Thursday, February 28, 2013

FMTSO: 4th Anniversary

In this week's post share something about FMTSO.
Tell us when you started linking up with us, share memories, repost your favorite theme from one of our topics, or talk about the friends you have made. If you have a chance, invite one of our former participants to come back and link up this week or just to stop by and say hi. You can find them in the older posts linkys, comments or the side bar listing which has not been updated in a while. You don't need to know them to invite them. Just introduce yourself and extend the invitation.
Let's make this a special week!
 
 
This is the very first photo I ever posted in FMTSO.
It was July 17, 2009 and the theme was Yard Objects.
I have posted a lot of photos of my beloved Sasha in the Friday My Town Shoot-Out.
I remember I was very nervous to post anything at all because I wasn't real familiar with the blogging community and I was afraid that my pictures would be seen as boring and amateurish.
(they were very amateurish)
It's amazing to me when I look back on all my posts for the FMTSO, how much my photography has evolved since then.
Honestly, If it weren't for the FMTSO gang I probably would not have had the desire to join the Nevada Camera Club which I solely did for the purpose of getting better for the FMTSO themes.

Just as Ginger mentioned the passing of Barry, it also is very significant for me as well.
I gained so much inspiration and compassion by reading every single word that Barry wrote.
He was such a talented writer and so brave and positive.
I felt such genuine love for this man that I never met before and I was heartbroken when he left this earth. I remember we did a special post about Barry and this is what I posted.


Barry's death really impacted me a lot harder than I anticipated and my reaction took me by surprise. Here is my tribute to Barry. These are just a few of the things that Barry has inspired me to think about or rather when I think about Barry these are the words that come to my mind.
 


Also, when I think of Barry I can't help but think about my sister and what she's going through.

Today, Feb. 28, 2013 I went back and read the last few posts on Barry's blog and I cried.
See my photo above with all the words about Barry-well, I just erased that board about two weeks ago. That's how long I kept the tribute to Barry hanging on my wall.
I'm not sure why I felt such a connection to him, but I did and I admired him in many ways.
RIP Barry!


I also really appreciate two comments that Pauline and Rebecca made on this post.

Also, at one point Ginger and I decided to collaborate a writing project on another blog.
It was off to a good start but vacations, first her then I, and the death of her husband and my health issues stalled that project but I am very proud of what little we accomplished and I got to know Ginger on a more intimate level. It was challenging and fun. You can read our stuff here

I feel connections with several people in the FMTSO.
I'm not sure they feel the same about me but there are a few that I think I would get along well with in person and would love to meet someday.
With that being said, I did get the opportunity to meet a blogger from the FMTSO gang back in 2011.
Doreen came to Las Vegas and I played tour guide.
I for one, had a great time while she was here and it was awesome to meet someone from the blogging community.
I have pictures and a whole post about the visit which you can read here.

I'm not really sure I have a favorite post but I can say this:
All the people in this group are so talented, nice, inspiring, creative and real.
I am so happy that I found all of you because during the times I am feeling low, it is you who always motivates me to a higher elevation.

Thank you, FMTSO gang!
I love you all very much and I thank you for still being here.

If you'd like to participate or just read other entries click here for the list.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

10 comments:

  1. Barry was amazing. He touched us all with his humor and sweetness and we all were saddened by his departure. It is wonderful when someone's spirit hangs on and continues to touch our shoulder when we pause.

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  2. it's amazing the impact blogging can have on our lives
    thoughtful, sweet post

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  3. I really enjoyed meeting you and Gayla on my visit to Vegas. now wishing I could come again sometime soon. I would have never believed it but you can make friends by blogging.

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  4. Yes Barry was quite the hero. I miss him too. While looking for my old posts I came across a note from Linda. I think of her often and wonder how she is doing. We have a granddog that reminds me so much of Barry's dog Lindsay. Great post.
    QMM

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  5. I remember Barry too and there's a photo dedicated to him in my entry this week.

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  6. Jarielyn, great post, heartfelt and real as your post often are. Barry was able to take two demensional written word and turn it into 3 demensional feelings and emotional response. I have wanted to go back to 'our' blog and re-write my last post. it now doesn't say anything important and there are important things to say about that trip. The thoughts are there and I will let you know when I've done the changes.... soon.
    Have loved knowing you. and one day would like to meet you for real. now that I've been thinking about it I should do a road trip called 'bloggers to meet' and drive throughout the USA meeting as many from the FSO as possible. Hugs from Houston.

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  7. Thanks for posting this JariLyn. I remember ringing bells for Barry. His death did affect me as well. He was such a trooper with all he went through. Of all the blogging groups this is the one I feel most connected to the people. It is a wonderful group and you are very much an integral part of it.

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  8. Like you, I feel a great connection to some of the people I have met through FMTSO. I feel guilty that I've dropped out but perhaps this will inspire me to take part again.

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  9. Great post, JarieLyn. Sorry I've taken so long to visit. Isn't it wonderful that through this group so many of us have connected and helped each other in one way or another? Barry was so special, he's been my blogging inspiration since the first time I happened upon his blog and it lead me here.
    Amazing how your photography has simply flown, can't think of a better word to describe it. Happy Anniversary!

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  10. Love, love, love this post about the people that were around when I was also good about blogging. And, truth be told, I'm not so great about posting these days, but all of these people have touched and enriched my life in many ways.

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