Thoughts on Blogging...or, the size of the world is shrinking

So, did you miss me? Sorry to have been absent for a bit. I've been battling the unknown crud for 2 1/2 weeks...not enough to be flat out for long, but enough that I've had no energy and have been resting a lot when not at work.

I've been thinking about technology. Some people talk about technology depersonalizing us. For example, few write actual letters anymore. There's certainly something to be said for taking the time to put pen to paper, take it to the post office and send it on its way. There's a delight in receiving a real, bonafide letter. But if you're like me, perhaps you keep in contact more often with people in your life when you can dash off an email in a few seconds. With letters I generally feel compelled to update the person on everything that's been going on with me since last we spoke. Whereas with emails I'm more inclined to just hit the highlights.

Then we come to blogging. While I started this blog specifically to share Westminster dog show pictures with family and friends, I realized it was a fun way to share random pictures and random thoughts. As I began blogging, I also began spending more time following other bloggers. What's fascinating to me is the ability of some bloggers to truly open up a window into their world. While some of the blogs I follow are those of people I met "in the real world" first, some I have never met in person. And in regularly following their blogs, I feel a sense of kinship with them...like I know them...I can rejoice with them when they share a personal triumph, or mourn with them when they lose someone close. (For example, the poignancy with which the Fat Cyclist shared his wife's battle with the cancer that led to her death earlier this month was incredibly uplifting and powerful...see www.fatcyclist.com). So what I'm saying is, the world is shrinking. I can check in with people all over the world and see what they're up to with a click of the mouse.

Oh, there's definitely a downside. There's lots of junk out there. People using the internet for all sorts of horrible, degrading purposes. (We watched the movie "Untraceable" this weekend. Talk about disturbing! It portrays a serial killer who makes his kills live on the internet and the more people log on, the faster the person dies. How creepy is it that I suspect there are a lot of people out there who would check out something like that!!!)

What are your thoughts on all the internet madness? Like it, love it, hate it?

Okay, I really must head towards the job....Just wanted to say I've missed you guys and will get back to you more regularly soon with more wacky musings and some fun pix.

btw, SotD: "Mississippi Girl" by Faith Hill