You say Social Network, I say "family"

To me the term,Socal Network, As nice and modern a term it is, doesn't fit the gang here.  What does fit is the term :FAMILY.  Many time I've worked, driven, or shoveled while thinking what I might blog next -- because my family deserves the very best.

I was one of the first to be on eharlequin baaack in the day <G> when they were first beta testing this baby.  And now look how successful it's become!  I even dedicated one of my books to my eharlequin buddies.  There are so many fave moments -- and not just online but in person as when I first met Jayne.  Or when I first met Dream in person or the other eharlequin hosties.  Or when I first read a post from someone who was reading one of my books and loving it (those made my day or often my entire week!). Or the support I've gotten through tough times like my mom's unexpected triple bypass surgery a few years back (she's doing well BTW).  Thanks to you all and thank heavens for eharlequin!  Happy Reading, Cathie

I can't name one thing either, but I remember way back when so many of us would hang out at Tanya's Spa with the margrita machine and cabana boys and Annaof had red boots.

Watching so many SWs sell, reading Julie's posts about Fecklet, the many different Julie's. And of course there's SubCare and the bucket and the SOLD parties. I love e-Harlequin. I can't imagine writing without it.

Mary Beth 

Did I sing that right?

Okay, so we all know that I'm a bit biased. Now that that's out of the way, I will just say that for me, I've found some of my most treasured friendships here. I agree that family is the right word. We love each other, we hate each other, we have our spats, we make up, and we're there during the ups and downs of life. Is it perfect? Nope. But what family is?

For me, the best part is... okay, I have two best parts:

One: Meeting the authors whose books have touched my life in so many ways. Especially as these authors have become such wonderful friends I hold dear in my heart. *waves to Kate and Cathie*

Two: Meeting other folks on the boards who become just as dear friends as people I've known my whole life and journeying with them through that process. I've been on the boards for eight years now, five as a host (April's my anni, happy early anni to me!). I've been through marriages, babies, divorce, and death with some amazing people who share their lives with us. Four years ago, I got to know a member named Squirl. Some of you might know her as author Cheryl Wyatt. She was pregnant, on bed rest, and bored out of her gourd. We were due within days of each other. Her baby came early, and six weeks later, I had my own little monster. We'd see each other at conferences, talk books, talk writing, and talk life. She used to dream of writing for Steeple Hill. At the risk of being shot, back then, her writing was really bad. But it improved. Our friendship grew. We roomed together at conferences. She sold to Steeple Hill. Did I mention her writing got much better?  Last month, she and her husband spent a weekend with us. This summer, we'll probably head their way,  spend some more quality time together, and see those babies, now big girls, play together, just like we used to imagine.

I could tell a few more stories like this, but I think you get the picture. There are some amazing folks here. Amazing friends. I'm so blessed to have each and every one of you. And for those of you I don't know yet, stop by and say hi. There's always room for more! 

I've been involved with this community since the Romance dot net days.  I started visiting the Treehouse where I meet some great friends.  The early days there were only 10 or so regular visitors, but it was such fun to check in and see what was going on with everyone. 

Now look at the success of this site!  Wow, as we grow and add new friends, it's still nice to remember those friends who made those first impressions!

In fact, Donna A, Jeannie Watt and I were just reminicing a bit over on Cigars about our days back on subcare, and I was thinking that so many of us from that group on there 4-5 years ago are multi-pubbed now -- it's kind of wild.

My favorite moments here have to be have been my sale party, of course -- that was wild. I remember the list going crazy at the same time I was on the phone with Birgit discussing the sale, LOL.

Since then, there are too many moments to mention, making new friends, writing new books, having a lot of laughs. Good, substantial discussions about writing and reading. Some arguments, too, but that's part of it, isn't it?

One thing that's very true is that for those of us who had to make the transition from a full time job out in the world to a full time job at home, having an internet community to come to and talk during the day breaks up the isolation and has in the long run created a lot of friendships and a professional network that is part of my everyday life. There are a handful of individuals I feel very close to, even though we've never met (we will, we will...). I would never have met these people w/out the net, and what a loss that would have been. But it helps make working at home much easier. 

Of course, I also met my husband online, and so online communities have been a part of my life for a very long time -- LamdaMOO before eHarlequin, several boards, and now Cigars, where I think we are starting to develop that sense of community too.

Thanks for a thought-provoking post, Jayne,

Sam

I don't remember any of this... I've really only been active on the boards for the last year or so, but its been fun and I really like all the people that I've met here.

Ah that's it Jayne, always ready for a wild ride in a limo or a conga line (altho it would be tricky doing the congo in the tricked out limo <G>) Cathie

Dream...I had a blast visiting you in Denver...and it's so true how people I've met on these boards have become close like soul sisters. Some of my closest friends "live" here...You, my friend...are a TREMENDOUS gift to me.

 Very, very, very thankful for the eHarlequin community.

 I got more than I ever bargained for the moment I signed up. :-)

 Cheryl Wyatt aka Squirrel