Monday, February 13, 2012

One Amongst Many Bloggers


image courtesy of The Mag


It was a particularly apt prompt from The Mag this week, today being my first anniversary of blogging, of being ‘Isabel Doyle’.

My experiment in blogging has taken me from my place of exile across the globe.  I’ve met interesting people from many walks of life; some have remarkably similar outlooks to mine, snippets of shared experiences and shared places; some are scholarly, some are fun, some angst-ridden and some full of questions and wisdom.  I’ve sat awe-struck at the feet of poets and story-tellers, and been moved to laughter and tears by what I’ve read.  I’ve gasped with naked jealousy over some of your gardens and walks, and I’ve winced in sympathy over bad luck, bad news and life’s miseries.  I’ve sung with second-hand joy at your triumphs and delights.  Some blogs make me homesick – for various places and times in my life – and some blogs make me grateful for being here and not there.

I’ve been frankly confused by some virtual relationships and mystified by cruel attacks and rants.  Mostly I’ve been touched by the kindness of strangers, the encouraging remarks, the thoughtful words, the flow of goodness and energy.

I’ve shared stories of the life of exile and I’ve told you a bit about myself – probably far more than I realise.  I offered you my own poems and  my translations of poems attributed to my great hero Lucius Annaeus Seneca, and you have responded politely and kindly to my efforts.  You’ve listened patiently to my cat-tales and dramas and been interested in some of the strange objects I live with (Buddhas and teapots to name a few).

I’ve avoided geographical references, politics, religion and human rights, although these are subjects I feel passionately about, they are not safe for me here.  I try to keep under the radar of censorship and arrest, all the while knowing my every keystroke is monitored and recorded.

I’ve tried to protect my family from embarrassment by not revealing names and places, and I have kept my health battles fairly quiet.  I have a horror of moan-blogs where ailments and treatments are measured for medals and sympathy.

I started Written in Exile a year ago today, with the help of my daughter ‘Prima’, mostly as a distraction – therapy if you will – from my spectacular ill health.  A year ago none of us believed I’d still be here today, writing and posting, but clearly I am.

Thank you all for reading, commenting and following.  You’ve kept me inspired, encouraged and sane.


x

21 comments:

Martin said...

It's always a pleasure, Isabel. Here's to the next twelve months!

Anonymous said...

Isabel congratulations. I marked my 2nd anniversary yesterday, it has helped me through some emotionally difficult times but I have had fun too.
I look forward to reading about your second anniversary here too!

jabblog said...

Happy Anniversary, Isabel and many more to come.
Blogging certainly takes me to some unexpected places and frequently leaves me in awe.

Brigid O'Connor said...

Happy Blogoversary, Isabel. I've being taking an online break to get some writing done, but its always a pleasure to read your posts:)

Elisabeth said...

Happy anniversary. It seems such a feeble greeting. Thanks for a glorious speech on this your first blog birthday. To think you've only been at it for a year.

I've been following blogs about censorship of late and your post here reminds me yet again of how dangerous it can be to speak out and yet there's always a way. You have found a way. I rejoice in the continued life you offer here and that your health is holding out, as far as we can see from here.

Cheers to you, my real life and virtual friend, Isabel.

Susannah said...

A beautifully written post.

Congratulation on your blogaversary! I am very glad that I found my way here and have been able to peek into your world. x

izzy said...

I guess as in life, we have many choices to make! thanks for sharing.

susan t. landry said...

a lovely blog to visit: you are always on my short-but-important-to-me list of people with whom i like to have a virtual cup of tea with. i wish you ongoing success in your battle with ill health. you have an amazing and resilient spirit.

all good wishes,

susan

Brian Miller said...

smiles...happy anniversary...it is a journey...three years ago i never would have thought to meet the people i have and make connections...at one point i was naive as well, but this world is much like the real one and there are those that would soil it if we let them...i hope it has and continues to be a good journey for you...

ds said...

Thank you Isabel for the great pleasure of your writing and your company. Congratulations on your first year of blogging. May you have many many more!

Marylinn Kelly said...

A wise child to know what the cure may be. Happy Anniversary. Doesn't the time pass quickly. Blog years, perhaps they're like cat or dog years. How excellent that you are still here, writing, posting, living in exile, connected and attuned. May your health strengthen and your words flow on. Wishing you well. xo

Penelope said...

Well done, Isabel and many thanks for your generous, warm, intriguing offerings in spite of obstacles, beautifully employing what is to hand and within . . . all the best for the coming year.

Kathe W. said...

Congratulations on your anniversayr- may you ave many many more....I too so enjoy our blogger community. We are blessed.

Jinksy said...

Happy Blog Anniversary, and may you have many more! ♥

Tumblewords: said...

Happy blogiversary. I wish you many more!

lucychili said...

lovely to have met you =)

Helen said...

We are enriched by your presence .. happy anniversary!

zongrik said...

thanks for beging ther too

haunting suppleness

ninotaziz said...

Congratulations Isabel. On your life, your principles, your struggles, your hopes and joyous celebrations.

Tess Kincaid said...

Happy Blogoversary! Your brilliant contributions to Magpie Tales have been a lovely treat. Here's to many more years of creative beauty! Thank you!

Raven said...

Congratulations ... Happy Blogoversary. Isabel it was wonderful to hear from you. Thank you. I am grateful that you are "here." Yes, annoyingly ill. Can't really write but a Haiku a day ... as a consequence I created a Haiku blog that I call NOH-WHERE.

ttp://nohwhere.wordpress.com/

I have missed you and others. Liz