Fun Monday - Virtual Friendships

Surprise! Maraposa over at Maraposa Tales is making an effort to revive the Fun Monday meme. Earlier in the summer we'd almost given it a decent burial because participation had really dropped off, people didn't have time or interest to host, or they wanted to post on topics that they were personally interested in instead of being assigned a topic. But thanks to Maraposa's setting some topics for August we can play again if we're missing our Fun Monday friends. I'm glad.

This week's Fun Monday topic is "friendships", which suits me just fine because I've wanted to write a post about the many virtual friends I've found through blogging, and, of late, face booking--no tweeting yet because my life doesn't move that fast! I've been retired well and happy now for almost five years. A great part of my daily entertainment and contentment comes from Internet friendships with people all over the world. About five years ago I started this blog and have kept it going almost non-stop since. Then a few months ago I signed on to Facebook and am still learning how to communicate with friends and acquaintances at warp speed.

In the real world I keep my circle of true friends to about five people--or the number that I can count on one hand. Or, maybe tops two hands! This is about the right number for a borderline hermit who gets the bends at the thought of socializing too much. On the other hand, I'm very interested in people--what they're thinking, reading, doing, living out their daily lives. I'm also very interested in the antics of their dogs. Blogging and face booking has helped me find many kindred souls to "e-chat" with throughout the week. Virtual friendships keep me engaged with the world and I appreciate all these friends.

So, on a given day, you'll find me at the computer with Willie lying under my desk. He's been lobbying to get his own "Tailbook" page, but so far I've kept him at bay with regular features starring him on this blog and my own facebook page. It doesn't take long to check in with all my virtual friends and see what they're up to. I try to leave comments to let them know that I've been visiting and thinking of them. And, I'm always delighted when they stop by my place. All that without having to get dressed or move the car out of the driveway!

So, before you leave your computer this Monday, be sure to go over to Maraposa's place for the list of Fun Monday players.

(Cartoon credit: Mr. Parisi, is it okay if I use yours? All this copyright stuff is rather confusing!)