Why is this any different than anything else? If we do not maintain balance in our lives -- be in blogging, basketball, eating, or sex, we tend to become obsessive. As far as what people get out of it, the simple answer is recognition. Of course recognition means a bit something different to each person. For some, it is a craving for the appreciation of writing skills or awesome thought power. For others, it is simpler--recognition that they exist and have value as people. Whatever the reason, keep in mind we could be doing worse things with our time.

Nice commentary btw.

hey braintormer, nice post. dont know your intent, but I know it had an affect on me.

Well, that's just it, bgallup...I think internet activity causes us to do worse things with our time:P As much at this place has helped me write, it still reminds me of "crap" I've "lived" with before. Hence my last post. But, others here are not as conscious or "structured" like me. I simply mean I am different in some ways. Not necessarily better or worse.

And, you are right...balance. Moderation. That one word is everyone's saving grace in life. With moderation, there should be no fear of gaining weight from enjoying food...or having an affair when we should be content with our relationships...or not having enough REAL friends and having to seek cyber ones. It'll probably take an emotional episode for all of us to break down and cry these things out til we get it right.

I'm not ure of it's affect, but glad I could be of ervice, TRH...I guess:P I think we all need to look in the mirror sometimes and get a hold of ourselves. Hopefully, we don't think what we see is ugly in the morning.

I think some of us have days where we have to talk to someone that makes sense to us....I know I am here because my kids have silliness to say...sometimes fun, sometimes I just want to say and hear something that makes sense. I don't know. Just a place to share who we are and what we are about....

brainman! I didn't go away!

brainstormer... outstanding post! totally great! stone

nrdi-girl!:) How come? What's up?

Thanks, Mr Stone:)

Well, you let me know when you have it all figured out, Rajah:)

I hope everyone--and I won't name names of certain people that came to mind when I thought of this song--look closely at the lyrics. It's not as much a love song as it is a song about being honest about feelings and compassion for others.

Excellent post brainstormer, I have been thinking so much on the things you have been able to say here in this thread, was even trying to figure out how to blog on it.

The last few days I have sat and watched my dearest friend being so silly and so out of her normal for thoughts, I know her so well that I played along, I don't think she realizes how silly she gets (Cute and Sexual) when she is at a stage in her life where she is about to explode, she is that determined to laugh rather than cry. Today, I saw it finally run it's course and as you have said, she wants to run away with it.

I have found this place to be a comfort zone, people here so far have been a great source of support that most of us will NEVER find at home or through family. You ask if any good will come of it, I think YES, It will and it has.

(I hope I made sense)

I love the song you picked, that is one of my older favorites.

Bless you,
Noni

Thanks for the well laid out comment, Mrs Dumpling:) Of course you made sense:)

I don't know why...but thinking about some people here and reading Gkc's "goodbye" break post...I just felt like it was overdue. Some days we just need to get a grip and poke holes in the "tear bag".

But, then again, some days I feel like a stubborn jerk of a monster telling people how to talk or act just because I don't agree with them.

Yes, I noticed she was being a bit silly and sexual...and I haven't been happy with how everyone just falls in and goes along with some of it. But, who am I to talk?

I will let her, like so many others, work their tears out and then return. I don't want to discuss it here, but I have feelings too and have been concerned about certain interactions here. I have been trying to moderate how much time I spend here so I don't become consumed or "infatuated" wrongly.

Oh she wont be gone long, you are a good man and a good soul, I know she treasures your friendship. It is hard to see all these people we get to know suddenly leaving or saying they are going to leave, many I think just need to know they are wanted and cared about.

(I understand moderation :)

Hugs to you,
Noni

Yer too sweet:)

I dont know who will come or go or stay or not... I've seen a mix of the above.

It's just as hard to see them leave or say "goodbye" as it is to see people we think we know suddenly act in a way or say something that turns our heads a full 180. Sometimes people shock me...and I am forced to retreat into a rabbit hole.

She UNDERSTANDS...MODERATION:) Two good words.

HUGS back

PS if you wanna ever talk about her/anything...just stop by my office:P

Ummmmmm :P...What can I say?...I have been neglectful of you my friend of late and yes I have had a blast with my Little naughty blogs but Hey if it makes you smile how can it be bad?...

Hope you are well I will do I double back to see your work and what you have been up too..

A party and I wasn't invited?? Slur B... you and I need an IM. I am not turning anyone ones head 180 that hasn't happened before. I just got on a roll and went with it. Sort of like you sticking out your tongue at so many defenseless young ladies here. Unaware that your little rabbit costume may have a long tail and nose. :p~~~ Anyhoo... I love ya and I have been hurting really f....ing back lately. It happens... but you know what... if you are in a dungeon and need a hand... I wont abandon you... and I want you to do the same. You are a beautiful soul. All of you. Even the parts you don't show as outwardly as you really want to. Evident by your love letters. Hell I blame you for getting us all riled up in the first place. :P I hope you are doing okay and I am not really gone gone gone... just slowing down gone. Hugs, Gen And yes!!! WE all have a "naughty" side. Who cares! It is real and it is the truth. Some of us just show it a bit more than others at times. Muah~!

And... stars for a star.

Naughty seems to need great restraint online, of all places. Why? Because young eyes are always around. Innocence is an indangered species. And, people get carried away...often leading to wrongful affairs or "perverse" habits. So, like so many things...who cares? I care.

Didn't really make me smile, Sarafeline...sorry to say. And, yes, I have been aware of your "neglect"...but I'm used to it. And, I know I haven't been your best audience...but there are many things floating around here I would rather not "entertain" or join.

I take you day by day now, g-koolzi:) I think when I IM you, I see stars and spin around too fast...time gets lost. So, I too am slowing down and reevaluating my time here. I try too hard and get too little back. So, I need to adapt, adjust, revamp myself...yet again.

Slur B, How do I say this... I have "entertained" many things that you have chatted about that have been in my evaluation a bit off the cuff. Or to be more direct... something I disapprove of. But instead of attacking you about it, I have stated my feelings about it and we moved on. You talk about innocence. I am in no way promoting loss of innocence. I think you are assuming that my childhood is the main reasons for my pain. Yes.. it follows me but from a different perspective. You know, it is more about where I am right now. Much like you and that pier leading to the blissful waters, to love letters, to rabbits... I can't tell you how many times I have thought of that picture of that pier and wondered about you and how you are and prayed for you. I care! I care about my friends and I care much about you. I have been on a spin but not just of an old pain spinning... more of a new one. Much like you have expressed in some of your beautiful and might I say timely written poetry. You are special... so am I.. :D You and me are not so far away here. I cannot apologize for my whimsical actions anymore than I would expect you for having your expression of your feelings. Don't revamp me... I am all vamped out for a while :P. I am tired and going to do enough spanking of my own. I wish I could reach you... not like physically... but there is so much I would like to get real with you about. Maybe someday we can. I would really like a conversation that doesn't spin sometime. However we do spin well :P

That word assuming is really starting to grind my gears like when people say I think Im better than them...does not sit well with me at all.

Shame :P.

Well...I'm here because I enjoy it. I enjoy the people. Think in some ways it's a lot like life-there are all types of people, with all types of problems. But in the same way it's nothing like life because for most people it's just words on a screen. Actual people behind the words, but it's hard to tell at times if that person is 'real' or if it's just a fantasy of theirs they're playing out here. I can spend hours here, or just a few minutes, but at the same time I can walk away anytime, as could anyone else here if they wanted to. Might be an addiction to some, but it is still possible. But it does touch us all, because even though it isn't 'real life', it's still interacting with people. And anytime you interact with people, you gain a little and you give a little. This here and in real life. Might change you, but that's what happens away from here as well

If this is just a game to you that you can turn off, Heatherlyn...isn't that not helping those who really need help or companionship? This is not just a game with fake cyber-characters. This isn't Sims. Despite concerns about fake people?...there are plenty more here who are far from it. You just have to get to know them and trust them.

If I didn't connect in some way with real people here...I'd be wasting my time. I came to post movie reviews. I found myself being drawn in like internet chat. I can choose to cut myself off and simply go back to those reviews. Or, maybe I can make something happen. But, to just type away and read all day...not helping either of us.

Didn't say it was a game-only that I could turn it off. I said there are real people behind the words, but for many people (many-not me) it's just words on the screen.

If this was a 'game', why am I back? And do you honestly believe I think it's all fake people? Or that I don't connect with people? Or want to? I wasn't talking about myself there, just that many people are like that.

I can turn this off. I do to sleep, to work, when I have to do something. BUt it doesn't stop me from thinking about the people here, or worrying about them, or wondering about them. I can't not think about people. No matter where they are from.

But look at it this way, what if I didn't come back, would anyone think of me? How many people see *me* as a real person? How many people would wonder 'I wonder if heather is ok, or what she's up to'. Not many, if any at all-and considering how many people I've come across or commented on-that's my point.

Only because life goes on...dead or alive. People come and go. As much as we would like to keep connected to everyone we meet and like...eventually, if that person isn't IN our daily life...we lose touch. Unless you're one of those ppl who can keep up with the whole friggin world.

Maybe I am!

Ok, even I can't do that. But you aren't seeing my point. I'm not talking only after years, I'm talking much shorter times. I was gone what? Three months? So it only takes three months to forget someone? Or less? That's my point. Yes, life goes on, and I wouldn't expect people to remember *everyone* for the rest of their lives. I was only pointing out how many people don't seem to look at the people here as much other than words. Not everyone.

Well, don't think I am unaffected by losing touch. It pains me that I can't keep more close to me. I just can't remember everyone that intently. And, I fear it won't be any better in the future. I've been alone so long, I don't think my brain has the capacity for so many lives in memory.

That's not a bad thing, not remembering everyone. Cause I'm the opposite. Ask me about *anyone* and I remember. Think that's why I have trouble remembering simple things (what I had for breakfast). I can remember people from back when I was 4. Eh, think you're more normal on this than anything else. Cause it isn't like you don't feel, you just don't hang on forever.