Despite my best efforts to avoid social settings as much as possible, I still seem to find myself out and about at times and confronted with the “What do you do?” question. Family, friends, and the men who come in and out of my life seem to have a hard time understanding the whole blogging thing. At first they assume I am writing a travel blog (which I considered) or blog about education (blech) and I try to change the subject rather than admit I write a celebrity blog. Lately, with the Great Meltdown of Sheree Whitfield of 2013 (more on that later), even I tend to wonder why I am doing this. But the truth is, I like the little land of misfit toys I have here. We have become a dysfunctional crew who chat about the latest inconsequential drama every day. We agree, we argue, we call each other idiots and we defend our positions on things that distract us from whatever the real issues of the day may be.
So today, I was heartened to find the following email in my inbox. The author has allowed me to share it here.
Dear Tamara,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you. I wasn’t sure where to post what I’m about to say so I thought I would say it to you first and let you tell me if and where I should post.
I had back fusion surgery in December. Initially it sucked, to say the least. Because of the pain meds I wasn’t able to keep up with the plot in books and the t.v. wasn’t a lot better. I needed something quick but still very interesting. I began reading various celebrity “gossip” blogs and eventually found yours. Between your writing and your community I’ve been thoroughly entertained. They say laughter is the best medicine and you all have provided me with that in spades.
As the Jodi Arias trial has heated up to a raging fire I’ve found folks who share my interest and outrage over this insanity and even a few who share a crush on Juan Martinez! Each day I get up and read your posts and comments first and return throughout the day to see what I might have missed and to see who else has posted. I’ve even felt brave to share a few thoughts myself. This is something I normally wouldn’t do. But you all have created a community where I’ve felt comfortable doing so.
As I’m preparing to transition back to work I wanted to thank all the folks who have helped make this happen so quickly and so well. It may sound silly to others who don’t understand online communities. But I think the Tamaratattles folks will understand. I’ll probably never “know” anyone from this site but I feel like many of the commenters are friends I haven’t met yet.
Thank you, Tamara, for creating and continuing this blog. I know you don’t always feel your best but you continue to press on. I’ve been even more inspired to get better as a result. If you can keep going, so can I. And thank you to the community at your site. Many say what I think, share my anger (especially at Jodi’s joke of a defense), and make me laugh. Healing has been made so much better because of all of you. While I won’t be lurking around as much, I will still start my day with all of you. Thank you all.
Lynnie
And that reminded me that we are all just here to be distracted by a bit of frivolity. Sure, at times we suck with the whole #Compassion2013 thing. Me especially. 🙂 But sometimes, we get it just right. So thank you to all of y’all for reading here and sharing your ideas, whether I agree with them or not. I hope we are all around for a long time to come, getting on each others nerves and even being a bit compassionate.
Ah Tamara, we love you too. I was just thinking last night about how you had a million hits on TT, and it was only a few months after you had started this site. I think better things are to come for you definitely.
I definitely return that love to you as well. You do a great job with this site and your coverage.
Tamara when I started to follow your blog I was quite lonely. I’m a forty blah blah blah aged woman who having a career and older out of the home children had a great deal of freedom and a social life. After a divorce I started dating a younger man and surprise surprise was suddenly a mommy again. A stay at home mommy with no contemporaries to share my mommy ups and downs with. I became obsessed with reality shows and was embarrassed to discuss that with all of my career oriented friends. When I found your blog it was like making a new friend. I loved our spirited debates and commentaries on the frivolous mindless reality shows. I love you and thank you so much for providing this forum!!!
Tamara, thank you for all you do and the energy you put into your posts! Your site is a treasure that I’m happy to have found!!
WOW. What a great acknowledgement of your hard work. You should feel extremely proud. You really have come a long way. I remember the other look when you first started the blog. While the other look and design was sufficient, this one and your increased readership is a testament to your hard work.
Listen, blogging is hard work. It’s hard regardless if it’s for recreation of as a profession. So, just tell me your a writer – that’s if your so incline to tell them anything at all.
Lynne, hope everything works out for you.
correction:
It’s hard regardless if it’s for recreation or as a profession. So, just tell them you’re a writer
I agree with Patricia, just tell em you’re a writer. If they stick around long enough they’ll learn more of the specifics but until then, don’t overwhelm the speshal..I mean yeah 🙂
I appreciate Lynnie’s words as I’m sure many of us have felt similar though minus the pain from surgery (OUCH!).
That is so nice of Lynnie to send you that acknowledgement. I think it makes us all feel very good to see or read about someone who has helped another with just the exchange of kind words (in person on paper or electronically). I know when I come here to read the posts, they mostly make me smile or even lol sometimes, but I usually come away with having learned something, and I like that. Thank you TT, and best of luck to you Lynnie!
Dammit! Why didn’t I think to write a note! THANK YOU, Tamara!! 🙂
Like like like! While most of my friends watch the real housewives shows and other topics blogged here, no one is into the discussion, the back story, plot lines, etc. This has given me my outlet for discussion! I love seeing when you blog and have the same thoughts or ideas as me, I love when others respond to my comments (especially tamara!) and I even love the disagreements we have. This is like our own little club we have here, and I am glad to be a member!
Awwwwwwwww Kumbaya My Loooord…Kuuuuumbaya 🙂
Thank you Tamara! You guys rock!
What a great email !
I too love this blog, its the only one i have earmarked to read daily. I also never thought i would post here, but i have and its a nice little community.
So, thanks Tamara
Eve
^5
Tamara I am here several times a day. I love your blog and I love the commenters. I know it’s hard, it’s one thing to watch TV for your pleasure, but to do it and then write about it everyday has got to be hard work indeed. Especially some of the crap that passes for entertainment these days. Keep up the good work and stay healthy Tamara and as long as YOU want to continue I will be here supporting you. Thanks for the Sweet Tea.
Shirley B.
Using phone cant typed much. But I thank you for your blog. I love your insights and info. It is also a great escape from the real world. Take Care. Myinfo
Hi Tamara and friends!! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now and today is the first time I’ve commented…. Tamara, this email from Lynniemade my heart smile ..although I’ve never commented before I feel like I’m a part of the TT family!! I enjoy all of your posts and witty comments and commentors…keep up the great work!! p.s.please.know that you and Lynnie made my day!!
It also made my heart smile, and boy was I happy to see someone take precious, valuable time to thank another!
Hi Tamara and friends!! I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now and today is the first time I’ve commented…. Tamara, this email from Lynnie made my heart smile ..although I’ve never commented before I feel like I’m a part of the TT family!! I enjoy all of your posts and witty comments and commentors…keep up the great work!! p.s.please.know that you and Lynnie made my day!!
tamara i thought you are a teacher and this blog is for fun/in additon to teaching ?
Tamra, I really enjoy your blog and your writing style. Some of the other blog writers can’t even put a sentence together with any sort of proper grammar (sorry, but it really irritates me.) The comments on here are not vile and hateful like some others sites I have read. Thank you for all of your hard work!
If it makes you feel better Tamara, you don’t write a celeb blog , you write mainly about housewives.
Which are not celebs! IMHO & many others; housewives are not celebs!! Sorry my comment submitted too fast. Sorry !!
Thanks Tamara – I think this site rocks also – a job very well done (standing and applauding while coworkers are wondering why the hell I am doing it heh heh 🙂 )
What a lovely post!! Tamara, it is my hope that you’ll continue to do the thing that makes you happiest, whether it’s blogging or teaching! Or teaching thru blogging. To the author of the lovely email, Lynnie, I thank you especially. We’re all quick to write a letter of complaint, but rarely take the time to say Thank you!!
I feel a group hug coming on.. We love you Ms. Tamara!
I think I’m going to be sick.
::wretch::
Sorry. I should have warned you individually not to come in here.
Your site is so informative and right on the money….the pleasure is all ours!!
🙂 I Thank you a well love reading your blog! appreciate all your hard work.
Tamara, aside from the syrupy love-fest…I really enjoy your wicked humor, especially against Andy’s Housewives. Stopped watching New Jersey. Too trashy, even for me. Plus,Teresa’s voice gives me ear wax. Fall asleep with Atlanta Housewives & new NYC one puts me in a coma. So what’s left? Bev Hills. I love bashing the stained Hoof & Faked Retched. Too bad they’re leaving. Good & bad, like sweet & sour. Thoroughly enjoy your recaps & just found your blog. Can’t wait to read more & participate. Keep that incredible humor & don’t hold back.