i write...

...to connect.   That's why I write here.  I want to meet (maybe eventually in real life, but at least through the keyboard) kindred spirits.  I want to learn and widen my world with your insights and experiences.  The posts here and messages I send to email lists are selfish:  I want to get to know you.

I don't write to show off, make money, or build an online identity.  I did that years ago (as old friends will recall), and it just wasn't satisfying.  I just want to connect with friends and kindred spirits now.  I don't even edit my posts anymore (as I'm sure you've noticed).

Anyway, today I am thinking happy thoughts about how powerful this medium can be.

This week I had rich email exchange with a writer I admire, and I'm taking some steps and making new connections in order to bring this writer to Portland to lead a workshop.  She's someone I know online and in hard-copy, and it's fun to imagine a f2f cup of tea someday.

Also, I've been reading books lately (shocking, I know) and am finally immersed in Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.  When I got to the part where Kingsolver talked about the consolidation of seed availability in a few companies and mentioned that a few of my regular seed sources might be selling questionable seeds, I felt alarmed and fled to the computer to do some research...

But what do I find?  An email from an old kindred spirit who knows I'm interested in herbs and gardening and wants to tell me about some seed sources she loves.

Unprovoked.  Just because.

How cool is that?  When that synchronism happens, it helps me feel held in this world and connected with folks.  It's affirming and energizing.

I'm not alone, and neither are you.  We connect sometimes just through words on a screen, but it changes our lives.  I am so thankful for you.