Why Blog? Why now?

Recently, we were cleaning out our file cabinet, and I came across a newsletter I had created about twenty or so years ago. It wasn't the Christmas kind, but a "keep-in-contact-and-share-what's-on-my heart" kind. It was lovingly called Among Friends. Back then corresponding with friends across the country meant laying out the pages in Quark, finding clip art and scanning photos, printing on nice stock, updating addresses, and mailing out the letters. Time consuming! Expensive! I think over a several year period, I sent out four issues. It was really special to look back at those and read about what was important in our lives at the time. I also found out that my friend Ruth still has the applesauce recipe I printed in one of the newsletters!

Then along came the blog. When a few of my friends started blogging, I thought maybe I could, too. But, then there came the haunting questions, “Who would read it?” “Do I really have anything valuable to contribute among the millions of words that are already floating around the internet?” So, I didn't. Not long ago I read a post written by a young mom. She decided to blog just for herself. Even if no one else read or commented, she would have those thoughts and memories journaled away for herself.

With that attitude, I’m boldly stepping out and entering the blogosphere. It's a bit late, for sure, but I’m jumping in. It remains to be seen whether I sink or swim, but at least I'm Among Friends!

Test (What else?)

This is a test of the Margaret Richards Blog. It is only a test. If it had been a real blog post, the content would have been both edifying and entertaining.