Comment

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(note: This is NOT a please-comment-more-on-my-blog-post. At. All.)

I decided to participate in the I Heart Faces challenge this week over on my photography blog. There are a zillion and twenty participants now-a-days, and no one has time to look at every single entry, so they ask that you look at five around you and comment on those-- because it's a boost in photography self-confidence to have some praise about your work. I whole heartily agree.

I did a few around my entry--some amateurs and some professional. And then I randomly picked a few tiny photo icons that grabbed my attention on the screen and commented on those as well.

A day later I decided to check my site-meter, which I find to be fun because it gives me an idea of who looks at my blog from where. I saw a referral and clicked on that link which connected me to a blog I had commented on (a beautiful photograph). I saw that the owner responded via her twitter feed on the comments she received, which is a nice correspondence, I think. The first one I saw was to a Carrie -- extremely complimentary- with shock that she couldn't believe "Carrie" actually came to her blog and that she was basically a photography inspiration to her.

I thought, "ahhhh.. that's cute." And cool because someone else named Carrie posted a comment after mine. Carrie is the coolest name, after all;) So I went up to look for Carrie's comment that was so nice, but I only found MY "Carrie" comment.

ME? She was talking about me? I re-read her response again. ME?

Sure enough. She was talking about me.

I was floored.

Not that I don't get wonderful and fun comments. I always get some major sweetness, for sure. But I had never before received a comment that was so utterly passionate.

Receiving such a nice comment from that gal was certainly an uplift.

It made me think if I do the same for others. There are SO many posts that I read...feeling moved or inspired or simply in awe of...but I don't comment. I don't always let them know how I feel.

If they were in person, I would say, "I think you are the coolest and I love what you said."

But I don't do that. I often look, ponder, and leave. It's probably because on this blog (as nice as they are), I don't always believe comments are necessary. I do try to write in a way that inspires conversation because, well, I like talking (ha!)... but most of the time it is simply me journaling my life as a see it.

However, this experience suddenly made me more aware and I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to communicate.. to comment.. to respond to women whom I love... whom I have not necessarily physically met... whom I appreciate.

It made me want to do better. To let others know how I feel, just as this woman and all of you do. For once, the comment love isn't about me.

So, get ready to hear my online voice more! As sporadic as my commenting might be due to time constraints, I will be sure to remember to say what my heart believes as often as I can...whether it is through my LOL or silly opinion.

You're the coolest, after all.