Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Hearing Voices

When I read your blogs, I imagine you speaking the words to me. Some of you have slow, drawling voices, while others have faster paced cadences with accents different from mine. I won’t tell you which blogger I’ve dubbed with a Daffy Duck voice. (I kid! I kid!) Of course, all of these voices are made up in my imagination because I’ve never heard a blogging friend actually speak, that is until this weekend.

I was thrilled to have a wonderful phone visit with a dear blogging friend who’s asked me to collaborate on a writing project with her. Not only that, I will be getting to speak soon with another amazing blogging friend who’s asked me for my opinion on parts of one of her novels.

I’ve been thinking about our blogging community. Some scoff and say it’s not real; the virtual world is a sad excuse for socialization. However, I’m with the other group who fervently backs the idea that the blogging neighborhoods are just as real and vibrant as any other social network. Only two people in my daily life know I blog, or even that I write anything other than grant proposals. You all know me much better in a literary sense than most of my friends.

And even though I will never get to attach the real voice to most of my blog neighbors, I count each of you as friends. That’s what blogging has done for me: connected me with incredible people I would never have met otherwise.

How about you? Have you ever spoken with any of your blogging friends you didn’t already know, or even met up with some of them? Is it something you’d like to do if you haven't?


And I put up a short recording of my own voice on a past post, in case you’d like to hear it, although the giveaway I talk about is already over. Click here: Shelly's Voice (This will take you to a Sound Cloud page. It should start playing automatically when you open the page.) Yep, that’s a sure fire Texas accent all the way through it.

80 comments:

  1. Oh, I loved hearing your voice!! I love meeting blog friends, we "get" each other. It's hard to even start to explain to someone who doesn't read blogs what a blog is and that these people are "friends". I have learned to just say it as I believe it. "My friend, Shelly, in Texas, is one of the best story tellers I've ever heard."

    I hope I get to meet you someday. I hope you feel the same.

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    1. Ever since I've heard your voice, (in that post you linked to) I have imagined you talking right off the screen. It is fun....maybe we should be challenged to put up a video like Odie used to, of our voices describing something, that was so cute when he used to do that! He bought Simeon a Christmas Story book with his own voice telling the story...so I get to hear his sweet southern voice every Christmas season!

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    2. Jamie Jo: You'd better believe I want to meet you someday! (Just not in nine feet of snow, though...) If I ever get a chance to head north, I would love to stop by, visit, and enjoy some wonderful laughs. And you know, I have heard your voice, in some of the videos you've posted. So that is a bonus for me!

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    3. And the video challenge is a wonderful idea- wouldn't it be fun to hear everyone? I'm such an auditory person- it would be such an amazing experience!

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  2. I have had the great good fortune of meeting with three blog friends I did not know except through their blogs. The four of us, along with three spouses, had an afternoon and evening together. Blogging friendships are real friendships. Cherish them.

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    1. vanilla: They are real! I fully agree. And what a wonderful thing to have met not only one, but three!

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  3. Hi Shelly! When my father died, it was the blogging community that comforted me. I firmly believe in friends I haven't met and yes, I would like to meet some of them or at least hear their voices. Thank you for sharing yours. You do sound like what I thought you might sound like.

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    1. The Chicken's Consigliere: There's nothing like the blogging community to not only celebrate with us, but to mourn with us, too. It is genuine, and I love that.

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  4. No, I've yet to hear or be in the presence of any of my blogger friends. But I expect this to happen one day.

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    1. Stephen: I expect it will happen here one day, too.

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  5. Sufferin' succotash, Shelly, I sound more like Daffy Duck than Donald! (LOL) Seriously, I was once told that my voice sounds a little like Dustin Hoffman, so you might as well use his voice when reading my words, Mrs. Robinson :) I remember your sweet, charming voice and Texas accent from that old post. It has stuck in my brain and I "listen" to you speak as I read your posts and comments. I remember Thisisme posting a v/o video tour of her garden once and my other Texas friend Suzanne did the same when showing off her garden. Our friend Odie also did a voice over on his blog when showing us around his property. I think you four are the only bloggers whose voices I have heard.

    I have exchanged personal emails with several blog friends and that's the extent of it. You know how there's a "4th wall" in theater, movies and television - the imaginary boundary between story and reality beyond which the audience is seated? Actors are not supposed to acknowledge the 4th wall unless it is scripted. To me, there is a 4th wall in blogging and it is "violated" when people actually meet in person. You can call me strange or silly for feeling this way but I think much of the magic and mystery is lost when people like us actually come face to face. Therefore, I do not seek and would decline requests from other bloggers to meet anywhere other than cyberspace.

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    1. Shady: Now Dustin has a pretty fine and memorable voice, so I will attach that to your posts and comments. I forgot about our friend thisisme's video- and Odie's was a great one, too. It's always a neat thing to attach an actual voice to a person's words. And you would never be either of the ducks at all!

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  6. I'm having sound issues with my computer so I couldn't hear your voice :(

    how neat you'll be able to work on a project with a fellow blogger! I share your opinion about the blogging community and count people I meet through it as my friends.

    I've met 2 bloggers face to face, so to speak. One lived in my same town (well one small town over) and another came over from Arizona on spring break and we met up at Disneyland. Enjoyed both encounters :)

    betty

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    1. betty: What fun! Meeting at a place like Disneyland would be epic. We do have true friendships here in our blogging community!

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  7. Blogging communities are ABSOLUTELY as real and vibrant and interactive as any other type of community - maybe even more-so because writing is so personal and you are sharing a part of yourself. And yes I have met and spoken to people through blogging - it's so wonderful how our blogs can bring us together.

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    1. Optimistic: I agree that what we share here is every bit as personal as what we share with our regular friends. There's much that's bad about the internet, but this is one of the very good things.

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  8. Yes! I read all my UK blogger friends in a British accent and My US ones in an American one!
    And yes I use the word friends because I too consider the bloggers that I regularly read, and who regularly connect with me through my blog, as friends. I really look forward to reading what they write and to hear what's going on in their lives. I have got to know a lot of people this way and have often said as you do 'people I wouldn't have otherwise met'.

    I know NO-ONE in my daily life who blogs, in fact most of them don't even wanna know if I mention my blog! In person I have met 2 Irish Bloggers whom I now meet regularly and consider 'real life' friends!

    This argument stretches to facebook and twitter too. I mix with both real and virtual friends. When you're 'retired' or on a career break taking care of kids and home this contact is vital! It' the stay-at-home parents equivalent of a tea/coffee break during the day!

    I'm delighted to all consider you as a blogger friend and am not surprised to hear that you're getting involved on some writing projects. I love your words... xx Jazzy

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    1. jazzygal: I would love to hear all the different accents of my blogging friends one day. There's such a lovely cornucopia that we have represented. I do read yours with and Irish accent in my head, and it sounds lovely! I also agree with what you said that it's our tea/coffee break for the day. And what an entertaining one it is!

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  9. I remember your praline giveaway, but still had to go back to the link and listen to your voice.

    Now, as for Daffy Duck...Wabbit Season...Duck Season, Wabbit Season...shoot 'im now!!! Or maybe you hear me as sayin' "Consequenches Smonchequenches, as long as I'm rich"! [all in Daffy's voice of course lol]

    Yes, I've met several people from online outlets...not only blogging. And meeting them in real time was a lot of fun, and a great experience.

    I know each and every time I travel through your area, I am always thinking about you, and hope someday to meet.

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    1. HOOTIN ANNI: Ha! And coming from our veteran bird watcher, I'm sure your duck accent would sound much better than Daffy's! And yes, someday we will have to meet and compare notes, especially since we are so close geographically!

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  10. I've imagined the voices of my blogging friends. I can't say I've spoken to any of them, but have emailed several of them personally as well as interviewed some of them as guests on my blog. I listened to your voice and, yup, that's about what I was imagining for you. Texas accent, kind voice. :-)

    Be well...

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    1. Janette Dolores: I always love your interviews. That's another way the blogsosphere brings us even closer, with personal touches like the ones you showcase. And thank you!

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  11. Dearest Shelly;
    Wow, happy for you to hear that you are collaborating on a writing project with fellow blogger♡♡♡ I DO wish I could meet up with my friends like you do! How great it must be and I share the same feeling for blogging, my friend.
    LOVELY to hear your voice again♬♬♬
    Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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    1. orchid Miyako: I would love to hear your voice someday, my dear friend- I'm sure it's as lovely as I imagine in my head. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a blog meeting party one day???

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  12. I've only spoken to one, a British chap. :-)

    You sound like a Texan to me, although not as heavy an accent as could be. :-) You have a kind voice, a smiling voice.

    Have left comments on the "Cloud" as well.

    Pearl

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    1. Pearl: Did you start speaking with a British accent after talking with him? Because I would! I nip people's accents all the time and make them my own, albeit unconsciously. And I enjoyed the great comments on the Cloud.

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  13. I loved hearing your voice, Shelly! You do sound like I thought you would -- and, surprisingly, a little like my beloved cousin Caron, who lives in Kansas. You have such a lovely warm quality to your voice! I've never met a fellow blogger, though I would love to if the opportunity arose. I'm so glad to hear that you're collaborating on a writing project!

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    1. Dr. Kathy: Oh, thank you! It's funny how recordings of ourselves speaking so often do not match what we think we sound like. And I'm looking forward to this collaboration- thank you!

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  14. Shelly, from the very first time my blogger friend introduced me to her blogging friends, it was plain to see what warm and caring people they are. You are my friend whether we ever get to meet or talk. I feel I know you and love reading your stories, and maybe our paths will cross one day. I may be meeting a couple of our blogging friends when we go on vacation this year and will be sure to tell about it. Although Sweet Tea and I went to high school together, we never really had talked with each other except through FB and blogging. We then decided to meet and what a joy it was.

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    1. Nonnie: I so hope that one day when I get up to Dallas again we can meet up for lunch. I already feel like we are kindred spirits, and to actually meet would be such a treat!

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  15. I have heard a lot heavier southern accents than yours. You do sound very smily and sweet!
    I have never met one of my blog friends, but I have talked on the phone to a couple of bloggers. Now private emails and hand written letters--those have been steadily growing in number. :)
    If you ever want to hear what I sound like you can hear me on my youtube videos. I haven't made any new ones for ages, but I still sound the same--LOL! http://www.youtube.com/user/soulcomfort1?feature=mhum And I don't think I have a Minnesota accent, but people say I do. ;)

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    1. Rita: Thank you! And I'm headed over to youtube to find you! I can only hope Miss Karma will be on there, too!

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  16. I've had the chance to speak with a few blogging friends, but haven't met any. Always great to get to know the real life voice and can only imagine how much fun it would be to meet in person! One day, maybe.... Until then, we shall continue to hear from each other through our blogs.

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    1. Linda: Yes, until the one day comes, blogging is the next best way to stay in touch and get to know friends!

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  17. My oldest sister lives in Texas and has a much stronger accent than yours. Your voice sounds kind, calm, and rational -- exactly what I'd expect. I have regular telephone conversations with a few blogger friends. Some sound sweet. Some sound funny, as in having a good sense of humor. All sound intelligent. I no longer see my blogging "circle" as virtual. It's as real as it gets. The people who read my blog know far more about me than the people I see everyday, who have no interest in chatting with me. I love my blogger friends dearly. I have met three in person and would love to meet more. I have adopted one blogger as my Middle Child, and another one is my mom-figure. I am blessed.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Janie: I try to tone mine down, but when I'm around my dad's side of the family, I am twanging like a cheap banjo. You said so well what I feel about blogging.

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  18. I haven't yet talked to or met any bloggers whose blogs I read, but have heard you and Pearl (pretty sure she was lip-synching Liza Bean!) - and you both sound as I imagined :) I would like to meet my online friends, but as I am an extremely poor traveller, I somehow doubt it will happen ... unless you all converge on my little corner of the world :)

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    1. (or Liza Bean was lip-synching Pearl?)

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    2. jenny_o: Wouldn't it be fun to have a world-wide blogger meet up somewhere wonderful, like Paris? We'd have to come kidnap you and take you there!

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    3. And I need to go find that video of Pearl/ Liza Bean lip synching!

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    4. http://pearl-whyyoulittle.blogspot.ca/2013/09/hey-is-that-your-cat-up-there-on-screen_17.html

      Enjoy!

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    5. And I'm only guessing it's Pearl doing the voice-over - perhaps we should ask her?

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    6. Oh, how could I forget about that!!! That was such fun!

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    7. And I'm going to ask Miss Pearl-

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  19. I've met and spoken with two of my blogger friends. We both lived in the same state, and connected through a book signing and writer event. It is pretty cool when you get to meet a blogger buddy in person!

    I agree with you - I think the blogger community is very real. It would be nice to have a blogger convention where we can all gather and actually meet face to face. (But then some of us might not know what to say if we actually had to "speak" to someone. LOL!)

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    1. Sherry: Agreed- it might be a case of both being tongue tied!

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  20. I visited three blogger friends from Georgia on our way to Florida vacation. Great bonding. Makes our blog experiences more real.

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    1. Linda: What a neat thing- and I can see how you are right about the bonding- only makes it stronger.

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  21. I just posted a long comment that didn't show when I hit publish. It doesn't say her that comment moderation, so I'm guessing it's a Blogger Hiccup. I've met one blogger in person. It's great to put real people together with writing voices. I hope this comment goes through.

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    1. Carol: I hate when Blogger does that! Thank you for persisting and trying again. I do hope someday to meet up with some blogging friends~

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  22. My blogging buddies never return my calls.

    But you are right, this is a great social network.

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    1. joeh: Ha! Well, probably if mine knew it was me, they may not answer, either~

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  23. I don't write much in my bloggy ....just because I just don't have the time...plus I take pictures and that is how I write. I hope you can hear my voice in my pictures. I wish You could hear my laugh and then snort. I love laughing with people and teasing them. Jamie gets that! When you come visit her...come visit me too!

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    1. Christine: I always love your blog- it is gorgeous! And I love to laugh and snort, too. If I ever get to Minn., you and Jamie and I will have to laugh the whole time!

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  24. Shelly, you always come up with such interesting topics! A little over a year ago, a local blogger that I follow also was a friend on Facebook. He writes about Knoxville and I started reading his blog to learn more about the town. On Facebook I mentioned that Clint and I had visited a local church, a beautiful old stone church that I had always admired. I had also written on FB that no one had spoken to us at this church. This local blogger sent me a FB message, telling me he was a member of this church. He met us there the following week and we have met his wife. It was a positive experience.

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    1. Cindy: Now that sounds like a terrific meet up. And how good of him to work to rectify what happened!

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  25. I have met 11 blogging friends in real life thanks to book signings for I Just Want to Pee Alone. These women have been, without exception, exactly as I imagined they would be, which is so exciting and refreshing. There are a handful of blog friends spread throughout the country that I fear I may never get to meet in person, but I am grateful for our online connection. You are one of those friends.

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    1. Amy: Now that is the stuff of dreams! I would love to meet up with that many of my blogging friends. If you ever head for south of the border, you will have to stop by here!

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  26. SO interesting that you should blog about this Shelly. I've been thinking of a post (this week) touching on the same - meeting blog friends, which I've yet to do. Eventually, I'll write it. And eventually, I'll do some sort of video post to debut "the voice." In addition to you, I've heard the voices of two other long time blog friends who've done video posts. It "is" fun to hear.

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    1. Anita: Oh, I would love it if you do! I know you would sound lovely. Can't wait to hear it!

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  27. I have never though I had an accent until I heard myself on a recording..then, I realise how bad my English is, and how I drawl. I will come back tomorrow and listen to you when this puter allows me to open up the sound.. So madening, I am waiting ages just to open a page. xxx

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    1. Crystal Mary: In my head, I don't have an accent at all, but when I open my mouth, it's a totally different story~

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  28. Yohhh... I heard you.. Very sweet and yet in total command.. I wrote a comment under your voice...and, I have recorded my voice to you! xxx https://soundcloud.com/cristella7777

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    1. Crystal Mary: Thank you! And I'm headed over right now to hear your voice!

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    2. I'm having a hard time getting my comment there to show up, but I won't give up. I loved your voice!

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    3. I will try to leave a comment again, but what utter fun it was to hear you!

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  29. On a trip home to Ireland last year, I met a blogging friend and it was amazing to think how we'd connected. We get along very well too. It was hard to believce we'd never actually met face to face before.

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    1. Maria: I feel like I know so many of my blog friends well that I can imagine me thinking that, too. I hope to meet up with some one day!

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  30. Dear Shelly, I thought that I'd commented on this interesting posting last week, but clearly I thought and didn't write. As to your question, I have heard the voice of three women bloggers. And it is gratifying to hear their voices reflect their postings. Peace.

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    1. Dee: I hope to hear your voice very soon! We are home from the funeral and today slowly getting back into the swing of things. It is gratifying to hear the voices!

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  31. I would so love to meet my blogging friends! How cool would it be to organize a meeting--in Maui.

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  32. I am a huge believer in blogging buddies! I've met several, and they are just as sweet in person as online. Plus, I've learned so much through blogs about writing and publishing that has helped me succeed.

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    1. Jeanette: You are so right- I've learned so much from my blogging friends. I really hope to meet some in this lifetime~

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  33. I've met many friends online and met some in person. Its like meeting a long lost friend! I enjoy my blogging!

    Nas

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    1. Nas: It is one of the very wonderful things about blogging, isn't it?

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  34. Although I've exchanged emails with several bloggers, I've only met one in person. One time a referred to a person as "a lady who follows my blog." I actually felt guilty about referring to her in that way. It was a definite slight on my part. I consider many of the people I interact with in the "blogging world" to be my friends. I also know that if I ever met them in person, it wouldn't feel uncomfortable in the slightest bit. That was the case with the person I referred to in my first sentence.

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    1. Pat: I feel the same. I feel I know so many people from what they write that they wouldn't feel like a stranger at all. I do hope to meet some blogging friends one day.

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  35. I have met a few bloggers! I LOVE my blogging community! They are REAL people living Life in REAL places!! Many times they have been a huge prayer chain that has seen me through some scary times - as when my daughter was expecting quadruplets and when Harrison hovered between life and death for 24 hours! I give voices to my friends, too. One sounds like Paula Deen (to me!) One from Maine has recorded her voice as well as her husband and I could listen to that over and over! I sound like a hillbilly and most people think I am from Alabama!!

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    1. Linda: I'm sure I would sound as backwoods as they come! I love that one of yours sounds like Paula Deen. I actually have one of mine I've assigned that voice to, as well! I really do hope to meet some blogging friend one day~

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