Wednesday 25 March 2009

Make new friends



I've been taking a photography course, and one of the technical aspects that we've discussed is "depth of field." Small f-numbers allow a lot of light into the aperature -- which limits/allows the photographer to capture a narrow range or close-up view. You want a small f-number if you are trying to capture the intricacy of a flower, for instance. Large f-numbers let in less light, but you can include a much wider range of subject matter and maintain the clarity. If you want an entire field of flowers, plus some sky, you would want to increase your f-number.

It's not a bad metaphor for blogging, really.

When I first started blogging, my f-numbers were pretty small. I had a tight circle of friends, and there was definitely a feeling of intimacy. There was time to check in every day, and I never missed any of the posts of my regulars. Over time, my blogging circle has become more like a complicated web of interconnected circles. My f-numbers are expanding all the time! And although I love the greater reach, I sometimes have trouble maintaining a focal point. I miss the close-up view in the attempt to see so much. I am constrained, not by space, but by time.

In the past couple of weeks, I have been very touched to be the recipient of several awards. (I apologize for being so tardy in acknowledging these kind gifts!) Although one of them is from a well-established blogging friendship, the others come from relatively new acquaintances. Even though I occasionally make a time-preserving vow of "no new mates" (as a Northern friend used to say), I don't actually stick with it. Truthfully, one of the chief pleasures of blogging is the discovery of a fresh voice. You never know which link, casually or curiously followed, will become your new favorite person. So in that spirit, I offer linkage to some friends of mine -- some old, and some new.

Thanks so much to Dancing Doc Design for the Excessively Diverting Blog award. Like so many, I'm an Austen fanatic -- and being compared to one of my favourite authors (even in the smallest of ways) is a great honour. The Dancing Doc is an American living in the south of France, and her blog celebrates beauty -- and the occasional serious issue -- in turn.



The aim of the Award is to acknowledge writing excellence in the spirit of Jane Austen's genius in amusing and delighting readers with her irony, humor, wit, and talent for keen observation. Recipients will uphold the highest standards in the art of the sparkling banter, witty repartee, and gentle reprove.

Jane Austen famously described her work as: the little bit (two Inches wide) of Ivory on which I work with so fine a Brush, as produces little effect after much labour. Some blogs remind me of the portrait landscape setting on a camera in that they narrow in on the author's life -- and yet encompass so much.

Just a Plane Ride Away -- because she writes with such warmth and humor about her expat life in England with Mr. DJ, Roxi and Trudy (her beloved dog). Also, because she loves Persuasion -- one of my favorites, too.

Whittering On -- because, like Jane, Janey writes every day amidst the bustle of family life. Her writing has an eye-twinkle and a cosiness which I find incredibly appealing.

Nimble Pundit -- because she has an elegant turn of phrase. Although she might seem shy and retiring, she has Austen's sharp eye.

The irrepressible, warm and witty woman known as Fhina at A Woman of No Importance bestowed the following award on me. As Fhina is known for breaking into French, I will say Merci Beaucoup and Je t'embrasse. Although the award is meant for 15 people, I don't have Fhina's energy -- plus I have to do the school-runs soon. Therefore, I will bestow it in my turn upon two worthy bloggers who have the output of at least 15 people between them.

This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values every day.

The rules to follow are: 1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his or her blog link. 2) Pass the award to another 15 blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Julochka at Moments of Perfect Clarity -- because she is smart, funny, and creative . . . as is
Julie at Tangobaby. The two Julies (one based in Denmark and the other in San Francisco) have also embarked on The Julie Project together. Fairly recently, Julie has been thrilling me with her personal portraits at I Live Here: SF. Both of these women hold down full-time jobs and have creative projects all over the place. Clearly, neither sleeps much.

One of my new finds, Catherine at A Thousand Clapping Hands, also gave me a Premio Dardos.

I vividly remember the first post that I read at Catherine's. Let me just say that she lays a beautiful table -- in more ways than one.

Another blogger who hooked me from the very first post is Tessa at AN AERIAL ARMADILLO. Tessa, like me, lives in England . . . but originally came from a warm climate. Tessa is a wonderful artist, with a treasure chest full of memories and pictures. A visit to her blog is highly recommended for armchair travellers.

Muchos gracias to Barrie Summy for this stylish badge!

Barrie, whose Book Review Club I participate in every month, is the author of I So Don't Do Mysteries -- and the upcoming I So Don't Do Spooky. She also manages to mother four children, attend a lot of sporting events, and regularly update her blog.

Barrie has passed on a challenge to discuss five obsessions . . . and then pass it on.

In general, I would say that I'm not a particularly obsessive person -- but there are a few areas in which my behavior is not entirely normal or restrained.
  1. Buying books. I cannot go into a bookstore without leaving with something -- or some things. I should use the library more, but I love to buy books.
  2. Baking. I was telling a friend that I had been out of my baking groove lately, and my oldest daughter butted in (as they do) and reminded me that I had made butterscotch brownies, sugar cookies, oatmeal/cranberry/white chocolate cookies, honey cake, gingerbread and butterscotch rice pudding . . . all in the last two weeks. I'd like to set up a charitable concern which distributes baked goods.
  3. Flowers. In my garden and in bouquets all over the house. The spring bulbs are my favorites -- except for roses, of course. And peonies.
  4. Ironing. I find ironing very soothing. I iron almost everything, and it has been commented upon as unusual behavior. I will concede that it doesn't make sense to iron clothes before you pack them, but I cannot bring myself to pack wrinkled clothes. (This may fall under the rubric of obsessive behavior, actually.)
  5. Cards. I love to buy cards and postcards. Sometimes I even send them to friends! (But a lot of them get tucked into books or stacked on my desk.)

I offer a short-list of five fabulous friends -- who don't mind the occasional meme. Please collect your awards!

Traveling Through Time and Space

Beyond Ramen

That's Why

Bon Bon

BooksEtc.

Now someone send out the vaudeville hook! I think that this acceptance speech has gone on way too long . . .

49 comments:

julochka said...

thank you Bee, you're far too kind, but i'm really pleased you mentioned The Julie Project. :-)

oh the pressure--now i've got to stop posting drivel on my blog and start writing something decent again...

and of course, i have to check all these links now...

when am i supposed to sleep?

xox,
/julie (in denmark)

contemporary themes said...

Wonderful awards, and from what I've read here, you are worthy of each one!

I'm obsessed with both buying books and sending cards! (I've sent 797 cards since April of 2007!) I'd say that fits in with being quite obsessive now that I think about it. I just love knowing that a person I cherish and care about will get something in the mail to open! It's one of the things that brings me the MOST joy! It's a small thing, but it counts big in my soul!

JaneyV said...

Aw Bee! I've come over all unnecessary again. There is no finer compliment, I believe, than to be thought of as a source of humour and diversion for one's dear friends. ;0)

As for your obsessions...I'm with you on the books and cards (I have bags full of cards that I have bought and not sent!), the baking and flowers are things that I fully appreciate and wish I was talented with but the ironing....

Actually I totally get the obsession with ironing and if I wasn't quite so (completely) clumsy (some might even say dyspraxic) I might even be similarly fixated but for some reason EVERY time I iron something I burn my arm or hand. So I dress casually, buy a lot of meant-to-be-wrinkly clothes and do the trick of folding everything the second it comes out of the drier. And for the record, I happen to think that if you pack without ironing (or folding straight out of the drier) your clothes will be unironable at the other end.

Now folding - that is my big obsessive compulsive "tick".

tangobaby said...

Bee! I'm so thrilled and grateful to see my name listed here amongst your other friends and my beloved julochka sister julie.

I'm grateful to have found you. I could empathize totally with how our blogging worlds expand and the time seems to waft away but I'm glad we found ways to connect with each other.

And thank you again for this honor.

D.A. Riser said...

Bee, I absolutely love the f-stop analogy. It's brilliant!

Beth said...

Consider yourself adored!
And “Bravo!” as to your wonderful acceptance speech.

Thanks for passing along the meme – will see what I can do. (Obsessions abound.)

Anne said...

This looks like great fun! My only challenge will be in choosing only five obsessions. And maybe choosing five that you haven't already covered!

I, too, love the f-stop analogy. Brilliant indeed.

TBM said...

Thank you, dear friend, for the honour! I was bouncing in my seat with happiness over this one. You know my heart belongs to Austen. XO

PS I am excited to hear about your photography course!

PPS I was laughing at your list of "non baking" activities :-)

Bee said...

Julochka - you never write drivel! Even your "this is what I did today" stuff is always extremely interesting.

I can't solve the sleep question. I meant to get into bed last night by 10, but it didn't happen.

She - I want to give you an award for being such a good commenter! You always leave thought-provoking feedback for me. As for your card-giving habit, I am intrigued by the fact that you have sent 797 cards in less than two years! Do you make a note of each one? That IS truly obsessive behavior.

JaneyV - Well, we do live to give "sport" to our neighbours! Seriously, the Jane Austen award comes from the heart.

As for folding, I'm not a folder. It gets stacked, then ironed, then . . . okay, folded.

Tangobaby - You are doing such cool stuff over in San Francisco. You really raise blogging to a high art. I LOVE the new SF blog -- but then there is no more fascinating subject than people (to my mind, at least).

D.A. Riser - Thank you so much for mentioning that! I'm probably over-fond of metaphors, but it has helped me fix f-numbers in my mind now.

Beth - I wonder what else you can pull out of your hat? Now that you have shocked the blogosphere with the knowledge that you only have one dress . . . (laugh).

Anne - Maybe you can share some of your more esoteric obsessions? Or feel free to echo mine, as I'm sure you will put your own interesting spin on them.

JAPRA - It is so weird, but I would swear that I've hardly baked anything lately! (I thought that you would like the Austen award. It suits you. :)

Bagman and Butler said...

The f-stops of blogging! Wow! Great view of expanded follow lists. I've been struggling with that too. This week I expanded the f-stop. Either that or stepped back and screwed on the telephoto lens so I could pick and choose a bit. I laughed at obsessive ironing. Who would ever get obsessive about ironing...but then I realized that I almost always wash the dishes, thinking it's because I'm being nice to my wife, but actually because I like the orderly process, the warm water, the smooth textures...

herhimnbryn said...

Grand post Bee Lady and I read it all and smiled and nodded ( as one does), but...................Butterscotch rice pudding......BUTTERSCOTCH RICE PUDDING!

Pleeeeeease recipe ( on bended knee here).

Anonymous said...

Bee,
time and again you impress us with your succint observations and commentary. I am a smidge envious at your ability to reach the blogging world and increase your on-line compadres. /No wonder you recieve so many well deserved awards.
My obessions are too long to list and if you ask my chicas they will probably tell you of 20 more I had not even considered applied to me.
I thought your acceptance speech out shone our Kate's no need for the vaudeville hook. Excellente.

lisahgolden said...

I love it that you're taking a photography course! I've so enjoyed the photos you've shared so far. You know you fulfill my English garden fantasy with your pictures.

As for your ever-growing and intertwined online connections, I understand completely. Once, during a very boring meeting, I found myself trying to make a Venn Diagram of the blogs and commenters so that I could see the overlap. It got too complicated.

I love ironing, too. It's very meditative. And postcard decorating was the way I made dorm rooms and ratty apartments homey. I still have some that I've collected from way back and I still love adding to my collection.

Thank you for the link!

contemporary themes said...

Hi, Bee! Writing from my phone so this will be brief, but I want to explain the card thing-y! I send them through sendoutcards.com, and that's how I know the number I've sent. It's in my account. I don't think they have a very good card catalogue so I mostly make picture cards with photos I've taken of our time together as a momento for them. I play with the photo with software and then upload it. I have my own handwriting font with signature, etc. And with this program I can send giftcards or a small gift at the same time. I'm quite addicted!!! I no longer miss birthdays! I think I have the 16th bday card for my niece in my office somewhere. She's now 21. I used to suck at getting cards in the mail. Now I can do it all from my computer! It rocks!

A Woman Of No Importance said...

Wow, wow, wow - You did so well with all that award-giving, Bee - And I feel exactly as you do, that there are so many interesting voices out there to listen to and discover, and it is sadly so hard to keep up with everyone all the time...

I always say, 'je ne regrette rien', but I do regret not stopping by my favourites as much as I wish.

My best to you, and I might consider de-following if you continue with all that 'dirty' ironing talk - Yuk, my pet hate! x

Kagemusha said...

What a wonderful blog... do you mind if I list it on my blog roll? I will definitely come back for more interesting reading... thanks, JCR

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I cannot believe I have found another person who loves to iron!! Having always been told by my friends and family that this fondness for ironing I have is actually a sign of severe unbalance, it is soo comforting to know someone else knows why I like it so!!

And books. Always.

ceecee said...

Congratulations on your many awards, Bee! I am always amazed at how many new friends I've made in the blog world. I'm a bit of a recluse so it has been a positive thing for me. I'm not sure that I could handle more than I have now! Where DO people find the time?
All the best,
Catherine

Elizabeth said...

I'm so glad you enjoy your well-deserved awards.
Yes, blogging is wonderful for getting in touch with people.
Good for you going on a photography course. I never have --and really ought to.
Part laziness, part not wanting to ruin "the first fine careless rapture" - ie beginner's luck.

Nimble said...

It is wonderful to find so many who love books and cards. Bee, I'm so glad you have taken to the blog world so well. It makes sense considering what a perfect cocktail party guest you are.

Your entries are full of enthusiasm and focused curiosity. But what sets them apart is your polish. You have an admirably cool eye when it comes to managing your prose. I admire your firm hand on the reins.

Thank you for the recognition. I am glad to be read.

And I second the request for the butterscotch rice pudding recipe when you have the time.

Barrie said...

Oh, how fun to see that I share some of your obsessions. I spend way to much money on books; I find ironing very relaxing (altho I no longer iron nor relax!); I have a folder full of cards; I used to like baking. :) thanks for playing!

Reya Mellicker said...

Blogging is an amazing community that knits our thoughts together no matter how far apart we live in time/space from one another.

As a long time blogger (I had a blog for three years before The Gold Puppy), my connections continue to grow. I feel so much richer for all these incredible "friends."

You deserve every award available, Bee, you do! BRAVO!!! (confetti, roses thrown at your feet, marching bands, standing ovations.)

Maggie May said...

Good job! Keeping up with those can be like a little job, and you are very sweet and deserving.

Gifted Typist said...

Well deserved awards,
and very nice literary link between DoF and blogging.
I've been *focusing* on DoF recently in my photography, trying to get more 3D in my thinking about subjects. I'm not very technical in my approach to photography, can't seem to merge the composition,colour,light fascination with technical requirements - so I bracket a lot for best results. Not a purists approach.
I'm using the DoF mode more though. That helps to narrow down the choices.

Bee said...

Butler and Bagman -- I like the way you've taken up my metaphor! (About washing dishes, there is something soothing about a fine china plate -- but a dirty roasting tin? Nah.)

Herhimnbryn - Recipe will follow! (How could I resist your begging?)

Bon Bon - I'd LOVE to hear about your obsessions. Please?

Lisa - The Venn diagram thing cracks me up. There is definitely only one or two degrees of separation when it comes to blogging.

She - Ah, that explains it! I've never heard of this, but I will check it out.

A Woman of No Importance - Well, I consider ironing to be my excuse for watching movies in the afternoon. Does that make you feel better?

JCR - Wow, thanks! (And of course I don't mind if you add me.)

Pamela Terry and Edward - I can't believe that ironing is such a maligned task! I can think of much more unpleasant household chores . . .

Catherine - I agree; blogging is ideal for those with a solitary streak. But then it becomes so difficult to limit yourself . . .

Elizabeth - You really don't need a course at all! You already have the artistic eye . . .

Nimble -- Thanks for those really kind words. Being in touch with you again is one of the best bits.

Barrie - And we share the Xmas ornament collecting habit, too! (Thanks again for "awarding" me.)

Reya -- Thanks so much. Your blog is one of my favorites.

Maggie May - I wanted to mention your wonderful blog, but Barrie got to you first! Hopefully, there will be a "next time" . . .

Gifted Typist - So much goes into a good photograph . . . and yet, so many of the best come to us partly though luck. (Also like friendship?)

Nimble said...

Ooh -- I just saw on the sidebar that you've been for a tango lesson. I was going to ask whether Sigmund would ever be caught dancing. I hope it was fun. Nod and I waltz occasionally and I try not to order him around.

mati said...

Bee-
Congratulations! X4!!!ooola- very well deserved on all counts-you are gifted in your writing and your perspective,not to mention your ability to connect with so many in such a genuine way. Bravo!! I love the barn in winter:)

Stacy Nyikos said...

Bee - Wow congrats on so many awesome awards. Way to go!

Just Jules said...

Dancing through again to see what is up in your corner of blogland... Having just as much fun reading the comments as your post. Thanks for the distraction after all the shoveling - I needed the rest

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your awards, quite a collection there!

I know what you mean about making friends in blog-land. It's a wonderful experience and I always feel it's a shame that there isn't enough time in a day to catch up with every single one.

CJ xx

Yvonne Anderson said...

Hi Bee,

I haven't been in the blogging game long but can see it becoming somewhat of an addiction. I do find the whole thing is like a worm hole that could keep going.

So I apologise in giving you yet another blog to look at! You did say you liked it though....ha.

Anyway, just found your blog and liked it so thought I would say hello.

Hello

Dick said...

Well done on the awards, Bee. Richly deserved, every one.

Re. the obsessions, I'm with you on the book-buying. If I leave a bookshop without having made a purchase, I feel scratchy for the rest of the day. And ironing too - hitherto a secret vice, but now I'm outed I feel liberated. Thank you!

Sarah Laurence said...

Bee, somehow I missed this post – yet another proof that our little circle has expanded. It gets harder to keep track. I love your photography aperture/blogging analogy. That’s great that you are taking a course!

Congratulation on your awards. An Austen award is a good fit for your blog. I’m guilty of the book buying obsession, as you know. I'm off to read a novel now.

Fantastic Forrest said...

This is too funny! I'm sure you don't remember, but I gave you this same badge at the end of January after I received it from my blog mentor, Bad Mom. Maybe I should change my name to Fabulous Forrest. :-)

I am honored to accept this from you, Bee, and will share my obsessions on Monday. Meanwhile, many congratulations for the awards you've received, and my sincere appreciation for steering me to some other great blogs.

Lucy said...

I'm amazed how well you keep up such a good blogging network, Bee, and many of them quite demanding blogs, not necessarily a quick and easy read, blog intelligently yourself, and also lead such a busy life, go to photography classes,read and review serious books, and films, bake things AND do the ironing! It all makes me feel quite motivationally challenged...

Ironing seems to be something of a theme at the moment!

I often say to myself 'no new mates!' on the blogging front anyway, but I think really there should always be room for another. I do sometimes accept the necessity now to let the odd one go, or at least visit less. It's not easy though.

Congrats on the awards. I'm lazy with passing those on when I get them too, but they are a good way of giving people a mention, saying what you like about them, and sometimes making new connections...

A Modern Mother said...

You need to meet my friend Charlene, whenever she wants to escape, she makes a batch of cupcakes.

Your photography course sounds wonderful.

myonlyphoto said...

Bee you are such a good writer. Thanks for the photography tips, I never took photo lessons, I just learned by clicking, lol, and viewing the results - its like this - oh that's what this button is for, lol. Looks like your circle of friends is engaged in the mathematical f-series, lol, it is complicated system, but hey it works.

And I have some obsessions too: cooking, baking, breastfeeding, buying books [economic crisis, not doing much now], making stuff, lol, and blogging....

Excellent post Bee, and congrats to you and recipients of the awards. Anna :)

Anonymous said...

The F-stop analogy is wonderful. You've actually helped me in my own perspective of photography and blogology. Thank you beautiful!

Anne said...

Just popped in to say hello, and that I was thinking of you the other day as I was (very contentedly) ironing some linens. I hope your trip back to the states is full of delicious eats and many a rendez-vous with dear friends!

mati said...

Happy Easter -
I hope this finds you and your family well.

Bee said...

Nimble - Actually, Sigmund and I managed a decent cha cha! We have a few moves, but we haven't added to our dancing repertoire in a long time.

Dancing Doc - Thanks so much for your kind feedback. When I get back to England, it will be time to take a pic called "The Barn in Spring."

Stacy - Thanks!

It's Just Me - I often think that some of the best bits actually happen in the comments.

Crystal Jigsaw - I'm feeling really bad that I haven't visited anyone in almost two weeks! I haven't had much computer time in TX.

Yvonne - The Blogging Wormhole! So apt.

Dick - Do you watch movies when your iron, or are you a radio man?

Sarah - Yes, you are one of my early "finds" . . . but so many new friends this year.

FF - I loved your obsession list. Well-done.

Lucy - One of the interesting things about blogging is that one ends up with a sort of journal which, amongst other things, chronicles the waxing and waning of various obsessions. I used to never take pictures, and now I'm loathe to post without them.

A Modern Mother - After the holiday, we need to organize our meet-up for sure. Charlene and I can discuss our baking obsession.

Anna - It is helpful to learn a bit about what your camera can do, but as you say, the most important bit is just practicing . . . and looking at a lot of good pictures.

thefamilyJulz - Thanks! I'm glad my "metaphor" made sense to you.

Anne - Funny little things remind me of you, too. I need to visit you!

Dancing Doc - Happy Easter to you and yours, too. We have been dying eggs this morning.

Maggie May said...

Where are you!?

Stacy Nyikos said...

Bee,

Hey! I nominated you for a Lemonade Stand Award. When you get a sec, pop by my blog to "pick it up" !

Fantastic Forrest said...

This was a lovely post, but you have now reached the point where we demand a new one.

This resting on your laurels behavior can't last indefinitely, Bee!

Cindy said...

Hi Bee - Happy Easter to you and your family. I've had no time for blogging as of late but have some quiet time at the moment so I was doing some reading of my old friends. I really enjoyed your Mothering post. Take care and have a safe journey home :)

♥ Braja said...

Bee...so slow in finding my way around to every person I want to get to, and you're one of them. To thank you for your loving thoughts and prayers and kindness...all of which contributed so much to our healing process. My heartfelt love and affection to you...
Braja
xxx

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Oh, my! It's amazing the diverse number and type of awards you received, and anyone can clearly understand why! Your blog and your thoughts are magnificent.

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Lucy said...

Are you OK there Bee? From Cindy's comment I guess you're travelling, so keep safe and look forward to seeing you before toooo long!