Readers: We need to talk...

I've been thinking. This relationship just isn't working out.

I would give you the old: "It's me, not you" line, but that really isn't the case. It's totally you.

Or, maybe it is me. I'm not sure. But here's the deal.

Emily asked some questions this week of her blog friends (present company included) that really got me thinking.

In her list of self-examination-type queries was this gem: Do you consider your blog a success?

It cut me. It cut me deep, because lately, I've been wondering why my blog feels so desperate -- lonely, even.

I've been posting like a dog and I wonder if anybody's listening.

Thump. Thump. Is this thing on?

... chirp ... chirp.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't start this blog because I needed a pat on the back every morning for my writing endeavors. And I know I put a lot of complete drivel here about scabies and lemon bars and feeble attempts at poetry (Egad! What was I thinking?).

But those comments -- those little tidbits that you leave to let me know you heard me -- are so precious. They keep me going.

We've had some good times together, you all and I. You've been so great to me over the years.

There was the time when you helped settle my marital dispute over the dining room table.

You've listened to me rant about the Navy.

You've encouraged me through a bad day on countless occasions.

And how could I forget the way you helped us welcome baby Henry.

Some of you continue to be religious commenters -- you know who you are and most of you have at some point or currently do share a last name with me. Thank you!

And to the rest of you:

I guess what I'm saying is, I miss you. And if we're going to make this relationship work in the future, we need to communicate.

So if you could perhaps every now and then -- monthly, quarterly or whenever you feel moved -- leave a remark, I'd be so grateful.

Even if it's something along the lines of: "This post: eh," or "Don't quit your day job," I'll take it. You'll be my favorite person for the day.

So, get yourself a g-mail account if you need to -- just know I'll be forever yours...

--Danielle