In praise of t'internet (and those who post on it)

Isn't the internet a wonderful thing? I never cease to be amazed by how a random moment can set you onto something that provides such wonderful results. I really love that moment when you discover something that grips you and makes you want to be part of it.

Despite the ultimately rather corrosively macho atmosphere (I was one of about 4 girls that posted on there) that drove me about 4 years ago to leave the first forum I really posted on regularly, I met at least 3 really good friends (and one stupid ex) on there. I've spent many a happy hour over the years nattering with the women who share a rather niche literary interest of mine - I doubt I'd have met any of them were it not for a Google search in a quiet moment. The MSE forums, especially the fashion thread where I'm to be found on most days, are an incredibly friendy and supportive place to be, full of hints and tips and fun chat.

And now here I am, waffling on in my own little corner of Blogland. And I have over 100 followers! Whoever thought that would happen? I don't like to blow my own trumpet or go out and say "Follow me!" so I hope that all of you are here because you're interested. And hopefully you don't mind the fact that I don't really fit into a niche. I suppose technically it's a fashion blog but I do feel a bit of a fraud describing it as that because I really wouldn't class myself as well-dressed. But then again I don't really post too much about other things - must improve on that really cos I have lots of interests, I just need to have the courage in my convictions to write about them.

I still find it a little mad that one quick click on a link can send you into someone else's world. I follow a truly eclectic mix of blogs and I can forgive the internet almost all of its negative points for the fact that it allows me to meet and interact with such fascinating people. Who'd have thought six months ago that I'd be chatting, albeit in comment form, with authors, crafters, stylists, vintage lovers, super chic stylistas, bakers, historians, beauty and hair experts, soldiers, bargain hunters extraordinare, people halfway around the world and everyone else who can't be so easily defined into a single category? I don't know what makes you want to chat back with me, but I very much appreciate you all. I especially love the fact that my comments section is so chatty and not just full of one-liners.

And most of all, it's truly wonderful to have found people who I consider to be friends, even though in some cases we haven't met and maybe never will. The kindness, generosity and support of you lovely lot really does humble me at times. I won't name anyone in particular (you know who you are though) but the fact that people I've never met care enough and are nice enough people to send me parcels that truly brighten up my day is a constant source of joy to me. And for each and every one of you that comments - thank you. You make a not very confident girl feel a lot better about herself.