If You Build It, They Will Come

I think we all have the desire to be known, to share our truth with the world.  I've always wanted to be a writer, a real one.  In hard print, on a newsstand.  Someone who writes for Parenting Magazine or Real Simple, or (dare I say it) Oprah.  I want someone to see my name in print and say, "Damn, she's good."  

A few months ago, my fabulous sister (an amazing cook who blogs about it) challenged me to enter the blogosphere.  I was hesitant.  That meant putting it all out there.  That meant opening up the door to criticism.  I was scared of the big R- rejection.  As a self-proclaimed academic and perfectionist, I've always been haunted by the "good enough" syndrome: When is it ever enough?  When am I ever good enough?  After some kicking and screaming, I surrendered.

Alas, here I am!  

Now that I've entered the blogosphere, I can't flip the switch.  I want more.   I'm impatient.  I want to be found.  Lately, I'm immersed in a whole new language: Technorati, RSS feeds, gadgets, Feedburner.  Who knew that Kirtsy wasn't just a lovely little bow from ballet?  It's all so much; I had no idea what I was getting myself into!  

This blogging community is chock-full of promotions, giveaways, and back-scratching, which has its place.  But I just want people to stop by for a visit, and leave a comment, not because it gives them another chance to win my giveaway, but because they want to.  Because here, on my blog is something that resonates, some feeling or question or belief that unites us as moms and remarkable women.    

As one of my favorite poems states: "The greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.  Only a person who risks is free."  On the other side of fear is trust.  So I've taken the plunge with the belief that . . .

If you build it, they will come.