Thank You, Bloggers

Sometimes I don't remember why I started blogging. I go back to my first post and I read what I said then:

"The title of this site refers to the location my mind can usually be found. I am usually so far out in left field that I'm about 4 rows back in the bleacher seats. This being my first post, I will tell you that I will be commenting on things in the news that make me say, "What the....?" I believe I can be counted on for a different perspective on things other than those offered by the usual suspects, ie talk radio hosts and political pundits and bloggers. I offer only my opinions based on what I hear, with the caveat that what I hear may not necessarily be accurate."

I think that has come pretty close to true. So far. I never intended it to become a political blog, and that's why sometimes I write about non-political issues.

Some things I've noticed since, about blogging:

I have been encouraged by those who visit and offer uplifting comments. Even some who disagree instill in me a desire to continue to offer my opinions.

I have been insulted, too. But I've notice the ones that insult are generally the ones that have no fresh ideas of their own. No "perspective from out in left field" so to speak. Most of the time they are just angry and miserable people who seek to bring me and others down to their own miserable level.

I have said before that I feel a need for everyone to like me, so those jerks hurt my feelings anyway, but I am learning.

Soon their comments will roll off me like water off a ducks back. I suppose that I should thank them for hardening me, but is that really something to be aspired to?

Hardening?

I am being educated, too. I don't always write about things that I am particuarly knowledgeable. My new found blogger buddies are always right there to set me straight when I am mistaken. I get direction from all sides. Recently I noted that I was unaware of some very important things in U.S. History.
Lone Ranger enlightened me, and ER took me to task for my ignorance. Thanks guys. I needed that. Poison Pero teaches me things, too. I am becoming more educated as a result of blogging.

It's not only other bloggers that are educating me, but it is because of the fact that they hold me accountable that I now try, at least, to research what I write about.

Tug, and Daffy, and Mary, and Xena, and Lores,and Francis Lynn all give me input on things that interest me, and they encourage me.

Mike, as well as Pero, offers me a somewhat far right perspective. Rich Bachelor, although he disagrees much more often than he agrees (does he ever agree?), gives me left wing perspectives to consider. Others could make me consider their left wing viewpoints, possibly, if they were not so mean spirited and hateful.

They know who they are.

Middle of the roader MadMustard offers interesting commentary.

Wordsmith and Tech inspire me to continue my attempts to improve my skills.

All of these people, with their various opinions and commentary, together embody what the first amendment is all about. Free speech, thought, and expression.

God bless America!

Overall, I think blogging is quite possibly one of the most challenging and rewarding things I've ever done. I am richer for the experience.

I love it!