Yes, this Secret Santa is for you.
You know who you are.
Or maybe you don't.
Are you aware of what your blog does? Are you aware that reading about your life, whether it's your job or children or husband or just anything you're mulling over has become an important part of my day?
I try to let you know in comments just how much I appreciate what you do, but when time slips by too quickly, I have to settle for the satisfaction of knowing I was there, even if only for a second, even if only a quick hello by way of Google Reader.
I'm keeping up, even if my own blog is growing neglected as Sprite increasingly demands my time and attentions, I'm still here.
I'm reading.
I'm proud of what you have accomplished. Even if your goal was thirty days of posting. I'm inspired by how far you've come, lifting yourself out of the mires of the unbloggable. I'm commiserating with you over the unobtainable. (At least for now.) I'm looking forward to the first photos of an anxiously awaited half-pint. I'm overjoyed by your family's recent arrival. (And absolutely love the name!)
I'm happy for your son's new beginning, and yours as well. I'm relishing the memories of getting to hug you for the first (and hopefully not the last) time. I'm continually encouraged to change my life and the way I live it based on your actions. I'm understanding the doldrums you face in staring at an un-updated blog.
I'm tickled by your daughter's reaction to the world around her. I'm drinking your wine tonight. (And opening the other bottle next weekend.) I'm awed by your craftiness. And yours too!
I'm excited for the new job that your husband likes. I'm always humored by your stories of Mommy. I'm tempted to ditch my Kosher tendencies for a bit of Chorizo. I'm always up for a hike through your neck of the woods. And every time I see a set of Legos, I'm reminded of how much good they can really do.
I'm enchanted by your children's talent. I'm jealous (in a good way) of the time you get with your kids. I'm not surprised at the antics your family gets into. I'm hinting that you should update your blog more, but I'm also willing to settle for the times I get to see you. The same goes for you, but I'm also looking forward to our playdate tonight. (See you at dance class!)
I'm shocked at how much I can laugh (and cry) when reading your words about adversity. I'm in agreement with you on your observations. I'm happy you're back in the blogging world, even if on a semi-regular basis. I'm willing to read a post of yours any day, even the half-finished ones. I'm delighted for your new(ish) job that you actually LIKE. And I'm putting in an extra special prayer that a new job finds its way to you.
You found your way into my heart and for you, I'm always here.
Happy holidays to all my favorite bloggers, I send my Christmas wish out to the blogosphere that your season be merry and bright, and know that I'm thinking of you tonight.
(Not in a stalkerish way, of course.)
Love,
Sprite's Keeper
***************************
And here they are! The Secret Santa Spinners who care to share their love of blogs with you!
Alaina over at View From Down Here with her thoughts on Marriage Confessions
Peg over at Square Peg in A Round Hole with her thoughts on Vent....
CaJoh over at Ca-Joh with his thoughts on Archives of Our Lives
Gretchen over at Second Blooming with her thoughts on a moon, worn as if it had been a shell
Vandy over at The Testosterone Three and Me with her thoughts on Second Blooming
Pseudo over at Pseudo's Spot with her thoughts on Synchronicity and Distraction and Bad Words -Updated Friday! Fresh Santa Spin!
Make sure to visit with them and their favorites and spread some holiday cheer!
You always leave the best comments! Thank you! :) I need to get back to reading blogs more faithfully. Have a wonderful holiday!
Posted by: Ginny Marie | December 23, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Humbled and embarrassed. I mean seriously, why did I not get my shit together? Maybe I can come in with a late entry. It's been to freaking busy in my life. Love your idea!!
Thanks!
Posted by: Kate | December 23, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Wow, thank you, Jen! I love your blog so much, but have been really not keeping up with the blogging lately. Thank you for your kind words, here in this post and on my blog.
I was so sad the other day when I realized I had totally forgotten to sign up for the Secret Santa. Maybe next year. And thanks again!
Posted by: Patty | December 23, 2011 at 11:46 AM
I am coming back and visiting each of your linked posts. You inspire us all Jen - your writing, your commenting, and your friendship....
My Secret Santa went up this morning. Yesterday was supposed to be writing day - but shit does happen!
Posted by: Pseudo | December 23, 2011 at 12:16 PM
Thanks for the kind words and thanks for keeping us amused with Sprite's antics and keeping us sharp with the spin cycle!
Posted by: Peg | December 23, 2011 at 02:42 PM
I love the way you write. This is in the top 5 of my favorite posts for sure. And I had so much fun clicking on all the links!
Posted by: Rachel | December 23, 2011 at 10:54 PM
If I had done a Secret Santa you would have been my #1! I just don't have the words to make a blog post long enough to say why. Thanks for the love and always commenting on my life! And I liked finding new blogs to check out from your other links!
Posted by: Kendra | December 24, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Happy holidays guys!
Posted by: Casey | December 25, 2011 at 08:59 AM
Thank you so much! ANd thank you for a year of sharing YOUR life and stories and that amazing little Sprite! And thank you for bringing back the Spin!
Posted by: Gretchen | December 26, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Hi! Just wanted to stop by and say thank you for stopping by my blog last week via Peg's blog. It was very nice meeting you.
What a lovely holiday post!
I look forward to reading your blog this next year.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Ron | December 26, 2011 at 09:51 PM
Happy Holidays Sprite Family! Someday we will get back to Florida and I'm hoping for a meet up!
Posted by: VandyJ | December 27, 2011 at 07:24 PM
I am so behind on my blog reading...I must say it was such a delight to guess the bloggers before clicking and to find how many times I was right! Best wishes for 2012 to you and yours!
Posted by: SuziCate | December 31, 2011 at 12:14 PM
Awwwww! I totally missed out on this spin. And thank you for including me in your awesome praises. You know I love you - and love reading everything you write! Can't wait to meet you in person some day - I'm adding you to my bucket list. ;) Hope 2012 is an *amazing* year for you! :) ((HUGZ!!))
Posted by: Stacy Uncorked | January 03, 2012 at 06:36 AM
This is so awesome. I wish I'd gotten in on the spin, but I was so far behind in my RSS, I missed out. Lovely, lovely tribute!
Posted by: Aimee @ In THIS Life | January 05, 2012 at 07:58 PM