UPDATED 1/7/2010:
Yesterday we pony-ed up big time.
Art credit: Jan Spangler, illustrator extraordinaire.
Something remarkable happens when women come together to support each other. Sparks fly as spurs connect and boots walk boldly right up to the problem that needs to be shared, dissected, solved, or soothed. There is joy in the camaraderie even when there is sorrow to be shared.
As a lover of the written word I believe it happens here out in the seeming vastness of cyberspace as well. Women share. They shout their pain, their love, their honesty into the black hole of space and wonder if anyone heard it. They offer themselves up in the form of words typed on a page, cast adrift like a message in a bottle, and they wonder if they will be read.
Do you know what happened yesterday? There’s a piece of the story below. But the final round up is over at (In) Courage. Click the badge and meet me over there, won’t you? You don’t want to miss this! Because this is all about you.
ORIGINAL POST FOLLOWS BELOW:
Admit it – there is a kaleidoscope of brilliant, beautiful, just plain cracker jack awesome writers out there. They’re transfixing.
You read them. So do I.
They move me. Sometimes to snort tea out of both nostrils; sometimes to reach for the kleenex. Sometimes to grab my kids and hug them ’till they plead for mercy and think there mom is more nutso than usual.
When I read writing like that, I know that I am reading more than a post or a blog (blech, what a ridiculous word anyway to describe these transcendent versions of everyday events). I am reading a person. I am reading a heart, a mind, a caustic sense of humor. I am reading a welcome mat to someone’s life. Sometimes I am reading in the inner sanctum.
And I love it. I love the sacred intimacy of being able to step through the front door of someone’s mind and see the world through their eyes. I love being on the inside.
I bet you do too.
So, here’s the challenge. When last did you say so? When last did you avoid the “read and run” and leave an actual thank-you note; a comment, the cyber version of some milk and cookies for the writer who just gave you the gift of themself?
Let’s do it. Let’s take a day and go buck wild with the comments.
Let’s ponyup some serious comment love. Spread the word. Use the twitter hashtag #ponyup to encourage others to take a moment to say “You rocked my world in a whole new way today” out loud. There’s no prize in this other than the glee of connecting with someone who reached out first – through their writing.
Wanna have some fun?
Here’s a few places to start scouring for somewhere to comment:
- A round up of fav posts from 2009 over at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee – link your post and then #ponyup the comment love all up and down the rest of the linkers.
- A collection of posts spent stargazing into the midst of ordinary moments in search of the extra-ordinary; link and then #ponyup the comment love.
- A place to find a delicious smorgesbord of writing where opportunities to #ponyup always abound is (In) Courage
- And of course there is you. And you, and you. Thank you for writing for us. Thank you for pouring your heart out through your fingertips. Thank you for sharing the ugly cry with us online. You’re freakin’ awesome. I’d love to #ponyup a personal comment for you too. ‘Cause if I haven’t visited your blog yet or if I haven’t left a comment, shame on me. So, let’s play tag. Leave me your blog address in my comments and I will totally #ponyup and head over there to leave a comment of my own.
- Encourage your readers to do the same for other writers.
Let’s be that big, fat pebble starting a beautiful ripple effect. For free. For fun. For the love of the written word.
Let’s ponyup big time.
Simply, I love your heart.
Ripple away….
Oh, Ann. No fair – ’cause I can’t leave you a comment in return (she whines). So, I will content myself to yell from the rooftop of my blog – “We love you, Ann Voskamp, and the sacred truth you share with us from amidst the cornstalks and the combines. Thank-you! Truly, thank-you.”
Aw shucks.
You make the shy girl blush, kick the dirt.
But that’s not why I left a comment, girl!
I just really wanted to encourage *you* in this rippling ministry of yours!
Pony up and ride ’em on out, word woman!
All’s grace,
Ann
I echo the Ann Voskamp love!
Four years ago when I started a blog, I never dreamed I would actually meet people doing it. I certainly never dreamed I would love them. But here I am. These writer-types are among my favorite people and I’m thankful to be able to peek into their world and simply say ‘thank you’ and ‘you inspire me.’
so thank you. and you inspire me.
Big, happy sigh. Emily and Ann – your writing makes the staying up way past my bedtime in order to seek solace from the kids to read and read and read worth every single second spent yawning the next day! Discovering the writer-mama’s has been like striking gold. Rich I am.
i’m up for the challenge!
now… if only i could read and thoughtfully comment on all 500+ blog posts in my reader! yikes!
ahh, yikes indeedy. Good luck with that! ;)
I am so grateful for your writing. Not only do you get it, you share it. Perfection.
I don’t know that I will ever have a blog, but somehow I know that is OK with you.
I hope today is a good day. God Bless. xo Jen
It’s super OK – because all the lovely comments you leave add up to a beautiful picture of what your blog would be like if you had one! Thanks for the shout out!
“When last did you avoid the “read and run” and leave an actual thank-you note; a comment, the cyber version of some milk and cookies for the writer who just gave you the gift of themself?”
I love this statement! So true. Thanks for the challenge and the mutual encouragement! :)
Thanks – because, really, who doesn’t love cookies and milk?! YUM. Comments are tasty – let’s spread comment care packages to all and sundry!
Aw, this is so good! I love this idea, Lisa-Jo!
I love all the blogs I read and try to leave a comment anywhere that I can so that the author knows it, too. Thank you for encouraging others to do this! =-)
This is a great challenge! I saw your post through Alece on Twitter!
You are so awesome. What a great idea!! I am all in!!
I’m so very glad I have “met” you on your blog, and I can’t wait for the day I get to meet you in person. You have a sweet, sweet heart and write beautifully. Thanks for this initiative!!
You realize you are making it very very difficult for me not to go book a plane ticket to blissdom like, right this second! I would totally hug you like we’d been friends for yonks if I met you in person!
what a great idea! There are so many talented women that enrich my life with their writing…thanks for giving us the push to go out and recognize them!
My comment trail tends to start as soon as the kids go to bed, and end when my head hits the pillow :) Though today I will make a bigger effort, as I read a post here or there throughout the day. Comments make the blog world go round :) So many wonderful words!
I echo Ann’s comment…
Oh, and I’ll add this:
Thank you. Thank you for your beautiful and powerful words, always laced with graced and tied up with heart swell.
Thank you.
This is such a cool idea. Ok. I was just thinking how I need to spend a few hours commenting to all the peeps I love. Way to go to encourage us to ponyup.
I’m way too guilty of committin. “read-and-runs.” But comments are a great way to build community! Thanks for the challenge!
Thanks for joining in – there’s nothing like a good ponyup, right?! Yee-haw! :)
Love this!! What a great idea. I often read blogs in my reader and then don’t leave them the Love that they deserve! :-) Thank for the challenge to comment more!!
This is the best idea ever!! I so often read posts, but because I’m “in a hurry” I don’t comment. Definitely something I need to work on! :)
http://closingtimeblog.com
Love the idea! I will definitely be ponying up today! It’s something we don’t take the time to do enough in “real life” or in the blogosphere; thanks so much for the reminder!
Ooo, love the challenge to “pony up” in real life too! You are SO right – how seldom do we think to compliment – out loud – someone’s courage or life or kids or work. Lovely -thanks!
I LOVE how you put this…love that I recently found your site…..
I love that you found me too – I am now off to “find” You! :)
Throwing my clunking rock in for a splash, not good at ripples. I’m ‘buck wild’ for this post. So glad I found yoy in bloggy world!
Pony OUT,
Tammy@If Meadows Speak
(hopefully my other failed attempts to send this post show up. Forgive me ahead of time, if you see me more than once! :-) )
You’re funny! Ride ’em girlfriend – yee-haw!
Above comment meant to say hope failed attempts DON’T show up! Golly, miss molly, perhaps my vanity slipped in up there. :-)
SNORT! You are fuh-nee!
you=awesome
@carnivalmonkey
What a great idea!
Here are my favorite Best Kept Secrets:
http://www.grumblegirl.com/
http://clarity-chaos.blogspot.com/
I loved this post! I agree, we need to #ponyup for sure!!
I have a post that I thought was well written – about blogging and ethics – but not a single comment……maybe I didn’t get my point across or it was just an over talked about topic. I’m totally spreading the word about #ponyup today!
Send me the link – I’d love to ponyup for you!
You rock! I’m a bit curious about the Like a Warm Cup of Coffee link though, it ain’t workin’ for me…
hello, from a lurker!
O, thanks so much for the head’s up on the link – heading over now to fix it. (And “hi” Lurker – nice to meet you! :)
This is fabulous! I definitely know a bunch of blogs I’ll be commenting on today. Thank you for the encouragement to do so.
I love it! Thanks for starting this!!
This is the beautiful truth! I love the words you have spoken about bloggers and blogging. I feel the same way and love reading every word and feeling who they are. I will definitely be participating.
#ponyup
Great idea! Blogging habits (I think) have shifted a bit– and of course people are busy–it’s easier and faster to read and run. Comments though (and the relationships formed) are a vital part of blogging because they let you know someone *got you* or heard you.
I’m going to pony up!
(Also, thanks for visiting my blog a while back and leaving a comment. I’ve been reading your posts through Google but–head hung in shame–had not been commenting.)
Ha- too funny! There’s no shame between fellow pony riders. There’s only the call of the next blog discovery and the thrill of the connection. So, now I am hopping my pony and heading over to your place.
What an awesome idea! Who doesn’t appreciate some comment lovin’?
What a lovely idea! I love commenting anyway…so I am so in!
Cxx
So excited..because I got a #ponyup on twitter today from some wonderful women. How fun was that to read that someone liked my post and thought I was snort worthy. It does make me feel great. I am heading out now to do the same to others. Thanks a bunch.
Oh you are too precious – the joy in being “snort-worthy” – yes, yes, it’s lovely to know you can make others chuckle and snort, isn’t it! So glad you got to savor that today. And spread it to others. Snort on sweet friend, snort on.
what a neat idea!! i just found your blog through another blog and have truly been blessed as i’ve read through your words…such a good reminder to reach out and thank those who make themselves vulnerable. thank you.
You know I read AND adore your posts, thus I comment! But I am guilty of the read-n-run on other blogs, sometimes because I think, well they have a bunch of comments, they don’t need to hear what I have to say. Perhaps I need to work on that… Thanks again for your encouraging attitude!!
I love this post!!! And I, too, love bloggers. There is something so SPECIAL about reading another person’s heart. I cant even explain all the inspiration I have gotten from the blog world!
Oh, Lisa-Jo! You’re as much fun on a blog as I remember you being in real life… and that’s a long time ago now. :)
I love, love, love your posts. You make me think (really think, not just wish vaguely) about really writing for others (and not just throwing photos up on our family blog). Thank you.
Oh, and I think this is the first time I’ve legitimately wished I twittered or tweeted or whatever. (See, I’m as patently uncool as ever!)
Silly girl, you’re just as lovely and wise as you were the day you sang at our wedding. What I wouldn’t give to *hug* you in person again, though. And you know what, you can just click on this link to go and read the full day’s worth of #ponyup tweets all in one place. Nifty, eh? http://twitter.com/search?q=ponyup It has been a fun ride, for sure! (PS Tune in for an update tomorrow).
You are an absolute riot! This is a beautiful way to start the new year, and I’ve had a blast “spreadin’ the love” as I’ve been blessed by other talented women’s words.
And this country girl loves your western vernacular! :)
What an awesome idea and a great way to share the love! And I see you are now writing for (in) courage — you go, girl — that’s the big leagues (and you get to rub cyber shoulders with Emily and Ann — I love them, too!)
Dude, I love (In)Courage – but seriously I am just a little fish over in that pond. I like to wave at Ann and Emily and Angie as they dart by. But, really, I just love reading what they write. Sigh. It’s so beautiful.
You rock it, lady. I’m so glad I clicked on the #ponyup hashtag that you left in your last tweet about my most recent post (thank you so much, by the way — your instant comment and supportive tweet helped me shake off the anxiety about trying something out of the ordinary on my blog).
Anyway, a little investigation led me to this post, and I just want to say thank you for the comments that you do leave, for being awesome on twitter, and for your enthusiasm that you share with so many.
Seriously.
xo elizabeth
Aww shucks – thanks! There’s a whole lot of comment love that makes the world go round and it’s fun to be a part of. (On that note, scroll up through today’s comments and see what MommyMelee said about you ;)
And I’m serious about the slam poetry – you should totally do a reading at #Cupcake10!
I think you have a fabulous idea! Thank you for encouraging others to check in and leave a little note for other writers. :)
Thank you, thank you for your ministry in word. I first found Ann’s blog and shortly after found yours.
The blogsphere is an amazing thing…I myselft started last April.
Specifically in the trials of life, it is amazing what one woman’s words (who you have never met) can edify you. Praise God for the global body of Christ.
I know, right? There’s nothing like the shared “girl-power” of truth spoken in love, honesty and with heaps of laughter. Thanks for stopping by – it’s lovely to “meet” you!
This is such a beautiful and generous idea! :) Women need women as we learn to nurture ourselves and each other when we come together — the overflowing Heart of the world! I enjoy these posts so much and am leaving a heartnote behind with a warm “Thank-you! to you” for spreading the Luv! xx~Jenn
What a neat idea. Sorry I’m a day late. (I just read about this at (In)Courage.) I’ve just started a blog http://familyfaithcompanion.wordpress.com/ and just announced it to a few friends yesterday. I’m nervous about “announcing” it here. It was an idea I’ve kicked around for almost a year. Felt called to start it. Whomever it will touch will be great with me (and with God).
Thank you for sending me over to pony-up with the rest of you.
Social Networking is a remarkable tool and I have been amazed at the incredible friends that I have made online and the great writers I have met.
For those of you looking to connect with more writer’s come join my Aspiring Writer’s Club at MBC http://www.mombloggersclub.com/group/aspiringwriters?xg_source=activity
And/or visit me at my website http://isdisnormal.com and introduce yourself.
Hey thanks for always coming and leaving a comment on my blog. I know it gets traffic, but rarely a comment. And you know that’s where I get ALL my self-worth. (kidding)
XOXO
@carnivalmonkey
Just found your neat blog! Leaving a comment – such an easy way to brighten someone’s day. : )
inspired.
and convicted.
to comment more, voice my Amen, whisper my prayer.
this isn’t REAL life, but it can be REAL community
…thank you Lisa Jo
Oh, I love that! “real Community” indeed!
Love, love, love this idea! But I missed the Twitter flurry–we were having our own kind of flurry over here that kept me from the computer for the majority of the day. But I intend to keep it going in my own practice. It only takes a second to jot some encouragement!
Just also wanted to add here another practice I have been inspired to start, thanks to your faithful blogging work. Like you, I am emailing back the folks who comment at my blog. I love that our blogs can engage us in a CONVERSATION!
Yes, I found when I was fresh into the blogging world it meant so very much to me when folks emailed back in response to a comment I had left. It seemed to close out the circle of conversation then. And it make my input feel valued. And it kept me coming back to that site for continued relationship. I love that circle. It is self sustaining in all the good ways.
Just wanted to tell you about a wonderful blog that my daughter, who lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil, started a few months ago. You can find her at http://www.alemontreelife.blogspot.com. Her posts vary from insightful to poignant to humorous but are always transparent and real — and she illustrates with great snapshots. When you get a minute, check out A Lemon Tree Life :).
Saw your post over at (In) Courage and had to stop by and read about this. I think it is so awesome when women come alongside each other. This is wonderful. :)
Genny