Dear Reader - Letter No. 1

Posted on 14. Mar, 2009 by Michael Scott in Notes & Reflections, Personal Notes

Dear Reader,

Today marks the second monthiversary of Love to Spare. I hope your experience here on this blog has been as rewarding for you as it has for me (I’m having a great time). It’s been a real pleasure to share ideas and community with you! I’ve especially enjoyed making new friends, and reconnecting with old ones.

So in this post, I want to take the time to say: thank you!

I’d like to give an extra special thanks to the following people:

Acooba and our kids for patiently suffering my new blogging habit, and supporting me anyways. I love you guys - you’re the best!

My friend Jeff for not allowing me to simply dream about blogging, but staying on my case about it until this blog became a reality. (see Look, Mom, I’m Blogging)

Lisis, for her courage and authenticity, and for being an ongoing inspiration. She was the first blogger to welcome me into the community, and happened to start blogging around the same time as me. Perhaps for these reasons, I consider Lisis the chief and founder of the Fellowship of the Blogs.

Harriet for her beautiful spirit, and for faithfully visiting this blog and leaving thoughtful (and vocabulary expanding) comments, even when she doesn’t agree with me.

Sasha for her overflowing love, support and inspiration. You rock, sister! By the way, where have you been lately? We miss you.

Sherri and Gwynn for their togetherness, their powerful sense of community, and their unwavering focus and positivity! They are a great example of both family and bloggers. Incidentally, they also started blogging around the same time as me - but these folks are making it look easy.

Nadia for being so warm and friendly, and for commenting on every post since she happened upon this blog. Although I’m just getting to know Nadia, I already consider her an active member in the Fellowship of the Blogs.

Corey for his excellent support of marriages, and for giving me an unexpected welcome to the blogging community by including this blog in his list of 20 Must Read Blogs for Married People. What a pleasant surprise! Thanks Corey and Mary Ann too.

Lamar and Ronnie for being trail blazers among African-American bloggers.

Fellow blogger, Regina, for her warmth, sweetness and support.

My sister, CisterSpeak, for her healthy respect for marriage, her thoughtful comments, and her determination.

My dear friends Ryan, Karen, Al and Sandra for visiting and leaving comments.

My new friends Vincent, Trey, Gennaro and Albert whom I hope to learn more about in the near future.

Other established bloggers like Daphne, Ian, Vered, and Amanda who seem to have mastered the art of blogging and who are inspiring examples to try and follow.

Finally, thank you to all of my readers for coming by and reading. I hope that those of you who access these posts by RSS feed (there’s actually quite a few of you now), will also stop by from time to time, leave a comment and share your thoughts. We’d love to have you join in the conversation!

Thanks again,
- Michael Scott

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29 Responses to “Dear Reader - Letter No. 1”

Michael Scott

14. Mar, 2009

Oh, and here’s an ICU Note to express my appreciation: Your ICU Note.

Thanks again!

Reply to this comment
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net

15. Mar, 2009

Thanks Michael! I’m really excited to find your blog too. While it’s really new, it sticks in my head a lot and I’m always checking my RSS for more
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net’s last blog post..Acceptance and Attention – The Basis of Unconditional Love and Nurturing

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Sasha

15. Mar, 2009

Hello again!!I have been out of town, and have missed my LTS!!

What a wonderful letter of gratitude! It was just what I needed, ONCE AGAIN to unlock my heart and restore me to the flow of love that is all around me.

So, in return, I will write a letter to you and your wife:

Thank you, Michael and Acooba, and that beautiful brood that you have created together. I can’t believe that your blog is only 2 months old. You have obviously been practicing the mastery of love since you were in your mother’s womb, and perhaps many lifetimes before that, for your words to flow so beautifully.

Thank you for reminding me who I truly am and who I want to be. Thank you for sharing from your painful past and showing us that out of any tragedy, God can make a beautiful garden, which he has surely made with those wonderful little faces that call you mom and dad.

Thank you for reminding me that I need only to open my heart to receive infinite love at any and all times.

Thank you for sharing so much love that I had a desire to open my heart for the first time in a long time.

Thank you for this blog, and thank you for everything that you do in the world.

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Anonymous

15. Mar, 2009

Hi Michael,

I’m one of your lurkers:-)
I read the RSS feed and stop by periodically to read comments.

I found you from your post on BMWK, where I also lurk…lol

You are doing a good job here!!

I’m not happily married. I’m actually 35 and twice divorced.

Your blog gives me hope that there really are men out there that love their wives, don’t cheat or beat, and honor marriage and family.

Keep doing what you do and loving how you love!

Peace,
I’ll be lurking

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Michael Scott

15. Mar, 2009

@Albert
Thank you. Your blog has such a wealth of information - you’ve given me a whole new world to explore! I am a huge fan of eastern thought (and my entire family is as well), and so I look forward to exchanging thoughts and ideas with you. I’m also subscribing to your blog.

@Sasha
Welcome back! (sniff) We really missed you. (sniff) Thank you for all of your kind words and your wonderful support. (sob) Really, Sasha - your presence and participation here has warmed our hearts and made LTS a brighter place.

@Anonymous
Aha! I knew you were out there! Thank you so much for visiting and leaving a comment. It’s great that you haven’t given up your belief in marriage despite your divorces. I sincerely believe that if there is hope for a guy like me, then there is hope for anyone. I hope to hear more from you in the future.

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Nadia-HappyLotus

15. Mar, 2009

Hi Michael,

Thank you so much for all the kind things you said. When I first started my spiritual journey I read that people are mirrors so what we see in another is a reflection of ourselves. So as I have told you before, it takes one to know one. You and Acooba are both kind and warm people.

You write from the heart and it shows. So I look forward to whatever you write and thank you for being so welcoming to a newbie like me!

Have a wonderful rest of the day!

Nadia-HappyLotus’s last blog post..Happy News (March 15, 2009)

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Vered - MomGrind

15. Mar, 2009

Congrats on your second monthiversary and thank you very much for the link.
Vered - MomGrind’s last blog post..The Psychology of Advertising

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Michael Scott

15. Mar, 2009

@Nadia
Hi Nadia!

Thank you for your kind words and support. You’re such a wonderful example of community - I certainly don’t think of you as a “newbie”. I WILL have a wonderful day today - thank you very much. I hope you will do the same. Thanks also, for the happy news!

@Vered
Thank YOU, and you are very welcome!

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Ian Peatey

15. Mar, 2009

Michael

I think the average lifespan of a blog is about 3 posts, so I now consider you a well established blogger. Congratulations on passing the 2 month mark and I hope you continue with spreading your warmth for many more months to come.

And it’s a bit strange (in a nice way!) to read myself as an ‘established’ blogger. I feel I’ve hardly started to do what I want to do after around 6 months in.

LOL

Ian Peatey’s last blog post..10 reasons why lists suck

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Michael Scott

15. Mar, 2009

Hey Ian,

Thanks for the encouragement. The average lifespan of a blog is 3 posts? Seriously? Well, I feel fortunate because I really am having a lot of fun.

Yes, I do consider you an established blogger (even if you’re only 6 months into it). The quality and power of your posts, your subject matter, and the comments they attract are truly inspiring. Thanks again, Ian!

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Sherri (Serene Journey)

15. Mar, 2009

Hi Michael,

Congrats on 2 months that’s great! By the looks of things this is but the very beginning for you here and I believe you have (more) really great things in your future!

Thanks so much for the mention. I’m glad we make it look easy It’s a lot of work (as you and all bloggers well know) but we are having so much fun with it and we’re meeting so many really great people! Many of whom you’ve included on your list.

Thanks again and keep doing what you’re doing! Here’s to many more monthiversaries ahead!

Sherri (and Gwynn)

Sherri (Serene Journey)’s last blog post..Favorite Finds Of The Week

Reply to this comment
Michael Scott

15. Mar, 2009

Hi Sherri (and Gwynn),

Thank you for the encouragement, and for being such an inspiring example.

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GetJef

15. Mar, 2009

My Take on Mikey,

I wish to share with everyone my friendship with my pal Mikey. A while ago, his wife Acooba asked me to complete this questionnaire for Michael’s birthday. She was planning to gather all their family’s and friends’ responses and have them printed into a booklet for him. Here are my answers. Enjoy! =)

Who is Michael to you personally, and/or what role does Michael play in your life?
Who is Michael to me..? Uhh… Michael …is a sign to me. Kind a like a burning bush… Yeh, that’s it. Communicating to me in some unworldly manner. Saying, “Jeff, what the hell are you doing?! Stop monkeying around!”

What words do you feel best describe Michael?
The words that I feel best describe him are… Mighty! Mighty! Michael Scott!! Well? Doesn’t that just say it all? He’s the bestest friend anyone could ever ask for, in the whole wide world, and in the universe, and beyond! (Sorry for my poor grammar Teacher Acooba. Keep in mind; I’ll be breaking more English rules. Brace yourself!) Simply put, Michael always brings out the best in me, and that’s totally groovy man.

What role do you feel Michael plays in the lives of his/her family, friends and community?
I think he’s the true Dahlia Lama, but in disguise. He just doesn’t want to be recognized. I’m sure it’s a media thing. Disguised as a mild mannered programmer, building databases by day, saving the world by night! I wouldn’t believe anything less. I seriously don’t think any of us would be here right now, if it weren’t for Michael Scott. Honestly though… He offers us inspiration… permission to seek the truth, and to discover the freedom within, and rediscover. And that’s only the half of it!

What things do you feel are important to Michael and why?
Michael lives for love and harmony. In fact, I don’t think he can ever get enough. I told him he needs to watch himself, but he seems hell-bent on getting more …like nothing I’ve ever witnessed before! It seems to engulf him completely …and the glowing aura he gives off while he hovers… kind a freaks me out. So I say, “Hey dude, knock that crazy stuff off! Yer in public.” …But he doesn’t listen.

What gifts, lessons, and or messages has Michael brought into your life?
Gifts? Lessons? Or messages? Umm… I got wind chimes from him once. He taught me that friends don’t let friends drink VOSS (Norwegian water) I’m really sorry about that Michael. I didn’t know.

When have you been the most touched and/or impressed by Michael?
Every time I talk with the man, he makes an impact on me. I can’t get him out of my head! He’s always talking with me. Maybe it’s some kind of strange Voodoo? He somehow takes me places few seem to travel, drawing me along on this wondrous journey in life. He’s got me curious

Is there a story about Michael that you can share?
Laughing! We’re always laughing. He’s a riot! I love our friendship. So thought-provoking too. Damnit! He’s always provoking me! Too funny… He’s my buddy.

What special message would you like to give to Michael?
Michael. I think you and I are soul-buddies. Our friendship was meant to be. Right on my brother! Now don’t go getting all mushy on me, but I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. You’re a good man Charlie Brown. You’re the bestest! (Sorry Acooba!)

Your pal,

Jeff =)

GetJef’s last blog post..Worldwide Internet Censorship

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Michael Scott

15. Mar, 2009

LOL! Jeff, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You’re a nut! Don’t try to deny it - even your wife agrees. Thanks again for all of your support and your kind (crazy really) words.

Reply to this comment
Regina

15. Mar, 2009

Aaw, Michael, you are just toooo sweet. Nice post!
And Jeff, funny guy!

Regina’s last blog post..Reflections on Eucharist

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Michael Scott

15. Mar, 2009

Hi Regina!

Thanks for commenting - it’s always nice to hear from you. Jeff IS a riot isn’t he?

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Acooba

15. Mar, 2009

Michael,
Blogging feels like another twist on the wild ride (whirlwind…? roller-coaster…? flying trapeze…?) that we’ve been on since the moment we met. Nothing to do but enjoy the ride, and it’s been great fun. LTS (thanks Sasha!) is proving that love grows when it’s shared. Thanks for having the courage to open up and share, and for the very timely message that we all have love to spare.

Sasha,
You made me cry again! You have an incredible gift of writing “heart-to-heart.” As always, your sweet and loving words reached right into mine. Thanks for your warmth.

Nadia,
I love the concept of “mirroring” each other. Thanks for your kind words.

Jeff,
I guess great minds think alike…just this morning I was thinking about posting that questionnaire along with your responses. Now, I have to think of something else to post…thanks a lot buddy! We have enjoyed those responses over and over again, and they still made me laugh reading them today. You are so expressive and humorous at the same time…I really think you have a future in comedy (if you want one) - comedy with meaning and heart.

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Sasha

16. Mar, 2009

Hello Beautiful Inspiring Acooba-
Thank you for the compliment. The truth is that I don’t ever “plan” or think out what I am going to write…I just get so inspired by this blog, my heart opens up wide and INSISTS on being vocal with how amazing you guys are.

It is in the shade of the tree of your love that I am able to relax into my true self and express what really matters to me..

Thank you for that.

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Lisis

16. Mar, 2009

Well, Michael, you are just going to make me cry (again)! I know it took me a couple of days to find this, but that is because I am currently on Costa Rica time, so you have to make an allowance for the conversion factor to slow-and-easy time. Better late than never, right?

Thank you for your beautiful words, and I love our Fellowship of the Blogs. So many of the people you mentioned here are now part of my community as well, that I just feel right at home among these names.

I guess there are several of us that started our blogs this year, so 2009 must be the year we all resolved to make the world a little bit better. I don’t know how much we each could have done alone, but together we make a really great team.

Thanks for being YOU!!!

Lisis’s last blog post..Adventure: Simple Family Excursions

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Michael Scott

16. Mar, 2009

Hi Lisis,

Thanks for joining us all the way from Costa Rica! We’ve missed you (and, yes, late is much better than never).

Of course you feel right at home among these names - it’s your fellowship, silly!

Thank YOU for being a good example of a human being, a blogger, and a community member. Here’s to the continued Fellowship of the Blogs!

Reply to this comment
Daphne

16. Mar, 2009

Michael,

This is such a beautiful post, recognizing so many people. Thanks for including me and I’m honoured that you consider me established as I feel like a beginner in so many ways.

Your site is looking great! I love the magazine layout - very professional. I’ve no doubt your site will grow fast and far.

Daphne’s last blog post..Can You Become Richer In A Recession?

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Michael Scott

16. Mar, 2009

Hi Daphne!

Thanks for your kind words. You may feel like a beginner, but you’re a huge inspiration to many - not just to me.

Also, congratulations on your guest post! It’s great advice - regardless of where in the world we might live.

Reply to this comment
Acooba

17. Mar, 2009

Dear Sasha,
You’ve done it again! The imagery of your words is breathtaking! (”…in the shade of the tree of your love…”) I’m so in awe of the beauty that springs forth when you relax and open your heart. Thank YOU for this compliment and validation, and for encouraging us to remain planted firmly in our values and continue growing in love.

Reply to this comment
Amanda Linehan

17. Mar, 2009

Michael, thanks again for the mention in one of your posts. Even though my blog will be a year old in a few months - it still feels new to me from time to time! Happy 2 Monthiversary!! Looks great!

Amanda Linehan’s last blog post..The Quick Guide To Dream Interpretation

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Harriet

17. Mar, 2009

Wow…where have I been? Jeesh, just when you think things can’t get any better over here,you drop another atomic love bomb to brighten the space up! Your attitude of gratitude is so refreshing!

Thank YOU for putting up with me, for even rebuking me on an “article” that mysteriously disappeared from cyberspace as a result of your calm, yet pointed words.

Thank you for setting a great example! Thanks for the ICU note! Thanks for encouraging me to dream and for showing such a blessed method to this madness called love. The world we live in is so upside down…thanks for providing a semblance and safe haven of right side up-ness (just like a preacher to make up words…LOL)

God bless you, Acooba and the clan of Love to Spare land.

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Michael Scott

17. Mar, 2009

@Amanda
Thanks for the kind words. I think I read somewhere that one blog year is like 25 human years. So that makes your blog very established.

@Harriet
Yeah, where HAVE you been? Working hard on your book I bet. We’ve missed your colorful comments. Like “atomic love bomb” - I really like the sound of that. I wonder if we could build one and spread love faster that way. Thanks again for all of your sweetness. Just so you know, your words are always welcomed here (made up or not).

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Harriet

18. Mar, 2009

“I wonder if we could build one and spread love faster that way.”

Yeah, that would be GREAT. Between you and Stevie Wonder, I’m sure it could happen quickly. LOL

I have so many projects I’m working on, but I feel very fulfilled, like I’m walking both in and on purpose. So, the book has got me pretty busy, but for some reason, this writing thing has multiplied, and I have three people now that have asked me to help them with their books. I’m really excited about the prospect of empowering others to have their voice heard through the written word.

AND…

I’m seriously considering going back to school. My alma mater has a new online program in Educational Policy Studies called “Teaching Critical Thinking.” It outlines the obvious fact that students–whether K-12 or higher learning–process information in various different ways, and rejects the current educational hegemony that every student learns by sitting behind a desk and being lectured.

This program excites me, because in my teaching, I’ve always tried to find different ways to present my material so others can not only receive it, but internalize it. I think the “so what?” factor is more important than them regurgitating the information back to me on a test.

But I digress…I’m around, but I’ve got a lot of good things going on.

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Michael Scott

18. Mar, 2009

Harriet, working on your book, empowering others to do the same, and teaching critical thinking each sound like wonderful and rewarding projects. I’m happy that you “digressed”. I totally agree that sitting behind a desk and getting lectured is not the only (or even the best) way to learn. Learning is so much easier when there’s context and purpose behind it.

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Jess

29. Apr, 2009

That’s great.

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