I'm a fan of Twitter. A participant in the madness since 2009. I stumbled across Twitter after sitting outside in my back yard and thinking how like a ghost I felt.
I had the awareness of being present. I felt myself traveling through time and space. I could see myself in mirrors. But it felt like others could not see me. Or if they did, they proceeded to look through me.
Feeling like a ghost wasn't pleasant. I didn't just want to observe. I found myself with the fervent wish to be observed and to participate in life. I imagined myself in a group of people laughing and talking and feeling entirely comfortable, maybe even wanted.
So after forming these thoughts ( really a request or a prayer to the Universe though I did not realize it at the time) I stumbled across Twitter. I had no idea what 'The Twitter' was. I could see people interacting with each other. Exchanging thoughts and experiences. No they weren't all profound. There were lunch tweets, Quick Trip and Post Office errands reported on, an occasional spat and ( gasp ) a cuss word or two.
But I found it all interesting. At that time there were few 'social media' experts. Now they are to be found in about forty percent of the Bios ( barf ). It seemed like a conversation. At a time when I longed to make connections and converse. I jumped in and began to interact. I was excited to find local 'Tweeps' talking about things I was familiar with in my town.
It took awhile to begin to know these people but again I found them interesting and enjoyed the process of becoming acquainted. I attended my first 'Tweet Up' that fall at a place that is no longer in business called Caffe Posto. It wasn't a large place. There wasn't a huge crowd in attendance. There were pumpkin scones which I somehow missed, damn it! Unbeknownst at the time, several of those people would become important to me and, I think, I to them. An answer to a prayer unknowingly offered.
Two nights ago, on Twitter, I told a friend who lives in Florida that I had thought my life was over in 2008. But I've since realized my life was not over it has had a makeover. And there are many days now when I feel sparkly and new.
Glad you were able to get the post to work...great stuff. :-)
ReplyDeleteIn my own case, it's felt like only a few friendships formed through Twitter have (thankfully so) made it this far, but that many of the early relationships have fizzled away. In a nutshell, it seems like I've traveled the opposite direction, and am now in the "look through me" stage. Maybe it's me...
A compliment from a writer I respect is greatly appreciated. It seems like a lot of our ICT Tweeps are on Twitter less including yourself. I notice we seem to be having fewer Tweetups or perhaps I am missing them.
DeleteThe "look through me" stage may be happening but I hope you will take this to heart because I've never meant anything more-you are someone anyone would treasure having in their life. I find you funny, interesting, warm, friendly, concerned, quick witted and intelligent, lippy, ornery, and amazingly I can occasionally make you laugh. You are one of the best judges of character in people that I've ever known. Yet you are not judgmental. You've been a friend and brother to me at times when I truly needed you. I love the way you pretend to be strict with your bride and try to hide that soft heart. I admire your many talents. I am amazed and thankful at how our minds sync. You've given me advice that I have followed and some that I have not but the fact you cared enough to give it is such a gift to me. You are someone anyone would treasure having in their life and I most certainly do.
Thank you, my dear. :-)
DeleteI am certainly glad that you realized that your life was not over. You have added to my life by being here, having a conversation or two, and making yourself available to meet and hug in person. I am definitely a richer guy because you are here on Twitter and willing to be real. I love and appreciate you.
ReplyDelete