I've just reread my last posting and I realize that though I said that I don't feel lonely, I do have the need to feel part of a community. Writing the blog gives me a sense of being part of an on-line community. I'm never really sure if any one is reading this other than those I have already mentioned but I have a sense that their is some sort of an audience and that together we are community.
I became aware of this need for community when I went to Othona for my retreat. Perhaps, I wouldn't want the intensity of that kind of community for a prolonged period of time, but I will revisit from time to time through the coming year. The blog forms another part of the jig-saw of community.
In the suburbs of the south of England, community is hard to find. You must reach out for it and even create it for yourself. I tried in the year before my cancer was diagnosed to become part of a group, which was the Runnymede Town Twinning Association. That didn't work. The people were...not inclusive. I was there to act as their secretary for a town twinning trip to somewhere in Virginia. Ah well, I'll have to try again.
Yesterday, I decided that I wanted to have a copy of this blog. It seems to be much more vulnerable than paper and I don't want to loose it. I would also like to reread it in chronological order which is more difficult on-line. There is no easy way to do this so I've had to cut and paste it from the blog, starting last November. Once I have finished, I'll print off a few copies.
It's Saturday, our house is looking wonderful after its paint job and I am going to spend the weekend sorting it out, including taking lots to the Oxfam charity shop. Emma leaves for New York for a week's holiday on Monday and I have to do some sewing for her. Sewing is obviously an area of her education that I forgot. (I don't mind though Emma, if you are reading this!) I also have quite a bit of school work to do. I have been so tired of late that I have let a lot slide. I don't feel unwell but I do feel so very tired at times.
A good weekend to all!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I share your feelings about community and I think that some blogs can be a type of community. Now that I think about it, the comment I sent to your previous post was about community.
Even though we don't have freshly painted rooms, I decided to sort out kitchen cupboards this evening. We arrived here two years ago with nothing and now we're at the point of needing to cull. Last week, took a couple of bags of clothing to the ARC Shop.
Communities and accumulating....two interesting topics.
The info about the retreat centre arrived in the mail...thank you. I can see the appeal.
The Shadow of the Wind, started reading it two nights ago. I've been reading a lot of non-fiction lately with the knowledge that when I was ready for fiction, I had something good on the table. It's drawing me in....nearly missed going to the gym this morning as I was reading "just one more page". Thank-you for it.
love mj
Post a Comment