Last Autumn as the nights drew in I was stumbling around twitter and I came across some blogs. It was like opening a big basket of treasure, I’d read one post and then a ‘click’ suddenly I was somewhere else reading something completely different. Apparently, I needed a ‘Platform’. Tentatively, I signed up with WordPress. WordPress and me fought a lot early on, not really understanding each other, somehow I managed to post. I don’t think it was on time and I didn’t get the link right, but it felt like a huge achievement (One person commented and I was absolutely thrilled). I missed a few entries after that. Eventually, I managed again with a Black and white photo and so began my love of community blogging. I love the ‘prompts’ and the challenge of weaving a post around a picture. I love how a picture can take on a whole different meaning once words are attached. The Gallery, a community photo prompt has been a space in which I’ve posted about Mother’s Alzheimers, each time I’ve been hesitant about posting and been absolutely overwhelmed by the amazing comments and support. I’m really not sure without The Gallery if I would have ever posted about Alzheimers but the blogging community has encouraged me and for that I am very thankful. Blogging and the community given me confidence and courage.
My inspirational person is, of course, Tara Cain. Thank you very much Mrs Cain. I don’t have a photo but here’s a fine tree instead.
Awww, and yet I feel a little disappointed its not me…… I will work on my texts being more inspirational….
Nice tree x
I couldn’t agree more….Tara is stupendously inspirational and I’ve loved doing every single Gallery post I’ve gotten involved in….it’s really helped me get more into photography AND blogging and that’s a wonderful thing indeed! xxx
Oh my goodness Gemma, you have me sat here with tears in my eyes you bugger!
I know when I spoke at Cybermummy earlier this year I had a handful of Gallery posts in my head to hold up as a shining example of what could be achieved through using the themes. And of course your alzheimers piece was one of them. Still remains to me one of the most touchingly beautiful posts (with a rather crappy photo!!)
I really do appreciate all those who join in The Gallery when the prompt suits them. It has brought me great please and reading this here today is the cherry on the top x
Mwah! It’s a hug in a post.
What a fantastic post, about a fantastic and inspirational lady.
Thanks Tara!!!
And thank-you Gemma for pointing it out. x
I kept reading and reading … she’ll say me any minute, but alas no … 🙂
Kidding of course (mostly) and totally agree with you about Tara and the Gallery. She gives the best huggage ever too. What more could you ask for. x
Ahhh great take on the theme and I completely agree. I love the gallery and I love visiting other peoples sites to see how everyone has done something so different with the theme and it’s great that you have been able to write about things that you might not have through it – your alzheimers post was beautiful x
Super super super post. I haven’t joined in with The Gallery for a few weeks now (just can’t fit it in with everything else at the moment) but I love it so much and Tara is a great inspiration. I for one love your Gallery posts each week Gemma x
Oh hear hear, well said! And very nice tree too! x
Could not agree more! I was always to afraid to be myself and share my thoughts, words and photos. When I came across Taras blog and then The Gallery well, it opened the flood gates! Nice post x
Nice tree and totally agree. I just cried at her post!
This is lovely, how often we take these fantastic initiatives and the women behind them for granted.
I love the way you blog
oh sweetness! what a sweet post… and a FINE lookin’ tree xxx
A real tribute to a very fine and clever lady! Well done you. x
That’s a lovely post, and well deserved. I’ve not met Tara yet, but the one thing that I can say is that she seems down to Earth and friendly; very supportive.
That is a mighty fine tree!
what a lovely post, yes Tara is ery much inspirational! beautiful photo too 😉 x
I’m a newbie to the Gallery but am slightly hooked! So this is a great tribute to a fabby meme. Thanks for saying what we’re all thinking… 🙂
*big grin* Great post, love the tree!
Sniff, sniff. You guys
You want a picture of Tara, I know where there is one of her in her curlers… 😉
That’s a great take on the theme! Couldn’t agree more! Do you think it is sad that this week I couldn’t take part – just couldn’t get inspired!! From GG’s point of view inspiration is governed by teachers and fairy cakes!
Awww, such a lovely and well deserved tribute. The Gallery really is an inspiring place of community and support. And I love the tree photo – had to be a tree of course 🙂
Aww bless! The gallery is lovely and I am sure Tara will be touched! I love the tree too!
Aw, makes me think back to when we first started this journey. So glad we found each other. I’ve joined in again this week again, you’re always right, Tara’s Gallery is a great inspiration.
What a lovely post & you are so right – she does inspire us each week.
That’s so gorgeous! I discovered the gallery on your blog and, like you, wasn’t sure if I was ‘allowed’ to join in. I remember reading your posts (you were the first person to contact me, welcome me and teach me about blogging!) and thinking, I want a blog like that! Doh! should’ve had a photo of you this week!!
XxX
What a lovely comment – thank you xxx