Saturday, December 4, 2010

Yes, I finally did it!

For some time now, my friends have urged me to start a blog. Most of them have either a personal blog where they offer a glimpse into their daily lives and/or a themed blog where they post on a certain topic such as reviewing the latest books they've read, posting their own poetry, or even spiritual stories. In my blog I will be writing about what I know best--my life.  I am hoping that friends and family will not only be able to keep track of what is going on with me but that they will also take with them a bit of knowledge regarding the cultural differences and traditions of Europe.

You might wonder why I titled it Linda's Life on the Other Side.  I thought of calling it Live, Laugh and Love with Linda and intended to write humorous and happy moments from my life. But life isn't just full of happy moments, and I had the feeling that the 70's hippie-type title might leave a few of my pals running for a bucket. I simply could have titled it Linda's Life except someone already started a blog with that name. I could have called it The Hofke Family blog, but since I am the only one writing the posts, that didn't sit right with me--not to mention that it would make an incredibly boring title.  I wanted something different, something perhaps a bit odd, and I wanted my name in the title. Hey, it is MY blog after all. Then during a conversation someone mentioned my being on the other side of the ocean and Linda's Life on the Other Side came to me. It has my name. It is different. It makes people think, "What the heck is this?" and I do so love to make people's minds spin a bit :-)  Someone who stumbles across it on the web might at first think it is about out of body experiences or visits with angels. Gosh, won't they be disappointed. For that reason, I contemplated if I really wanted to use it as my blog name.  Yet, the more I thought about it the more I felt that it fit. Sides. That was the key word. Everything has two sides--an argument, a friendship, a coin. Then there is the concept of yin and yang which I so love. Not only does my life have two sides (past and present) which predominantly revolve around two countries (America and Germany) but each experience has a flip side. The bad moments always have another side even if it's simply that the lesson learned made me stronger. The good parts, believe it or not, can also have a downside. For instance, even though I enjoy living abroad, it means being separated from family and old friends.

So, Linda's Life on the Other Side it is. I hope to post my first official "something" soon if Christmas stress doesn't take over (yeah, I know...procrastinate all year and then start the blog during the holiday season...brilliant, Linda.) I hope you visit from time to time to see what is happening on my side of life.  Oh, and if my intention to write again in the next week or so goes to the wayside, then I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pretty cool Sis....keep me posted! Like the name.

Laurie Kolp said...

Linda~ Way to go, girlfriend! Great title... possibilities of what "on the other side" means are endless. I am looking forward to reading this! Can I add your link to my blog?

Mandy said...

Brilliant! Can't wait to read more...... your leap of faith but it's great, an honour, to be allowed an insight into YOU!

De Jackson said...

Yay, you! Can't wait to read you on a regular basis. May I add you to my blogroll?

S.E.Ingraham said...

Welcome to blogrolling Linda - feel free to follow me back; try not to get lost - I have 4 or 9 blogs scattered around Blogger for various and nefarious reasons but try to confine myself to poetry right now ..

Nancy said...

Linda,
I'm looking forward to following. I'm still book blogging myself. It's a good place to send people who ask for reading suggestions and it helps me remember what I've read too. I like your title--and your commentary on coming up with it. Here on the "other side," I feel as if I know you already. Good luck!

Linda H. said...

Awww...my sister was the first to comment. I think she loves me :-) Back atcha', sis.

Laurie, De, Nancy--sure! Add a link to me and I will do the same.

Sharon, 9 blogs! If I could write like you, I'd have 9 blogs, too. I might start a lit blog later.

Mandy...just a glimpse. Don't expect anything naughty...that stuff is better shared in person, or better yet not at all.

Thanks everyone for signing up a followers.

Linda H. said...

Thanks, Nancy...and I love your blog. I'm always looking for new books to read.