I spend a good portion of time each week exploring blog posts on WordPress. I start by going through the sites I follow on my Reader, and then, if I have time, I check in with the posts in different categories, like dogs, birds, memoir, knitting, recipes, etc. Part of it is just simple outreach, looking for other bloggers who might be interested in what I’m writing too, but a lot of it is an endless curiosity about other people.
“What about us?”
So when I came across a blog post that promised pictures of crafty handmade birds for the next thirty days, I decided to keep an eye on it. The blogger was sewing these elaborate stuffed birds, each with their own colorful personality, and I was charmed. After a while, out of the blue, I heard from the blogger herself, thanking me for my support and offering to make a bird just for me.
I was shocked! All I’d done was press like a few times, but her email reminded me that the small acts we do each day can have much bigger meaning in the world than we realize. I know that I have been impacted in big and small ways by the things other people have done, like smiling at me in the supermarket, or commenting on one of my blog posts, or posting a picture that breaks my heart or makes me laugh or just reminds me that I am not alone. We do these things every day, thinking we are such small actors in the world and it’s only meaningful to us, but I’m starting to realize that I can’t know what my impact on other people might be. And impacting even one person, even in a small way, feels wonderful!
My beautiful bird arrived last week and she has been acclimating to her new environment, and new housemates. Cricket and Ellie were fascinated by the look and smell (and taste) of her, so she flew back into her box for a little while until they calmed down. My bird’s creator is Susan Fae Haglund, by the way, and she’s on Instagram and WordPress and Etsy too, so please look out for her work.
“Hello everybody!”
Ellie is trying to say hello.
Cricket really likes the new bird in the house.
When I first started this blog I thought it was something I was supposed to do, to build my “platform” as a writer, but it has become something I need to do for myself, to feel connected to people who matter to me. The majority of the book sales for Yeshiva Girl have come through the blog and I feel endlessly grateful for that. I want all of you to know that every blog I follow has made an impact on me, and made my world bigger and brighter than I could have hoped.
Thank you!
The new bird is fitting in with the older guys.
Even Lambie’s on board!
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please check out my Young Adult novel, Yeshiva Girl, on Amazon. And if you feel called to write a review of the book, on Amazon, or anywhere else, I’d be honored.
Yeshiva Girl is about a Jewish teenager on Long Island, named Isabel, though her father calls her Jezebel. Her father has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavior with one of his students, which he denies, but Izzy implicitly believes it’s true. As a result of his problems, her father sends her to a co-ed Orthodox yeshiva for tenth grade, out of the blue, and Izzy and her mother can’t figure out how to prevent it. At Yeshiva, though, Izzy finds that religious people are much more complicated than she had expected. Some, like her father, may use religion as a place to hide, but others search for and find comfort, and community, and even enlightenment. The question is, what will Izzy find?
rachelmankowitz 
it’s beautiful Rachel!
It really is!
🙂
Thank you Rachel!
You’re very welcome!
What a great thing to have happen. Great looking bird.
Isn’t it lovely!
You are a delight!
What a wonderful story of connection and what an adorable bird!
It really is wonderful!
What a creative (soft) sculpture!
Isn’t it lovely?!
Thank ;you!
Neat! The picture of Cricket and the bird is great.
Thanks for the introduction to Susan’s blog on WordPress; Susan Fae Art.
Thank you!
Thank you Teressa – Those are great photos that Rachel took 🙂
I’m going to buy your book. Looks very interesting. Thanks for following my blog. I quit posting 2 years ago to write a serial killer/medical mystery novel. Just started to blog my memoir again. If you have any interest you can find it on Amazon.
I didn’t know before I did ancestry research that had Sephardic Jewish and Amerindian ancestors. Alan ( Pen named novel) https://www.amazon.com/Celibates-Serial-Killer-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07L2XTYZG/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=the+celibates&qid=1569110638&s=books&sr=1-11
alanevettscooper.com
That’s awesome! And congratulations on the writing!
What a beautiful gift! I love the way blogging connects us and allows us to forge new friendships
Me too!!!
Me too! or me 3 🙂
I love this entire post so much! Also, I love those birds and I did not know that you knit – how did I not know that? I have been knitting forever!
Thank you! I used to knit obsessively. I have a blanket in process that’s already three years old, though, because I can only do a very little at a time now.
My name is Susan and I’m a yarn addict. I admit it. I also crochet so there’s always something going on. Also, I probably have projects that are older than you 🙂
Ha!
Love the bird and am now following Susan, too!
Thank you Madison 🙂
Adorable bird…I am now following Susan as well. Thanks for the heads up.
Awesome!!!
Wonderful bird and I love your dogs’ reaction to it. I always enjoy their expressions in the photos of them.
They were really fascinated!
Delightful story and your new bird is gorgeous!
Thank you!
It really is a charming story, Rachel is wonderful.
Yes, I agree wholeheartedly.
Thank you!
Isn’t our blogging world the best?! Susan’s bird is so cute. I love how we touch each other in so many different ways–like you say, be it by way of information or just to bring a daily smile. This is a wonderful post, Rachel. Has me smiling!
Thank you! I’m so glad!
I agree & I’m smiling too:)
I love this, how blogs seem to fascinate us no end.
Me too!
What a delightful connection and gorgeous bird.
It really is!
Rachel, you have me blushing:)
Congratulations on all of the beautiful birds!
This is so fun to read. I’ve been working on a post for next week on natural dyeing and knitting/felting a little pear. This has inspired me to get it done. Glad you’re a knitter also! Blessings!
Can’t wait to read it!
Enjoyed reading your post,thanks!
Thank you!
I read blogs just like you: out of curiosity about other humans. They are so interesting. And so is that bird. She does great work.
She really does!
I have never thought of looking up blog categories so your post made me think about how creative you are!
I love your bird – and can only imagine the confusion it created in your home with the dogs!!
Have a wonderful week, and I will check in with you next weekend
Thank you! The girls had all kinds of thoughts and feelings about their new bird friend, but it all came out as a desire to chew on the birdie.
What a wonderful gesture, sending you your own special bird! I really enjoyed reading this post. It made me think, too that little acts of kindness and recognition can mean so much.
Thank you! It really is amazing how we can impact each other’s lives. I will always remember your generosity when, early on, you encouraged me and my blogging, even actively tweeting about my blog. Thank you!!!!
Reblogged this on Bobbi's Blog.
How lovely!
Thank you!
How heartwarming and the bird is beautiful, I will take a look at her blog and site. The thoughts you made are what gives my life meaning. I try to live with the premise that we are all change makers in the lives of others or our environment, small things can have an impact to a person or a bird.
Thank you!
What a lovely thing for Susan to do. That confirms what I already knew, that the blogging world is inhabited by special people. The best of the best.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes!
Cute – the bird and your blog!
Thank you!
Our blogging community is filled with unique people! And your book is at the top of my Christmas wish list, so my fingers are crossed!
As always, another charming post from you!
Thank you so much!
cute birdies!
Your new bird is great! And I agree…the interconnections of the blogging world is the secret reward for our discipline! I wonder if you’ve discovered Backyard Bird Nerd, whose photography always awes me; just in case you haven’t, here’s a link: https://backyardbirdnerd.com/
Love it!
SQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWK!!!!
Squawk to you too!
Wonderful bird Rachel!!!
She really is! Thank you!
Such a lovely bird and gracious gesture. It’s said blogging is all about sharing and this is definite proof!
Isn’t it wonderful?!
Adorable.
Very true. I still think about your blog about a prayer for dogs and it’s helped frame my memory of Tank and Ranger. That was a wonderful way for that woman to reach out to you.
It really was! And thank you!!!
What a heartwarming story. Stories like these give me hope. A.
I’m so glad! Thank you!
Oh that is a beautiful bird. How cool!
Isn’t it wonderful?!
Yes! I love it. I couldn’t find her on WordPress, but I saw her birds on Etsy.
Try Susanfaeart.wordpress.com
Thank you!
Love your new bird. Very nice of that bird blogger.
Yes! Very nice!
I love her work which I looked up after I read your post. The world turns out to be full of caring, generous people. I don’t think I truly knew that before I started writing my blog. There is so much venomous on line that I had no idea that a blog world could be so different. At least in my little corner of the Blogosphere.
Thank you Elizabeth! Rachel is a pretty special blogger – it is so kind of her to share the bird with so many people.
We really lucked out!
Rachel! How kind you are to share! Thank you!
And I must say you are a talented writer and photographer, you captured your little bird with your dogs so well, it warms my heart. Thank you.
You’re welcome!
Pingback: Many Thanks | Susan Fae Art
Is it a Robin? I always enjoy reading your blog, too, and, I have to admit, your posts have made an impact on me, too.
Thank you so much! I’m not sure which real world bird inspired my new friend, but he looks like the birds that build their nests in our air conditioners, so he fits right in!
What a fabulous story of kindness and generosity!
Yes!
What a beautiful creation! Yes, you’re right, the little things can have the biggest impact. Love the photo of cricket and the bird…
Thank you!
What a lovely gesture! It is a very cute bird 🙂
Reblogged this on Vijayagiri views.
Rachel, I started my blog because I felt called/invited/pushed by God to write and this seemed to be the easiest way. I had blogged for work for years before starting my personal blog. Like you, I have found connections to people I don’t know (and may never meet in person) who have touched me with their comments or posts or pictures. I love fabric art, and spend very little time on Etsy, so thank you for introducing me to Susan’s work. It is lovely.
Thank you for your good work!!!
Cricket and Ellie’s verdict: “Delicious!”
Yep!
I love the bird! I used to spend a lot of time reading blogs and have gotten too busy. You’ve inspired me to regain the habit.
I’m so glad!
Lovely bird, and lovely gesture — both on her part to send it and yours to reflect on it in such a kind way. See now, if we all aimed at small acts like this, seemingly unimportant extensions of ourselves, what a place the world would be!
It would be wonderful!
Your book sounds incredible. I’ll have to seek it out. I’m currently writing my memoir so I’m always looking for books that give me a respite from that.
Thank you so much!
This post is so true. I stumbled across your blog several years ago, and your writing resonated with me. I enjoyed your sense of humor, transparency, and candidness. As I’ve continued to follow your writings I’ve learned that we have shared some similar experiences. At times you have offered me perspectives I did not consider, and I appreciate that. Thank you for keeping this blog.
Thank you so much for reading!!!
Rachel, you have put your finger on the big secret of the blogosphere: it’s a safe, calm, friendly place where people are kind to each other. And sometimes a little bird flies across the divide to enter our real world.
It’s amazing that we have this oasis in the midst of the social media conflagration.