridge..... M

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  17. great post! and thank you

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  18. Evening Apirl~

    You're so welcome!

    And thank YOU too!

    It's always so nice talking to ya!

    And thanks so much for taking the time to review and comment on Blog Catalog. That was really nice of you.

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  19. Evening Crystal Chick~

    Thank you for your kind words, dear lady!

    They made me very happy, because the thing I want most for this blog...is for people to feel welcomed and comfortable.

    And please know that YOU and everyone else here, is what makes this blog THAT. So thank YOU!

    What you shared in your comment, is so true, M. Blogging allows us to read what someone else shares, and then PAUSE before we respond to something that we may not necessarily agree with. Sometimes when you're interacting with people throughout the day, and their right infront of you, I find that (for me) it's more challenging to PAUSE.

    I tend to be a very "reactive" person. And I find that blogging, has actually made me more understanding about someone's opinions, because I have time to process my initial feelings, so that I react clearer and calmer. Which in turn, has helped me to start doing that throughout my whole day.

    (but trust me...I STILL find it challenging)

    Outside of that...I love blogging for how it puts me in contact with people EVERYWHERE in the world. It's like taking daily trips abroad!

    Thanks so much for adding your insight to this post, M. You always give me things to think and feel about.

    Have a VUNDERBAR weekend!

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  20. *grumbling about this morning's ate up post*

    Silly Moofy Monster!

    Yaknow, I don't rightly recall just how I was graced to land here--but I'm grateful (and I really DO mean this, Ron) that I did get my path crossed with yours.
    (long work day.....I know it'll come to me how this crossing came to be!)

    And I have this undying passion for the folks behind the word on the screen. I'm a better person for it--a more tolerant person for it...a married woman for it, even!

    I know the magic that happens with the connectedness.

    One can never have too many people caring about their life.
    And I care about yours, dearheart.....

    ((((((((((( Ron ))))))))))))

    Now, ain't that a really cool thing that we all get the opportunity TO do that?!

    <--is wowed by that fact over and over and over again......

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  21. Dearest Mel~

    First of all, thank you for taking the time to return and rewrite your comment. I know how frustrating that can be...so THANK YOU!

    Your heartfelt words brought me tears.

    (good tears)

    What you shared on this post, is just BEAUTIFUL!

    I know that in previous posts, you and I have shared our same understanding of seeing "the person behind screen" through the words. And I always think about that, when I remember how you met, and then married "himself!!!"

    So...it IS possible to make a DEEP connenction via this thing called the Internet!!

    And me too, Mel...blogging has made me MUCH more tolorant.

    (which is something I was NOT naturally born with)

    And I am SOOOO grateful for that.

    I don't know how you ended up coming to this blog, but I DO remember the post in which our paths crossed....it was the post about my Bathroom Fetish, remember??? And you saw a "rubber duckie" on the post photo. And then we started talking about BUBBLES and TOYS!

    (two little kids, aren't we?)

    Anyway, Mel....let's just thank heavens to the "Big Guy" for allowing us to meet!

    Thanks Big Guy!

    And thank you, dear lady...for always adding your blessed presence to this blog!

    ((((((MEL)))))))

    Love ya!

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  22. what a lovely analogy!

    you do meet the most wonderful folks. especially if you're open.

    I'm very glad I met you :)

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  23. What a great post my friend. not haveing the physical presence of our blogging friends really does open the mind to a more accepting level. I think that's why some of these friendships grow so strong. It's not about a persons appearence or social status or a host of any other diversions that might cloud our mind. It's about the person as an individual.

    It makes me wonder about how a person without sight "views" the people around him/her?

    As always, glad to call you friend!

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  24. Evening Dianne~

    Me too!

    It's been a PLEASURE getting to know you!

    Thanks for always sharing your wonderful gifts!

    And thank you for stopping by!

    Enjoy your evening.

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  25. Howdy Jeff!

    GREAT seeing ya, bud!

    What you shared here is very true. Because without having anything "physical" to gadge a person on...I think we tap into the true "essence" of the person.

    The soul.

    And I've always felt that for someone without sight...they really have the advantage over someone WITH sight, because for them...it's all about FEELING.

    Thank you, Jeff...for being one of my GREAT blogging friends. From day one, I've always felt your GOOD soul!

    Thanks so much for stopping by today!

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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  26. ron...honey, can I be the pretty marble you keep in your pocket always, because you don't want to ever lose it? Say yes...um, or nod, Okay. :D

    Yes, I've met some wonderful bloggers. They are so very nice, well mostly. I've had a few anons that were total shits, but that is what I would expect from cowards. They hide behind te internet. Oh if they were in front of me...they would be on their backs taking an unwanted nap.

    Anyway 99.9% of bloggers rock. I've seen some wonderful ones leave too and it was a great loss. The good thing is there are wonderful ones taking their place...like you.

    My turn to thank you, mister. Thank you for sharing yourself with me...us. You make us richer knowing you. I'll enjoy these moments now while they last.

    Ciao babes...um, you know I'll always keep in touch with you for as longs as you want. :D

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  27. Evening Miss Jones!

    YES...you can be the "Divine Pretty Marble" I keep in my back pocket always!

    I would be honored.

    I've blogged with bloggers in the past, who they ALSO have had to deal with some total shits. I'm grateful that this has never been my experience. But if it ever was/is...trust me, I'm a very nice guy, however I'm also very "street-wise."

    hehehe!

    Yes, and I too have seen some wonderful bloggers leave and felt the loss. But that seems to be part of the blogworld...as it is with all things in life. You enjoy the moment...and then it ends...only to bring us more moments to enjoy!

    Life is a process of letting go...and then receiving.

    And you are SOOOO welcome my friend! It's been an absolute pleasure getting to know you. Thank you for leaving that first comment here, which caused us to meet!

    And yes...we'll continue to stay in touch.

    Always great sharing with you, Spiky!

    Ciao bella

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  28. I came back to read this again and leave you a note. I agree with everyone this is a beautiful post!

    I am so attached to some of my blogging friends (like you)..to me it is very spiritual. Almost how I imagine our energies beyond this world...as spiritual beings.

    I also enjoy having a separate world beyond my world here. Sometimes my blogging friends know and understand my moods better than the ones in my real world. hee, hee

    I am not sure how I found you, but I am soooo glad I did! You are a wonderful person and my life is much richer for knowing you!

    May we have many, many more years together!

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  29. Hello again dear Gypsy-Heart~

    I'm SO glad you came back to leave me a note.

    GOD...you and I are like two peas in a pod!

    Because what you just shared here...I DITTO!

    That's exactly what I was referring to with this post...

    tapping into another persons "being."

    And I think that's WHY bloggers understand one another easier and clearer....

    Because we're not looking at anything physical...we're FEELING a person.

    Hey...I'm not really sure how we found one another either....but, SHIT GIRL....I am SOOOOO damn happy that we DID!

    And you TOO have made MY life all the more richer!

    You're such a gifted lady!

    And yes...many, many, many more years together!

    Thanks again for stopping back, Gypsy!

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  30. I totally agree with everything you've said. My dearest friend was found through the internet. Most of the people I feel closest to are friends I've met via blogging or message boards. Even though the internet is vast for some reason it brings like folks together. Isn't that just flat out fucking fantastic!?!

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  31. Oh...Miss Nitebyrd...

    You ALWAYS make me fuckin' GIGGLE!!!!

    Me too...some of my closest friendships are from right here!

    And I am SOOOOOO freaking grateful that you and I have met via this wonderful thing called BLOGGING!

    THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

    Enjoy your day my other vampire friend!

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  32. Followed you here from Barbara's Home in France blog:-) Love this post. You so beautifully put into words how I and a lot of us feel. The cyber world I've been discovering since I've started blogging and flickring has brought me such GREAT joy and yes, healing. I can write things that I might never say in person. . . and during grief, this was incredibly healing.

    Mahalo.

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  33. Welome Deb!

    Thank you so much for stopping by today, and taking the time to comment!

    Nice meeting you!

    Don't you LOVE Barbara??? We've only just met, but she's a perfect example of this post. We both seemed to "connect."

    Me too...ever since I've started blogging (which BTW, I thought I would NEVER do), has connected me to so many fabulous people all over the globe. And also like you, there have been times, if it weren't for visiting and sharing with the people on this blog...I would have felt INSANE.

    (which, actually...I AM)

    Anyway, so glad you enjoyed this post, because it's really a post that EVERYONE wrote!

    Stop by anytime, you're always welcomed here.

    Have a nice day, Deb!

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