I Had No Idea…

…all of you were out there. I hoped you were, but, well, you never know. Blogging is a solitary pursuit, and the comments from my “regulars” always make me smile. But you never know who else and how many more are actually reading as well. I have to say, I am a bit overwhelmed by the response here.

While I figure out what is next for Restaurant Gal, my comments to you:

Mary–I actually welcome the “mother” advice. Thank you.

m–I know. But this one hit me at a vulnerable time, a time when I am second guessing and over-thinking everything. But I thank you for remembering past times.

LinuxGirl–Welcome, even at this crazy time. So many thanks for finding me a month ago and commenting now.

Echo–You are not alone, regardless of whether or not I write this blog. On the other hand, I am glad if my writing has helped you through some tough times.

scape–I
love
your
thoughts.
Thank you for getting the roach post.
Thank you for reading and commenting!

Zazzy–You are too great. Thank you. And I mean that, about someone I have never met.

Sini–I don’t know you, but I very much thank you.

philosopherP–Your blocked pop-ups may have done you a favor, it appears. That aside, I so appreciate that you read my blog. Thank you.

jaz–The comments let me know someone is reading my blog, even though I do know they represent but a few of my readers. I am so glad you check in with me every day. Would that I had the time to write every day! I am confident I could, but time seems so limited. Thank you, and I mean that.

Andy–You, sir, are too cool. Arseholes–love that term. And thank you so much for respecting my non-restaurant stories. It’s clear, you get it. 🙂

Kim–Does it go without saying that I adore you and your family, because I know what I have read of you is real? Does it go without saying how much I appreciate knowing you, albeit as a blog friend I very much hope to meet in the future when I visit Scotland? Does it go without saying that you, sir, are very dear to my heart? Because you are.

Mike–I so agree, it is the day-to-day, is it not? That you get that and keep reading this blog, means much to me. Thank you. Don’t stay a stranger!

Joe–Yep, you got that right. But something hit a nerve here. And it made me question much of my writing, and much of this blog. But your thoughts and the fact that you keep reading, make me smile.

Alice–Oh, Alice. I have YOU to thank for trying to defend what you saw as unfair and uncalled for.

Julie–My lady blog friend whom I wish lived in South Florida, you are wonderful. And I mean that.

Jessie–I cannot tell you how much your comment meant to me. I tried to also tell you via email, so I hope you know.

Shannon–Thank goodness someone will still buy the novel I was supposed to have written a decade ago. Thank you for reading and knowing what is what. 🙂

Tammy–No, it is I who wish you the best. If my writing gives you a moment’s rest from your angst, so much the better. If my writing gives you more, I am humbled by that notion and I thank you for sharing that.

Jennifer–I am okay with people not in my corner. I fell apart when it all became so ugly in the unspoken intent. So ugly. I will figure it out. Thank you for hanging in there with me.

Christine in LA–You like my writing. You called it “rich, powerful and lovely.” What lovely words from you. Thank you. Thank you.

Jenn–Isn’t “troll” a great word? Locking up your journal, but still writing? Good for you.

Carmen–The little moments always turn out to be the biggest, as trite as that sounds. I so appreciate your support and you commenting for the first time.

Katie–Glad you found me. I have to say, the Accidental Wedding is a top-ten favorite post of mine, too.

John–Ditto to you. Thank you so much for chiming in.

Jade–“We’ll be the cloud you rest your feet on when you’re up on cloud 9 over a good time you had at the beach with RG Daughter, we’ll be underneath the lightning storm with you when you have a positively awful experience with your landlord. We read, we sympathize, we send you invisible hugs from our own hearts.” Clearly, karma sent you to my blog. Thank you.

Raven–I know you do, and I thank you, so much.

Debra–So good to know you are out there reading. Thank you.

patita–You, whom I don’t know, are wonderful. My heart is filled with thanks to you. Filled.

Melissa–I almost feel I might know you as a girlfriend someday. My hugs are to you. I won’t pack it in, if you won’t. Oh, and you mentioned a book. I need an agent who also gets it, and then I need to figure out an ending!

Dave–So glad to hear from you. Daily? Thank you!

L–God love you for commenting this time, as I thank you for reading all the other times!

ellen–Yes, it is a comment area, and I allow open access to those who wish to comment. The latest round that appeared on a humorous post that had nothing to do with my personal struggles, surprised me in the tone and intent. True, I have to accept the good with the so-called “bad” comments. I can “shrug” them off, too. But the reality is, they were quite personal, and it means that perhaps I have allowed this blog to become too, too personal. I certainly take responsibility for that, and now question how to proceed.

Rose Royce–I know you are out there and that comment from time to time, which I much appreciate. Comments on this blog can be crazy, angry, supportive, and puzzling. And I know that is the nature of blogs and putting forth personal writing. I just wonder if I have put too much of me out there, as much as I have also kept much of me at a distance.

JoeInVegas–I know, I need to do better with focusing on the positive. This one has caused me to stumble a bit, however.

Maria Jose–I am so glad to know you are still reading. And thank you for understanding, when you said: “I think every relationship is a little world that only the ones in it can understand.”

Friend, S.–Wow. Thank you.

Angie–So glad you are reading and letting me know you are out there.

Emily–How nice that you found my blog and visit so often. You are right, South Florida does have its cast of characters.

Jaime–Thank you for commenting this time, and always for reading my blog.

The OE: Shhhh…top secrets go no further from here! 🙂

Sharon–Hopefully, I have also made you smile with some of my stories. But you are right, it is nice to know someone else is going through tough times with you. It just kind of helps. Glad my writing has helped you in that way.

savannah–*hugs* back to you. I always look forward to your comments.

laundramatic–Thank you for such a nice compliment about my writing. No haters out there, just strong comments that gave me pause.

Kevin–I thank you, and I will also try to take your sound advice.

Anon–Sounds redundant, but I really mean it–thank you for reading and your kind comment.