What is it about blogs and their appeal?

Is it because you can read someone else’s thoughts behind the illusion of anonymity, or is it something more?

Maybe it’s an attempt to connect with other people, looking for support or advice from someone in a similar situation. That way, maybe, you don’t feel so alone, isolated or unique…

How many of us know the names of our neighbours and actually know a bit about their life stories?

A few months back, we received a letter in the mail that quite clearly belonged to the ‘new’ next-door neighbour. Being the ‘good neighbour’ that I am, I thought I’d just wander over and pop it in their mailbox… And so I did…

Just a quick background note – I almost never go outside barefoot and without the morning shower. But on this day I did both! I am also pretty much a recluse…

And so! Imagine my surprise, when I was tiptoeing over the grass to the mailbox to suddenly hear from the new neighbour (in his shed), “Where are your shoes?” I was mortified and immediately apologized, explaining I was from next door, and was just returning his mail…

Then he recognized me – And started talking! I was out in the sun, unshowered and barefoot for one hour and twenty minutes! (Anyone who knows me thinks this is funny) But this man was so clearly desperate to talk to someone, that well-mannered girl that I am, I simply had to oblige…

My rescuer in this situation was, of course, my hubby! He came home and was equally stunned to see me standing, barefoot, next door having a chat! He joined in the conversation and I was able to leave and go take that shower! (and put shoes on)

In the light of recent Australian events, my thought now is - 'We teach our children not to talk to strangers but when should they be told it’s OK now?'