Fish in a pond, China, 2005 by Marie-Claire Holmes
I started this weblog on January 31, in an effort to force myself to write every day. It was begun with a certain amount of trepidation: Did I really want to jump into such a big pool? Could I remember how to swim? With so much talent out there, would anyone even notice? Luckily I dismissed those concerns.
I've been welcomed into a community of wonderful and talented writers at Sunday Scribblings; of provocative poets at Poetry Thursday; into a multi-cultural group of interesting and creative people scattered all over the world!
I've been inspired by your words; your stories; your photographs; your art; your bravery. I've been humbled by your kindnesses and enriched by your friendship and encouragement. I've been awestruck and touched by the beautiful heartfelt messages I've received and by Abhay's poem, inspired by my post Scent of Time.
This is my 151st post and except for about three weeks of traveling, I've posted at least one; more often two or more pieces a day. Writing these pieces; reading your stories; exchanging ideas and sharing thoughts keeps me in the creative frame of mind to finish my book, too long in progress. Your support and encouragement means more than you might imagine. Keep reading! Thank you! Merci beaucoup! Gracias! Grazie!
I love your blog and am so grateful that you started it! We are all fortunate that you are willing to share your talents with the world! You're wonderful! Congrats. on keeping those fingers flying over the keyboard! xo
Posted by: Cate | 01 June 2006 at 02:41
What a wonderful community the blogworld is, and you are one of its favored members! Brava on your writing, and soon to be book, and encouragement you give with such an open heart to all of us!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 31 May 2006 at 18:49
I admire your discipline so much. I used to write in my paper journal every day, but I have lost that habit and just haven't seemed to re-create it in my web journal.
I have a question:
From what I can gather you are writing a book. (sorry, I must have missed the details at an earlier point in your blog, but I've gathered this from other people's comments)
How do you ever manage to post daily - nice, thoughtful pieces that give the impression they took time and energy to create - and find time and creative inspiration for your book?
I write for a living as a consultant. I write business plans and grant proposals and investment memoranda for small businesses and projects here in Mozambique. I write all damn day and love it, but it seems to drain me so much.
I have finally decided to write my book starting next month, but I am overwhelmed with the idea of so much writing in my life!
Any insights would be welcome...
And congratulations on all your blogging success. I'm sure the book will follow suit.
Posted by: Ali | 31 May 2006 at 16:24
It's a wonderful, inspirational and supportive thing, this internet isn't it? Surprised me a lot. The newspapers told me it was full of deviants waiting to pinch my soul!
Well it does take up a lot of my free time.
Posted by: Jemima von Schindelberg | 31 May 2006 at 15:54
congratulations! I've enjoyed your blog daily since I first found you three weeks ago, and am looking forward to reading and enjoying many more posts.
Thank you for your dedication.
Posted by: boliyou | 31 May 2006 at 14:51
Tara
Daily! I'm impressed. Self-imposed discipline works wonders. I would blog more but work gets in the way :-(
For more on Japlish: http://www.tokyotales.com/blog/japlish/
Posted by: Mark McLellan | 31 May 2006 at 13:28
WOW- You only started this at the end of January? Here's to another 151 posts (at least)- I love your style!
Posted by: bb | 31 May 2006 at 12:25
very nice blog..i adore paris ..i wrote something after my first trip ..u can check it here
http://acrosssyria.blogspot.com/2006/01/paris-through-homsi-eyes.html#links
Posted by: haiderdroubi | 31 May 2006 at 12:01
You took the words right out of my mouth. I was thinking exactly along these lines today - congratulations on your 151th post!
Posted by: Hundred and one | 31 May 2006 at 11:25
Hi,
Congratulations! You are not only swimming well but inspiring others as well to swim along..thanks for being a freind..
"The inspiration is you"
Posted by: abhay | 31 May 2006 at 10:12
I am very happy I find you! I like your writting style very much and the refreshing, interesting posts, and your amazing personality and kindness. Thank you for being there. Keep posting!
Posted by: catalina | 31 May 2006 at 08:05
First, I LOVE those Chinese signs below. Omnivorously? Ha! And in response to this post, I'm so glad to have found your site, and I feel the same marvel that you do about the community!
Posted by: Laini | 31 May 2006 at 08:05
Lucky me to know you....love your stories....and best wishes sent to you for a future filled with stories...
Posted by: mary jane rossi | 31 May 2006 at 07:30
i'm glad to have found you.
Posted by: kristen | 31 May 2006 at 04:43
I'm so glad I found you!
Finish that book!!
xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 31 May 2006 at 03:26
Tara - keep on! I am very inspired by your blog and the writing you share with us. Good luck working on the book too!
Posted by: Kara | 31 May 2006 at 01:54
it's all because of you, my friend...you are sweet! love the fishies...
mab
Posted by: mab | 31 May 2006 at 01:46
Congrats on 151. The Blogosphere is more special with you here.
Posted by: Neil | 31 May 2006 at 01:30
I feel the same way about this blogging thing. It has been good for my mind, and my heart.
I am happy you started. I love to read or see what you post!
:)
Posted by: amber | 30 May 2006 at 20:01
woo-hoo-- good for you!
Posted by: ally bean | 30 May 2006 at 19:28
It is such a great photo to go with this post.
So glad you threw yourself in.
Posted by: Thea | 30 May 2006 at 18:33
Like seeds in our garden I agree with you that creative people with similar hearts and souls as ours are scattered all over the world.Together we find one another in this mystical world of blogging!Happy was the day my dearest friend encouraged me to begin..a road with many twists and turns never knowing what we will discover with just a
"click" of a key! :)
Posted by: naturegirl | 30 May 2006 at 18:30
It is a great pleasure visiting you everyday and even more a pleasure, the shared private emails as we experience the ups and downs of life. Here's to more and mainly UP.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 30 May 2006 at 18:23
It is such a distinct pleasure to visit every day. Thank you for your commitment.
Posted by: Rebekah | 30 May 2006 at 18:13
Keep on ... keep on Tara !
You inspire us also.
Posted by: diana | 30 May 2006 at 16:55
I have caught up on all your posts I've missed. Love and Death was a riveting story! I sense that it could have happened. (I worked in Santa Clara, Napa and San Francisco at one time.) Your writing is awesome and I hope I can buy your book when it is published :) Thanks again for sharng your world and Sabastian (too HOT!). LOL
Posted by: Tammy | 30 May 2006 at 16:35
Congratulations on your success - we benefit from your endeavors;-)
Posted by: endment | 30 May 2006 at 16:18