Evolution of a Comment Junkie

I like to think of myself as an Anthropologist. I mean that is what my degrees are in. And as an anthropologist, people fascinate me. And it was just a natural segue that I would love reading blogs. It's like getting a glimpse into another life. Or getting a personalized invitation to go through your medicine cabinets. It feeds my nosiness. My rampant curiosity about how other people live their lives.

When I started my own blog back in February, I had an agenda. I was planning to capture a day in the life of a homeschooler. Yeah, that didn't last long. Until the whole place morphed into being all about me. Things that happen to me and my family. But mostly about me. And things that interest me.

And then there were comments. You get one. And then two. And addiction sets in quickly. But just as quickly, I sought out the meaningful comments. And made connections with other bloggers. And those connections and validations that we can offer to each other.

My ascent toward comment nirvana came from two places. The first from the blog rolls of other blogs that I liked. Specifically that of Debbie from This is the Life. That was how I "met" Heather (and Lula, and Sissy, and Jill, and JenniferP, and Elena, and Lizzy, and I could go on...). And then Tiffany. The girls (can I call you girls?) that started it all.

And when they started "The Secret is in the Sauce" four months ago I was onboard. And from them, I have found some great blogs.

First there is Kimba at A Soft Place to Land. I love reading her blog. And I am a horrible Sitsta on that site. Because I don't comment. Kimba's place is so very beautiful. And crafty. And ultra creative. I just go there to look. And wonder why Kimba doesn't live next door to me.

Another is Mama Dawg at Two Dog's Running. I found connections with Emily right away. With her southern accent that I could just hear when I read her page. To her dedication to Disney World. To her homage to "Dirty Dancing." I am hooked.

Oh, and Jill at The Perlman Update. I have this absolute fascination with Americans living abroad. Probably because that will never be me. And then I have another fascination with India. Why? I have no idea as to what started it...but I love fiction books set there. Non-fiction books about it. Movies about it. I love it. And then Jill is an American living there. Perfect match. And her blog truly takes me inside her world. And I can see what's in her pantry. And how she cleans her water. And she even shows me what an entire family riding on a motorcycle through traffic in India might look like.

Another fav is Swirl Girl (is your real name a secret? Should I call you Debby?) from Swirl Girl's Pearls. I keep trying to convince her to change the name of her blog to Swirl Girl unfurled. But she is ignoring me. I love to read her honest, no holds barred account of her life. And I love that she's snarky. And that she called me a snarky snark when I explained the concept of cutting and pasting. And I don't like her right now. Because she's been in Hawaii for the past week.

Are you wired into the secret yet?

So...what about you? Could you trace the evolution of your blog roll? Do you know how you found MY blog?

Theme song: Matchbox 20 - How Far We've Come