June 3 will mark the 4th anniversary of my first blog post.

I started blogging because, as I write in my "About" section up above…

"Diaries, letters, and scrapbooks became journals, writing classes and essays became Long Hollow (and a few fictional works in progress…) 

But come to find out, what started as an outlet for my journaling and writing needs also satisfied this desire inside of me to connect with people. I was the kind of kid who wrote letters to everyone I knew and wanted tons of pen pals all around the world.

Blogging has given that to me.

Through my blogs… this one and my photography blog… I've met people I probably would never have connected with otherwise.

Just to name a few, there's the  Methodist minister in South Africa. The anesthesiologist/playwright in California. And the transplanted Wisconsonian photographer/artist/animal lover living near Dallas named TexWis Girl.

Earlier this week, I received an email from TexWisGirl letting me know about a surprise blog event called Flowers for Leontien, scheduled for today at 8 am, in honor of fellow blogger, Leontien Vandelaar of Four Leaf Clover Dairy.

I actually don't know Leontien, but she is battling cancer, and other bloggers who do know her felt our support and participation in this event would show her that her blogging community is there for her — by posting a flower photo with {{hugs}} as the message to Leontien on our blogs today and linking to the "Flowers for Leontien" post on A Rural Journal.

By coordinating our posts, TexWisGirl and others hope to demonstrate how much the blogging community cares for Leontien and is thinking of her at this difficult time. A big beautiful virtual bouquet delivered right to her computer.

As I said, I don't know Leontien, but it moves me that these other bloggers are doing what they can to support their friend, and reaching out to others to gather as much support as possible.

So Leontien, this Texas flower is for you with lots of {{hugs}}. 

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I'll keep you in my prayers, for strength and peace and healing. I'm grateful for this blogging community that connected us.

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What a coincidence that the BlogHer Life Well Lived question this week is: How does blogging, journaling, writing and connecting online help to increase your happiness?

I think I just answered that question.

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And now for a few other Sweet!s of my week.. 

Sunday: talking to all three kids in the same day; your mom calling to make sure you're okay; a call from your husband

Monday:a butterfly landing on your shoe; progress on your book for the first time in a few weeks; a blog friend using your photo in his post 

Tuesday: dinner with 2/3 of your kids; payday for one of your jobs; veggie omelettes; a porch swing at night, with a view of the crescent moon

Wednesday: free home grown onions sitting in a basket at your veterinary clinic when you go to pick up your expensive dog food; fortune cookies that tell you what you want to hear; your mom calling to check on you; more progress on your book

Thursday: your sister thinking of you when she sees an exciting photography opportunity; finally getting your Easter decorations put away; editing photos on a new, fast computer; making arrangments for a fun summer vacation at the beach with family

Friday: being back in high school and not caring if anyone likes you; a hug from a friend, via her little girl; goofy dogs; salmon colored sunsets

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Saturday: joining other bloggers to offer support and prayers to a fellow blogger

Share your Sweet!s with me! I love to hear them! I hope your next week is full to the brim with them!


…Toss your hat into the latest BlogHer Life Well Lived Sweepstakes for a chance to win an iPod Touch and a $50 iTunes gift certificate to go with it. Go to the Live Well Lived main page to see the other answers and add your own to the comments.

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http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/blogher.org/LWL_Aug11_Review_001/@x13

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28 responses to “Flowers for Leontien (and other Sweet!s)”

  1. bj Avatar

    I love your wildflower…and so will she.:)
    xo

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  2. Nancy Avatar

    A lovely post for our friend, Leontien.
    Thank you so much for participating in Flowers for Leontien. xoxo

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  3. Buttons Avatar

    Love the flower fro Leontien and your inspirational words. B

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  4. sally Avatar

    Very pretty. I’m happy you’ve joined the blog love. I don’t know Leontien either, but my prayers are with her and her family.

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  5. Pauline Avatar

    Your sweets are always so sweet – the mother in me likes the ones where you and your kids connect. What is that lovely little yellow flower you gave to Leontien?

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  6. TexWisGirl Avatar

    oh, barbara, THANK YOU! absolutely perfect.

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  7. It's Me Avatar

    O yes….Leontien need this !!!..love for all the blog girls who give her flowers today !!…glad you did this….love Ria…xxx…

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  8. SweetMarie Avatar

    Beautiful flowers for beautiful Leontien!
    Adorable puppy dog! We have three fur babies. 🙂
    Marie xoxo!

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  9. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I confess the times with my kids are usually the sweetest of the week for me, too. Would you believe someone named that pretty little flower Bright Bitterweed? Just doesn't seem to fit to me… except for the 'bright' part, that is.

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  10. Jennifer Richardson Avatar

    that is so dear….I love the blogging community
    for just that reason! Wonderful.
    And your sweets make my heart thump glad,
    especially the happy wallow
    of your little furry fellow!
    My dogs, belly to the sun, remind me how
    to take in the joy
    of just being;)
    I love a good wallow.
    happy weekend,
    Jennifer

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  11. Kathy Avatar

    Such a lovely sentiment and what a comforting, loving way to reach out to someone in cyberspace.
    I do find it interesting that for such a “kick ass” state – and I type that with a lot of respect and love in my heart for a lot of Texan women I get to call my friends – it amazes me that the flowers – most of them – are these delicate, long stemmed beauties that seem to thrive in a climate that would seem – to me who has only visited Texas – to be a pretty harsh climate for such seemingly frail looking beauties.

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  12. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Just like Texas women! lol 

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  13. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Oh, Belle loves to wallow in the dirt, which just makes me laugh. She is so full of joy, it spills out and onto everyone around her. She is such a blessing (just like you!)

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  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Hoping my flowers bring a smile to her face! Thanks for stopping by, Marie!

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  15. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm glad I heard about it so could add my blooms to the bouquet! Such a loving gift from sweet friends!

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  16. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm so glad you included me on the email so I could join in! Thank you!
     

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  17. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think that's what's so amazing about the blog communities  – the real fellowship and love that is created! I'm proud to be a part.

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  18. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Buttons! I hope it makes her smile.

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  19. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm so glad I could add my Texas bloom to the bouquet!

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  20. Buttons Avatar

    Oh I blog for the same reasons you do. It is a world that I am sure I would have a very hard leaving. Like minded people sharing the best and the most challenging parts of their lives inspiring, challenging and supporting one another along the way. Isn’t that what life is all about?
    I love your flower. B

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  21. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think so! That's what life is all about!

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  22. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think so! That's what life is all about!

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  23. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    Connect. Connect. Connect. Connect. Connect.
    Take risks. Support others.
    Connect. Connect. Connect. Connect. Connect.

    Like

  24. Jordy Avatar

    When my husband had an emergency stint in the hospital last year, a friend I met through blogging was one of the FIRST to shoot me an email while I sat in the waiting room. It’s amazing how far community can stretch!
    jordy | jordy liz blogs

    Like

  25. leontien Avatar

    Thank you so much for your kind words and your beautiful Texas flower! It is truly amazing what you girls did and it sure was a huge suprise!!
    Thank you sooo much, big hugs from Indiana
    Leontien

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  26. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    You are so welcome! I'm glad I could be part of such a wonderful show of love and support! Prayers still headed your way!

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