Member Praises

(Sulekha) Blogger's Remembrance

Maria S.

"The seasons of life each pave a way
To the next winding road we choose to take
Without a chance to go back and try again
No matter the hurt or mistakes we make"..

Hello Friends,

I recently read a beautiful essay by Patty Davis- about 'collecting gemstones of memories' as we move along the path of life..Well, not to be 'overly dramatic'- but looking back at a remarkable year in the Sulekha Blogs- I can surely say has been memorable..

In 'true' Blog fashion- trying to keep it 'as brief as possible'- *And since this is a rewind- hope the 'newer Bloggers' -will not mind - this being more about a tribute for the earlier times!

How does one become a Blogger especially a hot one? No idea- except for me, this was literally a Real life Gypsy- finding a Virtual world space to fix a tent and staying a little too longer than expected!

The moment it started -there was a 'feel good' aura about this place. There were perhaps about a hundred Bloggers around (about 2000 today!)- who were warm, friendly and trying to connect with their words- in a real sense. There was little pretense, and much comfort- No 'trying too hard to impress' anyone..and for better or worse 'were original'- raw, blunt, honest- yet 'civil'.

Gosh- is there any topic untouched? Is there any life issue not vented about?.. A true kaleidascope-of thoughts, views, opinions-expressed in unique individual ways!

I remember those who stayed for some time who made an impression and left- Like JaanBaaz, SamC, Harrycr, Subash, Stuckinkg, Venkkk.. and so many others..Who can forget the 'missing her' Blog- which is missing now! and the gut wrenching.. 'Garden of stones' -which is gone!

Thankfully, many have stayed.

The 'first'women first..(kinda sure these are gals!)

The delightful Dippy-ditzy Umbrella girl- among the earliest who was reborn as Anetra- and keeps us entertained- guessing what comes next- - and the always- stable Ardra- who nurtures and encourages- Sharmila, who was sweet,...a little later Reshmi, Reema and La Louve- who are as creative as it gets!.. It takes atleast a few reads- to understand the many metaphors in their Blogs..

What can I say about the Men?..

So many types, kinds and styles--simple, complex- profound! Atracus whose blogs about his son, father and his Uma- which made me sit still- spellbound-to the fall out funny 'embarrassing moments' of P_P also reborn as Bw- Sigmund's words which made one frozen-, to the Dead Man- who walked with his living experiences- The sunny persona of Pradzie, IBL, Shpriya, M_C, Ananth a sometimes cynical BR, Unni- and Warpster whose thoughts I tried to understand, but were way beyond my reach..So many others.. so little time!

As the tape continues to being played, emerge- waves of fine new Bloggers- Sowmya, Tiana, Sauparnika, Fizo_Al, BBG, Crimson, Inferno, Crystal, Expo, Bittertruth, mbe, tlj, Nithya, El-Enig, Asha, Royer..(not sure about all the new incarnations!)..

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*Please- pardon me, if your names are not mentioned- everbody's contribution(including the commentators) is meaningful in some way!

On a personal note- have had highs and lows..

The external changes -like the War in Iraq, ever-changing cultures, to the Election in India- brought out so many things..At times, it was hard to read and keep silent- and some things were better left unsaid. From being called a Mother Superior to a Muse- to be angrily asked 'who are you, a moral guardian?'..From very kind private e-mails which mostly said "don't leave",'do write another blog', 'don't ever change',' 'can you help?'- to...'lighten up', 'too good to be true', 'your words hit me-and hurt me'.. it has all been interesting!..

There was a brief yet confusing period- when the Blogs were beginning to 'blur/overlap the intimacy in my 'real and virtual worlds'- and I was quite vulnerable- developing feelings- flirting that easily and quickly opened the gates to strong temptations- I am often asked- Is 'having an emotional affair' the same as a 'physical affair'?.. In my view, if it interferes and distracts you from your real life committments- it can be worse!

It has been an amazing year!..I am in awe of all the new talent here! So many great new Bloggers, who only seem to make it more vibrant and lively! *(will include you all next year!)

The Blogs are- a wonderland.. and this is not a farewell blog!..And I hope to collect more words here for my 'gemstones collection'!

We Optimists- always look at life with "The best is yet to come' attitude! And so it goes.

Happy Anniversary Sulekha Weblogs! Until next time!

MariaS

"Life is but a moment in time
Yet as long as eternity
Our journey's walk is step by step
Yet time waits for no one; neither you nor me"