The post that follows was inspired by a great contest idea from Mabel’s Labels.  They are searching for a new blogger to write for them for one year and attend the BlogHer ’10 conference in NYC!  Amusingly, my recent move brought sporadic internet access - I had a small taste of what they are suggesting.  Between that and the fact that the idea of writing for Mabel’s kind of gives me warm fuzzies all over (and it being NYC, people!)…well, here’s my response.

Write a post on your blog in response to the following hypothetical situation: Electrical storms are going to wipe out the Internet (perhaps forever). You have one day left to write about your passions: what do you want to say to the blogosphere in 300 words or less?

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In Real Life

We have just moved back to my hometown, and I am happy.  The funny thing about upheaval is that renewal is never far behind.  This marks our second return to this city, and I hope we never leave.

I took a sentimental drive around the city last week and realized it represents much that I am passionate about.  It holds the life I want to live.  I want to watch my sweet children grow up in this home we have chosen.  I have a spot for a kitchen garden and a pretty room with a window waiting for the words I will write.  Friends will sit at my kitchen table knowing they will always find fresh coffee, understanding and good chocolate. 

I want my kids to know my Dad.  I want to take them to his cabin and watch them lose track of hours the way I once did.  We’ll roast marshmallows, and get sticky eating s’mores.

I want to take them to their Grandma’s house.  I want them to sit at my mother-in-law’s kitchen table, eating freshly baked buns the way all the other grandchildren have, beaming, jam on their chins, feeling warm and loved.

I want my kids to know family and old friends.  I want them to see our old houses.  And for all we have talked of Paris and London, first I want to take them to my favourite diner on Broadway and to the zoo. To the hotel downtown that looks like a castle and the double-decker bus that sells ice cream.

Oh, and my online friends?  They are real people.  We can write and call, and I’m already plotting my visits.

You see?  I’ll still be connecting.  And if you’ve been using the internet properly, so will you.