November 02, 2006Thank You to My Knitting CommunityAt the time of this post, we have gotten 92 comments about Caia's passing and over 50 personal e-mails, and I am not at all surprised. One of the things that I love about this community is that when one of us suffers, others rally around; when someone - or many someones - need help, we pick up the cause and do something; when joyous events occur, we are always available to celebrate. It's funny, because I know that there are many who are long-time readers who never comment about the knitting content, but who will be the first to delurk for the birth of a child or the passing of our beloved family dog. Although the knitting brings us together, I think it's the little bits of personal content and regular interaction that keep us close. There is no way that I can write you guys back personally. Every time I read one of your comments or e-mails I get teary. I am not even going to try. But I do want you to know that I appreciate every single note from the long-term friends that I already know about, and from those of you lurking in the wings. I have read and savored each one, and I feel very lucky to have you all. I also want to encourage those of you who don't always comment to speak up sometimes if you want to feel more involved. (I know some people would rather just read - that's cool, too.) I have to admit that I don't answer comments of the "nice sweater!" variety - although like everyone else, I do love to get those. But I will try to answer any questions that you have in the comments where you left them (so that everyone can see them - we often have similar questions), and I do try to touch base with people who write about an interesting connection that we have. I also periodically check out the blogs of my commenters, and especially lately, this has been a real treat for me. With so many blogs out there, and so many established bloggers who know and check in on each other, it can be hard to find the time to check out new sites, or even know where to begin to look. When you leave an personal comment and a blog link, it's a great opportunity for me to discover you. All of my blogging friends that I hang out with in *real life* were people that I traded comments with first - often for years. Finally, don't feel like you can't be part of the blogging world without a blog. Although it's easier for me to decide that I am comfortable and have something in common with another knitter if I can read all about them on a website, it isn't essential, and I've become friendly with people based only on our interaction through comments. Again, thank you so much for your notes and thoughts about Caia. She meant the world to us, and somehow sharing her life and her passing with so many wonderful, understanding people helps. Posted by Julia at November 2, 2006 05:53 AMIn main
Comments
How lovely you are. You've just convinced me to delurk myself at a few of the knitting blogs I've so enjoyed. Your postings are always so thoughtful, creative and warn. A delight! I am sorry I never got a chance to scratch Caia's ears. But those photos really captured her sweetness. Posted by: Sandy at November 5, 2006 01:33 PMbig hugs really and virtually. we all appreciate the time you take to share your craft and life. be well! Posted by: kat at November 3, 2006 11:57 AMHow articulate & spot-on you are in this post. It is a wonderful community of knitters/crafters, and it's because of people like you that I finally decided to stop delurking and join in. I've been delighted ever since. Still sending warm thoughts to your family as you grieve & heal & remember Caia. Posted by: kodachrome at November 3, 2006 06:45 AMThe real reason I finally started a blog was it didn't seem fair to me to go read about all these fascinating people and the cool things they did without giving them a peak at my life sometimes, too. It is like any relationship or community, I think-- you get back what you put in. I am glad that you are getting back so much right now because you put so much in to the knitting community. Posted by: Laura at November 2, 2006 09:02 PMYou've captured what's so special about blogging. I'm sending you virtual brownies (because I'd bring them over with a hug if you were local.) Thinking of you and Moxie. Posted by: Kathy at November 2, 2006 09:00 PM[delurking...] Julia, I've really enjoyed reading your blog for some time now. Your vitality and... as Rose said, just "amazing positive energy..." is very inspiring, not only in the scope of knitting, but in a larger sense as well. I feel that Caia will live on, in some ways, forever. Emily S. Posted by: Emily S. at November 2, 2006 07:07 PMits truly is a positive community. my mom was once trying to describe knit blogging to a friend of hers, who was so confused about why anyone would want to publish pictures of themselves in finished - or half finished - projects. the major point that my mom wanted to communicate was that the community is so positive. i'm glad to that we could be there for you. I am glad that you are getting support--I think that you put out amazing positive energy, and people want to do for you, because we know that you would do for us. Did that make sense? Posted by: Rose at November 2, 2006 04:22 PMYou were there for me in a big way with my broken head, and I'm grateful for it. You're a real love, Julia, and I'm glad to be able to share with you, no matter what each one of us has to go through. Hang in, babe. I know it never goes away, but it gets a little better, or at least a little different, eventually. Posted by: Lee Ann at November 2, 2006 04:04 PMWell, if you insist, I guess I'll come out of lurkdom. It's good when you know your friends are well supported by a great community and I'm glad to be counted among it. This was a lovely post Julia. I think we all share your feelings about the wonderfully supportive nature of the knitting/blogging community. As your friend, I'm so glad to know that we've been able play a part in helping comfort you through your grief. That's what we're here for. :) Much love... Posted by: Nonnahs at November 2, 2006 03:08 PMJulia, I am so glad that those of us who read your blog have been able to be supportive to you while you grieve Caia. I think you captured how we all feel about our blog-reading and writing. I don't always comment on every post on every blog that I read, but when someone reaches out and shares their pain or their joys, I feel compelled to acknowledge them, as a fellow human being. I think knitters are naturally nurturing, so this is our strength. Posted by: Liz K. at November 2, 2006 02:25 PMLove you always! :-) Posted by: Cara at November 2, 2006 02:03 PMWhat a wonderful, well written posting. You've summed up the knit blog community beautifully -- some of us write, some of us read, some of us comment, some of us email, but all of us care. Posted by: nona at November 2, 2006 01:49 PMJulia, much love! I've been thinking about you all week. I'm glad beautiful Caia touched so many people, even those who never got to scratch her ears. Posted by: Mary-Heather at November 2, 2006 01:29 PMHello Julia, I just read a blog post- the writer complained about knitting blogs that were not about the knitting. I agree with you that it is the knitting that brings us together, but it's so much more than that. When my brother was ill, and my posts were interlaced with my anger and sadness related to his disease, the comments left by other bloggers often gave me the strength to pull my chin up and stop crying. I did not feel isolated in my grief, and each day was a bit easier. I am glad that you have had so much support. We do love your knitting, but you are the real treasure. Thanks for letting us all be there for you in Blogland. You would do the same for us. I hope that you are feeling lighter in spirit every day. Hugs to you and yours! Posted by: Nicole at November 2, 2006 08:53 AM |