Monday, January 31, 2005

Life In Retrospect

"We write to taste life twice, in the moment, and in retrospection."      Anais Nin

 I confessed long time ago that I am not a prolific writer and I genuinely admire people who have ways with words. I started a journal as a practice in writing my thoughts. In the beginning, I wanted to write poetry and meaningful articles about motherhood ala Erma Bombeck. I ended up with a jumble of miscellaneous entries comparable to that of a schizophrenic blog.

Journaling had been a very positive experience for me. Not only did I gain a writing perspective but I also benefited in meeting such a diverse populace.

In my Journal Land frolics, I was introduced to all kinds of writings and writing styles. I particularly love to read the homey, the upbeat, the funny, the absurd, the political, the intellectual, and the emotional  journals.  It is heartwarming to visit Derasta's, Linny's, Lori's, Jae's,Sam's, Michelle's, Catherine's and Barb's homes through their journals. It is wonderful to giggle like a teenager again while reading Mary's, Paul's, Ann's, Sie's, Haley's and Karen's blogs. It is enlightening to drop into Mara's, Jenn's, and Lisa's and pick their brains. It is a visual feast to visit  Judi's, Virginia's, Nettie's, Coy's and Monica's entries. It is empowering to read Rebecca's, Pennie's and Becky's stories and reflections. There are more blogs I visit and get a lot of joy from but I do not know their author's first names (you know who you are). If I left someone out, please identify yourself.

I want to thank all the J Land people who opened theirs hearts and homes to me through the journaling community. I made so many friends in such a short time, and I am overjoyed. I feel like making that Sally Field speech ("You love me. You really love me!") but it might be a bit premature at this time. Afterall, I know you all are very old fashioned and you've just known me for a few months. LOL.

Thanks a million, everybody!

Dolly

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lovely entry and I sure everyone will be thrilled at their names being mentioned. Like you, journalling has opened up my life and I have made so many good friends. You really do feel that you are sharing in their lives.  Nice entry, thank you.

http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/Family

Anonymous said...

I am honored and think you are wonderful!!!
judi

Anonymous said...

And thank you for letting us into your life!  
Marian

Anonymous said...

What a treat to read this entry and see the kind words you said about me and also J Lands finest journalists...you really made my day, thank you for that..it's always a pleasure visiting you as well...thanks :)

http://journals.aol.com/derasta/ADayInTheLife/

Anonymous said...

AWWWWWW thank you so much. I DO enjjoy reading your journal. I so enjoy your visits to mine also. I am so happy you enjoy and mentioned mine. I feel very honored to have been notice by you and thought of. Thank you and taking a bow to you Lori

Anonymous said...

Dolly, aka Sally (Field)...  You bring a wonderful journal to us all....Taking us to places and sharing what you see.   I for one like Schizonphrenic blogs...  I feel at home.  lol  ~Sie

Anonymous said...

I HAVE REALLY ENJOYED READING UR JOURNAL ITS GREAT...
http://journals.aol.com/wildjoker669./ALLOFME

Anonymous said...

Well hello, Dolly [grin]!  

It's a great community, J land.  I started journaling when it was still in its infancy, and it's amazing the breadth and depth of writing talent and worthy reads you can find here.  You are certainly a welcome and valued addition to our burgeoning community.  Thanks as well, for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us and opening your "online home" to us.  =P

http://journals.aol.com/musenla/Amused

Anonymous said...

I love reading your journal, and I'm glad that you read mine.
I don't really remember why I started journaling, but I know that I like it. I can never keep a written journal, cuz I think faster than I write and my hand gets tired, then I run out of ink, it's a never ending ironic cycle of diarykeeping with me.
-Haley

Anonymous said...

This almost sounds like a goodbye...you aren't going anywhere, are you? LOL

Anonymous said...

We really DO like you, lol. Truly!!  *Barb*
http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/HEYLETSTALK
http;//journals.aol.com/barbpinion/THERESTOFTHESTORY

Anonymous said...

I love coming to your journal too.  And now I know your name!

Anonymous said...

I love coming to your journal its awesome we can open eachothers eyes in journal writing thanks for listing me, I'm Catherine  right lol heres my link for those who may not have it   http://journals.aol.com/chatzeekay/LifeandLessons

Anonymous said...

Ok, I'll take this one at a time. First I love that picture, I could get lost looking at it. Second, I love love that quote. I really had never looked at writing as a way to live things twice. How very true it is though, and I find it profoundly true to me personally. Third the jumble of entries is my favorite kinds! I've wondered often who will be the first person to send some internet prozac my way, but so far no ones called me crazy :o) We must go where the mind takes us, We're  just here along for the ride! I'm so excited, I finally know what the "D" at the end of your comments mean, check, one mystery solved! (((Dolly))))
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Thank you!  I love your quotes....I remember when I first found you,  an Ayn Rand reference!

Anonymous said...

I have missed a few of your entries...I don't know where the time has gone.  :)  I love reading your journal.  I find myself very fascinated by so many of the people and their journals.  So many unique and talented writers!  Yours Too!!
Great place to be.  :)
Michele

Anonymous said...

Dolly. Thanks again for visiting my Journal. I love the Nin quote and your homage to many of your journal friends. I`m so pleased to have found a wonderful Journal.
V

Anonymous said...

You'd think with all these women I could get lucky.

Anonymous said...

Now, Dolly Dearest:

You have a wonderful Journal, and I am pleased as punch to be able to read some of the good stuff this world still affords--culinary calamities notwithstanding! :)

But (and I am unanymous in this!!) there is nothing wrong with a schizophrenic blog!  All of me says so! :)

Great wordsmithing! Please keep it up!

Live yer bliss!

Bud
http://journals.aol.com/kybudman55/ContemplationsofSchizophrenia