To my poor, neglected Blog

Dear Blog,

I got your email the other day, also your text message. I saw that you called, but of course, you didn't leave a message--how would you?

Sorry that I'm just now getting back to you. I've been busy. But that was the problem in the first place, wasn't it?

You miss me, I get it. You feel neglected, unloved, under-appreciated, under-utilized. We used to have such great times, you and I, getting together nearly every day for some creative ramblings. What fun we had! But then, the fire died down a bit, and it became just three times a week. Now you're lucky if you see me more than once a week.

It's just...I don't know quite how to say this...I don't want to hurt you, but...

Well, the truth is, I've been writing somewhere else.

I know, I know, I told you the novel was just a silly experiment, something I'd do just for the month of November, then as soon as I hit my 50,000 crappy words I would forget about the whole thing and come back to you 100 percent. It would be just like old times, I said. I don't need some big project hanging over my head, after all. Like I need more to do, ha!

But...something happened. I can't explain it, exactly. There I was, making myself sick staying up late to make up stories and imaginary conversations and trying to decide if a certain character should be named "Dan" or "Steve," when all of a sudden, I realized...I was having fun.

I'm not saying the novel is more fun than you, Blog. But you know how novels are, they require so much time and mental effort. So demanding! When I ignore the novel for even a couple of days, it refuses to leave me alone, and I get all testy and irritable. That's why I appreciate you so much, you just wait until I have the time, and you're always glad to see me. There's no commitment, no demands, you just take what you can get. Until now, but that's only because you are worried you will lose me completely, right?

I'm not going to abandon you. I'll keep trying to come up with stories and observations to share with the world wide web of people who read you. I'll visit at least once a week, I promise. Who knows what could happen? One of these days we really could go back to the way things used to be. You're still very special to me. In fact, you're the one who got me into the habit of writing regularly. Without the confidence you gave me, I would never have even attempted to begin a novel. Kind of ironic from your perspective, I suppose.

So. Are we okay? You forgive me? Still want to be friends?

I hope you can be happy for me. I know that is asking a lot.

Best regards,

Ruth, the Mom