I Give You My Words

by Rebecca the Bookseller

The words in this blog have been inside me for awhile. Sometimes words, like sneezes, just have to come out.

Words are important. We use them, not just to communicate, but to express and inspire and admonish and cajole. We use them to demonstrate rage because, for many of us, violence is not an acceptable option. We use them to ask for help, and forgiveness. We use them to make promises.

Some people are content, even happy, to use few words. Some are quiet by nature, and some choose silence. Alas, I am not one of them. I am, for better or worse, someone who writes. I write because, frankly, I have to. If I don't let the words out, they boil together and build up so much steam and force that I have to release them or risk expressing myself in less civilized ways.

Most of the time, that is a wonderful thing. I make my living as a lawyer using words. My words make people laugh and help bring people together in prayer.

But there are times when my words are such a burden that I am exhausted. Then my words are heavy and sad. They keep me from laughter. They keep me alone. In a very real way, they block my light.

This is nothing new. I wrote my first family newsletter when I was about twelve years old. When the Internet made communication easy and fast, I started writing via e-mail. I was blogging before it was even a word. I didn't get much feedback, or even return e-mails, but I kept doing it.

Even though I write legal stuff all the time, it's not enough. There are way too many words that just never find their way into a Stock Purchase Agreement or an Offering Statement, no matter how interesting the client's business might be. So I write. I can't seem to help it.

Why? The best explanation I can come up with is that writing is like an addiction. I don't do it for the money - there is none. I don't do it for any kind of recognition - are you kidding me? In case you didn't know, my name isn't really Rebecca. Plus, other than the semi-regular comments from my husband (thanks honey) nobody in my entire extended family even comments here, and I can count on less than one hand the number of 'real friends' who do. It used to bother me a great deal. Then I finally figured out that they don't give a shit, and it doesn't matter any way.

Because TLC has a fantastic group of commenters - even without the people who know me in my real life. Which is really amazing. Did you know that some of us have actually become friends from this blog? It's true. And not the creepy kind of stalker friends either - the kinds of friends who talk to each other and help each other.

Once, I wrote a blog on depression, and ended up hearing from people who really needed to read those words. We were able to share our pain and our hope.

But that's the exception. A wonderful, blessed one, but an exception none the less.

I'm not the only one who writes for no payback. There are lots of us. Even the authors who blog here every week could be saving their words for the books they sell. Instead, they hand them out to you for free.

I guess what I want you to know is that, these words are gifts. Gifts from our hearts and minds and souls and energy. They are given freely. You don't have to give anything back. Sometimes, you even get some laughs thrown in as a bonus, or you get a different perspective or you learn something new. Do you understand how incredible that is? To be able to, with a click of a button, receive that kind of a gift for nothing in return? It's extraordinary, and yet we don't even think twice about it.

Today, I want you to think about it.

When I give you my words, please see them for what they are: they are pieces of me.

Comments

[Nancie aka Gun Tart]

Rebecca, fantastic blog! And you’re right, I never think about what goes into every blog written and given freely that either makes me laugh, think, learn and/or appreciate the viewpoint of others. I have made some incredible friends because of this blog and without it these friendships never would’ve happened.

I’d like to thank Rebecca, Harley, Nancy, Sarah, Michele, Elaine, and of course, Margie for making my day every time they write a new blog.

[mary alice at mystery lovers bookshop]

Mazel Tov, Rebecca!
Wonderful summation (0h, how I miss spellcheck on the blog)of this special and unique communication we all share.

Thanks you for sharing and for your unique role in bringing us all together.

OK, you lurkers, this is the day to tell us where you are and how you feel......we know you are there and enjoy the company.

Viva Readers!

[William Simon]

Rebecca, I'm printing this out and saving it to show those who believe books magically "appear" on the shelves.

Well-written, well-thought out, and so very true.

[Hannah]

what a wonderful blog,Rebecca!a true eye-opener.so beautifully written!i think that was one of the best blogs i've read.That really brightened up my day!lots of hugs to you!Thanks!

sometimes is feels a bit weird that you guys know more about my life and feelings than most of the people around me.i guess it's easier to tell some things to people who don't even know what i look like.

[William Simon]

Hannah, below is a link to YouTube that explains everything..:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cNDSPutas8

Being with people who "get" you? Priceless..:)

[bea]

Words, words, words. I love the written word, feel satisfaction when something comes together just right, and usually have the patience to work through a sentence, letter, huge project--whatever--until I get the words right. Patience not being one of my natural virtues, it's all the more interesting that I have it when it comes to words.

But a lot of people are more comfortable with the spoken word, and are instinctively intimidated at the prospect of expressing themselves in writing. Fear of criticism, of not knowing the "rules," of making a mistake, or just a lack of comfort with writing. Even for the anonymous poster, writaphobia can be very real.

So I don't think you can gauge much by who comments, or how many comments there are, or who supplies feedback.

Whatever you do, don't stop sharing your gift with us!

[ramona]

WS, from this day forward, I'll think of you as William "We Want the Funk" Simon.

Rebecca, thanks for sharing your words and thoughts, today and always.

I think the explosion of blogging on the Internet testifies to how sincerely people want and need to be heard. I think the bond we have found here on TLC shows that smart and clever people recognize other smart and clever people, and will want to play in the sandbox with them.

How about a big group hug?

[Nancy Martin]

Rebecca, I am particularly proud that you've joined us here on TLC. Your words have been hilarious, inspiring, provocative, thought-provoking, generous and have I mentioned hilarious? You're a gift.

You should write a book. ;-)

[Sue]

One of the beauties of an intelligent internet blog such as TLC, is the people. In our flesh and blood world, we tend to be surrounded by people with whom conversation takes on a boring monotone...the kids with the hubby, the job with the boss and co-workers, health and finances with the parents, city snow removal with the neighbors. Here, we get the a view from the world, just like in the news, only this time, we get conversation about it - from the world. From whatever is eloquently expressed by the blogger of the day, we are allowed to see what’s on the minds of real people, and are afforded the opportunity to express our own viewpoint on the same subject, whether it be to snark, make light of, seriously wonder about, or to laugh uproariously.

You ladies and gentlemen who each day present to us the main topic, are sometimes our only lifeline to sanity that day. The ones who take umbrage when we’re too busy to speak out, the ones who laugh at themselves first and make us stop and not take ourselves too seriously, the ones who sometimes give us an out to an exceptionally long and tedious day.

You all are appreciated more than you’ll ever know.

[mome]

Rebecca, I am a lurker who is finally coming out of the closet to let you know that many of us, while we don't post- treasure the words written everyday. As a mom of three little ones my brain often feels like mush, so I don't usually feel I would bring much to the conversation, but after reading your words I will try to get over that and join in! I also need to take this chance to let you all know how much your words here and in the books of Nancy,Sarah, Elaine,Michelle, and Harley have been bright spots in my winter days here, stuck inside. And while my husband doesn't understand why, they are much much more fun than laundry and dishes (and potty training)!!!! Thanks again and keep up the good work!

[Maryann Mercer]

Brava, Rebecca! And thanks, not just for this post but for all the others, and the sharing of thoughts irreverent or serious. When I popped on to here the first time, I was amazed at the friendship jumping off the screen. Seriously, you all made me feel welcome and able to share my own thoughts, laugh, commiserate and generally enjoy the camaraderie (I was going to say sistership but that leaves out William, Josh, and all the other wonderful guys here). You guys kept me going through a couple major life decisions-whether you knew about them or not doesn't matter. You were here every morning.
I'm not sure I can say much more without gushing, at least not this early, and I need to get 1000 words written today or face my daughter's wrath, so bless you, Rebecca. I look forward to sharing more words with you :o) --and everyone else as well.
Happy Leap Day!

[Tina]

Let me start by saying that I have been lurking close to 2 years! I found TLC by way of Sarah's website.

I have been moved, laughed and cried a few times by reading all of your words. I can't write, so I read. A lot. All of you are an amazing group of people. We truly appreciate your words!

I'm not sure what Rebecca said that finally made my need to comment happen, but I'm glad I did. Mary Alice might have had something to do with it, with her call to the lurkers.

Cheers to words!
Tina

[janetlynn13]

When I was pointed in the direction of this blog, I just felt like I was getting a gift - inspired words from authors I love in between their book releases. Now, I feel like I'm checking in with friends every morning to hear intelligent, insightful, relevant thoughts and feelings from people I respect. I've often thought it would be great to do this in person someday.

Thank you to the Tarts for taking the time to create this blog everyday, and thank you to the contributors for your comments.

[Jersey Shore]

I have always enjoyed the times we get out to dinner together, with or without the kids, while you are here at the Shore. And I've gotten used to having breakfast with you every Friday morning here on your blog. But like the Summertime dinners, often I'm just here to listen.

[ArkansasCyndi]

Fab Post Rebecca. Very moving. I've always enjoyed your posts, reading your thoughts. One of the things I've learned is that blogging is tough...at least doing a good job at blogging is tough. The ladies of this blog do a fantastic job finding interesting things to blog about and the backblog commenters add some of the most interesting observations.

I adore this place. I can always find something here that either makes me laugh or gives me food for thought.

[jodiL]

The words on this blog can make me think, make me laugh, make me sad and make me happy, sometimes all at once. All through the sharing of ideas on the written page. I, like Rebecca, was thrilled when I found email because I like to write long missives to my friends and love the fact that I can do so anytime, night or day, without fear of interrupting their day and still keeping up with them. I love the exchange of ideas that goes on here. I feel I am a very small part of a very intellectual community. Thanks, all.

[peach]

Love this blog. I may not always agree with viewpoints expressed, but what would life be without a little difference of opinion. As an occasional back blogger and mostly a lurker, I only comment when the topic of discussion truly moves me to express my thoughts in writing. Love all the authors on this blog. I had only read Nancy and Elaine before I started reading this blog early last year. (Found it through a link on Femme Fatales.)Now I have read most of the works published by all of you.
Happy Leap Day!

[Rita Scott]

What was the question on the TLC survey?
I'm come to TLC;
because my favorite authors are here
for the intellectual stimulation
I'm just here for the sex
Yes! All of the above!

[Rita Scott]

And seeing your comments in writing reminds you to proof read!

[Harley]

Wow -- I am just knocked out, by Rebecca, and by all the commenters.

May I just add that I sent my current manuscript to my editor today around 6 a.m., and one of the last changes I made was possible only through a few TLC readers who speak Russian? Thanks, you guys, for staying up all night with me.

Make room for me in that group hug. Then I'm off to bed.

[Pam aka SisterZip]

I love words...all words. Even the 7 George Carlin went to jail for in the 70s. (but that one that Jane Fonda said on the Today Show...you know the one, it starts with a c...I'm not so fond of that one!)I have a rep at work as being the one who can find anything on the internet. And when I heard of Elaine's stroke I wanted to check on her condition and found this community.

I knew it had to be a good place to visit because Elaine still has quite a following in St. Louis and she wouldn't be a part of a community that didn't have the compassion & caring that you all did for her. There was such an outpouring of love and concern and help and energy, I knew this was a place to come back to. Everyone who blogs or comments is smart, funny, real people who would do anything for anyone here. I have sold my house on "the outskirts of town" and have moved into something a little closer to "the town square". I learn much about writing, people, and myself everyday 'living' here and I won't leave until they plant me in the town cemetary.

[Shannon]

Great blog Rebecca! I'm a regular reader who doesn't comment often, as I don't always feel like I have anything to add to the conversation that hasn't already been said by someone else. TLC has definitely been a bright spot during some pretty rough times and I'm grateful for that.

[Mary Storyteller]

Sweet dreams, Harley. Yep, having folks to write to in the middle of the night is a blessing. After I vented to you all about the ID stuff, I could sleep. TLC is medicinal, of course.
You are also so right about the inimacy of the gift of words. When I taught the sophomore compostition class, I noticed how uncomfortable it was for the more private students, espcially the young men. It is putting one's soul on paper. One amazing event was the transformation of an extremely hostile young man (whom I feared was approaching a violent level of anger) when his fourth grade teacher asked me to deliver the message that she loved him. He changed completely right in front of me, to a sweet and trusting, cared-for boy, willing to do what had to be done. It was the most magic I've ever seen.
I watched the long interview on the Sicko CD with Dr. Aleida Guevara (Che's daughter) -- fascinating! She said freedom to express your ideas isn't really freedom unless someone listens. We listen to each other, and that's priceless. There were many comments about using our power in this democracy to make our country what we want it to be, which I am balancing against the wish to just move to Norway, or France, or Cuba -- where the purpose of health care is to take care of people, all people. Oops, getting too political, I fear.
Love to you all!

[Lynn in Texas]

I stop by almost every day, for all the reasons mentioned. Even if I don't post often, I enjoy all the laughter, insights & sharing in this little community.

Oh, & TLC is a great motivator for me to write, write, write! Thanks, y'all.

[Me, Margie]

IOCHFTSW

I only come here for the sexy words.

But seriously - this is a very cool gang up in here. And if anyone knows cool, it's me, Margie.

Just saying.