We’re in a Relationship

I took the next logical step toward work-life balance today, and made myself a coffee at home at 100 Prince and carried it across the street to the office at 101 Prince. It felt like an important milestone.

Meanwhile, on the information superhighway, an odd thing has been happening over the last month: I’ve been running into friends and acquaintances and they’ve been exclaiming “I’ve started to read your blog!”

I wonder what it is about the current zeitgeist that is causing this to happen now, 19 years in.

One such friend–today’s exclamation, as it happens–said that reading my blog made her feel like we’re in a relationship. Which may be the kindest thing anyone’s ever said about my writing here.

That said, I kind of wish there was a way to make it a more reciprocal one; short of “everyone has a blog,” I wonder how we could make that happen.

I’ve long thought that having a party for those that have found there way here might be an interesting idea; maybe now is the time?

Would you come?

Photo of a coffee on my desk

Comments

Lori's picture
Lori on May 30, 2018 - 21:25 Permalink

Not sure if I'd come to a blog readers' gathering. I will, however, attest to feeling like we are in a relationship of sorts. My husband and I were stopped at a crosswalk in downtown Charlottetown and you walked across in front of us. I exclaimed, "there's Peter!", to which my husband replied in a very bewildered tone, "who?" I then had to explain that while I had never actually met you, I'd been reading your blog so long that I kind of felt I knew you. He really didn't understand

vbj's picture
vbj on May 31, 2018 - 08:23 Permalink

Sure, I'd come (if on the island). Reading your blog all these years (I think I was a pretty early fan) made me feel like I had a relationship with the island when I wasn't there.

Timothy's picture
Timothy on May 31, 2018 - 08:34 Permalink

I would attend if I was on the Island at the time. I would love to know what your readers' earliest memories are of your blog. I cannot recall when I discovered the post about you and my father emailing John Prine's agent, but I've been a reader ever since.

As to the feeling that one is in a relationship with you, I understand that sentiment. We readers have been afforded a rather personal look at your life at home, at work, and on the road all these years. I have learned a lot about autism, technology, education, letterpress, sketching, notebooks and pens, and you! I know more about your likes and interests than some of my closest friends here in Ottawa. Truly, this is possible only because you generously share so much about your thoughts and experiences on here that others might choose to keep private or closely held. I enjoy checking in every day or two to read a new post, and I find myself disappointed when I land on your page and realize you haven't posted something new since I was last here. Also, your blog keeps me well informed about the goings on in Charlottetown, so I am never too alarmed by the changes from visit-to-visit. :)

Joan Sinclair's picture
Joan Sinclair on May 31, 2018 - 08:43 Permalink

Absolutely, I'd come. The quality of your writing, and its thoughtfulness, are a highlight of my day.

Sarah's picture
Sarah on May 31, 2018 - 10:27 Permalink

I'd come, if the timing/travel logistics were in my favour! Most of my blog reading fell off when we lost Google Reader, but your email prompts have been a nice treat in my inbox. I'd like to get back into the blogging habit, myself.

Andrew MacPherson's picture
Andrew MacPherson on May 31, 2018 - 11:08 Permalink

Absolutely! I'm typically on the island in August each year.

josh's picture
josh on June 1, 2018 - 01:24 Permalink

party? yes! bring it on....

Krista-Lee Christensen's picture
Krista-Lee Chri... on June 1, 2018 - 08:17 Permalink

We'd come! I have a feeling your blog attracts a good sort of people.

Thelma's picture
Thelma on June 2, 2018 - 07:19 Permalink

Yes, bring on Rukfest!

Anne's picture
Anne on June 3, 2018 - 18:46 Permalink

Ya had me at gall bladder. A friend was about to have surgery and I found your notes whilst doing some research. You remain as positive and generous as ever.

I'd love to join in the fete!