The Apples in My Orchard

A number of close friends and family do not read my blog. This frustrates me but I’ve given up on trying to convince them that it is a way to know what’s keeping me busy, what I am thinking about, what my passions are on any given day, and sometimes, what’s frustrating me. Reading what I write is also a non-expensive way to support me. The expense, of course, is time – and for some, I’ve learned that it’s just too pricey.

I’ve written daily since February of 2017. What!? Yes, I have. There have been thousands of posts since February 23, 2017, and I’m proud of many of them. I’m especially proud that I’ve had the perseverance to do it this long. Subsequently, I have almost 800 people follow my blog! That’s a lot. Most of these readers, I do not know. Some of them I’ve gotten to know over time because they read and comment. There is a small loyal contingent of in-person friends who read my blog as well. I am very grateful to them, especially when I know I’ve hit on something they can relate to.

The most common reason family and friends cite for not having read my daily blog are that they don’t have time. At least, this is what they’ve told me. Hmmm? At first, I accepted this. Now, I say ppphhsst, that’s poppycock. The plain and simple truth is that they have no interest in supporting my writing, so they don’t read it. Maybe, they don’t think I write well. Maybe, they aren’t interested in the topics I write about. Maybe, they just don’t care. And, maybe they don’t give it a second thought. Mostly, I think it’s the last reason. It’s not like they’ve subscribed and my post is hitting their inbox every day. These family and friends don’t think of me as a writer so I’m not one in their eyes. They claim they don’t have time to read a 500-word piece that would take less than five minutes of their day. They claim this because they forget that I am a writer and I write each day.

Let’s face it. Everyone, no matter what you do, has five minutes! Right?!

If something is important, one makes time to do it. Am I right? I think so.

If I need to rationalize this lack of attention to my writing, I can come up with other excuses. For example, my parents are both in their mid-eighties. Neither are that adept at technology. A blog is an extension of technology is it not? It is a way to read something that might have been in a newspaper editorial or magazine years ago. I think the steps of reading my blog online might confuse them. Although, I think my Dad sneaks a peek once in a while via my Facebook links. Thanks, Dad!

My mom has it in her head that no writing is better than a book. A published book. Published by a publisher. She seemed pleased that I wrote my poetry chapbook, read it, and, was very complimentary. At almost 85 years of age, my mom has some memory issues. I wish I had been able to produce some published writing when she was younger and more cognizant of what I was doing. It’s sad because, in part, I got my affinity for writing from her.

And then, there’s my sister and a very close local friend. They both still work full-time. But, they have five minutes, don’t they? I would think so. I’ve had a hard time mentioning the book I published as an indie author and press to my friend. She knew I was working on it. But, she doesn’t ask. And, I haven’t told her that the project is finished. I published my chapbook of poetry over a month ago. I just find it hard to bring up and have it sound natural…Hey, guess what?! I’m published. Neither of these people uses social media, so maybe, just maybe, that comes into play. Honestly, I’m not sure.

All I know is that they’re missing out on really knowing me. It’s both sad and frustrating.

I know many of my friends read my blog and never or rarely comment. That’s okay. They comment when they see me or if I really strike a chord or if they have a few minutes to write something. Sometimes they comment on my Facebook link. That’s okay. I know they’ve read it and could relate to whatever topic I happened to write about that day. I appreciate this effort.

Sometimes, friends or family will text me about what I said on my blog, rather than commenting online. That is okay too, and I appreciate that effort as well.

But, I just don’t understand that this part of me, a part that has become increasingly important isn’t of interest to some of those I love. I know this is now unusual, as other writers have commented to me with similar experiences. But, just because I don’t understand it, doesn’t me I don’t want it to change.

I am a writer, an author, a poet, and a lot of other things. Some know me for all that I am. Others, only know a small part of who I am. I guess that’s okay. It just makes it hard to feel understood.

Thanks to all who read, follow, and comment on my blog, even if it’s just once in a while. Your support matters to me. I appreciate you.