From Wandering Writes
They live close to our heart
Though we have never met
Friends from the ether
Connected by words
Read off the screen
Somehow we found each other
And decided to hang out
Creating bonds of virtual light
That dot the social landscape
Of the world of cyberspace
We share our pains and joys
Console the grieving and the sick
As if the distance is not there
Celebrate victories and milestones
With the sincerity of friendship
A family of the unseen
Is what many have become
Joined in words upon the screen
Which is enough
To forge friendships strong and pure
I get into a discussion with the older people in my life about how on-line friends aren’t like real friends. I disagree. I have seen people share their pain and joy on here. I have seen people console those that they may never see in person. There is a bond that one can make through words alone.
I’ve been in WordPress for over 6 months and there are people here that I can’t get through the day without saying hi to. I genuinely worry if I notice a blogging friend of mine has disappeared for days. Maybe I’m just a special type of freak, but I think I can live with that.
So, to all of my on-line friends who are celebrating, suffering, laughing, struggling, smiling, crying, and whatever else you’re doing on your side of the computer, this poem is for you.
Legends of Windemere 
So true! But I never had the depth of feeling regarding online friendships in any other venue that I’ve feel have been forged here at WordPress – apparently, I just hadn’t visited the right “town” before! 🙂
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WordPress definitely has a stronger vibe than other social media sites.
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Reblogged this on The Good, Bad and Ludicrous and commented:
I really, really appreciate my WordPress Community!
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Thoughtful post, powerful poem 🙂
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Thanks. It’s incredibly true too.
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Isn’t amazing how mere words connect people and resonate within us when they are written with affection. I feel exactly the same way, my computer friend
I love this I just might have to reblog this just like my friend TamrahJo with a tip of my hat to you, of course
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Thank you for the reblog. Words are powerful things. I wonder if we work harder to understand and connect with a person over the computer because we don’t have the physical signs to work off of.
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Yes-it is easier to speak from my heart when I focused on the keyboard; I think a creative intuition takes over and we are less sel-concious
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Definitely. There’s no shyness because we’re being stared at.
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🙂
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Reblogged this on mother of nine9.
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You spoke my thoughts amazingly well! I have only been around a couple of months and already i feel like I would be lost without ya’ll!
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It’s amazing how it happens so quickly.
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it is odd comparing real world and virtual friendships… I have a lot of theories regarding this stemming right back to the dark days of the chat room…regardless friendship is something unique shared between two people… virtual friendships can be just as valid as real world ones… and both kinds of friendships have their pros and cons….
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Well said. I think a lot of people that don’t use social media look at virtual friendships as empty and fake. The truth is that I’ve probably been involved in more insincere real world friendships than virtual. That might just be me though.
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It is amazing how that happens. Nice poem Charles
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Thanks. I’m always surprised even after all these years of being on-line.
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You are a special kind of freak. I like it. But I’m still staring at you. 👀
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Ever stare at someone for so long that they think their fly is open or they have something on their face?
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Yeah I pull that on the kids all the time lol
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I’ve gotten a few strangers by accident because I zone out in public.
*starts staring at you*
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It doesn’t work on me. I forget to blink:)
I’m going to try this on the beluga
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Careful. Belugas aren’t fans of eye contact. Or is that the Orca?
You’re immune to disconcerting looks. Nice superpower.
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Lol I’m immune to most things. Except cupcakes.
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They are your tasty kryptonite.
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They are my skittles, yes.
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I’m sure I’ll never use that information against me. 😛
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Politely disguised sarcasm is your fondest weapon:)
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So is terrible grammar. Apparently, I planned to use your weakness against myself.
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Well we are friends so I wasn’t going to point that out;)
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Thanks. I appreciate that. If it’s all the same, I’m just going to hide under the covers.
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As long as you bring a flashlight. I don’t want you to get lost:)
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Yup. It’s a Spider-Man flashlight. Mostly because the toddler claimed the adult one and gave me his fun one.
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Ooh does it make web shapes on the wall?
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It’s a Spider Signal.
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That explains my sudden spidey sense
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You sure it isn’t Beluga coming your way?
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That’s a lot of blubber
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It gets there when the sun goes down. The blubber is an important survival tool.
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She uses it for evil:)
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My brain is really messing up. I’m forgetting words and threatening myself. So need sleep.
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Night night:)
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Great poem Charles and I kind of get what you mean. It’s funny how we get to rely on feedback and conversation from certain people whom we have never met, nor are likely to ever meet, but still they form an important part of our day. I have to say that having only been on here for a few months, I have been completely overwhelmed by the friendliness and support of the community that I have come into contact with so far. I only wish I’d found blogland sooner! 🙂
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I’m really happy I found this place too. I figure I found it when I needed it most and now I have some great friendships on here. A few crazies too, so I know I’ll have company in the padded room. 😉
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I reckon you’ll be spoilt for choice in the padded room..! There are days when I am most definitely already there – and those are the good ones!!
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I call those weekends.
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Your dry humour cracks me up – I really hope that if I ever end up in that padded cell, I get to share it with someone that makes me laugh! 🙂
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That’s the key to containment. Find the funny guy.
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I love this post. I have been thinking about this for quite some time now and I agree with you, I find the people here on WordPress that I communicate with on a regular basis or just follow because I love what they do to be my friends. I am genuinely interested in how they feel and what they are doing. I worry about them as you do when I don’t see anything from them for days. Aren’t these some of the things most of use define friends? The fact that we haven’t met face-to-face has little bearing in my mind. Many of you I speak with more frequently than I speak to friends I have had for years. I feel honored to know all of you and look forward to many more years of getting to know you better. Thanks Charles for a really great post.
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You’re welcome. What you point out is a big part of friendship. I think some people overlook that when criticizing the social media thing.
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I agree, times have changed. I view the social aspects of cyberspace to be mostly positive enhancing our ability to meet people we otherwise would never be able to meet.
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It’s beautiful Charles and I agree completely my friend!
Hugz to you!
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Hugz back. Thanks for enjoying the poem.
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All true and so much more.
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Thanks. 😀
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I would be lost with out my internet friends and the support people give you when you open your heart and tell people your struggles. They have been wonderful thanks Charles needed this today.
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You’re welcome. After the week a few of my internet friends have had, I just had to write this.
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Well put Charles.
Peace!!!
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Thanks. Peace to you too! 😀
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I’ve only been blogging on WordPress since this past January and only in the last week have I started to branch out from my own blog to comment on others. I had no idea how kind and gratifying the reaction would be. It really is a warm community. Funny how, when not seeing one another, hearing one another, and so on is a part of the relationship people can be so open hearted and sweet to one another. Wish it happened as much in the physical realm. Great post!
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I started in December and I fully agree. It would be great if the physical realm held such warmth.
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Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
What true and beautiful words.
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What a wonderful blog post and I agree with it wholeheartedly. I have been blogging since 2010 and through the years, have met some of the most incredible people in the world. They mean so much to me and I cannot start my day without reaching out to them, or anxiously waiting for their post to hit my inbox. The feelings that gathers in your heart from their kindness is the most wonderful feeling in the world. I started my blog because we rescued a puppy from the APL, and through the years I have shared my daily life with everyone and have such a bond with so many wonderful people from all around the world. My advice to everyone is to reach out to others and say hello, start commenting on other blogs, make new friends, it’s easy! Stop by my blog today and say “hi” at http://www.nikitaland.wordpress.com – we’ll leave the light on for ya!
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Thanks. Blogging since 2010 is amazing. You’re right that people should wander and say hi to others. That’s the best way to make friends.
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When we first start out blogging, we don’t know what to do, how to setup a blog, but we learn. I asked a lot of questions to people I bumped into on my blog and they helped me along the way. I too, wonder if anything is wrong when I don’t see a post from a fellow blogger when I know I should have – I always check in with them to see if they are ok. The friendships I have made through the years is precious. By the way, thanks for subscribing to my blog too! You have a lot of catching up to do Charles! LOL (I’m Valerie, by the way!) 🙂
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I’ll try my best. I’m writing a book while blogging and trying to market the one that is currently out, so I scramble to keep up with current blogs.
I was lucky because my wife started blogging first and she showed me how to set things up. Then she got annoyed that I blew past her with followers and views. I couldn’t win.
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Blogging should come to you easily then, with you being a writer! Would love to hear all about your books when you get the chance! Tell your wife not to fret, blogging is not a competition! LOL
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She’s a competitive person, so it’s hard to get her to understand.
Well, my first book is up on Amazon for .99 cents and the sequel should be up in July. I’m working on the 5th book of the series right now. Telling all about my books might take a couple years since I have this series and about 40 other series in the wings. It’s predominantly fantasy taking place in my world called Windemere.
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Very thrilling! I am so glad I found YOU and your blog! 🙂
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I’m glad you found me too. Like making new friends on WordPress.
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So true!
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Reblogged this on USA Zorro Press.
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This is so true, Charles. People who aren’t involved or haven’t been involved in internet friendships find them difficult to understand. I liked the poem…”A family of the unseen…” – you have certainly become a member of mine.
Ellespeth
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Thanks and you to me. It’s funny how people shrug off these types of friendships because they don’t understand them.
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“The happiness of one’s own heart alone cannot satisfy the soul; one must try to include, as necessary to one’s happiness, the happiness of others.”
― Paramahansa Yogananda
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A lovely poem.. I think friendship sees no restraint, be it the cyber one. I have been successful in making more online friends than the real-life ones in the last year. So, I could definitely relate to your poem.
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Same here. I do wonder why online friends seem to be easier and less stressful to make than real friends. Is the lack of physical presence that much a factor?
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Pingback: For You, the FRIGGIN’ AWESOME BLOGGER (FAB) AWARD! Why? Because I Can! | The Arkside of Thought | Poetry, Politics, Philosophy, Life
friends are favoured over family,
the best ones make you smile,
friends like you inspire us,
we never feel on trial,
For you look out for everyone,
ask after the absent,
day and night, you read and write,
but love more than a parent,
we can be open and honest,
never have to pretend,
Charles, dear heart, never depart,
In you we love our friend.
I’d copyright it for Baldypoems but this one’s for you, pal. Keep smiling and keep writing, kind regards from Baldy 🙂
YOU are an inspiration, sir.
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Thanks. I’ll copy and save it right now. You can copyright it though.
Now, is this a welcome back? I tried to find your blog again, but it’s gone.
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No, the blog is gone, I really stuffed up. I may return to blogging again in the future when I have my head sorted (or in a better state of mind at least!) I could not abandon the talented and kind peole I have discovered completely though and realised I can still read and comment so would like to do so from time to time. I just started a new job so time is a comodity in very short suuply with that and the children! You are a gentleman and a scholar sir, I shall continue to check back in once in a while and let you know if I return in a more active way. Keep smiling, Charles, and keep writing! Kind regards from Baldy 🙂
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Thanks. Good to know you’re still with us in some form. I hope you’re still working on that fantasy world too.
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Yeah…loved this poem, it is so true. I’ve also had some interesting conversations with people who would have me believe that cyber friends are not real friends…I really disagree! Thanks for the share and the poem! 🙂 Oh and I’m reblogging this!
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Thanks for the reblog and glad you enjoyed the poem.
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🙂 I enjoyed it very much indeed!
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Reblogged this on Bastet and Sekhmet and commented:
A great poem, about cyberworld friends! Lovely!
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Love this! So true. Very touching poem Charles 🙂
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Thanks.
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I started my blog in November 2007 and it was very lonely then. I made a few connections and even did a guest post, but it was very quiet for me. I knew my blog was being read but I rarely got comments and had few followers. So I wrote my last post in January 2010 and just went AWOL. I often thought of taking the blog down completely. But one day this past February, I reread some of my posts and decided to give it another try. It had been three years; maybe things would be different. To say that blogging is a different experience for me now than it was a few years ago would be an understatement. I have never before felt so unconditionally welcomed. I am continually moved by the generosity and support I receive every day (well, at least everyday that I get online which right now is every day :)). My husband, who is a bit anti-social media (he’s proud to say that he has never and will never have a Facebook account), sometimes asks me, “How do you know these people are real.” To which I say, “How do they know that I am real?” I’ve worked with sociopaths and know first-hand that just because you can see and touch another person, that doesn’t necessarily make them “real.” Every week day my husband and I both work in an environment where some physical beings are actively trying to f**k up our reality, so why shouldn’t I take comfort and pleasure among a group of people I’ve never met but who are accepting of me and my reality? And it’s reciprocal. It’s like the more I give, I get back in doubles or triples. I only wish I had more hours in the day to spend reading and commenting and generally “Liking” all the wonderful people that I now consider friends. Thanks for the poem, Charles, and for so eloquently expressing what many, if not all of us, feel.
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I get the ‘are they real’ question a bunch. Sometimes you just know someone is real after a while.
Do you think the blogging world has changed since you started and that’s why you’ve had a different reaction this time around?
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I think some of the change I’ve experienced is due to WordPress. It’s much easier to follow and share and comment than it was when I started. Some of the change is due to me. I was very narrowly focused the first time around. I didn’t deviate too much from blogging about writing resources and editing, and I only followed blogs that did the same. And I viewed those who I followed and who followed me more as colleagues than friends.
I don’t know if the blogging world in general has changed or I just got lucky in meeting you and Ionia and Bradley and Sarah and John et al. You all (aka the RCC) really made the difference for me. Yes, I’ve made quite a few other friends outside of RCC, but I think your (our) group has taught me a lot about how to build community in the ether.
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I did notice an increase in friends when I deviated from my original purpose. Poetry helped me out a lot and I still enjoy throwing it out there.
Where did you start blogging? I started on Livejournal back in 2002. Haven’t touched it in ages.
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I started with WordPress, and I tried Blogger. Since I was thinking of freelance editing, I thought having ads on Blogger would be a good idea, but I never liked how the ads came out. I still have a knitting blog on Blogger, but haven’t touched it in ages. I’ll probably download it to my MacJournal and remove it. I’ve WordPress to be the easiest to work with so far.
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WordPress definitely is the easiest. I don’t think I could run multiple blogs either, so I haven’t tried to wander off.
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Reblogged this on 1WriteWay and commented:
An eloquent tribute to our friends in the ether.
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Reblogged this on Wyndy Dee and commented:
I love my online friends!!
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
YOU GOT IT, BABE!!!
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Beautiful poem Charles. Thanks for the dedication 🙂
Online friends are well…online friends and you can’t change that. They mean so much to me!! Like, Kira has gone off on an adventure, Ionia is on a holiday, Shane was sick and now he is recovering…it all makes a difference somehow…and if someone tells you otherwise, I get really angry!
Cheers guys! Cheers Charles 😀
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It’s the people that don’t use social media or despise it that I get the argument from. I understand they don’t get it, but to try to push on me their belief that everyone on-line is a potential criminal is ridiculous.
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Potential criminal! Goodness me! That is extreme! (How did you know I was a criminal? 😉 )
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Lucky guess. 😛
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😀
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Man, I had to scroll way down to get a comment in. That’s great! And what a lovely poem. And you know, Charles, it’s so true. People online have shared more of their joys and pains than some people I’ve known for over 20 years.
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It’s amazing how distance and even culture are no longer major barriers to being friends.
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Charles, I am very fortunate to have met such a genuinely kind person as you. Luckier still to have come out of the deal with a friend.
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Right back at ya. 😉 Been wondering when you were escape the cows and return to us.
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Thank you.
Ah, well, I’m back now. I don’t know for how long, but for the moment, I’m right here! 😉
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Reblogged this on The Ranting Papizilla and commented:
This one goes out to all of the WordPress community. Charles said it perfectly.
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‘Creating bonds of virtual light’ – lovely! Fantastic poem and beautifully said.
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To show how much thought I put into my poem, I saw that line and went ‘I wish I thought of that line’. It’s been a long week.
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Oh no! Hopefully a weekend away – even as a groomsman – will help!
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The drive will be brutal. 5 hours.
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Ergh.
Good luck, my friend. 🙂
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I’ve got a 5-hour energy shot to help me if I need it.
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Those things are excellent! I have a few hidden in the cupboard in times of dire need.
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I only use them for distance driving. At home, I’m more than willing to pass out when I have to. Probably going to have to pass out soon.
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G’night, Charles – hope the wedding is lovely.
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Night. It should be. The groomsmen are going to have superhero shirts underneath the tuxedos. I think we’re supposed to do a Superman expose thing to reveal our symbols.
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I agree completely but if people start posting about their bowel movements or other such issues, I’m off.
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Ew. Never seen that. I see a lot of pictures of what people are eating, which I never understood. Not unless they were going to share or they made it themselves.
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There are people who pray for me and my husband and I’m praying for people….whom I have never met face to face or they, I. There is a friendship, and however one may call it; virtual or unreal; the truth is that it is about people connecting and reaching out to each other. Whether we will all be kindred spirits, as Anne of Green Gables will say, it matters not. What matters is that we are all trying to connect with each other and in that process, we share and learn from each other.
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