The Saga Ends Here (I hope)

A note of explanation as to why this thread has disappeared:

As I had started to worry from the odd spike in local hits, my neighbors have discovered my blog.  I'm not sure how.  Maybe I mentioned it to one of them in an attempt to be friendly, though I have no specific memory of doing so.  From what I can figure out, someone on my block found the blog and is going door-to-door again, telling people about it in an attempt to . . . I don't know what.

I am having trouble sorting through my reactions, but I'm going to do my best.

First, I did not intend anything here to be a message to my neighbors.  Writing is my hobby.  I write about my children, mostly, but also about events that provoke thought or strong feeling, events that interest me and that I think might interest others.  I write for lots of reasons.  I write to relax and to figure things out.  I write to communicate with far-flung family and friends.  I write for catharsis, for practice, for experimentation, for fun.  Why does anyone keep a journal?

Second, apparently my recent blog entries have been used to hurt people that I respect, like, and wish well.  I am sorry.  I have removed those entries because I don't want people to be hurt.  The installments of my "so-called neighbor saga" are now private writing in every sense; I still have them, but I will only share them upon private request. [note: most--the posts I could find--have been restored]

Third, I don't believe that blogging about my conversations with neighbors is equivalent to circulating a petition.  With the petition, people ganged up to try to force my family to do something.  No one asked, hinted, persuaded, or bothered to acknowledge our efforts to make the neighborhood better (including many hours spent in service to this neighborhood and its association).  It's the secret collusion, then attack out of nowhere, that was hurtful.  With my blog, I am writing my personal thoughts and memories about my attempts to respond to that situation.  I am not colluding with anyone.  I am not trying to force anyone to do anything, including read this. 

Much less change the color of their house. :)

Comments

[BrightStar (B*)]

For what it's worth, I think everything you wrote was along the lines of documenting events, not anything problematic. I suppose a problem might be if people interpreted the conversations you had with them differently than how you portrayed them, but I thought you portrayed the conversations fairly. Also, if someone is uncomfortable reading what you wrote, that's not necessarily bad. It's disequilibrizing (sp?) to be challenged, but being challenged by someone can be a good thing, because learning and growth can take place.

I hope you're doing okay.

[jo(e)]

Move into my neigbhorhood. I'd love to have you as a neighbor.

I think your diplomatic attempts to build community and resolve a conflict should be applauded.

Anyone who doesn't get what you were doing doesn't deserve you.

[Jess]

Hear, hear, to both previous commenters!

The world needs more people who are willing to stand up and diplomatically, sensitively, and effectively fight for what's right and fair. We have too many doormats, but also too many bulls in china shops. Your skills are remarkable, and your girls have such a great role model in their mother.