I wanted just to do a little post about the reaction to my previous blog post on New Year’s Eve, “A Diary’s End”.
The amount of feedback I got from it was amazing and very unexpected. New Year is such an odd time; one of reflection, self-examination and consolidation. Many people had a difficult 2010 it seems and I truly hope that 2011 is better for everyone.
Now this next bit will only mean something to those of you who indulge in a spot of tweeting…
I “lost my Twitter mojo” last year. The forum that had been a lifeline to me for many months faded into the background of my life whilst I dealt with more pressing things, like relocating from Switzerland and finding somewhere for me and the kids to live. Twitter can be a huge support and I have never forgotten that, however, for a while I just felt that I had nothing of interest to say. I was sick of the sound of my own voice and didn’t really want to inflict it on anyone else.
After I got the hurdle of Christmas out of the way, however, I have found my old spark returning. I had a few days to myself whilst the kids were with their Dad, I got some sleep, I went for some long walks and just generally spent some time doing stuff that I wanted to do, without miniature people screaming at me for “JUICE!”, demanding that I wipe their bottoms or construct a toy farm in under 30 seconds.
And I found myself giggling again…
Last night, after my blog post, I got chatting with a mate from ages ago on Twitter, the lovely @jimbobbers (#FF a must follow). He read my post and sent me a link to a BEAUTIFUL song that I have blatantly nicked from him and linked to below. But I MUST share it with you, because it just goes with the whole vibe of my previous post; about waiting for life to begin and not knowing what’s on the horizon.
But more importantly, I wanted to say thank you to @jimbobbers (and thanks for reminding me about that late night conversation when you were in the park), and to the many other mates I have on Twitter, who have stuck by me through tough times recently; times when I haven’t really felt like tweeting and times when I have half-heartedly tweeted and just haven’t been “feeling it”.
I also want to say a brief, but public, thank you to the unique, funny and talented @WharfTheCanary (#FF – goes without saying), who made the last part of 2010, and especially New Year’s Eve (a time I normally dread with a passion) incredibly special.
This year, I am going to do some tweet-ups. The first is planned for 29th January.
I think I am living proof that Twitter is far more than merely a stream of 140 character status updates. It can be life-changing and real friendships and relationships can come from it.
Hopefully I’ll meet some of you very soon. x
Twitter is strange. I have people on facebook that I “speak” to, but I would never think about wanting to meet them; yet saying less, figuratively, on Twitter, I’ve “met” people I would love to meet and have a pint or several with. I think the limit on how much you can say forces more of the real you out… if that makes sense. I dunno.
I’m rambling now.
It makes PERFECT sense. Less room for bullshit, I reckon. x
Jane.
A wonderful and poignant slice of life, as always expressed using the very finest prose.
I have only been on twitter for around four months, compared to 5 years on facebook, but I can safely say that it is – with one or two less than notable exceptions – filled with the sweetest, most likeable people on the planet. Anyone who has followed me since day one, which is to say not many, will know how my life has peaked and troughed during this period. Despite this my friends, and I do not hesitate to call them that for a moment, have stuck by me, almost without exception, and offered heartfelt support when it was genuinely needed. Twitter is quite unlike any online community I have ever been a part of. It is certain that I have met people there who will be close to my heart for a very long time indeed, and quite possibly until we are parted by Mr Grim the Reaper.
I shall leave you with the first tweet I felt compelled to ‘favourite’. This comes courtesy of @Adri_Mane:
“Twitter makes me like strangers I’ve never met and Facebook makes me hate people I know in real life”
So true. I dearly hope to meet you on the 29th if you can make it.
Twitter is so much more than telling folk what you’ve had for lunch. Not only does the 140 character limit improve your writing skills but you can cover most moods. Sometimes it is like a mate that you get fed up & frustrated with. Likewise, when you’re pissed off & need to rant, you can, anonymously.
I have great fun there, more than I ever thought I would when I signed up to keep up with one of my favourite musicians. I’ve made friends, found love, talked complete and utter nonsense, annoyed folk & fallen out with others. More importantly, when I hit rock bottom through depression my Tweibs stroked, supported & harangued me better.
Pleased & proud to have come across you there Jane, here’s to a fantabulous 2011 for us all. xXx
Hi Jane
It’s funny how such a simple mico-blogging and messaging service like Twitter opens up connections and possibilities previously out of reach.
And, maybe the simple limit of 140 characters in each exchange in a Twitter conversation doesn’t just mean we convey thoughts, feelings, ideas succinctly. But, also listen and learn more effectively too?
Whatever, however, Twitter’s been a source of friendship, comedy, support and inspiration for me. And, it still pains me when I mention it to friends and they look at me like I’ve got two heads and say “Isn’t that where celebrities tell you what they ate for breakfast?”. Sigh.
I also love the ‘bat shit mental’ aspect of Twitter too – I never imagined I’d be on the swings in a play park in the south of France, at midnight, in a gale, talking to someone in Switzerland about garden sheds, evil genius’s and underground monorails. I’m smiling now thinking about it.
So, back to the future. I’m heading into 2011 facing windward, taking courage from your story.
Keep spitting in the eye of adversity m’dear.
@JimBobbers x