It also happens when, as recently, I get wrapped in a warm cocoon. The past two months (my birthday and the holidays) were a shower of love, gifts and well-wishes. What a welcome wave of affection.
Today, a thought suddenly popped into my head about how inexplicable this is. How odd that people visit my blog. And like what I post. I mean, I'm a person of confusing gender, older by decades than most readers, and I talk about strange things like motorcycles, Bitcoin and sociology. According to prevailing norms, I shouldn't be followed by anyone, let alone sweet bloggers with benevolent spirits.
Despite being unable to explain this reality, I savor it. I gratefully wallow in it. After a lifetime of isolation due to my gender-deviance, I embrace that quirk and accept any good that comes from being honest about it. I celebrate who I am -- because who else can I be? This is my only authentic self.
Thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for being nice to me.
It is impossible to be anything other than nice to you Ally ...you're such a sweetheart. Happy New year and may it be filled with more joy love laughter and new exciting experiences for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wendy. Best wishes to you.
DeleteI think we are naturally drawn to openness and those who are true to themselves, as you seem to be. And you seem like a very nice person! Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteLovely look and post ~ what a fabulous apron!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2014 :)
xoxox,
CC
Why do I read you? Because you are a kind, open, honest, sweet, interesting, multidimensional and intelligent person and I am drawn to your writing! (and you have nice clothes too!)x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kezzie. What nice things you say. :-)
DeleteI think you hit it- you are your authentic self, true and true. You are sweet, interested in all sorts of interesting things, and you want to engage your readers. These things all have a broad appeal and timeless quality.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year, Ally. I'm so glad I met you! Here's to 2014.
*raising my glass to your toast*
DeleteI can only agree with the other girls!
ReplyDeleteif you're not so, as you are, I would not look at your blog every 2nd day.
smooth faced twenty years old, posting half-gare wisdoms are not that what interests me in life. but a person who has lived a life and is honest and reflective has all my respect!
even when i shook my head about some of your outfits - i can see that you are doing this with all your heart and soul - and thats it what´s touching me.
and made me battling with the language in the comments... ;-)
thank you for being here!
Thank you. Yes, I have wisdom borne of age and, yes, I occasionally jump off the Fashion Cliff. But I do the latter to see what's on the other side. I want to explore life, not assume its offerings. I've surprised myself many times, both good and bad, by my sartorial adventures. You guys get to watch from the comfort of your couches!
DeleteSuper cute apron!
ReplyDeleteIts your smile that drew me in at first---so genuine and open and the best accessory to everything you wear :) Then I saw that you are a person of eclectic tastes, and that appealed to me as well. All the best in 2014!
I agree with what others have said - you are so real, true, honest and just all around NICE. It's easy to be nice to you because you are nice to others! I'm proud to call you friend!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Ally! Hope this next year is fabulous for you.
ReplyDeleteAw, sweetie, you're easy to be nice to! Thank you for all the kind comments and for reading MY blog over the years (no worries, I won't stop blogging!). You are proof that "you get what you give." You give us all intelligent and well-though-out posts, with a dash of fun and eccentricity. You are always true to the real you, and we love you for it.
ReplyDeletePS - I am thrilled to be "beside" you on the Digital Catwalk mug - I show it to everyone and I say, "I know her!"
Me, too!
DeleteThank you for being YOU! I find it hard to meet people who i get along with well, but I feel like I've had a long connection to you and your blog. You have a wide range of interest, you're always teaching me things, and you're kind and generous in return.
ReplyDeleteMost of all I adore your passion. I've enjoyed watching you embrace and be embraced by the community, and I'm so grateful for it. I think life is so hard when you are alone and lonely, and knowing the support I've received from the blog world, I can only hope we've managed to return as much support and love as you've given to all of us.
Many many thanks, and a very happy new year!
genuine and passionate. nuff said.
ReplyDeleteYou are a super special person and I love to read what you have to say ... you say it so well and it is always something interesting. As said by the other followers ... you are unique, open, sweet to all of us and kind. I love to see the diversity of your life ... clothes / motorbikes / general issues of interest / your work.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have "met" you albeit not in person ~ we can wish for that visit to our Sisters Dinner though!!! LOL!!!!
We still read cause you're genuinely humble like that, on top of everything else... Keep shining Ms. Ally! :)
ReplyDeleteI will always be nice to you. I couldn't be anything else because I admire you so much, you're so genuine and honest. That's such a beautiful picture.
ReplyDeletethank you, sweetheart! love seeing you on your journey.
ReplyDeleteYou are wonderful and kind, why wouldn't anyone adore you?!
ReplyDeleteYou are a person first and foremost. We all have our quirks and proclivities - you're just brave enough to share them online. That's to be admired!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for posting! Your blog is always a pleasure to read, even if I don't have the time (or worthwhile feedback) to comment. Your kind nature draws people to you like a magnet, and your thoughtful, provocative posts engage us readers in a way that (at least for me) few other blogs do!
ReplyDeleteThat last sentence got to me. If only life could always be that way.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I haven't been able to log in to comment as I usually do... not sure why. Just in case you're wondering if another Michi is visiting your blog.
I'm having that problem commenting on other blogs. I think Blogger has technical difficulties.
DeleteAw, we love you, Ally. Just as you are. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for being so nice too. You're as sweet as they come.
ReplyDeleteOMG. I love that apron.
ReplyDeleteI replied to a comment you left me a little bit ago, and I'll say the same thing I said there, I've come to really value your opinion on things. I think we all have our own little quirks. Being your authentic self is the only way to be. Keep on being yourself, you're awesome!
Well, that's exactly why I read your blog... you're something completely different!! It's refreshing!
ReplyDeleteHow can I help it?! You are simply wonderful!
ReplyDelete-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
I have to say that you don't just have readers, in many cases, you have friends :)
ReplyDeleteYou look darling in that apron and i can only imagine what's cooking!
Obviously, judging by the number of comments above mine, your appeal isn't just a fluke, Ally. You're kind and charming, and that resonates with a lot of people! Thanks for blogging.
ReplyDeleteYES to those incredible black platform pumps! So chic! Wish I had a full shot with those, because what I see looks incredible.
ReplyDeleteBut a firm NO to those MaryJanes. I'm sorry, but these are not "current" or on trend. They date (and therefore age) you terribly. These say 2014 and not 1974. And I oughta know 'cause I am your age, darlin'.
Sue