I was thinking about this on today’s run:
In the past couple of days I have been at a loss for words. As much as I may inspire you, you also inspire me – to write. I write my posts and then wait for the comments to roll in.
But lately, even though my site is being visited, I haven’t been receiving many comments. My stat counter shows 112 visits yesterday, and 55 readers already today. So either, my visitors got to my site by accident OR it is possible that what I have had to say wasn’t worth a comment.
Lurkers, or rather those of you who read but *never* comment, I am taking a census. I am giving you permission to write on my bathroom wall (so to speak). Basically, I am saying that it is okay to just say, “I was here” and give your name. If you’d like, you can even tell me what sort of posts you like best, what you don’t like, or how you found me.
Step out of the shadows and be counted. After all, you’re being counted by my stat counter (somewhat) anyways.
As for the rest of you, your comments are ALWAYS welcome and I do appreciate your feedback, encouragement and advice. Thank you all for your continued support.
I’m one of those lurkers, having stumbled across your blog via 21stCmom’s — I found it about a month before your husband’s illness, and felt awkward saying much after that. and yet… you’ve inspired me, in several ways, and I thank you for that. And my deep condolences on your loss; I can’t even imagine, and your strength and grace has really impressed me.
However, the Irish Car Bomb drink? scary!
ok … i’m here. count me in! i found your blog through jeff’s & have been reading since his tribute post to you – i too, felt awkward commenting … felt like maybe i’d be intruding. but i come back now & then to read more & am inspired by your courage. thank you for inviting us lurkers to speak up!
man, what i wouldn’t give to have 112 visits!! i might post a picture of myself first thing in the morning if i had that many!
i’ll keep popping by to read. again, thanks for the invite!
I comment so much I wonder when you are going to get sick of me.
And for what it’s worth, Hilary never comments on my blog, either. And that’s a person who showed up to cheer for me at my last marathon. Some people are just shy.
COME ON OUT PEOPLE! Bloggers love comments.
Hi – you may as well count me too. I really can’t put into words anything better than what both Hilary and Suzanne have said, my heart goes out to you and your boys – I to found your site through Jeff’s tribute post to you, I’m a lurker there too, I lurk on many, many blogs and I love them all and I’m always inspired and motivated and completely in awe of all of you. How you all manage to do what you do and still find the time to compile beautifully written blogs with, in a lot of cases, fabulous pics completely boggles my mind. Please, all of you bloggers, keep up the great work, we “lukers” really appreciate it.
It’s a pleasure to quasi-know you.
Hi Juls,
I found your site through the Running Blog Family Directory. I am contemplating trying to qualify for Boston one of these years, so I did a search for bloggers who were doing the same thing (at the time they included a short description, so that’s how I knew you were trying to qualify).
At any rate, it was a Saturday morning and I was getting ready for a run. But like every morning I started reading through blogs, including yours. Next thing I know my husband looks over at me and sees tears streaming down my face. Here I thought I’d just be reading posts about Boston, but then I read about your dear husband. Boy, it really hit hard.
I actually tried finding a personal email address for you since I wanted to say how much your blog has affected/inspired me, but didn’t find one. I also wasn’t sure it would be appropriate to post comments publicly. But now that you’re asking, here they are.
I wish you and your boys all the best. Your strength is amazing; I’m not sure I could hold up if I were in the same position.
Betsy
I’m with 21-Mom, I comment so often you probably wonder if I have time for anything else!
Hi,
I found your blog through breakingthetape–I had been reading Marisa’s (ugly toes) blog before she moved here.
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile…I comment sometimes but mostly i love to read your blogs…all of them!
Hey Julie, it’s Karen and I read your blog everyday. Love you and miss you and always have you in my thoughts
Another lurker here via other blogs. You’ve been on my radar for a long time but I’ve only recently become a regular lurker. I happened to pop back over again just before your husband passed away. As others have written, it seemed awkward to suddenly start posting. I’ve kept reading because you’re an amazing writer with such depth of character. And you probably have more readers than you know since I don’t think those who read on a reader (like bloglines) get counted in your stats. Best wishes.
I found your page through Waddler26, but unfortunately, like others, given the crisis you were experiencing, I felt like I would be intruding to start posting. Your writing is powerful and quite moving. I wish you nothing but the best.
Juls, you rock. Wes was here :-)
brit was here. It’s all been said. By the time I had something to say, it suddenly wasn’t enough. I don’t post comments a lot because it seems I’m overwhelmed in just keeping up with “my blogs” but you are inspirational, just in the whole kids + running thing. I’m still trying to find that balance. Looking forward to preschool next year, because I’ll only have to push one then.
take care.
When I open my browser, your page is the default page. Meaning that everytime I open my browser, your counter goes up. Love you and reading your blog.
Your Bro.
you rule.
Hello.
Hello Sis,
I am probably one of hopefully only a few lurkers (I do comment, so perhaps I am really a “blog reader” instead?!) that looks and relooks at your blog daily, making the numbers go up higher than what it should be. I can’t help it! You are such a great writer and motivating to my little life. Thanks for all the advice you have given me, directly and indirectly!!! You are my Dear Abby.
Yep — I read your blog too. (And am working on my BQ.) Just haven’t had time recently for thoughtful posts.
Your courage and strength is inspiring.
It appears that the problem “may” have been that some of my email notifications didn’t come through. For example, I wasn’t aware that 21st Century Mom had commented yet until I read backofthepack’s comment. *sigh* Still, it is so nice to have people come out of hiding and post a comment. I’ve discovered some fun blogs in the process. Click on some of the hyperlinks and check them out.
I found you through breaking the tape, and started reading just before your husband passed away, and I just could never find the right words, so didn’t comment. Your strength is amazing and inspiring, and I wish you all the best.
I am here! :>) I have been reading since I hoped over after someone had a photo tribute for you. I find your blog an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your words and your life with us.
Hi, Juls. I’m just sitting here in the back of the room, listening. :)
I read every one of your blog entries. Found you through BTT. You were the first person to comment on my blog. I’ve only got 160 people visit my blogS, let alone 160 read each post.
There is something about you that draws people back. I’m hooked!
I read, but i don’t comment, because i don’t feel i run enough to comment on other peoples running blogs. but I read! and smile and cry all because of your posts, and i keep coming back for more! No one EVER comments on my blog, so i understand about wondering if people actually read.
Since you are taking role call I’ll post now. You are always great about commenting on my blog when I do post. Haven’t commented much lately but have been reading. Your strength has been amazing as you “Keep the Pace” in a lot more than running!
I’ve been a lurker since just before your husband passed away. Your strength is inspiring and your grace is very moving.
Thank you for sharing your life with us! My prayers are with you and your family every day.
I’ve read every word (finally). You are such an amazing person. I appreciate your candor througout everything that life has thrown your way.
i’m late, but i’m here!